Interview with YA fantasy author Jenna Greene

YA fantasy author Jenna Greene joins me today to chat about Reborn.

Bio:

Jenna Greene is a YA fantasy author from Alberta, Canada. She lives with her husband, Scott, and daughter, Olivia. Aside from writing, Jenna enjoys dance, dragonboat paddling, and napping.

Welcome, Jenna. Please tell us about your current release.

My current release is titled Reborn. It was released a year ago and won the Moonbeam Children’s Book award for 2019.

What inspired you to write this book?

A lot of things coordinate together to inspire a book. I remember a meme, a complaint about my freckles, and a writer’s conference conspired together to create the initial idea for the story. Late, I realized my mother’s illness, and subsequent passing, inspired a great deal of the emotion of the book.

Excerpt from Reborn:

Sold into servitude, Lexil must deal with brutal punishments, back-breaking labor, and the loss of every freedom. When a young child she has befriended faces a horrible fate, Lexil must intervene to protect her, no matter what the risk.

With the help of a boy named Finn, the trio flee into the Wastelands. There, they must evade those who hunt them while trying to survive a barren landscape. Lexil must face challenges she's never imagined existed, all while learning what it means to truly be reborn.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am editing the sequel to Reborn. Naturally, the consequences of the first book come into play. More characters are introduced, and the main character’s journey is continued.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The first time a teacher said I had talent and my parents should buy me a journal. (Second grade). I probably didn’t have any special talent at age six, but the power of a teacher or role model is that they can make you believe what is possible about yourself.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I am a teacher, so sometimes I struggle to find time to write, especially around report cards! Summer vacation and other school breaks offer good opportunities, though, and it also helps that I am an efficient writer who works in 45-60 minute bursts.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I like to wear a tiara when I write. Not only does it keep my hair out of my face, but it alerts other members of my household not to disturb me. Plus, I look pretty.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A fairy princess. (Still working on that).

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon

Thanks for being here today!

Interview with middle grade novelist Kai Strand

Today's special guest is novelist Kai Strand. She's sharing a bit about the first book in her new Concord Chronicles fantasy series, Day of Reckoning.

During her virtual book tour, Kai will be awarding a $15 Amazon gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

Kai Strand writes fiction for kids and teens. Her debut novel, The Weaver, was an EPIC eBook Awards finalist. Her young adult title, King of Bad, soared to the publisher's #1 spot in its second month and stayed on the Top 5 Bestsellers list for eight months, reaching #7 on Amazon’s best seller list. She’s been a wife for 28 years and is still madly in love. She’s the mother of four amazing young adults. The most common sound in her household is laughter. The second most common is, "Do your dishes!" She and her family hike, geocache, and canoe in beautiful Central Oregon, where they call home.

Welcome, Kai. Please tell us a little bit about your current release.

Not only does twelve-year-old Terra learn she’s a Nature’s Spirit destined to serve the peaceful underground city of Concord, but she also finds she is named in a prophecy as the only one who can thwart the leader of the death tribe.

The Trepidus are the death janitors of the Underworld. They’re responsible for the termination and cleanup of Concord’s beings. When their leader, Blanco, learns Terra is the one who can derail his day of reckoning, he does everything he can to get rid of her. Including, dispatch a “Bringer” to complete the ultimate of death janitor duties.

Not only does Terra want to stay alive, but she hopes to complete her training and discover her Spirit talents too. So, Frank, a Spirit of Security, is assigned to protect her. Together, they undertake a secret investigation of how to defeat Blanco. But with the future of Concord and Terra’s very own life at stake, will they find the answer in time?

