Interview w/ Robin Stevenson, author of Hummingbird Heart

About this author
Robin Stevenson is a Canadian author of thirteen novels for teens and children. She grew up in Ontario and now lives in Victoria, BC, with her partner and son.Visit her on robinstevenson.com  or stalk her on twitter @@robin_stevenson

Now for the interview




What inspired you to write in general and hummingbird heart?

I have always been a book lover and insatiable reader. Becoming a writer
was just one more way to indulge my passion for the written word.

Hummingbird Heart began in an odd way, with some disconnected pieces
writing inspired by memories from my own teen years. Those pieces of
writing are not part of the finished book though-- and in fact, this novel
changed so much during the writing and revison process, that it bears
little resemblance to its beginnings.

You have written and published a couple of books , does publishing a other
book feel different than an debut book?

Hummingbird Heart is actually my 13th book, and my 5th YA novel. My other
books are a mixture of middle-grade novels, early chapter books, and short
hi-lo novels.

My debut novel was a teen novel called Out of Order, published in 2007--
five years ago now. I think the first book is intensely exciting in a
different way, because everything is new and you don't know what to
expect. For me, it was hard to believe that it was actually happening. Me,
published?!!!

I still find it exciting to have a new book out though. Seeing the cover
for the first time is always a thrill, and I love catching sight of my
latest book on the shelves of a bookstore. It always amazes me that
something that began its life as nothing but ideas and scrawly notes can
end up there!

Who is[are] the artist[s] i 'm fanboying here! Lol?

The cover art for Hummingbird Heart is gorgeous, isn't it? I love it too.
It was done by a Toronto artist called Janice Kun
(http://www.coroflot.com/janicekun to see more of her fabulous art).
Janice Kun also did the cover art for my 2008 novel, a Thousand Shades of
Blue-- that novel was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary
Awards and I have always suspected that the beautiful cover was at least
part of the reason for the novel's success! I asked my publisher, Orca, if
they would consider asking her to do the cover artwork for Hummingbird
Heart as well, and I was thrilled that they agreed! And of course, Orca's
art director, Theresa Bubela, came up with the awesome cover design.

Can you tell in a non spoilerish way what hummingbird heart is about?

Humminbird Heart is the story of a 16year old girl named Dylan. Dylan has
never met her father and knows little about him.  Her mother, who was
still a teen herself when Dylan was born, doesn't like to talk about the
past. Her father, Mark, has never responded to her attempts to contact
him. As far as Dylan is concerned, her family is made up of her mother,
Amanda; her recently adopted younger sister, Karma; and maybe even her
best friend, Toni.

And then, out of the blue, Mark shows up in town and wants to meet her.
Amanda is clearly upset, but Dylan can't help being excited at the
possibility of finally getting to know her father. But when she finds out
why he has come—and what he wants from her—the answers fill her with still
more questions. What makes someone family? And why has her mother been
lying to her all these years?

It's about trust and about forgiveness; and about how fragile life is and
how precious our relationships are. And also it's about growing up and
trying to make sense of family, friends, and the world around us.


What was your favorite scene[s] to write in  humming bird heart?

I don't think I have one favorite scene, but I loved writing about Dylan's
younger (and recently adopted) sister, Karma. She's just an awesome kid.

What got you in to reading , at what age and what kind of books did you
like reading as a child?

I was a bookworm as child-- perhaps because I was shy, or because we moved
a lot, or possibly just because I grew up surrounded by books and readers.
I started reading very early and books were a hugely significant part of
my childhood. Just about every family photo shows me with my nose buried
in a book. I was born in England and many of my early favorites were
old-fashioned and very dated boarding school stories, adventure
stories,and horse stories. When we moved to Canada, I was eight years old
and fell in love with L.M. Montgomery's novels, especially Anne of Green
Gables and Emily of New Moon. Later on I got into the sci-fi and fantasy
on my parents' bookshelves, and gobbled up books by Aldous Huxley, George
Orwell, John Wyndham, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradury and many others.

Do you have a set routine when you are writing?

I have a seven year old son who is a home learner-- we unschool, which
basically means we follow our interests rather than following a
curriculum. We both love it and I have no plans to send him to school...
but it does mean that a set routine is pretty much out for the time being!
I write when I can-- which is usually when my son is asleep; or when he's
hanging out with his grandmother, my partner, or his friends.

