Blog Tour: Q&A with authors Carlyle Clark & Suki Michelle

Today I have authors Carlyle Clark and Suki Michelle on the blog answering some questions about themselves and their book, The Apocalypse Gene.

What are some of your favorite books?

We both love The Poisonwood Bible. A few other favorites Carlyle’s favorites are The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie, Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, and Burning Angel by James Lee Burke and Suki loves everything by Stephen King, except for The Long Walk because it was too heart-breaking for her to bear.

How is writing with another author different from writing a story on your own?
It really helped us create an unpredictable story. So far no has said that they were able to guess what was going to happen next. And we also had complementary skill sets so it was relaxing to know that the other person was there to keep us from making mistakes outside of our comfort zone and that freed up both of our creativity.

What attracts you to the Dystopian genre?
Weirdly, we didn’t even know there was such a thing as the Dystopian genre. We were halfway through our book before we even heard of The Hunger Games. In fact, ours is only a sideways Dystopian, in that most take place post-apocalyptic while ours takes place mid-apocalyptic. Anyway, as I said we didn’t know there was such a thing, Suki just got a startling original take on a Pandemic, and we determined the story needed to be told after the disease had done some serious ravaging, but before a total Apocalypse.

If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
I would be doing stand-up comedy and Suki would be painting, knitting, and riding horses.

If one day you woke up to discover everything in your book was coming true and only you had the power to change it by rewriting the story, would you? How would it be different?
Absolutely, we vastly prefer our world Pandemic-free. That’s a really tough question with a mid-apocalytic book. Guess we would have to try to write a pre-apocalypse story and a race to stop it.

Robyn Carr Q&A

Robyn Carr

· Website
· Facebook
· Twitter

Books by Robyn Carr
· Virginia River series
· A Summer in Sonoma
· Grace Valley Trilogy
(More books by Robyn Carr...)

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You write a lot of strong women, but they all go through some sort of character evolution in Virgin River. What is it about the town that helps people discover their best selves?
Every woman faces the challenges Virgin River women face! That’s why the readers relate and write to me about their own issues. They don’t all have breast cancer or widowhood or domestic battery todeal with, but they all relate personally. If it’s not the reader who has had these experiences, it’s the reader’s sister or cousin or neighbor or co-worker. And the things that get women through crises like these are professional help, friendship, opportunity, understanding, education and no small amount of love. It’s all there—there is Mel Sheridan, a women’s medical practitioner, Jerry—the psychologist one town over, Jack and Preacher, marines who have seen it all and are wise to the casualties of war, Noah Kincaid, a minister with a wide view of spiritual faith and the world, and dozens of willing friends and neighbors.

Do you have a favorite place in Virgin River? (Everyone loves Jack’s!) If it was a real town,where would you spend most of your time?
Oh, there’s no question—I would never miss an event at Jack’s. And while it would severely threaten my weight, I’d eat there at least once a week. There’s nothing like a local hangout where you can find your friends and catch up on the local news.

Do you find it's harder to write the male or female characters, and why? Unlike many romances,the men in your books feel as multi-dimensional as the women. Conner from Hidden Summit is a very strong male lead and Dylan from the forthcoming Redwood Bend is so much more than a former movie star heartthrob. How do you manage to make everyone seem so real?
They’re all hard, and a complete joy to investigate, study and develop. I imagine them. I think about them constantly. I create the ideal man or woman in my mind—stronger and better than me, absolutely. Admirable. People with flaws they desperately want to overcome, with desires they can’t quite figure out how to satisfy. In fact, sometimes they are so much smarter than I am, I can’t figure out how to get them out of their problems and off to happily ever after. We tussle. I wrestle them to the ground and try to hold them still until I can figure out what they want, what they need. And nothing, nothing is more satisfying than creating a whole, imaginary person that can speak to a reader, possibly serve as a role model for a reader who has had similar challenges and has been looking for her own answers. For HIS own answers—because many men write to me as well. After Paradise Valley was published I received dozens of emails from men who were amputees—and they were very positive letters. That’s what I live for—an endorsement from a real person!

We meet Katie, Conner’s sister, briefly in Hidden Summit and have a chance to get her story in Redwood Bend. She lost her husband in Afghanistan and there are someheart-wrenching scenes when we get into her psyche and experience a hint of what life would be like after losing a loved one in war. How did you write Katie’s character?
She’s a very tidy composite of young women I’ve known—single mothers with a singular dedication to raising the children they’ve been left with. Additionally,Katie has a fantastic personality that melds intelligence, courage and humor. She’s due a break; she’s held strong through lots of tough times, not the least of which was burying the love of her life before her sons were even born. She’s a lesson in fortitude, optimism and almost savage motherhood. I love her. I wish I was her. And if I were a strong young man who didn’t believe true love was possible for me, I would end up her slave forever.

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Hidden Summit
Virgin River, Book 17
Mass Market Paperback
400 pages
Published by Mira
December 27, 2011

Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she's got Paul Haggerty's business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.

Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He's got no time for women…although he spends an awful lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she's pretty busy "ignoring" the chemistry between them.

According to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in common—they're done with love. But everyone in Virgin River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!

Coming Soon...

