Author Interviews

It does exactly what it says on the tin :)

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Author Spotlight…Dale Ibitz

 

  Let’s meet this week’s spotlighted author… Dale Ibitz

Dale Ibitz was born in Oxford, Connecticut, grew up in the state of Washington, and then re-located back to Connecticut as an adult. Always a lover of books, she spent much of her childhood reading, visiting the library (her best friend’s mother was a librarian…how convenient), and writing. She majored in English at Central Connecticut State University, and while Dale holds a full-time day job where she’s immersed in the dry life of writing contracts, she’s been writing young adult fantasy and mid-grade contemporary for seventeen years (on the side, of course).

 

Mini-Interview

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you?

  1. Chocolate, and lots of it. Maybe like a magical chocolate fountain that never runs out. A girl’s got to eat.
  2. The entire Lords of the Underworld series (because a girl’s got to keep warm at night 🙂
  3. A match, for just about everything else.

 

Give us a glimpse into a typical day in your day starting when you wake up till you lie down again.

 Ugh. Okay.

5:00 a.m. Up and at ‘em!.

Get ready for work, get the kids ready for school. Sneak in a bit of chocolate, because really, who wants to start their day without it?

6:30 a.m. Rush out the door to catch the bus to work.

On the bus I write on my netbook. Or, if the battery is dead, read on my Nook. Or, if my Nook is dead, stare out the window and hate myself for not charging my batteries.

7:45 a.m. Arrive at work.

Work, work, work all the live-long day. Sneak in bits of chocolate to keep me going throughout the day, because really, who can survive without it?

5:00 – or 5:30 p.m. (timing depends on how miserable my day is) Catch the bus home. See comment for 6:30 a.m. on how I spend the bus ride.

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Arrive home.

Cook, chauffeur, clean, read.

10:00 p.m. Asleep before my head hits the pillow.

 

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

To be invisible. I always thought it would be kind of glamorous to be a spy; I would totally rock at being a spy if I could vanish on a whim.

 

One food you would never eat?

Snails. Ew and ick and everything in between.

 

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

Haley is a girl that most teens can relate to (a little lost, a little confused, and a little shy), not to mention the little bit of evil, little bit of romance, little bit of mystery, and little bit of action in the entire Last Moon Rising Series.

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Strong Blood (Last Moon Rising # 2)Strong Blood - Cover

The war between nature’s gods continues to rage on Eyidora and Haley, descendant of the Air Eyid, struggles with her own battles. She’s mired in a battle with Ian, the Fire Eyid descendant, over the lost Eyid stones. She needs the stones to stop the war, and he needs the stones to destroy Eyidora. She knows where the Land Eyid stone is hidden, and she races to Tamoor to find it before Ian does.

Haley still doesn’t trust Tuggin, the stone-faced Eyidoran assigned to protect her. As a Menta witch, he’s adept at lying, mind-control, and killing. Even though Haley is starting to believe that Tuggin may be serving more than one master, she continues to battle her feelings for him, never sure which duty he feels most inclined to serve.

But Haley’s biggest battle of all comes when she meets Luke and Telsa, twins with undeniable strength. Haley invites them to join her on her mission to find the Land Eyid stone. Has she put her trust in someone who may be just as dark and dangerous as Ian, the descendant of Fire himself?

 

Want to know more? Check out the links!

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/daleibitz

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dale%20ibitz

Blog: http://dalesplace-dale.blogspot.com/

 http://daleibitz.wix.com/daleibitz

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Interview with…author Hannah Harvey

On Wednesday we did a cover reveal for Hannah’s latest book – today we find out more about her and her writing in a special interview! 

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Hannah Harvey - Author

Hannah Harvey – Author

What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day? Curled up under a blanket reading a really good book, oh and drinking some nice strong coffee.

What is the one book you think everyone should read? The Fault in our Stars by John Green

How do you react to a bad review? I try to look at ways I can improve my writing based on what the review has said. I’m not really one to let bad reviews get to me, because everyone is entitled to an opinion.

Which authors have influence you most, and how? John Green has definitely influenced me, watching his videos and reading his books does have an influence on me, because I just love the way he creates characters, and how in depth he makes them. Also I really love his style of writing.

Night owl or early bird? Most definitely a night owl, I’m usually always up until at least 1am.

What are you working on at the moment – do you have any other books in the works? I’m sort of half working on a new novel called ‘Love and Other Works of Fiction’ but that’s going to be put on the back burner while I write my NaNoWriMo novel ‘The Possible Existence of Happiness’ both of these I hope to get published. I’ve also been working on editing my two Camp NaNo novels, ‘From Now On’ and ‘After Summer.’ [asidefromwriting – After Summer was released yesterday!)

