Kelley Grealis

Biography

Kelley Grealis has loved all things vampire since she was a kid. It was that fascination, combined with the need to know how the first vampire was created, that compelled her to write the type of vampire novel she had always wanted to read. Kelley was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and continues to live in the area with her husband and their two fur babies. She likes her cars fast and motorcycles loud and is a craft beer snob. When she’s not writing, she’s working at her day job, cruising in her convertible or enjoying a beer at her favorite local brewery. Connect with Kelley on her website www.KelleyGrealis.com.

Smashwords Interview

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and the surrounding suburbs. You can definitely see the Cleveland influence in my stories. I set The Descendant Vampire Series in the fictional town of Buzzard Hill which is loosely based on the real township of Hinckley. Growing up, I frequented the Hinckley Reservation where I swam in the lake, hiked Whipps Ledges, and walked around the park. I have fond memories of the area and decided there was no better place to set my book than home. Plus, Hinckley is known as the place where the buzzards return every March 15. This event, and the symbolism of the buzzard, fit perfectly with my vampire theme.

Other locations also appear in my books. Rattlesnake Island is an actual island in the Lake Erie Islands. I used the location fictitiously as a vampire hang out. There are lots of rumors about who inhabits the island and the only way you can get on the island is if you know someone. All the secrecy surrounding the real island played right into my vampire theme. Castle Adena is named after Adena, Ohio and the sportsmen lodge where my husband and I used to ATV. Book 2 has scenes from the annual Buzzards Day Festival. You'll also see scenes in Caverns Point Park which is loosely based on Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio.
When did you first start writing?
I wrote a lot when I was younger, mostly poetry and short stories. Somewhere around the 6th grade, I attempted my first novel, but never made it past the first 5 pages. I still think about that story and may eventually write it.

I started writing novels in 2009. I attribute my career mid-life crisis for reigniting my passion for writing. At that time, the company I had been working for was acquired and the status of my job uncertain. That event caused me to reflect on what I was doing for a living, and although nothing was wrong with it, I realized I was professionally unfulfilled. I felt there had to be something else out there for me. At that same time, I had finished reading a popular series of books, the premise of which was so simple I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it myself. As I stewed over these two events, I concluded that I was going to write a novel. And I haven't looked back since!
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Kelley Grealis online

Books

The Descendant Vampire Series Box Set
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 214,900. Language: English. Published: September 1, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Supernatural, Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
The Descendant Vampire Series books 1, 2 & 3. A Vampire Tale of Biblical Proportions!
The Truth - Book 3 in The Descendant Vampire Series
Series: The Descendant Vampire, Book 3. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 65,610. Language: English. Published: October 21, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Horror » Undead
Join Allison in her quest to discover the truth in the third installment of the Descendant Vampire Series. Why was Allison the first descendant to exhibit signs of vampirism? Are there other secrets in Allison's lineage? Is it all fate or is something more sinister at play? Everything will be revealed in The Truth!
The Search - Book 2 in The Descendant Vampire Series
Series: The Descendant Vampire, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 64,890. Language: English. Published: August 27, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Horror » Undead
Allison's journey continues in The Search, Book 2 in The Descendant Vampire Series. THE SEARCH is on for answers, but when answers are found, will they be what Allison was looking for?
The Descendant - Book 1 in The Descendant Vampire Series
Series: The Descendant Vampire, Book 1. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 85,600. Language: English. Published: September 28, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Horror » Occult
(4.50 from 4 reviews)
The Descendant reveals the biblical origin of the vampire through the experiences of a woman who discovers she's a descendant of the first vampire.