Are you a plotter or just write what the characters feel like to saying?

Totally not a plotter! Though I frequently wish I was...

Have you any other books in the making at the moment?

I am curently working on the edits for a juvenile novel scheduled to be
published in the spring of 1963. The working title is The Record Breaker,
but that may well change. I'm also a few chapters into first drafts of two
other novels, one for teens and one for adults, but both of those are a
very long way from completion. A verrrryyyy long way. Sigh.

What are you currently reading, have finished or on your wish list?

Wow, good question. I just read a fabulous middle-grade novel with my son:
Raider's Ransom (and the sequel, Flood and Fire) by Emily Diamand. I also
just finished Moonwalking With Einstein, by Joshua Foer-- it is about
memory, and is both hilarious and fascinating. And last night I started
reading Phillip Reeve's Fever Crumb. If the first couple of chapters are
anything to go by, I think is going to be a great read.

Any song[s] that fit perfectly with  hummingbird heart scenes /characters
or the book itself?

That's an interesting question... I hadn't thought about that before! I
don't listen to music when I write (too easily distracted) so I'm not one
of those writers with a playlist for each book. It'd have to be a female
vocalist with a beautiful voice though, and maybe a slightly nostalgic
feel. I'm open to suggestions!

Why should we read humming bird heart?

Well, to be honest, probably not everyone should! If you're looking for
vampire romance, Hummingbird Heart isn't going to be your new favorite.
But if you enjoy contemporary fiction, appreciate realistic and complex
characters, like novels that explore relationships, and have ever felt
like you don't quite know where you fit in the world... then Hummingbird
Heart was writen for you

The book 

Sixteen-year-old Dylan has never met her father. She knows that her parents were just teenagers themselves when she was born, but her mother doesn't like to talk about the past, and her father, Mark, has never responded to Dylan's attempts to contact him. As far as Dylan is concerned, her family is made up of her mother, Amanda; her recently adopted younger sister, Karma; and maybe even her best friend, Toni. And then, out of the blue, a phone call: Mark will be in town for a few days and he wants to meet her. Amanda is clearly upset, but Dylan can't help being excited at the possibility of finally getting to know her father. But when she finds out why he has come--and what he wants from her--the answers fill her with still more questions. What makes someone family? And why has her mother been lying to her all these years?

Hide and Seek blog tour:interview w/ Aimee Laine

This blog tour is presented by jtaylorpublishing.
You can see the tour schedule and more information by clicking HERE

First to introduce the author

About this author
Aimee is a romantic at heart and a southern transplant with a bit of the accent (but not a whole bunch). She's married to her high school sweetheart, and with him, she's produced three native North Carolinians, two of whom share the same DNA.
With an MBA and a degree in Applied Mathematics, there’s absolutely no reason she should be writing romance novels. Then again, she shouldn't need a calculator to add two numbers, either ... but she does.
 Visit her on http://www.aimeelaine.com/  or stalk her on twitter @alicialeppert 

Now for the interview

What inspired you to write Hide & Seek?

Aimee: I happened to be flitting around the Internet looking for something unrelated and happened upon the myth of the Ultimate Paradox. Of course I was intrigued by the story and the myth and the premise which is an inherent conflict. Seriously ... it's the ULTIMATE romantic conflict. If I were to put that on two people ... it seemed fated. So I jumped on it and brought it to life with my own little twist.

Who is the artist[s], fanboying here! Lol?

Aimee: No idea! Isn't Tripp ... um ... well. He's ridiculously hot. :)


What was your favorite scene[s] to write in Hide & Seek?

Aimee : Um ... well ... see, Tripp has this ability and Lexi has this ability. When you put these two abilities together, they make for some electric fun. My favorite intimate scene is their first time together ... doing ... well, you know. But my FAVORITE part of the story is the end. That was the most intensely fun thing to write, EVER.


What got you in to reading and at what age , what sort of books did you like reading as a child?

Aimee: I've been an avid reader, though I don't clear nearly the number of books some folks do. Wow. I started as a kid with my Mom and then she implemented a read-as-chore chore. So like taking out the trash, I had to read for 20 minutes a day, 30 when I got older. Now, I just love to read — to fall into a book, to have the movie playing in my head.

Do you have a set routine when you are writing? are you a plottr or  do just write what the characters feel like to say[to me all characters are like real people]

Aimee: I write what the characters tell me. I generally have a basic plot in mind, and a set of characters and then roll with it. I have never plotted. The book I got to the closest in plotting was Hide & Seek because I knew the overall plot in its entirety when I started.