What inspired you to want to become a writer? Just reading a lot I guess. I’d always loved writing, as a kid I used to love writing short stories, and even though when I was younger I hated reading, by the time I got to about thirteen or fourteen I was in love with reading, and it was really then that I started putting more effort into my stories, and actually finishing some. After that it was NaNoWriMo, I got involved with that and once I had these completed manuscripts, I just thought why not publish them and see what other people think.

What was your favorite book when you were younger? I really loved and still do love ‘I Capture the Castle’ by Dodie Smith.

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? Editing is your friend, don’t be afraid to delete big chunks, rewrite entire chapters, change your mind about endings or major plot points. It’s your novel, ultimately it has to be something you’re happy with so make sure you keep working on it until you are happy.

Oh and of course, read.

What is your favorite Quote? Don’t forget to be awesome! –The Vlogbrothers

When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”? I wanted to be a baker, and then a nursery nurse, and then a nurse, and then I settled on writer.

Who are your favorite authors of all time? John Green, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Lyn Andrews, Amy Kathleen Ryan.

What’s the craziest writing idea you’ve had? I once had an idea to write a book set in a boarding school which was in the modern world, but all the students thought they were in the 1900’s. I gave up on that idea pretty quickly.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year? I am really looking forward to ‘Flame’ by Amy Kathleen Ryan, it’s the third in the Sky Chasers series and I really cannot wait. I have my pre-order in already.

Text or Talk? I’d have to go with Text.

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About the Author: Hannah has had a keen interest in writing for a long time, starting out writing short stories when she was young. As she got older she started taking her writing more seriously, and writing longer pieces, but it wasn’t until taking part in and completing NaNoWriMo, that she decided to pursue her writing. Her first novel ‘How I Got Here’ was released in the summer of 2012.

Want to know more? Check out the links!

Authors Website: www.thebooktower.webs.com

Amazon Authors Page: www.amazon.com/author/hannahharvey

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/bookish92

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Interview with…Hazel B West

Today we’re joined by Hazel B West, author of On a Foreign Field, a historical YA novel which is book of the month in February on Goodreads group Books, Blogs, Authors and More. You can read our review of this great book here after you’ve read her interview! 

Hazel B West

Hazel B West

What were your main inspirations for On a Foreign Field? 

Well, since it is historical fiction, the original idea obviously came from the story of William Wallace. But this was not the first Wallace novel I have written, and I really wanted it to stand out from all the other iconic Wallace stories that are out there. So I took a plot line I love to read about: characters from different sides having to deal with each other, and quite possibly becoming friends eventually. I don’t think a Wallace story has been told from the point of view of an Englishman, the opposition, so I really wanted to give that plot line a try, thus I invented Reeve and told his story.

 

Which of the characters is your favourite and why? 

Any author will tell you it’s hard to choose favorites, but I do have some characters I enjoyed writing more than others. I loved Reeve of course, but I think my favorite character from the book was actually Gavin, one of Wallace’s men. He was pretty fun, and I loved writing his continuous jibing of Reeve.

 

How long did it take to write On a Foreign Field? 

Well, I had had the idea for quite a long time before I started it and had written a couple scenes down, but from the point of actually writing to finishing was probably about three months. That is not counting ‘post production’ and all the editing and formatting to get it ready for publication.

 

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m working on a very special pet project that I’m totally having a blast with! It’s a steampunk Victorian mystery novel featuring my new favorite character (don’t tell the others) Anthony Maxwell. It’s the first in a series I have planned and I’m hoping for it to be out sometime this spring. I’m very excited to see what people think about Anthony.

 

It’s your fantasy dinner party – who are your guests?

Ooh, well, I would love to invite all my own characters, but besides them, historical people (if I can invite anyone I want, living or dead) William Wallace, of course, Rob Roy, Jack Chruchill, Constance Markievicz, Robert the Bruce, Manfred von Richthofen and Samuel Pepys.

 

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book?

Yes, I love the song “Brothers in Arms” which is originally by Mark Knopfler but I really like the version by Celtic Thunder. Very moving song, and it was always in my mind when writing this.

 

If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?

Victorian London. Yes, I’m a total Sherlockian, but also I just love that time period despite its imperfections. It was just such a fascinating time period and I’m so happy to finally be working with it in my Anthony Maxwell books.

 

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

Oh yes, and sometimes that’s a very scary thing! I think all authors leave a little bit of something in their characters. It’s not quite so prominent in this book as some of my others; in my newest novel “By Blood or By Bond” my character Viggo is about as close as anyone could get to me. In “On a Foreign Field” I think I spread and shared my characteristics more between the characters.

