Stephanie Judice's Blog, page 3

CHARACTER QUEST: DAY 3

It's Day #3 for our Resistance Character Quest. Today we are so happy to welcome Clara to the blog.



Clara's Bio: Guardian in Homer’s clan. Clara is outspoken and determined, which sometimes leads to trouble.  She loves playing Scrabble with Jeremy though she pretends she doesn’t. And while she always says exactly what she means, she often keeps the most important things to herself.



Welcome, Clara! It's so great to have you with us today. We hope you don't SHIELD yourself too much!

What’s your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. My favorite film version is the one with Matthew McFadyen as Mr. Darcy and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett. I can’t help it. I’m really a romantic at heart. But don’t tell Jeremy. He’ll tease me to no end.
In history, who inspires you the most?
Queen Elizabeth I really inspires me. She was a powerful woman in a man’s world. It would’ve taken great courage to accomplish all she did in trying to bring her country together. She wasn’t a perfect leader or person. Who is? But she was intelligent, beautiful, and brave. I admire that very much.
What do you like most about Gabe? Least?
He is determined, strong, loyal, and caring. He also looks awesome in blue jeans and a t-shirt. J What bothers me is when he gets tunnel vision about things and doesn’t listen to what I’m saying. He might hear me, but he’s not listening, if that makes any sense.
In your Setti clan, who is the most difficult to live with and why?
Oh, Jeremy is the most difficult. No contest. He’s such a scamp. He’s always stirring things up and getting Ben all bent out of shape. Honestly though, I love the guy to death. He’s the brother I never had. I imagine a brother would pick on me just as badly as he does, too.
Describe your most perfect guy.
He would be handsome, compassionate, confident and loyal. He would be a good listener, a leader, attentive but not jealous, and he would be someone who fights for what they want in life.
Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us, Clara. It was great having you here!

You can buy a copy of Resistance at the follow sites: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Stop by tomorrow to have a little meet and great with Jeremy. We promise, you won't be disappointed!Please visit these blogs to show your support:

1.      Brooke DelVecchio The Cover Contessa: http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/2.      Rebekah Campbell Reflections of a Bookworm: http://reflectivebookworm.blogspot.com/3.      Amanda Cowley Blog: http://amandaleighcowley.blogspot.com/4.      Christina M Condy  Blog: http://www.recentread.com/5.      Bethany/YA Vixens: http://yavixens.blogspot.com6.      Rhomy Blog: http://iknowthatbook.wordpress.com/7.      Soma/ Insomnia of Books  Blog: http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/8.      Marni Jarman/Word to Dreams: http://wordtodreams.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html9.      Helena Ison/Accepted Wisdom: http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com10.   Stephanie Judice/ A Writer’s Rest Stop: http://stephaniejudice.blogspot.com/ 

CHARACTER QUEST: DAY TWO

Welcome to day #2 of the Resistance Character Quest! We are fortunate to have with us today a really "BRIGHT" guy, his name is Ben.




Ben's Bio: Light-bearer in Homer’s clan. Ben is an all-American boy who sees life through optimistic, glass-half-full lenses. Nothing annoys him. Well, except for Jeremy. Favorite hobbies? Eating!

Now that we know a little bit more about Ben, let's see what he has to say in answer to our most pressing questions, shall we?
Thanks so much for being here with us today, Ben! It's gonna be great having you ENLIGHTEN us about who you are!
What was your favorite subject in high school?


P.E. I love running. I like to watch the girls run, too.

What do you miss most about life before the Reapers came?

Smoothie King, McDonald’s French fries, and Seinfeld reruns. Oh, yeah. And sleeping late on Saturday mornings. And my mom’s chocolate-chip pancakes. . . and my dad’s famous barbeque ribs.


What is your most embarrassing moment?

That would have to be the 9th grade “Back to School” dance at Beau Chêne High School. Gabe and I went and met up with our friends Mark and Zack in the school gym where the dance was.

I got thirsty so I went to get some punch. Mel was there, standing by herself in a yellow dress, I remember. She had started to kind of hang out with us at school, but I didn’t know her that well back then. She looked kind of lonesome, and I wanted to talk to her. I took one of the canned cokes on ice, fumbled with it on the table, then offered it to her.

