#BookSpotlight – ” An Awareness of Evil” by Dee S Knight

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I love when characters drop by for a chat. Today we have the heroine from An Awareness of Evil, a story in the Mystic Desire anthology.

What’s your name?

Amanda McMasters

What do you look like?

I’m tall for a woman—nearly 6 feet. I have reddish blonde hair and green eyes. And oh yes, perfect posture. My mom insisted! It was a pain growing up (“Sit up straight, sweetheart!”) but I’m grateful now.

What time period does your story take place?

Current day.

What’s your goal in this story?

My goal in the story is to save a little girl I don’t know. I sense her distress and the danger around her, but I don’t know how to tell the police where to find her.

What conflicts are you facing?

Sometimes it’s hard for me to realize the gift (curse!) I have, so I should be able to understand why others have a hard time with it. But damn it, when I’m obviously in stress over what I’m seeing, I think the police should take me a little more seriously. So there. I’ve said it. And I swore saying it, too, which shows just how upsetting their lack of confidence in me is.

What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it? 

I’m a textile artist by trade. That means I use various textiles to create art for interior design. I make everything from pillows to furniture coverings to wall art. I love being so creative and the ability to transform rooms into places that enhance a person’s lifestyle. And I am very good at it!

What skill do you have that you’re proud of? Why?

I saved the life of a young boy in Washington State a year ago, using my psychic ability. I am very grateful I was able to help the boy and his family, but I wish the media hadn’t made a field day out of it.

What did you think the first time you saw Brendan Gilchrist?

I thought he was doodling while I was trying to explain to him and his partner the sensations I was receiving from the little girl I’d started “feeling.” Frankly, I didn’t think either of them were taking me seriously and that pissed me off. But of the two, Brendan or his partner, I thought he would give me a fairer chance. He was doodling but it seemed like he was also listening.

What is your family like?

I have the best, most loving parents in the world. There was never a moment I doubted their love or their support when I was growing up. And all of that love was mine because I was an only child. Of course, as it turned out, not everything is what it seems!

What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?

When I found the little boy in Spokane and that fact was spread throughout the media, I was deluged with requests from people wanting me to help them. I’m not the kind of psychic who sits down and calls the dead! I couldn’t help them and the guilt surrounding that and the harassment that came with the publicity forced me to move. Fear of that happening again kept me from going to the police immediately when I began sensing the little girl.

What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?

I had the same dreams and wishes most girls have growing up: I wanted a pony, I wanted to be an astronaut, a dancer, a movie star, a movie star’s girlfriend, etc. But once in college I knew my talents lay in the creative arts. Then I wanted to make a name for myself, which I have done. My life within my field is great. It’s the name I made for myself in the occult arts that’s caused me trouble.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Be yourself. Try to do your best, always.

What is people’s first impression of you?

Frankly, I think they notice my hair first. It’s long and kind of coppery. Since a lot of my time is used in bringing color to spaces, I suppose that’s fitting.

Do you see morality as black-and-white, or with shades of gray?

Someone who “sees” things must by definition see things as gray. Too often, perception and reality are shades of each other.

What’s your quirkiest habit? 

I don’t think I have a quirky habit. I enjoy gardening and have plans to make my Idaho backyard pretty spectacular. And I like to read. I think being psychic uses up all the quirkiness in my life. 😉

If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change in your life?

Many times I have wished I could change my peculiar talent. But so much would be different if I had been able to. I’ve learned that it’s best to accept the gifts we’re given and learn to use them wisely. They’re part of who we are!

Why do you think your author chose to write about you?

Don’t know, exactly. She’s had some experiences with psychics herself, so I think she must be somewhat fascinated with them. She shouldn’t be. We put on our Spanx the same way everyone else does, lol!

What do you wish your author had not told others about you?
Hmm. Gosh, I don’t think she said anything about me that I’m ashamed of. Maybe that seizure/trance I had with Brendan was a little embarrassing, though.

What other character from your book do you think your author should write a book about? Care to tell us why?

Milford, Idaho might make another appearance, along with Brendan, Amanda, and Brendan’s partner, Detective Donny Connor. Milford is a charming little town where no one would expect anything out of the ordinary would happen!

Awesome! Thanks so much for talking with me, Amanda!


Blurb

Mystic Desire, Black Velvet Seduction’s anthology of paranormal romance tales is available now! 

Mystic Desire is a collection of short paranormal romance stories. This is a chance to read and discover the work of a diverse group of very talented authors.