 

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

Ooh, I have several, I’m definitely looking forward to The Hobbit Part II this year, I absolutely loved the first one! And as for books, I’m very much looking forward to the sequel to “Raven Boys” and also the fourth Knight and Rogue book by Hilari Bell—I adore that series so much! And whatever John Flanagan is coming out with next, I’m looking forward to as well.

 

What is you favorite way to spend a rainy day?

I love reading a good mystery, with a nice cup of coffee or writing a mystery, which is the next best thing. But still with the coffee.

 

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?

Meeting fantastic people and actually having ‘real’ reviews written for my book by unbiased parties. Getting a five star review from someone you don’t even know is probably the most rewarding thing a writer can get, especially when you’re self published. But my favorite part is definitely the friendships I have made.

 

How do you react to a bad review?

First off, it’s always the same: righteous anger, because how dare they slam your baby? I get very very protective of my characters, so if anyone says anything bad about THEM, well, let’s just say I go i-viking. But there’s two kinds of bad reviews. Those that really are just to be mean and nasty, and those that are constructive criticism. And the latter, it might do you well to take a second look at because chances are, they are probably right. Sometimes they could have said it a little nicer, but you get the satisfaction of showing them they were wrong the next time!

 

What is your favorite Quote?

This changes by the day, but here is one I love:

 

“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”

~Linda Grayson

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On a Foreign Field

 

Sir Reeve Montgomery is an Englishman born and bred, proud of his heritage and the right to serve his country fighting against the Scottish rebels. But when the tide is turned unexpectedly during the Battle of Stirling Bridge, he is wounded by an English arrow, left for dead by his comrades, and taken captive by Wallace’s army. Wounded, and alone on a foreign field, he knows he should expect nothing but torture and death at the hands of the Scottish rebels who are known to be complete savages.

But as he comes to know this tight brotherhood better, and sees Wallace’s utter devotion to his men and the cause of freedom, Reeve begins to wonder whether the English are right to oppress them.

Faced with these troubling thoughts, Reeve must decide whether he will stay true to his king, or join this brotherhood of freedom fighters, thus turning his back on everything he has ever known or believed in.

This new novel by Hazel West is a thought-provoking, heartfelt read about the true meaning of loyalty and brotherhood.

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Interview with…Author L S Murphy

 

 


  A few weeks ago we spotlighted L S Murphy’s book Reaper. Today she’s back with us for an interview, so we can find out more…. L.S. Murphy lives in the Greater St. Louis area where she watches Cardinals baseball, reads every book she can find, and weaves tales for teens and adults. When not doing all of the above, she tends to The Bean (aka her daughter), her husband and a menagerie of pets. Reaper is her debut young adult novel.She is a co-rep for the Southern Illinois region of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a member of the St. Louis Writer’s Guild. Repped by Julia A. Weber of  J. A. Weber Literaturagentur.

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1. What is you favorite way to spend a rainy day? Reading of course.

2. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? That I used to be quite athletic.

3. What is the one book you think everyone should read? YA – Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas

4. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book? Dinner at my favorite restaurant.

5. Night owl or early bird? I used to be a night owl, but necessity converted me into an early bird. I’m usually up by 4am when I’m working on a new project.

6. Your most unusual or random habit? I am obsessed that the light switches go the same direction. I don’t know why, but it drives me batty. I’ll run all over the house to fix them all.

7. What are you working on at the moment – do you have any other books in the works? My romance novella, A Reason to Stay, was released on November 2 of this year. Since I sold Reaper, I signed with literary agent Julia A. Weber for a YA contemporary novel about a seventeen-year-old who decides to spend her summer vacation playing baseball instead of traveling to Europe with her friends. 🙂 I recently finished a first draft of a YA contemporary romance that centers around a high school football season.

8. If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world. which would it be? Vampire Academy. I’d make a badass dhampir.

9. Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book? I actually have a playlist for Reaper! Starting October 11th until the release date of January 7th, I list one song on my blog every Thursday that relates to the plotline in some vague way.

10. What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? Don’t let anyone else take away your dream by telling you that you aren’t good enough. It’s your dream. Follow it.

11. Can you see yourself in any of your characters? Quincy’s a little OCD about certain things like I am.

12. What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? Don’t stop. You’ll get there.

13. Cats or Dog? Both. I have three cats and a very guilty dog.

14. Facebook or Twitter? Twitter all the way. I’m completely addicted.

15. Text or Talk? TEXT! I hate talking on the phone. I sound like a chipmunk.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Blog: http://lsmurphy.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LSMurphy

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LSMurphyAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5046440.L_S_Murphy

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Interview with…author Kelly Walker

Author Biography

Kelly Walker is a full time novelist, wife, and an all the time dreamer. Her first promotion was 8 years ago and it came with the job title of ‘Mom’. Her second promotion came with no raise in pay but a huge jump in responsibility when she became ‘Mom of two’. It’s a rewarding career but the retirement plan sucks. She is a huge advocate of animal rescue and adoption and shares her Virginia home (and couch) with three dogs and two cats.

