I've moved!

Hello everyone!

I've moved to a new blog...please come and say hello.   Please click  HERE.  It will really make me TRULY happy if you follow me there as well!



BIG HUG to all!!!

A Chat with Author Catherine Ryan Hyde

I am so proud to bring to you the author who brought us Pay It Forward, a very popular, heartbreaking and yet so beautiful story of a young boy who attempts to make this world a better place.  I cannot begin to tell you how awesome she is...but without much further ado, I bring to you the amazing Catherine Ryan Hyde.  Pay It Forward is only one of her novels.  please visit her website HERE to know more about her books.

Our Chat

Len:  I’ve seen the film, Pay It Forward, and saw how much it’s grown into a movement and a foundation.  It’s amazing that a book turned into a film continues to help people.  Please can you tell us how you came up with the story idea?

Catherine:  Yes, absolutely. I used to not like this question because it was a long story and I had told it literally hundreds of times. But I found what I think is a good solution. I edited a videotaped speech where I told the story in proper detail, and I posted it on my YouTube channel. So now I’m glad you asked. Because I’ve put a lot of work into my YouTube channel, and there’s a lot out there for my readers to explore. So I’m happy to be able to give a link to that.

The story of my inspiration for the Pay It Forward idea is here: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/cryanhyde#p/u/18/rv2cQws_5cY 

And the channel main page is here: 

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

I have video excerpts for most of the novels, which are little videos I made myself, with excerpts read by me. I have videos from my hiking and travel and other videos that are Pay It Forward related. I hope people will take a look around out there!

L:  You’ve written so many books.  Do you also have a day job?

C:  I do not. Since 1998, I have managed to keep the bills paid with my writing, as well as looking after my retired mom. Although I have to admit that there are times when I am not succeeding in doing so by as comfortable a margin as I might like. But I persevere.

I also have no spouse or children. Which really does explain a big piece of how I manage to get so much done. Nobody ever tugs my sleeve while I’m writing and says, “What’s for dinner?” or “Hey, mom, look at me.” This is not to denigrate spouses and children in any way. But the singular focus helps me to be more prolific.  

L:  Please can you describe to us your writing day?

C:  Well. I can describe two possible days. 

In one, I get up, do 15 minutes of Yoga, check my email, drink a cup of tea, and start writing. Sometime around 2:30 I realize my teeth are not brushed. Sometime around 5:00 I realize I should eat. Having remedied those issues, I get back to work.

On other days, I still do Yoga and tea, but I spend the whole day without writing. If I have a work in progress and I have something worth getting down, I work. If not, I balance the check book and get the oil changed in the car. Because later, when I’m working, I won’t do either of those things.

L:  Are you a plotter or a panster?

C:  Somewhere in between, I think. I like to know where I’m going so I don’t get lost and end up nowhere. But I don’t like to hammer down where I’m going so tightly that I miss an interesting side trip. So I’m forever trying to hit that balance. 

L:  I find your books focus on kindness and love...have you always wanted to write this kind, which I love, of stories?

C:  I think there was a time, a couple of decades ago, where my work was darker and edgier. And then, as I gradually got lighter, so did the stories. 

L:  In ‘When I Found You,’ it was interesting to know about guns  and duck-hunting.  Did you have to interview people about guns and duck-hunting?

C:  Interestingly, though I have never hunted, I know just a little bit about shotguns and hunting because I once took a hunter safety course. Even though I don’t hunt. It’s like this: There was a lottery for permits to hunt mountain lions. Very controversial. There are very few lions, and most people think they should be allowed to live. So a group of us got together and got our hunting licenses, so we could join the lottery. So one of us could hopefully win a permit which we would not use, thus saving one lion. But it all ended rather anticlimactically when the lottery was called off, which I think was for the best.

I did have a friend of mine, who is a hunter, in Pennsylvania, check my work before publication.

L:  In ‘Don’t Let Me Go,’ you wrote about child protective system and social services, was the research challenging to get information that’s in the book? 

C:  Not too much. I was able to learn a lot online. And every case is a little bit different.

L:  Who are your favourite authors?