What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration for this book came years ago as I read through the Harry Potter series for the first time. I’d read the first four books in the series in just a matter of weeks, but the fifth book was months away from publication. I missed Hogwarts something fierce. That’s when I realized I had the ability to distract myself by making up my very own fantasy world. The first character that popped into my head was a transportation animal that resembled a mole. I thought to myself, who would need an underground transport animal and where would this person be going? Answering those questions gave me both Terra and the city of Concord - and a book idea was born.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m actually just finishing the first draft of the prequel for this series. It’s titled, The Making of Master, and it’s Frank’s story. I love Frank as much as I love Terra and readers deserve to know it.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Sadly, I did what most writers do, and I didn’t consider myself a writer until after my first paid publication. I’d had several shorts published online, many of them weren’t paid. Though they helped me build a resume, I somehow didn’t consider them valid since I hadn’t received money for them. So, my advice is, if you’re new to the writing gig, and you go through a submission process, and your work is chosen above other submissions for publication –consider yourself an author.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I did write full-time for many years but grew tired of my own company and got a part-time job. Then, my husband’s business fell apart and I had to get a second part-time job to help with finances. Then, I decided I was tired of always having an old car, so I got a full-time job. After each change, it took me awhile to figure out how to work writing in. The longest adjustment, of course, was after going to work full-time. I write mostly on the weekends now. Where I used to be able to pound out a first draft in a couple of months, it now takes me SOOOO much longer. But I love writing, so I plug away. The ultimate dream would be to sell enough books and have enough speaking gigs to write full-time again. I miss it. Ironic, right?

As for full-time work, I consider myself pretty lucky on that front. I’m the Office Administrator for a family owned company that makes goat milk soap, lotion and other all-natural skincare products. We work on the forty acre family farm with a view of the Cascade Mountains. Hey, if you’ve gotta work full-time, it’s an incredible setting. And I can’t say enough good things about the products. I buy the ingredients, so I know the quality firsthand. If you have any skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or even just dry skin, check it out. Or, if you just like super soft, healthy skin and like to know you aren’t putting toxins into your body, check it out. Tell them Kai Strand sent you – lol. Here’s my affiliate link if you’re interested. BEND SOAP COMPANY

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I’m really not a quirky person, so I can’t think of any writing quirks that I have. I’m really positive person. I smile a lot and think the best of people. I (mostly) always look forward in life because 1) I try to make informed decisions (no regrets) and 2) what’s done is done so why worry over what I’ve already completed? I apply that to my writing too. The biggest difference is I do go back and edit the work I’ve done, so there’s a little more looking backward there. Lol.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an archeologist in such a big, bad way. I envisioned myself digging in the Egyptian desert and finding artifacts that told more of Nefertiti’s story. Until, that is, I learned I was likely to come across large spiders and scorpions. Then I wanted to be a veterinarian but was horribly allergic to cats and dogs. My eyes would swell closed if I walked into a house with a cat and my arms would break out in welts if I pet a dog. Ironically, I stopped being allergic sometime in my adult years. I had avoided contact with both for so long that I honestly don’t know when it happened, but I’m making up for all of those years I couldn’t interact with them. Now I have three dogs and two cats.  

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

It’s been a pleasure visiting with you all today. I would love for you to hop onto any of my social media sites to say hi. My favorite part of being an author is visiting with readers and having passionate book discussions, so let me know what your (current) favorite read is or how you enjoyed my book, if you pick up a copy.

Links:
Website | Mailing List | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Thanks for being here today, Kai.
Thanks for having me!

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Interview with novelist Erin Pemberton

Novelist Erin Pemberton is here today and we’re chatting about her new young adult fantasy, The Prophecy.

During her virtual book tour, Erin will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a luck randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Welcome, Erin. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m just a small town girl, living in Ohio and making up worlds for my characters to live in. A preschool teacher by day, I live with my amazing husband while dreaming of walking hand in hand with him on the beach just searching for seashells. Together, we have five incredible kids, who are starting to make their way in this world as they take on college, high school, and elementary school. I love Christmas, the beach, seashells, painting, reading anything fantasy related, and in my very little spare time, creating new worlds for others to enjoy.

Please share a little bit about your current release.