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If you could travel in a time machine would you go back to the past or into the future? The past. I’d much rather chose to go back, where at least I kind of know what to expect. The future is so uncertain and so unknown, and it scares me. It scares me for my children, and their children because I don’t know what type of world they are going to live in.

Night owl, or early bird? Night Owl.

Skittles or M&Ms?  M&M’s. I’m quite a chocoholic.

Any other books in the works? What are your goals for future projects?  Oh goodness, lots. Cornerstone is the first in a trilogy, and that only takes into account the main books of the story. Second Stone will be out in February of 2013. Broken Stone will hopefully follow in April of 2013. In addition to the three main books of the story, I’ve got a prequel planned that will tell the story of Emariya’s parents and their love and personal sacrifices. I’d like to do a few novellas as well-In particular I know I need to write the history of The Split. It’s pretty fascinating and adds an entire extra layer of richness to the world. Rink may find himself in a short story, too. And then, I have a few non Souls of the Stones related stories in my head. One will be an adult drama, the other will be a YA paranormal.

If you could jump into the pages of a book, and live in that world.. which would it be? Harry Potter. As long as I didn’t have to be a Muggle.

What is your dream cast for your book? Definitely Taylor Swift for Emariya. I just cannot picture anyone better for the role. For Torian – Probably Ian Somerhalder. Christopher Gorham could work as well though. I actually have a pinterest board that shows my ideal looks for each, as well as some of the world. I don’t know who all these people are though! One thing that really surprised me is that the actor who played Voldemort would be a perfect Oren. http://pinterest.com/dreamersmagic/cornerstone/

What was your favorite book when you were a child? I read as often as I breathed as a child. The first book I really remember reading was The Big Black Horse -http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=0375840354  It’s a younger child’s version of The Black Stallion. As I grew up, I still loved reading about horses and I eventually read the actual Black Stallion series. By the time I was a teen, I think my favorite book was The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. I loved what it said about breaking expectations.

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters? Taylor Swift – Eyes Open – The mood of it, and even many of the lyrics really fit Cornerstone.

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? Just do it. Don’t waste time telling yourself that you can’t or shouldn’t or couldn’t. But, get help, get feedback and get advice from people who don’t know you. I run my writing through an online critique group (Critique Circle) and it is absolutely the most valuable thing a writer can do for themselves, their career and their self esteem. Yes, it may hurt when you realize you aren’t where you want to be, but the thrill of seeing yourself improve is worth it. Plus it helps build a great support network, which we need. Writing is a solitary profession, it’s great to have company.

If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why? Early Scotland. I’ve never been but pictures tell me it is beautiful. I think the people there/then had a lot of pride in their families, their heritage and their way of life. I think that is a good thing. Even though in some ways life then was harder, I think it was also simpler.

What is your favorite Quote? My favorite quote from a book is “Be Safe.” I think those two little words say so much, and I love the way it was delivered.

How did you know you should become an author? I’m still not so sure on the should part, but I don’t think I had any other choice. My main character, Emariya(Riya) lived in my head for three years, determined to get out. She really would not take no for an answer. So I wrote her story, or I’ve started to anyway. There is much more to tell.

Who are your favorite authors of all time? Stephanie Meyers – She created a book that will stick with me forever. Twilight and I are old pals. I re-read it each time my husband was deployed, and it was something that really got me through. Her characters are so memorable, and I really don’t know what it is, but they are. They just kind of stick with you. James Patterson – I’ve been reading his Cross series since I was a teen. I still love it. Elle Casey is a new favorite. She’s awesome and I love her kick-butt heroines. Diana Gabaldon – I love her Outlander series. Her words never cease to amaze me.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters? I think I’m more Jessa than Emariya.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year? Breaking Dawn. Is it here yet?

