Chat With Me Thursday (15): Author Interview with Cherie Coyler

This week for my Chat With Me Thursday interview, I'm bringing you an interview with author Cherie Colyer, author of middle grade and young adult fiction books, including her newest,  Damned When I Didn't, which was released on November 18, 2020.

Connect with Cherie on Goodreads and visit her website, or find her on Twitter and Facebook!

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1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m a mother of four amazing men, an avid reader, lover of nature and magic and the different wonders of the world who loves to creates new characters and invent ways to get them in trouble. I also work full-time as a senior advanced technical support engineer with people much smarter than myself.

2. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was in my thirties. My husband and I like to go for long walks, and I was always talking about different story ideas I had. He’d chime in with his thoughts, and before we knew it, we’d have created a mini world hidden within our own. One day he asked me why I don’t write the story I talked about the most down. So I did. And I enjoyed it so much I kept going until I honed my craft and found homes for some of my books.

3. What book of yours was most difficult to write and why?

Right now, I’m going to say the sequel to Damned When I Didn’t. I’m a bit stuck on what I want to happen, which is driving me nuts.

4. Which book was the most fun?

Oh, this is hard. Once I get to know my characters, I have fun with the stories. But if I had to pick, it would be a toss-up between Hold Tight, which is the second book in my Embrace Series, and Entwined, the third book. The characters for that story came easily to me, and I always knew what was going to happen next, which made it fun to write the sequels.

5.  In Damned When I Didn't what came to you first, the plot or the characters?

The plot. I really wanted to write a book about a succubus, but I wanted to have a unique twist. Something I hadn’t read before. And I thought, what if my succubus was a virgin. Everything fell in place from there.

 6. Do you have any writing routines that you do to get yourself in the mood to write?

I write in the morning, so my routine starts with coffee and ends with me on the couch working on my latest work-in-progress. Not too exciting, I know, but it works for me. Now, if I find myself with the house to myself during the day, I gather my things (something to drink, my phone for music, a snack, and laptop) and set up outside in the shade or in the living room where it’s bright and cheery. I find it easiest to write when I’m the only one home, so I find these times blissfully perfect.

7. What do you do to ease writers' block?

Anything away from my laptop: hanging out with friends or family, yard work, cleaning, shopping, reading, watching reruns of my favorite shows. If this doesn’t work, then I open a fresh Word doc and write a day in my character’s life or let my character ramble on, spilling his or her innermost thoughts until I realize what needs to happen next in my story.

8. Are you working on anything new right now?

I’ve been alternating between playing around with a sequel to Damned When I Didn’t and revising a YA paranormal thriller I’d written a while ago.

9. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Read as much as you can, and read a little of everything. You can learn a lot about flow, characterization, plot, etc. by reading different books. And don’t give up. Writing is hard at times. First drafts often (maybe even always) suck. But that’s why we revise. So keep going, finish the first draft, and remember to have fun.

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That concludes the interview! Special thanks to Cherie for allowing me to feature her today, as always, it was so much fun!

Chat With Me Thursday (14): Author Interview with Danielle Young

For my Chat With me Thursday this week, I have an interview with Danielle Young, author of five YA books, including her latest release, Failure, which released on April 30, 2020.

You can check out Danielle online here through her website, Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Goodreads

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1.Can you tell me a little about yourself?

If you ask me there isn’t much to know, but I will give it a shot. I am a mother to five incredible boys. They have been my motivation and light through everything and they are the reason that I currently have the job I do. By day, I am a high school culinary arts teacher, sharing my love and passion for the foodservice industry with youth. By night, I can be found writing or binging my favorite shows *coughs* The Last Kingdom, Merlin, Bones *coughs* or loving on one of my four cats and two dogs.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always sort of wrote as a kid. My friend and I used to lock ourselves away in closets and write stories through the night. But as I got older the desire to write was replaced with my need to be a mother. Then it was replaced with all the things that go with what society says being an adult is. I ventured into book blogging as a way to share my love of reading with others. It was that process and the connection with the Indie author community that helped stoke the writer in me back to life. I had an idea and some amazing Indie authors that I know and love encouraged me along the way. 

3. How long did it take you to write Failure?

It took me about four years to completely write Failure. I started it while finishing the finale book in my trilogy, because I just couldn’t wait to start writing it.

4. Out of all your novels, which was the most difficult to write and why?

I currently have five published books and Failure was by far the hardest to write because it is a deeply personal story to me. Every book I write has a piece of my soul, in all honesty I think every book contains a piece of the writer. But with Failure this is my what could have been story, what could have been my life if I had not accepted the loss of my mother so well in high school. What could have happened if I didn’t have a support system. So, everything about this story is me in a way. Some of the things that Chris experiences in the book are my own personal experiences. Of course, told from a guy’s POV. :) Let’s just say I cried a lot writing this one.

5. What's your favourite part of writing?

My favorite part of writing is connecting with readers and hearing their thoughts on what I wrote. If my story finds even one reader, then I consider it a success.

6. Do you have any routines that help you write?

For me it is all about music. If I don’t have the right music I struggle with the story. I have to find music that speaks to my characters, once I do that, I can write.

7. What was the publishing process like? Was it different than you expected?

When I first published I would say I thought it was both easy and hard. The overall process I found easy, it was the individual steps that I often struggled with. Of course, I have gotten a lot better at it, but I still have a lot more to learn. But I think that’s how you become successful in anything, you try it, make mistakes, then work to do better next time.

