Valia Lind's Blog, page 35
February 4, 2012
In My Mailbox #27: The One with More Signed Books!
Hello lovlies,
How are you this fine day? Here's another IMM for you! I added some random theme to it. Enjoy!
Tori Scott - http://www.toriscottya.com
Marni Bates - http://www.marnibates.com
Jessie Harrell - http://jessieharrell.com
A Picador Paperback Original
What is in your mailbox???
Happy reading,
Valia
How are you this fine day? Here's another IMM for you! I added some random theme to it. Enjoy!
Tori Scott - http://www.toriscottya.com
Marni Bates - http://www.marnibates.com
Jessie Harrell - http://jessieharrell.com
A Picador Paperback Original
What is in your mailbox???
Happy reading,
Valia
February 3, 2012
Cover Reveal: Evergreen by Brenda Pandos
Hello lovelies,
Today I have another cover reveal for you! Brenda is a friend and one of my favorite authors and I'm so excited to be part of her cover reveal. I read and loved Everblue, book one in the Mer Tales series (Review here) and I cannot wait for this book!
Now, without further due!
Drum roll please!
Goodreads for Evergreen: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12905437-evergreen
Website: brendapandos.com
Blog: brendapandos.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Pandos-Author/147707291958883
Twitter: @brendapandos
What do you guys think?
Have a wonderful day!
Much love,
Valia
Today I have another cover reveal for you! Brenda is a friend and one of my favorite authors and I'm so excited to be part of her cover reveal. I read and loved Everblue, book one in the Mer Tales series (Review here) and I cannot wait for this book!
Now, without further due!
Drum roll please!
Evergreen, book #2 in Mer Tales Release Date: June 29, 2012Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Synopsis:A kingdom on the brink of war.A king on the fringes of insanity.A family running for their lives. Ash and Fin's only desire is to be together and dive into their happily ever after, though their conflicting worlds work to pull them apart. Neither is ready to convert to the other's life: become a human or a mer. Little do they know that somewhere in Natatoria a secret holds the fine fabric of everyone's lives together. If the truth is discovered, Ash and Fin will no longer have the luxury of waiting. They'll be forced to choose. But will it be for loyalty or love? Or will someone else make the choice for them if they can't decide?Enter the watery world of treachery, greed, and the binding mer kiss as the story continues with Evergreen, book two of Mer Tales.
Goodreads for Evergreen: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12905437-evergreen
Website: brendapandos.com
Blog: brendapandos.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Pandos-Author/147707291958883
Twitter: @brendapandos
What do you guys think?
Have a wonderful day!
Much love,
Valia
February 1, 2012
New Beginnings
Happy February 1st minions! How are you on this fine day? I'm going on no sleep but this post is way over due so here we go!
Yapalloza: Guys, you have no idea how much fun I had at this event! First of all, all of those authors are fabulous.
Courtesy of Cecil Castellucci
The question and answer section was amazing. Some quotes from the day: Good fiction never lies to you - Tom Leveen Writing YA is like reliving all of life's firsts - Bree Despain When you get an idea, write it down before you forget. I bet you have a lot of stories in you. - Anna CareyI can't tell you how excited I was to meet everyone, especially Anna (hi Anna). It was so nice to finally meet her face to face! She's a darling!
New Project: Remember how I mentioned that new project I'm working on? Did you see my Pinterest page with all the inside info? Guess what? I'm in LOVE! This story is fabulous and amazing and awesome! I'm not sure how y'all are going to feel about it but I love when a plan comes together (Yes, I just totally channelled my inner Captain Hannibal). Winners:YA Giveaway hop: Kathryn - Destined by Jessie Harrell Ashley - Entwined by Heather Dixon Sarah - $10 Gift Card Destined Giveaway : Andreea and AngelaEmails have been sent! You have 48 hours to respond!
Well I'm off to get some sleep before I fall over. Much love!Valia 
Yapalloza: Guys, you have no idea how much fun I had at this event! First of all, all of those authors are fabulous.