What do you do in your free time? I write in my free time. Being a Mom is my first job.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? Constantly Dreaming, Occasionally Achieving

What’s your favorite season? My favorite is fall. I love the plethora of colors, the refreshingly cooler weather, and pumpkins and apple cinnamon brooms! My husband was stationed in Arizona for four years and after being an east coast girl my entire life, spending four years with two seasons ( Hot and Hotter) and no real change to the landscape, I was thrilled to come home to the east coast and enjoy having seasons again. Each time the season changes I get a little thrill of excitement, but Fall is definitely my favorite of them all.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

http://kellywalkerwrites.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/KellyWalkerAuthor
https://twitter.com/KWalkerWrites
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6546134.Kelly_Walker

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Interview with…author Marta Stahlfeld

Today we’re featuring an interview with YA author Marta Stahlfeld – one of our regular team, Tony, met Marta on his travels in the US this summer, at one of her book signings. Tony wanted to feature Marta on the blog and so here’s her interview! 

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The death of the foxes’ ruling oracle, Scythe, bodes ill for the Wraith Mice around Darkwoods and their allies near and far. With the change in leadership, all sides know their uncertain relationship with the foxes will, too soon, erupt into a vicious war. Possessing the ability to melt into the darkness and renowned in warfare, the Wraith Mice rally the squirrel tribes, Ranger Mice, and others to defend their territory—and their very lives.

A young one among them, Princess Zuryzel understands the gravity of the situation and rises fearlessly to the challenges of the ruthless invaders. Possessing the traits of a natural leader and wise beyond her years, Zuryzel knows she must follow the difficult path before her. But can she overcome the challenges in time to defeat the hated foxes?

“The first book in an
exciting new epic fantasy series
for preteens and teens!”

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Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. Darkwoods and Pasadagavra are exciting fantasy stories that have likeable characters and a thrilling story.

 

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? I’m currently working on Graystone, the novel that succeeds Pasadagavra.

 

What inspired you to want to become a writer? I just love to write.

 

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. When I was told that my writing inspired other people to start writing.

 

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be? Other than mine – The Chronicles of Narnia, especially the Voyage of the Dan Treader!

 

What is your dream cast for your book? Any actors/actresses who are heroes both on screen and off screen – Mark Harmon would have to be on it!

 

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

 

What one piece of advice would you give aspiring authors? When you write you may not mean to convey a message, but still examine your writing to see what your story says. In other words, be careful not to portray a theme you don’t believe in. It’s harder than it seems.

 

What is your favourite quote? Extraordinary things only happen to extraordinary people – Reepicheep in Voyage of the Dawn Treader

 

Who are your favourite authors of all time? J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, John Flanagan, J.K. Rowling, Jim Butcher, Brian Jacques.

 

Hidden talent? Irish step dance.

 

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year? The first Hobbit movie!

 

How do you react to a bad review? I ignore it.

 

If you were a bird, which one would you be? A hummingbird.

 

What do you do in your free time? I write or practice dance.

 

Summer or Winter? In literature, Winter over Summer. But in real life, it has to be Summer.

 

Harry Potter or Twilight? Harry Potter.

 

Favourite quote from a movie? “It’s just like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The one’s that really mattered. Full of Darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn’t want to know the end, because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, the Shadow. Even Darkness must past. A new day will come, and when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer.” ~ Sam Gamgee, The Two Towers

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Darkwoods, by Marta Stahlfeld
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Interview with…author Amy Martin

Following our review of her debut novel, In Your Dreams, today we’re welcoming author Amy Martin for an interview…

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Author Biography

Amy Martin wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of ten and gave it to her fourth grade teacher, who hopefully lost it in her house somewhere and didn’t share it with anyone else. Not counting that early experiment in self-publishing, In Your Dreams is Amy Martin’s first Young Adult novel.

A native of St. Charles, MO, Amy currently lives in Lexington, KY with her husband and a ferocious attack tabby named Cleo. When not writing or reading, she can usually be found watching sports, drinking coffee, or indulging her crippling Twitter habit (and, sometimes, doing all three at once). You can follow her on Twitter at @ThatAmyMartin.

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1. One of the main characters in your book, Kieran, suffers with narcolepsy. What made you want to write about someone with this condition and what kind of research did you do to make him realistic? 

I’ve always been fascinated by sleeping, dreams, and how the brain functions in general, so having a character with narcolepsy who can dream parts of the future seemed like a good way to explore some of the themes I wanted to delve into in In Your Dreams. Kieran turns out to have something more complicated than just simple narcolepsy, but I didn’t want to take too many fictional liberties with what is a very real condition. For research, I read some pretty dense medical articles on the subject, along with reading books and personal testimonials from people with narcolepsy. Once I understood the common symptoms and behaviors, I felt comfortable enough to incorporate those qualities into Kieran’s character. My hope is that I’ve represented people with this disorder accurately and fairly.

 

2. Titusville – where you set In Your Dreams – sounds like text-book small-town living, American-style to a Brit like me – is this the world you grew up in? And what did you like most about the setting that made it fit with your story? 

