Sunday, September 26, 2010

Casting Call: One Soul for Sale

October's my second-favorite month. Not only are the trees gorgeous as the leaves put on their autumn hues, but we get to celebrate Halloween. And I decorate my house almost as fully for Halloween as for Christmas. I love it!

Two of my stories center on Halloween, but today's Casting Call is for One Soul for Sale, my paranormal/dark fantasy (it's even been labeled "horror," which completely surprised me).

As usual, the story played as a video in my head while I wrote, fast and furious, to keep up with the characters. One Soul for Sale's one of those stories that practically wrote itself. Tomorrow's post is Story Elements, and I'll try to explain where it came from. :)

A few years ago, I stumbled across a little gem of a holiday movie called Home for the Holidays, starring two of my favorite actors. Dylan McDermott and Holly Hunter set the screen on fire, though it's not a graphic love story by any means. Together, they're simply combustible. They have great chemistry. If you haven't seen this movie, I recommend you find it - it's quirky and wonderful.

Holly Hunter's one of my favorite actors. The roles she selects are always fascinating, usually playing somewhat quirky characters. Quirky definitely describes the heroine of One Soul for Sale. Madelyn's an artist, dissatisfied with her life. She wants to make a success of her art, but feels stuck in her life. On a whim, she posts her soul for sale on UBuy, expecting others to take it as a joke. But a bidding war ensues, and someone buys it for $666.

Dylan's dark, mysterious presence, coupled with his mischievous smile, made him shine in my story too. Not until the end do you learn his true identity, or why he's requiring Madelyn to perform three tasks.

Dylan's laid-back, yet teasing, manner perfectly suit the male lead in One Soul for Sale. But is he a demon? Or an angel? You'll have to read it to find out.

This month, you'll have several opportunities to win One Soul for Sale. I'm participating in Ramsey's Reviews Halloween Bash, and Night Owl Reviews Full Moon Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Watch for more details.