Courtesy of Cecil CastellucciThe question and answer section was amazing. Some quotes from the day: Good fiction never lies to you - Tom Leveen Writing YA is like reliving all of life's firsts - Bree Despain When you get an idea, write it down before you forget. I bet you have a lot of stories in you. - Anna CareyI can't tell you how excited I was to meet everyone, especially Anna (hi Anna). It was so nice to finally meet her face to face! She's a darling!
New Project: Remember how I mentioned that new project I'm working on? Did you see my Pinterest page with all the inside info? Guess what? I'm in LOVE! This story is fabulous and amazing and awesome! I'm not sure how y'all are going to feel about it but I love when a plan comes together (Yes, I just totally channelled my inner Captain Hannibal). Winners:YA Giveaway hop: Kathryn - Destined by Jessie Harrell Ashley - Entwined by Heather Dixon Sarah - $10 Gift Card Destined Giveaway : Andreea and AngelaEmails have been sent! You have 48 hours to respond!
Well I'm off to get some sleep before I fall over. Much love!Valia
January 26, 2012
Young Adult Giveaway Hop!
Hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer & Down the Rabbit Hole.Since I love giveaways so much I have another one for you!!!a Rafflecopter giveaway
<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.
Make sure to visit the other blogs on the hop!!!
Happy hopping!
Much love,
Valia
Book Spotlight: Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom
High school senior Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. So she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her.Ian, who always passed her the baseball bat handle first.Ian, who knew exactly when she needed red licorice.Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom.And then ditched her.Now, as the sun rises over her small town, and with only the help of some opinionated ladies at the 7-Eleven, Justina must piece together — stain by stain on her thrift-store dress — exactly how she ended up dateless. A three-legged Chihuahua was involved. Along with a demolition derby-ready Cadillac. And there was that incident at the tattoo parlor. Plus the flying leap from Brian Sontag's moving car...But to get the whole story, Justina will have to face the boy who ditched her. And discover if losing out at prom can ultimately lead to true love.From Goodreads.comDitched is a story of Justina and her prom night. Her dream came true when best friend (and hopefully something more and soon) Ian asked her to prom. We meet Justina in the early morning as she is pushed out of a car and lands in a ditch. Her dress torn and stained, she walks to the closest gas station for some help. What she finds is a place and people who want to hear her story. So she takes us back to the beginning and tells us what happened.
From the first pages this book captured and held my attention. Justina is a fun, real character who has a problem with assuming things which leads her into a lot of trouble. Following the journey on her prom night, we discover how she sees the world and people around her. It was intriguing getting to know the characters as she sees them, and it added a special touch to the story.
Enter Ian. He was such a epitome of a perfect teenage boy I just need to take a moment to fan myself here. He's kind, energetic, and with a heart of gold. They really should make more of them like it, just saying. His relationship with Justina is heartwarming and sweet. Above all else, he is her best friend, and isn't that how the best love stories start?
Robin created a prom night that made me wish I actually went to mine. She tells the story in a delightful way that leaves you laughing and crying right along with the characters. If you enjoy movies like Pretty in Pink or Sixteen Candles, Ditched is a story for you. Ditched will make you fall in love and leave you smiling long after you read the last pages.Ditched is a fabulous debut from Robin Mellom, so go out and get it now! Also, make sure to check back for a little "Walk in the Park" with Robin sometime next week! Much love, Valia
January 24, 2012
A Walk in the Park with Megan Crewe & Giveaway!
Hello minions,
It's another Walk in the Park! Today we have a special guest joining us, Megan Crewe the author of The Way We Fall (Review here).
Welcome Megan! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my blog.
Glad to join you!
What was your favorite part about writing The Way We Fall?
