Shel Delisle's Blog, page 7
May 2, 2012
An Interview with Eileen Granfors
My author is writing so she asked me to just handle the interview today. So, welcome Eileen and we’ll get going in a minute but first I want to tell everyone a little more about your novel Some Rivers End on the day of the Dead (The Marisol Trilogy):
Fourteen-year old Marisol and her mother are on the run from their home in Tijuana, Mexico. Her father, investigating the drug wars as a journalist, has been murdered.
But Marisol’s new home is a riverbed camp in a rich California suburb. A wildfire separates Marisol from her mother and her school. Cut off and alone, she challenges herself to find a way to reunite with her family and to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico to honor her father with the proper traditions.
Some Rivers End is a book that will keep readers laughing, worrying, and cheering for its Hispanic protagonist, Marisol de Lira Lima. Some Rivers End will appeal to a wide audience, boys and girls, ages twelve and up as well as to adults. It is the first of a planned trilogy (coming: a prequel, The Pinata Maker’s Daughter and a sequel, So You, Solimar).
Some Rivers End is “a terrific book, sweet, hopeful, and funny” with the last chapter “a joyful surprise” in the words of Eve Caram, novelist (Trio, 2010) and UCLA Extension Writers’ Program teacher.
That sounds really excellent and it has a very long title, too! Your Muse must be doing a great job inspiring you. What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
I am so lucky to have a morning Muse. She finds me when I walk my dogs. Then I go home to write. Sometimes, it’s a flash fiction story and sometimes it’s a chapter in a novel. I have two novels that I’m working on. One is: the prequel to Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead. It’s called The Pinata-Maker’s Daughter. It’s about Carmen from Some Rivers End.
I think it’s awesome that she’s so dedicated and punctual. You are one lucky writer! Do you have any lucky characters? Are you like them?
Hmmm . . .I am a lot like Marisol in temperament, trying to make good from bad and keep mean people from having too much sway in my life or habits. I was an English teacher for 36 years, so I have lots of similarities with Mrs. Kovacs, especially in handling wise guys like Stan in the book.
Uh oh…I’ll try to watch my smart alec-ish-ness. Okay, serious now. What’s your favorite book of all time?
OMG! You want me to choose one book?
I know this is really bugging everyone!
My favorite book in 2012 is Madeline Miller’s wonderful The Song of Achilles. But for all time, something I want to be sure the grandkids read? Probably, Pearl Buck’s The Big Wave because that’s when I fell completely in love with reading (third grade).
Awww…I’m not much of a reader, I’m afraid, but I love your reason for picking The Big Wave.
I’m going to really change directions on you here. In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
I wrote my swoony-worthy guy in my second novel, Stairs of Sand. Phillip McKillop is suave and understanding, tall and lean, loves to dance, and loves his dog. Any swoon-worthy guy in my books has to love a dog!
Oooh! My swoony-worthy guy is tall and loves to fly around. It’s not exactly the same as dancing, but close.
Now, if you could go to a rock concert in Heaven, who would you go see? (*hint* you have to pick someone who is dead)
Again, a difficult choice. I would ask for tickets to a John Lennon concert. I didn’t always get his message when I was younger.
OMG! I told Kea Alwang I would pick John Lennon with George Harrison. We should totally go together!
Are you ready Eileen? Because it’s confession time. What’s your biggest writing sin?
My biggest writing sin is assuming my readers can follow a character’s stream-of-consciousness. I always have to edit those scenes like crazy.
Well if you edit it’s no longer a sin. 
Would you say you are more of a rule follower or a rebel?
Here I am ambivalent.
Why?
I was raised in a military household, so Major Dad made sure we followed the rules, including mitered corners on our bed sheets. But when it came time for college, I flew the coop, surprising everyone by leaving San Diego for UCLA. Best decision I ever made!
Good for you! I would fly the coop, but no wings yet. Now, what other than your very loyal Muse inspires you?
Books and authors I
love inspire me; sometimes, it’s a phrase of poetry or a memory from childhood. Definitely, the questions my students asked inspired me.
I don’t think I ever asked my teachers anything inspirational. It’s part of the reason I skipped school and went straight to Earth on a Mission. But it’s nice to know you were a teacher who loved her students.
So what would you want your them (your students) to take from this novel?
My books carry the optimistic theme that “we grow strong in the broken places.” When we are hurt or bashed, we come back stronger. No difficult passage of life goes by without our learning and growing from it.
Aww…Eileen I adore that theme!! It might be my favorite from all of these interviews.
One last thing. Is there anything you’d like me to mention to your Guardian Angel? ‘Cause I totally have contacts.
When you talk to my Guardian Angel, please let her know that I appreciate her presence in my life every single day.
And that is lovely, too. It’s not said nearly often enough, in my opinion.
It was great getting to know you, Eileen. Hey readers, you should check out her book on Amazon.
And look for her here:
Books by Eileen Granfors: http://www.authoreileengranfors.blogspot.com
This site includes all my books and book trailers too.
http://www.authorsden.com/eileencgranfors Poetry, articles, short stories, all kinds of stuff there
@EGranfors on Twitter
And that does it for today – hey, Shel – oops she’s still writing, so come back tomorrow for a chance to get to know another author.
May 1, 2012
An Interview with Aliya Anjum
Hello, Everyone!
This will be Grace’s fourteenth interview in the author series that started back on April 12th. I hope all of you are finding great new books and stories to add to your e-readers. Today we have Aliya Anjum and before I turn her over to Grace here’s a little about her e-book.
Menaal is 30, attractive, western educated and committed to her career. She has hopes of meeting a special someone who would sweep her off her feet.
Destiny takes its course when her ailing father arranges her marriage with the son of his friend, whom she has never met. Inspite of her aversion to an arranged marriage with a perfect stranger who has none of the qualities she seeks in a husband, Menaal accepts her father’s decision and marries her US based husband.
Marriage completely turns her life around. She arrives in the US with her husband, and begins a journey that eventually takes her to new discoveries about life and herself.
A 9,600 word short story inspired by true events.
Okay, and here’s Grace.
That is one gorgeous cover, Aliya! Y our Muse must be doing a great job inspiring you. What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
My next project is my first novel. I have published adult short stories on Amazon before and won two prizes from the Pakistan National Book Foundation for (unpublished) children’s short story anthologies. I am enjoying writing my first novel, given it’s unique theme, which builds upon many contemporary themes.
Awesome and Muse’s really love inspired storytelling. So, which of your characters are you most like?