Have you any other books in the making at the moment?

Aimee: I do! I write YA under the name Emi Gayle and my debut comes out in October. It's called After Dark. I also have book 2 in the Mimics of Rune series, called Surrender, coming out in September. And I'm always writing and have ideas for about 10 other projects.


What are you currently reading, have finished or on your wish list?

Aimee: I just read Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers. It was great. I've also just finished a couple of my fellow author's books, Crux by Julie Reece and Oracle by JC Martin. I love that I get to read these before the general public because they are part of my publisher's catalog! Yeah me!

Any song[s] that fit perfectly with Hide & Seek scenes /characters or the book itself?

Aimee: Oh boy. Well ... see ... I'm not a big music girl. I LOVE music, don't get me wrong. I LOVE it. I play the piano and have since I was 4 or 5 (ish). But when it comes to music, I listen to the radio and whatever's on, so I rarely get hooked on any one song or any one artist.


Why should we read Hide & Seek?

Aimee: Well ... if you love romance, you will cry at the ending. Or so I'm told. I did. If you love Greek Mythology, this has it. If you love magic, it's here. If you love literal sparks flying, it's inside. If you love two absolutely can't trust but must in order to get through the beginnings of their relationship, it's here.

This or that segment

Vanilla or chocolate

Aimee: Chocolate!

summer or winter:

Aimee: Summer!

Vampires, faeries or zombies:

Aimee: Faeries

The book  

Lie, cheat or steal, no one can catch Tripp Fox. Except one woman. 
Lexi Shepherd’s knack for finding whatever is asked of her isn’t sheer luck. It’s a gift from the Greek god Zeus. 
That Lexi doesn’t use her ability to search for “Mr. Right” comes from one of many personal rules she has set for herself. Number one is not to let fate dictate her future. 
Falling in love with Tripp breaks all the others. 
Despite her principles, Lexi’s unable to stay away from the bad boy, and she finds herself toeing the grey line of the law for him. 
Zeus, though, didn’t give Lexi and Tripp their talents to make their relationship a simple, easy alliance. He designed it to be exactly the opposite. Impossible. Always. 
With their separation, Lexi expects Tripp to forfeit love in favor of destiny. He, on the other hand, intends to beat Zeus at his own game. With a plan in place, Tripp challenges Lexi to take the one action no one else can. 
Find him. 
The question isn’t can she ... but will she? 

Cobble Cavern book tour: interview w/ Erik Olsen

This blog tour is presented by Cedar Fort Publishing.
You can see the tour schedule and more information by clicking HERE

First to introduce the author

About the author:Jon Erik Olsen lives in Sandy, Utah, where he enjoys the mountains and is surrounded by a great family and friends that have continued to support him throughout his writing quest. After having one of the world's craziest dreams, he has written a series of five books detailing it called Flin’s Destiny, which is full of continuous action and adventure deep in the earth and keeps you wanting more.
You can find out more on the Flin's Destiny Facebook page and the Book Poster page. 

Now for the interview 

What inspired you to write Cobble Cavern? 

I had a dream, and this entire series came more or less from it. 

Who is the artist[s], fanboying here! Lol? 

Mark Mckenna is the Cover Illustrator, and Connor Martin and Taylor Reich do the illustration inside the book.

What was youre favr scene[s] to write in Cobble Cavern? 

The Snazzards chapter. 

What got you in to reading and at what age , what sort of books did you like reading as a child? 

There was a series called the Great Brain, I started to enjoy reading them when I was about nine.

Do you have a set routine when you are writing? 

I preplan a little, but I like the story to create itself. 

Are you a plotter or just write what the characters feel like to saying? 

I  do create a plot, however, the characters to me are real people. 

Have you any other books in the making at the moment?

 I have written four books and am halfway through writing book five.

What are you currently reading, have finished or on your wish list?

 I am currently in between books due to wanting to finish up with this series of Flin’s Destiny so I can start another series.

Why should we read Cobble Cavern? 

It is educational as well as thrilling, and the books have an underlying message, that you will create and become your own destiny whatever it is that you focus all of your attention on.  