I think my favorite part was exploring all the intense emotions that the story brought out in the characters. The fear of the virus, the struggle to hold on to hope, the sense of loss as more and more of the things they'd taken for granted failed or were taken away. Writing those scenes was often hard, but I find it interesting to see what characters do when they're pushed to the edge.
Kaelyn was an interesting character. One I see to inspire those who read her story. What was the biggest challenge in writing her?
The biggest challenge with Kaelyn was making sure readers would really get to know her through her journal entries. She's a fairly reserved and cautious person (though she opens up more as the story progresses), and that of course was reflected in her voice. I had to find ways to show the other sides of her personality, that didn't go against her character.
I really enjoyed Gav as well. *le sigh* What was the best part about writing him?
What I enjoyed most about writing Gav was his unpredictability. He's got a quick temper, and very strong principles and feelings, so I wasn't always sure how he was going to react in a given scene until I was actually writing it. It can be a lot of fun to sort of "observe" a character in a situation and discover what they're going to do, and sometimes he'd provoke unexpected responses out of the other characters too!
Now, in The Way We Fall we are introduced to a harsh reality of sickness. Where did the idea come from?
I've always found the idea of epidemics incredibly scary. In fact, the only books that have ever affected me enough to give me nightmares were Stephen King's THE STAND and Carrie Ryan's THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, which involve different sorts of viruses. And I find it most fulfilling to write books that really get to me emotionally. I wanted to write a story that would affect readers the way other epidemic stories have affected me.
Will Leo be a bigger part of the next two books?
Oh yes! :) Leo is one of the most important characters in the sequel.
What can you tell us about the rest of the trilogy?
What can I say without being spoilery… Well, the next two books are not written in journal format (other than a brief entry at the beginning of book 2), but rather regular first person narration--still from Kaelyn's point of view. They involve more action than THE WAY WE FALL, and I didn't think I could tell the rest of the story properly using a journal. Also, I feel Kaelyn's gotten to the point where she doesn't really need the journal as a support anymore.
You will see all of the characters still alive at the end of TWWF at least once in the sequels. Not all of them survive to the end of the trilogy. There are also some new characters who enter the stage. Not all of them survive either. ;) But then, if you've read TWWF you should know that no one is safe!
I can also promise explosions and at least one car chase.
Coffee or tea
Almost always tea. I can only handle coffee if it's more milk and sugar than actual coffee.
One thing you wish you knew about writing before you started.
That it's more important to write the things you write well *really* well and do the best you can with the rest, than to try to write a story that no one could find anything to complain about. Because the latter is impossible anyway. And people love books for the things they do really well, not for doing everything okay.
Favorite desert
The hardest question so far! Um… Three-way tie between pecan pie, blueberry pie, and raspberry chocolate mousse cake.
A world you wish you could live in
I'm actually very fond of the world I live in right now! Most of the ones I enjoy visiting through books I think might be rather unpleasant to really exist in.
Favorite book growing up
The Changeling by Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
One place you always wanted to visit
The place I've most wanted to visit and haven't been able to yet would be Egypt. Would love to experience that culture and history in person.
Megan, thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for having me!
Now, for the giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.
The Way We Fall is out today!!! Go get your copy now!
Much love,
Valia
It's another Walk in the Park! Today we have a special guest joining us, Megan Crewe the author of The Way We Fall (Review here).
Welcome Megan! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my blog.
Glad to join you!
What was your favorite part about writing The Way We Fall?
I think my favorite part was exploring all the intense emotions that the story brought out in the characters. The fear of the virus, the struggle to hold on to hope, the sense of loss as more and more of the things they'd taken for granted failed or were taken away. Writing those scenes was often hard, but I find it interesting to see what characters do when they're pushed to the edge.
Kaelyn was an interesting character. One I see to inspire those who read her story. What was the biggest challenge in writing her?
The biggest challenge with Kaelyn was making sure readers would really get to know her through her journal entries. She's a fairly reserved and cautious person (though she opens up more as the story progresses), and that of course was reflected in her voice. I had to find ways to show the other sides of her personality, that didn't go against her character.
