Saturday 31 March 2012

Author Interview: Emmalee Aple


Emmalee Aple has written Neophyte.

1. What is your name and where do you call home? 
My name is Nicole, and I call Wisconsin home. 

2. Do you have a pen name? 
Yep, I write under the name Emmalee Aple. 

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say? 
Neophyte is my most recent book, and to sum it up in 20 words or less… wow, hm… Alright here goes… Through some unfortunate events, Addisyn finds her Link’s lies and secrecy could kill them all, unless she can save them. (wow, that was really tough, 20 on the mark!) 

4. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series? 
Neophyte is the first in it’s series, I already have books 2 and 3 planned out with room for a 4th. 

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? 
I don’t really know what or who inspired me to start writing, I just need an outlet for my creative energies. I have been writing for fun since about I was 8 or 9, but for serious since I was about 26. 

6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews? 
I do, for book reviewers and bloggers. 

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book? 
The cover actually was originally a completely different concept. But when I first started talking to the amazing graphic artist who helped me create it, Kerry Greil, I realized I wanted something much simpler than what I had. I designed the cover, my friend Stephanie from Munchkin Moments by Stephanie, took the photo and the awesome Kerry Greil did the magic to turn it into a cover! 

8. Are you a self-published / Indie author? 
I am! After many attempts at getting picked up by an agent, I realized just how tight the market is for YA, so I decided to publish myself. I am always looking though, and will soon get my book out in paper. 

9. Have you ever read a book more than once? 
And if so what was it? I do! Only a select few though. And it’s usually so that way I remember the characters when another book in the series comes out. 

10. Have you ever read a book just based on it’s cover? 
I am guilty of this, yes. When I used to have to check books out of the library, I would always just grab a book that looked interesting before reading what it was about. 

11. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? 
I read almost everything in e-book format. I am currently reading two books, the first is a beta read for a friend of mine, the lovely Jessie Andersen. And the other book is the Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. 

12. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? 
My advice for other writers - Don’t give up. Writing is hard work, and it takes dedication, so don’t let the little bumps in the road steer you away from it! The best advice given to me was to not let rejection and reviews get you down, to use them for the positive, they can only make you a better and stronger writer. 

13. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: www.emmaleeaple.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=...

Goodreads author page:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/575...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/EmmaleeAple 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Neophyte-ebook/dp/...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13...

Barnes and Nobles: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/neophyte...


Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Friday 30 March 2012

Author Interview: Chrystalla Thoma



Chrystalla Thoma has written Rex Rising and Rex Cresting.



1. What is your name and where do you call home?
Hi, my name is Chrys (Chrystalla) and I come from Cyprus – which is the third biggest island in the Mediterranean and is one of the smallest countries in the world. I am Greek Cypriot, so my native language is Greek.

2. Do you have a pen name?
No, I use my name. I figure it’s strange enough. :)

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
My most recent book is called “Rex Cresting”. It is a dystopian sci-fi novel (for a mature Young Adult/adult public) and it is the second book in the series “Elei’s Chronicles” (Book 1 is called “Rex Rising”). This book picks up where the previous one ended (although mark that both books can be read as stand-alones as well).
What it is about:
In a world where parasites create new human races, Elei thinks his part in bringing down the regime is over – but fate had other ideas.

4. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Yes! Rex Cresting is the second book in “Elei’s Chronicles”, and I am currently writing the third book. It’s a trilogy, but there will be satellite stories to these three books. Already, I have published a novelette set in this world, called “Hera”, and am planning a novel from another character’s point of view, short stories for others, and a companion book with history of the world, information tidbits, background of names, deleted scenes, recipes, etc.

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
It’s been so long since I started writing I can hardly remember what made me start. In the typical writer tradition, I started writing when I was little. When I was 12, I decided I wanted to be a writer – professionally. But then I gave up on the idea, and only returned to it a couple of years ago.

6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?
Of course I do. :) If anyone is interested in giving a review, then contact me and I will send you a book. So far, though, I only have electronic formats. I hope soon (maybe later this month) to finally get around to getting the print versions ready.