C:  I read a lot of Young Adult novels (of course I write them as well) and I like Holly Schindler and David Levithan and Jerry Spinelli (who might not be well-known in the UK—I’m not sure).

My favorite adult author is Jonathan Safran Foer.

L:  Favourite books?

C:  My favorite “classics” from when I was young are Flowers for Algernon, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Of Mice and Men.

More recent favorites are Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Jonathan Safran Foer) and The Book Thief (Markus Zusak).

L:  Which writing books would you recommend that would help us writers to improve more our writing?

C:  For those having trouble getting started (or not stalling) I’d recommend Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. 

In general I don’t think I’d recommend books so much as a good writing (critique) group. I know books feel much safer. Which is the problem. Writers need to get used to hearing feedback. It’s unavoidable.

L:  Your biggest influence?

C:  Nature - particularly the breathtakingly beautiful vistas I see when I hike in the national parks

L:  Greatest weakness?

C:  Potato chips.  Otherwise, I am a fiendishly healthy eater.

L:  Please complete this into a sentence for me:  "When I was a child, I wanted to be...."

C:  A cartoonist.  A songwriter.  An actress.  A film producer.  An animator.  Always something creative.  Just took me a while to find my niche.


*******

It is so nice to get to know you more.  Thank you ever so much for this lovely interview.  It is an honour to have you on my blog.

Friendship Celebration Winners!

I'm announcing the winners today!  But before I give you the results, I'd like to thank the sponsors of the books I'm giving away for their generosity and most of all, their friendship:

Talli Roland

JC Martin

Theresa Milstein

My sincerest thanks wrapped in a big HUG to you all!

Now the winners! 

Lucky (paperback) by Alice Sebold goes to:

L'Aussie Denise

The Breath of Fresh Air (paperback) by Erica James

goes to:

Sharon Mayhew

Build A Man (e-book) by Talli Roland

goes to:

Golden Eagle

The Doll (e-book) by JC Martin goes to:

Gemma

Unidentified (paperback) by Rae Mariz goes to:

Robyn Campbell

Floral Writing Set goes to:

Cortney Pearson

Congratulations!!!

You will receive an e-mail shortly about your prize.  Yayyy! to you all!!!

Wait! Before I say goodbye, have you been to JC Martin's blog?  She's announced the winners to her Birthday Blow-Out!  Here's the link:  JC Martin, Fighter Writer.

Have a fab Sunday, everyone!

Don't Let Me Go by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Another book review!  I promise you this is worth your time.  I just loved this book to bits and I really have to share it!

You probably have seen the film, Pay It Forward which stars Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment.  The film was based on the novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde.  I had the honour of meeting Catherine on-line after I searched for her on Facebook as soon as I began reading Don't Let Me Go.  Let me tell you, it's not only her book I find amazing, Catherine herself is pure awesomeness!

Without much further ado, let me share with you this astonishing book!

Back cover summary:

Sometimes a child knows better... 


GRACE 
Ten-year-old Grace knows that her mum loves her, but her mum loves drugs too. And there’s only so long Grace can fend off the ‘woman from the county’ who is threatening to put her into care. Her only hope is... 

BILLY 
Grown-man Billy Shine hasn’t been out of his apartment for years. People scare him, and the outside world scares him even more. Day in, day out, he lives a perfectly orchestrated silent life within his four walls. Until now. . . 

THE PLAN 
Grace bursts into Billy’s life with a loud voice and a brave plan to get her mum clean. And it won’t be easy, because they will have to confiscate the one thing her mum holds most dear . . . they will have to kidnap Grace.

Why I like it:

A heartwarming tale of friendship and love.  Love in all forms.  The story depicts the goodness of humanity.  That in each of us lies kindness, no matter who or what we are.

I loved the characters in this story.   It's a feel-good book that would make you wish there was a Book 2.  It's funny, soul-soothing...full of selflessness and compassion.

I am particularly impressed with how the author switched point of view from an adult to a 10-year old girl.  I think it's brilliant!

I am now definitely a fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde!

