Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Book Blitz & Giveaway: The Boyfriend List


Hi, everyone! Today I'm having a Book Blitz for the book The Boyfriend List by Renee Novelle.

The Boyfriend List by R.S. Novelle
Publication date: February 10th 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Sypnosis:
The Boyfriend List follows twenty-year-old Reagan in her quest for the perfect relationship after a somewhat tragic spring break breakup leaves her disillusioned about love… again.

Reagan had always prided herself on making levelheaded, practical, analytical decisions about everything. Everything, that is, except where guys are concerned. Which was proven to her, once again, when her “boyfriend” opts to take another girl on their oh-so-romantic trip to his lake house. In order to prevent future heartbreak, she creates a checklist of all the qualities she wants in a man, and vows not to give her heart away again until she can determine if they fit every last criteria.

After scouring campus with her two best friends in her tricky journey, her detective work returns a pile of unworthy rejects, and it seems as though her choices are narrowed down to only two options: the hot stranger who’s inspired her new project, and her best guy friend Ian, who she’s always kept at bay due to his perceived playboy reputation.

Reagan gets more than she bargained for with her new set of rules, however, and is surprised to find that love, and the perfect boyfriend, may have been within reach the entire time. But will Ian’s reputation ruin his chances to prove his worth? And can Reagan let go of her insecurities long enough to even give him a chance?

The Boyfriend List is a light, New Adult romance about friendship, trust, and learning to let go in order to embrace what real love can offer.

Goodreads |  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords


AUTHOR BIO:
Renee’ Novelle is Preceded by a long line of published family members, including Pulitzer Prize nominated author and Poet Laureate of Kentucky Jesse Stuart.

As a child, Novelle was already gaining recognition for several of her works, and in her formative years, she continued this trend by earning local awards for her short stories and poems.

Inspired to cultivate her talent, Novelle pursued freelance journalism and has found placement of 75 of her pieces in both online and print publications since 2008. Additionally, she has written multiple screenplays, and contributed her savvy, effective writing style to many non-profit and for profit organizations. She launched several blogs over the years, which garnered international attention.

In 2013, Novelle returned to her first love – fiction. She writes psychological and paranormal thrillers, as well as contemporary fiction and new adult fiction. For a complete schedule of upcoming releases, please visit www.RSNovelle.com

Though she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication, Summa Cum Laude, she considers herself a constant student of the written word. She’s an avid reader, an enthusiastic quote poster, and rarely takes “no” as a final answer. She has an unhealthy obsession for theater, dance, music and art, and strongly believes that wine is simultaneously the beginning of, and resolution to, all of life’s problems. She believes in following dreams, and that in the end, you always end up where you're meant to be.

Website |  Twitter | Facebook |  Goodreads


Where are you from originally?

Originally I was born in the tiny little town of Ashland, Kentucky. But we moved pretty quickly, and I grew up almost all of my life in Gainesville, Florida (Go Gators!). Living in a city that kind of revolves around the college there, and is comprised of mostly college students gave me some great material for my upcoming New Adult stories.

Tell us your latest news?

I’m so, so excited to have just released my first New Adult romance! I had so much fun writing this book, and I really hope that readers will be able to connect with the characters. I had originally planned it as a single title, but I’ve received so many requests asking for more of Reagan and Ian that I’ve decided to turn it into a trilogy! I’m really excited to explore the next step in their journey together.

Where do you get your ideas?

It depends on what genre I’m writing in. Sometimes they come from real life events and experiences. Other times they’re inspired by pieces of a news story I’ve heard or something in the community. But lately my muse likes to drop them into my head at 3am while I’m trying to sleep.

What is your writing process?

I generally tend to think of the title first (I work backwards like that), and then form the general concept of the story around that. I sit on this for weeks, months, even years in some instances until I feel like I know the story and characters well enough to plot the whole thing out. After writing a detailed outline, I start the first draft and edit as I go. Then I give it one or two more edits before passing it on to my proof readers/beta readers. I tend to write quickly, so once I have an outline and commit to writing a story, I usually have it done in 2-3 months.

Are any of your characters based on real-life friends or acquaintances?

I think I pull aspects of personalities from my real-life friends, but there isn’t a character that is completely someone I know. I based a lot of Ian’s characteristics, the way he loves and his attentiveness to those he cares about, around the person I’m in love with. They’re very much alike in that regard. And I’ve had friends like Petra in the past who are so outgoing and confident in every situation.

Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Absolutely! I think as a writer it’s hard not to. You want the characters to be relatable and feel real, so I’m constantly giving them my own insecurities and strengths, and relying on my own experiences to portray a particular moment. But even more than that, I often find that my characters are enjoying my favourite type of coffee or tea, or that the color nail polish that I’m wearing as I write a scene is the color they’re wearing as well.

Tell us about your cover. Did you design it yourself and if you did where did you get the inspiration?

I designed the overall concept and feel of the cover, but I worked very closely with a professional graphic artist to bring it all together. I understand my limitations, and I think it’s very beneficial to utilize professionals whenever possible. And I enjoy the collaboration of working with someone else, bouncing ideas off each other and watching the process of the image coming to life.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee!!! I live for caffeine. But a nice cup of tea helps me unwind after a long day of writing.

What do you do outside of writing?

I also still write as a freelance journalist for magazines. But when I’m NOT writing, I enjoy the beach, going to concerts or musicals, trying a new restaurant, or exploring a new city. Since I spend so much time at my desk, I really enjoy activities that will get me outside and active.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Lifers


Hi, everyone! Today I'm having a Book Blitz for the book Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick.

Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick
Publication date: February 7th 2014
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Sypnosis:
After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.

Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn’t changed since he was carted off to juvie all those years ago. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.

Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can distance erase the memories that haunt him? Trapped in the prison of his own mind Jordan wonders if the pain of living will ever subside?

Torrey Delaney is new in town and certainly doesn’t behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex is the talk of the town. Add that to her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman, and the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.

As friendship forms, is it possible for two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, will they find their place in the world? Can they struggle against the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?

Is love a life sentence? 

Due to scenes of a sexual nature, not recommended for under 18.

Goodreads |  Amazon | 



AUTHOR BIO:
I started writing contemporary romance two years ago. Before that, I didn’t think I could write a sex scene. Turns out I can!
My lucky number is 13 because I was born on the 13th and live near a haunted castle by the ocean. My number one past-time is watching hot surfers get changed into (and out of) their wetsuits.
My husband doesn’t read my books. My mother does.
Writing is my love, my hobby, my total addiction. All my characters are important to me and whisper their stories, even when I’ve finished writing their books. That’s why you’ll often find bonus chapters/out-takes from various books, because those voices just won’t be quiet. 

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Book Blitz: Eramane by Frankie Ash


Hi, everyone! Today I'm having a Book Blitz for the book Eramane by Frankie Ash. Check out the book, the interview with the author herself and don't forget to enter the giveaway for the chance to win an ebook of Eramane and $50 Amazon Giftcard.

Eramane by Frankie Ash
(Eramane Trilogy, #1)
Publication date: Summer, 2013
by Archway Publishing
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Sypnosis:
In the village of Eludwid, seventeen-year-old Eramane Fahnestock goes about her life, cheerfully disregarding a prophecy made to her parents that she would have a great gift. Not yet wed and beset with boredom, Eramane cannot shake the feeling that something exciting awaits her beyond Eludwid. But when she is invited to picnic with a handsome young suitor, Eramane has no idea that her life will soon change forever. 

As Eramane prepares for her date, she is suddenly hypnotized by a strange voice that tells her he will be coming for her that night. Unsettled but determined to press forward, Eramane and her suitor, Lebis, head to the woods to enjoy their picnic. As darkness falls on the forest, however, a beast emerges, transforming their beautiful outing into a terrifying scene. Taken captive and carried away to a mountain hideaway, Eramane finds her memories are soon clouded, even as her family frantically searches for her back home.

In this gripping fantasy tale, evil is summoned to the mountaintop, forcing a young woman to discover her magical gifts and exact revenge against a beast determined to destroy everything she has ever loved.


Goodreads |  Amazon | 



AUTHOR BIO:
Frankie Ash is the author of the YA novel Eramane, COMING SOON! She holds a B.A. in English and resides on the east-coast somewhere between “Will it ever be warm again?” and “The summers here are too short!” She is currently writing book #2 of The Eramane Trilogy, to be published in 2014.



Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter 

What inspired you to write ERAMANE?
I really don’t remember. It was over ten years ago when the idea popped in my head. I think I was driving in my car. But that’s the awesome thrill of being a writer, when those great ideas just peek-a-boo in on you.

What are some of your favorite books/authors?
The Hobbit, anything from Poe or King, I added a new fav when I read The Hunger Games, Ann Rice has a special place in my heart, and I read every single R.L Stein book I could get my hands on when I was a kid.