I’ll never forget I said, “You look like you could use this.” When she opened the tab, coke fizzed and sprayed all over her yellow dress. At first, she was really mad. Her eyebrows scrunched up the way they do now when she gets mad. But after I said I was sorry about a hundred times, she was so nice about it. She’s always really nice about things like that, when I screw up or whatever.


In your Setti clan, who is the most difficult to live with and why?

Dude, are you kidding me? It’s Jeremy! He’s so freakin’ annoying sometimes—always giving me a hard time and stuff. But I know that’s just the way he is. Some people operate like that, because they don’t know how to just be cool, ya know?


When did you realize you were “different”?

Hmm. Am I different? When I realized I was a Setti, Gabe and the rest of my friends realized they were, too. So I wasn’t any different from them. We were sort of all the same, so I never thought I was different. You know what I mean?

Thanks so much for stopping by with us today, Ben.

If you would like to buy a copy of Resistance, you can do so at the links listed here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Tune in tomorrow to find out a little about Clara and hear what she has to say to us!
Please visit these other blogs to show your support:

1.      Brooke DelVecchio The Cover Contessa: http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/2.      Rebekah Campbell Reflections of a Bookworm: http://reflectivebookworm.blogspot.com/3.      Amanda Cowley Blog: http://amandaleighcowley.blogspot.com/4.      Christina M Condy  Blog: http://www.recentread.com/5.      Bethany/YA Vixens: http://yavixens.blogspot.com6.      Rhomy Blog: http://iknowthatbook.wordpress.com/7.      Soma/ Insomnia of Books  Blog: http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/8.      Marni Jarman/Word to Dreams: http://wordtodreams.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html9.      Helena Ison/Accepted Wisdom: http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com10.   Stephanie Judice/ A Writer’s Rest Stop: http://stephaniejudice.blogspot.com/ 

CHARACTER QUEST: 7 LAYERS DEEPER

I'm very excited to be participating in the release blast of my friend  and author Stephanie Judice's latest book Resistance: Saga of the Setti Book 2. If you haven't read the first book in this series, Rising: Saga of the Setti Book 1, run, do not walk, and get yourself a copy!
Title: Resistance (Saga of the Setti Book Two) Publication Date: October 15, 2012 Publisher: StudioKae Publishers Buying links: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
The world is covered in darkness. A constant gray pall reminds the Setti that reapers are still here—watching, waiting, hunting. Gabe, Clara, and their clan must leave the relative safety of Beau Chêne, Louisiana, in order to train with others gathering in the north. No one knows what lurks when night falls. Yet, Gabe and Clara both know that they must chance the danger in order to fulfill a dark destiny.
While Gabe grows in confidence, Clara begins to doubt everything, including her feelings for Gabe. Looming between them is a growing chasm. Clara’s constant defiance against Gabe begins to sever the bond between them. New clansman and fellow Guardian, Michael, steps in all too willingly to take Gabe’s place as her confidant and more. Good-looking and self-assured, Clara finds his charms difficult to resist. She wonders why she should resist at all.
Jessie, now a shadow scout, defies the reapers’ malevolent power. She reaches out to Clara, yearning for the impossible—to be free of the reapers’ enslavement.
Beyond Clara’s battle to save a lost loved one and to keep Gabe close to her heart, another threat stirs, whispering to Clara in the dark. Something evil hunts her. Will she listen to the one who calls to her in nightmares and eventually finds her in the flesh? Will she succumb to his will or will she cling to her human soul and her human heart?
Every day this week, you will be introduced to one of the wonderful characters from this series via a bio and then a short interview! So make sure you come back every day to learn more and more about these awesome characters.
Today, we are lucky enough to have Melanie with us!





Mel's Bio: HEALER for Homer’s clan.  Mel is kind-hearted, patient, and wise. Her feathers are rarely ruffled, except when the boys behave too much like “boys.” She is the glue of her Setti clan.
Now that you know just a bit about Mel, let's see what she has to say in answer to a few questions!
Melanie, thanks so much for being with us today. We are excited to have you here to answer a few of our most pressing questions! We hope you can CURE our curiosity.