This or that segment

Vanilla or chocolate? Definitely Chocolate

summer or winter: Sorry, Fall and Spring

Xmas or halloween: Both

Vampires, faeries or zombies :Fairies

The book  

What starts out to be a fun field trip to Ireland for Flin and his school debate team turns into a life changing adventure when their bus ends up in an earthquake. Flin and his teammates get swallowed deep into the earth and become trapped under the ocean inside a clear dome where they discover an unknown civilization. Now they must fight their way back to the surface if they ever want to see home again. Join Flin and his classmates on a journey of a lifetime in this thrilling adventure story. 

Emerald City book tour: interview w/ Alicia Leppert

This blog tour is presented by Cedar Fort Publishing.
You can see the tour schedule and more information by clicking HERE

First to introduce the author

About this author

I always knew I wanted to be a writer, ever since Career Day in first grade when I walked around carrying a notebook and pencil. Twenty-some odd years later, after a short stint in high school where I dreamed of being an actress, a whirlwind Internet romance including a blind proposal that led to a fairytale wedding and two pretty-near perfect kids, my lifelong dream came to fruition with my first novel, Emerald City. I live with my small brood in my beloved hometown of Pasco, which is located in the only part of Washington state that isn't green. When I'm not writing, I can be found decorating novelty cakes and taking naps--my other two passions. Visit her on aliciakleppert.com  or stalk her on twitter @alicialeppert

Now for the interview

What inspired you to write Emerald City?

I always knew I wanted to write a really good, dramatic love story. I tried several different settings and situations and just wasn't feeling it. One night after a lot of brainstorming I started to toy with the idea of adding a fantasy element to it. Suddenly, the idea for Emerald City just popped into my head and I knew I had my book: a love story with a paranormal twist that takes place in modern-day Seattle.


Who is the artist[s], fanboying here! Lol

My gorgeous cover was created by Brian, the brilliant designer at Cedar Fort Publishing. He had very little information about my book to go off of, and I had such an idea in my head of how I wanted it to be that I was really nervous it wouldn't come out right. But when they sent me my cover, I almost cried because it was like he tore the picture out of my head, it was so perfect. To this day I get tons of compliments on my cover and I have to give him 100% of the credit!


Wat was youre favr scene[s] to write in  Emerald City?

Well, I'm a die-hard romantic, so my favorite scenes were always the romantic ones between Jude and Olivia. The first kiss, the first little hints at attraction, the intimate conversations, etc. I would find my heart pounding in my chest as I wrote some of them. Also, the first scene, with Olivia, was very personal and emotional for me to write, and I felt like I was there, experiencing it with her, so that was a favorite as well. I enjoy writing the raw, gritty, intense scenes as much as I do the lovey-dovey ones.


Do you have a set routine when you are writing? Are you a plotter or just write what the characters feel like to saying? [to me all characters are like real people]

All characters should be like real people, if the writing is good! They certainly are to me! As far as a routine, not really. I've never been much of a routine person. I wrote whenever I felt like it, and didn't write sometimes for long periods of time when I wasn't feeling it. I know most authors say a writer should write something every day, but I found I couldn't force it or my writing was crap. I had an outline for the first three-fourths of my story that I did stick to for the most part, but I honestly didn't know how the ending was going to end until I was actually writing it. The story sort of took on a life of its own as I wrote it and I let it go where it wanted to go! As for my characters, I knew them so well right from the start that I never had to think twice about what they would say in a given situation. I always knew how they'd respond.

Have you any other books in the making at the moment?

My next venture will be the sequel to Emerald City, and, although I have not actually started writing it, I'm in the first stages--ie, lots and lots of brainstorming. I will begin writing it very, very soon.

What are you currently reading, have finished or on your wish list?

I am currently reading the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I'm on the second book and can hardly put it down. She does an amazing job of somehow realistically combining a modern-day romance with a mythological world full of creepy monsters. I can't wait to read the rest in the series.

Any song[s] that fit perfectly with Emerald City, scenes /characters or the book itself ?

What a great question! I actually plan to add an Emerald City playlist to my website one day. There is a song that came out a couple years ago, when I was a quarter of the way through writingEmerald City, that summed up my entire book. I was so shocked the first time I heard it, it was as if someone had put my book into a song. I can't tell you what it is, though, because it would give away the entire surprise twist to my book! There are a few others I can tell though: Krwlng, by Linkin Park, is the perfect soundtrack to the scene in the first chapter with Olivia, the "infamous" night when she...well, you know. And OneRepublic's Goodbye Apathy goes really well a few chapters later, as Olivia starts to sees changes in herself.

