Lindsay Leggett, author of Flight, is under the spotlight

March 13, 2013 by sharonsant

I’m half way through reading Lindsay’s book, Flight, and so far I love it. The premise is unlike anything I’ve come across before and she has a really crisp writing style that hooks you from the start. Fans of The Hunger Games will love it. So, I couldn’t wait for Lindsay to step up to my regular author interview.

If you don’t already know, what star sign do you think your main character is?

This is so funny, because I always knew Piper had an April birthday, but never looked up her sign. She fits into Taurus. She can be a bit “bull”-headed, but is fiercely loyal. I think it fits her well.

If you could be friends in real life with any of your characters, who would it be and why?

I’d probably get on best with Sandy. He’s a bit of a computer nerd but has a huge heart.

Have you ever written a character that you’ve disliked so much you’ve scrapped them from a work?

Not in that manner. I’ve scrapped characters many times, but usually just because they didn’t add to the plot at the time, or made for too many story-lines. I generally like writing characters I dislike.

Which of your characters would frighten you if you met them in real life?

Probably Piper. She’s a pretty tough cookie, but maybe also Darcy. She’s harsh and unforgiving. I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side even for a second!

Describe your book in one word

Impossible

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Workaholic, Dreamer, Loyal, Quirky, Unapologetic

Do you ever consult friends when you’re stuck with a plot?

Yes. And they almost always give the worst answers! 😉 Sometimes; however, I’ll find a hidden gem I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

What’s your personal kryptonite?

Craft supplies and organization items that are cute. I need to have them, even if I don’t have the time to create or anything to organize.

If you could converse, a la Dr Dolittle, with one type of animal, which would it be and why?

Horse, so I could know what my horses think of me. Wait, maybe I don’t want to know.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.

Find out more about Lindsay and her writing on Goodreads or her website or find her on Twitter: @akabins

Jason T Graves, author of Blood Roses, asks what dolphins dream about.

March 10, 2013 by sharonsant

By now you all know the drill. I kidnap some lovely author (virtually, of course) and subject them to my fiendish riddles of doom. For everyone not inhabiting my bizarre personal universe, that means that I ask them questions about their books. Today it’s the turn of Jason T Graves, another author taking part in the awesome indie giveaway, to tell us about his writing and Blood Roses.

If you don’t already know, what star sign do you think your main character is?

Madeline and Marissa were born under the sign of Libra. I assume that means they will bring balance to the force.

If you could be friends in real life with any of your characters, who would it be and why?

Wilhelm; he is wise, kind, well-travelled, highly educated, and rich.

Have you ever written a character that you’ve disliked so much you’ve scrapped them from a work?

A few times; Some of the people in Blood Roses are annoying enough to me that they die in the sequel.

Which of your characters would frighten you if you met them in real life?

Corelis and the undead Godek.

Describe your book in one word.

Good.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Dashingly normal and audaciously humble.

Do you ever consult friends when you’re stuck with a plot?

In addition to my wife, I have circle of writer friends and beta readers who I consult with about issues that I have with my stories. I don’t usually get stuck on a point to that degree, though. If I have problems with a story, I set it aside and work on another story until the problem with the first unblocks and a solution presents itself.

What’s your personal kryptonite?

Doughnuts… they are the Dr. Horrible of pastries, and I cannot leave them be.

If you could converse, a la Dr Dolittle, with one type of animal, which would it be and why?

Cetaceans (dolphins and whales). I would ask them why they keep forgiving us despite our slaughter of them, and what they dream about.

Tea or coffee?

Tea… Chai. Rooibos. White. Green. Herbal.

You can find out more about Jason and his books at the following locations:

Jason’s blog

Clare Davidson, author of Trinity, gives us a peek into the world of Kiana

March 7, 2013 by sharonsant

Today Clare Davidson, author of Trinity, another great book up for grabs in the great indie author giveaway, guests on my site with something a little bit different.