1. What was your favorite subject in high school?
I liked Math the most, because I like it when problems have a definite solution. On the other hand, I also love English because stories and literature can teach us so much about life.
2. Who inspires you the most and why?
Helen Keller is truly one of my heroes. How someone can be born without sound or sight and still find a way not simply to communicate, but to teach the world such lovely, wise things is amazing to me. She once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” And this is so true, isn’t it? Another thing that keeps coming to mind lately, since our world has changed into this bleak and sometimes lonely place, are these words of Helen Keller’s: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” No matter what is in store for us in the future, no matter how desolate and dark things become, we must remember the wisdom of this woman who lived her whole life in the dark.
3. In your Setti clan, who is the most difficult to live with and why?
I would have to say it is a tie between Jeremy and Ben. For some reason, those two love to push each other’s buttons, and sometimes it is so tiresome to listen to their tedious arguments back and forth. However, for the most part, it is not difficult living with my friends at all. I treasure each one of them for their special gifts and for their devoted friendship. They are a family to me.
4. What’s a quote that would represent your philosophy on life?
“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” –Mark Twain
5. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?
Interesting, because Jeremy has asked me the same question so many times, and I refuse to give him an answer. But I will tell you. My Gram used to play these old records when I was little. Yes, actual records on a record-player if you know what those are. And I think one song has seeped into my subconscious. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong really reflects how I see the world. I wish everyone did, even now, with our future so precarious. It still is a wonderful world.
Mel, thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. It was a lot of fun having you here!

Stop by again tomorrow as we welcome Ben to the blog to let us in on some of his most intimate secrets!

THE NEXT BIG THING

Author Colette Saucier  tagged me to take part in “The Next Big Thing” and answer ten questions about my current work in progress, so away we go . . .
What is the working title of your next book?
The working title is The Vessel , though I believe this will be the series title rather than the book title. (Sorry, Setti fans. I’m actually putting Revolution on hold for the moment.)

Where did the idea come from?
Strangely, the idea came to me on an hour-long drive from my home in southern Louisiana to visit my parents in Baton Rouge. It’s a lovely drive with many old oaks and hanging moss as well as the picturesque trek across the Atchafalaya basin. Somehow, the first chapter unfolded in its entirety on the drive. I felt so inspired that I had to write the entire scene as soon as I arrived at my parents’ house. (Sorry, Mom and Dad.)
What genre does your book fall under?
This will be in the New Adult category of Paranormal Romance. My first series is strictly Young Adult, however, this one is a bit darker, edgier, and creepier.
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Henry Cavill as my leading man. He’s perfect for Jude Delacroix, complete with cleft in chin. However, he’d need contacts to darken those baby blues. And a younger Liv Tyler as Genevieve Drake.


What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Genevieve Drake is the prime target for a host of demons wanting to possess her, collect her, or kill her, and her only salvation comes all too willingly from a handsome stranger holding a dark, dark secret.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Good question. I’m tinkering with the idea of submitting this one to an agency. I’m still too early in the process to make that decision just yet.
How long did it take you to write the first draught of the manuscript?
Still writing. Hence, the whole “in progress” part of WIP. The ideas for this one are spilling out of me though, so I’m curious myself how long it will take. ;)

What other books would you compare this story to within the same genre?
Hmmmmm…though not a demon hunter novel, I might say The Vampire Academy. Genevieve is a bad-ass heroine with a chip on her shoulder, much like Rose Hathaway, though Gen’s flaws will get her into major trouble that she can’t get out of alone. She will be forced to rely on someone else in order to survive, or she could very well lose her soul.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I suppose I’d have to say my niece, Jessen, who happens to share my love of books, especially paranormal romance. She holds many of the characteristics of Genevieve—beautiful, smart, strong-willed. The idea of this novel sparked from the snarky voice of Genevieve in my head as she mouthed off to her best friend in an elevator.
What else about your book might pique the readers’ interest?
This is more than a demon-hunter novel. It is about loss, salvation, fear, redemption, and love.
And now, I'm tagging Julie Reece, David Estes, Amanda Cowley, Margaret Simon, and Rebekah Campbell to share information on their current works-in-progress.