Redwood Bend
Virgin River, Book 18
Mass Market Paperback
400 pages
Published by Mira
Expected February 28, 2012

CAN CHANGING A TIRE CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

Katie Malone and her twin boys’ trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie doesn’t have the first clue about putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the site of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

WELCOME BACK TO THE RIVER.

Blog Tour: Q&A with author Kimberly Reid

Kimberly Reid
· Website
· Blog
· Facebook
· Twitter

Kimberly Reid Books
· My Own Worst Frenemy (2011)
· Creeping With The Enemy (2012)

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How does writing differ from other jobs you've had in the past?
Writing is the only job I’ve had in which I have complete control. Once the manuscript leaves my laptop and goes off into the world, there is very little I can control about the publishing business, what readers think about the book, or whether the stars align in a way that makes my book a blockbuster (if only). But when I’m in front of the keyboard creating worlds, characters and stories, I run the show. Since I have a mild case of control-freak, writing is the perfect job for me– that and the fact I get paid to make stuff up. I’m so lucky.

What is the most rewarding part of writing for you?
When readers tell me they enjoy my work. No doubt – that’s the best part. Writing is a way of understanding yourself and the world, but it’s also a way to connect with others. It’s kind of ironic that writers want our work to find readers, but during the actual writing we might be so deep into our own heads we wouldn’t notice a parade of readers going by the window. But once the book is done, I can get out of my head, rejoin the rest of the world, and have a life beyond the one my characters are living. Then, I can’t wait for people to read it. The main thing I want to do is entertain people, whatever entertainment means to each reader. When someone tells me my book entertained them, I’m buzzing off that for the next couple of days.

How did the idea for My Own Worst Frenemy come about?
I stole it from my life, but somehow it never occurred to me to do that until I was watching an episode of Veronica Mars. It’s a TV show about a girl in high school who starts solving crimes using the knowledge she’s gained from her father, a single dad and cop-turned-private detective. I had a light-bulb moment when it occurred to me that I was once in high school at the same time my single-mom was a cop and maybe I could write a character like Veronica. Like my main character, I also won a scholarship to a cushy private school way across town from my not-so-great neighborhood. Switching between those two worlds every day was slightly crazy-making. So Chanti and I have a lot in common, but she’s far more adventurous than I was. I wanted to solve crimes but didn’t have the nerve. I did give my mother my two cents on some of her cases. It was probably more like ten cents.

What was the most challenging part of writing this story?
I had a hard time deciding if I was writing a mystery or a thriller. A straight mystery usually has the crime happen at the beginning and the hero has to solve it. A thriller brings more urgency – a race against the clock to prevent some jeopardy for the hero or someone she cares about. Mystery grabs the reader’s brain, and they work alongside the hero trying to figure out whodunit. A thriller grabs the readers gut, and they sit on the edge of their seats hoping the hero figures it all out in time to save themselves or their loved one. I ended up writing a hybrid, which is great because I love both genres. I think people who know these things actually call it a mystery thriller. And then I added a dash of romance because I remember high school was made much more bearable by the presence of cute boys, even when they didn’t know I existed.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
My Own Worst Frenemy is the first book in the Langdon Prep series. The second book, Creeping With the Enemy, will be out in April 2012, and right now I’m working on a third book in the series. The title of that one won’t include any words that contain enemy.

Maria Murnane Q&A

Maria Murnane
· Website
· Blog
· Facebook
· Twitter

Books by Maria Murnane
· Perfect On Paper [Buy]
· It's A Waverly Life [Buy] [Review]

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1. Was writing something that you knew you always wanted to pursue, or did you have a different idea for an occupation when you were younger?
Back in high school I liked writing, but I never considered trying to make a career out of it. I ended up majoring in English and working in PR, which included a lot of writing, but certainly not the type of FUN writing I’m doing now. But once email was everywhere, I realized I had a knack for making people laugh through the written word. I remember once my friend Mary told me how much she looked forward the weekly emails I sent to our Sunday co-ed soccer team, in which I’d joke about what we needed to do to win, who was going to show up hung-over, etc. She said the emails always made her laugh out loud, and I remember thinking Wouldn’t it be cool to get paid to make people laugh through my writing? It took a while to make that happen, but it was worth the wait!

2. You started out self-publishing before signing with Amazon. After pretty much giving up with publishing houses to self-publish, how did it feel to finally be recognized and offered a contract?
Signing with Amazon felt great for two reasons. The first was that Perfect on Paper had finally been recognized as being worthy of a publishing contract, and the second was that it was my hard work that made it happen. After I self-published I spent more than a year doing a ton of grassroots marketing to get the book noticed, so it was a wonderful feeling to know that my efforts had paid off. There were many times along the way that I was tempted to give up, and I’m so glad that I didn’t. I have my mom and dad to thank for that—they both loved the book and wouldn’t let me throw in the towel!

3. Waverly is an amazing character. Was her character inspired by a real person?
My friends all say that reading my books is like listening to me talk, so that should answer the question! Personality-wise Waverly and I are very similar, and most of the awful dates she suffers through were ripped from the headlines of my own dating life. (While I have friends who have come close, I have yet to encounter anyone who can beat me in head-to-head comparison of insanely bad dating experiences.) But in other ways she and I are very different. My family situation is a good example of that—my parents have been happily married for nearly 45 years and are extremely supportive of me, and I have two sisters and a brother who are awesome, as are their spouses and kids. Waverly sort of missed out on that, but I felt it made the books more interesting to have her as an only child.