The Prophecy is based loosely on the fairy tale, Rapunzel with bits and pieces of Sleeping Beauty thrown in for good measure. Ella, the main character, has been locked in a tower to protect her from the Shadow tribes, a race of people determined to destroy Ella and her people. On her 18^th birthday, she is to rejoin her parents in the palace and defeat the Shadow tribes as prophesized by the good fairies. However, the Shadow tribes have completely changed Ella’s plans. She must retake her kingdom while finding love along the way and getting her people to trust her after a horrible reign by the enemy.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was watching Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter with two of my boys when the thought occurred to me that I would really like to rewrite a fairy tale. From there, I decided on Rapunzel, because I can remember as a child, being fascinated with having long hair as I couldn’t get my hair to grow out at the time. From there, my story grew.


Excerpt from The Prophecy:

“What are you called?” Ella could hear the bitterness in her long time friend’s voice and knew that she was struggling with not killing this man.

“Why should I tell you that? You’re trespassing on our land. When the others come, I’ll be freed, and you’ll be the ones dead or tied up.” He sneered at Tia, clearly just as impressed with her as she him.

“Enough,” Ella stated firmly while raising her hand along with the man who’s look turned from smug to frightened.

“What are you going to do?” he asked, his voice shaking slightly and betraying the fear that he obviously felt.

“If you don’t tell me your name, you’ll find out the hard way,” Ella responded calmly even though butterflies were carrying out their own battle in her stomach. The magic was showing her just how far she could throw him with its use. She was beginning to think of it as a whole separate entity within her mind.

Just as she pulled her arm back in preparation of launching him through the night sky, he shouted “Erek! I’m called Erek.”

Ella, bemused, smiled serenely at him as she placed him none too gently back on the ground. “That wasn’t so hard, now was it?”

Erek mumbled something under his breath but made no attempt to say anything else.

“What are we going to do with him?” Ella asked, turning to look at Tia.

Tia, ignoring Ella’s question, took a step closer to Erek, grabbed the rope that bound him, and pulled him toward her. “What do you mean we’re trespassing on your land? This land belongs to Dorvin, king of Faven,” she hissed, apparently taking care to spit in his face as she talked.

The ugly smirk appeared on his otherwise handsome face, a mirthless laugh consuming him. “My tribe killed and replaced your king seventeen years ago. This land belongs to the Shadow tribes, and you are as good as dead.”

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m working on a book now that revolves around a dragon who has been kicked out of her own land for being different and befriends an elf. While befriending this elf, she discovers this new world in which she finds herself a part of is being destroyed by monsters. Monsters who kill everything they come across, including the elves. Only she has been able to kill one since they’ve arrived in this new world. She’ll have to face her fears and convince the other dragons to join her against these creatures.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

In high school. That’s when I made my first attempt. It didn’t go well, but I definitely had a book on my hands. It wasn’t until I had four boys of my own that I made a valid attempt at writing and publishing.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I am actually a teacher who is in the process of transitioning to a preschool supervisor in my school. I only really write as a hobby. That’s why it’s so hard for me to find time to do what I enjoy. Isn’t it always hard to find time to enjoy what makes us happy? Anyway, with a wonderful husband who I love to spend time with, five kids, a full time job, writing has to come during the summer months when life slows down a little for me.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I actually hate asking people to read my stories. I don’t read reviews that I get because I feel like it influences how I write. I write because I love to make up stories, not to make the world happy. Do I like it when people enjoy my stories? Absolutely. I just choose not to ask or read what others say about my stories. It’s just easier for me that way.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Actually, a teacher. It wasn’t until later that I decided to add being a writer to my bucket list. Now, I just want to sit on the beach and have my own ice cream shop! Life goals.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Life is short. Live it one day at a time and don’t stress the small stuff!

Links:

Amazon author page | Website | Amazon buy link | Goodreads

Thank you for being a guest on my blog!

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Interview with YA paranormal author Rebecca Ripley

Author Rebecca Ripley is chatting with me today about her new YA paranormal fantasy, The Aberrant Sword. 