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?
I wanted a face close-up for the covers of the series and found this gorgeous guy... I purchased the image and designed my cover myself. I used the left half for book 1 and the right half for book 2... Book 3 will probably have the whole face. :) I made the first cover myself and the help of a good friend who taught me Photoshop basics and my husband who helped me with the effects. For the cover of the second book, I asked a friend who is a professional graphic designer to help with the effects (the three lines on the cheek and changing the color of his jacket and hood).

8. Which is your favourite cover of all the books you have written?
Oh my, you make such tough questions! :) I think the cover of Rex Cresting. I just love it.

9. Is there anything you would change about your book covers?
No. I love them as they are. But any suggestions are welcome!

10. Would you have different book covers for different countries?
No, I wouldn’t. Unless something in my cover is offending in a specific culture, I don’t see why that would be necessary.

11. How did you come up with the title for your book?
Book 1, Rex Rising, was the biggest challenge. It is Elei’s story, and I wanted a title with his name in it. But this is also the story of how he fights with Rex, the parasite trying to control him, and the evolution of that fight. Thus I came up with Rex Rising, which documents the rise of the parasite, and then Rex Cresting, where Rex is so strong Elei has great difficulties in gaining the upper hand. Last book is called Rex: Equilibrium, because Elei and Rex find a balance...

12. Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?
Hard to tell right now. Rex Cresting has just been released and I’m too close to see any problems. After a couple of months, perhaps I will find something I would change about it.

13. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?
I have a book trailer about book 1 (Rex Rising). Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-6Gxf8oQas
I like book trailers when they’re short. They give a quick, visual insight to the story and set the atmosphere. I don’t know if I’ll be making trailers for all my books, though. I think maybe one per series is enough.

14. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?
I don’t like listening to books, so no audiobooks for me. I see no use for hardcovers, so it’s either paperbacks or ebooks.

15. Are you a self-published / Indie author?
Yes, I am – but I am also traditionally published. I try to keep a foot in either world.

16. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
I reread the books I love many times. A most recent example: The Steel Remains, by Richard Morgan.

17. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of it’s cover? (For example a UK, US or Canadian version)
No...

18. Have you ever read a book just based on it’s cover?
No. I love covers, and they make me look into a book, read the blurb and a sample. But I wouldn’t buy a book based on cover alone.

19. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?
Yes. I admit that it has happened. Guilty!

20. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I’m reading a book by an author friend, Krista D. Ball. It’s called “Spirits Rising” and I’m reading it on my kindle.

21. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
My advice: don’t let anyone and anything discourage you. Keep trying, keep writing. If you love what you’re doing, eventually you will see results.
Best advice I’ve been given: Be patient. Take deep breaths. Kill some characters. lol! Keep writing, above all.

22. Where can your readers follow you?

I love hearing from readers!









Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Thursday 29 March 2012

Through My Letterbox! 29/03/12


What came through my letterbox this week: 



Burn Mark by Laura Powell (paperback)
Bloomsbury kindly sent me and my mum an ARC copy of Laura Powell's book to read and review.

A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge (paperback)
Macmillan kindly sent me and my mum and ARC copy of A Face Like Glass to read and review.

Taken At Dusk by C.C. Hunter (paperback)
St Martin's Press kindly sent me a  finished copy of the latest book in the Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter.

Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke (paperback)
Me and my mum picked this book up to read from one of our local bookstores.

Cover Reveal: Defy by Raine Thomas

Defy is the first book in the Firstborn trilogy and will be released on the 30th of April 2012.

Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.

Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.

Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.

As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate. 

My Opinion:
I don't normally like book covers that have been graphically enhanced, but I love this cover! Not only is the cover beautiful but it is also inkeeping with Raine Thomas' previous Daughters Of Saraqael trilogy (which is also set within the Estilorian plane). Although I love the peacock feathers and the coloured accents in Tate's hair, I wish that the symbols around her eyes had been more pronounced. Becoming, Central and Foretold all had subtle, charming symbols that weren't obvious until you had started to read the story and sometimes partially discovered their meaning, (which for me, made the covers more significant as they gradually tied directly with the story as you were reading it). I hope this is continued with Defy and the rest of the Firstborn trilogy. 
If I saw this in my local book store, I would definitely pick it up to read!


Like the sound of Defy? Add it to your wishlist on Goodreads!

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Author Interview: Nilsa Rodriguez

Nilsa Rodriguez has written The Rising Moon.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is Nilsa Rodriguez and I call the Sunshine State my home.

2. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
My most recent book is called The Rising Moon and if I had 20 or less words to describe it, it would be…Romance, Trust, Friendship, Belonging, Choices, Belief, Acceptance, Discovery, Betrayal, and Heartache.

3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
When I first began to write The Rising Moon, I didn't have plans to make it into a series but as the story grew and the characters began to develop, I decided to make it into a series. I'm currently working on book two.

4. What or who inspired you to start writing?
I've always loved reading books since I was a little girl. The excitement and the chance to go to faraway places just by turning a page have always fascinated me. I believe that is what inspired me to write.

5. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?
Yes

6. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?
I had the great pleasure of working with Digital Artist, Barbara Neal in designing the cover for The Rising Moon. She is a very talented artist and quickly shared with me in the vision I had for the cover of the book. More of her artwork can be found at: http://mistraven.deviantart.com

7. Do you have a book trailer?

And what are your thoughts on book trailers?
Book trailers are an awesome way to introduce your book to the public.

8. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?
I'm an old-fashioned kind of girl so I prefer paperback/ hardcovers…but the easy accessibility of e-books have been beginning to grow on me.

9. Are you a self-published / Indie author?
Yes.

10. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Sure. I'm sure we've all done it! ^-^

11. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
The Wolf Gift, by Anne Rice. E-book edition.

12. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Follow your heart and your dream.

And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
My favorite quote for writers: "If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~Toni Morrison

13. Where can your readers follow you?




Twitter: @Nilsa1221




Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Tuesday 27 March 2012

Author Interview: J. Meyers

J. Meyers has written Intangible and Intuition.


1. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
My debut novel is Intangible. Twins Sera and Luke are gifted--she heals, he sees the future. Luke sees her death, and can't do anything about it. (Wow, that's hard to do in less than 20 words! And obviously I can't. I also can't tell a short story or leave a short phone message. Drives my husband nuts.)


2. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Yes! I am just getting started on book two. This premise and world has the potential for many books, which I'm really excited about. Not only this series focusing on Luke and Sera, but also companion novels or companion series about other gifted teens.


3. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I used to hate writing when I was in school--high school and college. *Hated* it. So I'm not one of those people who's always known she wanted to write books. I've always loved to read, and I've had a life-long love affair with words. I lucked into a job in educational texts publishing--starting with inputting changes to manuscripts on computer, moving up to proofreading and copyediting, then eventually on to writing. That was probably 15 years ago. But I still didn't think of myself as being a writer.
 
But about 10 years ago I was copy editing a novel and thought, I could write stuff like this. So I came up with a vague idea and started writing. I made it through chapter one, and may have even started chapter two. That's as far as I got. Then a little over 2 years ago I read another book that made me think that, I came up with this premise of a girl who could heal, and created a very detailed outline (40 pages long, single spaced!) of the entire book. And here I am.
 
4. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?
I actually designed the cover, and my first attempts were terrible. I was sure I was going to have to hire someone to do it because I wanted a cover that would draw people in, that looked professional. A little playing around, the right photo, and I had actually created a beautiful cover. (I was slightly amazed that I'd pulled it off.) Then I came up with three different covers and had people vote on them on my blog (because I can't make a decision to save my soul). This one was the clear winner--my favorite didn't get picked. Which was disappointing, but I decided it was best to go with the majority on this.
(Rachel: Here's the blog post, if you want to link to it: http://www.jmeyersbooks.com/2011/09/20/cover-voting-time/)

5. How did you come up with the title for your book?
Oh my god. The title was *so* hard to come up with. For the longest time I called it Healer, but that's not a terribly interesting title and there were already many books with that title. I wanted something different. Something unique. My mom and I were discussing it, brainstorming, one day and she said something like that it should be an interesting word kind of like frangibles, which was a word she'd recently learned in connection with some medical equipment she was using. I'd never heard of frangiblebefore (it means "breakable, fragile"), but I instantly thought of intangible. I liked the sound of it, but wasn't sure that the word fit the story, so I tried to come up with other words, but kept coming back to intangible. Bit by bit it grew on me and fit itself into the story. (So, really, I owe it all to my mom.)

6. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?
Paper, paper, paper. Don't really care whether it's paperback or hardcover. I think I usually buy paperback just because it's more affordable. I do have a Kindle, which I bought to be able to see my book on an ereader, to make sure the formatting was perfect, and really just to see what it would look like. It also allows me to read indie authors that don't have paper books or whose digital books are much more affordable than the paper versions. I love finding other good indie writers that I can tell people about. Actually, I just love finding good writers of any kind that I can tell people about. I write terrible reviews--haven't got a lick of talent for it--but I do love to rave about books I love.

7. Are you a self-published / Indie author?
Yes, indeed, I am. :-) As my first choice, actually--not because I queried and was turned down. I had planned to go the traditional route for most of the time that I was writing this book, but then about 9 months ago that all changed and it just made better business sense to go indie. I'm really happy I'm doing it this way. I was actually dreading some aspects of traditional publishing. (I've been traditionally published twice before with a couple of non-fiction parenting books I co-authored, so I was dreading from experience.)

8. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
Oh my goodness, yes! Hasn't everyone? (Seriously, doesn't everyone do that?) I read Wuthering Heights many times, as well as Gone With the Wind, some of the Harry Potter books (I'm actually rereading all of them again right now as I'm reading them aloud to my kids--we just started book three tonight!), and several others that are not popping into my mind at the moment. Some I've read simply because I loved them and wanted to live through it all again, but more recently I've taken to reading over and over again books that are beautifully written in hopes that I can soak up how they did it, become a  better writer.

9. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of it’s cover? (For example a UK, US or Canadian version) 
Funny that you ask this. I'm actually dying to get my hands on the UK version of Laini Taylor's newest The Daughter of Smoke & Bone because I *love* the UK cover and really don't like the US one. If I didn't already love her work, I don't think I'd pick it up based on the US cover.

10. Have you ever read a book just based on it’s cover?
Absolutely. That's what makes me pick up a book to begin with. That's the first impression!

11. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?
Oh, yes! I've passed by many books whose cover art didn't draw me in. So many books in the library I don't even look at because the cover doesn't speak to me.
 
12. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I'm reading So B. It by Sarah Weeks in hardcover, borrowed from the library. (I just went to the library a week ago and came home with 15 YA and MG books because I finally have time to read again! So excited. BIG fan of the library!)

13. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? 
I guess my advice would be the best advice I came across: write what you want to read. (And revise/edit the crap out of it.)

14. Where can your readers follow you?







 
Smashwords: (for free short story Intuition) http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97309


Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Monday 26 March 2012

Promotion: Witch Hunt by K.C. Blake


Witch Hunt 
By K.C. Blake

A magical game of Hide n Seek begins.
Find the missing player and win.
The game resets; everyone forgets and starts to play it again.

Starr Hughes hasn’t believed in magic since her mother died.  As a reporter for the school paper, she believes in hard facts.  Hiding under the headmaster’s desk, planting bugs, and breaking into a fellow student’s home are all on her to-do list.  So when she hears the mysterious group known as the It-Squad are about to start playing a secretive game, she wants to know more.  She’s especially interested in the group’s gorgeous leader, Dylan Winchester.

With her boy-crazy best friend at her side, Starr is going to discover that not only are witches real, they need her help.  Someone is using the game to steal their memories, their powers, and perhaps their lives.

Available at Amazon.com

Author Interview: Elizabeth Norris

Elizabeth Norris has written Unravelling. 

1. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
My debut novel is title UNRAVELING and it will be released from Balzer+Bray on April 24th, 2012. It's a romantic YA thriller featuring Janelle Tenner, a seventeen-year-old girl's fight to save her family, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.

2. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
There is a sequel. I finished the first draft and turned it into my editor recently, and I'm already thinking of how I want to revise it. And I'm also plotting my third book which is a YA mystery.

3. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I was always the kid who wrote stories. My mom has a story I wrote about all of my friends when I was in second grade. We all go trick-or-treating and end up in a haunted house. But I truly owe my love of the written word to my tenth grade English teacher, Mrs. Hall. She was a brilliant teacher and she knew just how to encourage me.

4. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?
My amazing editor and a slew of talented people at HarperCollins came up with the cover for UNRAVELING, which is a really good thing. Because if I had to come up with the concept or the art, it would have been terrible. I am not good with visuals.