4. When you started writing Perfect on Paper, did you always know there would be a second and third book about Waverly to follow?
Definitely not. When I was writing Perfect on Paper, I never imagined that I would one day write a sequel. It wasn’t after until I got the publishing contract with Amazon that my thinking started to change. I kept getting emails from readers telling me how much they loved the book and asking when I was going to write another one. Nearly every email would mention something about how the reader connected to Waverly, or related to Waverly, or just wanted to hang out with Waverly. People really wanted to know what happened to her next, so despite my fear of a sophomore slump (I dreaded seeing a review with a headline like “She should have stopped at one!” haha), I decided to continue her story. In a way I was curious as well to find out where life would take her!

5. Do you prefer to write series over stand-alone books?
Given that I’ve only written a series, I guess the answer is yes! Ha.

6. What are your pet peeves when it comes to grammar?
Oh gosh, don’t me started! I blog about this all the time. I think my biggest pet peeve right now is the use of an apostrophe to denote a plural. I see that everywhere, and it drives me nuts! There is a huge sign for banana’s in my local grocery story. Every time I go in there I want to take it down. I mean seriously, what IS that? I even took a photo with my phone. Check this out:

7. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
If you have a book inside of you, just write it! No matter what happens after you’re finished, the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with typing the words THE END is unlike any I’d experienced before. I remember telling my mom when I was writing Perfect on Paper that if just ONE person I wasn’t related enjoyed the book, I would be thrilled, and I was completely serious! I still love getting emails from readers—for me that is the best part of being an author!

8. Are there any upcoming projects that we can look forward to?
My agent is currently reading the first draft of the third Waverly book, so if all goes well, it will come out next summer. I’m not sure what my next project after that will be, but I will definitely be writing another book, so stay tuned! You can sign up for my newsletter for updates at www.mariamurnane.com.

Joann I Martin Sowles Q&A {Giveaway!}

Joann I. Martin Sowles
· Website
· Facebook
· Twitter
· YouTube

Books
· Laney (Brookehaven Vampires #1)
· Darkness (Brookehaven Vampires #2)

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1. What made you get into writing?
It was partly Laney. She kept growing and getting stronger in my mind and at one point I just had to get her out. Plus, I seriously felt that I needed to turn my vampire addiction into something productive. I honestly didn’t believe I could write a book. I had wanted to for years but I just didn’t think I was capable of actually writing an entire novel, I finally convinced myself that I had to give it a try. I figured it would be better to try and fail than to regret never giving it a chance. And considering Laney was just a finalist in Dan Poynter’s Global eBook awards, I think I did alright with my first story.


2. There are many books about vampires out. How would you say that Laney stands apart from others in the same genre?
I think my biggest stand apart feature is that I tried to make my vampires as realistic and believable as possible. For example; my vampires can handle the sun, they are able to eat food and they can reproduce, just to name a few.


3. Unlike most YA books, your book is set in a college atmosphere instead of high school. What made you take this approach?
I think that was mostly due to what I have planned for the characters, being out on their own just fit with the story. Most of the characters are still rather inexperienced with life and we get to learn how to make it in this great big world with them.


4. Was the development of Laney and Oliver's attraction in the book something that you knew from the very beginning, or did it happen as you were writing the story?
I knew. I’ve always known what will happen in their relationship.


5. In your opinion, what is it about vampires and the supernatural that attracts such a large audience?
I think it’s that forbidden and unknown aspect about the supernatural that is so attractive to some. It’s exciting and scary at the same time and a lot of us crave that.


6. Aside from vampires, if you could be one supernatural creature what would you be? Why?
A dragon or a mermaid. Dragons are one of my absolute favorite creatures but I’m not sure I’d like to be one, maybe have one as a buddy instead. And mermaids are absolutely fascinating to me. They’re human-like, beautiful creatures of the sea and I imagine they have a hidden world from us down in that water.

Thank you for the interview and to all who have taken the time to stop by and read it. I invite all of you to visit my website where you can view the first 3 chapters of both Laney & Darkness.

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Win An E-Book of Laney!

From now until Sunday, October 9, you will have the chance to win an e-book copy of Laney - courtesy of Joann. To enter, simply fill out the form here or below. If you're the winner, you will be notified via e-mail on Monday, October 10th and your information will be forwarded to the author.

Giveaway Form Here

Brooke Moss Q&A [& Giveaway]

Brooke Moss

· Website

· Blog

· Facebook

· Twitter



Books

· The "What If" Guy [Buy]

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When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?

Thanks for having me here today, I’m excited to be a part of a blog I am such a fan of!



I knew I wanted to be an author when I was as young as eight or nine years old. But it wasn’t until about five years ago (when I turned 30) that I decided I was going to actively pursue publication. I always thought it was out of reach, but when I decided it wasn’t, and that I had as good a chance as anyone, I bit into it, and held on like a bulldog. I wasn’t letting go until I made it!





Where do your story ideas come from?