8. How do you get rid of writer's block?

I have yet to figure out the answer to that one actually. That is part of the reason it takes me so long to write a book from start to finish. All I can say is that it is okay to step away from your writing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you if you don’t write every day. You have to do what works for you. And for some that means writing when the mood hits. It doesn’t matter if it takes you a month, year, or three years to write a book. All that matters is that you are doing it.

9. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

My advice for aspiring authors is to write. Don’t let fear stop you. If you have a story, then tell it, you are the only one who can tell it that way.

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That wraps up this week's Chat With Me Thursday! Special thanks to Danielle for allowing me to feature her! 

Chat With Me Thursday (13): Author Interview with Natalie Walton

For my thirteenth Chat With Me Thursday, I am overjoyed to be featuring Natalie Walton, author of Revenge of the Sluts. Set to be released February 2, 2021, I read an ARC in October, and I must say, it was an absolutely outstanding debut that I am so glad I had the privilege to read. (Review here)

Just before I get to the interview content, I want to extend my thanks over to Wattpad Book's Andrea, and of course, to Natalie, it was a pleasure working with both of you and I can't thank you enough for your time.

Now, onto the interview.

1. Do you find writing emotionally heavy themes difficult? If so, do you have any strategies for writing them?

It’s kind of a mix. On one hand, the planning and researching process for Revenge of the Sluts was emotionally draining; it was a lot of reading news articles, statistics, policy, most of which was pretty heavy. But on the other, I found it really cathartic to write a book like ROTS and to have an outlet. I think it’s difficult, but it’s necessary, which makes it worth it.

I think the most important thing is to take breaks. At the time I was writing Revenge of the Sluts I was also taking social science classes that often talked about sexual violence, I was volunteering on a sexual offense support hotline, I was reading non-fiction about sexual violence. It was a lot. I’d find that I wouldn’t think what I was consuming was affecting me, but then I’d have these periods of strong negative emotions or increased stress for seemingly no reason. But that helped me see when I was pushing myself too far and needed breaks, and I think that’s the most important thing anyone can do for themselves. Your body knows. Even if you think it’s fine and you can handle it, take the time to process, take the time to do other things like watch movies or work on a different project.


2. What came to you first when writing ROTS, the plot or the characters?


The title was actually the first thing, which is kind of funny. I remember watching the movie Easy A as a young teen and for the first time feeling validated in a lot of my frustration and discomfort with the things I’d see and hear. I watched the movie at a friend’s house and literally on the walk home, I was like “I could totally write a book about this.” I knew immediately it needed to be Revenge of the Sluts, a la Revenge of the Nerds (a movie I hadn’t seen then and funnily enough still haven’t seen). This was back in, like, 2011 and after writing maybe three chapters, I quickly realized I was in way over my head and put the project to the side for seven years. Sloane was the only character who carried over from the 2011 draft into 2018; the rest of the current cast didn’t exist in 2011 because that draft wasn’t a mystery and there was no journalism piece.

But for the draft we have today, the plot was first. I had key things that I really wanted to see in the book and explore—journalism, revenge porn, slut shaming, mystery—and kind of forced them all together. The characters formed alongside that as the plot outline developed. I knew I’d need a newsroom, a Slut Squad, things like that, and adapted the cast to fit those needs.

3.What was your favourite part of writing ROTS?

I really loved writing any of the Slut Squad scenes. Any part where Eden is talking to the girls, or where the girls are talking amongst each other were my easiest scenes in some ways just because I could visualize the Slut Squad so vividly. I also loved writing anything about Sloane. I knew from the beginning she was going to be a huge piece of the story and Eden’s development, but she really became such a scene stealer in the best way.

4. What was the most challenging?

I struggled a lot with tone. I really think that’s part of why I ended up never getting far in the 2011 version, which was originally a socially driven, borderline romantic comedy. I went back and forth on if I wanted it to be funny—something like Mean Girls—or if I wanted it to be dark and snappy, like Heathers, or really serious and heart wrenching. But when I started writing the 2018 draft, the one we see today, I realized it verged more into a journalistic style, like a very observational, not exactly emotionally removed but kind of stilted tone, which works for Eden and her more serious, driven personality. I really like the tone it took on, and it feels very appropriate, but it meant shifting my expectations somewhat and being comfortable with writing a more muted narrating style.


5. Was the publishing process different than you expected?

I think there are a lot of things I expected; I knew I’d have to write and edit a lot and that I’d play a role in picking the cover and things like that—the obvious pieces we see as readers—but there’s a lot that’s surprised me. The one thing that stands out the most is just how many people are actually involved in publishing. I knew that a lot of people had to come together to get a book out—books are big business with a lot of moving parts, so that makes sense to me—but I didn’t know how many people that actually was until ROTS. It feels like I’m constantly being introduced to new people or seeing new names in terms of editing, marketing, publicity, who are helping get the book from point A to B to C. It’s all very exciting.

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That's all for this Chat With Me Thursday! Natalie's Revenge of the Sluts is expected to hit shelves February 2, 2021. Until then, don't forget to add it to your Goodreads TBR!

Chat With Me Thursday (12): Author Interview with Shilah Ferr

Hello! I’m Shilah Ferr, author of the Coming of Age Romance, April’s Heart, published in January 2020.

aprilsheartbook@gmail.com
https://aprilsheartbook.com
https://www.facebook.com/AprillovesMitch
https://www.facebook.com/shilah.ferr.9/
https://twitter.com/FerrShilah

Q. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? How long after that did you start writing a book?