I really enjoyed Gav as well. *le sigh* What was the best part about writing him?
What I enjoyed most about writing Gav was his unpredictability. He's got a quick temper, and very strong principles and feelings, so I wasn't always sure how he was going to react in a given scene until I was actually writing it. It can be a lot of fun to sort of "observe" a character in a situation and discover what they're going to do, and sometimes he'd provoke unexpected responses out of the other characters too!
Now, in The Way We Fall we are introduced to a harsh reality of sickness. Where did the idea come from?
I've always found the idea of epidemics incredibly scary. In fact, the only books that have ever affected me enough to give me nightmares were Stephen King's THE STAND and Carrie Ryan's THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, which involve different sorts of viruses. And I find it most fulfilling to write books that really get to me emotionally. I wanted to write a story that would affect readers the way other epidemic stories have affected me.
Will Leo be a bigger part of the next two books?
Oh yes! :) Leo is one of the most important characters in the sequel.
What can you tell us about the rest of the trilogy?
What can I say without being spoilery… Well, the next two books are not written in journal format (other than a brief entry at the beginning of book 2), but rather regular first person narration--still from Kaelyn's point of view. They involve more action than THE WAY WE FALL, and I didn't think I could tell the rest of the story properly using a journal. Also, I feel Kaelyn's gotten to the point where she doesn't really need the journal as a support anymore.
You will see all of the characters still alive at the end of TWWF at least once in the sequels. Not all of them survive to the end of the trilogy. There are also some new characters who enter the stage. Not all of them survive either. ;) But then, if you've read TWWF you should know that no one is safe!
I can also promise explosions and at least one car chase.
Coffee or tea
Almost always tea. I can only handle coffee if it's more milk and sugar than actual coffee.
One thing you wish you knew about writing before you started.
That it's more important to write the things you write well *really* well and do the best you can with the rest, than to try to write a story that no one could find anything to complain about. Because the latter is impossible anyway. And people love books for the things they do really well, not for doing everything okay.
Favorite desert
The hardest question so far! Um… Three-way tie between pecan pie, blueberry pie, and raspberry chocolate mousse cake.
A world you wish you could live in
I'm actually very fond of the world I live in right now! Most of the ones I enjoy visiting through books I think might be rather unpleasant to really exist in.
Favorite book growing up
The Changeling by Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
One place you always wanted to visit
The place I've most wanted to visit and haven't been able to yet would be Egypt. Would love to experience that culture and history in person.
Megan, thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for having me!
Now, for the giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.
The Way We Fall is out today!!! Go get your copy now!
Much love,
Valia
January 23, 2012
Dark Days Tour Stop and Secret Project
Good morning minions,
Today I have a little catching up to do. Last week, I went to the Dark Days of Supernatural Tour and met some wonderful people. Tahereh Mafi, Veronica Rossi, and Ellen Schreiber were the featured guests at Changing Hands.
I cannot express to you how excited I was to meet these ladies face to face. Ellen was there for tour last year and it was great seeing her again. Tahereh and I have been twitter friends for a while but this was our first chance to meet in person.
I am glad to report there was no awkwardness (Yes, Tahereh, I said it). She is the sweetest person and you guys seriously need to get your hands on Shatter Me to read all about her mental writing insights.
Veronica and I have only spoken a few times but she recognized me on the spot (which seriously made my day). She is adorable and oh so very talented. Under the Never Sky is one of my favorite books for sure.
I love going to these tour stops not only to meet my favorite authors but to gleam some knowledge from their success. I enjoy hearing about the journey they had to take in order to sit behind that table in front of everyone with their books in their hands. It takes work and perseverance, long hours and large consumption of coffee, and always, always believing in yourself. I walked out of that building encouraged and with new friends (I finally met Farrah as well! You guys should follow her. She's awesome).