How did you get in to writing?
From reading, there is something about a really great book that takes hold of you and won’t let go, and you find yourself thinking, “Man, I want to create something that awesome too!”

What do you like to do other than write?
I love listening to music and hanging with my family. I like catching a movie here and there. I really like to drink coffee and think about writing. Umm, does that count?

Did you listen to music when you wrote ERAMANE, and if so, who were some of the artists?
I sure did. But the experience of music is so individual, and tagging Eramane with the music that helped inspire me to write it might spoil the experience for others. It might not be that big of a deal, I don’t know.

How long did it take to write ERAMANE?
Well like I said, the idea came to me over ten years ago. I began writing immediately but not steadily. I didn’t actually finish it until 2005. Then I sat on it for several years before deciding to publish. And there were some developmental changes made during the editing process, but for the most part my initial story remained. So in short…haha…about 13 years. Don’t worry though; book two is moving along at a much faster rateJ

Did you have the whole trilogy planned before you began writing book #1?
Not even close. I know how I want ERAMANE to end, and I know certain things that I want to happen in the story, certain things that have to happen, and with that I will take her to the end…the path is plotted daily.



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Monday, September 24, 2012

My Indie Monday #3




Welcome to My Indie Monday! MIM is hosted by Me, My Shelf and I.

MY INDIE MONDAY is a meme all about Independent and Self Published Authors. Who they are. Where to find them. Why you should read them.

I'm so excited to have Megan Duncan on my blog today. As you all know I'm just so obsessed with her Warm Delicacy series. I thought it would be interesting to see what a conversation between Megan and Claire; the vampire princess from the Warm Delicacy series would be like. And don't forget to check out a giveaway of the book.


About Megan:
Megan Duncan is a lover of all things paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi and anything just out of the ordinary. She is continually fighting her addiction to chocolate and living in her overactive imagination.


Interview With a Vampire 

Megan: Hi, Claire. How have you been? 

Claire: Hey, Meg! I’m doing pretty good considering there’s an uber scary, evil vampire trying to kill everyone. But, with my friends and family by my side, and Arrick’s guardian nature watching over me, I know we’ll make it through.And how about you? Is there anything you’re working on right now? 

Megan: Oh, you know, the usual. Working, writing and taking care of my crazy cat. It just feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But life must be pretty hectic for you too. What with adapting to your new life in Naos. 

Claire: Yes. At times it does seem like there is always something going on, but those special moments where I can simply breathe and enjoy who I’m with make it all worth it. Like the other night I spent an amazing evening on the beach with Arrick! We talked, and laughed, and I was able to completely forget everything that was stressing me out. But, being a writer must be wonderful. Creating new fantastical world, having fans… 

Megan: It really is wonderful. I love being able to live in my imagination and create stories that people enjoy reading. But being a vampire princess must be awesome too. And having two gorgeous guys vying for your attention is just dreamy. 

Claire: Well, I wouldn’t say two. I think Dmitry is still pretty miffed about Arrick and I. I’m hoping he’ll get over it and we can be friends again. I still care about him, but things are different, ya know?So what’s happening with you. Is there any plans for the new book? 

Megan: This new book is going to be epic! I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but I will say that there are a lot of twists and turns no one is going to see coming! Squee! Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I know you must have some pretty tight schedule. 

Claire: I’m never too busy for you!

Megan: And thanks so much for not wanting to drink my blood or anything. 

Claire: Ha ha! If you were as tasty as Arrick’s I might have. JK


Savor (Warm Delicacy #1)

Summary from Goodreads:
When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. In a world fueled by the power of blood, Claire quickly discovers the vampire royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past, she never knew existed.



Indulge (Warm Delicacy #2)

Summary from Goodreads:
Claire's heart is torn between her first vampire love, Dmitry, and the Blood Mate, Arrick, that she is eternally bonded to with a powerfully deep and emotional connection. A vengeful vampire is haunting her steps, after Claire killed their mate. An ancient evil threatens to rip her world apart. With the danger of war looming on the darkening horizon, will Claire find the strength to fight back and protect those she loves? Even if it means embracing the darkness inside her? Is it worth it to become the evil she fears, in order to destroy it?


Giveaway
1. An ebook copy of the books and signed bookmarks.
2. Ends October 15th.
3. Open International.
4. Fill in the rafflecopter and that's it!


