In my recent Follower Love Giveaway I offered some free blog advertising. Heidi Grange from the blog Geo Librarian was my winner.
Heidi currently works as an elementary school librarian. One of her favorite things to do is to talk about books especially children's books.
On Mix N' Match Mondays Heidi matches up fiction and nonfiction books that go well together or she features a Non-Fiction Monday book pick.
On Wild & Wonderful Wednesdays Heidi highlights books that contain a geographical element. These books may be fiction or nonfiction.
Fantastic Fridays involves sharing books that she has shared with her students that they have enjoyed or books that have a fantasy element that she thinks children would enjoy.
I was born in Fort Lauderdale, attended the University of Michigan on an athletic scholarship for swimming and then worked on Wall Street. I left the bright lights of the big city fifteen years ago and traveled the world. I now live in the mountains of Colorado, where I pursue my dream of writing novels.
INTERVIEW: What is one book everyone should read?
The Bible. Cliche, I know. But it's really true. If you are already a believer, it will deepen your faith. If you aren't, it will inspire you to believe.
And if you simply have no interest in religion, you'll be amazed that such beautiful literature, poetry, political and social guidelines can ever have been collected in one document and survived for thousands of years. And then you'll inspired. Now that’s divine!
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Haagen Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter. Temptation has a new name.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure is an inspirational story about the love between sisters, and for a child, that will make you cry and then fill your heart with hope.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
Yes! I'm editing a children's chapter book which will be out in April. Next is a women's contemporary novel that will be out by this summer. I'm very excited about both books, and hope readers will be as well.
What inspired you to want to become a writer?
After eight years on Wall Street, I wanted to do something that would leave a legacy, something that would be my small mark on the world. After spending just as many years writing, I can't imagine anything I'd enjoy more. Hearing from someone who's read Mrs. Tuesday, makes my day.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
When I first received the paperback version of Mrs. Tuesday, I handed it to my mother and watched as she opened the book and found the dedication I’d written to her. We both had tears in our eyes.
What is your dream cast for your book?
Meryl Streep for both Natalie and Anna.
A young Natalie Portman for Mila.
Isn’t that just the ultimate fantasy for every writer?
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
I read and fell in love with the Wizard of Oz series by L. Frank Baum. It was my first experience of falling into and becoming completely immersed in the world of someone’s imagination. It was magical.
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
The hauntingly sad Barber’s Adagio for Strings would be perfect.
What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Never give up. Value the counsel of those more experienced or successful, but listen to your gut.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
A writer. And a neurosurgeon. There are thousands of brain transplants waiting for me to begin medical school.
How did you know you should become an author?
I'm as passionate about writing as I was about competitive swimming growing up. Since I swam for eleven years, that feeling has become a litmus test. You have to really love swimming to get up at four in the morning and jump into a cold pool. And you have to really love writing to face a re-write again, and again, and again.
How do you react to a bad review?
I've actually learned from negative feedback I received about Mrs. Tuesday. I believe negative reviews can be helpful. If they're constructive and sincere, they can provide the author with insight and perspective that she might not get being so close to the book.
Favorite places to travel?
Ultimate dream trip...an around the world cruise. Can you imagine being on a ship for six months straight?!
If you had 24 hours alone how would you spend it?
Alone with a stack of books I’ve got sitting on my nightstand, my journal, a roaring fire and a snowstorm dumping eight feet of snow outside my door, insuring that I won't be disturbed. Can you tell that most of my fantasies involve sitting and reading?!
Print or Ebook?
Both! When ebooks first came out I thought I'd never be a convert. Then I discovered how great it is to read in bed from my ipad, without having to turn on the lights, especially on those nights when my insomnia wakes me at 2 A.M. and won't let me sleep until 5 A.M. Being able to slip into a good book is wonderful.