I’m like my heroine Menaal from my short story “the story of an arranged marriage.” She epitomizes grace and virtue.
Wow! What a coincidence! My name is Grace and my roommate is a virtue…but that’s probably not what you meant. *blushes* Let’s just move ahead to the next question. What’s your favorite book of all time?
I enjoy reading children’s fiction more than adult fiction. Alice in Wonderland still fascinates me, given it’s extraordinary story telling.
What a great choice! My author loves that story. Okay, gonna do a topic switch-a-roo. In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
He’s got to be serious eye candy and then he has to be a gentleman. No bodice rippers for me.
Bodice rippers? I don’t get that, maybe because I’m an Angel. On the other hand, my swoony guy is eye candy. I do get that. And he keeps promising to take me to a concert. Hey! If you could go to a rock concert in Heaven, who would you go see?
Elvis Presley, hands down! I’ll keep yelling encore to “Can’t help falling in love”
Definitely a great song and you’re gonna have a bunch of other authors there with you.
Aliya, are you ready? ‘Cause I’m gonna put you on the spot. It’s confession time and I want to know your biggest writing sin?
I eat chocolate when I write. It makes me pack pounds, then once I’m done with a project I need to diet.
Yep, that’s sinful. My author likes chocolate too. Right now she’s doing mountain climbers to um…battle random bulges.
Now, are you more of a rule follower or a rebel?
Neither angel nor rebel. Somewhere in between.
*winks* I kinda figured that out with the Elvis and the eye candy comment. But don’t feel bad because *whispers behind cupped hand* I’m still trying to get my wings, too. Can you tell me what other than chocolate (or your Muse) inspires you?
People!!
Awww….I love, love, love this answer, Aliya!!!! Me too. That’s why I picked Guardian as my Vocation. It seems you could be one, too. If you were an Angel, that is. So, what do you want readers to take from your books?
My non-fiction work is women’s literature. I’ve written about Pakistani/Muslim women and I want my reader to walk away with insights into the universality of human nature. That deep down, all people everywhere, want the same things in life and go through similar experiences in life, no matter where they live and what they do.
This is a very important message and so thanks for writing about that. Before you go, is there anything you’d like me to mention to your Guardian Angel? ‘
My guardian angel is doing a very good job!
Excellent! I’ll let them know you said so. We never get enough recognition.
And everyone if you’d like to check out Aliya’s e-book. They can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/Story-Arranged-Marriage-ebook/dp/B005NYCA1K/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_3
You can also keep up with her at her blog.
http://aliyaanjum.blogspot.com/
Okay, so that’s it for today and tomorrow we’ll be back with Eileen Granfors.
April 30, 2012
An Interview with Kea Alwang
Hey all, We’ve got another week of great author interviews with Grace Lightbourne, the quirky Angel in Training character from my new novel Winging It!
Today we have Kea Alwang, but before I turn her over to Grace, here’s a little about her YA novel Treehugger.
For fourteen-year-old Chloe, planet hopping is a gift. Righting the wrongs of the multiverse on behalf of a mysterious life form is a privilege. Leading a double life has its perks. Being Earth-born, however, simply bites.
Chloe knows she will never fit in when high school starts; that’s a given. It’s not like she can reveal her true self and her unusual abilities on Earth anyway. She used to be okay with that, as long as her two best friends were part of her extraterrestrial life, understanding her the way nobody else could.
That was before those friends vanished. That was before some jerk displayed her underwear on his head.
Now two-thirds short of feeling whole, Chloe becomes an enemy to herself just as a terrifying nemesis threatens to resurface. Can she fight through weakened skills, fearsome flashbacks, and evolving relationships to meet her future head on? Does it really matter what world you’re on when trying to find yourself?
Okay Grace, you’re on.
Hi Kea, Thanks for stopping by. I love that the character from your book inhabits two worlds, because that’s a bit like me, so your Muse must be doing a great job inspiring you. What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
My muse is cooperating these days as I work on Book Two of my Based on a Dream YA fantasy series, title TBA. She/he/it used to mess with my head from time to time while writing and editing Treehugger, but I think we’ve ironed all out of that nonsense for the next installment. (Apparently, most muses don’t like it if you threaten to dip their wings in cake frosting. Of course, I’d never do that to an angel!)
If I had my wings, I’d let you put frosting on them. Alas…
Still, I’m glad that your relationship with your Muse has improved. Are you like her? Or one of your other characters?
I think I split-siphoned myself off into the three main characters, then added extra stuff to each one. Chloe (Star) has my sarcasm and highly values true friendship, but her courage and strength does not come from me. CK has my sense of loyalty, but again … his courage is his own. Leada has my love of nature and deep desire for justice and peace. As to her diplomatic talents? Well, I have no idea where they came from. Actually, if you combined those three characters into one person … that’s the sort of person I would like to be!
Aww…that’s really nice and anything is possible!
A lot of the authors don’t like this next question, but I have to ask it anyway. What’s your favorite book of all time?
Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver. It really pulls at me with its many themes: loneliness, longing for a sense of home, love, friendship, loss. I just love the way the author takes me from one emotion to the next. Her characters always seem to do the best they can with the lot they are dealt.
Oh, I’m so glad that was not a tough question for you. Here’s another that pretty easy too. In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
Empathy, sincerity, and the courage to reveal both attributes. He’ll stand up for his beliefs to the point of letting them lead him down the wrong path. But most of all, he has to have some sort of tortured soul, out of which the above mentioned qualities are demonstrated, proving he can rise about it all. Telling me he has a nice strong jaw and good build can’t hurt, but they are not absolute requirements. (And they say we women ask too much! Pshaw!”)
I like your swoony-guy. You had me with sincerity…or maybe empathy. Anyway…if this sincere, good-build, swoony-guy took you to a rock concert in Heaven, who would you go see? (*hint* you have to pick someone who is dead)
Jim Morrison, who I only developed an appreciation for recently.
Yeah, Jim broke on through to the other side.
I imagine you’ve seen some good concerts in the hereafter? What do you recommend?
You know what? Angels don’t get to go over to paradise very often because we’re so busy working, but I hear George Harrison and John Lennon put on a divine show!
Okay…Kea. Confession time. What’s your biggest writing sin?
I don’t use a real outline. I’ve tried and they just tick me off by confining my imagination. My muse doesn’t like them either (she used to hide them on me.) That always made me feel like a poor excuse for a writer until I read an interview with Anne McCaffrey. She never outlined. She said something like, “{paraphrasing} Why do I want to know how the story ends before I get there? I’d be bored.” Since I’ve learned that not every writer uses an outline, I’ve felt better about it.
