Author Spotlight: Kris Norris

Author Kris Norris knows one very important life lesson. Flattery gets you everywhere. Especially in the ALBTALBS world. 😀 No really though – she actually read through other posts! Incredible! So everyone pay attention, and answer accordingly, please!

First off, thanks so much for having me stop by. This is an amazing blog and I have to say, I’ve had a blast reading through all the other posts and reviews. Just one thing…now I have to come up with something remotely interesting to say…and quite frankly, I totally suck at blog posts. I don’t quite understand why people think that because I write books, I’m naturally good at writing other things…‘cause yeah, it’s so not true in my case. But I’ll give it a go.

When I was asked to do a post, the main themes folks seemed to be interested in were, of course, New Orleans. After all, this is all revolving around Authors After Dark and with it being in the heart of Louisiana this year, it seems only natural that both authors and readers are gearing up for a hot time in the Big Easy. And what’s not to like—clubs, cemeteries, and my favourite…voodoo.

I’m not sure about anyone else, but I’ll admit, most of my knowledge on this ancient religion has been via Hollywood. Who doesn’t remember Live and Let Die…not to mention a myriad of other movies, all sprouting forth their perception of voodoo. Even Scooby-Doo has a terrifying time in the Bayous of New Orleans, with cat shifting voodoo priestesses. So, I decided to do a bit of research on the subject and find out the skinny on all things voodoo.

Voodoo, or Vodou, or Vodoun as it has been known, originated some seven thousand years ago, just after Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, when the slave trade between West and Central Africa began. The bringing together of varied peoples resulted in a combining of thoughts and practices, which eventually evolved into Voodoo as we know it today. (Okay, this is insanely simplified, but you get the picture. It wasn’t one belief system that created this fascinating culture but a number of different beliefs that melted into one, unifying experience.)

As far as New Orleans goes, the Voodoo religion dates back about two Centuries, to a time when West African slaves arrived. But without a doubt, the most famous icon of Voodoo in the Big Easy is Marie Laveau, who, in the 1830s, became the first commercial Voodoo Queen, declaring herself Pope of Voodoo. It is said she held voodoo rituals behind St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans’ French Quarter shortly after attending mass at the church. On an episode of Ghost Adventures, the lads even go to an old plantation where the spirit of Marie Laveau is said to haunt the slave barracks. Witnesses say they often hear rituals in the night and see evidence of voodoo practices being held on the property. Marie, herself, is fabled to have lived to the ripe old age of 120, with some believers claiming she lives yet today. Though most believe her body rests in an unmarked tomb in Saint Louis Cemetery number 1 (where I plan to go on a tour and where my next book takes place).

For many, voodoo is a black art, used to curse those who have wronged someone. (Trust me when I tell you I could use a few voodoo dolls, myself:) But I was surprised to discover that most voodoo practices are actually for positive measures. People seeking wealth, true love or healing potions are the main constituents in voodoo and those who practice the ancient arts make a point of separating themselves from the darker side of the religion (insert Darth Vadar’s heavy breathing here).

So where does this leave us? Well, for me, I still plan on visiting a voodoo shop and talking to those who have intimate knowledge of the craft. I mean, where else will this type of opportunity arise? And yes, I plan on purchasing a voodoo doll or two (hey, I could use a true love doll… just saying) and who knows, maybe I’ll be able to cast a spell on all who enter the conference which draws them to my author table and compels them to have me sign a copy of one of my books…yes, this is where my evil laugh resonates through the air…if nothing else, I should have a few wild stories to tell after.

Now in the spirit (lol, see what I just did there… yes, I am masterful) of having a fun time visiting here, I’d love to give away an ebook copy of my newest release. Now it’s not quite a voodoo, scare-your-pants-off book, though it is an erotic historical piece that is guaranteed to involve pants coming off 😀 (yes, I did it again.)

Anyway, the book is entitled Coyote Blood. I’ve included the blurb below. Thanks again for having me here and I hope to see lots of you in New Orleans…I’ll be the one with the dried chicken foot and gris-gris bag.

US Marshal, Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Kade, isn’t your typical desert flower. She’s as tough as any man and takes her job seriously. So when a prisoner she’s been sent to escort back to Durango escapes, she’s determined to track him down. She doesn’t want help, especially when it comes in the form of a gunslinger known only as Everett. The man is more than mysterious, but he can track fugitives better than anyone she’s ever met. Now if she can only get her heart to stop racing every time he smiles, they just might catch their prey.

Coyote shifter, Everett, is hell bent on catching his prey, only it’s not Jacqueline’s fugitive. After years of roaming the wilds of Mexico, he’s finally come home to a life that was taken from him. He never thought he’d meet his mate, or that she’d be a gun-toting Marshal, but he can’t deny what his inner animal already knows.

A dangerous chase through New Mexico might unite them, or it might destroy Everett’s last chance at reclaiming his humanity.