And I'm tagging back Colette Saucier , too. Thanks for tagging me, Colette! This was fun!

RESISTANCE Cover RevealI don’t think I am alone when I sa...

RESISTANCE Cover Reveal
I don’t think I am alone when I say that the precise moment an author feels his/her new book officially becomes a book is when the cover is born. That pretty packaging wraps the words into an artistic impression to reflect the mood and intent of the story within.
Without further ado, here she is--the cover for RESISTANCE, book two in the Saga of the Setti series. I would like to recognize my amazing photographer and cover artist James Robichaux for making my jaw hit the floor, AGAIN. I would also like to thank his assistant, and lovely wife, Courtney. And, of course, thank you to my models Morgan and Alex.  I’ll leave last names off to avoid stalkers. J



Would love to hear your thoughts?

ODE TO THE MUSE

*This post was written on Wednesday, August 29th, as Hurricane Isaac passed over southern Louisiana where I live.

A storm rolling into our town.
Listening to hurricane winds whistle and howl through the trees outside my home, I find myself sitting here, pondering the muse. For those who are familiar with my novel Rising , you know that a fierce storm, specifically a hurricane, plays a huge part in the unfolding plot of the story. Having been born and raised in southern Louisiana, the impending storm has seeped into my subconscious. When I started to write my novel, I tried to think of ways to implement the natural with the supernatural. The hurricane became the harbinger and carrier of the evil creatures in my mind long before the words made their way to the page. My muse was all that storms encompass—fear, power, destruction, and even hope of their passing.


My husband caught this storm in his rearview.             This had me wondering about the muses of other authors. So I spoke to a few friends of mine. David Estes shared his muse for his dystopian novel The Moon Dwellers.  His original inspiration came from societies “which supported the creation of a class system, where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” Thus, the underground world of the Tri-Realms was born in his novel series.  That’s actually perfect since corrupt governments from our past have inspired some of the greatest dystopian novels ever written. Consider George Orwell’s novel 1984 which reflects the dangers of the totalitarian state.
Beyond history, where else does the author find his/her muse? Another friend of mine, Colette Saucier, found hers in classic literature. After multiple readings of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice , she had come to see Mr. Darcy “as a Byronic hero—intelligent, arrogant, introspective, and cynical.” She had also read John Pollidori’s novella The Vampyre , written with Lord Byron in mind as the “gentleman” vampire.  This swirled in her mind to produce the forlorn, blood-starved Mr. Darcy in her novel Pulse and Prejudice .  Rainstorm over the sugarcane. Even social issues can play the part of the muse. Author Julie Reece often became disheartened by the plight of the homeless teenagers in Atlanta, Georgia, where she lives. While working in a soup kitchen, she encountered a sad, beautiful teenage girl. “The girl rambles incoherently, but I hardly hear her, because as she picks at her cornbread and nibbles at her chili, I’m thinking: Who are you? How did you get here? I wonder about her parents, and how her mind became so broken.” This experience later inspired her heroine Birdie Orin in her paranormal novel Crux , who discovers she has an otherworldly power beyond her seemingly helpless state in society.
 

The muse is an ambiguous entity. Does it come from without, or does it come from within? I’d venture to say both. Whether from literature, history, society, or Mother Nature, she weaves into the conscious and subconscious of all writers, sparking some new idea to life. Inspiration is complex and multi-dimensional, but if I had to pinpoint an origin, I’d bet the true muse lies within the heart of the writer. So blow, winds, blow, and howl through the trees. Perhaps you’ll awaken a new story for someone to tell.
  A ray of hope as Isaac leaves us.*Note: In the midst of writing this piece, the wind blew a tree down in my backyard. I heard it tear out of the ground, roots and all. Perhaps, my muse replied to my saucy remarks the only way she knew how. Hurricane Isaac's present to us. My son Jacob standing triumphant on our fallen tree. 
 