"So I guess people figure it's not as hard to lose your mother when you never got along anyway.  But they're wrong.  They're dead wrong.  It's always hard to lose your mother.  Always.  If you loved her, if you hated her.  If she smothered you, if she ignored you.  It doesn't matter.  She's your mother.  Your mother.  That's just a very tough bond to break." 

- Jesse, page 233, Don't Let Me Go by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Disclaimer: I own a copy of the book above. This is an honest review and I was not compensated for this.

String Bridge by Jessica Bell

A Book Review and An Interview Part 2

As promised, fellow bloggers, I'm back with Jessica Bell again.  I've got 3 more questions answered by the lovely Jessica! (Thanks again, Jess!).  But before that, let me tell you about her book, String Bridge and why I like it.

Blurb:
Greek cuisine, smog and domestic drudgery was not the life Australian musician, Melody, was expecting when she married a Greek music promoter and settled in Athens, Greece. Keen to play in her new shoes, though, Melody trades her guitar for a 'proper' career and her music for motherhood. That is, until she can bear it no longer and plots a return to the stage--and the person she used to be. However, the obstacles she faces along the way are nothing compared to the tragedy that awaits ...

Why I like it:

Definitely gripping.  It might be a cliche to say it's 'unputdownable' but there isn't any other way to describe it.  Just amazing.

With a storyline so consuming, it felt like being in some sort of a trance reading this book.  I couldn't stop.  It felt like being on a rollercoaster of emotions.  Just when you think Melody is going to make a long-time dream come true, just when everything is all coming together - piece by piece...BANG!  Everything shatters.  How does Melody put all the pieces back together again?  Where does she go?  What is in store for her?

Intense writing.  Outstanding dialogue.  Impressive metaphors.  Jessica Bell writes beautifully.  String Bridge is a powerful novel.

One of my favourite parts (my ARC copy is full of markings!):

"I just want my mother's hugs.  I need soothing maternal hugs without having to explain why.  And even though the hugs are in the form of a gentle voice through a phone, I can still imagine these hugs - the reassuring scent of henna and coconut moisturizer - her smooth skin against my cheek as she kisses and breathes me in."  - Page 164

Before I can reveal too much, I guess I must stop here.  But let me tell you.  This is definitely a MUST-READ.

and below is the rest of the interview. Hope you all enjoy it like I did!

*******
A Chat with Author Jessica Bell, Part Two:
The One where she talked about having children!


Len:  In String Bridge, Melody has a daughter...do you see yourself being a mother yourself in the near future?  Do you dream of having children? 

Jessica:  Oh yes, definitely. I love kids. But I'm really not sure I'm ready, to be honest. My "career" has just started to kick off, and I'm a bit worried about putting myself into Melody's shoes! lol But you know what? I'm not getting any younger, so I think I might just have to bite the bullet. Soon.

Len:  There's a lot of humourous lines/parts in String Bridge that really made me chuckle.  For example on page 165, you wrote:  "Oh, how I'd love to squash someone's head between two trashcan lids.  I could make music at the same time.  Become a member of Stomp."

I think this is hilarious.  Did they naturally come as you wrote the first draft?

Jessica:  Nope. Usually that stuff comes in much later. These things are like extra touches. The icing on the cake, sort of thing.

Len:  On page 213, you wrote (as Melody):  "Somewhere up there is us, a happy us, in some parallel universe, living the way we're supposed to be.  I truly believe that the earth is our practice ground - the place where we are to test things out, to make mistakes, to discover what we believe in, what we are passionate about.  Death is when we move on and go up there - to the real world; to start again, to rectify our mistakes and live a happy and fulfilling existence.  There is no hell.  Earth is hell.  This is where we are allowed to sin.  Up there, is where we no longer want to."

I loved this part.  It is very deep.  I had to stop and think after reading this part...and then I read each word again, slowly, making every word feel like tiny morsels of food in my mouth, savouring them.

Which makes me ask this question:  do you personally believe this?  Do you believe in the life after death?