Why should we read Emerald City,

Because it's awesome. And I think it has something for everybody--romance, fantasy, action, mystery...But more than anything, people should read it because it's more than just fictional fluff. It covers topics that are considered taboo to a lot of people, in a way that isn't in-your-face or off-putting. It's real, and intense, and emotional, and I think everyone should read it!

This or that segment

Vanilla or chocolate--Chocolate. Always chocolate.


summer or winter:--Winter

Xmas or hallo ween--Christmas!

Vampires, faeries or zombies--faeries. Definitely faeries. Unless it's Edward Cullen, then vampires.



The book 

One city of 600,000 people.

One broken girl.

One mysterious boy.

One fateful night,

Two worlds collide.  

Seattle, Washington. The sprawling, industrious city set in a blanket of pine. I have never known a day that wasn’t spent inside this concrete jungle. It’s my home, and for that I love it. But it’s also the setting for the tragedy called my life, and so I loathe it.

I live alone in a cold, empty studio apartment. The tiny square room closely resembles a cell. That’s my life: solitary confinement.

Here, in this desolate place that perfectly reflects my soul, my story begins.

Broods of Fenrir// interview w/ Coral Moore

This is one of the stops of this booktour

First to introduce the author.

About this author
Coral Moore has always been the kind of girl who makes up stories. Fortunately, she never quite grew out of that. She writes because she loves to invent characters and the desire to find out what happens to her creations drives the tales she tells. 
Prompted by a general interest in how life works, her undergraduate schooling was in biology. She follows science news and enjoys conversations about genetics and microbiology as much as those about vampires and werewolves. Coral writes speculative fiction and is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Writing at Albertus Magnus College. 
Currently she lives in Connecticut with the love of her life, who offers both encouragement and kicks in the tail when necessary. Also in residence are two mammals of the families Canidae and Felidae. 
She released her first novel, Broods of Fenrir, in November 2011. Her next release, Elements of Rebellion, is due out in spring 2012. visit her on chaosandinsanity.com  like her on FB or stalk her on twitter @  coralm

Now for the interview

What inspired you to write Broods of Fenrir ?

I was inspired to write Broods by a love of Norse mythology and the desire to write werewolves in a different way. The history of werewolves is so vast, and I think in today’s fiction they’ve gotten a bit one-dimensional, so I wanted to go a different way with them.

Who is the artist[s], fanboying here! Lol

Amanda Kelsey at Razzle Dazzle Design made my cover. She’s amazingly talented. I love the cover she made for this book. She’s working on the cover for my next release right now. I can’t wait to see it.

What was your favorite scene[s] to write in Broods of Fenrir ?

There’s a scene where Dagny leaves Brand that was one of the most painful I’ve ever written. I enjoyed the emotion there, and it gives such a wonderful snapshot of who Brand is.

What got you in to reading and at what age , what sort of books did you like reading as a child?

I’ve always been a big reader. I don’t really remember a time in my life when I didn’t read. I went through a long phase when you I was young where all I read was animal books. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell was my favorites for many years—a very sad story, but wonderful too.

Do you have a set routine when you are writing?

I don’t have any kind of set routine. Sometimes I write at my desk, sometimes at the kitchen table and sometimes on my couch. It depends on the mood I’m in that day.

Are you a plotter or just write what the characters feel like to saying? [to me all characters are like real people]

I’m not much of a plotter. For the most part I just put my characters in situations and explore the world through their eyes.

Have you any other books in the making at the moment?

I’ve got a more traditional fantasy called Elements of Rebellion coming out at the end of March or beginning of April. I’ve started a second book in the Broods world as well, but that one won’t be out until probably the end of the summer.

Any song[s] that fit perfectly with Broods of Fenrir  scenes /characters or the book itself?

I’ve always thought Do What You Have To Do by Sarah McLachlan is the song that represents the Brand and Dagny romance. There are forces pulling them apart and though they both know they probably shouldn’t be together they can’t let go.

Why should we read Broods of Fenrir ?

Broods features a different kind of werewolf. There’s a lot of action, and a strong romantic plotline. It has aspects of Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy.

 

This or that segment

Vanilla or chocolate

Chocolate, always.

summer or winter

Winter. I don’t like the heat.