Ode to the Muse

*This post was written on Wednesday, August 29th, as Hurricane Isaac passed over southern Louisiana where I live.
 A storm rolling into our town.
Listening to hurricane winds whistle and howl through the trees outside my home, I find myself sitting here, pondering the muse. For those who are familiar with my novel Rising , you know that a fierce storm, specifically a hurricane, plays a huge part in the unfolding plot of the story. Having been born and raised in southern Louisiana, the impending storm has seeped into my subconscious. When I started to write my novel, I tried to think of ways to implement the natural with the supernatural. The hurricane became the harbinger and carrier of the evil creatures in my mind long before the words made their way to the page. My muse was all that storms encompass—fear, power, destruction, and even hope of their passing.

 My husband caught this storm in his rearview.             This had me wondering about the muses of other authors. So I spoke to a few friends of mine. David Estes shared his muse for his dystopian novel The Moon Dwellers.  His original inspiration came from societies “which supported the creation of a class system, where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” Thus, the underground world of the Tri-Realms was born in his novel series.  That’s actually perfect since corrupt governments from our past have inspired some of the greatest dystopian novels ever written. Consider George Orwell’s novel 1984 which reflects the dangers of the totalitarian state.
Beyond history, where else does the author find his/her muse? Another friend of mine, Colette Saucier, found hers in classic literature. After multiple readings of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice , she had come to see Mr. Darcy “as a Byronic hero—intelligent, arrogant, introspective, and cynical.” She had also read John Pollidori’s novella The Vampyre , written with Lord Byron in mind as the “gentleman” vampire.  This swirled in her mind to produce the forlorn, blood-starved Mr. Darcy in her novel Pulse and Prejudice .  Rainstorm over the sugarcane. Even social issues can play the part of the muse. Author Julie Reece often became disheartened by the plight of the homeless teenagers in Atlanta, Georgia, where she lives. While working in a soup kitchen, she encountered a sad, beautiful teenage girl. “The girl rambles incoherently, but I hardly hear her, because as she picks at her cornbread and nibbles at her chili, I’m thinking: Who are you? How did you get here? I wonder about her parents, and how her mind became so broken.” This experience later inspired her heroine Birdie Orin in her paranormal novel Crux , who discovers she has an otherworldly power beyond her seemingly helpless state in society.
 
The muse is an ambiguous entity. Does it come from without, or does it come from within? I’d venture to say both. Whether from literature, history, society, or Mother Nature, she weaves into the conscious and subconscious of all writers, sparking some new idea to life. Inspiration is complex and multi-dimensional, but if I had to pinpoint an origin, I’d bet the true muse lies within the heart of the writer. So blow, winds, blow, and howl through the trees. Perhaps you’ll awaken a new story for someone to tell.
  A ray of hope as Isaac leaves us.*Note: In the midst of writing this piece, the wind blew a tree down in my backyard. I heard it tear out of the ground, roots and all. Perhaps, my muse replied to my saucy remarks the only way she knew how. Hurricane Isaac's present to us. My son Jacob standing triumphant on our fallen tree. 
 

Tantalizing Talks!Victim #5: Julie ReeceGreetings all you...

Tantalizing Talks!

Victim #5: Julie Reece

Greetings all you “TT” regulars! Today, I am ridiculously excited to present to you the ever-so-clever Julie Reece and her dynamic YA novel, Crux . Just the cover and title makes me go ‘Ooooooo.’ Here's a sneaky peaky.


The unintentional heroine, Birdie, a homeless teen, finds herself suddenly thrust in a world where killer thugs are chasing her, one man wants to recruit her, and a super drool-worthy man wants to save her. The thing is, Birdie wants none of it. No need for a knight in shining armor for this girl (even the uber-hot kind). She's done pretty damn well fighting her own battles, thank you, and taking her own path in her short life. However, the wheel of fate turns, revealing her heritage and legacy is nothing she can ignore. She is so much more than the girl on the street, and there is so much more at stake than she realizes.

