#BadMoonRising: Cusp of Night by Mae Clair #supernatural #suspense

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising

Today’s guest is no stranger to this blog.  I just hosted a cover reveal a few weeks ago for the new book in her Hode’s Hill series, End of Day, releasing in January – and it’s just as eerie and beautiful as Cusp of Night.  I read also Cusp of Night and it gave this horror fan wonderfully warm fuzzies.  Welcome, Mae Clair!

Teri, thanks so much for bringing Bad Moon Rising back again. I always enjoy following the posts and discovering new authors and books. It’s a pleasure to be here and I enjoyed answering your questions.

In the spirit of Halloween:

Have you ever played with a Ouija board?
When I was a kid, probably tween years or early teens. I remember being creeped out and intrigued at the same time. We stopped playing with it when it went to GOODBYE during one session. I don’t remember the question we asked. I do remember a friend’s parents being skeptics, so we all gathered at their table and just the parents used the board with the planchette. It took a while but the planchette did move and my friend’s parents grudgingly admitted there was something to it.

I had several of my characters use a Ouija board in A Cold Tomorrow, book two of my Point Pleasant series, but there’s no way I’d touch one today.

Are you superstitious?
Absolutely! Not about things like walking under ladders, breaking mirrors, or black cats. (I own a black cat named Raven). But I am superstitious about Ouija boards, haunted houses, and things I consider better left alone. At the same time, I love exploring old cemeteries…just not at night.

If you were paid to spend the night in a haunted house, would you do it?
No way! I won’t even go in a haunted house during the day with a group of people. Just my luck something would latch onto me and follow me home. Weird, because I had no qualms driving down a deserted road in the TNT to look for the Mothman. I guess you could say I have few reservations about urban legends, but the supernatural stuff freaks me out.

In the spirit of writing:

What is the hardest part of writing?
For me, it’s not about writing, but finding the time. I think most writers juggle that problem, trying to balance family life and in many cases, a full-time job. And don’t get me started on promo, LOL. It’s never ending. I do most of my writing on the weekend, carving out a huge chunk of hours on Sunday afternoon. I’ve worked that way for years and it’s been a good fit, although there are plenty of times I still end up chasing a deadline.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Read. Honestly, it’s my favorite pastime. I constantly have my nose in a book, and if I’m not reading for pleasure, I’m reading for research. In the summer, I enjoy spending time by my pool (usually with a book). And as introverted as I am, if I’m out somewhere with music, I love to dance.

What are you working on now?
A supernatural mystery/suspense novel called Eventide. It’s book three of my Hode’s Hill series. Book two, End of Day, releases January 19th, and the first book, Cusp of Night, is what I’d like to share with your readers today. All three books feature dual timelines, one in the past and one in the present, with both stories coming together in the end. The past timeline for Cusp of Night is rooted in the Spiritualism movement of seances and table-tilting of the late 1800s. It was fascinating research.

BLURB for Cusp of Night:
Recently settled in Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania, Maya Sinclair is enthralled by the town’s folklore, especially the legend about a centuries-old monster. A devil-like creature with uncanny abilities responsible for several horrific murders, the Fiend has evolved into the stuff of urban myth. But the past lives again when Maya witnesses an assault during the annual “Fiend Fest.” The victim is developer Leland Hode, patriarch of the town’s most powerful family, and he was attacked by someone dressed like the Fiend.

Compelled to discover who is behind the attack and why, Maya uncovers a shortlist of enemies of the Hode clan. The mystery deepens when she finds the journal of a late nineteenth-century spiritualist who once lived in Maya’s house–a woman whose ghost may still linger.

Known as the Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill due to a genetic condition, Lucinda Glass vanished without a trace and was believed to be one of the Fiend’s tragic victims. The disappearance of a young couple, combined with more sightings of the monster, trigger Maya to join forces with Leland’s son Collin. But the closer she gets to unearthing the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .

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120 thoughts on “#BadMoonRising: Cusp of Night by Mae Clair #supernatural #suspense”

  3. Pingback: Get Your Ghost On #BadMoonRising | From the Pen of Mae Clair

  6. So excited to see Mae here today, and to see Cusp of Night spotlighted here. I absolutely love the Hode’s Hill series. (Then again, I love everything Mae writes.)