When Mrs. Tuesday's Departure was finally published as a paperback (it first came out as an ebook), being able to actually hold the book in my hands somehow made it feel more authentic. There's still something magical about carrying a cherished book into a room, plopping down on the couch and snuggling in for a nice read.
Shoes or Sandals?
Neither. Cowboy boots. And snow boots. My idea of paradise is to live in snow ten months of the year. I can't get enough of it. Of course, I live in sunny Colorado where we get to enjoy snow and sun!
Cats or Dog?
Dogs! I am the proud mamma of two 150 lb Newfoundland rescue dogs, Henry and George. They are the sweetest guys in the whole world. And then there's my 6 lb terror, Coco, the Yorkie who rules us all.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook! I don't know if this makes me an old 'fuddy duddy' ( that term sure does!) but Facebook is very visual, which I am as well, so it just feels more natural. Please stop by and ‘Friend’ me, I’d love to meet you!
Mrs. Tuesday's Departure
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…
Hungary's fragile alliance with Germany kept Natalie, a renowned children’s book author, and her family out of harm's way for most of the war. Now as the Führer's desperation grows during the waning years of the conflict, so does its threat. Natalie's younger sister, Ilona, married a Jewish man, putting both her and her young daughter, Mila, in peril; Natalie's twin sister, Anna, is losing her already tenuous hold on reality. As the streets of Budapest thrum with the pounding boots of Nazi soldiers, danger creeps to the doorstep where Natalie shields them all.
Ilona and her husband take the last two tickets to safety for themselves, abandoning Natalie to protect Anna and Mila from the encroaching danger. Anna's paranoid explosion at a university where was once a professor, sparked by delusions over an imagined love triangle, threatens their only other chance for escape. Ultimately, Natalie is presented with a choice no one should ever have to make; which of her family will she save?
An inspirational story of faith and family, strength and weakness, and the ultimate triumph of love over hate. Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure demonstrates the power of faith to light even the most harrowing darkness.
... faith is the evidence of things not seen.
Read the Ebook for FREE until February 28th
Giveaway Details
1 Paperback Copy
1 Ebook Copy for those who missed out on the Free promotion
Open Internationally
Ends 3/19/12
Diane Daniels works with children who struggle as English language learners at an elementary school in St. George, Utah. Her specialty is teaching them to write creatively. She lives with her husband, Thomas, her son, Devin, and her cat, Slim. She also has three grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandsons.
Interview: If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
When I was younger I would have wanted to go into the future to see the wonderful new technology and also how my life would turn out. However, now I think I’d want to go into the past to ask loved ones who have passed on the questions I didn’t ask while they were alive.
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
A good book, my iPod, and tasty snacks.
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I’d like to read people’s minds.
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
I would choose Jesus Christ. To walk and talk with him would be extraordinary.
Night owl, or early bird?
I am definitely a Night owl. My brain just seems to work better at night. That is when the best ideas come to me.
Pet Peeves?
People who walk around in a fog, talking loudly on their cell phones. I especially hate it when they are in front of me in line at the grocery store and can’t hang up long enough to check out.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
It’s a faith based fantasy that brings YA romance out of the darkness and into the light.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
Falling Off the Planet should be out in May. Then I have another series in the works for slightly younger children. It’s a fun filled, humorous adventure for middle-schoolers. I’ve also written a poetry book for children.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Meeting people who have enjoyed my book makes me want to write more and reach more people
What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Don’t write to earn money. Write because you love writing.
If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?
I’d stay right where I am because I love my life right now.
What is your favorite Quote?
“When you come to the end of all the light that you have known and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen; there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”—Virgil (Roman poet 70-12 BC)
When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
I wanted to be a princess or the president of the United States.
How did you know you should become an author?
I like making up my own stories.
Hidden talent?
I can hold a pencil with my chin.
How do you react to a bad review?
I cry. Then I suck it up and tell myself I can’t please everyone and I wouldn’t really want to. After that, I take a brisk walk and eat something chocolate.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Janet Evanovitch novels make me laugh.