Kiana: The Girl Longing for Freedom

Forest image credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Yesterday was a hard day. Sometimes, especially in summer, my apartments can feel so small. I couldn’t concentrate on my lessons which annoyed Ducarius. Before he stormed out, he suggested that I remember everything that’s wonderful about my life and why it is I’m stuck here, in Blackoak Tower. Although he might not have phrased it quite like that.So… why am I here? I’m the incarnation of Miale. The soul of a god is stuck in my body. If… when I die, Gettryne will be plunged into the time of Thanatos. People will go insane and hurt themselves and their loved ones. When Miale is reborn, it will end. I can’t imagine how horrible it must be to wake up one day and realise you’ve done something so terrible it’s ripped your family apart. I know my Guardians have all experienced a time of Thanatos. They don’t talk about it, but most of them carry around the weight of sadness.

I’m here so they can protect me and make sure I live as long as possible. But I am surrounded by wonderful people–even Ducarius! Where do I start?

With Marcas, who else? I’ve known Marcas longer than anyone. When I was a girl he would spend hours playing with me. Hide and seek was our favourite game. You wouldn’t believe how many places there are to hide in only three rooms. One game could last for hours, especially if Erynn joined in as well.

He used to carry me around on his shoulders, while he galloped around like a horse. Once, I managed to catch a glimpse of the forest outside the tower. I reached my hand out and, even though the leaves were so far away, I imagined I could touch them and feel their texture between my fingertips–soft, like velvet. It was only a brief glimpse.

Then there’s Erynn, my handmaid. She arrived at the tower when I was six summers old. We’re friends, but she’s always a little wary around me, like she can’t get over how important I am. Marcas often jokes that Erynn and I could be sisters, we look so similar. Surely my sister would be able to see me for who I am, rather than shy away from the god within me?

Ducarius is my long suffering tutor. I think he spends more time telling me to stop daydreaming and drawing, rather than actually teaching me. That’s not true. I’ve learnt a lot from him: how to read and write; the history of Gettryne; knowledge of the gods and the banners of each of the twelve ruling lords.

He’s shown me drawings and paintings of a world I’ll never see: waterfalls, rivers, lakes, fields, mountains, animals, cities, villages and towns… even the sea. And sometimes, when he’s in a really good mood, he even encourages me to draw the things I dream of.

I shouldn’t complain, but some days I forget that everyone around me only wants what’s best for me. Some days, all I want is to be like everyone else–free.

Find out more about Clare and her books:

Goodreads

Amazon

Facebook

Twitter @ClareMDavidson

Meet Ruth Ellen Parlour, author of Earth Angel and aspiring Bunny Overlord!

March 6, 2013 by sharonsant

The lovely Ruth Ellen Parlour, author of Earth Angel and another of the participants in the great indie giveaway, has agreed to face my questions about her and her writing. Allons-y!

If you could be friends in real life with any of your characters, who would it be and why?

There’s a few of my characters who I could certainly be friends with, if they were real. I’d like to meet my male romantic interests. It seems that when I write about the men, I fall in love again. Dogga is a very popular man because he’s cheeky and would do anything for the ladies. At the moment I’m writing a short story and falling in love with Draego because he’s so sweet.

Have you ever written a character that you’ve disliked so much you’ve scrapped them from a work?

I have to say I’m not very good at scrapping things, I feel like because I’ve spent so much time working on something that I have to use it. I have scrapped characters in early drafts or simply changed something drastic about them to make them work in the story.

Which of your characters would frighten you if you met them in real life?

Gabrielle would frighten me. If I saw her I’d walk on the other side of the street because she’s always up to no good! She’s pretty scary.

Describe your book in one word

Fantastical!

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Bunny loving, geeky, lovely artist.

Do you ever consult friends when you’re stuck with a plot?

My mother is my creative consultant. If she was in a novel she’d be a wise old crone who guides the heroes on their journey. She’s very well read and learned so she’s my first and last go-to person. She also isn’t afraid to tell me what sucks.

What’s your personal kryptonite?

Cake. I can’t say no to cake…

If you could converse, a la Dr Dolittle, with one type of animal, which would it be and why?