Now, I need encouragement because I'm in the process of querying. Im excited and terrified, trying to keep my head from exploding. But while I'm in this process I am still writing. This is where my new project comes in. It's new and different from what I'm use to writing, yet its also pouring out of me as if it needs to be written. I decided to let you glimpse a bit of the story and this is where Pinterest comes in. I have created a board specifically named Secret Project #1 that will be filled with pictures depicting what my story is about.
Even if you can't follow, you can still see my board!Right now, the board has two pictures that mean nothing to you but they will. I'm excited to include you in this process, letting you discover for yourself how I see my characters. I might hosts contests as well.
I did promise to be more involved with my writing this year and this is one way I can stay accountable. Also, make sure you check back for the special interviews and giveaways I'm hosting. I'm excited to share this journey with y'all.
So what do you think of my idea?
Have a wonderful day!
Much love,
Valia
Today I have a little catching up to do. Last week, I went to the Dark Days of Supernatural Tour and met some wonderful people. Tahereh Mafi, Veronica Rossi, and Ellen Schreiber were the featured guests at Changing Hands.
I cannot express to you how excited I was to meet these ladies face to face. Ellen was there for tour last year and it was great seeing her again. Tahereh and I have been twitter friends for a while but this was our first chance to meet in person.
I am glad to report there was no awkwardness (Yes, Tahereh, I said it). She is the sweetest person and you guys seriously need to get your hands on Shatter Me to read all about her mental writing insights.
Veronica and I have only spoken a few times but she recognized me on the spot (which seriously made my day). She is adorable and oh so very talented. Under the Never Sky is one of my favorite books for sure. 
I love going to these tour stops not only to meet my favorite authors but to gleam some knowledge from their success. I enjoy hearing about the journey they had to take in order to sit behind that table in front of everyone with their books in their hands. It takes work and perseverance, long hours and large consumption of coffee, and always, always believing in yourself. I walked out of that building encouraged and with new friends (I finally met Farrah as well! You guys should follow her. She's awesome).Now, I need encouragement because I'm in the process of querying. Im excited and terrified, trying to keep my head from exploding. But while I'm in this process I am still writing. This is where my new project comes in. It's new and different from what I'm use to writing, yet its also pouring out of me as if it needs to be written. I decided to let you glimpse a bit of the story and this is where Pinterest comes in. I have created a board specifically named Secret Project #1 that will be filled with pictures depicting what my story is about.
Even if you can't follow, you can still see my board!Right now, the board has two pictures that mean nothing to you but they will. I'm excited to include you in this process, letting you discover for yourself how I see my characters. I might hosts contests as well.I did promise to be more involved with my writing this year and this is one way I can stay accountable. Also, make sure you check back for the special interviews and giveaways I'm hosting. I'm excited to share this journey with y'all.
So what do you think of my idea?
Have a wonderful day!
Much love,
Valia
January 20, 2012
In My Mailbox #26: The One With All the Signed Books!
So here is In My Mailbox. Enjoy! :)
Special thanks to:
Robin at http://intensewhisper.blogspot.com/
Harlequin Teen
St. Martin's Press
Becca Ritchie http://beccaritchie.com/
Don't forget about my giveaway!!!
What is in your mailbox?
Much love,
Valia
Special thanks to:
Robin at http://intensewhisper.blogspot.com/
Harlequin Teen
St. Martin's Press
Becca Ritchie http://beccaritchie.com/
Don't forget about my giveaway!!!
What is in your mailbox?
Much love,
Valia
January 19, 2012
Book Spotlight: The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe
It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they're old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.And then you're dead.When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn's community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.Because how will she go on if there isn't?From Goodreads.comThe Way We Fall is set in a society much like our own. Kaelyn lives on an island, goes to school, and has friend troubles just like any other sixteen-year-old girl. When she finally feels as if she should take control of her life, her world crumbles around her.
A deadly virus begins to make its way through the households of her hometown, leaving them stranded and cut off from the rest of the world. People panic. Food runs short. Loved ones die.