Jessica:  Firstly can I just say, that what I love about reading is savoring phrases.  When I find things like this, I underline them and mark the page on the inside of the cover.  When I find things I want to underline, the book becomes a prized possession and will never leave my bookshelf, not even into borrowing hands.  That said, I am SO THRILLED, you felt like this about something in MY book!!!  Did you know that that is the only thing I have ever wanted from my readers?  This is the most exciting moment, I have to tell you.  This is what I wanted.  I wanted people to savor my words.  So thank you so much, Len, thank you for savoring them!!!

In answer to your question, yes, I believe this.  I am not a follower of any particular religion, and I don't believe in "God" the way many do.  But I do believe there is something greater than us out there.  And I believe there is so much more than what we experience here.  I truly think the earth is our playground where we grow, learn, pick up our own shit.  But I don't believe that our transitions happen chronologically.  I believe it's possible we have already moved on in some other time frame.  I believe we are whatever and wherever we imagine ourselves to be.

****

Jessica, thank you once again. It's such a pleasure to have you on my blog.  

And...

Congratulations on being on the Bestselling List on Amazon!!!! 


*****


Disclaimer:  I received an ARC of the book above from the publisher for an honest review and I was not compensated for this review.

A Chat with Author Jessica Bell

Jessica Bell, one of my favourite people in blogosphere is launching her book, String Bridge this month!  YaY!  Let's do the happy dance for Jessica!

I have a bit of good news - I have Jessica on my blog today!

If you are a regular visitor to this blog, you will probably notice that some of the questions I asked Jessica were the usual questions I'd ask an author.  I hope that this will not bore you - but the truth is, I really wanted to know her answers to these questions.  Now, my biggest mistake was this:  I did not ask her a single question about her debut novel, String Bridge!!!  Arrrrrghhhh!  Yes, I know, I've hit my head on the wall several times already today.  Looking back, I think that the mistake was because I sent her the interview questions months before I got a copy of String Bridge.  And I wanted to ask questions after reading the book.  Now.  I need to calm myself down.  I am posting my review on String Bridge on 15th November...I'm hoping it is not too late to ask Jessica a couple more questions.  If I get lucky, the answers will be posted with the book review, how's that?

I'm happy now.  Hope you are, too.

Now, friends, let's have Jessica!

Len:  What was your job before you made the decision to become a writer?

Jessica Bell:  An English text book writer/editor for English Language Teaching materials. Still am.

L:  Do you write full time?

JB:  Nope. Whenever I can fit it in!

L:  Who are the authors that influenced your writing?

JB:  Marilynne Robinson

Margaret Atwood

Raymond Carver

Gwen Harwood

Anne Lamott

Rebecca Miller

L:  I am really interested to know this - what are your most favourite books - the ones that you will be happy to read over and over again?

JB:  Housekeeping, by Marilynne Robinson is the only book I have ever read multiple times. I still find new things in it too. It’s an acquired taste, though; not for everyone. You need to read it and savor it. You can’t read this book for the story. You have to read it for the sheer brilliance of language.

L:  What do you look for when reading a book? Do you pick it up because of its cover or do you take friends’ recommendations when choosing one?

JB:  I actually don’t pay much attention to covers, I think it’s the blurb which is the first thing I look at. Mind you, if the cover looks tacky and cut and pasted together in five minutes, you can forget it, unless the book was written by a friend, then there’s no chance. Might be a bit shallow, but there’re only so many hours in a day, right?

L:  (*Laughing*  Because secretly, she agrees...hahahahaha!)

L:  You write poetry and literary fiction (aside from being a Singer and Songwriter), do you have to switch from one to the other - I mean, from being a poet to a novelist and vice versa depending on what you are writing?

JB:  All of my writing begins quite raw, so no, I don’t really have to switch, because the bulk of my creativity comes when I begin to embellish the content that’s already written, and I have the same system for both fiction an poetry. I write, I tweak, I color in.

*Len whispers to blog readers:  Have you heard all about it?  Jessica did not only write a book.  She also wrote and recorded a song for it...no, let me correct that, she recorded an album!  Yes, all for her book, String Bridge!

L:  How do you deal with writer’s block?