I always wondered if I had a book in me. I think a lot of people do. For a long time I wondered if I did write a book, what would it be about, surely my own life is not remarkable enough. But, eventually in the winter of 2018-2019 I finally had the idea to roll all of the significant relationships from back in the day into one love interest. I was good to go! It was such a revelation. The plot came together immediately. April’s Heart is definitely fiction, but follows the basic outline of my life, dysfunctional family and all. I started writing right away after getting funny looks upon announcing that I was going to write a book and sat down at the kitchen table.

Q. What do you typically develop first, your characters or your plot?

For April’s Heart, my debut novel, the main character is modeled after myself, so I am not sure I spent a lot of time “developing” the character. The plot is what I developed, having the inspiration of a lifelong love interest despite the main characters’ young age. The difficulties they went through I went through as well, including being taunted by a boyfriend’s friends about someone who cheated. And it is true that my dad left my mom the night I got caught in bed with my boyfriend. Oh boy!

Q. Do you have any books or authors that were inspiring to you?

I do! I have been an avid reader of romance and erotic romance, and as I got older (I’m 56) I felt like not only did I want to write in that genre, but I COULD write in that genre. I’ve been inspired by E.L. James, Audrey Niffenegger and Stephanie Meyer.

Q. Are any of your characters inspired by people you know?

Clearly yes, but besides Mitchell Hudgins, April’s love interest, there are other characters inspired by people in my life however fictionalized, including family members, such as cousin Penny Schweiter. After my father left my mother when I was a teenager, my father and I sought refuge at my uncle’s house and lived there for a time. It was difficult and fun at the same time.

Q. What is your favourite aspect of your book?

Music is such an integral part of the story due to the eighties setting. The April’s Heart ebook edition contains almost forty 30 second Spotify music links embedded on every song referenced in the story. It’s so fun to click on the link, jam out for a few seconds, then return to reading. I love it!

Q. What was the publishing process like? Was it different than you expected?

If you consider the editing process part of the publishing process, many now know that my husband and I edited it ourselves. We’ve been both cheered and chastised. I learned a lot. I read it out loud to my husband twice during the summer of 2019. It was SO MUCH FUN! April’s Heart has been updated once again and is just about perfect now. I invite everyone to enjoy!

I published through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It was easy for the most part, but their call back method when you need help was brilliant. I hate wasting time and don’t have a lot of tolerance for it. I was extremely satisfied every time I used it, which wasn’t much, mostly toward the end, trying to get it ready to go live.

Q. What is the most difficult part of writing for you?

I would love to write another Coming of Age Romance. I have several things working against me. I poured my heart, soul and life story into April’s Heart, and although I have TONS more memories and vignettes from life to draw upon, I’m having difficulty creating a cohesive, captivating plot. I will be patient right now, I know motivation and inspiration hits me when it wants too. Additionally, I am a school teacher. Now that school has started again since the shut down, I seriously have no spare time, writing this interview on an unexpected day off for the election. (I’ll be working on my report cards later!)

Q. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

I do! The content of April’s Heart is quite risqué at times, and potentially offensive to some readers. During the writing process I was often daunted by thoughts of offending people, or feeling afraid of what some might think. The advice an author friend of mine gave really helped me when he simply explained as a passing thought that there is no book that everyone will like, no book is everyone’s cup of tea. As obvious as that is, it really effected me, allowing me to put my fears behind, to just be brave and put it in there. “Just put it in there” became a little mantra of mine as I continued to write. So my advice is to be brave, knowing full well that there will be readers who do not like your book.

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As always, I had so much fun doing this interview and would like to take a second to thank Shilah for allowing me to interview her!

Chat With Me Thurday (9): Author Interview with Melissa A Craven

       Today I bring you another Chat With Me Thursday, this time with author of Emerge: The Awakening, Melissa A. Craven! I wrote a review of her book earlier this month and if you read it, you can tell that I thought it was absolutely wonderful and I was very happy when she agreed to do this interview with me!

1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

       I grew up near Atlanta, Georgia, but I've always moved around a lot and I mean, a lot! At this point, I'm a Nomad so I wouldn't expect me to stay put anywhere indefinitely. I tend to do things the hard way because I'm stubborn and I don't like doing things just because that's the way everyone else does it. I think it's very important to make decisions that make sense for me so I really tend to deviate from that traditional life checklist (college, job, marriage, house, kids ...)

2. When did you decide that you wanted to be a writer?

       Um ... probably when I was about ten chapters into Emerge. It was something I started on a whim that I never thought I'd actually finish. The night I started writing Emerge, I'd had a conversation with a co-worker about the serious lack of good reading material at the time. He just looked at me and said, "you're smart, why don't you write something yourself and stop complaining about it?" The first words out of my mouth were, "I can't do that!" And I absolutely hate those words. After he left, I had a conversation with myself and decided I could do it if I really wanted to. That's how it started and I quickly fell in love with writing.

3. How did you find the publishing process? Was it easier or more difficult than you originally thought?

       I was very naive about the whole thing in the beginning. The publishing world can be extremely confusing, but once I figured out the right course for my book, I felt much more confidant. I set out to pursue the "traditional" publishing route, but I only submitted a few query letters to agents before I decided the whole process involved way too much red tape for me. I'm a huge supporter of indie authors, but it can be a very lonely and intimidating process. You just have to take one thing at a time and educate yourself on the right way of doing it. In my humble opinion there is a huge difference between self-publishing and being a true indie author.

