Q&A with Author Amalie Howard

Hi everyone! Today I have a Q&A post with Author Amalie Howard, discussing her new book Alpha Goddess, and other books she's written! Check it out below :)

You released your first book “Bloodspell” in 2011, which led to an impressive five book publishing deals. How the heck do you have time to write so much, and what does it feel like to have your work recognized in such a great way?

I am so incredibly grateful that my wonderful editors saw something they loved in my books and wanted to publish them. All three of my upcoming novels—WATERFELL, THE ALMOST GIRL, and ALPHA GODDESS—each brings something different and unique to the table, so I’m really excited that readers will get to sample such a diverse range of what I have to offer as an author.

As far as writing so much, I’m very lucky that I’m a fast writer, so once I get an idea in my head, I just go. I plot a basic outline of my expectations, and then I let the story take me on its journey. And as I always say to my teen creative writing classes, writing is like homework. You have to make time for it and be diligent about doing it.

What will fans of “Bloodspell” like best about your upcoming titles?

Fans of BLOODSPELL will enjoy meeting some very special new characters and being introduced to completely different worlds—figuratively and literally, especially in THE ALMOST GIRL. In WATERFELL, I was particularly excited to share my love of the ocean (I grew up on an island) and surfing! I also wanted to explore the myth of the sea monster and shift it from something terrifying into something beautiful … enter the mysterious world of the Aquarathi!

I’ve always been fascinated by quantum mechanics (even though I was hopeless at physics in high school) and the possibility of alternate universes. In THE ALMOST GIRL, I was able to explore that and more in this book, like the whole concept of nature versus nurture and whether we evolve differently based on harsher environments. I think this book will take readers on an interesting journey.

In ALPHA GODDESS, I wanted to explore some of the stories I’d been told as a child. I also wanted to share some of my experience with readers. My father comes from a long line of Hindu priests, so these myths were a large part of my childhood. The Ramayana is a particularly beautiful love story, and while my novel is a work of fiction, I really enjoyed crafting my version from such an inspiring mythology.

Your next release, “Waterfell,” departs from the world of vampires and witches but stays in the realm of fantasy and science fiction. What do you like about those genres?

Clearly, I love escaping reality. Fantasy and science fiction have always been my true loves. Don’t get me wrong, I love a great contemporary novel as much as anyone, but getting lost in a an epic fantasy world or meeting characters from other planets who have superhuman powers is icing on the cake for me. I like being able to push the boundaries of reality, to create mind-boggling ‘what if’ scenarios … for example, with WATERFELL, what if sea monsters really did exist? And what if they were a species from another planet hiding on ours? And what if they could shift into human form? With science fiction and fantasy, the possibilities are endless.

Like all of your books so far, “The Almost Girl” features a strong, independent female character as the protagonist. What do you hope readers learn from her?

I’m a huge fan of strong female protagonists (that said, I do have a novel with a strong male protagonist so I’m not gender-biased). I do like strong protagonists on the whole, but I also do think there has to be character growth that is transparent and meaningful to the reader. No one’s going to relate to a character who stays the same. With Riven from THE ALMOST GIRL, I love that she has to dig deep down to embrace her emotions. A soldier first, she’s so hard on the outside but still vulnerable on the inside—I really connected with her struggle to just let go of all her rules and be a girl. We build so many walls to keep from being hurt that we don’t allow ourselves to connect with others. I love that she was brave enough to trust her heart. In the end, I’m hopeful that readers will empathize with Riven and learn, as she does, that humans are born to feel, and that being open to life and love doesn’t make you weaker … it makes you stronger.

“Alpha Goddess” is your take on an Indian mythological tale. Where did you first hear about it?

Although ALPHA GODDESS is a work of fiction, a lot of my inspiration for the characters and the world-building in this novel is based on Hindu mythology. My father is a second generation Brahmin (priest class in traditional Hindu society), so Indian mythology was an integral part of my childhood and religious education. Fascinated by stories and legends of various Hindu gods who incarnated as avatars to avert human tragedy, I wanted to write an epic story that encompassed some of the Hindu mythology elements I enjoyed as a child, like the Ramayana, the story of Rama and Sita. Of course, ALPHA GODDESS is my own invented take on another reincarnated version of these characters, and does not actually exist in Indian scriptures.

You are quite the world traveler. How do you incorporate the cultures you come across into your writing?

