Book Nerd Interview
I started writing poetry when I was 9, but always enjoyed illustrating stories as a way to escape the problems in my home. As a teen, I wrote your everyday-angst poetry, but my senior year was my first step into novel-writing. I finished that book 8 years later and have written 8 books more. Can you tell I love writing?
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How would you describe yourself in three words?
Open-minded, compassionate, friend
Tell us your latest news.
LTUE will be my first appearance at a writer’s conference Feburary 9 and 10; the evening of the 10th will be my first book signing ever! I’m also doing another signing the 11th with some of my author pals. So excited!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I started writing poetry when I was just 9, finished my first “chapter” book at 11 and my first full-length novel at 17. Writing has always been a way of life, I didn’t think of myself as on because that is who I’ve always been.
How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
My upbringing plays the strongest impact on my writing—starting with my imagination. Living under not so favorable conditions as a child, I escaped my sorrows through role-playing; I also turned to illustrations where I compiled epic novels graphic art style, which led to my writing!
For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Darkspell, how would you introduce it?
Darkspell is a young adult paranormal romance. Winter is an ordinary girl who falls for Alex who is sworn to protect her from the darkness that hunts her for the secret she doesn’t know she possesses.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
You will experience romance that pulls you into two separate directions; it is a journey of evil, magic, and love—tragedy, failure and triumph—one where you will endure an ugly secret that forces our heroine to analyze her integrity.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
As a matter of fact, I do. I plan to climb into further detail about Winter’s magickal gifts and how her internal conflict influences her choices! This will be the 2ndbook of a 3 part book.
What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Winter?
Winter discovers a horrible secret about who she really is—readers will be shocked at the revelation; it is no coincidence the reason for Alex to protect her.
What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?
Time! Time is short and precious—especially during the summertime with four rambunctious kids screaming about! I had to make time both during the day and night, but I was able to finish it before school started.
What’s the most interesting comment you have received about Darkspell?
One review/comment that made my head spin was the deep message the review got from reading Darkspell. She pondered the importance of relationships and how she was moved by my characters’ motivations. I actually cried over that!
What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
My favorite chapter was when Winter came upon her gift. She had to learn for herself who she really was and how to follow her heart.
Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
We are all faced with unknowns everyday—our integrity shines the most when faced with temptations as well as drastic changes. Will we remain strong or wither away?
Are there any tips you would give a book club to better navigate their discussion of your book?
I composed 9 questions you can find here as well as the end of my book. I geared them to provoke thoughts regarding human nature as well as how our choices affect our lives.
Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?
Winter’s outlook on life is no coincidence since she had lost her father at an impressionable age. Her integrity keeps her close to home and family since her mother is well-balanced and loves her children very much. I take into consideration repercussions of any and all challenges my characters face as I write my books.
What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?
A lot of the time, as a reader, I marvel at evil villains. I would love to know how the writer feels about the villain—if the author loves or hates his/her creation. So my question would be:
Everybody loves heroes, as a writer, I can see how intimate creating your very own hero is. Keeping this in mind, how do you, as a writer, feel about the villains you create?
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love to read! I also enjoy spending time with my kids, watching movies, dancing, drawing (check out my illustrations here!), and helping others.
What are your current projects?
I’m working on Darkspell’s sequel, Darkwraith as well as Kursed, a YA paranormal romance as well as RockStar—an inspirational contemporary with romantic element.
Which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Ooh, co-authoring is something that I’ve been think a lot about lately—I would love to co-author with Wendy Swore. She has her co-authoring methods down pat and I admire that about her!
What are 4 things you never leave home without?
If it’s going to be a long drive, the four things would be: my laptop, Kindle Fire, planner, and several copies of Darkspell.
List 3 of your all time favorite books?
Giants of the Frost by Kim Wilkins
Emily Windsnap Series by Liz Kessler
The Hidden Sun by J.LloydMorgan
Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can tell us?
Halloween is one of the funnest times for me because I get to dress up and feel like another entity--especially one that doesn't exist such as vampires or witches or even fairies! I enjoy acting, so this is a holiday for me.
Where can your readers stalk you?
Amazon, Fan page, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, google +, Wattpad, and my website where you can purchase signed copies of my book! Thank you for visiting, I hope to see you around!
Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . . until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter's protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magickal realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.
And now, The Giveaways.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
hey Jean as always great interview you always seem to ask questions nobody else thinks of. Hmmm the loveliest thing that i've ever seen is when i brought my baby home my at the time 4yr old son with autism was holding him and the look on his face was so loving and caring and happy it brought me to tears. <3, Terri
ReplyDeleteterri_dion@hotmail.com
That would have to be my kids after they where born.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Terri and Pam on this one! My child after she was born had to be the most beautiful thing ever! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome interview and giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteThe loveliest thing I've ever seen, was the day my 2nd daughter was born. My oldest daughter asked if she could hold her baby sister and that moment was the greatest ever! xoxo I love my girls very much!!
(Seems like it's all about our kids! lol which is great!!)
Hmmm it would be when my mom gave me a long haired mini chiwawa (ik i spelled it wrong) He was adorable and cute! Heres a pic of him! http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1566430808255.2070198.1459970158&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=1566431608275&set=a.1566430808255.2070198.1459970158&type=3&theater
ReplyDeleteLoveliest thing I have ever seen is my kids after they were born!!;)) thanks for the giveaway and love the interview!!
ReplyDeletebella;)
The loveliest thing I've ever seen? My grandparents immediately popped into my head. They are the sweetest thing ever and always make me smile.
ReplyDeleteThis is a hard one - i'd have to say it's when my son is asleep - it's not that i don't love him when he's awake but he's a handful & drives me absolutely INSANE, aggressive, tantrums, screaming so you know he's super lovely when he's in bed asleep!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo of Elizabeth too :)
Kel xx
The Lovliest thing i have seen are my puppies playing outside together. They are so full of energy!!!!
ReplyDeleteA newborn baby
ReplyDeleteThe cute Poster by Elizabeth Mueller!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and thanks for the chance. Mine was seeing each of my 4 boys when they were born!
ReplyDeletemy chewie and pug pug
ReplyDeleteMy Daughter being born then marrying my hubby
ReplyDeleteJean, thank you so much for the fabulous interview as well as review. I want to print this all up and frame it! ;)
ReplyDelete@AprilA2Z
#AtoZChallenge 2012 Co-host