4. Who was the most difficult character to write in Emerge?

       Allie. There were several things I wanted to accomplish with her character, but mostly I wanted her to be real. I wanted her to struggle with insecurities the way we all do, but at the same time, I wanted her to grow into her confidence. I wanted her to be a great example of a strong independent young woman, but I also wanted her have moments where she was vulnerable and uncertain because no one is strong 100% of the time. Shaping her character is sometimes a difficult balancing act. And Aidan is a similar challenge.  

5. Who was the most fun?

        Without a doubt, Darius is the most fun because I really never know what he's going to do or what's going to come out of his mouth next. He's that character that just came out of nowhere and did his own thing. He was never supposed to be anything more than one of Aidan's many brothers, but no one ever told him that. He likes to do his own thing so I'm certain we'll see more of him throughout the series.

6.If you could go back and change anything about your book, would you?

       Not a thing. I absolutely love the way it came together. Emerge starts at a slow boil and continues to simmer through the world building and backstories before it explodes. I set out to write a much more complex story than we usually see in YA and I know that will not appeal to every reader. My readers are super excited about this series and I want them to know that everything we learned in book one is vital to the series in some way or another. Especially the history of the Immortals--that story definitely isn't over yet. But I do get a lot of requests for a family tree to help keep track of all the characters and their family connections, which you can expect to see on my website, hopefully sometime this fall.   

7. Do the reviews you get affect you?

       Most of my reviews are extremely positive and hugely motivating so I try to stay focused on that, but sometimes a comment here or there really stings. I'd be lying if I said it didn't. But I also think having a variety of ratings is very important for the success of any book. That more than anything gives potential readers a realistic view of what to expect when they buy a book. When I'm checking out a new author, I always look at the bad reviews first. I know the book is good when even the bad reviews have something positive to say.

8. How did you come up with the plot for Emerge?

       Well, it just kind of developed and morphed into what it is. I made the decision to write a book before I actually thought about what kind of story it would be. I knew I wanted to do something different and I decided early on that my characters would be young Immortals with cool powers and that their parents would have interesting histories. I also knew that beneath all the supernatural elements, I wanted to represent gender equality. So often in YA, strong female characters overshadow their male counterparts. And vice versa. I wanted to create a dynamic of mutual respect and strength among all my characters. Over the years, Emerge has gone through many different phases and it's light years away from my original draft, but those core elements have always remained the same. 

9. How long did Emerge take you to write?

       Way too long! If you want to know the best way to NOT write a book, I'm your girl. From the first attempt to the final draft, it took about five years. Some of that time was me walking away from it for several months at a time, but I always came back to it because I could not get the story out of my mind and I knew I had to finish it. When I finally had a very long, very rough draft, and I was dedicated to finishing it, it took about two years.

10. Are any of your characters based in any way on people you know?

       A few of my characters have been inspired by people I know, but as that character develops and the story progresses, they definitely take on a life of their own.

11. Overall, how are you enjoying the experience of being a writer?

       I love it. I feel like I have the best job in the world and there are days where I have to pinch myself because I'm not sure I should be having such a good time at work. I'm blessed to be able to do the thing I love most in the world.

12. Who are some of your favourite authors?

       I'm going to reveal my inner dork and admit that my love for epic fantasy began long before Game of Thrones made it cool. The Demon cycle by Peter V. Brett is one of my favorites. But I'm a YA girl at heart. One of my goals this year is to add all the best examples of strong female MCs to my recommended reading list on my website (which is currently under construction.) Kayla Howarth's, The Institute series will probably be the first on that list. I'm not a fan of Dystopian, but she does an incredible job with her MC, Allira. She and Allie would definitely be friends.  

13. Any advice for aspiring authors?

       

Two things:

       1.) Ask for help. Looking back over my own experience, I should have sought the advice of other writers and readers long before I finally did. Writing a book is like building a house. It takes a team of skilled individuals to create a set of construction documents and see it though from the foundation to placing the very last window. No one person can do it all. It's the same with a book. It takes more than just one author with a good idea to tell a great story, and editing is the most vital part of that process. Educate yourself on what the editing process actually entails because it's so much more than fixing typos and using correct grammar. It continually astounds me how many authors don't realize that.

       2.) Don't listen to all the noise. This is a weird time in the world of publishing and everyone has an opinion about how and when authors should promote their books. Some of it is great advice, but take it all with a grain of salt. Keep your head down and write a good book because nothing else matters if your product isn't the best it can be. Write a good book and all that other stuff will fall into place.

Chat with me Thursday (8): Author Interview with Andrea Washington

       Chat with me Thursday is hosted by me here at YA Book Reviews, On Thursdays I interview an author or a blogger and it's a bunch of fun. If you would like to be featured on a CWMT, email me here: sibellasreviews@gmail.com for my details, visit my Chat with me Thursday page

       Today I have Andrea Washington author of The Veiled Truth.

1. Could you tell me a bit about yourself?

            

       I always have trouble with this; I never know what to say about myself.  I love to write, and it’s been my passion for years. I am pretty new to the Indie publishing world and I am falling in love with it more everyday. I am all about promoting other Indie Authors like myself on my Blog http://andrearosewashington.blogspot.com/

I want I to become the norm to see Indie books everywhere in the world.