Vampires, faeries or zombies

Lately probably faeries. I’ve been researching a lot of folklore lately, and some of the faery stories are really interesting.

The book

Synopsis: Shapeshifter Brand Geirson was raised to rule the Broods of Fenrir, but he refused his birthright. Instead, he killed their brutal leader–his own father–and walked away. 

For hundreds of years he’s avoided brood society, until a werewolf kills an innocent human woman and Brand finds himself dragged back into the violent politics of the shapeshifters. When the two brood women who mean the most to him come under threat, he must take up the throne and risk becoming the kind of vicious bastard his father was, or let the broods descend further into chaos–taking the friend he swore to protect and his lover with them.

Falling In Between book tour: interview w/ Devon Ashley

You can see the tour schedule and more information by clicking HERE.

Well today is my stop. welcome.First i'll introduce you to the author

About this author

I share a blog with fellow indie authors Rebecca A Rogers and Constance Sharper where we spotlight indie writers. Check it out here http://dark-horse-books.blogspot.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Devon-Ashl...
Favorite Silly Quote: Cedric didn't die. Carlisle found him and turned him into Edward.
Interesting Fact: I share my birthday with my favorite author, Jane Austen
You can read her blog at http://devonashleywrites.blogspot.com

What inspired you to write Falling in Between? I’ve actually had this story marinating in my head for a few years now. I had just finished writing Metamorphosis and began on Catacombs when I felt the urge to get this one out of my head already. Not quite sure anymore how I came up with the idea but the characters made it really fun to write.

What was your favorite scene to write in Falling in Between? Ooh. Jeez. Hmm… I had so much fun writing these characters. So many scenes made me laugh or bury my head in humiliation. Personally, I think I had the most fun when Jenna woke up in the hospital and Sophie got to utterly humiliate her by putting her sarcastic spin on how Jenna drowned in her undies and how the guy Jenna had been crushing on had been very attentive since giving her chest compressions while wearing that lacey bra. 

What got you into reading and at what age, and what sort of books did you like reading as a child? Honestly, I can’t remember a point in my life when I wasn’t reading so I think that passion has always been present. My favorites growing up were Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, More Scary Stories and those Choose Your Own Adventure books.

Do you have a set routine when you are writing? Are you a plotter or just write what the characters feel like to say? [to me all characters are like real people]. Well, with my urban fantasy novels, I’m a total plotter. Those novels have four main characters, all with their own point of view and their own stories going on, so I can have anywhere between 4 to 8 major and minor plots going on. So I usually concoct curves for each plot and then blend them all together into one large plot curve. Sound confusing? Well, I generally have a lot going on in those stories (which some people find confusing – but I’ll be the first to admit that there’s a lot to take in in just one sitting). Here’s what my original plot curve for Metamorphosis looked like (yes…I even color coordinate J):

As for Falling in Between, I only have Jenna’s point of view so I didn’t bother to plot anything. Just as well cause I pretty much rewrote the story in my head anyway - all for the better I think. I really just put myself in Jenna’s shoes and tried to make her voice and actions as honest as I could in those situations. Here’s hoping people find her relatable.

Have you any other books in the making at the moment? I’m currently writing Catacombs, which is book 3 of my urban fantasy series The Immortal Archives. I’m also considering a follow up to Falling In Between. I have a story in my head but I’m not really sure if I’m gonna write it or not.

What are you currently reading, have finished or on your wish list? My wish list is so long I’m doubtful I’ll ever catch up. I’ve got a few ARCs I need to read next (The Demon Lover, Fracture, Saving June and Every Other Day). There are a few in the backlog that I’d like to read for pleasure too (Hereafter, The Body Finder, Divergent, Touch of Frost).

Why should we read Falling in Between? Jenna’s coming of age story is funny, humiliating, stressful, and utterly confusing – and hopefully relatable to teenagers. I for one remember doing stupid things (like jumping off cliffs) when I knew better – but did it anyway. And my friends were always there to egg me on, and to make sure that afterwards they would never let me live it down. J

This or that segment

Vanilla or Chocolate: My precious…

Summer or Winter: Being in Texas, summertime is extremely hot. I’ll take cooler weather any time. You can always keep adding layers but you can only take so many off. J

Christmas or Halloween: Christmas. I love seeing all the lights and decorations everywhere I go. And people in general seem to be nicer to one another that time of year.