I actually grew up in suburban St. Louis, MO, but my parents grew up in a small town, and my husband’s family is from a small town. Years ago, I worked as an admissions counselor for a college in Illinois, and I would travel around to high schools speaking to students—I’ve probably visited every small town in northern and central Illinois, and Titusville is a mash-up of those places. What really stood out to me about those towns is how everything revolves around the high school, whether the citizens were high school students, adults, or little kids—the high school is really the center of the social universe in a way that it isn’t in larger towns or cities. The small-town setting fit with the story because Zip is a small-town girl who realizes that there’s life after high school, and she can’t wait to get started on it. And the Laniers, who have always lived in cities, move to Titusville because they think they’ll be safe living in the middle of nowhere, not realizing that in small towns, everyone’s business in everyone else’s business as well.

 

3. There’s a strong ‘jock’ edge to Zip’s character in your book – do you play basketball yourself, or have an interest in the sport you wanted to see developed in a character? 

I always wanted to play basketball, but unfortunately, I’ve been cursed with a horrible lack of coordination. But I’ve been a basketball fan all my life and have a fairly good understanding of the game. Basketball, particularly at the point guard position (Zip’s position), involves being in control—running the offense, being able to see what’s happening on the entire floor rather than just a portion of it, and anticipating what the other team is going to do. I thought those themes of control and trying to anticipate what’s going to happen fit in with some of the larger themes in the book. And I wanted Zip to be a strong, goal-oriented female character, and having her be an athlete gave me a way to infuse that into her.

 

4. If you could have any superpower what would you choose?   Flying, probably. I have a mild fear of heights and flying on airplanes, so I’d love to know I could just take off of and be up high and be safe.

 

5. Skittles or M&Ms?   I love both, but I seem to reach for the Skittles most of the time

 

6. Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.  You should read In Your Dreams because it’s an original, twist-filled ride with a strong heroine and a great love story.

 

7. Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? 

I conceived In Your Dreams as a three-book series, so I’m currently working on the second and third books (I’m hoping to have the second book out in early 2013). I’d love to do something in the future along the lines (tone and character-wise) of the Veronica Mars TV series, one of my all-time favorites.

 

8. What inspired you to want to become a writer?

I’m an only child, so I’ve always been used to spending time alone, making up stories to amuse myself. Around nine or ten years old, I started reading Judy Blume’s books and was blown away by the fact that there was an adult out there who seemed to understand everything I was going through as a kid. I wanted to one day be able to impact someone with my writing in the way that she impacted me.

 

9. Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Having readers tell me that they love the book and they love Zip and Kieran’s relationship is really gratifying. Writing and publishing is like giving birth and then sending your children out alone into the world, so I really worried how people would respond. Knowing that there are readers who “get” Zip and Kieran and love them is so rewarding.

 

10. What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? 

Probably Judy Blume’s Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. I read that book when I was just entering puberty myself, so all of Margaret’s concerns about maturing and becoming a woman were my concerns. I felt a little less alone and weird after reading that book.

 

11. What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?   Read a wide variety of works and write often. I probably have several novels’ worth of writing on my computer that will never see the light of day, but I needed that practice in order to learn the craft.

 

12. When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?

I saw an architect on Sesame Street, and so I wanted to be that for a while, until I discovered I was no good at math. Then I wanted to be the first female to pitch in the Major Leagues, because I was huge baseball fan. Once I grew out of that, I wanted to be a writer.

 

13. If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?

I don’t know who would play me as a young woman, but Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls, Parenthood) could probably play me now. I’ve had several students in the past when Gilmore Girls was still on tell me “Oh, my God—you are sooo Lorelai Gilmore.” Maybe Alexis Bledel should play young me since she was Rory Gilmore. Somehow, I doubt I’m ever going to have to worry about this. J

 

14. Cats or Dog?   I’ve never had a dog, so I’ll go with cats. My cat is my constant companion when I write.

 

15. Facebook or Twitter?   Twitter.

 

16. Text or Talk?   Text. When I talk, sometimes I get myself into trouble. 🙂 With text, I have to think about what I’m saying before I hit “send.”

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Twitter: @ThatAmyMartin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6472261.Amy_Martin

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Interview with…author Kylee Gwartney


About the Author 

Kylee Gwartney is a Tulsa native and recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma. She loves writing teen fiction and is excited to see where this passion will take her. She also loves Italian food, traveling, French, and – of course – Justin Bieber. Her favorite authors are JK Rowling, Cecily von Ziegesar, Sara Shepard, Gabrielle Bernstein, and Rick Riordan.

Kylee’s debut novel, Catching the Fever, is out now!