Rabbits. I have a pet rabbit called Bandit. I’d love to know what he thinks of us, and I can ask him why he won’t eat his yummie yummie hay. Someday I’d like to be a bunny overlord.

Tea or coffee?

Tea. It’s like my fuel. I would never give tea up. Ever.

About Earth Angel

Eardesha is protected by the twelve Gods and their Earth Angels. Fighting against her destiny as an Earth Angel, Faith is returning to the temple for her lover who she had to leave behind. Gabrielle, a criminal, escapes from prison only to be guided back by the God’s to help Faith stop a war. Threatened by invasion from the Krieger, Eardesha’s military trains convicted criminals into a brutal and disposable army. Gabrielle and Faith discover a power the Gods have kept secret for thousands of years, a secret that would change the future of Eardesha, and use it to stop the war.

About Ruth

Ruth is an independent author of young adult fantasy. She is in training to be a crazy bunny lady, currently owning one chubby lop called Bandit.

Find Ruth hanging out at all these places…

Elisa Nuckle, author of Dominant Race, faces my fiendish author questions…

March 5, 2013 by sharonsant

I’m pleased to welcome Elisa Nuckle to the blog, author of Dominant Race, another title you can win in the big Indie Author giveaway. To shake things up a bit, this time I’ve set some questions of my own to find out more about what makes her tick.

If you don’t already know, what star sign do you think your main character is?

Hmm, Lilia doesn’t have a really specific birthday, but if I had to give her any sign, it would definitely be Aries. She’s just so stubborn, and it gets her into trouble.

If you could be friends in real life with any of your characters, who would it be and why

Owen. He seems like a fun, relaxed guy I could just hang out with, without any drama.

Have you ever written a character that you’ve disliked so much you’ve scrapped them from a work?

Yes, but in this particular story I actually loved the main bad guy so much it made me want to write more about him. Not sure what that says about both the bad guy and myself, haha!

Which of your characters would frighten you if you met them in real life?

In Dominant Race? Probably any of the devolved. They’d kill me pretty quick, so no thank you.

Describe your book in one word.

Trouble.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Derpy, honest, earnest, and anxious.

Do you ever consult friends when you’re stuck with a plot?

Oh yes! Sometimes they give me the best inspiration. My husband is especially good with this. He helped me make DR what it is, and its sequel even better. I learned a lot with DR, and I hope to only improve from here.

What’s your personal kryptonite?

Procrastination. I have all these plans for my writing (short stories, sequels, new series) that never happen because I just never write. It’s the biggest issue I need to fix if I want to write professionally as a long-term career.

If you could converse, a la Dr Dolittle, with one type of animal, which would it be and why?

I’d say a wolf, if only because I’ve always loved to know what’s really going on within those pack dynamics. That dialogue would’ve been really useful for Dominant Race, since the main character is wolf modified and very wolfish by nature.

Tea or coffee?

Tea, sweet iced tea in particular (I’m from Texas, what can I say).

About Elisa:

Elisa Nuckle is a twenty-something aspiring fantasy and science fiction novelist. It’s always been her dream to chase ideas down and put them into concrete words. Currently, she’s undergoing enlightenment at a community college in Houston, Texas, and plans on getting an English major in the hopefully-not-too-distant future. You can find out more about her by checking out the following sites:

Facebook | Twitter | Blog

Author of Graveyard Shift, Angela Roquet, talks about her books and life as an indie author

March 4, 2013 by sharonsant

Continuing on the Indie Giveaway theme, I’m pleased to share an interview with the author of the highly imaginative ‘Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc.’ series, Angela Roquet. You can win the first book in the series, Graveyard Shift on the giveaway.

Your books are really unique! How would you classify them?

While my series doesn’t contain vampires and werewolves, it is still considered Urban Fantasy, as the story takes place in modern time and it contains a variety of mythical deities and creatures commonly found in fantasy.

Where do you get your ideas for your books from?