Vampires, faeries or zombies: I’m still a fan of the vampires above all else. Probably why I write about them.

Fractured Light Book tour : interview w/ Rachel McClelian

This blog tour is presented by Cedar Fort Publishing.
You can see the tour schedule and more information by clicking HERE.


Well today is my stop. First i'll introduce you to the author and then the interview and review. link to the review

About this author
My YA urban fantasy novel FRACTURED LIGHT will be released February 2012. The sequel is tentatively planned for release in February 2013.
My short story, Simon Says, will be out in an anthology titled "After Dark: A Collection of Haunting Tales" in a couple of weeks.

I've been drunk on writing ever since I traveled to Ireland and became blessed (or cursed) by a Leprechaun with a french accent and a bad attitude. Of course I did just steal his gold, but that's another story.

You can read her blog at http://www.blackbirdinmywindow.blogspot.com/ or stalk her on twitter @rachelmcclellan

Now for the interview

What inspired you to write Fractured Light?

Honestly Llona did. I was messing around with a friend, swapping writing assignments and such, when I wrote about Llona while she was at her father’s funeral. Her voice was so strong I just knew I had to write more to see where she took me.

Who is the artist[s], fanboying here! Lol

Brian Halley did my cover. Such an amazing artist!

What was your favorite scene[s] to write in Fractured Light?

I loved writing the scene where Llona fights the Vyken on the stage. I wish you all could see what I envision. It’s very cool with the lights, and when the “bad guy” basically starts peeling his face off.

What got you in to reading and at what age , what sort of books did you like reading as a child?

I’ve always enjoyed reading. As a child and teenager, I read the Encyclopedia Brown books, Beverly Clearly, R.L. Stine, Christopher Pike and L.J. Smith (I was so excited when I found out Vampire Diaries was turned into a TV series!).

Do you have a set routine when you are writing? are you a plottr or just write what the characters feel like to say[to me all characters are like real people]

I try to get up early in the morning before my kids wake up to write. I also write at the bus stop while I’m waiting to pick them up. As for writing, I let my characters drive the story. I do, however, make sure I know the ending before I begin any story otherwise it will go on forever.

Have you any other books in the making at the moment?

I’m just finishing up the sequel to FRACTURED LIGHT. I also have another book, a humorous memoir that will be out before Mother’s Day in 2013. I’m also in the editing phases of a different, darker YA novel– really excited about this one.

What are you currently reading, have finished or on your wish list?

I just got Dean Koontz latest book – Lightening. I’m also just finishing up the third book in The Maze Runner series. These days it takes me awhile to finish a book because I take the time to study how the author brings conflict into every chapter and how they manage to pull everything together at the end.  I’ve learned more about writing doing this than anything else.  

Any song[s] that fit perfectly with Fractured Light scenes /characters or the book itself?

Oh yes! Great question. I listen to music whenever I write.  Songs I listened to for Fractured Light are:

Secondhand Serenade – Fall for You, Suppose, Pretend

Sick Puppies – All the Same, Too Many Words

The Red Jumpsuit – Your Guardian Angel

My Chemical Romance – House of Wolves

10 Years – So Long, Good-bye, Dying Young

Snow Patrol – Open Your Eyes

Why should we read Fractured Light?

Pure enjoyment.

This or that segment

Vanilla or chocolate

Swirl

summer or winter:

Um, Fall – I love my fall wardrobe. J

Xmas or Halloween:

Halloween a million times over.

Vampires, faeries or zombies:

Zombie-eating vampires

Double Clutch tour stop; interview with Liz Reinhardt‏

If you all remember i received Double Clutch for review and a booktour. well today is my stop. First i'll introduce you to the author and then the interview.

About this author
Liz Reinhardt was born and raised in the idyllic beauty of northwest NJ. A move to the subtropics of coastal Georgia with her daughter and husband left her with a newly realized taste for the beach and a bloated sunscreen budget. Right alongside these new loves is her old, steadfast affection and longing for bagels and the fast-talking foul mouths of her youth.

She loves Raisinettes, even if they aren't really candy, the Oxford comma, movies that are hilarious or feature zombies, any and all books, but especially romance (the smarter and hotter, the better), the sound of her daughter's incessantly wise and entertaining chatter, and watching her husband work on cars in the driveway.

You can read her blog at www.elizabethreinhardt.blogspot.com, like her on Facebook, or email her at lizreinhardtwrites@gmail.com.  