I love meeting new people and exploring different cultures. I really believe that traveling the world has helped me to craft my characters, especially the ones that aren’t human (whom I have to invent). How do they evolve? How are they different from regular people? How are they the same? I enjoy using elements and facets from all the different cultures I’ve interacted with over the years to develop compelling scenarios and create robust characters in my writing.

I also like to include some of my favorite cities in my novels, for example, Paris and New York in BLOODSPELL, San Diego, California in WATERFELL, and Fort Collins, Colorado in THE ALMOST GIRL. Although a writer can research anything online, writing about a place I’ve actually been to helps me to picture scenes and places more vividly. It allows me to create more authentic descriptions, so that my readers can feel like they are there, too.  

We can only imagine you’re working on something new. Can you give us any sneak peek into the mind of Amalie Howard and what’s to come?

            I’m working on several different projects. I’ve just finished writing OCEANBORN, which is the sequel to WATERFELL, and I’ve also just completed a near-future, technological YA thriller/romance, which has a male protagonist that I’m very excited about. That one is now in the capable hands of my agent. In addition to that, I have outlined a companion novel to ALPHA GODDESS, and I am about to start writing the sequel to THE ALMOST GIRL. Lastly, I’m fleshing out a joint project with another YA writer that’s super secret and under wraps for now. So yes, I’m busy, but I’m embracing it all (with a lot of gratitude).

 In Serjana Caelum’s world, gods exist. So do goddesses. Sera knows this because she is one of them. A secret long concealed by her parents, Sera is Lakshmi reborn, the human avatar of an immortal Indian goddess rumored to control all the planes of existence — Illysia (the Light Realm), Earth (the Mortal Realm), and Xibalba (the Dark Realm). Marked by the sigils of both heaven and hell, Sera’s avatar is meant to bring balance to the mortal world, but all she creates is chaos. A chaos that Azrath, the Asura Lord of Death, hopes to use to unleash hell on earth.

Torn between reconciling her past and present, Sera must figure out how to stop Azrath before the Mortal Realm is destroyed. But trust doesn’t come easy in a world fissured by lies and betrayal. Her best friend Kyle is hiding his own dark secrets, and her mysterious new neighbor, Devendra, seems to know a lot more than he’s telling. Struggling between her opposing halves and her attraction to the boys tied to each of them, Sera must become the goddess she was meant to be, or risk failing, which means sacrificing the world she was born to protect.

Retellings of classic fairy tales and Greek myths are becoming staples in the young adult and adult fiction genres, and now Amalie Howard, author of the popular “Bloodspell,” brings the myth of Rama and Sita’s love story to an exciting new level. Howard’s stunningly fresh voice and imaginative characters promise to make “Alpha Goddess” an exciting addition to the young adult fiction world. Aimed at readers ages 13 to 17, both girls and boys will relate to Sera’s and Kyle’s realistic teen persona and dilemmas while learning more about a famous Hindu myth.

 Some links for all of you guys to check out!!

Author Website

Twitter 

Facebook

Goodreads

Amazon

Virtual Tour Page 

All That Glows Author Interview

Hi everyone! Today I have the lovely Ryan Graudin, the author of the upcoming YA novel, All That Glows, here on the blog answering a few questions!

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12711662-all-that-glows

Can you tell us a little about your novel, All That Glows?

 Certainly! ALL THAT GLOWS is the story of Emrys, a Fae who is forced to guard the rowdy, hard-partying prince of Britain. In a chaos of paparazzi and palace murders she starts to realize she has feelings for him. Impossible feelings.

 Where did you get the idea for this novel?

 At the time I was looking for anthologies to write short stories for and build up my query letter credits. I came across a collection that was looking for stories about faeries that were “modern and sexy.” This prompt immediately sparked my brain. I began to wonder what it would look like if Faery Godmothers were actually real. How would they interact with modern royalty? My answer: ALL THAT GLOWS.

If you could be any character in All That Glows, who would you be and why?

I love Emrys. I really do. And really, who would want to be her? She’s powerful, she can shapeshift, she can fly! There are a few downsides though: she has constant nausea from the sickness caused by modern technology.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

This is a hard question, because I feel like every single stage has so many rewards and struggles! Rough drafting is great because I can spill whatever I want onto the pages and clean it up later, but some days writing words feels like pulling teeth out with a plier. Editing is always painful, because you have to get rid of a lot of great stuff (kill those darlings!). But the manuscript always turns out so much better for it! Perhaps being done? Holding a finished product in your hand—the fruit of months and years in front of a computer screen—is pretty dang awesome.