    When I was in junior high, my best friend and I used a Ouija board once. Nothing terrifying happened, but I do remember we both felt totally creeped out. Then I discovered my faith forbids the use of it. (You’d think I’d have known that sooner, but I somehow missed learning that in CCD.) I’ve never touched one since and don’t ever intend to. I have watched plenty of television shows and movies that use them as tools (and read dozens of books) and the concept of communicating across the veil is a compelling one.

    Teri and Mae, great job.

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    1. I think most everyone has played around with one has had that creeped out sensation, Staci. And I’m also in the same camp as you regarding my faith. Once I realized that was the case, I steered clear of the things, although I’m pretty positive I would have regardless.

      And thanks for the kind words about Hode’s Hill and my writing. Love your support!

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  7. Cusp of Night was great, and I’m looking forward to End of Day. I won’t go near a Ouija board, and I figure people should let haunted houses be, but black cats don’t bother me at all. We had one years ago named Samantha Stevens, and now we have two black cats named Wednesday and Pugsley.:-)

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    1. Hi, Priscilla! Great to have you visit me here. Thanks for the testimonial on Cusp of Night. And I’m thrilled to learn you’re looking forward to end of day. We sound much alike when it comes to Ouija boards, haunted houses and black cats. I love the names you chose for yours.

      Raven is my current black rescue kitty. Before her, I had a male rescue (also a black cat) named Onyx. Teri is a huge black cat fan, too!

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  9. Terrific interview, Mae and Teri! Mae, you are just as spooky as I always knew you were! 😀 And I mean that in the BEST of ways! Honeste! Cusp of Night,/I> is a terrific book, and I’m eagerly awaiting End of Day. (Still pondering the reality of blue people! Who knew?)

    I love scary things, too, but I can honestly say, I’ve never had a single one happen to me. Well, at least, not of the unexplained variety. Never tried a Ouija board, though, and probably will leave that to you younger and more adventurous sorts!

    Love this series of interviews, Teri! 🙂

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        1. You can, but mostly just simple ones, I think. Bold, Italics, etc. I usually forget, but it does look nicer when you do–assuming you remember to close them again before you hit Post Comment. 😀

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    2. Heehee. I love writing about the weird and scary, but in the real world I’m a wuss about the stuff, Marcia. And count yourself fortunate you never touched a Ouija board. Those things are spooky!

      Thanks, too, for the kind words about Cusp of Night. I loved researching that one!

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      2. Looking forward to them, Teri! I try to keep an open mind about many of these things, but so far, I haven’t personally had any unexplained experiences. Maybe I’m not a good “conductor?” 😉

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  10. suerovens

    Even after listening to the Podcast, Stuff You Should Know, talk about Ouija boards and their history, I still hold fast to the belief that they are evil. (the boards, not the podcast folks!)

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    1. Hi, Hugh! I remember that movie 🙂

      I never did find the Mothman, but I came away from the experience with enough research material to write a three book series about his legend, starting with A Thousand Yesteryears.

      I do remember driving back through the TNT (an old abandoned WWII munitions site, said to be home to the Mothman) on a narrow twisty road, surrounded by woods, swamps and ponds when a branch must have fallen on the roof of the car. I remember jumping and saying “what’s that?” My husband, of course, answered “the Mothman,” LOL!

      Thanks for checking out my interview today!

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      1. Wow! The sound of that branch hitting the roof of my car would have scared me senseless, Mae. Did you ever see the movie Mimic? Another movie featuring a creature like the one in Jeepers Creepers.

        I’m glad your hunt for the Mothman inspired you to write three books. It may have been scary research, but sometimes our innermost fears can unlock secret creativity cogs that produce something that we would never have thought we could write. For me, it’s a little like writing after 21:00. Let’s just say that I’m very much a morning person. 😀

        I wish you much success with your upcoming new release.

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        1. Hugh, I’ve never seen mimic but will have to be on the lookout for it. I love creature/monster movies. It’s the demonic stuff that freaks me out. I can’t watch things like The Exorcist or Poltergeist.