Everyday life. I love seeing a typical, everyday couple—a couple you wouldn’t normally look at, and see a romantic backstory—and finding out their love story. I think I make people uncomfortable sometimes, because I ask the strangest questions. Questions you don’t usually hear when you’re not at a slumber party. How did you meet? What was your best kiss? Things like that. But this is how I pull story ideas from real life.





How has your writing experience changed since joining forces with Entangled Publishing?

Well, for starters, the editing process will put hair on your chest, for sure! I had to learn how to develop a thick skin and how to let go of certain details that I was attached to, for the sake of putting out an excellent story. The women of Entangled have taught me plenty of things, but first and foremost, they’ve taught me that the “hard” part of being an author is certainly not writing the book. The stuff that comes after you’ve stopped writing (the editing again and again and again, the publicizing your book, etc.) that is the hard part. Actually sitting down and writing the book is a walk in the park. These women work hard, and they expect their writers to do the same. But it is all for a grand purpose: putting out an excellent book.





What do you like to do in your free time?

What’s “free time”? Ha! No, actually, I like to spend time with my husband and four kids. We are going to the ocean this summer, and I am thrilled to actually have some time to run around and be silly with them. Other than that, I enjoy watching shows like Top Chef and reading a good book. And there is nothing better than movie night with my girlfriends. Love it.





Could you tell us what a "what if" guy is to you? Have you ever had a "what if" guy in your life?

A “what if” guy is any man that you look back on, and wonder what life would be like had you picked him. Every woman has a “whew!” guy, the guy you look back on and think, thank God I didn’t wind up with HIM. But very few women are willing to admit that they have a “what if” guy, too. Not someone that you would leave your current spouse for, by any means, but someone that you look back on with fondness and love. Because your time with him was good. And yes, I have a “what if” guy, or two. Obviously it wasn’t meant to be, as I am now married to the nerd of my dreams, and wouldn’t trade him for the world. But…there are a few men out there that I look back on with a smile on my face.





How does The "What If" Guy stand apart from other romance novels?

This book really bridges the gap between women’s fiction and contemporary romance. It has some sexiness, as well as some laughs, but it also has some strong emotional content that you often see in women’s fiction. But, because this is how I prefer my books to be, I wrap it all up with an H.E.A. (happily ever after) in the end. Who says that women’s fiction doesn’t necessarily have to end with an H.E.A.? I say it does!



I am so thrilled to be sharing my debut novel with the world! The What If Guy is available at Amazon, B&N, Books On Board, and at your local bookseller. A special thanks goes to Entangled Publishing for their amazing prizes and giveaways. Thanks guys!

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Win a [paperback] copy of The What If Guy. Be sure to be a follower of this blog, then comment with your name and e-mail I can contact you at. This is a 24-hour contest! Be sure to enter by Sunday, August 14th at midnight EST!!

Interview with Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Books:
· Delicious (February 2006) Buchanans Series
· Sweet Talk (July 2008) Bakery Sisters Series
· Under Her Skin (May 2009) Lone Star Sisters Series
· The Sparkling One (February 2010) Marcelli Series
· Chasing Perfect (May 2010) Fool's Gold Series
More books by Susan Mallery...


Out Now:
· Only Mine (July 2011) Fool's Gold Series

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How did you come into writing?
I had always imagined writers wore berets and smoked and lived in dark, danky apartments in Paris until I took an evening course called “How to Write a Romance Novel” while in college. A recruiter had lined up an excellent job for me as an accountant. When I told him I had decided to become a romance writer instead, he said he had always wanted to be a writer, too, but had been afraid to try. He told me that he would help me find a different job in a year if it didn’t work out, and that gave me the courage to take the leap.


"Best-selling Author, Susan Mallery." What is your reaction when you see this?
I’m humbled. You don’t become a bestseller without a lot of amazing fans. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising, and my fans have been telling their friends about me from the beginning. It means the world to me. This year, I’m doing something really fun – I’ve selected 25 fans to be the Fool’s Gold Varsity Cheerleaders. They’re doing what they love to do – talking books with people who love to read – and they’re earning prizes as they go along. It’s pretty fabulous, and their enthusiasm makes me feel giddy. They are so sweet!


You've written many books. Where do you find fresh inspiration for your future books?
I find inspiration everywhere. Country songs are a great source of inspiration. So are stories on National Public Radio. And the evening news. And eavesdropping on conversations in the ladies room – oh wait, did I just admit that? It’s true, though. Watch what you’re saying when a writer is around. You never know what snippet might end up in a book.

Ideas are easy to come by for me. The real trick is identifying which of those ideas are big enough to sustain a book. An author needs to find ideas with many layers and infinite possibilities for where the story could go, so that the path she chooses is unpredictable to her readers. My stories are emotional with a lot of humor, and it’s the emotional choices my characters make that I find so fascinating.


How did you come up with your Fool's Gold series?
I knew I wanted to create a series based on a place. In the past, I’d written series based on a family, so once I ran out of siblings, I ran out of stories. Readers kept asking me for more in every series. They loved that sense of connection, and they wanted it to go on. By creating a series based on a place, I can continue to write books in the series as long as readers love them and as long as I find inspiration there.

The place itself needed to have a strong identity. As I was brainstorming the series, I heard a story about the then-upcoming 2010 census, about everything a town can discover about itself from census results. I wondered, “What if there was a man shortage?”