5. Would you have different book covers for different countries?
I have a different cover for the UK edition of my novel, which is actually called UNRAVELLING (with two L's). Both covers are really different, but they both are also really good depictions of the story. I love them both.



6. How did you come up with the title for your book?
My original title was actually Unraveling Ben Michaels. I came up with that because throughout the novel there are several mysteries, but the most intriguing one is the mystery about Ben--the boy who saves Janelle from dying. There's a line early on in the book, when Janelle tells herself she needs to unravel the mystery of Ben Michaels. When the book sold, we dropped Ben's name from the title because there are several mysteries Janelle is trying to unravel and life as she knows it is starting to unravel before her eyes, so we figured "unraveling" as a title could have several meanings.

7. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?
I'm crazy about hardcover books. I like how sturdy they are and that I can read them over and over again and they still look brand new.

8. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I'm about to start reading an advanced reader copy of Insurgent by Veronica Roth.

9. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
My advice to other writers is to read and write a lot. Like a lot of things, writing takes practice, and by reading great books, you can learn by example.
My advice to other writers who want to be published is to never give up. There are days when it's hard, when it hurts, and when you feel like it's never going to happen. But if you keep writing and keep pursuing your dream, it's possible.


10. Where can your readers follow you?








Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Saturday 24 March 2012

Forsaken by Jana Oliver

ISBN9780330519472
Publisher: Macmillan
Pages: 422


Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get - even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.  


I really enjoyed reading Forsaken! I loved reading about the futuristic, dystopian world that this book was set in. My favourite character was Riley, because of her determination to be as good at Demon Trapping as her father, despite all the disapproving, derogatory remarks that the other, older Demon Trappers have directed at her. I really like the cover of Forsaken, as the bright fire along the bottom of the book together will the harsh black at the top, give the cover the same dark, dangerous feel that is weaved into the story within.


Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Thursday 22 March 2012

Author Interview: Imogen Rose

Imogen Rose has written Initiation.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is Imogen Rose, and I call New Jersey home, for now.

2. What is the name of your most recent book, and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
My latest book is titled Initiation. This book is the first of two prequels in the Bonfire Chronicles series. Think demons and hot faeries.

3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I am writing the second book in the Bonfire Chronicles prequel series now. The title is Integration.

4. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
My youngest daughter Lauren started me on this journey about three years ago.

5. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?
Yes, I gift my books to book bloggers who request them.

6. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?
This is actually the second cover for this book. I asked Claudia at Phatpuppy Art to create the cover for the sequel (Integration), then I went back and reworked the cover for Initiation, which was created by the very talented Najla Qambar.

7. Which is your favourite cover of all the books you have written?
The cover for Faustine is my favorite, as it features my daughter.

8. Is there anything you would change about your book covers?
Achieving the right covers has been a process, and I’m happy with my final results.

9. Would you have different book covers for different countries?
No, I think the ones I have should work for all countries.

10. How did you come up with the title for your book?
It became obvious as I got into the story.

11. Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?
No, I am really happy with it.

12. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?
I do, and I made it myself. I had lots of fun creating it. I think they are a nice introductory tool for readers to learn about a book.

13. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers, or audiobooks?
I prefer hardback versions of cookbooks, but for the rest, e-books is a very convenient format.

14. Are you a self-published / Indie author?
I am.

15. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
Yes, I have read several many times, including my collection of Enid Blyton, George Orwell, and PG Wodehouse books.

16. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of its cover? (For example a UK, US, or Canadian version)
No.

17. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
I tend to make most of my purchases based on covers and descriptions. So yes, I have started many books based on just the cover.

18. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?
Yes, if the cover isn’t good, I am unlikely to check it out.

19. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I just finished Delirium, the Kindle version.

20. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
Let your imagination take over.

21. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog

Web site

Facebook Page

Goodreads Author Page

Twitter details




Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Promotion: Initiation by Imogen Rose


Initiation
By Imogen Rose
Genre: paranormal YA

DESCRIPTION

Welcome to Bonfire Academy!

Set in the foothills of the alpine mountains in St.Moritz, this exclusive private school caters to a special kind of student. Enter at your own risk... but if you are human, you may not want to enter at all.