Is this is a series? If so, when can we expect the next novel?! J

There is a sequel, which is scheduled to come out in February 2015!

Do you plan on writing any other books in different genres?

Funny you should ask! ALL THAT GLOWS is not the only book I have coming out in 2014. My dark, gritty thriller THE WALLED CITY—the story of three teens trying to survive and escape a lawless walled city—is coming out with Little, Brown next fall. It is about as different as it gets from ALL THAT GLOWS! I’m also working hard on a duology (sekrit project) that will be out from Little, Brown in Fall 2015.

What was your favorite book growing up and why?

 Just one!? I have so many! I devoured the Redwall series by Brian Jacques when I was younger. Also Harry Potter was pretty much a staple in my adolescent years! Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine was actually a huge springboard into my own writing process (I finished the book and wanted to read more. There was no sequel, so I started writing a story of my own!).

Are there any books you would recommend to fellow bloggers and readers out there?

Besides all the ones in the previous question: I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a really beautiful, thrilling and poignant portrait of humanity. The Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy by Laini Taylor is one of my favorite modern fantasy series. And pretty much anything by Maggie Stiefvater is going to knock your socks off.

Last question..if you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? I love traveling! It’s my bread and butter! I’ve been quite a lot of places already (19 countries and counting!), but I think a destination I’d really LOVE to go to next is Iceland. Every single picture I’ve seen of that island is breathtaking. I’m all about taking in natural beauty.

Ryan Graudin has been a case study for wanderlust ever since her first trip to London. She lives with her husband in Charleston, South Carolina, and is always searching for the next adventure. Visit her online atryangraudin.blogspot.com or on Twitter @ryangraudin.

Thanks again for stopping by Ryan!! Can't wait to check out this book when it comes out this winter :)

Fae by CJ Abedi Author Interview!

Hi everyone! Today I have the lovely Jasmine & Colet Abedi here to talk about their new book Fae!

Can you tell us a little about your novel, Fae?

FAE is the first installment in what we think is a gripping trilogy of Light versus Dark and is inspired by a mystery that remains unsolved today, more than 400 years later – the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. We explore the world of the FAE, both Light and Dark and feature ancient mythology from different cultures.

The story is set against Roanoke Island, North Carolina and Manteo High School. Caroline Ellis, the stories heroine has just turned sixteen and her birthday has set in motion a series of events that have been fated for centuries.  Little does she know that she is the rightful heir to the throne of the Light Fae, and it is believed that she is the one to unite the Light and the Dark through union with her soul mate: heir to throne of the Dark Fae, Devilyn Reilly.

Devilyn is the only one of the Fae who is both of the Light and of the Dark, and must struggle to maintain that precarious balance and not to succumb to the power of the Dark within him. Understanding his mission, that he is the only one who can save Caroline from the Dark Fae who intend on destroying her and all hope for unity amongst the Fae, he is reluctantly enrolled at Manteo High School and quickly becomes its star quarterback.

After a tumultuous relationship, Devilyn tells Caroline who she is and who he is. He promises her that he will protect her from his people at all costs, but this also means protecting her from him. They can and never will be together, for the prophecy also makes clear that the union that will bring peace amongst the Fae will also bring Caroline’s own destruction.

We think that what makes Fae so interesting and so different from other YA novels is that we told the story scene by scene through the eyes of both Caroline and Devilyn.  So you get to see each scene through their respective perspectives.  

Fae is currently available for pre-sale on iBookstore and Kobo.  Fae’s release date is July 30, 2013.

Where did you get the idea for this novel?

The idea behind the novel was two-fold, like many we were curious about The Lost Colony and what ultimately happened to these men and women?  Beyond that we also both loved all things mystical and magical and after reading about the Tuatha de Danann, we thought there was so much there that lent itself to a great story/world.  And so it began…

  

If you could be any character in Fae, who would you be and why?

Jasmine: Wow.  During the process, you honestly fall in love with all of the characters, but to “be” one of them is a tough one to answer.  For me, I think it is a toss up between Caroline and Devilyn. Given that Fae is told from the eyes of Devilyn and Caroline (our hero and heroine), they occupied so much of my mind so I feel such a sense of relatedness with them.  I adore and admire Devilyn’s loyalty and Caroline’s grace, even though they are flawed in so many ways their core is pretty amazing.

Colet: This is a difficult question because I love so many of the characters. But I think for me the character that I’d love to trade places with would be Odin. He’s the ultimate hero in my eyes. He’s strength, honor and love. Imagine being someone that can see past human or Fae flaws and still have all of that unconditional love? It's pretty awesome.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Jasmine:  The best part about is that you escape from the monotony of everyday life.  The world you’ve created in your mind makes its way onto paper and finally finds a home.  There’s no greater feeling.

Colet:  Writing. Once we have an outline and have done the research, I love nothing more than just sitting down with my music playing and  getting lost in this fantasy world. It’s the ultimate feeling.

Is this is a series? If so, when can we expect the next novel?! :)

Yes, this is Book 1 of a planned 3 part trilogy. We are currently working on Book 2 and hope to see it released toward the end of the year.

Do you plan on writing any other books in different genres? 

Right now we have this series planned together and then we both have projects we’re working on individually in different genres. We haven’t really looked past what comes after FAE together because we’ve been so focused on it.  But we’re always thinking of ideas…

What was your favorite book growing up and why?

Jasmine:  I could never get enough of the Judy Blume books.  I think I read them over and over again and it always felt like the first time.  I also loved Pride and Prejudice….but then who doesn’t. 

Colet: My favorite books as a kid were Indian in the Cupboard and Island of the Blue Dolphins and then in highschool, I loved A Separate Peace.  Then in college, Milton’s Paradise Lost. Yes, I know, you asked for one book but I can't just say one and I’m all over the map but it's because each of these author’s inspired me, made me dream and honestly, made me believe.

Are there any books you would recommend to fellow bloggers and readers out there?

Jasmine: I’m a big fan of Judith McNaught.  In fact I am totally obsessed with her books and wish she would come out with another one, as it has been a while. I just finished Sophia Kinsella’s “Can You Keep A Secret,” and it was really funny and am working on One Tiny Lie (per my sister’s recommendation). 

Colet: I just read One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker and I totally enjoyed it. I also finished Beautiful Disaster, which I loved and then there's always Paradise by Judith McNaught.

Last question..if you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Jasmine:  An African safari….everyone I know that has gone has said that there is nothing like the roar of a lion in an African jungle. 

Colet: I’ve been really lucky because I’ve seen so much of the world with my husband. We don’t have kids… only dogs (yes, one is named Famous) and so we travel a lot. I’ve seen so many different cultures and experienced so much beauty that I’m now wanting to go back to places I’ve been before. So for me I’d like to return to the Hill of Tara in Boyne Valley, Ireland and hug the Stone of Destiny. 

Thanks guys! Make sure to check out Fae when it's released next week on July 30th! Also, be sure to stop by Catching books this weekend for my review :)

xx Sarah

Author Interview with Brenda Pandos!

Hi everyone! Today I have the lovely Brenda Pandos for an author interview in honor of her release of Evergeen (Which comes out June 29th!).
 
Can you tell us a little about your novel, Evergreen?
Evergreen swirls around treachery, greed, and the binding mer kiss that will leave readers treading water. All Ash and Fin want is to dive into their happily ever after, but due to circumstances they can’t control, they are separated and on different coasts. As their worlds try hard to keep them apart, they fight to be together once again. But when the time comes to choose humanity or the mer for either of them, they struggle deciding which will convert. But a secret lies deep in the heart of Natatoria, and if it’s unearthed, their love will be put to the ultimate test.


What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Storytelling for me is a huge puzzle and bridging scene to scene is my favorite part. I love finding that awesome element that pushes things forward and makes things all that much harder for my characters to overcome. My husband says I write my stories one shower at a time. I think being alone with the hot water pelting on my scalp allows the craziest plot twists to surface.


Where did you get the idea for this series?

I’ve been in love with mermaids since Splash and The Little Mermaid. I even sewed myself a tail from one of my mother’s coral nightgowns when 14 and swam with it in Lake Tahoe one summer. I’ve always been curious about underwater monster lore, and wondered if it was a “cover” for something else. And who better to tell the story than a cute land-loving merman who lived next door, fancies baseball hats, and drives a Jeep.


I know Evergreen is the second book of many in this series, how many books are you thinking of writing for the mer tales?

The next book Everlost will be told from Tatchi’s perspective. After that I’m not sure, but I’m bound to have another. We’ll see what the characters tell me. But don’t think you’ve got the plot figured out from the title. *sands hands greedily* You know how I love to twist words around.


Last question…if you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Anywhere with a cool breeze, a warm ocean nearby, a tropical drink, my wonderful boys playing happily in the sand, hubby by my side, and sunshine. After this writing escapade, I’m due for a vacation!

Make sure to check out Evergreen which comes out Friday!

Vicious Deep Author Interview!!

So this upcoming Tuesday (May 1st), The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova will be released!! I was able to get the chance to ask Zoraida about The Vicious Deep and learn more about her. Check out the interview below!!

Can you tell us a little about your novel The Vicious Deep?
TVD is an urban fantasy set in Coney Island, and based around a young casanova, Tristan Hart who discovers his lineage runs 1000 leagues under the sea...and then some.

Was it harder to write with a male Point of View instead of writing with a female one?
I’ve written in both and they come with their challenges. Sometimes I worry that my girl characters are too snarky. Then I worry my male characters are too feminine. But the feelings cross over. It’s all about conversing with the character and getting to know them before putting them in a scene where everything collapses around them.

What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Making stuff up.

If you could be any character in The Vicious Deep, who would you be and why?
This varies. I love Marty McKay. He’s got some adventures ahead of him.

I love Layla because she gets to have Tristan’s attention.

Then I love the silver mermaid, because she’s bad to the bone.

Okay so I have to ask..if The Vicious Deep was made into a movie who would you want to play Tristan?
MEEP! So hard. Zac Efron has gotten nice and muscular. So in something like this: http://www.moviespad.com/photos/zac-efron-body-17-again-7c436.jpg He has the pretty blue eyes and the darker hair.

When will the second book in the series, Savage Blue, be coming out and can you give us fellow readers a hint at what to expect?
It should come out this time next year! Look out for the cover reveal at the end of May. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but Tristan has some very tough choices ahead. I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes.

Do you plan on writing any other books in different genres?
I have an adult book I’d like to write. Actually, it’s about someone my age, so really still a “young adult.” The market is minuscule for it. Who wants to read about 24 year olds messing up in Manhattan night life? Until I can write it right, I’m going to stick to some pretty cool urban fantasy ideas I’ve got in mind.

What was your favorite book growing up and why?
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. It started my witch craze, even though there aren’t any actual witches in the book.

Are there any books you would recommend to fellow bloggers and readers out there?
Lonely Werewolf Girl by Martin Millar. For fans of Neil Gaiman, especially. It’s a big book, but goes by SO fast.

Last question..if you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
This is as tough as picking out which hot actor I’d go on a date with (Bradley Cooper). Greece. To see the ruins and swim in the beautiful waters.

Thanks so much Zoraida for answering my questions!! Make sure to check out The Vicious Deep next week when it is released!!

Wilde's Fire Author Interview

Hi everyone!! Today I have Krystal Wade, author of Wilde's Fire, here for an interview!!

Can you tell us a little about your novel, Wilde's Fire?
This is one of those questions that makes crickets chirp in my head. Just kidding. Wilde's Fire is the first in my Darkness Falls trilogy, and it's a story about fate, betrayal, choosing between right and wrong, and about love. Especially love. Oh, and there may be swords and fire. Not promising anything.


What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Creation. When you write, you are a god or goddess. If you want the sun to shine, you make it so. If you want rain, thunder, lightning, war, peace, flowers, butterflies—whatever makes you happy, or whatever suits your sinister fancy—you create it. I have to admit, my characters DO NOT follow by this rule. I may be able to control the world, but not the people in it.


Where did you get the idea for this series?
It all started with an image. Picture a dense, lush, green forest. Now imagine a young girl, late teens/early twenties—ivory skin, dark brown hair, innocent as can be—reaching out to touch something shimmering in said forest. Yeah, that's what FORCED me to write, but not exactly what happened.

I know Wilde's Fire. is the first of many in this series, how many books are you thinking of writing for Darkness Falls?
There will only be the three. I've considered a spin off trilogy based on a character from one of the other worlds associated with Wilde's Fire, but it all depends on if that character continues calling to me or not. Right now, she's not.


Do you plan on writing any other books in different genres?
I started a suspense novel, The Crow, geared more toward an older audience, but part of me wants to tear it up and make it a thriller ya. We'll see. The inspiration for this novel came to me when I was driving to work. A mocking bird chased a crow through an open field, dive-bombing the nest-stealing monster. The story was born, but I had to set it aside to finish Wilde's Army (the second in the Darkness Falls trilogy).

I have multiple other ya stories planned, but most of them are in the fantasy genre.


What was your favorite book growing up and why?
You're all going to laugh at me. My favorite book was a book of poetry: Where the Sidewalk Ends. As a child, I loved poetry. We didn't live close to a library, and "back then" books weren't as easy to come by as they are now. So, I'd check this book out from school over and over. I wrote a ton of poems and submitted them to contests. Some won, some didn't. But my passion was born. Thank you Shel Silverstein!


Are there any books you would recommend to fellow bloggers and readers out there?
The best book I've read since The Hunger Games is The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I mentioned to an author friend of mine that I'd like my book and Michelle Hodkin's book to meet and have babies. I know it's fast, but umm, I know they'd fall in love. ;-)


Last question..if you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
You saved the hardest for last? Well, if I only get to choose one place, I'd have to go with . . . Ireland—no, wait, Bora Bora. That's not it either . . . . You know why this is so difficult? There are a million places I haven't been and a million places I'd love to see. My husband and I joke all the time that we need to travel around America first. There are still quite a few of the fifty states we haven't visited. One day . . . .

Thank you so much for having me! I certainly appreciate it, and Kate and Arland do, too. ;-)

You can download Wilde's Fire for only $1.99. They have multiple electronic formats (even the Mobi for Kindle, iBooks, etc).
www.krystal-wade.com

www.krystalwade.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/author.krystalwade

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5773867.Krystal_Wade 

@krystalwade

http://www.youtube.com/user/KrystalWade?feature=guide

Thank you Krystal for stopping by and answering my questions!!

Oppression Author Interview and Giveaway!!

Hi everyone!! Today I have Jessica Therrien, author of Oppression (Children of the Gods Book 1).

Can you tell us a little about your novel, Oppression (Children of the Gods Book 1)?

The best way to do that is to give you the back cover blurb, so here you go :)

Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She's been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than the average person, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she's closer to eighty. Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don't make her special. They make life dangerous. After the death of her parents, she's been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability. Or so she thinks. Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her for a long time. Among so many of her kind, she should not be very remarkable--except for the prophecy. Some believe she will put an end to traditions, safeguarded by violence, which have oppressed her people for centuries. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning--and she's not entirely willing to play by their rules.


What is your favorite part of the writing process?

My favorite part is finishing the first draft and reading through it for the first time. That’s when I get to make all of the fun changes without worrying how they will affect the rest of the book. Putting the finishing touches on the manuscript is a lot of fun.

Where did you get the idea for this series?

I knew I wanted to write a YA paranormal type of novel, and I remembered learning that some places in Greek mythology are actually thought to exist in the world today (the city of Troy for example). That got me thinking, what if the Greek gods were real too, but people only mistook them for gods. If people had supernatural abilities back then, society would have most likely treated them like gods. It was a cool concept that seemed like a feasible explanation for a paranormal storyline.

I know Oppression (Children of the Gods Book 1). is the first of many in this series, how many books are you thinking of writing for Oppression (Children of the Gods Book 1)?

Oppression is one of three books in my Children of the Gods series. It’s possible there will be more than that, but I’m aiming for three.


Do you plan on writing any other books in different genres?

Yes. I’d love to write a memoir. I really do love YA, though. I have a few other YA ideas that keep popping into my head from time to time.


What was your favorite book growing up and why?

Harry Potter. No question. Those books made me realize I truly loved to read. They changed how I thought of books. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Harry Potter, as I’m sure the rest of the world will, too.

Are there any books you would recommend to fellow bloggers and readers out there?

BLOOD RED ROAD!!! I honestly don’t know if I’ve read anything so genius in my life. It’s BRILLIANT. I really envy Moira Young for her talent. It’s the kind of book I read as an author and think, I want to write like this.

Thanks so much for stopping by Jessica!

So here is the giveaway information:

• to enter, please fill out the form below
• you must be 13 or older to enter
• this contest is open to everyone
• please don't leave your email in the comments

Until Next Time Author Interview

Hi everyone!! Today I have an interview with the lovely Amy Lignor, Author of Until Next Time (The Angel Chronicles # 1).

1. Can you tell us a little about your novel, Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book 1?

The idea began a very long time ago, and for years I wanted to bring my angel/warrior team to light. Matt and Emily are different than all the rest because they are not part of the ‘tormented’ or the ‘fallen’ groups out there in YA fiction. They are pure innocents who, at their core, are basically teens looking at their first taste of freedom. Their training has been done with extra special care, their teachers and mentors have done their best to make sure they have all the knowledge they need, but the real hardship for them is how a completely innocent soul deals with life in the real world. Human emotions are the most difficult to understand, so when Matt and Emily run face-first into love, envy, jealousy, heartache, anger - their lives basically began to be a challenge for the first time. They have to find a way to keep their faith and love in each other while dealing with a world that’s ripping them apart.
2. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

The beginning. Various writers have their own ways of ‘starting off.’ Some get an idea and simply head straight to the keyboard and start writing, whereas others need to ‘flush’ out the plot on paper before hitting their first key. With me, I very much need to take the time to get to know my characters. I really want to understand them, and envision what they look like so I know how they would walk, talk, move, clench their fists when they were angry - all of those physical aspects. And I want to know the emotions inside them and how they deal with the world.

But when I sit down and begin to tell the tale that twists and turns the minute I touch the keyboard, that is my favorite part. It’s almost as if these characters that you’ve come to know and be friends with suddenly take over; it feels like they’re suddenly telling their tale the way they want to - it’s a thrill ride for me!


3. Where did you get the idea for this series?

When I was 13, my grandfather passed away and I began to think about angels. I remember wondering why on earth they would come down here in the first place? And I wanted to know what would happen to them. I mean, would they stay here, or just say: “Forget it! I’m not helping these people!” Emily and Matt stayed in my head and then, when I graduated high school, I began to write more and more - and it finally seemed like the right time to bring them out and let them tell their story.

4. I know Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book 1 is the first of many in this series, how many books are you thinking of writing for The Angel Chronicles?

There are going to be three that we know of right now.  But if readers fall in love with Matt and Emily, Jason, Faith - and all the rest as much as I have - then I would consider extending their journey. Book II is completed and in the ‘polishing’ process right now, and it will delve a lot deeper into Matt. So next time around the hero will get a lot more page time. (LOL)

5. Do you plan on writing any other books in different genres?
I actually am the writer of a series of adventure/romance books for adults. Think Indiana Jones meets The DaVinci Code. Tallent & Lowery is the series name, and the first book - 13 - is currently scheduled for printing. Very different from the angels, this is a series of books where I’ve taken my love of libraries (especially the NYPL), history, hauntings, mysteries, legends - and I link them together to form a puzzle that no one ever thought of. It’s a great deal of fun for the reader and myself to figure out the endings and where the books go next. That is a series of seven novels, and I am currently on number six.

6. What was your favorite book growing up and why?
This is such a hard question. My mother is a career librarian so my sister and I pretty much spent our entire youth inside the library. I loved everything from Pride and Prejudice to YA’s like Judy Blume. As I’ve gotten older, I fell in love with Harry Potter (like billions of others), and I would have to say that particular series is going to go down as being unrivaled, and the one I think should be passed down to all future generations.


7. Are there any books you would recommend to fellow bloggers and readers out there?
If YA is your favorite, I’d say:

Lauren Kate’s - Fallen
Syrie & Ryan James’s - Forbidden
Dale E. Basye writes an INCREDIBLE series called Circles of Heck which is a must read for preteens, YA’s and adults who want to have fun.
And Michelle Horst, who is a debut author, wrote the first book in a stunning series, titled, Vaalbara: Visions & Shadows

For Horror: Koontz, King - the two masters of their craft.

For Romance: Pam Jenoff - Hands down. Read all of her titles! When I first came across The Kommandant’s Girl, I knew that this lady was going to be the ‘best of the best’ and she turned out not to disappoint.

See? I read so much that I could go on forever, but those are my favorites.

Thanks so much Amy for answering my questions!! Don't forget to add Until Next Time to your goodreads accounts!!