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Friday, August 17, 2012

Interview & Giveaway: Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman

Hi, folks! I have the lovely Jodie Gehrman today for an interview and a giveaway of her latest YA book; Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft which I simply adore!


About Jodie:
Jody Gehrman is the author of seven novels and numerous plays. Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is her most recent Young Adult novel. Her other Young Adult novels include Babe in Boyland, Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, and Triple Shot Bettys in Love, (Penguin's Dial Books). Babe in Boyland won the International Reading Association Teen Choice Award and has recently been optioned by the Disney Channel. Her adult novels are Notes from the Backseat, Tart, and Summer in the Land of Skin (Red Dress Ink).

Her plays have been produced in Ashland, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and L.A. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She is a professor of English at Mendocino College.


Jody Gehrman

Where did you get the inspiration to write the book?
I'm fascinated with witchcraft. I guess I'm a pagan at heart; I've always felt there's a mysterious power running through the natural world. The idea of humans having the ability to tap that power appeals to me on a basic level. Growing up in Northern California, I knew at least a handful of people who identified as witches, so it wasn't that foreign to me. I started writing this book about seven years ago for adults, but I never felt like it was quite working. Then I realized it would work well as a YA novel, so I pulled out the old draft and gave it a radical makeover.

What do you think is totally unique about your story?
Well, for starters, it's got necromancers, cute boys, and magical chocolate cake. That's kind of a unique combination.

Your favourite character in the book and why?
I really enjoyed getting to to know all the characters, but I especially liked Sadie. Imagining her confusion as she moves from a totally magical community to the world of mundanes amused and interested me. She's definitely one of my favorite characters in the book.

Favourite book of all time and why?
I'm sorry, I'm just too wishy-washy and in love with too many books to give you a firm answer on this. It depends on my mood! Some of my favorites in the realm of “classics” include Nabokov, both of the Brontes (but especially Charlotte) and Jane Austen. Southern writers like Ellen Gilchrist made a big impression on me as a young writer. When I found Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones Diary, Nick Hornby's High Fidelity and Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series I became fascinated with modern British comedic writers. I read a lot of YA these days. Some of my favorite YA writers are Beth Fantaskey, Nina LaCour, Maggie Stiefvater, Katie Crouch and Stacey Jay.

Favourite holiday destination?
I love beaches: Turks and Caicos is one of my favorites. Though honestly, hanging out at the creek behind my dad's house in the mountains is also pretty dreamy, and a lot less expensive. Oh, and I adore Japan! Apparently I'm incapable of answering any of your questions simply.

If someone made a movie based on your life, which actor/actress will you pick to be you?
Ummm...Charlize Theron, I think. She's so radiant, yet she brings a gritty realism to her roles too. Nice combination. She'd do me proud.


Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft

Summary from Goodreads:
Falling in Love, baking a magical cake, fighting an evil necromancer—it’s all in a day’s work for Audrey Oliver, seventeen-year-old witch-in-training. When her mother goes missing and her twenty-one-year-old witchy cousin shows up out of the blue, Audrey knows something’s gone horribly, dangerously wrong. Now it’s up to her to get her own magical powers up to speed before everyone she loves is destroyed by the sorcerer intricately connected to her mother’s secret past.



1. A paperback copy of Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft open to US/Canada and ebook for International followers.
2. Ends August 31st.
3. Fill in the rafflecopter and that's it!

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Monday, August 13, 2012

My Indie Monday #1: Liz Long




Welcome to the first ever My Indie Monday post! MIM is hosted by Me, My Shelf and I.

MY INDIE MONDAY is a meme all about Independent and Self Published Authors. Who they are. Where to find them. Why you should read them.

Today, I'm so excited to welcome Liz Long, author of Gifted. And don't forget to check out a giveaway of the book.


About Liz:
Liz Long has been writing stories since she could spell the word "unicorn" (second grade). She fears a zombie apocalypse, though admits it would give her good reason to stay inside and write more. She is a proud graduate of Longwood University with a degree in English. Gifted is her debut title, the first in the Donovan Circus series. She lives in Roanoke, VA with her husband Jason and their Jack Russell terror, Fisher.
Liz Long
Where did you get the inspiration to write the book?
I'm an Aries, a Fire sign, so I've always been interested in fire (not in the arson way, promise). I wanted to create a world that was supernatural, but didn't necessarily showcase the vampire/werewolf/magic part of the world. I also wanted to create a strong character that made readers laugh even when they thought she was being bullheaded, and sometimes, that just required a mirror ;)

What do you think is totally unique about your story?
I think it's unique in the sense that it's a world no one's seen before. Even though it does resemble X-Men powers, that's as far as the similarities go. I hadn't seen too many circus setting books (until recently, oddly enough), but with the setting (not a high school or regular work environment), the fantasy in it can sort of speak for itself. Plus I like to think I fooled everyone pretty well--every time you think you know the villain or what's going to happen next, I take it in the opposite direction, so it's hard to actually guess the ending until you're finished!