2. When and how did you come up with the plot for The Veiled Truth?

            

       I came up with the plot in college, I was rolling this idea of what would happen if you were suddenly without your parents. Why would you be and what would you do? The would grew from there. I started to free write and more ideas came to me and ‘The Veiled Truth’ was born.  

3. How long did writing the The Veiled Truth?

            

       It took me four years, I wrote while I was in school so there were times when I couldn’t touch it for months. Though each year I wrote a new draft until I was finally happy with what I wrote.

4. What was the hardest part of writing this book?

            

       The hardest part was sticking to one idea. It took me a while to stick to just one plot line for this book. I can’t tell you how many ideas I went through. I would finish a chapter and a new idea would hit me and before I knew it I re-wrote the entire thing. It took a lot of effort to stick one plot line. My mind runs a mile a minute.

5. Do you have any habits that surface while you are writing?

            

       Procrastination! I mean it’s always been a problem but when I write its blows way of proportion. Sometimes I have to go somewhere with no internet to write and I have to leave my phone off so I won’t surf the web.   

6. How do you rid yourself of writers block?

            

       What I have found that has helped is printing out the rough draft walking away for a few days then reading it not as the author but as a reader. If it’s a bad writer’s block I will have a TRUSTED friend read what I have so far and give me their thoughts and where they think I should go with it. Sometimes it nice to spit ball ideas back and forth to knock something loose.

7. Any advice for aspiring authors?

                

       Start today! It’s never too late or early to start writing. Do not let others affect your work, if you like the idea then write it. There have been times when people told me my idea was not good enough and no one was going to like it, I didn’t listen to them and I pushed on! Write what you want to read not what you think others want to read. Stay true to who you are! Nothing has to be perfect on the first try! 

Chat With Me Thrusday #9: Allyson Gottlieb

       Today, I bring you Allyson Gottlieb Author of Finding North (Compass #1) Darkest Legacy and the Mortal Sin series.

       

 Growing up, Allyson was always the girl with a big imagination and even bigger dreams. A California girl by birth, she currently lives in Boston while attending Emerson College. She has a slight addiction to Starbucks, eyeliner, and chocolate—and, of course, books. Visit her at www.allysongottlieb.com for the latest book news and fun extras.

1. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
       

       I love telling this story. I was seven, and I had a dream I was so certain I never wanted to forget, so I asked my dad to set up a word document so I could type it up. (Such a child of the technology age--the idea of handwriting it in a notebook never crossed my mind. To this day, I rarely handwrite, and only if there's absolutely no other option and I'm desperate as hell.) Of course, looking back, that story was awful, but it opened the gates and the rest was history.

2. Do you believe in "Write only what you know for certain"?
       

       Absolutely not! Because if I believed that, I wouldn't be able to write much at all, since I'm young and haven't had many life experiences. But for a more thoughtful answer, I'd say that I think anyone can use what they know in combination with a vivid imagination to write whatever they want. You certainly don't see anyone arguing that fantasy authors shouldn't exist because no one knows for certain what it's like to ride a dragon or cast spells. Even if the plot is all grounded in reality, a great writer can put themselves in the headspace of whatever character they've created, no matter how far removed the character's circumstances may be from the author's own life.

3. Was writing "Finding North" easier or more difficult than your first book?
       

        Well, there are different levels of difficult. Did it take longer? Yes, but that's because it was a full-length novel as opposed to a novella. In fact, I think I wrote the first draft of Finding North more quickly (relative to its size) than I've ever written anything. But then I spent almost a year editing FN before deciding to publish (admittedly,  part of that lag time was because publishing is expensive, and I had to get the money).

4. Any advice on how to get rid of a case of writers block?

       
       I wish there was some magic formula--if you find one, please let me know! What works best for me is just having multiple projects going at once, so if I get stuck on one, I can switch to something different. (It's also the only way I'll ever possibly get everything I want to write written.) But even then, sometimes the muse is just not cooperating, and you have to wait for another spark of inspiration. I read or watch TV/movies, and sometimes the strangest little things will get you back in the game.

5. I know that "Finding North was just released, but have you started anything else? Or do you plan to?

       
       Currently, I'm working on book 2 of the Compass series, which I'd like to get out by fall 2015. My "writer's block prevention" second project switches out a lot, depending on what plot bunnies are bothering me the most, but right now, it's an NA urban fantasy/PNR with a very underutilized supernatural creature as the male lead.

6. Who was the most challenging character you've ever written?
      Well, writing Reynan's POV (since Finding North is in dual first-person) was certainly different; I love first person, but I've only recently experimenting with the male voice. But in terms of most challenging character? Definitely Valentine from Darkest Legacy. Because you think you know him, but then when you see things from his eyes, it's a whole different perspective and you actually start--gasp--falling for the bad guy. It's a bit of a mindfuck, I've been told, as a reader, and to set the record straight: it was that way for me as the writer, too. Hehe.

7. Any advice for aspiring authors?

      
       Don't give up. I could go on for pages and pages, but really, that's what it boils down to. Don't give up on your dream. There are always going to be obstacles, so don't fall into the trap of "oh, well maybe in a few years it'll be better" or "maybe when I pay off my student loan debts" or whatever the problem is. If writing is what you love, keep at it, and if you want to be published, there's always a way.

It was a pleasure to have you Allyson!

Check out more on Allyson and her books here!