It’s good that you’ve forgiven yourself. Besides, plunging isn’t really a sin, you know? It’s just bending the rules. So, are you more of a rule follower or a rebel?
I’m not sure I should be admitting this to an angel, but I think I’m in the middle of a transformation from one to the other.
Why?
I’ve always followed the rules, but these days I allow myself to rebel against rules that hold me back–unless my rebellion could hurt someone else. I mean, I’m not going to go feeding the animals at the zoo, robbing banks, or ending sentences with commas. But the next time someone tells me I can’t jump a line after six other folks have done so, someone’s going to hear about it. There’s law-abiding, and then there’s doormat.
Amen. Guardian Angels are kinda like doormats in Heaven. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to skip training and go straight to Earth.
Now, what other than rebellion (just kidding) inspires you?
Ellen DeGeneres. I can’t say she inspired me to write, but she did inspire me to publish. See, it’s not easy to put yourself out there in the form of fiction. Will your parents be horrified that you wrote that romance scene? Will strangers think you’re half-baked based on your characters? Will a friend back away because they think you’ve based an unflattering character on them? One day, while debating whether to publish Treehugger or just keep the story for myself, I happened to watch Ellen’s antics on Ellen. It hit me: Now there’s a person that takes a chance every time she gets on that stage. One minute she’s risking a corny joke. Next she’s talking about strong beliefs without being shy about it. Then she ventures into a silly stunt. And through it all, she’s genuine. She puts her unique self on display, come what may. Now I’m sure not everybody likes her, but there certainly are a lot of viewers who love her! So what did I really have to lose?
Yep! Being yourself is pretty darn important and though I hadn’t really thought about Ellen as an inspiration for that, it completely makes sense. People love her because she is herself. So is that your theme or Treehugger? And if not, what do you want readers to take from that book?
I want readers to take away an appreciation for the idea that status quo should not define status … that there is nothing wrong with not standing with the crowd. I witness so many kids getting caught in a desperate attempt to be like everyone else just to avoid the pain of not fitting in. I want Treehugger to highlight the importance and thrill of becoming who you are meant to be and finding others who will accept you for who you are.
Cool! So that is your theme! Okay, last question. Is there anything you’d like me to mention to your Guardian Angel? ‘Cause I totally have contacts.
Oh yes! My friend Michael’s cat snuck out of the house yesterday, and he can’t find the little guy. Mike lives alone and “Basil” is like his kid. So if you can get a little scavenger hunt going, I’d really appreciate it! Mike is like my brother and I kind of feel like my nephew has gone missing.
Mentioned and I hope this worked out already! Thanks for stopping by, Kea! 
Hey everyone, Kea’s book Treehugger is available here:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Treehugger-Kea-Alwang/dp/1466471565/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331332578&sr=8-3
And you can find her all over the web:
Blog: http://www.keaalwang.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/keaalwang
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5403395.Kea_Alwang
Twitter: @kea_alwang
Thanks Grace and the interviews tomorrow you should come back to talk with Aliya Anjum.
April 27, 2012
An Interview with Sheila Horgan
My author is multi-tasking this morning, so she asked me to just go ahead and get started. So….
Welcome, Everyone!
Today I’ll be interviewing Sheila Horgan, author of the best-selling Tea Series. Here’s what readers are saying about these books:
The Tea Series books have homespun messages with likable, relatable characters.
These books are a fun, light great escape that allow you to join O’Flynn family, who will welcome you with open arms.
With more than 70,000 copies sold, they have become a popular fast, fun read and the boxed set of the first four books: Hot Tea, Sweet Tea, Iced Tea and Green Tea, offers four full-length novels that lead serially from one to the next.
So Sheila, you already have six books in the Tea Series. Six! Your Muse is doing a wonderful job inspiring you. What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
I have several going at once. I’ve written about half of the next book in the Tea Series, Summer Tea. I’ve also taken three of the (mature) women from that series and started another series (the Girls series). Adeline, Anna (Morgan’s great aunt) and Carolyn (A.J.’s grandmother) are all off for an adventure in Las Vegas. Yes, that would be Sin City. I also have a book out called Consequences that is very different than the Tea Series and I’m writing the next in that series, Promises. And in my free time I am writing short stories and another series called The Auntie Series, the first book is Kaitlyn.
It sounds like your Muse is very busy and hmm…I wonder if you should go to Vegas with Sibel Hodge. For research, y’know?
Okay, which of your characters are you most like?
When I was younger – Cara. Wait, Teagan. Hold on, I’m old now, maybe their mother, Mrs. O’Flynn.
HaHa! I love that you’re a bit like all of them! So, what’s your favorite book of all time?
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Oh, I love that book and I’m not even much of a reader . Now…this next question is a bit different. In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
Intelligence. Humor. All the physical stuff will fall into place if he has a good brain and attitude.
Really? Fall into place? If you say so.
Let’s imagine for a moment that you could go to a rock concert in Heaven, who would you go see?
A rock concert in Heaven? That explains thunder.
Ha! So true!
Um, I’m not really a big rock fan, but I’d love to see Whitney again. Whole and happy.
She sings like an Angel and I could hook you up with Adriana Ryan on that concert. When the time comes that is. The time now is *drum roll* Confession Time! What’s your biggest writing sin?
I’m dyslexic. My issues aren’t as much sins as they are justifiable mistakes. My real sin is in getting so busy doing other things that I don’t sit down to write.
Aww…dyslexia isn’t a sin, Sheila, and I’m sorry to learn about that, but you must be a very determined woman to tackle a career in writing. Kudos to you.
Now as for the second sin—it sounds a tennsy bit like procrastination, but don’t worry we’re looking at forming a support group.
Next question: Are you more of a rule follower or a rebel?
Rule follower. I am of the opinion that if the rules is screwed up enough that I can’t bring myself to follow it, I need to put in the effort to change the rule.
I’m writing that down, “work to change bad rules.” Okay, what — other than your Muse, of course — inspires you?
Life. Age. Wisdom. Laughter. Babies. Old people. Nature. I’m easily (a)mused.
I love your list!
And, what themes do you write about or what do you want readers to take from your books.
Life. Age. Wisdom. Laughter. Babies. Old people. Nature…
Ha! And I still love your list! Final question—is there anything you’d like me to mention to your Guardian Angel? ‘Cause I totally have contacts.