That's all you'll get from me, my friends. If you've been here before, then you know my Q&A format is eccentric at best and downright looney in other ways. But Julie plays well with others. :) Read on to see what she has to say about herself and her fantastic debut novel.
THE AUTHOR:
1.) A simile that best describes you?

Wow, this one stumped me at first, but I’ll have to go with an English Bulldog. They are silly and stubborn and forgiving. Bulldogs are protective of their people, creative when they really want something, but can be pretty lazy, too. J
2.) Three of your favorite things?

I’m going to assume you don’t want me to say reading or writing because that’s just too obvious. JI’ll rule out family, too, although I belong to the finest people in the universe.
How about this? I am a movie fiend! We go to the midnight showings because that’s just important. There’s loads of food stuffed in my purse that we sneak in because theaters don’t sell the weird stuff we like to eat at movies like Granny Smith apples and Sushi. Don’t judge me. And don’t even think about talking or using your cell phone unless you want to get pinged in the head by a Milk Dud! Just kidding, not.
I like a good bubble bath. There’s an art to the great ones. You need a roman tub, piled to the ceiling with lavender scented bubbles, and a million (okay, not a million) lit candles. Put your favorite beverage on the edge and grab a YA paperback novel. If the water’s good and hot, I get several chapters read. I’ve stayed in there until the water got cold and the last bubble popped! J
I love animals and all things nature. I haven’t tied myself to a tree yet, and I’m not a nut, but I like any living thing to be treated with respect. I’ve stepped out of my car and blocked traffic for geese or a turtle crossing the road. Okay, maybe I am a little nutty.  J
3.) Where you live and who lives with you?
I live in North East Metro Atlanta. I live with my husband, two kids, two cats, Irish Setter and horses. Well, the horses live outside, but they’ve expressed a desire to try indoor living. Denied.
4.) The best thing about where you live?

There is always something to do. We are two hours from the mountains and in town there is shopping, great food, concerts, theatre, Stone Mountain Park, the Aquarium, history, clubs, just about anything you want.
5.) The worst thing about where you live?
Traffic, traffic, and more traffic. Road rage and the bad finger are just part of our hospitality and charm here in Atlanta. J What? It really is!
6.) Currently your favorite author and why?
Ah, great question and really hard, there are so many brilliant YA authors right now. I’ll have to say Cassandra Clare. Her writing is just gorgeous. She is so good and weaving beautiful words together to make compelling word pictures that stick in my brain. Her plots are interesting and fun and she fills her stories with characters that are easy to like, relate to, and root for. When my writing grows up I want to write like her, or Veronica Roth, or Maggie Stiefvater, or … well… you get the idea.
 7.) Quote by your favorite author of all-time?
‘It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.’~ Charlotte Bronte 
I sort of love this quote. It’s a major idea for all my heroines and maybe even for me. I think life should be rewarding and exciting and there should be challenges and joy. I never, ever thought I could be a writer. If you knew of my learning disabilities and background, you’d say I was least likely to … sheeze, almost anything,  fill in the blank. I had a teacher in the ninth grade tell us (her students) if you don’t like who you are, or the direction your life is headed, change it. Sounds easy, right? I guess until she said it though, I didn’t realize I had the freedom of choice to change anything. People (teens) are capable of so much more than they think they are. I am the biggest cheerleader ever for people pursuing impossible dreams.


THE BOOK:


1) Name of main character and three adjectives to describe him/her?
The main character of my book is Rebecca ‘Birdie’ Orin.  (I know, right?) Birdie is an odd name until you read on into the story and find the significance of her nickname. She has a Nordic heritage tied to that name she knows nothing about. Birdie is flawed, brave, and independent, or at least, she thinks so until she meets Grey.