Over the Moon
When seventeen-year-old Tiana moves to Hurricane, Utah, her comfortable world is turned upside down as she traverses the rough waters of adjusting to a small town and new school. Her father insists they were supposed to move here for some unknown, important purpose, and the voice in her head tells her not to argue.
After resigning herself to being a miserable outcast, Tiana finds that she is not only accepted by most of the students at her new high school but is also the recipient of unwelcome attention from the opposite sex. But then she meets the mysterious Andrew Martin and is soon Over the Moon crazy about him. Andrew seems to be the perfect boyfriend: protective, tender, good with her parents, and a fabulous kisser. But he also has a few unusual qualities: an intuitiveness that borders on mind reading, a touch that seems to heal, and almost superhuman strength. Tiana marvels at his talents but doesn't seriously consider the implications until she can no longer ignore the clues: Andrew does not belong on Earth.
When Andrew admits his true identity, Tiana enters a world previously unknown to her and is plunged into mortal danger as it is Andrew's sworn duty to combat evil, extraterrestrial villains who wish to invade Earth and enslave mankind. Join Diane Daniels for a romantic adventure in Over the Moon, which will take you to a world where the impossible comes to life.
Giveaway Details:
1 copy of Over the Moon
Open to US only
Ends 3/19/12
For hundreds of years, the vampire Balthazar has been alone—without allies, without love.
When Balthazar agrees to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, he has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s newfound psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel, seductive master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Now Redgrave plans to use Skye’s powers for his own evil purposes.
Balthazar will do whatever it takes to stop Redgrave and exact his long-awaited revenge against his killer. As Skye and Balthazar stand together to fight him, they grow closer—first unwillingly, then undeniably. Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by her. . . .
In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullalby Hunt
In the wake of heart-breaking betrayal, Carley Connors is thrust into foster care and left on the steps of the Murphys, a happy, bustling family.
Carley has thick walls and isn’t rattled easily, but this is a world she just doesn’t understand. A world that frightens her. So, she resists this side of life she’d believed did not exist with dinners around a table and a “zip your jacket, here’s your lunch” kind of mom.
However, with the help of her Broadway-obsessed and unpredictable friend, Toni, the Murphys do the impossible in showing Carley what it feels like to belong somewhere. But, when her mother wants her back, will she lose the only family that she has ever known?
The Rock of Ivanore by Laurisa White Reyes
The annual Great Quest is about to be announced in Quendel, a task that will determine the future of Marcus and the other boys from the village who are coming of age. The wizard Zyll commands them to find the Rock of Ivanore, but he doesn’t tell them what the Rock is exactly or where it can be found. Marcus must reach deep within himself to develop new powers of magic and find the strength to survive the wild lands and fierce enemies he encounters as he searches for the illusive Rock. If he succeeds, he will live a life of honor; if he fails, he will live a life of menial labor in shame. With more twists and turns than a labyrinth, and a story in which nothing is at it seems, this tale of deception and discovery keeps readers in suspense until the end.
Middle readers will find that The Rock of Ivanore fits nicely among the traditional fantasies they so enjoy. They will also appreciate its fresh and inventive take on the genre.
The Blood Sugar Solution by Mark Hyman
In THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION, Dr. Mark Hyman reveals that the secret solution to losing weight and preventing not just diabetes but also heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer is balanced insulin levels. Dr. Hyman describes the seven keys to achieving wellness-nutrition, hormones, inflammation, digestion, detoxification, energy metabolism, and a calm mind-and explains his revolutionary six-week healthy-living program. With advice on diet, green living, supplements and medication, exercise, and personalizing the plan for optimal results, the book also teaches readers how to maintain lifelong health. Groundbreaking and timely, THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION is the fastest way to lose weight, prevent disease, and feel better than ever.
