Welcome — or welcome back — to another Author Spotlight! If you’re new and want to know more about how the series got started, go check out the introduction post.
Today the spotlight is on Janie St. Clair, author of the science fiction series, Freelance Exorcists.
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What’s your most recent/next book, and where can we go to learn more about it and you?
I am currently working on a seven-book series called FREELANCE EXORCISTS. The series combines science fiction and world religions into an imaginative, action-packed tale of superpowered teens who must work together to banish evil spirits according to their own religious traditions. Each book takes the focus of one member of the group, highlighting the tenants and practices of their particular faith.
Book one, Peter Hunter and the Minions of Mara is available now through Amazon.
Book two, Chiara Marino and the Demons of Darkness will be releases in December.
Find out more at: www.FreelanceExorcistsBooks.blogspot.com
How well would you fit in in one of your books? Do you know how all of your characters look and sound?
I have always been a spiritual person. Theology, Philosophy, and Mythology are fascinating to me and my books are about mystics from each religious tradition. I may not have superpowers, but I think I would get along with all my main characters. We would be besties. In fact, all my main characters are based on my favorite people in life. They each have such different personalities and vices/virtues completely unique to themselves.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in researching your book(s)?
When I started writing this series, it was out of a personal conviction. I grew up in a religion that was often misunderstood, misrepresented, and demonized. I was accused of spirit worship, demon worship, and tin-foil-esque conspiracy theories when I was just trying to be the best person I could be. So the first book I wrote was meant to be a personal mission to dispel ignorance.
Then, as I researched all the other religions involved in the books, I realized that they, too, are often confronted by the same challenges. Each religion has been misunderstood, misrepresented, and demonized. We’re all in the same boat.
Second, what really surprised me about my research and influenced the plotlines a lot, was that every major world religion has an exorcism ritual. Initially, I thought it was a “Christian thing.” Furthermore, in many of the cases I read about the demons being exorcised claimed that the exorcist’s religion was the only true religion. This was a trait that every religion shared.
What’s the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?
I would buy a cabin in the woods so I could escape real life and write my books in the glory of nature, uninterrupted!
What is one question you’ve always wanted to be asked in an interview?
Why the pen name? I want to remain as invisible as I can to the reader. I want all the religions to speak for themselves without my life, reputation, and religion tainting the message.
Bonus question: as you can see from my answers above, I support the Oxford comma with all my heart, mind, and soul.
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Alright, thanks to Ms. St. Clair for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. Does the Freelance Exorcist series intrigue you? Do you think you’ll read it? Leave me a comment and let me know.
If you’d like to know more about Janie St. Clair, you can check out Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, or her Blog. You can find her books on Amazon and Goodreads.