Website: https://www.allysongottlieb.com

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Chat with me Thursday (7): Author interview with Isabella Modra #2

       And Isabella is back with me for another interview! Check out the first one,  focusing on her first book here

1. Was writing E&I easier or more difficult than writing Rouge? It easy and difficult in different ways, to be honest. Harder, because I was in Canada and didn't have all the resources I needed at my fingertips, and also because I had to keep checking Rouge to make sure I was following the story whilst also setting things up for book 3. It was easy though because I had a good idea of where I wanted the story to go before I started writing it, so I didn't quite feel so lost. There were a few major changes I made at the last minute, and the cover was certainly harder to create, but I really enjoyed writing E&I. I loved how Hunter transformed through her suffering and learnt to live on her own without Joshua. 2. Are any of the characters you write inspired by people in your life? Um... when I was in Canada, I met a ton of different young people who didn't necessarily 'inspire' the characters, but gave me traits to draw from. Some of the names in E&I are also directly from people that I met :) 3. Is Josh still your favorite charter to write? Joshua-UA :) (haha. Oops!) I actually really enjoy writing about Zac. His comedy in E&I is a relief for the darkness and torture and, to be honest, I could write an entire book in his perspective and have a great time doing it. Joshua, however, is my favorite character to write about alongside Hunter. After doing joint POV in E&I, I was able to explore both characters more than Rouge. And I'm in love with their relationship in book 3, which I'm writing adamantly right now. 5. Many different personalities were introduced in this book, was it difficult to include all these new characters? The difficult part was remembering all the characters amidst the action, because I want to focus on Hunter and her emotions as she watches the events take place, but I have to remember the other characters and what they're thinking and planning and especially their powers and capabilities - they're not on mute while Hunter is in the spotlight. It's hard to give them challenges when some, like Fearne or Ryo, have the most powerful abilities in the ability lottery. I have to cater for them too ;) 6. Overall, how are you enjoying the experience of being an author? I could not imagine doing anything else with my life. I'm at a point now where I'm trying to plan the next few years of my life, but literally all I can see is myself in an apartment in London or Edinburgh or New York writing all day long (which is what I do now, basically). I have big dreams. 7. (now for a fun question) You play guitar right? What was the first song you learned to play? Taylor Swift's 'Fearless'. I was fourteen, and I heard a live acoustic version of the song (this was before she started becoming famous). I thought to myself 'I have to learn that song'. I picked up my dad's really expensive Maton 6-string and taught myself. I sounded like an orangutan playing guitar backwards when I first started, but I kept playing until finally I knew how to strum and sing at the same time :) The girls I taught guitar to last year laugh at how many Taylor Swift songs I know how to play. 8. You also travel a lot. Any favorite places? It's hard to answer that, because some of my favorite places are only my favorite because of the memories I have there. In terms of actual locations, I loved Edinburgh because of its connection to J.K Rowling and how at home I felt there, as with London and New York. I loved Hopfgarten in Austria because of the beautiful hills and the culture. I loved living in Canada and working at the ski resort because I feel like I left a part of myself there and if I went back, it wouldn't feel like travelling, it would feel like home. But if someone were to ask me if I've been to a certain place, and I have, I would say I loved it anyway. Being somewhere else is magical and exciting and I'm addicted to it.        It was a pleasure to have you back here, Isabella!

Chat With Me Thursday (6): Author Interview With J. Leigh Bralick

       I am happy to be back with another Chat With Me Thursday. Today I bring you J. Leigh Bralick. Author of Down a Lost Road, Subverter, Prisim, and The Madness Project.


1. Could you tell me a little about yourself?

       So, I'm a bit of an oddball…isn't that a prerequisite for being a writer, though?  I'm a military brat, so I grew up all over the country until my family settled in Texas.  I still love to travel (especially to strange and hidden places); I obsess over languages (I make them up, too); I despise brussel sprouts (mutant miniature
cabbages!); I adore owls, chickens and pretty much anything that has feathers.  I'm passionate about a bizarre variety of music, and have never met an instrument I didn't want to play.  I love to learn about pretty much everything.  I'm paranoid of car engines and electrical transformers, I train in street fighting, and, yes, I secretly believe that the Doctor will come to take me away.

2. When did you first decide that you wanted to be an author?

       Oh, I was pretty young.  My mom and older sister were always writing, and my whole family was passionate about story-telling, so writing just became a part of my life very early on.  Of course people would always throw out that old line, "Most people can't make it as an author," but I didn't care about that.  I just had to write, whether or not I could "make it" by my craft or not.  That just kind of flowed into wanting to share my books with people, so, here I am.

3. Was it difficult to mix steampunk and fantasy?

       Not as much as you might think!  I've always been a fantasy writer; it's my natural habitat.  But I love the whole steampunk flair and I'm fascinated by early modern culture, when everything is just becoming mechanized, with automobiles and aeroplanes and all of that.  So many fantasy novels reflect a medieval kind of culture (I love those stories, too, but…you know.  It's ubiquitous), and I've never read one with an early modern kind of setting.  I just wondered, why not?  There is something magical and fantastical about that setting for me.  I didn't want to write yet another Victorian London story.  I wanted a fantasy world with its own myths and countries and cultures, though the country Cavnal did draw inspiration from a number of sources — from revolution-era Russia to the heyday of the Chicago and New York mobs, to the quirky slang of Newcastle.