Other than that whole hundred million dollar lottery thing?
You can check with JA Beard for the rules on this.
Well, say hi to my mom. Tell her I miss her every day. My sister too. And thank you whoever is in charge for letting us keep Daddy longer. He’ll be 90 in June.
This answer makes me all squishy inside. It’s the sweetest request yet and I’ve already passed it along. Thanks for stopping by, Sheila.
Hey everyone, you can find Sheila’s books here:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/First-Four-Tea-ebook/dp/B0050JL082/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_7
Or find her around the web:
Twitter: @caraoflynn
Sites: www.SheilaHorgan.com and www.TheTeaSeries.com
April 26, 2012
An Interview with Sibel Hodge
Hello All,
Today we have chick-lit (amongst other things) author Sibel Hodge for an interview. Sibel splits her time between Hertfordshire and North Cyprus, which not only sounds glamorous, but allowed her to draw on her experiences for her first novel Fourteen Days Later, which was short listed for the Harry Bowling Prize 2008 and received a Highly Commended by the Yeovil Literary Prize 2009. It is a romantic comedy with a unique infusion of British and Turkish Cypriot culture. Written in a similar style to Marian Keyes, it is My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Bridget Jones.
Here’s a little about that book, before Grace takes over.
When accident-prone Helen Grey finds a thong stuffed into the pocket of her boyfriend’s best work trousers, it’s time for her to move on. His excuse that he needed to dust the photocopier and just thought that it was a rag sounds like a lame excuse.
Helen’s life is propelled in an unexpected direction after her best friend, Ayshe, sets her a fourteen-day, life-changing challenge. Helen receives a task everyday which she must complete without question. The tasks are designed to build her confidence and boost her self-esteem but all they seem to do is push her closer to Ayshe’s brother, Kalem.
How will Kalem and Helen get together when she’s too foolish to realize that she loves him? How can he fall for her when he is too busy falling prey to her mishaps and too in love with his own perfect girlfriend? How will Kalem’s Turkish Cypriot family react when they find out?
Is it really possible to change your life in fourteen days?
Okay, Grace, handing over to you.
Hey Sibel, that story sounds very fun and catchy, too! It seems like your Muse does a great job inspiring you. What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
Well, I’ve got a few swirling around in my head at the moment. I’m going to write a novel about a group of girls who go to Vegas for a hen party. And wouldn’t you know it, I have to actually go to Vegas for research! What a shame! I’ll also be working on my fourth Amber Fox mystery, and doing something very different from my normal chick lit, a psychological thriller.
Vegas! I’d love to go with you, but that’s probably off-limits for Angels. So, can you tell me, which of your characters are you most like?
All of my lead female roles have got bits of me in them. I’ve been unlucky in love and I’m accident prone like Helen in Fourteen Days Later. I can be sarcastic and feisty like Amber Fox in my comedy mystery series. And since The Baby Trap is based on own my experiences with infertility, I’m a lot like Gina in the book.
Aww…I’m very sorry to hear about unlucky in love, accident prone and fertility issues, but it’s great that you’re feisty. I’m sure it’s served you well! What’s your favorite book of all time? And I’m also sorry about this next question, most of the authors don’t seem to like it.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That is soooooo hard!
I know.
One of my real faves that I’ve re-read loads of times is To Kill a Mockingbird – an absolute classic.
Omigosh! My author adores that book, it’s one of her faves too. Someday I’ll have to read it. Okay, fair warning. I’m totally gonna change topics on you. In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
I love a sense of humor so that’s really important for me. But of course you want him to be pretty hot, too. And good with his hands.
What?
I’m talking about DIY!
Ha-ha! You had me going. But absolutely a handy guy is good to have around, especially if, er…your, er…plumbing needs work.
Now, let’s say you get to go to a rock concert in Heaven, who would you go see?
Definitely Bob Marley. I got married in Jamaica and went to see the house where he wrote a lot of his music. He wasn’t home, though!
Excellent!!!!!! *sings* One love, one heart. Let’s get together and feel alright.
But before we do that, confession time! What’s your biggest writing sin?
When I’m stuck in my zone I ignore my hubby. He’ll ask me a question and about an hour later, I’m going, ‘Hmmmm?’
Zoning happens to me too, but I don’t have a hubby, because it’s off-limits for Angels. When you’re not zoning, are you more of a rule follower or a rebel?
Ha ha! I’ve always been a bit of a rebel, but you have to know the rules to know why you’re rebelling!
I only have four rules and usually break them on accident. But I often rebel against things that aren’t “real rules”, even if they seem like they are.
So, we’d all like to know–what inspires you? (besides your Muse)
Wine! When I’m stuck for ideas I’ll crack open a bottle of red and toss ideas around with my hubby. It seems to give me inspiration (well, that’s my excuse, anyway!).
Your life sounds a lot more fun than mine. Wine—off limits. So after, you have that glass of zin, what themes do you write about or what do you want readers to take from your books?
Mostly my books are about having fun.
*winks* Well with Vegas, handy guys and wine I can see why!
What better way to de-stress from our hectic lives than having a good laugh? With Fourteen Days Later the premise behind the book is that we’ve all been through relationship break-ups or get stuck in a rut sometimes with our lives and we need to have new experiences to get our confidence back and build our self esteem. It proves anything is possible if you just take a chance. With The Baby Trap, the underlying theme is that we’re too busy concentrating on achieving our goals that we’re not living in the moment anymore and enjoying what we have right now.
I love both of those themes, Sibel! Truly. And the one about living in the moment is an important reminder to me, because I can become a teensy bit obsessive about my wings and when I’ll get them.
I tend to keep it quiet, but I’m not a Full Angel yet, although I do have a few contacts. Hmm…is there anything you’d like me to mention to yours?
Any chance of GA passing on the winning lottery numbers?
Well, the short answer is yes. But, the long answer is this is a very popular request and like I explained to JA Beard you have to wait your turn. (though I’ve seen some people skip to the front of the line, y’know?)
Thanks for the interview, Sibel!
If you’re in need of de-stressing and a good laugh (and who isn’t?) you should check out Sibel’s book:
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fourteen-days-later-sibel-hodge/1100072356?ean=2940000799765&itm=1&usri=sibel+hodge+fourteen+days+later
And if you want to keep up with her, here’s where you can connect:
Twitter: @sibelhodge
Website: http://www.sibelhodge.com/
Hey, Shel here! I hope everyone is finding some great reads with the series and tomorrow we’ll have Sheila Horgan in the house.