Awakened by Ednah Walters
Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, but Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons. Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware that she's a Guardian-a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. When she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers. But Bran has a secret that can ruin their growing relationship, and the truth she discovers may destroy everything she believes in unless she finds the right balance between love and sacrifice.
FROM LIBRARY
Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
"Everyone wanted to believe that endless love was possible. She'd believed in it once, too, back when she was eighteen."
In the spring of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.
Now, twenty-five years later, Amanda and Dawson are summoned back to Oriental for the funeral of Tuck Hostetler, the mentor who once gave shelter to their high school romance. Neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever changed their lives. As Amanda and Dawson carry out the instructions Tuck left behind for them, they realize that everything they thought they knew -- about Tuck, about themselves, and about the dreams they held dear -- was not as it seemed. Forced to confront painful memories, the two former lovers will discover undeniable truths about the choices they have made. And in the course of a single, searing weekend, they will ask of the living, and the dead: Can love truly rewrite the past?
DOWNLOAD FROM OVERDRIVE Anna and the French Kiss
Anna was looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. So she's less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris-until she meets Etienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Etienne has it all . . . including a serious girlfriend.
But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?
Stephanie Perkins keeps the romantic tension crackling and the attraction high in a debut guaranteed to make toes tingle and hearts melt.
The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought.
Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.
Title: The Snowman's Revenge
Author: Mark Smythe
Illustrator: Mike Motz
Publisher: Mark Smythe
Released: May 9, 2009
Website: http://thesnowmansrevenge.com/
Book Summary:
A snowman left out in the cold by himself is out for revenge, especially after he sees kids in the nice warm house, eating cookies, and drinking hot chocolate. This delightful story flows with rhymed verse, and is beautifully illustrated.
I really didn't know what to think of this book so I decide to it aloud to all 5 of my kids ages 6-17 to get their reaction. My older kids were disappointment with the ending. The snowman doesn't actually get revenge and they thought he should have been able to scare the children. If a snow man is able to come to life then certainly he should be able to do more than just melt when he gets in a warm house. My youngest said she wouldn't want to read it all the time and that it was ok and she liked it.
This is a rhyming story but I didn't feel the text flowed as smoothly as it could have. There were a few times the verses just didn't flow of my tongue. I liked the illustrations although a couple of them are a little scary looking.
So not a favorite of mine but one I wouldn't complain about if asked by my daughter to read again.
Title: Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs: A Maynard Moose Tale
Author: by Willy Claflin
Illustrator: James Stimson
Publisher: August House Publishers
Released: April 16, 2011
Website: http://www.willyclaflin.com
Book Summary:
From the award winning creative team who brought you The Uglified Ducky, a Texas Bluebonnet Master Reading List Finalist, comes the latest fractured fairy tale from Maynard Moose. You may think you know the story of Rapunzel, or the Seven Dwarfs, but think again. In the capable hands of his narrator Maynard Moose, storytellerWilly Claflin takes us on a wacky journey where family becomes fambly and extremely becomes distremely. (English teachers take heart; a Moose-English glossary is included.)
This book was funny. My six year old daughter loved it and I think it will likely be a hit with my 10 year old son as well. It's a fractured fairy tale complete with a bald Rapunzel, 9 dwarfs and a 512 lb. prince. It's pointless, told with poorly written grammar & made up words and has no moral to the story. It's just humourous, silly story.
If I had to actually read this book I wouldn't have loved it nearly as much as I did. Thankfully it comes with a Audio CD where the author reads it to us in his moose voice making it a very entertaining read.
Title: Variant Author: Robison Wells Series: Variant Book #1 Publisher: HarperTeen Released: September 26, 2011 Website: http://www.robisonwells.com/
Book Summary
Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he's trapped in a school that's surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.
Where breaking the rules equals death.
But when Benson stumbles upon the school's real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape--his only real hope for survival--may be impossible.