4. Do you find what you name your characters an important thing to think about?

       Very much.  The sound of names is hugely important to me.  Sometimes a character comes with a name already attached.  Sometimes I'll know what sort of ethnic sound I want to evoke, and I'll go to a site like Behind The Name to get a feel for different names before making one up that seems to fit.  Usually I'll start with a very strong sense that a character's name has to begin with B, or cannot possibly start with R.  I don't know why that is.  In The Madness Project, a lot of the kids have "tags" instead of names, so it was more a matter of finding the right word to captures something about them — for instance, Coins, Red, Jig, Zip and Bugs.

5. What is the most important thing about being a writer in your opinion?

       I think being a writer, like being an artist, carries a huge responsibility.   I think we sell ourselves short when we don't appreciate the opportunity we have of helping people to see the world in a new way, or think about things differently, or make sense of things that, in the real world, are just too close to home to consider objectively.  Watching characters in a book experience things gives readers a chance to safely wade those waters for themselves.  Does all writing have to be deeply profound and philosophical?  That would be tedious.  But I think every story has a chance to make that kind of an impact on readers, even if just in a small way.  That is something I find astounding and…honestly…a bit frightening.

6. If you could, would you go back and re-write the book in a different way?

       Not this one, no.  I had a bit of that feeling with my first book, Down a Lost Road, when I looked back on it after some time had passed.  There were some things I wanted to change and I actually did go back and publish a revised edition to address some of those flaws.  But for The Madness Project…no, I'm actually really happy with how it turned out.  I'm still a bit baffled by the whole thing and find the prospect of writing #2 a bit daunting, but at the same time I am so, so excited to tackle it.

7. Any advice for aspiring authors? 

       You have a story to tell — hopefully, many stories to tell — so don't be afraid to tell them.  Take the time to focus on bettering your craft.  Being an author isn't something that anyone is entitled to, but don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't try to earn it.  Find other writers or readers whose judgment you trust, and listen.  Listen to their criticisms, even when it's painful.  Don't blindly accept all of their suggested changes, either, but at least be willing to consider them.  Being a writer is a constant work in progress.  We always need to \ work on improving our craft, just like any other artisan.  If being a writer is something you really want, you should be willing to put in the effort to be the best at it that you can be.  And don't ever, ever give up.  Find your voice, your unique and beautiful voice.  Study, study, study.  Meet wonderful and astonishing characters to populate your pages.  Tell your story.  The world is waiting to hear it.

Thank you so much for contacting me for an interview J. Leigh! I had an amazing time working with you!

       Down below are the synopsis' of J. Leigh Bralick's books!

Synopsis of Down a Lost Road (The Lost Road Chronicles #1) (From Goodreads) 

       The way her summer vacation is beginning might be everything 16-year-old Merelin Lindon ever imagined - in her wildest daydreams. Her father has been missing for four years. So when she receives a small token that once belonged to him, she knows something strange is happening. Without any warning, Merelin finds herself drawn into a world somehow connected with Earth's mythical past. As she learns the truth of her father's past, the nightmare begins, and she finds herself the target of a terrifying hunt. With the help of a fascinating and sometimes infuriating young man named Yatol, she chooses to hazard everything, to suffer things she never imagined, in a foolhardy quest to rescue her father and save his people. But it may cost her more than she can imagine...

Synopsis of Subverter (The  Lost Road Chronicles #2) (From Goodreads) 

       

       A year has passed since the Judgment of the Ungulion, and Merelin Lindon is beginning to believe she will never return to the world she loved. But when she begins to suffer from strange visions of a life and a love she left behind, visions that grow darker and harsher with each passing day, she comes to understand that her role in Arah Byen is far from over. But nothing can prepare her for what she will find. Peace should have been returning to the world, but a new enemy has crept from the shadows, plotting the overthrow of all that Merelin holds dear. With everything turned upside-down and nothing as it seems, Merelin must discover whose side she is really on, and who she can trust, before it is too late. But how can she know who to trust, when she isn't even sure she can trust herself?

Synopsis of Prisim (The  Lost Road Chronicles #3) (From Goodreads)

        

       Forced to take on a new identity to protect herself from a still-angry people, Merelin Lindon wants nothing more than to help bring the world of Arah Byen into some kind of balance. But nothing is going as planned. The High King Zhabyr is falling apart. Merelin's allies are turning on each other for no reason. Even Yatol is acting more mysterious and tormented than ever, and Merelin is struggling with a growing longing for her home and family. And just when she believes things can't get any worse, she is framed for a terrible crime, and deserted by those who should have defended her.

       But Merelin soon realizes that she is not the victim of a horrible plot, but just one more pawn in a deadly game she never really understood. In the game immortals play, nothing she has seen or learned can prepare her for the truths about to be revealed.

       In the coming war she cannot stand alone. But can she bring her allies together before it is too late?

       

Synopsis of The Madness Project (The Madness Method #1)

       

       No one really knows Prince Tarik Trabinis. Not even himself.

       He was born with a dual heritage—his royal title from his father, and from his mother, the gift of magic that would make him an outcast of society...if society ever learned the truth. For sixteen years Tarik kept his nature a secret. But on the eve of his seventeenth birthday, he is asked to help uncover the truth about the Rivanic Clan—an underground society of mages led by the enigmatic and charismatic Rivano. Using his ability to change his appearance, Tarik must slide into the dregs of society to learn the truth that could save or destroy everything he has ever loved.

       Hayli wasn't born on the streets, but with her magery gift, the streets were the only place she could ever call a home. Afraid of her shape-shifting ability and ashamed to be a mage, Hayli only wants to belong in the Hole, a misfit crew of street rats who live deep in the south streets of Brinmark. But when Rivano takes notice of her gift, she must finally decide who she is, and what she wants to be.