April 25, 2012
An interview with James Todd Cochrane
If you’re just joining this series of posts, we’re about half way through and here’s the scoop. The character Grace Lightbourne, an impulsive and sometimes brazen Angel-in-Training from my novel Winging It!, is interviewing authors.
Ordinarily, she usually slacks on her homework, so I’m exceptionally proud of her diligence. Today, we’ve got James Todd Cochrane, author of the teen adventure series Max and the Gatekeeper. Before I cut Grace loose, check out this description of the first book.
A war has been waging for centuries; a magical and technological battle between good and evil. This conflict will affect life everywhere, but not everyone is aware it exists. When twelve-year old Max Rigdon is sent to stay with his grandfather for the summer, he unwillingly enters the fight.
The day Max steps off the bus he is marked with an evil curse and immediately becomes the target of evil men and creatures with designs on ruling the universe. Not only does this curse cause Max physical pain but it allows his enemies to track and find him. He soon learns that the reason for this unwanted attention is because his grandfather is the keeper of a gateway; a powerful machine that makes travel to hundreds of strange unknown worlds possible. The enemy will do anything to gain possession of this power in their quest to control all worlds.
With the help of his friend Cindy and others, Max must quickly learn the necessary skills to survive if he is to avoid the deadly trap that has been planned for him and his grandfather. A trap that has been decades in the making with Max as the missing piece. If successful it will change life as we know it.
Okay, Grace. Here’s James
*to Shel, whispering* I heard what you said about me. Thanks, I think.
*to James, cheery* Wow! I could almost hear music playing behind the product description! The book has very high stakes, so your Muse must be doing a great job inspiring you. What are you working with them on now?
My Muse is telling me the 4th book in the Max and the Gatekeeper Series. If fact, I was actually really sad when, the other day, my Muse told me I had to kill off a main character. I actually felt the pain the other characters were going to feel, but I must obey my Muse.
Oh no! Is your Muse a bully? I hope not. Okay, which of your characters are you most like? (hopefully not the one getting the axe!)
I actually see myself in a lot of my characters. Max is a teenager and I see a lot of me in him from when I was that age.
Oh, that’s good, because I’m pretty sure Max isn’t gonna bite it. Should I change the subject? Is the death thing getting depressing? Okay. New topic. What’s your favorite book of all time?
Lord of the Rings, Return of the King.
Excellent! And that book had some swoony-worthy characters, which is a really super lead-in to the next question. In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
Being a guy myself, I haven’t ever thought about that. Don’t know that I have any swoony-worthy characters, but if I do that’s cool.
It most definitely is cool. Here, let me ask you an easier question. If you could go to a rock concert in Heaven, who would you go see and just to be clear, you have to pick someone who is dead?
Does it have to be a rock concert? I’d love to listen to some great composers. If it has to be a rock concert, I’d have to say Elvis.
No, it doesn’t have to be a rock concert, and composers – practically all of them – are performing. But if you decide to go see Elvis, there’s already a group of authors going. (Heidi Hall, Marie Symeou and Cate Dean).
Okay, Confession time, James Todd Cochrane. What’s your biggest writing sin?
I don’t create outlines or time lines. I totally rely on my Muse to tell me what to write. Sometimes, my Muse amazes me on how things get tied in together.
Yep, and just so you know, that’s basically the job. Now, would you say you’re more of a rule follower or a rebel? Why?
I’m more of a rebel. I don’t like to be told what to do. I like advice but I’m going to do things my way.
Except when it’s your Muse? Because you said you “must” obey, but you might have been kidding around. And when you don’t obey, are there other things that inspire you?
Books, movies, news, experiences etc…
That sounds like everything, which is very cool. So, what themes do you write about or what do you want readers to take from your books.
That there is really good and evil in the world. You can be a force for one or the other, but there are consequences to our actions.
That’s a very important truth and I hate to bring up the killing thing again…oh I’d just better zip my lips. Final question, James. Is there anything you’d like me to mention to your Guardian Angel? Cause I totally have contacts.
Keep up the good work. :)
Hardly anyone acknowledges that! You probably made your GA’s day!
Okay everyone, check out the Max and the Gatekeeper books here:
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/max-and-the-gatekeeper-james-todd-cochrane/1102630477?fmt=1000&itm=1&usri=max+and+the+gatekeeper
For signed paperbacks.
http://www.darkmoonpublishing.com/News.html
And keep up with James on-line:
https://twitter.com/jtcochrane
http://maxandthegatekeeper.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Grace and James (who is a very nice guy, not a killer like Grace assumed. : D See what I mean about her personality?). Tomorrow the series continues with chick-lit author Sibel Hodge, so hope to see you back then.
April 24, 2012
An interview with Cate Dean
My author is MIA this morning, so we’re just going to leap right into the interview with Young Adult author Cate Dean.
But before the questions, a little about her novella, When Walls Can Talk.
A missing prince. A haunted castle. A dangerous man bent on ruling the kingdom – whatever the cost.
When Rosamond and her friend Dan head out on her birthday to explore an abandoned and haunted castle, they expect to find only a ghost or two. Instead they discover the missing prince, and stumble into the middle of a violent, desperate bid for the throne.
In order to save the injured Prince Jaren, and themselves, Rosamond must reach beyond her own violent past to find her courage, and Dan must find the way to his true self.
Their only help is a children’s story come to life: an ancient sorcerer whose soul has been trapped in the walls of the castle for centuries.
Can they keep the prince alive long enough to bring him home safe?
Can they defeat the man who would be king?
A Fantasy Novella – approximately 65 pages
Hi, Kate. I love the idea of a haunted castle! Your Muse must be doing a great job inspiring you. What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
Funny you should ask. My next project involves a guardian angel, name of Jackson Poole. Maybe you’ve seen him – he’s been there a while, since he has failed at every assignment he’s been given so far – tall, dark hair, grey-green eyes, a bit of a charmer . . .
No, I haven’t met him, but it sounds like maybe we have a few things in common…which, actually makes me wonder, which of your characters are you most like?
I am most like Shane, one of the main characters in my YA book coming out this summer. She is fiercely protective, a little too impulsive, and takeslife head on – no matter what it throws at her. And it throws buckets.
Hmm…come to think of it, Shane sounds a little like me too. I need to warn you – the next question is not popular. What’s your favorite book of all time?