I really liked the first half of this book. It reminded me of The Maze Runner which I really enjoyed. It's a unique read that would appeal to a wide audience including teenage boys. The second half of the book was good but took some really bizarre turns.
I can usually figure out where a book is going but was completely wrong with this one. It was completely unpredictable. The cover says Trust No One on it but I didn't realize how literally I should have taken that warning. It was full of twists and turns I didn't see coming. It made for an interesting read although it was almost a little too far fetched to be completely believable.
I'll be picking up the sequel Feedback which will be released in October just to see where the author heads next after the cliffhanger ending this book had.
Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.
From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will she be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.
Being the clean romance, Jane Austen lover that I am I LOVED Edenbrooke.
What a fabulous way to spend a morning. Edenbrooke was a book I couldn't put down. I picked it up to read just a few pages before getting out of bed but didn't quit reading until I finished the book. While there may never be another Mr. Darcy it is possible that his twin is found roaming the grounds of Edenbrooke.
Squeaky clean, full of romance, humor and great characters this is a book I highly recommend. Perfect for lovers of Jane Austen era romances.
Title: The International Kissing Club
Author: Ivy Adams (Emily McKay, Shellee Roberts and Tracy Deebs write under the pseudonym Ivy Adams)
Series: None
The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams is the story of four best friends: Piper, Cassidy, Mei, and Izzy--the misfits of Paris, Texas. Their whole lives, they’ve dreamed of escaping small-town life and seeing the world. So when Piper is the victim of an embarrassing prank that goes viral online, she gets the idea that the girls should escape via the school’s international exchange program, in search of fun, love and internet redemption.
It took me forever to get into this book. I just didn't care about the characters or the story line for the first half of the book. It took me a couple weeks to get through the first half because it just didn't hold my interest. Once I hit he half way point I finished up the second half really quickly.
Kissing for points is just not a concept that works for me and the whole premise just seemed shallow to me. The book did have some funny parts and by the time I got half way through I wanted to know how it all turned out for these four girls and the boys they had fallen for.
In the end I'd say this was a good book, I didn't love it but I don't regret taking the time to read it.
Melissa A. Hanson lives in Southern California, with her husband and two sons. Aside from working as a professional architect, she is a scrapbooker and avid reader. “A Healing Heart” is her first completed novel.
Interview: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Mint Chocolate Chip
What is your favorite Quote?
Common sense isn't so common
Who are your favorite authors of all time?
Mary Higgins Clark, Sidney Sheldon, Catherine Anderson, Nora Roberts, Kay Hooper
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
The Hunger Games & Breaking Dawn Part II movies
What do you do in your free time?
Read, scrapbook, write
What's your favorite season/weather?
Spring in Southern California, with the cool breezes and where I live the smell of orange blossoms!
Which authors have influence you most and how?
Mary Higgins Clark; I have always loved how she includes glimpses into the minor characters where you get a complete picture of the story. I always like to know what's going on in other character's minds, not just the main character.
How do you react to a bad review?
Learn from it, improve and make things better. Everything is a learning experience
Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
Yes, my main character Bailey, some of the things she enjoys, likes, a bit of her personality
Coke or Pepsi?
Mountain Dew! :)
Harry Potter or Twilight?
Twilight
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook
PC or Mac?
MAC!! There is nothing else! Only thing I've ever had.
Horror or Romance?
Romance
Print or Ebook?
Both, there's something special about flipping through pages on a print book, but I love how quick you can get a new book when it's digital! Also easier to read on the go.