The Way We Fall is told through Kaelyn's journal entries to her friend. Every day is a new entry that is our only lifeline to her island. Kaelyn has to learn how to become the person that will survive. She fights for those she loves and overcomes the obstacles before her. Watching Kaelyn grow is heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time.
Then we meet Gav. A former foe becomes the closest confidant, blossoming into a love that will bring tears to your eyes. Gav is a strong character that takes a stand and works to help all those in need, even if that means sacrificing himself. Gav and Kaelyn's relationship grows strong despite all odds. I loved watching them together, working, helping, and loving with wisdom beyond their age.
Megan creates a terrifyingly real world, making you rethink everything you may know. The first book in a dystopian trilogy, Kaelyn's story will grip your heart and leave you begging for book two!
The Way We Fall hits stores January 24th! Get it, read it, love it!Much love, ValiaP.S. Megan will be joining me for a Walk in the Park in the next few days! Make sure you stop by for that! :)
January 16, 2012
A Walk in the Park: Special Guest - Jodi Meadows
Hello lovelies,
So do you remember that time I said I will be more involved with my blog and writing this year? Well, here is the official first step toward that. Last week I did a fabulous Book Spotlight on Jessie Harrell's book Destined (CONTEST HERE) which included a special interview and a sneak peak. Today I am introducing a new "segment" into my blogging life called "A Walk in the Park." (Because sometimes we all just need to take a nice walk in the park, preferably holding a nice cup of coffee) This will be dedicated specifically to getting to know your favorite authors. I will still be posting reviews, but I also want to give you, my dear readers, a chance to get to know these lovely ladies and gentlemen for yourself. So without farther a due, welcome our first official guest Jodi Meadows!
*Round of applause*
Welcome Jodi! Thanks for taking the time to visit.Thanks for having me!Incarnate is a wonderful story (REVIEW HERE). What was your favorite part of writing it?I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I actually love the whole process of writing, from planning to plotting to drafting and all through rewrites and revisions. I even love copyedits. I'm aware this makes me a freak among writers.But the discovery part is probably the most exciting. Even when I have the story in my head, I don't always know what turns it might take.How long did it take you to write Incarnate?I wrote a note to myself with the premise in July 2006. I started planning and world building in October 2009, then started writing the first draft a month later. The first draft took just under two months, with another month or so for revisions.Do you believe in reincarnation? If so, what past life you think you've lived?Range -- where INCARNATE takes place -- is a fictional world with fictional reincarnation. As for real-world reincarnation? It's not one of my personal beliefs, but that certainly doesn't take away from my fascination with the idea. Ana is a very interesting character. I loved watching her grow. What was your favorite part bout writing her?Like you, I loved watching her grow. Ana is a character with a lot of potential. Because she starts so low, she has all the room in the world to grow and change. I also liked when she got sassy. *g*Now let's talk about Sam. Oh Sam (slight fan girl moment) he is such an old soul. Ha, no pun intended. Where did you get the inspiration for him and all his awesomeness?My characters tend to fall into my head fully formed, and Sam was no exception. I knew that in order to be the perfect partner for Ana, he needed to be patient, open-minded, and did I mention patient? I also knew I wanted Sam and Ana to have more to connect with than their mutual good looks. They had to be friends, first, and friends tend to get that way by having things in common -- like music.What can you tell your readers about Incarnate 2?Not much right now, I'm afraid. But here are some hints: there will be more music, more sylph, and we'll be digging deeper into the world building to start uncovering mysteries. What's one thing that you wish you knew/were told before you started writing?Nothing. I'm afraid if I knew anything ahead of time, it would change my journey to publication. And as hard as that was, it was well worth the effort; I wouldn't change a thing.Coffee or Tea?Both. Coffee in the morning. Tea the rest of the day.Favorite type of music?That depends what I'm in the mood for, but I've always had a special love for classical music, which is why I chose it for INCARNATE.Random guilty pleasureI try not to feel guilty about anything that brings me joy.Favorite vacation spotI don't go on vacation much. Mostly I just take naps.Dream vacation spotSomewhere I won't a) get sunburned, b) freeze to death, and c) be eaten alive by insects.I hope you guys enjoyed this little feature as much as I did! make sure to check back to see what other guests I'll have on the blog! Thank you for stopping by my humble little blog and sharing all your wisdom. Incarnate comes out January 31st wherever the books are sold. Get it, read it, love it.