Oh, that’s a tough one – but I will go with A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle. My fifth grade teacher read it to the class, and it introduced me to fantasy/sci fi. I still have my well-read copy.
Yes! That is one awesome books for kids. Okay, were gonna do a 180 degree turn on the topic here. In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
He has to be funny, hands down. And caring, and considerate of other people. And adventurous, and willing to take a risk. Oh, and blue eyes and dark hair wouldn’t hurt, either.
Adventurous is excellent! And do you know what would be a great adventure? A rock concert in Heaven, that’s what! If you could go to one, who would you want to see?
Buddy Holly and Elvis sharing the headline, with John Bonham on drums now that would rock!
That is an unusual combination, but it would be awesome to see Buddy and Elvis perform “Stairway to Heaven.”
Confession time! What’s your biggest writing sin?
Not getting everything about the story out of my head and on to the page. Thank Heaven for beta readers. 
Awww…Heaven says, “You are welcome, Cate Dean. So tell me, are you more of a rule follower or a rebel? Why?
I am a rebel – always have been. It’s the reason I chose to go indie.
I’m a rebel too! And by indie, you mean independent, right? Do you think ‘cause I skipped school and went straight to Earth that that’s kinda indie too? ‘Cause I do. Anyhow…other than rebellion and your Muse, what inspires you?
My travels, more than anything. I go to England on a regular basis, and I’ve been to Australia, Scotland, Ireland, and most of the US. But I am really inspired by what I see, experience, and feel when I’m traveling in England. There is so much about that place that speaks to my heart.
Things that speak to your heart are important when you speak from your heart. That’s my Angelic advice for today. So, what does your heart want readers to take away from your books?
That we can all make a difference, no matter how small. That we are special, and that we matter. That’s one of the reasons I write more YA than any other genre. With four nephews, I want to shout those – in my books, I can weave them into a story, and give the reader a chance to take that into their real life.
Aww…that is really sweet. And kinda’ Guardian-ish. Is there anything you’d like me to mention to your Guardian? I’ll put in a good word for you.
Excellent! Can you tell him I’m going to be needing all of his attention? Because I have big plans ahead, and I need to know he’s got my back.
Okay, but you should know. He or she is supposed to have your back ALL THE TIME. Still, I’ll let them know.
And all you readers out there! You can find Cate’s book here:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/A1OL3w
And get to know her better, here:
my website: http://catedeanwrites.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/catedeanwrites
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/catedeanwrites
Thanks, Grace.
To be honest, I’m pretty much in shock about how reliable she’s been, but we have a lot more great inteviews coming up, including James Todd Cochrane tomorrow.
April 23, 2012
An interview with Marie Symeou
Hello everyone, it’s Monday and Grace has another week of interviews scheduled. First up is Marie Symeou, singer/songwriter and author of the YA novel Age of Dreams. Before I turn things over to Grace, here’s a quick description of her book:
A gripping coming of age drama of fame, addiction and love, which takes the reader on a deeply absorbing journey.
It’s the 1980s and Nicola James’ dream of becoming a famous singer has come true. But the pressures of the music industry combined with the emotional baggage from her childhood turn her dream-come-true into a nightmare.
On a soul-searching journey, which takes her to hell and back, Nicola must find a way to conquer her troubled past and decide who she really is, and what to love and being loved truly means.
Hey Grace, stop goofing off, get over here and please interview Marie.
Okay. *huffs* Hi, Marie. Can we talk about your Muse for a sec? What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
My muse has been great to me lately, and I’m so glad because I had a bad case of writer’s block a few weeks back. I’m now back to working on Book 2 in my vampire trilogy Blood Of The Gods. I’m going to be writing a script in April for ScriptFrenzy and am also working on a cat memoir.
Sounds like she went on an Intermission (that’s what we Angels call vacation). Glad to hear both you and she are back to work. Now, are you like any of the characters she helped you create?
I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not, but I am mostly like my character Nicola in Age of Dreams. Since this novel is semi-autobiographical then it’s no surprise really!
Semi-autobiographical means you’re brave! The books about me are like that too, semi-autobiographical that is. So, is your favorite book based on actual events and if not what is it?
Wuthering Heights. I just love it. I don’t know why. It’s just so different from other books and also the way the story is told is so original. The language is very deep and emotive, which I love. Some of the references to violence aren’tt so good, but it’s a great novel nonetheless.
What a great romance! In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
I like a man to have nice eyes that really speak to you – the windows of the soul. Dark hair is great too, though I’m not that fussy about hair color. I prefer longish hair too.
If you ask me – which I know you didn’t – but this guy sounds like Heathcliff. Now I know you’re into music, so if you could go to a rock concert in Heaven, who would you go see? (*hint* you have to pick someone who is dead)
Great question! Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison on lead vocals, Jimi Hendrix on lead guitar, Keith Moon on drums, John Entwistle on bass. I think Janis Joplin should be on vocals too.
That line-up sounds like Heaven! JA Beard wants to see Jim Morrison and Heidi Hall wants to see Elvis, so maybe they could come with us? (And, BTW, good call on Jimi and Janis)
If we want to get to Heaven that means it’s confession time. What’s your biggest writing sin?
Sometimes I’m too lazy to write. Description gets me down too. I worry about it constantly. But the thing is, I don’t like over describing things. As a reader I tend to skip long scenes of description because I like to use my imagination, plus it slows down the story.
Psst…that is several sins, Marie. But since you are so good at confessing, you definitely get to go to Heaven. Now, would you say you are more of a rule follower or a rebel? Why?
I don’t like rules and rules were meant to be broken! For example, there are too many rules about writing that it gets so confusing and can really mess with creativity.
I agree — rules can be a pain! But maybe you’re better than me. I only have four and I still manage to break them. However…when you don’t follow rules, sometimes inspiration follows. What, other than your Muse, inspires you?
Music. I am so passionate about it. It evokes all the emotions in me. Nature also helps, but living in the city it’s not so easy to come into contact with (which really depresses me). One day soon I hope to be moving to the country.
You should meet my author Shel Delisle. She’s all about music. I, on the other hand was fleeing Gabriel’s choir when I headed to Earth.
Can you tell me what themes you write about?
My themes are quite dark. In Age of Dreams I deal with family breakups, depression and alcoholism. But it’s not all morbid. It’s a journey of self-discovery. As for my vampire novels, they are actually quite spiritual. Not in the religious sense because I’m not into religion at all, but I do write about the possibility that love is eternal and that there is life after death and reincarnation. I also deal with death and grief, and fate and destiny.
