Calpulli by D. J. Davis

Calpulli by D.J. Davis

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43322735-calpulli?from_search=true

Mitchell has left his life in a cult worshipping the Aztec goddess of love, lust and filth behind. Or so he believes. The goddess hasn’t finished with him, and he dragged once again in a dark quest to save a child.

Calpulli is an intense thriller and quick read. The story alternates between Mitchell’s parents and the present time, keeping the reader on the edge at all time. I couldn’t put it down.

I’m glad that the author, D.J. Davis, accepted to answer a few questions:

1.     What is something unique/quirky about you?

I have frequent cycles of insomnia. I used to dread it, but now I embrace it. I do my best writing then, when the house is quiet and the night presses against the windows. Anything could be lurking out there. Something just waiting to be put into a story.

2.      In the book, you explain in details the cult of Tlazolteotl, the goddess of love, lust and everything in between. What I loved of the novel is the amount of details about the Aztec and their culture. How much research have you done for this book?

I did a fair amount of internet research but didn’t make an in-depth study of the culture. That could take a lifetime. It’s easy to get caught up in research and getting every detail—instead of writing. I like to get the story first, then do the research required to bring it to life.

3.     What are some of your pet peeves?

Mean people (especially when it comes to animals), litterbugs, and chewing gum chompers. You know, when it sounds like a cow chewing her cud in a big barn where it echoes.

4.      The story is told in multiple POVs, including Tobias’s. Was it difficult to write in the villain’s POV?

Not at all. I love to delve into the dark side and writing from the villain’s POV is perfect for that. Tobias is a very conflicted character and it was fun to get into his mind and see where it led. Get the villains talking and then let them go and try to keep up.

5.      What do you do to unwind and relax?

Spending time in the mountains with my husband, my camera, and my dogs. Landscape and wildlife photography is my favorite hobby. We go on lots of picnics and watch as many sunsets as we can.

6.     Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Dog loving, wildlife photographing, writer!

7.     When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Tomorrow? Seriously, I suppose when I was offered a contract on my first  published book, Courageous Cain, about four years ago. There are still days when I don’t believe it. Sometimes it feels too good to be true.

8.     What inspired you to write Calpulli?

I stumbled across an article about the Aztec goddess Tlazolteotl and her penchant for inciting sins only to forgive them. That was too bizarre and  too good not to use.

9.     Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie? I sure can see Calpulli as a movie, lol.

Lol, thank you. A young Tim Daly to play Mitchell, please. If I had my pick it would be Courageous Cain. I am a dog lover from a long line of them. My dogs are a huge and important part of my life. Because of that, Cain will always have special meaning to me.

10. What did you enjoy most about writing Calpulli?

Discovering who Mitchell Faulconbridge is. He’s extremely guarded and for the longest time all he had to say was “Don’t touch me” and “Clean that mess up.” Once he started talking, the first draft came out fast and easy.