A Healing Heart
On a bitter cold winter night Bailey Walsh’s family was killed in a traffic accident. Two years later as she lives with her aunt and uncle in Southern California, Bailey is still plagued by the nightmares of that terrible night. Everywhere around her are reminders of what she lost. Even her aunt, in a cruel twist of fate, is not just her mom’s sister, but her identical twin. Babysitting Riley, a spunky two-year old, is a sweet distraction and one constant light in her life. One day as she takes Riley to the park she meets Collin McKenna, a senior at her high school and her life is changed forever as he helps her find herself and realize her life is worth living. As the romance between them grows her broken heart begins to heal. However, still nagging in the back of her conscious is the fear that her new found happiness could come crashing down and she could lose everything she loves, yet again. Outside forces begin to tear them apart and Bailey must learn to trust in herself and realize that she is worthy of happiness. That sometimes love and healing comes in unexpected forms.
Giveaway Details
1 paperback copy open to US only (48 contiguous states)
1 ebook copy open Internationally
Ends 3/18/12
Heather Beck is a Canadian author and screenwriter who began writing professionally at the age of sixteen. Her first book was published when she was only nineteen years old. Since then she has written several well-reviewed books.
Heather recently received an Honors Bachelor of Arts from university where she specialized in English and studied an array of disciplines. Currently, she is working on two young adult novels and has six anthologies slated for publication. As a screenwriter, Heather has multiple television shows and movies in development. Her short films include Young Eyes and The Rarity.
Besides writing, Heather's greatest passion is the outdoors. She is an award-winning fisherwoman and a regular hiker. Her hobbies include swimming, playing badminton and volunteering with non-profit organizations.
Interview: If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
If I had a superpower I’d like it to be the ability to heal all wounds, both physical and emotional. I’m uncertain if I believe in a utopian world, but I’d definitely use my gift to stop war and inequality as well as the devastating aftermath of such things.
Pet Peeves?
The lack of rational foresight.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I am currently working on edits for the remaining books in The Horror Diaries series. The next book, Creatures Of The Night, will be released May 2012. I have started writing Assorted Candies (an anthology of literary romance for teens) as well as two young adult paranormal romance novels entitled Siren and Fairy Dust. Additionally, I will shortly begin work on What Fairy Tales Are Made Of, which will include the last four volumes in the Legends Unleashed series. On the screenwriting side, I have written several short scripts that are scheduled to go into production in 2012. They include Too Sensible For Love – a dark romantic comedy with social commentary running throughout it, Love’s Folly – a romantic comedy that will keep viewers guessing until the end, and Circular – a chilling social commentary about war.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
There are so many rewarding aspects to being published that it’s impossible for me to just choose one. Receiving my first publishing contract was very exciting. It made me feel as if all my hard work was paying off. Having the finished product of my work, whether it is a book or DVD, is always a sublime experience. Another amazing aspect of being a writer is receiving e-mails and letters from readers who have enjoyed my work.
What is your dream cast for your films and TV shows?
After being a casting director for The Rarity, I’ve learned that it’s more exciting to cast emerging actors than have a big name attached. I think finding an actor who can portray the character exactly how I imagined is the most important aspect of casting. That being said, there are a few actors I’d love to work with such as Adam Harrington, Elizabeth Gillies and Phoebe Tonkin.
What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
I recommend that aspiring authors write because they love it and have a natural drive to do so. If one wants to turn their hobby of writing into a profession, I strongly advise being hopeful but realistic. It is a tough business and one has to do a lot of networking before finding people they can not only work with but also trust. It’s best to be informed about every aspect of the publishing business. Manuscript creation and industry standard presentation is merely the beginning. The single piece of best advice I can offer is to get an education. In the entertainment industry, a back-up plan is crucial. Furthermore, education broadens one’s horizons to a great degree and aids an author’s ability to write with more range.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I love living in Canada for its beautiful landscapes and lakes as well as its amazing hiking trails. However, I could do without winter. I’d love to live near the beach and where the hiking trails and fishing spots are great. As long as the climate is warm and I can be in nature, I’m happy. If I had to pinpoint a specific location, I’d probably say North Carolina, USA.
How did you know you should become an author?