Great themes, especially love is eternal. Before we finish the interview, is there anything you’d like me to mention to your Guardian Angel?
Please, Guardian Angel, help me sell enough books to open my own cat sanctuary out in the country! And I’d love a nice house too!
Oh – I think you just told him (or her) and what a nice request!
If you’d like check out Maries’ novel, you can find it here:
AGE OF DREAMS on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SE2VMS/?tag=kindleboards-20
To connect with Marie on-line, here are the spots:
Website: http://www.mariesymeou.com/
Blog :http://marie-deepthinker.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marie-Symeou-Author-Singer/119520001398734
Then, tomorrow I’ll be back with another interview with…um…
*Shel whispering* Cate Dean, Grace.
Yeah, Cate Dean. So come back then, everyone.
April 20, 2012
An interview with Heidi Hall
Way back in December, Heidi Hall interviewed me for a series on her blog and she was my inspiration for hosting other authors, so, thank you, Heidi!
It’s nice to be able to return the favor by hosting her. Here’s a little about her popular (and very funny) book Flirting With Death, the first in the Assassins Anonymous series.
Is there a twelve-step program for recovering assassins?
Kayla McKenna is a covert assassin—and she likes it. After her father was murdered by terrorists, she was consumed by the need for retribution. But landing her dream job as a CIA assassin turns out to be merely a stepping stone in her plot to avenge the heartaches of the past… and present. One botched mission earns Kayla a burn notice, a bullet hole and a one-way ticket back to suburbia. Banished to her childhood stomping grounds with a meddling, shopping-addicted mother intent on grandkids, three overprotective cop brothers, a sexy criminal who can’t decide whether he wants to shoot her or date her, and a new boyfriend even her family loves, Kayla may finally get the chance to find out what really matters in life.
That is, if living a “normal” life doesn’t kill her first.
With a delicious combination of mystery, suspense, romance, edgy chick-lit, and a dash of paranormal, the first installment of the new Assassins Anonymous series is a wickedly fun treat.
Okay. Brace yourself Heidi, I’m turning the reins over to Grace.
Hi, Heidi! All your books look good to me, and if I was a reader…ah well. But, your Muse must be doing a great job inspiring you. What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
Well, let’s see… I’m just finishing up Love Spells, the third book in my Mystic Series. So, I suppose my muse is inspiring me to find great ways to reverse all the damage my MC (Roxy Devereaux) does when a love spell goes wrong – way, way wrong. I have another muse who is prodding me to get Love Spells FINISHED so she can figure out new ways for Kayla McKenna not to kill people for the second book in my Assassins Anonymous series, Flirting with Murder. Wow! I sound busy… (and I would be, too – if I wasn’t the queen of procrastination)!
Wow is right! That’s a lot of characters to keep straight, which one are you most like?
Hrm, I’d like to have magical abilities like Roxy, but I think I relate best to Kayla. As different as she is from me, I think she is also the closest personality-wise. I really wish I could kick-butt like she does though – I’m a complete sissy in real life!
Sssh! I’m gonna share a little secret with you. I’ve got magical abilities aka super powers aka angel skills and I gotta say, they’re not all their cracked up to be. Besides, you don’t actually need them to be able to kick a teeny bit of butt (and I know you do.)
So when you are not kicking butt, do you read, and if so what is your favorite book of all time?
Oh man, that’s such a tough question!
I know – it’s peeving everyone!
I think… nope, can’t pick one. But, I will say I enjoy Stuart Woods’ Holly Barker and Stone Barrington series (especially the earlier ones). And I’m a complete sucker for Janet Evanovich – I can’t wait to see who Stephanie Plum ends up with! I’m voting for Ranger!
My author is nodding like crazy over Ranger. And, it’s the perfect segue to my next question: In your opinion what makes a guy character swoony-worthy?
Definitely a guy who is equal parts rugged, tender, protective and smart. I guess those are the main characteristics I find sexy in men in real life, too. I’ll be sure to let you know when I find a guy with all of them (shhh! Don’t tell my hubby I said that)
Haha! Your secret is safe with me! But that guy sounds like the ideal date say…for a rock concert in Heaven. If you could go (with Ranger) who would you go see?
Tupac… but wait, is he really dead? Inquiring minds want to know. Lol. Maybe Nirvana – although depending on your religion – he might not be there to put on a show.
Ha!
Hmm… I know! Elvis! I have got to see – all up close and personal – what all the fuss was about.
Alrighty, then! Elvis it is. And I’m guessing that based on your swoon-worthy comments that this is black-leather Elvis and not white-jumpsuit Elvis. But you should know – both ARE available.
*drum roll* Heidi it’s confession time. What’s your biggest writing sin?
Procrastination (sung to the beat of Rod Stewart’s Infatuation). I can think of a million other important things to do when I need to be writing – especially if I’m the least bit blocked. BTW, the “important” things I usually end up doing tend to involve peanut M&Ms, the Mahjong app on my Kindle Fire, and a rerun of Tosh.0, Jersey Shore, NCIS, or a plethora of other shows I’ve seen a million times!
*whispers* There are a couple of us who procrastinate. Maybe we need a support group? We could enlist Jack Blaine? And he’s a rebel, too. Are you more of a rule follower or a rebel? Why?
I’m a rule follower who thinks she’s a rebel. I don’t believe I could actually ever be a rebel though, because I’m afraid of confrontation – and have a deep-seated fear of disappointing peopleL. I suppose what I really am is boring with a vivid imagination.
Aww…you’re not boring, except for maybe the Mahjong thing. ;D (just kidding) Now what other than Mahjong and peanut M&Ms and your Kindle Fire and your Muse, of course, inspires you.
Happy endings – I always look at a situation that doesn’t end well and rewrite it in my mind so it does. I am a sucker for happy endings!
Me too, Heidi. That’s what my whole Guardian Angel career choice was about. Now, what themes do you write about or what do you want readers to take from your books.
I just want readers to be entertained. I suppose there are messages in my writing about doing the right thing and finding out what really matters in life. But, really, my writing is a source of entertainment for me (and others, I hope). I have a fan who calls my books “dessert for the brain.” I hope they are – I love dessert!
You should tell your fan that desserts is stressed spelled backwards so that’s why they help people to feel better. Just like laughter and Guardian Angels. And while we’re talking about that, is there anything you’d like me to mention to yours?
Well, if it isn’t too much trouble, can my guardian angel somehow get me front page exposure on the Amazon site? That would be a big help . Thanks for interviewing me!