2) If your main character could be earth, wind, fire, or water, what would he/she be? Why?
Actually, my main character can control the elements, so she is all of those things! Lol. But since you’re calling her out, I guess I’d have to go with water. Water is mysterious and keeps a lot of secrets below the surface; it’s unpredictable and deep with a tricky current that can pull you under if you’re not careful, and lastly, it’s pretty much impossible to control. Yup, that about sums her up. J
3) Name of villain or antagonist in your story and three verbs to describe him/her?
Haddr is a very old and rather evil Viking spirit that wreaks havoc on our world along with the souls of men trapped in the past. He is self-absorbed, self-indulgent, maniac bent on making everyone around him as tortured as he is. That and he’s just not very nice.  J
The second villain is a snotty, rich, shallow chick named Izzy. The worst thing that’s ever happened to her is she’s chipped her nail polish while shopping. Well, that’s not strictly true. She’s also a bit worried Birdie is getting too much attention from Grey,the hero.
4) If your villain were any flavor ice-cream, what would he/she be and why?
That’s a toughie. There are two Villains in Crux.  I think Haddr must be rocky road because that’s what your life will be like once this guy enters it.  Izzy is black licorice because there’s just nothing sweet about her, but we will add some gummy worms on top because, like her, something about that is just wrong.
5) Describe the main plot of your story in one sentence.
Homeless and out of options, Birdie Orin accepts a stranger’s offer to free the souls of men trapped in a curse, and if she’s successful, she’ll earn a shot at a future—and a clear conscience.
6) The best theme of your story?
Hope. No matter how bad things are, no matter how bleak and impossible your life seems … wait. Wait one more day, one more week or month, just to see what happens. Something amazing might be right around the corner; you just have to exercise a little faith.  J
7) One of your favorite sentences in your book?
I like this sentence because you get a sense of Birdie’s voice and snarky personality.
“When you’re homeless, you don’t dream of Perrier, or the surf and turf special at the local steakhouse that you pay for with plastic from your new Coach purse, no, you dream of bologna and cheese sandwiches, bottled water, and a grocery bag to keep your crap in.”
8) One thing you’d like readers to know about the world you created or the characters in them?
The story is based loosely on historical facts of Viking, Dane and English kings and their ancient battles and rivalries. The rest I tweaked and mutilated for the purpose of a good yarn.J I’d also like my readers to know I have seen first-hand the results of homelessness, mental illness, and prostitution in my city of Atlanta. Part of me, the frustrated, powerless part, wanted to take a whack at the problems through my writing.
If you are able to read Crux, I truly hope you will enjoy the story. This is my first offering, so thanks in advance for taking a chance on a new writer.J If you found me here, feel free to contact me on my blog and say hello. I’d so love that!
I also want to thank the lovely Stephanie of A Writer’s Rest Stop for having me on her awesome blog! She was so kind to invite me. (I trust I didn’t embarrass you too badly with my goofy answers.) She totally rocks baby kittens!
No, Julie, YOU rock! Love all of your witticisms and thoughtful remarks. We appreciate your down-to-earth feedback on your novel and life in general. (Btw, Julie and I share a love of Bronte, so she's now my new bestie.) Please follow the links below for more information on Julie and her novel, Crux .Twitter: https://twitter.com/julieareeceWebsite: http://blog.juliereece.com/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.julieareecePublisher: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/13Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5294594.Julie_Reece

Confession and Evolution of One Indie

When I took the plunge into the indie world, I honestly didn’t know exactly what I was getting into. I knew two things: 1) I believed in my writing. 2) I wanted to share my stories with others. Not much to base a dream on, but it was enough for me. With the help of my friend and editor, we dove into the precarious waters of independent publishing.

First cover for RISING. Since that day, I’ve sloshed around a bit, dog-paddling through the social networking pool, and somehow staying afloat managing Goodreads, FaceBook, Blogs, Twitter, and LinkedIn all at the same time (and, oh yeah, writing on the side). However, there is a definite learning curve in this vast ocean of indie publishing.

When I released my debut novel, RISING, last summer, I asked a very talented artist to create my cover. Just as I hoped, she produced an uber-cool, fantasy design. (Kudos to you, Devon, and thank you for being there for me when I needed you.) However, over time I came to realize that my cover was confusing would-be readers. The look was too graphic-novelesque, a mismatch for the YA paranormal genre. After a smack on the head and some serious searching, I found James Robichaux, who has now produced my new cover with exactly what I envisioned in my head and a million times more, conveying the mood of the novel with glorious finishing. I cannot imagine where he’ll go with the next one and future covers.
So, I made a mistake. It happens, and I’m sure will happen again. But, I’m a big girl who doesn’t make the same mistake twice. I also know that as long as I keep an open mind, I will evolve into a better writer and hopefully a better person from those I meet on this amazing journey. Just a thought from one humble indie. J

 New cover for RISING.