So Fool’s Gold was born… the town with the man shortage. But instead of making the women eager to get more men to town, I tweaked reader expectations and made the women strong, self-sufficient, and kind of crabby that anyone would think they need more men. They can run the town just fine without men. Which means that any men who do move to Fool’s Gold have to earn the right to live there. . . and they have to earn the hearts of the women they love.


What would you tell the reader about Only Mine that separates it from the rest of the series?
Each book in the series is a standalone novel, meaning that you won’t get lost if you read them out of order. As ONLY MINE begins, a TV dating show is about to film in Fool’s Gold. Psychologist Dakota Hendrix, one of the Hendrix triplets, has been assigned by the mayor to keep unbalanced contestants off the show so Fool’s Gold won’t look stupid. Between her job and hiding an emotional secret from her mother and sisters, Dakota has plenty on her plate. The last thing she needs is an angry, rugged Alaskan pilot in her face. Finn Anderssen isn’t going to leave Fool’s Gold without his fame-seeking younger brothers, who belong in college, not on TV.

You can read free excerpts at www.foolsgoldca.com. You’ll find lots of freebies and fun bonus content there, too!


Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Next year, three yummy cowboy brothers will move to Fool’s Gold. The year after that, a bodyguard academy will open up on the edges of town. Who doesn’t love cowboys and bodyguards? I’m all a-tingle!

In addition to the romances, I also write one non-romance women’s fiction per year. These books are more serious, more emotional, and they give me the opportunity to spend more time on the other relationships that are so important to women. My next women’s fiction, BAREFOOT SEASON, will be out in April. It’s the first book of a new series set on quaint Blackberry Island, Washington.

Interview with Tammara Webber

Tammara Webber
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Books:
· Between the Lines (2011) [My Review]

Coming Soon:
· Where You Are (October 2011)

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Have you ever received one critical piece of advice about writing that has stayed with you?

Gleaned (a looooong time ago) from a book called The First Five Pages: Go through a piece of writing and remove every descriptive word (adjectives, adverbs). Then replace the nouns and verbs with stronger nouns and verbs. (This is the best writing advice I can give a beginner who knows the “rules” of writing, but not the fine-tuning. Descriptive words have their places – but they should be used sparingly.)


You have a free afternoon. Would you rather continue writing on a story you're currently working on, or catch up on reading some books?

If I feel the need to write, I write. If I must write because I’m behind (this is a tough one because as an indie author, my deadlines are self-imposed!), I write. Otherwise, I read. Reading, for me, feeds the need to write. I can’t do one without the other. (I’m often knee-deep in a great book when I feel compelled to write. I’ve learned to just get up and follow that inspiration.)


What is it about the Young Adult genre that calls to you as a writer?

The age of 16-20 has always been appealing to me as a reader, whether in classics, contemporary fiction, or romance. It’s the age where everything is possible. The course of your life isn’t set. Your beliefs aren’t set (even if you think they are). The way you love, the type of friend you are, your prejudices, career paths—nothing is set. There are many points in life when you hit huge strides of self-discovery, of course, but I believe that the ability to self-shape during this time period is universal.


What would you say is the key to having a successful love triangle that doesn't push the boundaries of cliché or forced?

I actually don’t see Reid-Emma-Graham as a love triangle. Like Edward-Bella-Jacob, it’s more of a tug-of-war, where the person in the middle is going to get hurt no matter what, and the people at either end would prefer to lose each other. To me, a love triangle is attached at all three points. Jenny Han’s Summer books for instance – one girl, two brothers, or Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot in Arthurian legend – one woman, two very close friends. The person not chosen loses two people, not just one.

As far as successful love triangles go, the author has to show genuine attachment between all three parties. No matter what happens, everyone is hurt. Very tricky. In a tug-of-war there must be a similar strong attachment between the center person and each of the outer people. A little less tricky, I think. Either way, if those attachments don’t ring true, people will see it as forced and unbelievable.


How did the inspiration come about to write a story about teenage movie stars?

Watching actors/musicians hit their late teens/early twenties and self-destruct is almost old hat. Will they come out the other end intact, or will they just ruin their lives and blow their careers? I have to wonder how much of this phenomenon can be attributed to the lack of privacy at this critical time in a person’s life. We all make mistakes while we’re growing and maturing, but most of us don’t have to see those mistakes “reported” on TMZ or parodied on SNL.


Your story wrapped up nicely with some unexpected twists. Did you pretty much know everything that would happen before you started writing, or did it just happen at the writing went along?

I had a vague idea of where it was going. The twists at the end of BTL were known ahead of time, because they were past events. The personalities of the characters have likewise been defined by those past events when the novel opens. That said, how characters react to what I throw at them isn’t always how I expect them to react. Sometimes they mess up my assumed little storyline with their decisions! But I believe firmly in letting them do that. (Even if sometimes I’d like to pull them out of my computer and shake them. Hard.)


Are you working on anything right now that you can share with us?

I’m working on a sequel, the prologue of which is Graham’s take on the last scene of BTL… The title is Where You Are and it should be out in October.

Interview with Amy Holder

Amy Holder
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Books:
· The Lipstick Laws

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First off: your website. I absolutely fell in love with it! Is this something that you came up with?

