FEATURED GUEST: Author Dana Provo

by Sara Turnquist | Oct 7, 2016 | guest post, writing

It is my pleasure to introduce to you fellow author Dana Provo! Welcome, Dana, I’m glad you could join us today. Could you tell us a little about your novel?

Orphaned at an early age, now twenty-four-year-old Camryn Lucks is ready to commit to find that special someone, and so accepts a date from a charming, gallant, handsome stranger. The last thing she imagines after accepting that first date with Carson would actually be the beginning of her worst nightmare.

Red roses, a reminder of her parents’ killer, soon become an emblem of horror for Cami as one by one, those closest to her fall victim to a serial killer. Cami becomes an obsession for Carson, the man she had finally allowed herself to love. Not only is he vying for her heart, but also her life.

Finding herself in a whirlwind of torments shadowed by the blood-colored bloom, Cami finds solace in Isaac, a neighboring police officer. She’s desperate to escape the haunting memories, but she must revisit them in order to catch her would-be killer. Living life in constant fear has driven Cami to second-guess every choice she makes. Will the police catch the illusive murderer, or will Cami be forced to face him once again?

Wow! Sounds like an interesting read! What was the inspiration for Bleeding Hearts?

I have always wanted to write a romance, but I wasn’t sure if I could do it, so I opted to write a suspense novel with a romantic element. I loved it. My inspiration for “Bleeding Hearts” came from when I moved into my new apartment. There was an officer that lived down the hall, and I used his wife to craft my main character. My friends don’t have anything to do with the actual story line, they were just inspiration. I loved coming up with the perfect couple and relationship only to tear it apart again. It was fun.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what did you want to be when you were a child?

I didn’t always want to be a writer. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a brain surgeon! Then I wanted to be a professional horseback rider. There were so many things I wanted to be growing up.

I can certainly relate. I thought for sure I would be a doctor. But writing was always a part of who I was. And eventually that part of me got louder and louder. I know as authors we love a lot about the process, but I know there are parts we don’t love so much. What part of the writing process do you dread?

I dread the waiting process of trying to get a book published. You are always waiting for that rejection email and often times don’t have the inspiration to keep writing. The other thing I dread most is editing. I think every writer can agree with me on that.

Most definitely! You have my vote there. While I wait, I keep plugging away at that next novel and reading. What are you currently reading?

Right now, I’m trying to read The Jewel by Amy Ewing, but between my full time job and writing two novels, I’m not have much luck on it. When I manage to finish it, I will review it and let everyone know how I like it.

I’m always curious about the things that authors reveal (and don’t reveal) in the back cover copy. Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.

“Bleeding Hearts” is about a woman falling in love with the wrong man. She finds herself in an abusive relationship and has a hard time finding herself throughout the novel. Although Cami seems irrational throughout the book, she suffers from post traumatic stress disorder from Carson’s torment and can’t get a grip on her life. Some have said she’s crazy, but to me, she’s vulnerable. Cami is both loyal and trusting toward people. She can’t help it, it’s in her blood.

And, finally, do you have any current projects you’re working on? Care to share?

So I have two projects I’m working on right now. The continuation of “Bleeding Hearts”, called “Bleeding Alone” is in the works. This story follows a secondary character from the first book named Ruby Mae Lavender. She’s an art student at a university and she meets the famous serial killer, Carson but she doesn’t respond with animosity like everyone else has. She’s different from Cami; Ruby Mae is strong, outgoing, independent, and has an attitude the size of Texas. This is going to be another romantic suspense.

The other story I am working on is a YA suspense titled “Scarred”. Jules Martinez was in love at fifteen, but her love story turned into a nightmare when she found herself a victim of domestic abuse. To help with her fear and ending a bad relationship, she joins a mixed martial arts gym, training every day. Now at eighteen years old and ready to go to college, she still suffers from her abusive past. But it gets worse when Christopher comes back into her life again.

Thank you, Dana, for taking the time to answer my questions and giving us some insight into your novel and into you as an author!

Enjoy an Excerpt!

My arm trembles as I grip the cool handle of my pistol, keeping a firm grasp to ensure it doesn’t slip out of my sweaty hand. It usually stands sentry in my left nightstand to scare the nightmares away. But this isn’t a dream. The room is dark and hides the face of the man whose intent is to kill me. But I know who he is. A metallic taste fills my mouth; I want to gag. My blood drips off the blade in his hand in slow, steady beats on the carpet. My arms shake as I lift the barrel and point it in his direction. He doesn’t move. His heavy breaths alert me to the meager distance between us.

We’re at a stalemate.

A soft glow from the lamppost just outside my window casts a sliver of light on his face. His dark, beady eyes that I have grown to know rake over my body like I’m another one of his many victims. He lifts the edges of his mouth into a smile. My heart plunges into my stomach. I know what that sinister expression means, and I think back to all the times he had looked at me like that before. I had been so blind.

Before I react he lunges at me, grabbing onto my waist and twisting me to the ground. I shriek as my head slams against the bed frame. Black spots flood my vision. I squeeze my hand only to find it empty. My gun is gone. The sound of the knife clattering on the floor gives me slight hope. Not much though. He climbs up my body trying to pin my arms to the floor. I thrash my fists around, desperate to knock him off.

“Get off!” I scream, pulling on his shirt and kicking him off balance. Wrapping his hands around my arms, my attacker cuts off the circulation of blood. Rug burns flare across my skin as he drags me across the carpet. He closes his hands around my neck, shutting off my air supply. I pull at his hands but it’s no use; he has always been stronger than me. My pulse drums a frantic beat in my ears. The air slowly leaks out from my lungs, killing any hope I may have left. I search for the gun around the room; it may be my only savior now.

“Why are you doing this?” I struggle to get the words out. He squints his dark eyes. I’m wondering if there might be a chance that he will stop this madness. I am wrong.

“It’ll be over soon, sweetheart.” His hands again tighten around my neck, blocking the air from entering my lungs.

More about the Author

Dana Provo has always loved books and reads everything from young adult fantasy to Adult Historical Romances. When she’s not reading or writing her next novel, Dana can be found riding her horses and getting ready for competition. Dana lives with her husband and two house plants in Richmond, Virginia.