Welcome to the second stop on the Secrets in Our Cities Scavenger Hunt Blog Tour! I’m delighted to be hosting Maddie Benedict, one of the amazing authors of this upcoming paranormal urban fantasy anthology.

Thank you so much for being here today, Maddie! Let’s start out with a simple question: What do you like most about paranormal urban fantasy?

I guess it’d have to be the element of supernatural abilities presented in the real world; that way, the story can be fresh and modern but still have a fantastical theme at the same time. I also enjoy other common tropes of the genre–the mystery of what’s happening to the character, and him trying to conceal his incredible nature from those he knows, but with inevitable hints slipping through. (Although maybe that’s an aspect of superhero comics, too.)

I agree! I love seeing fantasy mixed in with the “real world.”

What is your favorite paranormal creature?

Shapeshifters, I’d say. It’s so dynamic that they can change their form at will (usually), unlike werewolves (as they’re typically depicted). I’ve always admired animals and their graceful mystique, and it would be cool if they contained an intellect at least as advanced as humans after all, as is the case with shifters. Also, since they can transform into an animal (or various kinds), they can actually have the experiences that humans have always imagined but have never been able to truly do–flying as a bird, swimming as a fish, running as a quadruped.

Oooh, good answer. I’d love to have the ability to shapeshift.

The main character in your story, “This Really Bites,” is bitten by a werewolf and struggles to come to terms with his new identity. If you were bitten by a werewolf, how would you react?

Probably much the same way he did. First I’d think it’ll ruin everything, and I’d have to wrap my head around how it’ll change the rest of my life. I’d hope that, since I’m a vegetarian like he is, my condition would be comparable to his, in that it wouldn’t bring any urge to hunt prey, animal or otherwise, due to no prior introduction to meat. As long as I was still in control of myself, then it would be fun to run around on four paws! I really wouldn’t be crazy about the excess body hair, though.

I loved the twist that he was still a vegetarian after being bitten; too often werewolves are depicted as ravenous beasts.

What book are you currently reading (or recently read)?

I read The Nine Lives of Chloe King a while ago, to finally check out the book, since I loved the TV show (which was unfortunately–and ironically–short-lived). It’s one of the few occasions that the show was even better than the book, but I did appreciate the extra details I got from reading it, like how Chloe gets sleepy like a cat ready for a nap when she’s warm and full–and, of course, it was a chance to see the plot come to an actual conclusion, which was brilliantly done.

I haven’t read it (or seen the show), but I’ll have to check it out. It’s too bad the show was canceled.