Thank you so much! I came up with the concept after thinking up and ditching several other design ideas. My fabulous web designer (Denise Biondo) translated the final concept into the design you see today. She’s awesome! If you’re interested, check out her list of other web designs here: http://biondostudio.com/wordpress/projects/


You say that you're a huge animal lover. How many pets do you have? Do you plan on getting more?

I have four pets -- two dogs and two cats. They’re all rescues and I’m a big supporter of animal rescue organizations. I would love to adopt more, but I have my hands full with the ones I have at the moment! There definitely might be room for more in the future though.


When did you start seriously considering a career as a writer?

I’ve always loved to write (and have been writing since I was six), but I didn’t seriously think about trying to get published until after college. That’s when I started looking at it as more than a hobby, and I realized I wouldn’t feel completely fulfilled unless I have a career that I truly adore. Writing is that career and I feel very lucky to be able to do it!


How did the idea behind The Lipstick Laws come about?

I knew I wanted to write a fun take on the ups and downs of high school and the social hierarchies within it, but I didn’t have a full plot in mind originally. April’s voice was the first part of the story that came to me in the form of a sarcastic, quirky, self-deprecating character filled with teen angst. I had a lot of fun free-writing in her voice, and the full plot evolved by putting her character into what-if scenarios.


Besides the main character April, are there any other characters that you hope readers will fall in love with?

I hope readers will fall in love with Delvin McGerk because he’s so awkwardly sweet. I also hope readers will root for the Lipstick Lawbreakers, and love to loathe Britney and her Lipstick Laws.


Are any of the characters based off of people you know?

None of the characters are based entirely off of anyone I know, but some of them have personality quirks that were loosely inspired by people I’ve known. Also, I have a lot in common with April and Melanie. I gave April my naturally curly hair (sorry, April), middle name, love of sales, and knack for making up random words. I gave Melanie two of my vices: sweets and reality TV.


What was the road to publication like for you?

My road to publication for The Lipstick Laws was surprisingly short and smooth! The manuscript was acquired by the first and only publisher that I submitted it to within a few weeks of submission. Before you start booing at me, I should add that I’ve received rejection letters from other manuscripts prior to publication. The disappointment that I experienced from those rejections made me appreciate the quick sale of my debut novel even more.


Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with us?

I’m working on a few projects right now, but am not sure which will be next to hit the shelves. I’m hoping to write many more books in various genres and age groups. Also, my television rights for The Lipstick Laws have just been optioned by an amazing producer, so I’m hoping it will make it to production, but there are no guarantees. I’m optimistically hopeful with my fingers tightly crossed!

Any last words to the readers?

I just want to thank you all for your enthusiasm about my debut! Publishing my first book has been a wonderful experience, and hearing from readers all over the world has made it that much more special. Also, Missy, I want to thank you for this interview and your support of debut authors! Bloggers like you help get the word out about new writers and their books. I’m very grateful for your support!

Thanks for having me on your blog! :)

Blog Tour Interview: Author Karyn Henley

Karyn Henley
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Elevensies

Books:
Breath of Angel
Misc Spiritual Books & Info found here

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Award-winning author Karyn Henley has written more than 100 titles, including a mix of children's books and articles, parent-teacher books, articles, and curricula, and preschool musicals and CDs/DVDs of original music for children.

Venturing into the young adult market, Karyn's first book in The Angelaeon Circle trilogy, Breath of Angel, releases June 21 from WaterBrook Press (Random House).

An accomplished songwriter, Karyn has been a Dove Award nominee and received a regional Emmy Award as Music Composer for a Christmas television special. She has traveled worldwide speaking to parents and teachers and entertaining children and their families in storytelling/active movement sessions and concerts.

A graduate of Abilene Christian University (BSEd), Karyn received a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2004.

Karyn lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Could you tell us a little about yourself? What made you choose to become a writer?

I was first an avid reader. In fifth and sixth grades, I walked to my grandmother’s house after school, and I was so into the books I was reading that I read while I walked. I’ve always been the kind of person who sees someone creating something and immediately think, “I could do that.” So I guess it was natural for me to read and then try writing. Of course I discovered that almost anything I think “I can do” takes learning and practice. But if it’s something I’m really meant to do, even the practice is fun. To stay with a project, it helps if I like the process and not just the end product.


What are the hardest parts of writing a book for you? The easiest?

The hardest part of writing a book is weaving in all the threads at just the right places: the plot elements, the subplots, character motivation, twists. The easiest is line editing, going back through and making sure that the grammar and punctuation is right.


What was the inspiration behind Breath of Angel?

Breath of Angel began with an emotion. I read in a writing craft book that one way to get into a story is to think of the event in your life that produced the strongest emotion. I immediately thought of a time when a friend betrayed me, taking something I had created and claiming he had created it. It felt like a knife in the gut and still hurts when I remember it. From there I thought of a girl who had a harp and gets betrayed. That was the spark that began Breath of Angel, though it faded into the background and is only a small part of the story now.


A lot of authors who write about angels and other supernatural beings go for the urban fantasy approach. What made you go for a medieval setting?