Can you describe the book in 20 words.
(Oh gosh.) A fantasy adventure with supernatural powers at the circus. A little love. Lot of drama. Murder mystery. Kick ass. (That's 19, so there!)

What makes you choose the circus as the setting for Gifted?
As soon as I thought up Lucy and her Gifted world, it was like I knew to put them in a circus. Sounds bizarre, but I just knew! Of course people with special talents would hide in the circus--they can be themselves together as a family, develop their gifts with help and support, and hide from humans while still taking their money legally. It made total sense to me and the more I developed it, the happier I was with the story and setting.

Your favourite character from the book?
Oh gosh, this is actually really tough! I love writing Lucy, but I'd probably say it's a tie between Delia and Finley. Both are fun-loving, friendly, and very loyal. Nothing really ever gets them down because it's not in them to get discouraged. Finley's got some of the best lines, too, just because he's immature and there for a good time!

Any plans for the next book?
Yes! I fully intend to dive back into the circus for a second story, and hopefully a third and fourth (maybe a fifth and sixth...). It's a series, but each book will be able to stand alone, so I hope to continue on as long as the ideas keep coming.


Gifted: A Donovan Circus Novel

Summary from Goodreads:
Even in a world of freaks, being a Firestarter is considered a dangerous Gift.

Lucy was born with the ability to create and control fire. She longs to leave the human world for one filled with Earthshakers, Transporters, and Chameleons, to name a few. When she rejoins the circus, it’s everything she hoped it could be—new friends, a potential love interest or two, and a place where she can be herself.

When troupe members begin turning up dead, however, Lucy is suspected of foul play. She must not only prove her innocence but also realize the full extent of her power. To find the real murderer, she must uncover the truth behind her father’s fiery legacy while figuring out whom to trust within her new circle. Little does she know the history of the Donovan Circus and its enemies might actually destroy the entire gifted world.


Giveaway
1. An ebook (Kindle/Nook) copy of the book.
2. Ends August 27th.
3. Open International.
4. Fill in the rafflecopter and that's it!

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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Interview & Giveaway:Goddess Interrupted by Aimée Carter

Hi, folks! Today I have an interview with the lovely Aimée Carter, Author of the Goddess Test Series. So many people loved the Goddess Test series and I reviewed Goddess Interrupted some time ago. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the book at the end of this post.

How familiar were you with Greek myths and folklore before writing the Goddess Test series?  Was a lot of research required? 

I first fell in love with Greek mythology when I was a kid learning how to read, and my infatuation only grew from there. I’ve studied various kinds of mythology for years, sometimes for class and always for fun, but even then I put a great deal of research into the Goddess Test series. Mostly as a refresher to make sure I was getting my facts right, but I also researched the various myths looking for ways to tie the plots and characters together in unexpected ways.

Was Goddess Interrupted any easier or harder to write than the first book in the series, The Goddess Test? 

It was both easier and harder, in a strange way. I rewrote The Goddess Test multiple times, and I’ve never edited a book more heavily in my life. Goddess Interrupted did require some editing, of course, but it was much easier.

However, the pressure to deliver a sequel worthy of the series made the writing process for Goddess Interrupted more difficult than I’d anticipated. There’s something called the “sophomore slump”, where sequels or second books generally don’t quite match up to the second, and I wanted to avoid that at all cost. So that added a lot of stress, but in the end, I was very happy with the results. 

You give the gods and goddesses in the series “ordinary names” – Zeus is named Walter, Aphrodite goes by Ava, Hermes is named James.  Why did you do that and do the more contemporary names have any significance? 

This was something I went back and forth on multiple times. Initially the characters Kate encounters weren’t council members at all – I changed that very, very quickly though. By the second draft, I had a place for each of the Olympians, and I did some heavy rewriting to replace my first draft characters with the gods. I wanted to find a way to keep their names the same, but since they’re supposed to live among us in secret in the modern world, it didn’t really make sense. How many men named Zeus do you know, or women called Aphrodite? On top of that, keeping the council’s identities secret was incredibly important to the plot. So eventually I decided they would have changed their names when Western civilization stopped worshipping them as gods, allowing them to live freely among us.