JB:  I don’t suffer from it much because I don’t ever force myself to write. I really do think that writing when you want to is the key. The rule, that we must write every day, just doesn’t work for me. If I write every day, my creativity runs dry.

L:  Please can you tell us about the challenges you had to face on the road to publication? I’m sure a lot of our blogger friends would like to know.

JB:  Hmm … challenges … rejections, rejections, tears, tears, conflicting advice, rejections, tears, conflicting advice … need I say more?

L:  Any current projects that you are working on?

JB:  Yes, MUTED, which was inspired by a short story I wrote for an anthology called TINY DANCER. Here’s my current blurb:

It's illegal to wear clothes. In some streets, it's also illegal to sing without accompanying instruments. Concetta, a famous Italian a cappella singer from before “the change,” now living in Arles, France, breaks these laws. As punishment, her vocal chords are brutally slashed and her eardrums surgically perforated. Unable to cope living a life without song, she resolves to drown herself in the river clothed in a dress stained with performance memories. But Concetta's suicide attempt is cut short as someone grabs her by the throat and pulls her to the surface. Is it the busking harpist, who encouraged her to feel music through vibration, acting as savior? Or a street warden on the prowl for another offender to detain?

L:  Thank you very much once again, Jessica. Is there anything you’d like to add or tell your friends and supporters out there?

JB:  Have you crossed the String Bridge yet? Hahahahaha …

L:  Yes I have!  I have!  And I loved it!  Congratulations once again on your debut novel!

*****

How about you, blog friends?  Have you crossed the String Bridge yet?  If you haven't yet, here are the links:


Jessica's links:
String Bridge Website: http://www.stringbridge.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11502954-string-bridge

String Bridge Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv-hRMA0kqQ
String Bridge Merchandise: http://www.cafepress.com/janicephelps/8155170
website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
retreat & workshop site: http://hwrw.blogspot.com/

Purchase links:

eBook

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/String-Bridge-ebook/dp/B005Y48DF6/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_mains=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319369262&sr=1-1

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/String-Bridge-ebook/dp/B005Y48DF6/ref=sr_1_1ie=UTF8&qid=1319370801&sr=8-1

Paperback:

Amazon.com: (Coming soon) 

Amazon UK: (Coming soon)

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/string-bridge-jessica-bell/1030101696

Soundtrack:

iTunes:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=465313522

Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Melody-Hill-Other-Side/dp/B005P7ARNS/ref=sr_1_1ie=UTF8&qid=1317118328&sr=8-1

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Melody-Hill-Other-Side/dp/B005P7G02A/ref=sr_1_1ie=UTF8&qid=1317118484&sr=8-1

******

Jessica's November Blog Tour:

http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/p/string-bridge-book-music-blog-tour.html

The Healing Spell by Kimberley Griffiths Little

I waited so long for this book to arrive on my doorstep so that when it finally did, I almost screamed in delight!

Livie, the main character, did not only make me reconnect to my child-self but also helped me come to terms with the things in my past, things I can never change.

The Healing Spell by Kimberley Griffiths Little helped me understand my own fears when I was an eleven year old girl.  Most of all, it made me understand and love my mother more than I already do or did.

This is one of the books that I highly recommend to both children and adults alike.  It's an emotionally powerful book.  It may not have the same effect on you but I can assure you that it is an excellent read.  I am certain you will enjoy every word, every page.  To me, this means I will be reading more books by Ms Little.



Back cover blurb:


Twelve-year-old Livie is living with a secret and it's crushing her. She knows she is responsible for her mother's coma, but she can't tell anyone. It's up to her to find a way to wake her momma up.

Stuck in the middle of three sisters, hiding a forbidden pet alligator, and afraid to disappoint her daddy, whom she loves more than anyone else, Livie struggles to find her place within her own family as she learns about the powers of faith and redemption. Livie's powerful, emotional, and sometimes humorous story will stay with readers long after the last line is read.

Set in the lush bayou of Louisiana, Kimberley Griffiths Little brings Livie's story to life with power and grace.

Disclaimer:  I own a copy of the book 'The Healing Spell.'  This is an honest review and I was not compensated for this.

What are you reading?