Today’s world changes so quickly. What computers and the internet and cell phones do today will change by next year, and I change more slowly. I often feel left in the dust by all the techno leaps. So I like ancient and medieval settings for fantasy, because the worlds are slower and very different, and I don’t have to know the latest technology. Besides, when I go into the world of a book, I like to be transported far away. Working within an ancient world allows me to explore very different ways of life and places where the rules are different. For me, characters in ancient settings can be closer to the earth, rawer in their emotions, more deeply connected to the big struggles of survival that fantasy addresses so well.

Do you have any projects that you're currently working on that you'd like to share?

I just sent in my line edits for Book 2 of the Angelaeon Circle, Eye of the Sword. I’m really excited about it, because it continues the story of Breath of Angel, but from Trevin’s point of view (he’s the male romantic interest in Breath of Angel). Yes, the romance continues and grows. And I’m just about to begin revisions for Book 3.


Any final words?

I’m soooo impressed by the number of people who love to read. So thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy every book you pick up!

The stranger’s cloak had fallen back, and with it, a long, white, blood-stained wing.

When Melaia, a young priestess, witnesses the gruesome murder of a stranger in the temple courtyard, age-old legends recited in song suddenly come to life. She discovers wings on the stranger, and the murderer takes the shape of both a hawk and a man.

Angels. Shape-shifters. Myths and stories—until now.

Melaia finds herself in the middle of a blood feud between two immortal brothers who destroyed the stairway to heaven, stranding angels in the earthly realm. When the feud turns violent and Melaia becomes a target, she finds refuge with a band of angels attempting to restore the stairway. But the restoration is impossible without the repayment of an ancient debt—the “breath of angel, blood of man,” a payment that involves Melaia’s heart, soul, and destiny.

Blog Tour Interview: Julie Anne Peters

Describe yourself in five words or less.

Shy sun-loving vegetarian animal lover


What are some things that you like to do?

Laugh (a lot), go to the theater (preferably musical theater), sing along with CDs in my car, read mysteries, thrillers, and edgy YA fiction, try out new restaurants, support charities that help children and animals, daydream, and people watch.


You're able to change one event that happened in your life. What event would you change and why?

I ratted on a friend once. I’ll never forget it, and I wish I could go back in time to make it right.


What is the first thing that pops in your head when you think of Alyssa?

Secure in her sexuality.


Is there anything the readers may not know about you after reading the book that you'd like them to know?

I think this book is making a full circle back to the first lesbian love story I wrote, Keeping You a Secret. However, I’ve tried to update the social and political climate a bit by making Alyssa an out lesbian—at least to herself and at school. With every new book I try to push myself artistically, and with She Loves You, She Loves You Not… I wanted not only to tell a story within a story, but to use second person point of view. It was fun, and a challenge.

Seventeen-year-old Alyssa thought she knew who she was. She had her family, her best friends, and most importantly, she had Sarah. Sarah, her girlfriend, with whom she dreamed with about the day they could move far away and live out and proud and accepted for themselves, instead of having to hide their relationship.

Alyssa never thought she would have to make that move by herself, but disowned by her father and cut off from everyone she loves, she is forced to move hundreds of miles away to live with Carly, a mother she barely knows, in a town where everyone immediately dismisses her as 'Carly's girl.' Struggling to forget her past and come to terms with her future, will Alyssa be able to build a new life for herself and believe in love again? Or will she be forced to relive the mistakes that have cost her everything and everyone she cared about?

This compelling novel about coming out, finding love, and discovering your place in the world will speak to anyone who has known the joy and pain of first love and the struggle to start over again.

Julie Anne Peters was born in Jamestown, New York. When she was five, her family moved to the Denver suburbs in Colorado. Her parents divorced when she was in high school. She has three siblings: a brother, John, and two younger sisters, Jeanne and Susan.

Her books for young adults include Define "Normal" (2000), Keeping You a Secret (2003), Luna (2004), Far from Xanadu (2005), Between Mom and Jo (2006), grl2grl (2007), Rage: A Love Story (2009), By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead (2010), and She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not... (2011). Her young adult fiction frequently deals with LGBT issues.

To learn more, click here.

Blog Tour Author Interview: Sarah MacManus

It's my pleasure to bring to you guys an interview I did with Sarah MacManus, author of Dreamwalk. If you haven't read my review of her book, please do so by clicking here. It's an awesome book!

What are five words that describe who you are as a writer?
Slow. Impatient. Layered. Self-conscious, Private.


Did anyone inspire you to become a writer, or was it just something that came naturally?
Writing was something that just came naturally when I was a teenager. I’m not going to say that I was one of those kids spinning tales from kindergarten, because I wasn’t. Most of my over-active imagination was kept in my own head where I could keep an eye on it. I did start writing a few things out in school when I was required to in Junior High. The feedback from family and teachers was pretty positive and I wrote any number of short stories, poems and scripts when I was in high school and college. I even had an agent. As my reading tastes became more sophisticated, however, some of the really great writers left me intimidated and insecure, rather than inspired. So, I spent most of my adult life doing technical writing, which is much safer and less subjective. Finally, life eventually gave me enough time and space to give it another try and I guess I became mature enough to enjoy the process without worrying so much about the results. I had to spend some time convincing myself that it was okay to let some of those stories outside of my head, if only for a little while.