I love studying world religions and mythology, and like most story ideas, mine began with a series of daydream questions. What would a modern afterlife look like? What if all the deities of every faith had to coexist on the other side, the same way we have to coexist on this side? What kind of terrorism might threaten a society like that? And who might I need to keep those rebels at bay? And that is how I met Lana Harvey, a Reaper employed by Grim at Reapers Inc., a thriving business in LimboCity, the capital of the afterlife.

Your covers look great! Did you pay an artist to design them?

I am a graphic designer, so fortunately, I was able to design my own covers. I get asked a lot about cover design from new authors who want to design their own covers, but don’t really know how to go about doing it or don’t think they’re talented enough to handle it. There are some really nice, simple cover designs out there that did not require a professional artist. If you can afford it, a professional cover design is great. But if you’re on a tight budget and want to DIY, my suggestion is to keep it simple. It’s okay to use fonts that are fancy, but make sure they are still easy to read. Go for a bright background color, or one that contrasts nicely with your text and images, and don’t underestimate the power of a simple, symbolic graphic. Get on Amazon or Goodreads and really look at the covers. You’re bound to find some inspiration and some examples that are simple enough to replicate.

How do you handle editing as an indie author?

I had three professionals with English degrees edit my first novel, and I still had a few typos slip through. I still find typos in traditionally published books too. It happens. As an indie author, I do not have a ton of books in a warehouse. They’re printed on demand, so I’m able to make corrections if I find an overlooked error. Which, as a perfectionist, I love! If you don’t have a few professionals at your disposal, there are still a few steps you can take to help ensure a grammatically correct novel. Make a list of the things you have the most trouble with, whether that be then vs. than, or grey vs. gray, and do a search in Word to make sure your usage is proper each time. Also, when you do your final read through, start at the end of your novel and read the pages in reverse order. This will help keep you from getting lost in the story. You’ll read slower and more carefully. If you want more tips on how to self-edit, subscribe to my Youtube channel. I’ll be posting a video in the next few weeks covering some common editing pitfalls.

What do you have coming out next?

“For the Birds” the third novel in my series “Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc.”, will be out in April 2013. I’m running in circles trying to finish it and simultaneously do edits. I would also like to release the fourth book in the series later this year, and possibly a standalone YA, either at the end of the year or early 2014.

Check out Angela’s amazing website

You can also find her on Goodreads or find out more about her books on Amazon

Monica La Porta tells how a podcast inspired her novel, The Priest

March 2, 2013 by sharonsant

It’s time for another visiting author from the group of awesome indies involved in the Indie Author Giveaway. Today I’m hosting the beautiful and talented Monica La Porta to tell us more about what inspired her to write The Priest.

The Story Behind the Story

Sometimes, inspiration comes from the most unexpected sources.
A few years ago, during a flight back home, I was listening to a podcast of a famous Italian stand-up comedian blathering about men. She ended her hilarious piece with a few remarks about the possibility of creating life without male’s contribution. Once I stopped laughing, the idea of a Roman Empire a` la Amazon formed in my mind. I’ve always enjoyed what-if tales and my favorite classes back in college were Sociology and Anthropology. I started wondering of what would happen from an evolutionary point of view to a society that mirrors ours; similar but reversed. An alternate Earth where women have absolute power and love between opposite genders is considered the most heinous sin. The seed of an idea was planted and I started writing Pax in the Land of Women. Almost halfway through what should have been the first installation in the Ginecean Chronicles series, two characters, Mauricio and Rosie, came to life. The elderly couple’s love story was heartbreaking and demanded to be told. It was November 2010, I took a break from Pax in the Land of Women, and decided to join Nanowrimo to write The Priest. A month later, the first draft was done. I finished writing Pax, now the second book in the series, and then started looking for the right editor to work on both novels. It proved to be a long and tortuous path. In October 2011, the person I had hired for the last proofreading pass of The Priest told me the manuscript wasn’t ready and needed to be edited. I was bummed, I had already paid two different editors to polish it, but I wasn’t going to release anything I couldn’t be proud of. Fortunately, my search ended soon after, and one year ago, in February 2012, thanks to my current editor, my little book finally left the safety of my computer for good. Six months after, Pax in the land of Women followed, and soon Prince of War should be released. The rest… is still to be written.