All joking aside – I really enjoyed this post. Definitely a new topic, and not something you really think of. Despite the fact that we’ve seen a few posts on N’awlins! So what do you know about Voodoo? Ever thought about it? Or you know – questions for Kris, if you’ve read her before, conferences, the usual. Really, I’m game for everything. 😉 Maybe because I’m not the one who has to answer. 😛 Remember! One lucky commenter wins Coyote Blood!

0 thoughts on “Author Spotlight: Kris Norris

  1. Kris

    Hi brunette librarian… thanks so much for stopping by and being the first to comment! And I’m thrilled you like shifter books. I have to say they are becoming my favourite to write. I wish you luck and hope you enjoy your visit on goodreads… or feel free to visit my website at krisnorris.ca

    Reply
  2. Mary Kirkland (@scarymary66)

    Gotta love a shifter book and I don’t think I’ve read a Coyote shifter book before..something new for me to look forward to.

    My grandma dabbled in Voodoo, witchcraft and the like when i lived with her back when i was 12 years old. she took me to séances, palm readings, bought me a voodoo doll and a Ouija board. Yeah I had a cool (but crazy) grandma. lol

    When my uncle would get mad at his mom he would throw voodoo dolls in her yard with pins stuck in them and she would just laugh..I never did dabble in the voodoo but I know how to make a homemade voodoo doll complete with hair and nail clippings thanks to grandma..lol

    Reply
    1. Kris

      Okay, that would have been cool. I love gramma’s that are out of the ordinary. And hey, we may think they’re a little crazy, but I’m thinking she had things pretty much figured out… and under control.
      Oh, and if you’d like to pass along the instructions for those voodoo dolls, yeah, I could use a few!

      Reply
      1. Mary Kirkland (@scarymary66)

        she made fun Voodoo dolls. She would cut new white sheets into 1 foot squares and take a large yard needles and black yarn to sew up the edges. Put two pieces of sheet together and sew up the edges with a large yarn needle and black yarn until you have one end left open. Now turn it inside out and fill it with things like cotton, hair and nail clippings from your intended victim, some dried herbs like anise seed, fennel seeds, mustard seeds and 1 uncracked walnut at one end to be the head.

        Now sew up the end and tie a piece of black yard around one end where the walnut is so it looks like a head and you can draw a face if you want. Or you can take the yarn needle and a black piece of yarn and stitch some eyes, mouth and if you stitch down the bottom it kinda looks like you have legs on it.

        There you have grandma’s voodoo doll.

        Reply
      2. Kris

        Thanks Mary! I’ll be sure to give this a go!!!!! though I’ll try not to use my newly acquired evil skills for world domination… yes, insert my evil laugh here…

        Reply
  3. Cathy P

    Wonderful post, Kris! Interesting to hear that voodoo is mainly used for riches, romance, etc., instead of the black voodoo we have heard so much about over the years.

    Coyote Blood sounds wonderful. Would love to win Jacqueline and Everett’s story.

    Reply
    1. Kris

      Glad you enjoyed it. I’m not the best at coming up with topics, but I love me some voodoo. Here’s wishing you good luck!

      Reply
  4. Tina B

    I think you did an awesome job with this post, Kris! I even learned a lot. I always thought of voodoo as something evil. It is nice to know that it was used for good purposes. 🙂 When I think of voodoo, I think of 2 movies, as you mentioned, Scooby Doo and the other is Weekend At Bernie’s (the sequel actually). Lol. I have also thought about getting a voodoo doll for some people. 😉
    Thank you for the education.
    Congrats on the newest release! It sounds like an awesome read! Thank you for the opportunity.

    Reply
    1. Kris

      OMG… how did I not remember to mention Weekend at Bernie’s 2… those movies were hilarious… I think my parents watched the original everyday for about 2 weeks straight.
      Thanks for reminding me, and I’m glad you learned a few new things, as did I. 😀

      Reply
  5. Diane Sallans

    Well this is different – I’ve only read a few wolf shifter books, but a coyote shifter in the west – that’s intriguing.

    Reply
    1. Kris

      I’ll admit, I love me some wolf shifters, too. But when I decided to do my own shifter books, I looked for an animal that was a bit less prominent…and I fell in love with the coyote. I think what intrigues me the most about these animals is that despite man’s attempts to eradicate them, they flourish, thwarting our every attempt. I also think they get a bad rap… I mean, they’re basically experts at adapting… that should be celebrated, not cursed.
      Anyway, good luck and thanks for dropping by.

      Reply
    1. Kris

      HI bn100… I love anything paranormal, and even though I saw Live and Let Die as a kid, it stuck with me… not that it’s the be all end all of voodoo, but it certainly made it something to think about, lol.
      Hope you enjoy the book should you read it.

      Reply
  6. Vanessa

    I just love these interview / giveaways with a new to me author / book!
    Especially with subjects that are so interesting. Shifters, voodoo and etc!
    I look forward to reading this.
    Thanks.

    Reply

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