Whew.  That was close!  I thought I lost this blog.  *Inhale.  Exhale.*  No, don't blame Blogger.  It wasn't Blogger.  It was me.  I logged in using the wrong email address, hahaha!

Moment of craziness over.

Wow! It's finally October.  Summer is gone!  We had a lot of sunshine over here in England last week and before that...and yes, it was heaven for most people.  Me?  I had heat rash around my neck! Eeeeekkk! But no worries, it's fading away slowly, thank God.

No big news about myself today but guess what?  JUICY NEWS about our pals, Theresa Milstein, Talli Roland, India Drummond and Jessica Bell!


In no particular order:

Juicy News 1:  Author Theresa Milstein's short story "Allured" is included in a YA anthology, Fangtales - and it is NOW AVAILABLE on Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.  Check it out!

She's got a blog tour promoting Fangtales - go visit her BLOG to find out more!

Theresa is also doing a guest post right here, yes, on this blog, on the 27th October.  Please don't forget the date and see us in two weeks' time.

Juicy News 2:  Another prolific writer and talented author, Talli Roland, is self-publishing her latest novel, Build a Man!  I can't wait to get my copy!  What are you waiting for?  Check it out!  Click HERE.

Juicy News 3:  Let's not forget to mention that Author India Drummond custom designed the cover for Build a Man! Look at that! How amazing!  I'm so impressed!  So if you have a book that you'd like custom artwork for - you know who to call.

Juicy News 4:  Author Jessica Bell's  String Bridge, is coming out in November!  Woot, Jess!!!!  Only a month away!  I've read this book and I so loved it.  I will be posting a review on this one soon.

Just want to give you the heads up, blog friends!  I will see you again after a few days hopefully.  Anyway, I will be over at your blogs!  *HUGS*

Watching Willow Watts Launch Day!

Today is the celebratory launch of Talli Roland's second novel, Watching Willow Watts and I've joined the parteeeeyyy!!!!

Almost 150 bloggers have joined the If I could be Anyone, I'd be...Websplash and this is what this is all about! Woot!

So who would I be?

*Holds breath*

I'd be Samantha played by Nicole Kidman in Bewitched (2005)!  Why?  Because she's stunning and wears pretty dresses in the film!  And of course, magic!  Yes!  I'd like to have magical power to...to...I don't know - hmmm...turn bad people into toads?  Hee hee.  I'd like to be a beautiful witch with only the face of Nicole Kidman but please let me NOT be married to Darrin played by Will Ferrell?

Now, about Willow Watts:

For Willow Watts, life has settled into a predictably dull routine: days behind the counter at her father's antique shop and nights watching TV, as the pension-aged residents of Britain's Ugliest Village bed down for yet another early night.  But everything changes when a YouTube video of Willow's epically embarrassing Marilyn Monroe impersonation gets millions of hits after a viewer spots Marilyn's ghostly image in a frame.

Instantly, Willow's town is overrun with fans flocking to see the 'new Marilyn'. Egged on by the villagers -- whose shops and businesses are cashing in -- Willow embraces her new identity, dying her hair platinum and ramming herself full of cakes to achieve Marilyn's legendary curves.

But when a former flame returns seeking the old Willow, Willow must decide: can she risk her stardom and her village's newfound fortune on love, or is being Marilyn her ticket to happiness? 


The good news!  You can buy a copy of Willow on Amazon UK for £1.71, or on Amazon.com for $2.99. Paperback coming in November!


And, one more EXCITING part of today is seeing the beautiful Talli Roland as Marilyn Monroe!!!

Congratulations, Talli!

Interview with Author Amber Argyle

Thank you to all who have left a comment on my last post.  Yes, that was a review of the enthralling novel, Witch Song.  Today, I bring to you the author behind it, Amber Argyle!

What was your job before you became a writer?


The same job I have now - a full time mom.  I love being at home with my kids (most of the time).  One of my favorite parts is reading them stories.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?


Spare time?  What's that?  LOL  With three kids, cleaning, cooking, writing, editing, and marketing; I really don't have much spare time. Although I have been doing Zumba aerobics.  I'm terrible.  Really, really terrible.  But it's so much fun.  I love it when you get an amazing workout and you don't even realize it.