WARNING: This YA story is set in a school for paranormals who are very different from normal human teens. Thus, the language and some scenes might not be appropriate for younger YA readers. Recommended for those sixteen and above.

Check out what the reviewers have to say:

Let me lay it out for you. This is a five star book. Period. Heck, I think nearly all of Imogen Rose’s books are five stars in my eyes so far. It’s kind of crazy. Did the author make a deal with the devil or something to get this level of pure talent or what? Or maybe one of these demons from this book? Hmmm…  Candy Beuchamp (Candy’s Raves)

‘It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation." - Herman Melville
That one phrase changed my life, AND my perception of what people expected.  So I wrote it down, in a little black book, and put it in my purse. Now, I can't tell you exactly how many times I have read that 1 phrase since I wrote it down, but every time I read a book, and then bask in the brilliance of it's originality I think of Herman and his wise advice. THEN...I think of the authors that exude this quality more than most. Imogen Rose is one of these authors.- KindleObsessed

A Red Adept Select book (voted "Outstanding in Genre"-YA)



Wednesday 21 March 2012

Author Interview: Heather Ross

Heather Ross has written Highway 90.


1. What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is Heather Ross and Los Angeles is my home.

2. Do you have a pen name?
I write children's books under Ruth Thompson to keep my genres separate.

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
20 words? Darn! My novelette, Highway 90, is a YA drama/coming of age story about how life can take unexpected turns and offer hope when you thought you were stuck in a dead end cycle.

4. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I didn't plan Highway 90 to be a series, but so many people want to know "what happens next," so I'm writing a sequel.

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I remember making up stories when I was little. As I got older I started keeping a journal, which is great for later reference, and writing poetry. In high school and college I had a few really awesome English teachers who assigned projects that opened up my mind and called upon my more creative writing skills. I've only been seriously writing for a year and a half.
6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?
Yes.

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?
I had a clear concept of what I wanted for the cover and chose a key scene in the book to hopefully grab potential readers and give them a hint about what happens in the story. Malice Bathory designed my cover. I found her on Deviantart.com.

8. Which is your favourite cover of all the books you have written?
Highway 90 is my favorite cover so far.
9. Is there anything you would change about your book covers?
No.

10. Would you have different book covers for different countries?
Perhaps in different languages, but not the art unless it was banned for some reason.
11. How did you come up with the title for your book?
I used the name of the highway the main characters travel, which is also where the drama occurs.

12. Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?
I might make it longer to answer questions, but those can be answered in a sequel or not. I intentionally wrote the story as it is to give the reader freedom to think and decide for themselves "what happens next."

13. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?
I created a YouTube channel for this purpose, but so far have only created playlists/soundtracks for Highway 90 and a blog post about romance. You can see it here http://www.youtube.com/user/HeatherRossAuthor?feature=mhee
I like the visual concept of a book trailer, so will definitely be making one soon for Highway 90. It may also direct more readers to my books, which can't hurt.


14. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?
I now prefer e-books that I read on my iPhone since I can take them with me anywhere without fear that I'll forget them, rip a page or spill something on them. Plus, my iPhone is A LOT smaller. However, I do still have shelves of paperback and hardcover books that I love!

15. Are you a self-published / Indie author?
Yes.

16. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
Not lately, but I think I re-read almost all of V.C. Andrews books. Okay, that makes me sound old.

17. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of it’s cover? (For example a UK, US or Canadian version)
No.

18. Have you ever read a book just based on it’s cover?
Yes.

19. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?
God yes!

20. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
Starfire Angels by Melanie Nilles in ebook format.

21. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
The best advice I received when it comes to writing is write more. Don't be finished after one story, poem or novel. Keep writing, whatever comes into your head just write it down. It may not all make sense, but the more you write the better you become, then you can go back and edit later.
My advice to other writers would be the same, to write. Everyday whether you feel like it or not. It doesn't have to be a long story, it could just be thoughts, ideas, scenes even dialogue. I would also advice other writers to write the story you want to read. There will always be readers who don't like how you wrote a particular scene or portrayed a character, but, editing aside, stay true to the story you want to tell.


22. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: http://www.heatherross.net/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/HeatherRossAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/WriterHeather

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/104195734034607756780/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Highway-90-ebook/dp/B006S4CYB0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329519392&sr=8-1

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/119009 





Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!