Now to the interview 

What inspired you to write double clutch

Great question! I read and loved Stephanie Meyers's Twilight and was totally Team Jacob. But I realized really, really soon that Jacob had no chance at all in winning Bella's heart. And while I respect the Bella/Edward love connection, I just spent all of the books after New Moon feeling super bad for Jacob! My goal was to write a book where there were two amazing guys, and my hope was that readers would be completely torn about who they would choose! It didn't totally work; some people are very clearly Team Jake or Team Saxon. But many, many people said they couldn't choose. I love that.

Wat was youre favr scene[s] to write in double clutch

I am such a big, crazy romantic, and I loved writing the scene where Jake comes over to Brenna's house when her parents aren't around and they have a major makeout session. Double Clutch is definitely for mature YA readers, so the scene is pretty spicy, but I loved being honest about what that rush of first love and exploration feels like. I really, truly respect my characters, and I know that comes across when I write a more sensitive scene.

What got you in to reading and at what age  what sort of books did you like reading as a child?

My mom claims I could rad when I was only 3. I think I was just memorizing! But I loved, loved, loved books! As a kid, my faves were the Little House books, anything by LM Montgomery, all of the Ramona books, and those fantastic Lurlene McDaniel tear-jerkers where the kids fall in love but have terminal illnesses! I read a lot and still love reading!

Do you have a set routine when you are writing?are you a plottr or just write what the characters feel like to say[to me all characters are like real people]

Oh, I am the worst plotter! And I have a little girl, so my routine is basically set my laptop up, get Pandora ready, and pray I'll have a few minutes here and there where I'm not playing Rapunzel or making peanut-butter-and-jelly or tying shoelaces and can type a few lines. I type all day, get interrupted a jillion times, and then type late at night. And the characters totally speak to me! Anytime I've ever planned ANYTHING, the characters basically laugh in my face and do what they want to! That's why I never get upset when someone doesn't like what happens in my book. I just point to Brenna, Saxon, and Jake and say, "Um, their fault! They made me write it!" Haha!

Have you any other books in the making at the moment?

I do! I am just finishing edits on the second Brenna book, called Junk Miles. It should be out just before Thanksgiving, so if you're angry at me over the cliffhanger ending in Double Clutch, don't yell at me! The next book comes out soon! In December, I'm going to try to have out my next book, Forgiving Trinity. It's about a girl who screws up her life big time and has to pick up all the pieces. But there's still a lot of smooching and romance...I can't get away from the romance.

What r you currently reading,have finished or on your wishlist?

Oh, I'm reading Angie Stanton's Dream Chaser and it's fantastic!! It's about a girl who gave up dance to cheer, but gets in a bad accident doing a stunt. She goes back to her dancing roots and has to work her tail off. I'm loving it! I also just finished Abbi Glines's The Vincent Boys and it was hot, hot, hot Southern romance! I have three words; OH MY BEAU!  I highly recommend both!!

Any song[s] that fit perfectly with double clutch/scenes/characters or the book itself

I love this question! Okay, for Brenna, the song "Everybody Got Their Something" by Nikka Costa, because she knows ALL ABOUT girl power, and that's definitely Brenna's thing! For Saxon Mumford and Son's "Awake My Soul" really sums up his vulnerable needs under his cool/calm exterior. Brenna is driving him NUTS and he doesn't want to admit how much he likes her! And for Jake King of Leon's "Pickup Truck" really showcases the way he's grappling with his crazy past and trying so hard to be a better person with Brenna...not that it always works!

Why should we read  double clutch?

Well, if you love romance, drama, a strong girl who knows herself, and relationships that are complicated and amazing, this is a book you'll enjoy!

This or that segment

Vanilla or chocolate: CHOCOLATE! 

Coffee or tea: Tea to drink...but I love the smell of coffee!

summr or wintr: Winter in Georgia is amazing and lovely...summer anywhere BUT Georgia! Haha! You can melt in the summer where I live!

Xmas or hallo ween: Christmas for seeing family, Halloween for having candy-overload/dress-up fun!! (Yep, I still love candy AND costumes!)

Vampires, faeries or zombies : Faeries! Love how brilliant and beautiful they are...with a little cruel kick!

Thank you so much for having me!!

The other interviews.reviews and giveaways yes i said giveaways. These will be found at Missy's Reads & Reviews Book