If I had a spare time, I'd scrapbook and play basketball.

Did you struggle to get published?  Can you tell us your experience on getting published?

Long, long story. I’ll try to give the short version. Being an author meant so much to me that I didn’t pursue it for a while for fear of failing. After the birth of my very colicky baby, I desperately needed some sort of stress release and started writing January of ‘06. I was offered a publishing contract for my first book (Priestess Prophecy) fall of June of ’08. I turned that contract down because the terms were rotten. Shortly after, I found an agent who subbed Priestess. I broke up with my agent after about a year. I shelved Priestess and started circulating Witch Song. Rhemalda Publishing offered me a contract August of 2010. I’m so grateful/lucky to have such a fantastic publisher.

Where’s your favourite place to write - is it inside your own home or do you have to go out somewhere - into the woods, by the beach or in a cafe - to find the inspiration?

I’m trying to imagine myself writing in a café with my three kids tipping over the displays and running out into the road. It’s making me very tired. ;) I write at home, in my family room so I can keep an eye on my chillins.

Let’s talk about your debut novel, Witch Song – how long ago was it when you began to write this novel?

I started writing Witch Song summer of ’07. I finished the first draft in a month. I edited it pretty steadily for another 6 months. Then I worked on it off and on when the muse struck.

Can you tell us about Witch Song?  What is it about?

My 14 year old protagonist, Brusenna, is the last Witch left. All the others are being held captive. And without the Witches to control nature, seasons are crossing hardened boundaries, seeds rot in the soil, and the heavens are sealed shut. If Brusenna doesn’t find and free the others soon, there might not be anything left to save.  

Did you have to research to write the story?

There’s an epic sea battle near the middle of the book, so I had to do a lot of research on cannons, ships, and sailing. I also had to do a lot of research on tropical climates.

Are you working on another novel right now?

I’m editing Daughter of Winter, which should come out next year (finger’s crossed). I’m trying to fit in the first draft of The Forbidden Forest, but I just can’t find the time.

What would you like to read? Any favourite books?  Favourite authors?

I absolutely love Shannon Hale and Kristin Cashore. Let’s face it, the girls can write an write well. I also like Brandon Mull, Tolkien, David Farland, Jessica Day George, Clare B Dunkle, Jennifer Roberson, Suzanne Collins, Clare B Dunkle, Aprilynne Pike, and Robin McKinley. I could probably go on forever.

Do you think any of your favourite authors has influenced your writing?

Absolutely. David Farland has taught me so much about the craft of writing. When I get stuck, I read a great book and that usually propels my writing into high gear.

Do you have any tips to share with aspiring writers out there on how to get published?

Worry more about becoming a great writer than about getting published—because being published is a byproduct of great writing. Also, improving your writing is something you can control. Being published is not (unless of course you self pub).

****


Thank you very much, Amber.  It’s been a pleasure to have you on my blog. 

Witch Song by Amber Argyle

Summary:


The world is changing.

For thousands of years, witch song has controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons. But not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by the dark Witch, Espen.

As the last echoes of witch song fade, Espen grows stronger as winter and summer come within the space of a day. Now she’s coming for the one she missed—a shy, untrained girl of fifteen named Brusenna.


Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find Espen. Fight her. Defeat her.


Or there won’t be anything left to save.

My thoughts:

This is a world where witches do not use wands.  Instead, they sing.  I find the beginning very slow-moving but right in the middle and throughout the end, it was full of suspense and action.  


I wasn't able to connect to/with Brusenna and I feel sad about that.  I wish there were more flashbacks in the story, more thoughts that would have made me feel closer to the MC.  Her behaviour and reactions to things confused me at times.  Nevertheless, I must say that this is a creation of an extraordinary world of magic and music.


This is a story of love and loyalty.  It ended in an unexpected way which made it even more interesting.  


Amber Argyle has created an enthralling world. A unique story of witches. An impressive debut novel.  


Disclaimer:  I received an ARC of the book above from the publisher for an honest review and I was not compensated for this review.