You are very welcome! And on the front page deal – I’m gonna have to see if your Guardian knows Jeff Bezos’ Guardian and if they get along and—
Well, let’s just say, I’m on it!
Hey, everyone! Please don’t wait for me to work the Guardian Angel network to get in touch with Jeff Bezos. You should just go check out Heidi’s books right now!
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Death-Assassins-Step-ebook/dp/B0063WQRTW
And, please look for Heidi in these other popular on-line hangouts.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.hallauthor
Blog: http://writergurl1.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @WriterGurl1
Shel here, and thanks for stopping by Heidi. And readers, if you haven’t seen the other author interviews, By Grace Lightbourne, the always brash and usually clueless main character from Winging It!, the series started here with Dalya Moon.
April 19, 2012
An Interview with Adriana Ryan
Hi, everyone!
Today marks a week of interviews and I hope everyone is finding lots of new e-books to read. Today we have Adriana Ryan, who just released Her Heart’s Desire at the end of March. Here’s a little more about her novella:
Millie Fields’s life could be a Greek tragedy. As if frizzy hair and a dead-end job weren’t enough, the heartthrob of her dreams, Graham Lance, doesn’t even know she exists. The only man in her life these days is her best friend Braedon Hill, who seems to have an endless supply of tissues for her equally endless tears. Ironically, Millie is so blinded by her yearning for Graham that she can’t see Braedon’s heart yearns just as keenly for her.
Things become unbearable for Millie when a cruel twist of fate lands her – literally – at Graham’s feet. Utterly humiliated, she flees outside into the pouring rain, the sound of her coworkers’s contemptuous laughter echoing in her ears. As she sits sobbing on a bench, a stranger appears bearing a gift that will transform Millie’s life: A mysterious necklace that will metamorphose her into a ravishing beauty at dusk. Her newfound identity helps Millie finally land the delicious Graham Lance. But as she gets closer to Graham, her relationship with Braedon starts to disintegrate. Will Millie realize all that Braedon has to offer? Or will she choose to live her dream with Graham?
Okay, turning it over to Grace, now.
Hi, Adriana! Love the love triangle thing! So, y our Muse must be doing a great job inspiring you. What’s the next project they’re helping you out on?
My Muse is rather moody, but I try to keep her happy.
They can get like that. In my experience, it helps to brown nose a little.
She’s currently helping me out on an urban fantasy/paranormal series, the first book of which will be released this summer! I’m also simultaneously writing a contemporary romance book. Told ya, she’s moody. I just do as she asks.
Oh, no, she’s not moody!! She’s just not as focused as you’d like. Moody is more like, “I’ll help you, no, come to think of it I won’t help you.” That’s much harder to deal with, so I’m glad your Muse is helpful!
So, which of your characters are you most like?
Ooh, tough one! I think there’s a little of me in almost all my characters, bad guys included (dum dum dummmm!). In Her Heart’s Desire, I can definitely identify with Millie’s sense of shyness about her body. However, like her, I think I’m much more confident about it now, having had a few good life lessons!
Yikes! The bad guy? Wait one sec….oh my author says the same is true for her. You writers are an odd bunch! And you all read too much. Tell me, what’s your favorite book of all time?
Man, you’re full of the tough questions, aren’t ya? Hmm, if I could only pick one, I’d say any of P.G. Wodehouse’s Wooster series. I’m re-reading Right ho, Jeeves right now and it’s hilarious! I’m always laughing out loud in bed, which is a good thing.
You know what I told Kate Avery Ellison about the tough question thing? I’m not responsible for those. Not my questions! But the next seems easier for most. In your opinion what makes a guy character swoon-worthy?
Do you want a completely shallow answer or a deeper one?
Both would be super cool!
Okay, I’ll give you both–shallow answer: Dark hair and eyes! *Drool* Deep answer: Kindness. *Double drool*
*blots wet mouth with tissue* Yes, both are swoony. Must. Change. The. Subject.
If you could go to a rock concert in Heaven, who would you go see?
I’d love to hear Whitney Houston perform again, in that rich, beautiful voice she had before she lost her way.
Aww….that’s very nice. She definitely sings like an angel.
Okay, are you ready Adriana Ryan, because it’s Confession Time (that sounds like a game show, huh?) What’s your biggest writing sin?
Getting carried away! I’m horrible about that. I’ll get so into a character’s life that I’ll start typing out part of his or her story that I know, but a reader doesn’t necessarily need to. In Her Heart’s Desire, I had to cut out parts of Braedon’s life history because, while I love him and wanted him to have his story told, it really didn’t advance the plot any. This is why I am so anal about doing outlines.
I can relate. Even though I don’t write or anything, I can get carried away – like literally. There was this one time when Victor…um, but I digress. Let’s get back to the interview. Are you more of a rule follower or a rebel? Why?
I’m an oh-so-boring rule-follower, I’m afraid! I have to have an outline before I write, printed or on-my-phone directions before I drive somewhere new, and a detailed recipe before I cook. I’m very type A about new things.
I’m sorry to hear that. Perhaps I could show you how to break a few. Then you could tell me what inspires you?
Other women writers! When I’m stuck on a story, or feeling particularly dull, I like to read interviews with writers whose work I admire.
That is really, really nice. If you were an Angel, you might have some Guardian tendencies. And that’s a lovely way to be inspired. So what themes do you weave into your stories?
I tend to write about women who lack self-confidence, and then find it through the course of the book. There’s a sense of renewal, of self-appreciation that I hope people will pick up on.
*whispers* I’ve found that when you lack self-confidence, “fake it ’til you make it” can carry you quite far. Like, I’m not a Full Angel yet, but here we are and you probably thought I was. Still, I do have some good contacts, which, hey! – can I pass along something to your Guardian for you?
Awesome!! Tell you what, though, it seems my characters need him/her much more than I do. You see, I have a terrible habit of making awful stuff happen to them–bwahaha!!
Ha! That’s funny! Keep on doing all that bad stuff to your characters. But, I feel obligated to tell you: on your Guardian – maybe you have a really skilled one? And you don’t realize everything they do for you?
Adriana, I’m thrilled you stopped today and I hope everyone will go check out your new book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Her-Hearts-Desi...
And you can get to know her better in all the virtual places:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/adrianaryansc
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAdriana...
Website: http://www.adrianaryan.com
After you checked everything out, be sure to stop back tomorrow when Grace interviews the fab-ity chick lit author Heidi Hall!