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If you could travel in a time machine where would you go? I’d definitely go back to 1700s France – like Marie Antoinette times. I’m really girly so petticoats, powdered wigs, and macaroons in Paris sound like heaven. Paris is one of my favorite cities on earth.

 

It’s your fantasy dinner party…which five people are there? JK Rowling, Jennifer Lawrence, Justin Bieber, Harry Styles, and Prince Harry.

 

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you? An endless supply of queso, Lush Herbalism face scrub, and Australian Gold sunscreen.

 

What is your favourite quote? “When you stop doing things for fun, you might as well be dead.” – Hemingway

 

When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”? The first thing I ever wanted to be was a ballerina. Then it was a veterinarian, marine biologist, dermatologist, and a magazine editor. I’ve always loved writing, but it took until my sophomore year of college to realize I want to write fiction forever.

 

Can you see yourself in any of your characters? Absolutely! All four of my main characters have pieces of me in them. Claudia is my stubborn, determined-to-succeed side; Brynn is the really girly, loving side; Norah is the shy, unsure side. Paisley, I could relate to a lot at the beginning of high school. I remember thinking I was just so inexperienced because I was a fifteen-year-old who hadn’t been kissed, while everyone else was doing you know what!

 

What movie are you looking forward to this year? Perks of Being a Wallflower, which will be out by the time this is online. I loved Logan Lerman in Percy Jackson, and who wouldn’t love Emma Watson as an American?

 

What was your favorite children’s book? Cat Traps

 

Do you have a nickname? I have a ton! Ky, Kyker, Kyle, Kylers, Kyki, Ky Ky, Mur, Fobe, Fozz, and Fatty. The last four are what my best friends call me, and yes, they’re super weird names!

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? “You accept the love you think you deserve.”  It’s subtle but good advice. My friend Derrick always said this to me when I was in a really unhealthy relationship in the past. The guy treated me like crap, but ultimately I was the one who let him do that. There comes a point when no matter how much you love someone, you have to realize your worth and remember what you deserve.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

www.twitter.com/kyleegwartney

 www.facebook.com/CatchingTheFever

The Book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15761349-catching-the-fever

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Interview with…Author Marc Nash

Author Marc Nash joined us with a guest post on Sunday, discussing experimental fiction and why he writes…today he is back for an interview so we can learn a little more about him!

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Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. For a different type of read than you may be used to

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? Lots of books, but what I’m dying to do is work with someone to make a kinetic typography video of one of my flash fiction pieces. What’s kinetic typography? It’s animated text that moves along a screen and can do all sorts of interesting things visually. Then I want to perform it with a live scratch DJ

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published? Live readings. I put on a bit of a ‘show’ and I love the immediacy of the audience’s response

What was your favorite book when you were a child? I didn’t read books until I was 14. That first book was very significant to me as it got me reading, it was “L’Etranger” by Albert Camus

Is there a song that you would list as the theme song for your book? Every one of my books has its soundtrack. My WIP is going to have a Spotify playlist link when it’s published, as every song on it is referred to in the book

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? You will receive a lot of conflicting advice about your work, so stay true to your own artistic vision as the ultimate arbiter

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why? Martin Sheen. (Not Charlie!) I like his intensity and integrity. Not sure if he could do the humour though

Who are your favorite authors of all time? Franz Kafka, Samuel Beckett, Jonathan Lethem, Don Dellllo, Jeanette Winterson, David Peace

Can you see yourself in any of your characters? Whatever anyone else tells you, all novels are autobiographical! All my characters emerge from me, different parts of me, or other people’s anecdotes and stories that I’ve made ‘mine’

How do you react to a bad review? I welcome it as much as a good one and respect the reader for trying to engage with my work even if ultimately it wasn’t their type of thing

If you were an animal, what would you be? Well I love vultures, find them endlessly fascinating. Not sure I’d want to be one though. They have a bad rep! I did write a flash story from a vulture’s point of view though

You have won the lottery, what is the first thing that you would buy? A study with walled bookshelves and music speakers to the ceiling. At the moment I write on my lap sat on my bed while my books are shelved in the shed…

Favorite music? Experimental! What else did you expect me to say? Let’s just call it ‘art noise’

Chocolate or Vanilla? Does anyone ever answer vanilla? Because if so they’re fibbing

City or Country? Argggh, city, city city. I’d shrivel up and die in the country!

Spontaneity or Planning Ahead? You’re probably not surprised if I say spontaneity right?

Beach or Pool? Library!