What are you reading?

Have you heard about Susan Schreyer's third book in the Thea Campbell series?  It's out now on Smashwords!

Now OUT on Smashwords!

Summary:

When Thea's long time friend is arrested for murdering her wealthy husband, Thea and boyfriend Paul vow to clear her. But they are caught between warring business partners jockeying for control and slighted family members turning ruthless. The investigation twists with the arrival of an old nemesis who is capable of orchestrating not only the murder but the grave danger stalking Thea and Paul. 

I've enjoyed the first in the series (I posted a review sometime ago) - please click HERE to find out.  If you love mystery novels and you haven't read the first two, I suggest you get them now.  Death by a Dark Horse (Book 1) is only $2.99 and Levels of Deception (Book 2) is only $0.99!

The 2nd in the series you shouldn't miss!

I will be posting a review on Book 2 (above) very soon!  I hope you come back for that *winks*

Another book I'm currently reading is Witch Song by Amber Argyle.  I will be posting a review in September and guess what? I'm interviewing Amber, too!  I'm excited!!!! *happy dance*

The book will be released on 01 September 2011.  Amber is giving away a free copy on Goodreads, please click HERE to enter.

Summary:
The world is changing. 
For thousands of years, witch song has controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons. But not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by the dark Witch, Espen.
As the last echoes of witch song fade, Espen grows stronger as winter and summer come within the space of a day. Now she’s coming for the one she missed—a shy, untrained girl of fifteen named Brusenna.
Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find Espen. Fight her. Defeat her. 


It's the beginning of the week again so let me all give you the warmest ((((HUG))))) and hope that you are enjoying some sunshine! *carry on happy dancing*

Starring in the Movie of my Life by Laurel Osterkamp

A review and a book give-away!!!

Back cover summary:


Thirty-five-year-old Samantha acts without thinking. Her heart is huge while her sense of purpose is small; she's willing to fight for those she loves, but she's never learned to fight for herself. Eighteen-year-old Melody is cold and calculating, and she's driven by the desire to better herself. As these compelling yet deeply flawed women battle for the affections of 25-year-old Nathan, he becomes increasingly confused and torn between them.

Nathan is Melody's English teacher, and after he saves her from being raped, she becomes attached. Melody longs for the affection she's never felt, so she involves people in her self-invented drama, making sure she is at once the star and the director. Meanwhile, Samantha is newly married to Nathan. But Samantha has hang-ups about motherhood and lingering feelings for her ex. To make sense of the world, Sam relates her life to the themes of her favorite movies, while she independently makes a documentary to jump-start her non-existent film career.

What I think about it:

The story is almost multi-plotted, with an interesting sub-stories pertaining to each character.  It has an efficacious plot in keeping one engaged.  The story revolves around characters with secrets that are slowly revealed from chapter to chapter.  


The creation of a selfish brat Melody is quite impressive that as I was beginning to despise her and her callous, heartless actions, I was so surprised near the end at how much I warmed up to her.  All of a sudden, I discovered that after all, she had a good heart.


In the story, Sam and Melody needed redemption.  In the end, however, I think it was Nathan who needed to be redeemed.  I felt sorry for him.  He seemed to be the victim of it all and did not deserve any of it. He was a good man and was manipulated by not just Melody, but also Sam in my view.  Whilst I loved Sam at first, in the end I couldn't understand what she was doing - making the story even more riveting and interesting.


There were typo errors which distracted my reading but over all, with intriguing, multi-faceted characters, combined with well-woven, dark, murky, and sometimes even perplexing secrets within the storyline, I can say this is a good book and an excellent read.


*****

I have a copy of Starring in the Movie of my Life to give away! Woot-woot!  Thank you, Laurel!

All you have to do is follow and leave me a comment below to enter.  Don't forget your email address!  


I will pick the winner next week!


Very pleased to also let you know that this book is A 2011 Award-winning finalist for the
National Indie Excellence Book Awards
(Chick-Lit) and
International Book Awards
(Women's Fiction & Young Adult Fiction)


Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of the book from the author for an honest review and I was not compensated for this review.