          I’ve been fascinated by the Mothman legend for several years. The first time I stumbled over it, I vowed to write a book about it. Of course that turned into three books requiring two research trips, LOL. Thanks for your well wishes.

          For the record, I’m kind of morning person too 🙂

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      1. It’s that time of year for watching horror movies, Teri (although I watch them at any time of the year). It’s a little like telling ghost stories at Christmas.

        I also enjoyed Jeepers Creepers 2. It scared me more than original. If you haven’t watched it, keep the lights on. 😀

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  12. A most interesting interview, Mae. Some of your answers surprised me considering the genre you write. I love going into haunted places, but have learned to put a bubble of protection around myself before intruding in their space. My sister and I played with a Ouija board when we were growing up and she still has it. At this point, it would be considered vintage. 🙂 I enjoyed this.

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    2. Jan, I’m sure you’re not the only one surprised by my answers given what I write, Yes, I am a wuss in real life when it comes to the supernatural stuff, LOL. I would go in search of a creature of urban legend, it’s just the ghostly realm that freaks me out.

      I love writing about scary things. I just don’t want to encounter any in real life. And yes, if your sister still has that board, that’s a vintage one to have. Ouija boards were part of my research for Cusp of Night. At the time they first became popular (late 1880s) they were often called spirit boards. They were a huge form of weekly entertainment for our Victorian-era ancestors.

      And keep that protection bubble secure, my friend!

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    1. Teagan, I’m the same way. I’ve always loved that word. It harkens back to an older time and conjures such lovely imagery. For the Hode’s Hill series, the titles all reflect twilight or the turning day to night:
      Cusp of Night
      End of Day
      Eventide
      {{Hugs}}

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  16. You know I’m a fan, Mae. I loved Cusp of Night and look forward to reading End of Day. I’m impressed with how much you get done by writing on Sunday afternoons- I might need to try that!
    No haunted houses or Ouija boards for me, either. I’m a chicken at heart, lol

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    1. I’m a member of the chicken club too, Jacquie 🙂
      I’m so glad you enjoyed Cusp and are looking forward to End of Day. Eventide is shaping up to be pretty intriguing too. I’ve got to squeeze a lot of writing in on weekends, especially Sundays, though I have recently added an occasional Friday too. I’m finding I have to branch out to meet deadlines!

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  18. D.L Finn, Author

    Great interview:) I had the same issue with a ouija board when I was around 11 or 12…it answered in a negative fashion. I’ve avoided them since. Our family does a Halloween walk through a town cementary after tricks or treats. For some reason many people do it. Never had an incident except someone jumping out and yelling boo…lol. I don’t mind going to a haunted house during the day…I always keep the sage handy at home:)

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    1. Yeah, the negative response is very freaky, Denise. Like you, I’ve avoided them, too.

      Now, a Halloween walk through a town cemetery at night with a group of people I would do. I really like exploring old graveyards. I just wouldn’t want to at night if I was alone. I’m not quite that brave, LOL!

      As for haunted houses, you won’t get me past the front door–although I did stay overnight in two hotels that were reputed to be haunted. I didn’t know it at the time or probably wouldn’t have made the reservations.

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      1. D.L Finn, Author

        I don’t think I’d do it alone either Mae:) It’s fun with the whole family. A group adds in some bravery. I will go into haunted houses, but again not alone and with my protection in place:) I’ve stayed in a couple of places where I had to request another room…I won’t stay anywhere where its really negative.

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  19. Hi Teri and Mae,
    I love the interview and discussions. I too played with an Ouija board when I was young. In fact, my grandmother and mother were convinced it worked; at least that was what they made me believe at the time. It was my pleasure to promote the cover of Cusp of the Night on my blog site. This time of the year, we all seem to migrate towards scary or creepy things. Nothing like a good scary movie watching with the light out. 😳 HUGS

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    2. Hi, Chuck! So great to have you pop in today. I think Ouija boards must have been a rite of passage for most kids…although the results were some times creepy shudder

      I was thrilled to have you as a host for my blog splash. And yes, this time of year is great for all things that go bump-in-the-night. I love those things that give me goosebumps.