Cats or Dog? Cats, superior creatures who will one day inherit the Earth

Cause or Effect? Quantum physics, so neither and both

Favorite quote from a movie? “I love the smell of napalm in the morning”

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A,B&E

From the black market economy of the 1980’s through the gangsterism behind the Clubbing scene of the 1990’s, to today’s decade of drift and low cost airline hedonism, one woman in exile has lived it all. On the run from her gangster husband, Karen Dash is hiding out in a Club 18-30 resort in Kavos on the island of Corfu. A home from home as the neo-colonial horde of hens, stags, booze cruisers and sex tourists turn mythical, Classical Greece into Little Britain. Meanwhile, back in the UK, an NHS nurse decides she has had enough of being assaulted by the patients she is trying to help heal…

A guided tour into the contemporary British soul, conducted by the presiding Mother Spirit as a barfly Scheherazade and an arse-slapping midwife. Avenging angels both. This scurrilous and scabrous book not only peels away the sunburnt skin of our hens, stags, booze cruisers and sex tourists, but delights in jabbing fingers into the pus below. Wish you were anywhere but here ?

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About the Author: Marc Nash lives and works in London. He has been in the counter-culture of the indie music scene for 20 years and now works for a non-government organisation monitoring censorship around the world. He has twin boys whose football team he coached for two years, which gave him more stress than anything to do with writing! He has published 4 books on Kindle, recorded 19 videos on YouTube and performs live readings often in costume! His next ambition is to perform a piece with live backing from a scratch DJ.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Amazon.com.Author Page

Website   Blog   Goodreads   YouTube Channel

Twitter: @21stCscribe

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Interview with…Author Tony Talbot

 Blog regular Tony Talbot’s latest book, Eight Mile Island, was released recently and to support its launch, we have a special author interview with Tony today, to help you learn a little bit more about him and his writing! 

Here’s Tony!

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1. You have invented an operational time machine, where would you go?

I’d go back into the past…maybe 17th century Vienna, and see a Mozart or Beethoven symphony performed for the first time.

2. If you could invite any five people to dinner who would you choose?

Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, John Lennon, Ernest Shackleton and Ada Lovelace. I realise I have four men and one woman in that list!

3. You are stranded on a desert island; what three things would you want to have with you?

The Idiots guide to surviving on a desert island

A satellite phone with 4G Internet

Kelly Brook!

4. What is one book everyone should read?

Ooo…tricky. To Kill a Mockingbird.

5. If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Flight, every time. Imagine the time I’d save at the airport.

6. What is your favourite flavor of ice cream?

Chocolate.

7. If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?

There’s an Antarctic explorer I’m fascinated with, Apsley Cherry-Garrard. I’d love to pick his brains about Antarctica.

8. What is your favourite thing to eat for breakfast?

Leftover trifle.

9. Night owl, or early bird?

Neither! Mid morning from 11:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon.

10. Pet Peeves?

Driving while on the phone.

11. Do you have any other books in development at the moment? What are your goals for future projects? 

I started the first chapter of book five about the same time as I was finally wrapping up Eight Mile Island. I’d love to do a trilogy one day, but new ideas always pop into my head and I’m off on to something new.

12. Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

I had a reviewer for my first book – Over the Mountain –  say it made them cry…since it is a very sad and serious book, mission accomplished.

13. What’s your favourite season/weather?

I love autumn. The colours are just amazing, and there’s more of a sense that a day with good weather is something you should get outside and enjoy.

14. If you could jump inside the pages of a book, and live in that world.. which would it be?

It would have to be the Harry Potter universe. Wouldn’t a tour of Hogwarts or Diagon Alley be something else?

15. What was your favourite book when you were a child?

I loved Bedknob and Broomstick by Mary Norton. I read it and re-read it time and time again, and it’s one of the reasons I love reading and writing. It soaked into me.

16. Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

All of them have parts of me, and all of them have attributes I wish I had…more bravery, more street smarts. I have to say most of them are smarter than I am!

17. Can you write a Haiku about your book?

very creepy location

from which there is no escape

visit eight mile island

18. What is your favourite quote from a movie?

“Now….bring me that horizon.” Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

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You can enter to win your very own copy of Eight Mile Island for Kindle / PDF in our giveaway!

**CLICK HERE**

Welcome to Eight Mile Island. 

Dylan James is used to boarding schools. He’s been thrown out of so many in the past two years, he’s lost count. So when an elite academy in Oregon offers him a place, he doesn’t think he’ll be there more than a week.
 
But Eight Mile Island isn’t like anywhere Dylan has been before. In the dense forests around the school, there are things that look human but aren’t.
 
Things that are hungry, and waiting.
 
But that’s just the start of the mysteries, mysteries that mean Dylan may never escape. Even if he wants to…

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Website: http://www.tony-talbot.co.uk

Twitter: @authortony

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonytalbotwriter

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/tony-talbot