I knew I wanted to be an author at a very young age. I loved books and always dreamt about creating my own worlds and characters. My biggest fascination was with book series because it allowed for extended character development. Writing is extremely natural for me and I don’t believe I chose to be a writer. On the contrary, I feel as if writing is something I have to do. Being analytical and seeing inspiration in everything around me promotes my innate need to weave tales.
Favorite Candy?
Lemonheads and cinnamon hearts.
How do you react to a bad review?
My books usually get 4 or 5 stars with the worst rating being a 3.5 or 3, but then one day it happened – a reader gave one of my books a 1 star rating on Amazon. I was beyond horrified to discover this – especially since other readers were giving it 5 stars. I thought my sales for that title would drop drastically. Instead, they have steadily increased. I’ve come to realize that literature is extremely subjective and that the saying, “any publicity is good publicity” is very true.
You have won one million dollars – what is the first thing that you would buy?
I want to be sensible and say real estate, but honestly, the first thing I would probably buy is a blue sparkly Hummer that is loaded with chrome.
Which authors have influenced you the most and how?
The authors who have influenced me the most are Tennessee Williams and Jack London. I’ve read all of Williams’ plays and am amazed by his ability to be so blatant, accurate and compassionate about the human condition. He really gets to the core of what it means to be human, and he does so in a beautiful and entertaining way. In my own writing, I strive to achieve Williams’ signature feat. Regarding London, I am impressed by his depiction of the struggle between man and nature. This is a theme that has always interested me, probably due to my love of nature. London has helped to shape my goal of writing a great wilderness adventure.
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
A few years ago, a production company approached me and requested that I write an autobiographical screenplay. At the time I wasn’t ready to do that, and looking back, I’m glad I didn’t because my life story is nowhere near complete. Someday I would like to write that memoir and when I do, it will be entitled Fighting For Glory.
What's your favorite season/weather?
My favorite season is definitely summer. I love warm weather and being outdoors. I could spend forever hiking, fishing, swimming or just lounging in the sun at the beach.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Vegetable samosas!
What TV shows do you watch that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
I’m proud to admit that I’m currently watching Once Upon A Time, Pretty Little Liars and The Secret Circle. I think these are all great shows.
In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
I’d love to co-write a book with Kelley Armstrong. I was lucky enough to meet her at a literary event and was immediately impressed by her passion and kindness. Since we write in the same genre, it would be such an amazing experience for me.
Do you prefer a bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?
I love getting jewellery (as long as I get to choose it) or a gift card to one of my favorite stores.
Giveaway Details One winner will receive a PDF ebook copy of the following 4 books.
The Hammock
Summer vacation gets a lot sweeter for Jade Addams when she meets the handsome and caring Russell. They quickly form a deep bond but it’s tested when a car accident causes a feud between their fathers. Jade and Russell’s secret is revealed when they fall asleep in a hammock and are awakened by her father. A physical fight occurs between Mr. Addams and Russell, furthering the rift between the neighbours. However, it’s Russell’s father who gives the gift of second chances when Mr. Addams has a heart attack. Some relationships truly are a Godsend…
Gnome Genome
When Meghan moves into her new house, she discovers a beautiful but mysterious potted plant. She loves the plant – or at least she did before jabbing herself on a pine needle and waking up inside the pot. Small and frightened, Meghan will have to struggle to survive. There’s also the issue of the evil gnomes who want to play deadly games in return for her freedom.
A Weird Twist of Fate
Judith Forge is a Goth, but she doesn’t believe in witches. Or at least she didn’t until discovering the diary that chronicles her family’s journey to witchery. When Judith’s sent back in time, she must stop an evil spell that forever changed the Forge family. Unfortunately, she’s the one who has the most to lose.
Rockville
Rockville is no ordinary town. The cold and clammy air produces symptoms of a fever and the sea is always deadly still. New resident, Calla Lily thinks the town is absolutely creepy but she doesn’t believe the local ghost stories. Perhaps the evil shape-shifting apparition in Calla Lily’s house will make a believer out of her…