The themes in this book are varied, as are the collection of characters and artifacts, including Native American dream catchers, mystical jewelry, and characters such as lustful vampires, hot warlocks, a grumpy leprechaun, a ghostly terrier, a zombie apocalypse and things that go bump in the night.

From soft and tender love to hot passionate, kinky sex, there is something for everyone in this anthology.

Read stories by your favorite BVS authors: Alice, Renaud, Dee S. Knight, Anne Krist, Callie Carmen, Jan Selbourne, Suzanne Smith, Richard Savage, Zia Westfield, Lora Logan, Patricia Elliott, Carol Schoenig, R.M. Olivia, and Breanna Hayes.


Buy links:





Excerpt:


“There’s not much more frightening to a child than hearing a parent cry.” Amanda McMasters clutched her purse in her lap and tried to keep from twisting her hands. She stared at the nameplate on the front of the desk. Det. Donny Connor. He looked older than the other detective and probably had more experience but she wished she were speaking with the younger guy, doodling as he listened to her and his partner. He sat sideways to his desk with the chair pushed back onto two legs, looking as though he hadn’t a care in the world. But something told her that he heard every word.

“I can imagine,” Detective Connor said in a low voice. He seemed as though he were trying to sound soothing but a note of frustration hit between his words. “And so, you heard someone crying.”

“Not exactly.”

Detective Connor blew out a breath, laid his pen on the desk and then picked it up again. “Ms. McMasters, you’ve been trying to tell us what’s up for the past fifteen minutes. Why don’t you just say it and let us decide what’s important or not?” The detective looked to his partner sitting at the next desk. Detective Gilchrist gave him a bare nod. So far, that was the most interaction she’d seen from him.

Amanda took a deep breath and braced herself to tell the men what she’d been trying to avoid. “I don’t actually hear crying.”

“You don’t actually hear—”

“More like I sense it.”

The detective slowly placed the pen on his desk again. “You sense it.”

“Right.”

Detective Connor stretched his arms and folded his fingers behind his head. “So you don’t see the person crying. You don’t hear anyone crying. You don’t actually see a child.”

“That’s right.” She knew what was coming but knowing didn’t diminish the frustration. Or the pain in once again not being believed. “I’m something of a psychic.” She hadn’t meant to sound small, but that’s how it came out anyway.

Detective Connor dropped his hands to the desk and jerked the pen off the notepad. “You’re psychic.”

“Yes.”

“I see. And you’re sensing that this child you can’t see or hear is frightened.”

“I know it.”

“Okay, where is this child? We’ll be sure to check it out, won’t we Brendan?”

“Absolutely.”

Now Amanda didn’t bother trying to keep her hands still. She squeezed her fingers and released. Squeezed and released. “I don’t know.”

“Ms. McMasters, what exactly do you expect us to do? You don’t have any idea of who the kid is or how we can find it.”

“Her. I’m sure it’s a little girl crying.” She shook her head and narrowed her brows in worry. “I don’t know. I thought maybe you’d had a report of a domestic disturbance or something I might be able to draw on. I’ve been sensing her for two days now. It’s getting worse. She’s scared and I don’t know how to help her.” Her voice had risen to the point that people at desks around them had stopped to look. Amanda took another deep breath. “Look, I’m sorry. If I had more information, I’d tell you. But I can’t keep this to myself anymore.”

“Can’t keep what to yourself, miss? You haven’t told us anything.”

“Amanda McMasters,” murmured the other detective. “I think I’ve heard that name before. Have you been involved in another police case?

“Yes, last year in Spokane.” She had lived there until moving the eighty or so miles to Milford, Idaho. Once she had helped the Spokane police solve the murder case, she’d lost all privacy. People called morning, noon, and night asking for help in finding everything from lost dogs to lost keys. Or worse, more lost children. The stories had broken her heart and the constant requests had destroyed her peace. When her landlord told her she’d have to move or control the numbers of people banging on her door, she had little choice but to leave the Washington town. She’d chosen a smaller place in the more rural neighboring state. The last thing she needed now was to have the same problem start up again.

“I remember now. The boy lost in the state park. You located him just as he was on death’s door.”

“I am blessed with a gift, or maybe it’s a curse. But I’m not making anything up,” she said defensively.

“I believe you,” the younger detective said, meeting her gaze.



Bio:

A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex. Writing was so much fun Dee decided to keep at it. That’s how she spends her days. Her nights? Well, she’s lucky that her dream man, childhood sweetheart, and long-time hubby are all the same guy, and nights are their secret. For romance ranging from sweet to historical, contemporary to paranormal and more join Dee on Nomad Authors. Contact Dee at dsknight@deesknight.com.


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