       When Tarik and Hayli's worlds collide, they find themselves enmeshed in a dangerous web of lies and deceit, crime and violent ambition. Hayli must decide how far she will go to save the people she loves, while Tarik must learn just how much he would sacrifice in order to learn the truth. 

       But what they will face will challenge everything they thought they knew, and make them question the true meaning of loyalty and betrayal, love and honor.

Chat With Me Thursday (5): Author Interview with Ketley Allison

       I can't believe I've been hosting Chat With Me Thursday for a month. Time flies. If you would like to learn more about Chat With Me Thursday, please visit the Chat With Me Thursday page.
       Anyway, today I bring you, Ketley Allison author of Dark Souls!

#1 Could you tell me a bit about yourself?

       Sure! I spent most of my life in Canada, but in high school my family moved to Australia for three years. We came back and lived in California until I went to law school on New York. I fell in love with the city and Iv'e lived here ever since! Now it's me, my diva cat and boyfriend living just over the bridge in Brooklyn.

#2 How did you come up with the idea for dark souls?

      Honestly Iv'e had this idea since I was fourteen. I'd written chapters here and there, but never the whole story. I'd never had the confidence. I'd just dream about it, think about it, scribble something down. Until one day, after a particularly bad day at work I thought "Why aren't I just trying this?" So, I finally did. Three weeks later my first draft was done. Flash forward seven months and Dark Souls was complete. As a not to my fourteen year old self, in Chapter Four you'll see a dream sequence. I wrote that when I was fourteen. I haven't changed a word.

#3 If you had to write this all over again, would you change anything?

       Hmm. I think a lot of writers are never truly done with their books. If you let me, i would probably revise until I pass out! But there comes a time when you have to say good-bye, no matter how much you want to keep going. My biggest change was the setting of my book. It started out in a small town, with Emily in high school and Asher as the new boy. I since changed her into a 19 year old girl living in NYC and boy did it make a difference. So after that huge change, I thought it would be best to give it a rest! Otherwise Emily might end up in Australia or something...

#4 Who has the biggest influence on you?
      
        I can't just choose one! There have been so many influences, all through growing up,  My parents are first, they've supported me since the beginning. The friends Iv'e grown with, the ones that I made along the way--they've all had a huge influence on me and my writing. In creating characters, I love to take traits from people I know to bring the characters to life. It also makes them a lot more likable! In my books, you'll see a lot of different habits and mannerisms--those are all from people that have made an impact on me, whether they know it or not! :)

#5 Have you ever experienced writer's block? If so, how did you rid yourself of it?

       Oh absolutely. I free write my first drafts, meaning I don't outline. Basically, my first draft is my outline! By doing that, I create a lot of surprises along the way (even to myself),  but it also means that I run into a few walls here and there. Sometimes I don't know where my characters are going. I like to have them guide me instead of the other way around, and that takes time. Usually, if I take a breather, go do something for myself, my characters are ready to go again. They also collect friends along the way, Derek came as a complete surprise to me!

#6 Any advice for aspiring authors?

       Don't give up. Cliche but true. This is a hard niche to get into, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. It just means that you have to work at it, even when the rejections come in, even when you get your first two-star review. No matter it be traditional or self-publishing, never forget that this is your passion. Remind yourself of it if you have to. It isn't easy, and you'll face a lot of critics, but remember with those critics come people who love your book! And most importantly, never stop writing. No matter what.

    

Chat With Me Thursday (4): Author Interview with Angela McPherson

       Chat With Me Thursday is a weekly event hosted here by ME. Every Thursday, I will interview a author or a blogger. If you would like to be interviewed, pleas visit my Chat With Me Thursday page. If you would like to have Chat With Me Thursday on your blog, All I ask is that you link back to my blog :)
     
       On this Thursday err-Friday. I bring you an interview with the author of Hope's Decree Angela McPherson

#1 How long did it take you to write Hope's Decree?

       It took me three years to write Hope's Decree, and the version now is so different from back then. It is so amazing how much I've grown since then...thank goodness. LOL

#2 How long have you known you wanted to publish a book?

       When I started writing Hope's Decree, three years ago, that was when I realized I wanted to be published. But not just to see my name on a book (it's an added bonus), but I wanted to give at least one person a world they could enjoy falling into.

#3 Are any of the characters in your book based on real people in your life?

       No, not really, but my youngest daughter claims the book is about her. Her name is also Trinity, and she says the chick on the cover even looks like her (it's the blonde hair). Her brother and sister just roll their eyes at her now. I've created a monster. LOL. One of my best friends, Crystal, inspired that character, even down to the looks. Though her personality is more like Keri than Crystal. Okay, so I guess I should change my answer to yes.

#4 Who is your biggest inspiration?

       Aside from the man upstairs, I'd say my kids, along with every single lover-er of YA paranormal romance. 

#5 For you, what is the most difficult part of writing?

       I have tons of ideas floating around in my head. Sorting those ideas out can be frustrating. I think the most difficult part though is getting everything down and not worrying over the order (writing out of order is hard for me). Until I get it just right, I can't move on. It drives me insane. 

#6 Any advice for aspiring authors?

       Never give up. Keep going. Use spell check. Have friends and anyone else you know read your work. Believe in yourself. NEVER GIVE UP! 

       And there you have it. Check out Angela's book now! I have yet to read it but it sounds amazing.