Dead Books Author Interview: Marlene Perez

Everyone please welcome Marlene Perez, author of the “Dead Is” series! She was kind enough to give me some of her time to answer my questions. Thanks so much Marlene!
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Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m the author of several books for teens, including the paranormal mysteries series, DEAD IS. I live in Southern California with my family and a variety of pets. I’m the youngest of twelve children and grew up in Iowa.

How did you get into writing?

I’ve written since my second grade teacher introduced the class to the journaling. I always knew I wanted to write but didn’t pursue it seriously until I was married with small children and working full-time at a university.

What is your main source of inspiration for your books?

I don’t know if inspiration is the right word. Maybe compelled? I feel compelled to write. And it’s never just ONE idea, but layers and layers of ideas that somehow, magically come together to become a novel.

If you could choose, what supernatural creature would you be?

This answer always changes depending upon what character I’m writing at the time. Right now? Maybe a witch. Or a psychic.

What do you think makes a perfect horror/fantasy novel?

The same as any other novel. Imagination, memorable characters, an intriguing plot, and that hard to pin down wow factor. I’m also extremely fond of a little dark humor in the novels I read.

If you could write a novel with any other author in the world who would it be?

I’m not sure I’d make a good co-author with anyone. I’m pretty bossy. But maybe S.E. Hinton or Judy Blume or Lois Duncan. If I can include those who are no longer of this world, I’d say Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen or the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay or maybe Mary Shelley.

What’s one of your greatest Halloween memories?

Every Halloween is memorable! It’s one of my favorite holidays. But one year, my best friend, whose name also starts with M, and I dressed up as M & Ms. That was fun!

What are some books you have recently read and/or recommend?

I read a lot! Right now, it’s a lot of research books. I like Charlie Huston’s Joe Pitt vampire detective novels, Gail Carringer’s Parasol Protectorate novels. In YA, Laini Taylor’s LIPS TOUCH THREE TIMES and Holly Black’s WHITE CAT are two recent reads that blew me away. Actually, if there’s a vampire in it, I’ll probably read it. You can also check out my goodreads list, if you’re really curious about what I’m currently reading.

Quick Fire!

Angel or Demon? Demon
Fangs or No Fangs? Fangs
Ghosts: Believer or not? Believer
Alive or Undead? Alive

Thank you so much for doing this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thanks for inviting me.
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