Links:

Monica La Porta’s blog:
The Ginecean Chronicles’ Facebook page
Goodreads Author page:
Where to find my books:
The Ginecean Chronicles:
The Priest
Pax in the Land of Women
Children’s books and YA short stories:
The Prince’s Day Out
Linda of the Night

The Priest

Mauricio is a slave. Like any man born on Ginecea, he is but a number for the
pure breed women who rule over him with cruel hands. Imprisoned inside the
Temple since birth, Mauricio has never been outside, never felt the warmth of
the sun on his skin. He lives a life devoid of hopes and desires. Then one day,
he hears Rosie sing. He risks everything for one look at her and his life is
changed, forever. An impossible friendship blossoms into affection deemed sinful
and perverted in a society where the only rightful union is between women. Love
is born where only hate has roots and leads Mauricio to uncover a truth that
could destroy Ginecea.

Rayne Hall talks about Storm Dancer

February 28, 2013 by sharonsant

I’m pleased to welcome fellow author, Rayne Hall, on to the blog today to tease her novel, Storm Dancer. This book has had great reviews on Amazon and the artwork is gorgeous. It’s one of a fabulous list of books that you can win in the Indie Giveaway (see below for the link).

Over to Rayne…

MEET DAHOUD. HE’S DANGEROUS.

Dahoud is a warrior, brave, honourable and kind. He loves horses, wrestling, music and dance, and he seeks a strong woman to cherish and respect for the rest of his life.

But he harbours a dark secret: demonic possession.

The djinn inside him urges Dahoud to hurt women and to subdue them with force.

Dahoud fights these evil desires with all his strength. But he has succumbed to them before, and it is only a matter of time before the djinn strikes again.

What woman is strong enough to partner Dahoud and face the danger of the djinn?

Storm Dancer is a dark-epic fantasy novel. It deals with dark issues and may not be suitable for young readers.

Dahoud. Art by Paul Davies and Erica Syverson, copyright Rayne Hall STORM DANCER cover reduced 300 pixels

You can follow on Twitter @RayneHall or check out the Goodreads page

If you’d like to purchase from the Amazon store, click here…

Find Rayne and other awesome indies in the great indie giveaway here…

Author of The Star Child series, Stephanie Keyes, talks YA fantasy, magic and surprising plot journeys

February 14, 2013 by sharonsant

I’m thriled that Stephanie Keyes can join me today on the blog to talk about what first got her reading and writing YA. She must have the prettiest website in publishing right now and she’s kindly agreed to sprinkle some of her magic over mine! So, Stephanie, take it away…

Hello everyone and a big thank you to Sharon for having me as a guest today! One of the questions Sharon asked me was how I got into writing in the YA genre.

Growing up, read a ton of YA books growing up, like, prepare to cringe “Sweet Valley High” (I know I just totally dated myself). Those didn’t really do it for me either. I think the turnoff came in the form of romance and high school politics being the only focus of the book. Being a teenager myself at the time, I wanted an escape from the real world, not a reminder of it.

I’d already read some fantasy books growing up, like TH White’s “The Once and Future King”. Though I truly enjoyed them, I had a hard time latching onto high fantasy.

Then I left both behind and spent years reading Women’s Fiction, Chick Lit, Popular fiction, Romance. Most of what I read ended up being from the Mass Market Paperback section.

Then I got pulled back into YA and Fantasy simultaneously. It was the combining of the two that changed what I read and opened up an entirely new genre of this YA/Fantasy/Paranormal realm. That happened for me with The Harry Potter series. Although I don’t know if much of JK Rowling’s famed series could be termed YA, it was introduced to me at the right time. I loved the idea of magic simply being introduced into our daily lives when we least expected it. For me, the series provided a new breed of palatable fantasy for those of us that couldn’t quite get into Tolkien.