Tantalizing Talks! Victim #4: H.D. GordonTwo "Tantalizing...

Tantalizing Talks!

Victim #4: H.D. Gordon

Two "Tantalizing Talks" back-to-back, you say? YES! I'm a lucky girl. The uber-awesome H.D. Gordon agreed to take part in my experimental Q&A, giving us a deeper look into her bad-ass heroine in the Alexa Montgomery series.

I love that Gordon used the first line of her book as one of her favorite sentences (see Q&A below), because this is exactly what hooked me instantly. Right away, Gordon sets the tone for the novel, luring us into the ominous world she's created. Alexa's character is without a doubt one of my favorites in my collection of YA novels. She reminds me of Rose Hathaway in the Vampire Academy series with her no-nonsense attitude and pure fighter instinct. The fact that she's pretty hot and attracts quite a few dreamy guys into her circle doesn't hurt either. This brings me to the tall, dark, and wonderfully-brooding love-interest, Kayden. I simply adore the leading males who say very little with their mouths and a whole hell of a lot with their alluring looks and protective actions. And, the plot? Awesome! A new, fresh spin on the world of vampires. I like to avoid spoilers, but needless to say, this is a journey worth taking with surprises at every corner. Read on, paranormal friends, read on!


 THE AUTHOR:


1.) Three adjectives to describe yourself?
Strange, reclusive, loyal


2.) Where you live and who lives with you?
On the east coast. Various family members.


3.) The best thing about where you live?
Family.

4.) The worst thing about where you live?
Hurricanes.


5.) Currently your favorite author and why?
Stephen King. I love his command of the language, the way he builds characters, etc.
6.) Quote by your favorite author of all-time?
“If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the tools to write.” –Stephen King

THE BOOK: 

1) Name of main character and three adjectives to describe him/her?

Alexa Montgomery. Loyal, altruistic… homicidal.

2) If your main character could be any animal, what would he/she be? Why?
Hmm, that’s a hard one… a Mama Lion, maybe? She is a formidable
fighter, but also very protective of those that she loves.
3) Name of villain or antagonist in your story and three verbs todescribe him/her?

That would be the King… selfish, murderous, power-hungry.

4) Describe the main plot of your story in one sentence.
A young girl who finds out that she has a very unique and dangerous spot in a world that she never knew existed.

5) The best theme of your story?

The right thing to do is often the hardest thing to do.

6) One of your favorite sentences in your book?
The first sentence in Blood Warrior: “It wasn’t dead when I found it.”
7) One thing you’d like readers to know about the world you created or the characters in them?
I created it for me. It is a blessing that some other people seem to like it as well, but originally I wrote it because I needed an escape.
I did not predict that people would react so well to it, and I thank the stars for the fans who have supported me thus far. I never truly believed that I would get to tell stories for a living, and the wonderful readers have made that possible. In return, I will keep working hard to give them stories, but I can only write what I must. Hopefully, they will be willing to watch me grow in my craft.
Thank you so much for having me!

No, thank you so much, H.D., for giving us a little peek into the mind behind the amazing Alexa Montgomery series and a little bit of yourself. We appreciate your candid thoughts!  Also by Gordon is her newest novel, Joe! Be sure to her out at the links below. Cheers to all of you awesome paranormal readers!


 Website: http://hdgordon.com/
Blood Warrior:  http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Warrior-Alexa-Montgomery-ebook/dp/B005LEPOYC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343221757&sr=8-2&keywords=h.d.+gordon
Half Black Soul:http://www.amazon.com/Half-Black-Alexa-Montgomery-ebook/dp/B0073GX70O/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3
JOE: http://www.amazon.com/JOE-ebook/dp/B008GETO0O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343222560&sr=1-1&keywords=Joe
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5189455.H_D_Gordon