How do the ideas for your stories come about?
Mostly from my real life, which has been bizarre enough to give me an idea or two, but I do struggle with ideas and I don’t find they come easy. The bits and bobs and scenes come easy enough, and dialogue is the easiest for me. I’ve written scripts for stage and radio and it’s always a blast. It’s not even something that I’m all that shy about. But I do need to work at building a premise, layer by layer. Unfortunately, having had a bit of a strange life has made me feel like all my ideas have been done before. I’m super self-conscious about repeating a theme or a plot arc that’s been done better by someone else and sometimes I walk in to a story idea that I can’t complete because of a feeling of futility. But, I’m working on that.


Could you tell us a little about Dreamwalk?
Dreamwalk is a magical realism love story about two young adults who have been dealt some unlucky blows in life. They find that their love for each other gives them the motivation to rise above their circumstances and their own character flaws. And they find that they need to care enough about themselves in order to care for others. Pretty basic boy-meets-girl stuff, but with kangaroo gods.


What made you dabble in mythology?
I love mythology and always have. And I’m not fussy about who it belongs to. It started in 4th grade English class, which was only tolerable to me because we were studying Greek and Roman mythology. I had one of those awful teachers that likes to be insulting and mean to students in order to be funny. But I got to read excerpts from the Iliad, so I behaved myself. My love of mythology then extended into Celtic myth and the Arthurian tales, East European myths about vampires, Native American myths about the Great Spirit and Coyote. I even love modern mythology: urban legends, rural folklore, sweeping stories about people who changed the world, from Abraham Lincoln to Amelia Earhardt to John Lennon. I adore rock and roll mythology in particular, because I’ve gotten to live through some of it, the stories of the great rock bands that changed the way we look at life. Mythology is the means for understanding a culture, because people put the best and worst of themselves in their mythology. I like to see the glitter of the divine reflecting off the perfectly mundane, because it makes me feel a bit more sane when it’s not just me seeing that sparkle.


What can we expect next from you?
I haven’t really decided at this point. I published a novella called “Lord of the Trash” a short while ago that got some nice response, and I’m considering expanding it to a full-length work based on some of that feedback. It’s contemporary literary fiction about a brother and sister living in the Midwest, trying to deal with the damage that their dysfunctional family has left on their ability to make relationships work. I also have a story based on Irish mythology, really old, pre-Roman mythology, which I have been working on for quite a while. It’s also magical realism, a blend of the contemporary world and the unseen world.

Author Interview: Kristan Higgins (& Giveaway!)

Kristan Higgins
Website | Blog | Facebook

Kristan Higgins' Books
All I Ever Wanted [Buy]
The Next Best Thing [Buy]
My One And Only [Buy]
[More...]

Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in writing?
Sure! I’m a forty-something mother of two, wife of one, dog-lover, Yankees fan. I’ve loved romance novels ever since I stole my first one from my grandmother when I was about 13. I had always worked as a writer in PR and advertising, but didn’t start writing fiction until I was a stay-at-home mom. My goal was to write the kind of romance I would love to read—realistic characters who had families, jobs, friends—normal people, in other words, not billionaires or actors or vampires (or billionaire actor vampires), though I do love reading those types of characters. But a big, memorable love story about two regular people…that was what I wanted to write. Fools Rush In, my first book, seemed to strike a chord with readers, and I’ve been writing ever since.


How was the road from idea to publication for MY ONE AND ONLY?
The road was pretty smooth! I wanted to write a divorced couple, and I wanted them trapped together. The harder part of the process was giving them enough reason for both marrying young and divorcing…and enough reason to want to try again. That took a little soul-mining, but I think it was well worth it. I love writing that blend of pathos and humor, and this book has that in spades.


Was there any inspiration in your life that sparked the idea of writing this book?
Well, no. I’m happily married and have been for a nice long while. But the idea of a reunion story has such appeal—you read all the time about people finding each other after a long time, whether on Facebook or at a high school reunion. And the power of first love is so overwhelming; it’s one of my favorite things to write about.


Have you ever read a book that changed your life?
Every book I’ve read has had an impact on me, good or bad, big or small. When I love a book, I carry it in my heart for a long, long time…maybe forever. I’ve read books that have felt like a friend, made me laugh, made me cry, informed me, upset me, inspired me…but I can’t say that I could point to one book and say, “There it is. The one responsible for everything.”


Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU will come out this November, and I’m very excited about this book, as it contains my first ever foray into the hero’s head. This is the story of the return of the bad-boy who now has to face up to his past while trying to raise a teenage daughter. The heroine is someone he knew from way back when…someone who always thought there was more to him than his reputation…right up until he breaks her heart, though not in the way you might guess. The two of them have to find out what’s different now, and what’s still the same. I had a lot of fun writing the hero’s point of view—I have a huge crush on this guy—and I really love the heroine (and her dog. And her family!).

I’m also working on a new book featuring a character readers have already met, as well as a return to a place a lot of readers loved. But I’m not sure I’m supposed to say too much about that just yet. Sorry!


Thank you so much for having me today!

As part of this interview, the publishers are offering up a copy of MY ONE AND ONLY to a lucky reader! Simply fill out the form below to be entered!

Details:
- US Only!
- Must be a follower of this blog.
- Contest ends Saturday, April 16 at midnight.

Click HERE to be taken to the form!