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    2. Hi, Laurlynn! waving So great to see you here! Thanks for visiting, and thanks for your enthusiasm about Cusp.

      End of Day isn’t that far away–January 19th. Dang, but time flies by! 🙂

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  21. A great interview, Teri and Mae. It’s fun to get creeped out and talk about scary stuff. I am easily spooked since I believe so strongly in “the invisible” – forces out there that we can’t see. I choose to imagine the positive aspects, but won’t deny that things like Ouija Boards, wayward ghosts, and haunted houses might work or be real. And who wants to mess with that?! Happy October!

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    2. I think much like you do, Diana. There are plenty of invisible things out there that I believe in—which is why I don’t want to mess with them. It is fun to get creeped out with scary movies and books though there are some that cross the line for me. I remember reading half of the Amyitville Horror in one sitting when I was 16. I was so bothered, I tossed the book in the trash and never finished it. Never watched the movie either.
      Happy October!

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        1. I like some horror, but can’t deal with the demonic stuff.
          As for the rest, I am not a fan. Lately, some crime fic has even been getting too much for me, crossing those sicko boundaries. I must be getting old, LOL!

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  22. So great to see Mae here! I’m with you, Mae. Leave well enough alone is my motto when it comes to spooky stuff. And you know my thoughts (fears) for the nasty old Ouija board. lol. Thanks for another awesome share.
    Cheers to you both! 🙂

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    1. We are definitely on the same page with the spooky stuff, Natalie. I know it’s weird because I write about the stuff. I guess I’m an oxymoron, LOL.
      Thanks for visiting today. Happy October and cheers!

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  23. Great post and interesting responses from so many folks! I’m already a huge fan of Mae’s work and am eagerly awaiting the release of “End of Day” in January.
    I’ve witnessed far too many inexplicable things to ever deliberately seek out contact with a world we are not meant to intrude upon.
    This is a great series, Teri! Thank you for taking the time to do all the hard work associated with bringing these great folks to our attention.

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    1. Hello, my lovely friend.
      “I’ve witnessed far too many inexplicable things to ever deliberately seek out contact with a world we are not meant to intrude upon.”
      Boy, did you nail it with that one, especially in reference to that “world.”
      I couldn’t agree with you more.
      And, of course, I’m thrilled to have such kind words in reference to my work. Happy October!
      Bad Moon Rising is an awesome series!

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      1. 🎃🕸My Grandson is going on his first ‘Trick or Treat’ this Halloween. It’s so wonderful to witness him as he goes through those memorable first-time experiences. It’s spring here now … I LOVE October!

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        1. It’s so weird for me to think of trick or treat happening in spring, because I always associate it with crisp, fall weather. I bet your grandson will look adorable, all dressed up for his first outing. I have so many wonderful memories of trick or treating with friends. Happy October!

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      2. I’m delighted and excited to have been given this opportunity, Teri! You have such a great selection of authors appearing, I’m thrilled to be in such great company.😊

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  24. Pingback: October writing – Judi Lynn

  25. I had a Ouija board in my preteens and it was a creepy experience, but what really freaked me out was a seance we had during a pajama party at a friend’s house. Something happened that still gives me chills to this day. We stopped messing with anything supernatural from that day forward. I love to write about it, and I believe there are spirits around us, but it’s best (for me anyway) not to know.

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    1. Kim, just reading your reply has me creeped out. My friends and I used to do seances too, but fortunately we never made contact with anything. I think you were wise to step away from all things supernatural, especially after a chilling experience. Like you, I love to write about spirits (and, for me, monsters), but I’m happy avoiding all association in the real world. Thanks for sharing!

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    2. The things are really getting a bad rap with this post, Sally, LOL, but we all agree—they shouldn’t be messed with!! Like Teri says below, best to keep that door closed.
      Thanks so much for visiting and sharing your thoughts!

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  27. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – Thursday, September 4th, 2018 – Charles E. Yallowitz with John W. Howell, Teri Polen with Mae Clair and Beaton Mabaso on #websitess. | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

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