So do you remember that time I said I will be more involved with my blog and writing this year? Well, here is the official first step toward that. Last week I did a fabulous Book Spotlight on Jessie Harrell's book Destined (CONTEST HERE) which included a special interview and a sneak peak. Today I am introducing a new "segment" into my blogging life called "A Walk in the Park." (Because sometimes we all just need to take a nice walk in the park, preferably holding a nice cup of coffee) This will be dedicated specifically to getting to know your favorite authors. I will still be posting reviews, but I also want to give you, my dear readers, a chance to get to know these lovely ladies and gentlemen for yourself. So without farther a due, welcome our first official guest Jodi Meadows!
*Round of applause*
Welcome Jodi! Thanks for taking the time to visit.Thanks for having me!Incarnate is a wonderful story (REVIEW HERE). What was your favorite part of writing it?I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I actually love the whole process of writing, from planning to plotting to drafting and all through rewrites and revisions. I even love copyedits. I'm aware this makes me a freak among writers.But the discovery part is probably the most exciting. Even when I have the story in my head, I don't always know what turns it might take.How long did it take you to write Incarnate?I wrote a note to myself with the premise in July 2006. I started planning and world building in October 2009, then started writing the first draft a month later. The first draft took just under two months, with another month or so for revisions.Do you believe in reincarnation? If so, what past life you think you've lived?Range -- where INCARNATE takes place -- is a fictional world with fictional reincarnation. As for real-world reincarnation? It's not one of my personal beliefs, but that certainly doesn't take away from my fascination with the idea. Ana is a very interesting character. I loved watching her grow. What was your favorite part bout writing her?Like you, I loved watching her grow. Ana is a character with a lot of potential. Because she starts so low, she has all the room in the world to grow and change. I also liked when she got sassy. *g*Now let's talk about Sam. Oh Sam (slight fan girl moment) he is such an old soul. Ha, no pun intended. Where did you get the inspiration for him and all his awesomeness?My characters tend to fall into my head fully formed, and Sam was no exception. I knew that in order to be the perfect partner for Ana, he needed to be patient, open-minded, and did I mention patient? I also knew I wanted Sam and Ana to have more to connect with than their mutual good looks. They had to be friends, first, and friends tend to get that way by having things in common -- like music.What can you tell your readers about Incarnate 2?Not much right now, I'm afraid. But here are some hints: there will be more music, more sylph, and we'll be digging deeper into the world building to start uncovering mysteries. What's one thing that you wish you knew/were told before you started writing?Nothing. I'm afraid if I knew anything ahead of time, it would change my journey to publication. And as hard as that was, it was well worth the effort; I wouldn't change a thing.Coffee or Tea?Both. Coffee in the morning. Tea the rest of the day.Favorite type of music?That depends what I'm in the mood for, but I've always had a special love for classical music, which is why I chose it for INCARNATE.Random guilty pleasureI try not to feel guilty about anything that brings me joy.Favorite vacation spotI don't go on vacation much. Mostly I just take naps.Dream vacation spotSomewhere I won't a) get sunburned, b) freeze to death, and c) be eaten alive by insects.I hope you guys enjoyed this little feature as much as I did! make sure to check back to see what other guests I'll have on the blog! Thank you for stopping by my humble little blog and sharing all your wisdom. Incarnate comes out January 31st wherever the books are sold. Get it, read it, love it.