The Harry Potter series was following by OR Melling’s “The Chronicles of Faerie”. Why do all Fantasy writers use initials, btw? These books were marvelous and pulled a great deal of Irish culture and history into the story, which I identified with, having a similar heritage.

By the time books like The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer… ah, there’s a full first name…came along, I started to think…Mmmh. I can write one of those. Writing wasn’t a new past time of mine – I’d wanted to be a journalist when I was younger. When I sat down with intentions to write “The Star Child” in 2008, I had no idea what it would become. When I finished the novel nine months later, no one was more surprised than I!

About Stephanie Keyes

Stephanie Keyes has been addicted to Fantasy since she discovered T.H. White as a child and started drumming up incredible journeys in her head. Today, she’s still doing the same thing, except now she gets to share those ideas with readers!

When she’s not writing, Stephanie is also a graphic designer, international speaker, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she’s best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years.

Mrs. Keyes holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Management Information Systems from Robert Morris University and a M.Ed. from Duquesne University. She is a member of the Society For Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), as well as a featured author in the global group of writers, Love a Happy Ending.com.

Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child (September 2012) and The Fallen Stars (April 12, 2013), both released by Inkspell Publishing. She is currently editing the third book in the trilogy, The Star Catcher.

Stephanie’s website

Amazon

Goodreads

18 Things author, Jamie Ayres, talks about not growing up, vampire action and writing YA

February 10, 2013 by sharonsant

It’s guest author time again. The lovely Jamie Ayres has agreed to be my guest on the blog today to tell us about her debut novel, 18 Things and her take on writing YA fiction. So, grab yourself a coffee (or, in my caffeine-phobe case, green tea) and read on…

Hi, ya’ll *waves* Big shout out to Sharon for hosting me! Let’s get this party started . . .

I made the transition from Wannabe YA Writer to Bona Fide Published Author just last month. I didn’t set out to write YA love stories, but I guess that’s what I enjoy reading the most, so that’s what flowed out of me. Specifically, I love coming-of-age stories . . . that time in our lives when we’re figuring out who we are and often falling in love for the first time and kinda getting away from the watchful eye of the parentals and the vulnerability that stems from all of that. Makes for great writing material!

It’s when I was a young adult in high school that I really discovered I wanted to be a writer. Teaching was tugging on my heartstrings too, so that’s what I majored in, with the intent to write in my ‘spare’ time. Back then I was naïve enough to think I’d have spare time when I grew-up (metaphorically speaking of course, because on the inside, I’m still a sixteen-year-old girl who still weighs one hundred twenty pounds, lol).

About the time kid #2 was entering kindergarten, I felt more free to read books for fun again, and it was perfect timing since my good friend started a book club. We were all moms in our thirties, but we got to talking about Twilight (I know, I know . . . we’re sooo original, hahaha). I wasn’t into vampire stories at all, but when I finally caved and picked it up, I couldn’t get enough. I loved how fast the story got under way. The pacing was so much quicker than what I was used to. Like most young adults (or wannabe YA), I have a short attention span, but everything in that book immediately grabbed me. Too many books I was reading before that left me with a “why should I give a crap?” feeling for far too long. They all gave me a nice character sketch for several chapters, but nothing to make me worry, to make me feel concerened, to make me feel like I wanted to be part of their world. Then, all of a sudden, I was living inside Bella’s head. LIVING each moment as she experienced it. The action was ACTIVE.

I was hooked on YA love stories after that, and I’ve never looked back.

About Jamie

Jamie Ayres writes young adult love stories with a paranormal twist by night and teaches young adults as a public school teacher by day. When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. She lives in southwest Florida with her prince charming, two children (sometimes three based on how Mr. Ayres is acting), and a basset hound. She spent her youthful summers in Grand Haven, Michigan and this setting provided the inspiration for her debut novel, 18 Things. She really does have grandmothers named Olga and Gay but unlike her heroine, she’s thankfully not named after either one of them. She loves lazy pajama days, the first page of a good book, stupid funny movies, and sharing stories with fantastic people like you. Visit her website at http://www.jamieayres.com/ or find her on these social media sites: