***Blog Tour Interview & Giveaway*** Clare C. Marshall

First of all:

 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Sure! I’m a 24-year-old author-publisher in Canada. I write and publish science fiction, fantasy, and horror/thriller books for young adults. I’m also a freelance editor, designer, and web manager. I enjoy challenging myself and I don’t believe in waiting for good things or opportunities to arise—one must create their own opportunities in this day and age.

General let’s get to know you:

1.Do you write under your own name or with a pseudonym? If yes why did you choose that name? If no what would be your pseudonym?

I write under my own name, Clare C. Marshall. If I were to write under a pseudonym… if you had’ve asked me this 10 years ago, I would’ve chosen the name of one of my characters. Today, I’d probably choose a) something completely ridiculous and intriguing b) something sexless and short with my initials.

2.What do you do when you’re not writing?

Working! I have client work that keeps me quite busy. When I’m not working on books or writing my own, I enjoy playing computer games and surfing the internet about topics that interest me.

3.Do you have any pets/children (they’re pretty much the same right? :P)? And do you find that they can be distracting?

No children, no pets. I would not mind having a little kitty but I really do not have time to look after someone else (or something else) when I am trying to build my career!

4.What’s your favourite snack food?

I discovered a few months ago I’m gluten intolerant so that really changed what I snack on. I now enjoy Larabar Bars, rice cakes, popcorn (when popped from kernels), and Sesame Seed Snacks.

5.A lot of writers drink a lot of caffeine, do you? If yes in what form?

I try not to drink a lot of caffeine because I already have a lot of natural energy. So I only resort to energy drinks or coffee when I’m on deadline—personal or professional. I enjoy Xenergy energy drinks and flavoured coffees.

About Your Book:

1.What inspired you to write your book?

I wanted to write a story about a group of very different people coming together to fight a common foe. I also wanted to write a science fiction story, and I wanted to incorporate an overall mystery that would come together at the end of the series.

2.Who was your favourite and least favourite characters to write?

I enjoyed putting in small drops of Joseph G. Campbell, the mysterious alien who seems to want to help Ingrid, the protagonist, in her quest to save Sunni and Sparkstone University. He will return in future books, as he pulls more strings than we know.

Least favourite? I don’t really have a least favourite character, I have to like all of my characters else I wouldn’t like writing them, and they wouldn’t make it into the story.

3.Did you have a playlist while you wrote your book? If so can we have a sneak peek of it?

I’ve enjoyed listening to independent instrumental composers as of late, including Adrian Von Ziegler and BrunuhVille.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AdrianvonZiegler

http://www.youtube.com/user/BrunuhVille

For this series, as it incorporates a lot of references to Eastern Canadian folk music & Celtic fiddle music, I also enjoyed listening to Stan Rogers, Rita McNeil, the Rankins, the Barra MacNeils, Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIssac and others.

4.How long did it take you to write your book and what distracts you the most?

Stars In Her Eyes took a couple of months to get to a place where I was satisfied with it. It was originally written as a screenplay so that was really the “first draft” of the story.

I get distracted at about the 80-90% point in most projects. I don’t know why—I just need an extra kick in the bum to get things done sometimes!

5.Would you ever consider writing more stories featuring your character?

Yes, the Sparkstone series is a saga, so there will be plenty of books to come featuring the protagonists—and maybe even a prequel or two.

About books in general:

1.What is your favourite book(s)?

I have many different favourites, for different reasons. Maggie Stiefvater’s books are among my favourites however.

2.Is there a book/series that you wish you’d written?

I could say that I wish I would’ve written the Harry Potter series, but then I might not enjoy it as much as I do now, and things might have turned out a little differently at the end. Obviously writing the Harry Potter series worked out quite well to Ms. Rowling, and I hope that someday one of my books/series will be just as successful.

3.How do you like to read?

On my kindle or with a physical book, it doesn’t matter, as long as I’m curled up somewhere warm 

4.Which authors inspired you to write?

No one author inspired me to start writing—I’ve always wanted to be a writer since I was very little. However I enjoy Maggie Stiefvater, George R.R. Martin, and Beth Revis.

5.How has your taste in books evolved over the years?

I’m more selective about what I read now because I don’t set as much time aside for reading as I used to. I’ve actually come to prefer audiobooks as a format in the past few months because I can listen to them while I work.

 Quick fire:

1.Morning or night person?

Morning or late at night, but definitely not afternoon, that is when I am most sleepy!

2.Tv or books?

 Both?

3.British or American accent?

Irish accents 

4.Cats or dogs?

Kitties!

5.Writing on paper or laptop?

 I write on my desktop 

Purchasing and getting in touch:

1.In a sentence why should people buy your book?

If you have ever wanted to wield impossible power, if you have ever wanted to become immersed in a galactic mystery, if you have ever been stuck in a place and longed for home—you should read Stars In Her Eyes, and every other forthcoming book in the Sparkstone series.

2.What formats is your book available in?

Stars In Her Eyes is available in print, in ePub format, in mobi (Kindle) format and in PDF!

3.Where can we buy your book?

You can buy Stars In Her Eyes:

-Direct from Faery Ink Press: http://www.faeryinkpress.com/books/stars-in-her-eyes

-Amazon (print and Kindle)

-Smashwords

-in select bookstores in Canada, including McNally Robinson http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home

4.Where can we follow you on Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook: http://facebook.com/faeryinkpress

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ClareMarshall13

http://twitter.com/faeryinkpress

5.Do you have a website?

Yes! Faery Ink Press – http://faeryinkpress.com

Thanks for taking the time to answer!!!

Thank you for having me!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Weekly Blog Recap*** 23rd April

Again, it's been two weeks, I'm sorry!

This is pretty much the same as last time I'm afraid. The only new book is:

Infinity discovers a dark secret from her past that rocks everything she knows to be true.

A troubled 22-year-old superstar singer, Infinity has a bad reputation for drugs and hard partying. Now, she is on the road to a comeback with her controversial tour. But everything about doing the concert feels wrong from missing employees, to anonymous threats about ruining her career. She is dealing with a powerful corporation that is determined to kill her and everyone she loves. She is also battling for control of her life and career from a relationship that crossed the fine line between love and obsession. Infinity knows too much, even though she doesn't realize it. Secrets have been kept and these secrets are powerful enough to destroy her and everyone she loves.

Now she must put her safety and trust in the hands of sexy, tattooed and delicious Torch Channing and Boulder Vigari, hired to keep her from getting killed. Boulder wants to make her his. He won't stop until he claims her. Torch struggles with his primal need to possess her and his hatred of everything she represents.

Infinity is determined to protect her heart while dealing with the pressure of pulling off another successful tour without spiraling into another mental meltdown.

Book Promo & Giveaway of Mythology (Mythology #1) by Helen Boswell 
Page 99 Test of Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper 
Cover Reveal of More Than You Know by Alexandria Rhodes 
Poetry I've Written - Untitled 1 
Cover Reveal of Not of Our Sky (Sky Song Trilogy #3) by Sharon Sant 
Review of Fire (Elements of Power #1) by Heather James 
Page 99 Test of The Fallen by Thomas E. Sniegoski  
Poetry I've Written - This Battle is Won 
Interview with Tania Penn 

***Blog Tour Interview*** Tania Penn

So I received a request to get involved in a rather last minute blog tour and I very nicely said yes. I like helping authors and giving them a chance to promote their books. This hasn't gone to plan for me though. I'll tell you why at the end. Let's just get down to interviewing business:

 

A little bit about myself:

I’m a wife and mum who lives in the Pacific Northwest.  When I’m not writing, which is mostly always, I like to travel, kayak, hike, take my bike out on the trails around here, kick box, go paddle boarding and wine tasting.  I’m always looking to add things to my bucket list, which my husband pointed out, is more like a bucket book now!

1. Do you write under your own name or with a pseudonym?

My own name.  It’s funny when I’m asked what is my pen name…Well my name, Penn is my pen name!

I do have a pseudonym when I played music - “Tanita Stone.”  I still may use that one to write a book under, since the ideas I have run the gamut from YA to NA to erotica, to horror, to sci-fi ;)

2.  What do you do when you’re not writing?

I try not to get into any trouble!    Or depending on the day, I’ll head to the waterfront in downtown Seattle with my son,  go to the Olympics or Mt. Rainier for a day hike, take my kayak out on the lake next to my house.  Oh yeah, and then there’s housework — house won’t clean itself!

3.  Do you have any pets/children, and do you find that they can be distracting?

I have both!  I have an awesomely adorable and funny six year old son, Adam.  And yes, very distracting to try and write once he’s home from school!  Unless he has a friend over the house, but even sometimes  it’s “Mummy, so and so won’t share with me”  “Adam’s mum, Adam isn’t listening!”  lol.  So I tend to squeeze in my writing while he’s at school, and late at night after he’s gone to bed.  Unless daddy takes him out to hang for a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday, the weekends belong to my little boy and  just have family time.  And as for the dog, we have a Golden Retriever, Sawyer, who likes to lay at my feet as I type :)

4.  What’s your favourite snack food?

Well, when I settle in at night, I like to have a plate of various cheeses - smoked aged gouda, goat cheese, havarti, some French bread, olives, smoked salmon and a glass of red wine ;)

5.   A lot of writers drink caffeine, do you?  If yes, in what form?

Yes.  Coffee!!!  All day ;)

About your book:

1.  What inspired you to write your book?

I had this idea floating around in my mind since 2005, about writing some kind of paranormal love story involving Lucifer.

2.  Who was your favourite character and least favourite characters to write?

I liked writing Venus.  She’s so bitchy and snarky, and wicked!  Least favorite was a secondary character, Marie Sanchez.  She was tortured and died a grisly death  for a reason!!   It’s nice to be a writer and get my aggressions out via my pen or keyboard,  otherwise I’d probably be in a world of trouble!

3.  Did  you have a playlist while you wrote your book?

Oh yes!   Some of the characters had their own “theme” songs as well!  For instance, Sail by AWOL Nation, was Lucifer’s theme song.   Sinister Kid by The Black Keys was Venus’s.  Angel Eyes by Love and Theft was Dawn’s.   Free Fallin, John Mayer’s live version was used when Gabriel saw Dawn for the first time and realized he was falling in love with her.  Dawn and Gabriel’s theme song is I Will Follow You into the Dark, by Death Cab for Cutie.  Set Fire to the Rain by Adele and Poison and Wine by The Civil Wars were playing as I wrote the scenes when Dawn discovers Gabriel’s true identity.  Other songs that rounded out the playlist were Oh What a Thrill, by the Mavericks, Mad World, Gary Jules, No One’s Gonna Love You, Band of Horses, Sympathy for the Devil, The Rolling Stones, Devil Inside, INXS, Everytime I Give the Devil a Ride, Wade Hayes, Tighten Up, The Black Keys, and Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground, Willie Nelson.

4.  How long did it take you to write your book and what distracts you the most?

Once I had an idea of where I was going with it, took me about 4 months to complete it.  Facebook is definitely a big distraction!!

5.  Would you ever consider writing more stories featuring your characters?

Oh yes, I am currently writing the sequel, titled “Equinox”  and have a third and final book planned, tentatively titled, “Ascencion”.  I also want to write a prequel novella that goes more in the love triangle between Lucifer, Ramiel and Michaela.

About books in general:

1. What is your favourite book?

Hard to say, there are so many great books I have read!  I am definitely a huge James Patterson fan, so I will have to say so far, “The Postcard Killers”.

2.  Is there a book series you wish you’d written?

Oh yes.  Either “Harry Potter” or “Twilight”!  My sons, children’s, children would be set for life!!!!!

3.  How do you like to read?

Curled up on my couch with the fireplace on.

4.  Which authors inspired you to write?

“J.K. Rowling”, “James Patterson”, “J.A. Jance”, “Charlaine Harris”, “Kathy Reichs” and my indie chixx from my group!

5.  How has your taste in books evolved over the years.

I’ve always gravitated toward sci-fi and mystery, but recently, thanks to 50 Shades, I’m stepping into the naughty zone!

Quick fire:

1.      Morning or night person?

A little of both — I don’t sleep!

2.     TV or books?

Right now books, since Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, Breaking Bad and Walking Dead are on hiatus.

3.     British or American accent?

No contest.  British!

4.  Cats or dogs?

I’m a dog person.

5. Writing on paper or laptop?

iPad mini and my mac!

Purchasing and getting in touch

1.      In a sentence, why should people buy your book?

Because it’s a quick, fun read.  It’s a different take on the whole fallen angels world.

2.     What formats is your book available in?

Currently, only through Amazon for kindle.  Working with a formatter now to get it in print.

3.     Where can we buy your book?

Amazon.com!

4.  Where can we follow you on Twitter and Facebook?

@Twistedtanita  and Tania Penn Author

5.  Do you have a website?

Yup!  Www.taniapenn.com  and www.taniapenn.weebly.com 

Thank you for having me!! :) 

 I'd like to say it was a pleasure... but it wasn't. I want people who read this to know that any typos in any part of this interview are not my fault. Two of us have been through this numerous times. My questions have been altered, some made grammatically incorrect. I find that rude. I'm unimpressed but I said I would post this interview so I am. I'm just making my stance clear. My spelling will be British and my questions will remain unchanged or you're really not welcome here. I'm only doing this out of obligation (as you can probably tell, this experience has really upset me).

***Author Interview*** Sharon Sant

Yesterday marked the release of The Young Moon, the second book in the Sky Song trilogy by Sharon Sant. As you all know I really, really REALLY loved that book and so to (belatedly) celebrate here's an interview with the author herself! *bows down at the sight of awesomeness*

First of all: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a workaholic mum of two awesome girls who loves cooking and gardening but is rubbish at both those things.  I’m ridiculously interested in almost everything – archaeology, astronomy, history, psychology – but I only have half-baked facts about any of those things rattling around in my forgetful brain. I look a bit like a hobbit.  Oh yeah, and I write books too.

 General let’s get to know you:

1. Do you write under your own name or with a pseudonym? If yes why did you choose that name? If no what would be your pseudonym?
I write under both.  My young adult books are written under my own name but I have a pen name, Summer Hopkiss, which I use when I write for younger children.

2. What do you do when you’re not writing?
I like baking and running (not at the same time, of course).  I read a lot, all sorts of stuff in different genres, though YA is my favourite.  I’m in my first year of a PhD in literary studies, although, I’m a bit naughty at the moment and running behind with my assignments.  I love going to live gigs and the theatre.  I also have a not-so-secret love affair with geeky TV shows.

3. Do you have any pets/children (they’re pretty much the same right? :P)? And do you find that they can be distracting?
I have two girls, aged eleven and nine.  They’re amazingly supportive, but sometimes a bit too much.  It can be distracting when they’re asking me every five minutes what is going to happen next in my latest book instead of just letting me write it first!

4. What’s your favourite snack food?
Crisps.  I can’t get enough of them!

5. A lot of writers drink a lot of caffeine, do you? If yes in what form?
I drink bucketloads of green tea.  I think there might be a little caffeine in there but not much.  I can’t drink coffee; it has the same effect on me that that feeding a Mogwai after midnight has on it.

About Your Book:

1. What inspired you to write your book?
I can’t remember where the original idea for Sky Song came from, but it was a simple tale of a little girl whose father watched the skies every night.  She didn’t know why but it soon became clear that he was watching for someone, rather than something.  It grew from there really, and once I’d changed the characters into older kids, the rest of the story sort of clicked into place. 

2. Who was your favourite and least favourite characters to write?
Argh, I hate this! In the Sky Song books, I’m torn between Jacob and Luca.  I love them both for very different reasons.  If I’m allowed to choose from all the characters I’ve ever written, I think I’m going to have to say Elijah from Runners.  People have yet to meet him, but I think they’re going to like him.  I can’t say I’ve ever hated writing a character, apart from that I find very minor characters a bit of a pain at times.  It’s a fine balance between making them vaguely interesting while not giving them too much to do. 

3. Did you have a playlist while you wrote your book? If so can we have a sneak peek of it?
I can’t listen to music at all when I write, not even when I’m plotting or editing.  I love music so much that if there is something playing that I like, I get caught up in it and can’t do anything else!

4. How long did it take you to write your book and what distracts you the most?
Sky Song was written in 2007, along with Runners, during a summer break at uni.  I genuinely don’t remember how long the first draft took, but the both of them together took maybe eight or nine weeks.  That was for rough drafts, the finished versions took a lot longer.  In fact, I’m still doing the final edits for Runners now!

5. Would you ever consider writing more stories featuring your character?
I have!  Sky Song part of a trilogy and the second two books, The Young Moon and Not of Our Sky, have already been written.

About books in general:

1. What is your favourite book(s)?
Too many!  I love anything by Dickens, all the Harry Potter books, The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper, The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart, The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly, The Princess Bride by William Goldman… so many!  Recently, The Night Circus really blew me away. I’m also quite interested in non-fiction books, too, on lots of different subjects.

2. Is there a book/series that you wish you’d written?
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.   When I read prose like that I just wonder why I bother trying to write at all!

3. How do you like to read?
Snuggled up in bed or curled up in a big, squishy armchair.

4. Which authors inspired you to write?
I don’t think I can name one; writing has just always been in me for as long as I can remember.  There are authors who have influenced my writing along the way, people like Susan Cooper and Philip Pullman, who made me realise that writing young adult doesn’t mean you can’t tackle complex themes.

5. How has your taste in books evolved over the years?
As a teenager I read classics almost exclusively.  I’m not really sure why but I stuck up my nose at anything that wasn’t over a hundred years old!  I dabbled with sci-fi for a while later on, but, even though I liked the ideas, the characters were rarely memorable.  At university I discovered magical realism, which I love now I’ve always loved fantasy and I’ve always loved adventure stories..

Quick fire:

1. Morning or night person?
I used to be morning but now it’s night.  Weird, I know!

2.  TV or books?
Don’t make me do this!  I love books but I get hooked on TV shows more often than I’d like.

3. British or American accent?
British – sorry cousins from over the sea!

4. Cats or dogs?
Dogs

5. Writing on paper or laptop?
Laptop.  Paper is too slow to keep up with my brain and I have a typing qualification so I‘m super-fast on the keyboard!

Purchasing and getting in touch

 
1. In a sentence why should people buy your book? 
If they don’t I’ll cry.  

2. What formats is your book available in? 
ebook at the moment.  Paperbacks will follow later in 2013.  

3. Where can we buy your book? 
Amazon only right now. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sky-Song-The-trilogy-ebook/dp/B00B0CQWV8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362503662&sr=1-1 

4. Where can we follow you on Facebook or Twitter? 
@sharonsant or http://www.facebook.com/sharonjsant?ref=hl 

5. Do you have a website? 
www.sharonsant.com  - Simples! 

So there we have it, one interview. Isn't she wonderful? Anyway must be normal! Thank you Sharon for taking the time to answer my questions and just because I can: Buy your copy of The Young Moon HERE!