I did choose each name for what it means, some more than others – Walter, for instance, means “army leader”, while James means “supplanter”. The exception is Calliope, which in the story was chosen by her counterpart for its Greek roots. The reason the gods changed their names – and why Artemis didn’t wind up with the name Diana – is explained throughout the series, but you get to actually see this happen in The Goddess Legacy (July 31).
  
Goddess Interrupted begins with the main character Kate Winters adjusting to her new life as an immortal.  Given Kate’s innate strength and stubbornness, was it difficult to switch gears to portray her as a bit more vulnerable and unsure of herself in her new role as goddess AND wife? 

Not so much, to be honest – her progression felt natural to me. While Kate is very tough in certain ways, she’s extremely vulnerable as well. She’s emotionally dependent on the people around her (her mother in the first book, Henry in the second), and that in and of itself carves the path she takes in the sequel. She’s spent six months with Henry, falling in love with him and forming a relationship she thinks is going to last for eternity. But Henry is battling his own demons and isn’t ready to be the person she needs him to be, and because Kate is so stubborn, she has a hard time coming to terms with that. In the sequel, Kate really is her own worst enemy emotionally – her entire world has changed, after all, and that’s a lot for anyone to take – but it’s all part of her development into a goddess and queen. 

Kate finds herself trying to work through her rather complicated relationship with James, as well as her relationship with her new husband, Henry (Hades).  Neither seems to be black and white, but rather varying shades of gray.   Were any of Kate’s feelings or situations based on any relationship struggles you’ve been through? 

Not personally, no, but I did try to make Kate’s relationships with the people in her life as realistic as possible. She isn’t perfect, and neither are they, and that’s something they all have to work through at varying points in the series. None of the relationships in the books are based off of specific experiences I’ve been through though.
  
What is your favorite part of the writing process?  Least favorite? 

Outlining is by far my favorite part of the process. I love the idea stage, where anything’s possible, and it’s such a shiny place. All of that comes crashing down when I write the first draft though, which is the hardest part for me. I tend to get mentally exhausted about two thirds to three quarters of the way into the manuscript, and it’s always a struggle for me to push through it, especially if I’m on a deadline. And inevitably there are a ton of problems I didn’t notice in the outline stage that have to be fixed for the story to work. I’m a perfectionist, so in order for me to continue writing the story, everything I’ve already written has to make sense.

Do you have a favorite quote or line from a poem or book? 

I love so many quotes that I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite.

How did you get your first publishing deal and how did that feel? 

My agent, Rosemary Stimola, sent the manuscript out to various publishers, and after a long submission process, Harlequin TEEN offered to publish it! I was stunned at first, but that quickly gave way to giddiness. It was an incredible feeling to know I’d be published, and to this day, I still can’t quite believe it. 

When is the next book in the series due out? Any hints on what will happen in book 3? 

Goddess Interrupted, the sequel to The Goddess Test, came out in late March. The next book in the series, The Goddess Legacy, will be out July 31. It’s a collection of five novellas told in the perspectives of Calliope, Ava, Persephone, James, and Henry, and together they form one story.

The third book in the series, The Goddess Inheritance, is currently scheduled to be released in March 2013. Unfortunately I can’t say too much about it, but the challenges that Kate will face are pretty clear by the end of the sequel! 

After the huge success of The Goddess Test, Goddess Interrupted is on many, many TBR lists for this summer.  What’s on your TBR list? 

I’m so excited for a slew of books coming out – The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, Grave Mercy, The Selection, The Serpent’s Shadow, Philippa Gregory’s YA novel, and a ton of others. I never have as much time to read as I want, but I’m definitely making time for all of those and more! 

Yearbook Superlatives! If you went to high school with the Greek gods and goddesses, who would you vote for?

·       Most likely to succeed? - Hera
·       Class clown? - Hermes
·       Nicest? – Demeter or Hephaestus
·       Best dressed? - Aphrodite
·       Best dancer? - Apollo
·       Most school spirit? - Iris
·       Most likely to attend summer school? - Ares
·       Teachers pet? - Athena

Thanks to the publisher who has kindly given a copy of Goddess Interrupted to one winner. This giveaway is open to US/Canada only and ends on May 17th.

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