>>The book is currently available for $.99 on Kindle.<<

Bio:

Rebecca Ripley grew up playing in the heather on the rolling hills of the Hampshire New Forest. Growing up in a region where witchcraft, legends and lore shape the history and even future of the region, she developed a deep love for fantasy. In her books she tries to marry the concepts of fantasy with strong storytelling and fast-paced young-adult action. 

Welcome, Rebecca. Please tell us about your current release.

The Aberrant Sword is a fast-paced young adult paranormal fantasy book and the first in the Abarynthian Artefacts series. The story is about Isabelle who ‘finally’ gets to become a real-life kick-ass demon hunter… except that everything goes terribly wrong. 

She ends up befriending the Demon and, on a back,-breaking quest for a sword that is supposedly key in Evil’s plan to conquer the world. 

I wanted to write a fast-paced yet fluffy and maybe even a bit romantic Young-Adult book – that now has turned into a full-concept series. 

What inspired you to write this book?

I currently live in South East-London (my husband works outside of London so it is easier for him to hit the M25 that way) and I work near Green park. My commutes are hella long! I am talking an hour at least. One morning I finished my audiobook and I was hit with the lethargy that comes after finishing a really good series or an amazing book – What should I do now?

Opposite me sat this absolutely gorgeous woman – dark features, eyes that pierce into your soul, beautiful brown curls, tall and so incredibly stylish in leather… 

I could see her being a bad-ass demon hunter! 

On the train back home I started writing my book. 

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am currently working on the second book in the series. I have planned 5 books in this series and I already have plans for 2 spin-offs. One is an Academia series and one spin-off will take place in the USA. I am so excited for them but I can’t seem to write fast enough! 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I don’t think I consider myself a writer yet. It’s hard. In the end I am just a girl on her way home or to work hammering out words on a keyboard. I guess I will consider myself a real writer if people buy my books and like them – I think that would be a real milestone for me: getting good reviews and people mailing me or signing up to the mailing list because they like my stories. 

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

 No – I mostly write on my commutes and when I am home in the evenings. I basically take a bus to the train station and open up my laptop as soon as I am on the train. I tried writing during my lunch breaks but all what happens is that I just forget to eat. In the evenings I write after dinner – most of the time with a large glass of red wine. I think that is my favourite way of writing: comfy P-Jay bottoms, band shirt and a big glass of red wine. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I talk to myself and my characters when writing. It’s very annoying on the train and tube because people literally think I am

a) talking to them 

and when they notice I am not 

b) batshit crazy 

  

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to become a vet. Very unique – I know… 

Later on I wanted to become a journalist and travel the world.
I don’t know about the journalist stuff but if my books would be successful (touch wood) I do think I would travel the world non-stop. I would be a digital-nomad-author. 

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Adventure may hurt you but monotony will kill you. Get out there! Go explore! But always take a book

Thanks for being here today!

Interview with YA author Dmitriy Kushnir

Novelist Dmitriy Kushnir joins me today to chat about his new YA fiction, Thea Reeves and The Tear of the Morning Star.

During his virtual book tour, Dmitriy will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops, too.

Bio:
Dmitriy Kushnir is a Sarasota, FL local and is a student of life. In his younger years, he had served in the military and received various degrees from multiple universities. One day, Dmitriy Kushnir realized that he had just too much to share with the world and began writing in the fields of philosophy, business, religion, history, fantasy and science fiction. To this day, he has written more than 40 books under various aliases.

Welcome, Dmitriy. Please share a little bit about your current release.
I chose to write Thea Reeves series in order to inspire my daughter to read. I created a character, Thea Reeves, as a hero a young girl could look up to. It is a story about an ordinary teenager, who is entangled in extraordinary circumstances with mythical creatures and beings.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired by my young daughter. I also wanted to write a series with a female character in the lead, and to have a book that is easy to read and does not leave a bad aftertaste.

Excerpt from Thea Reeves and The Tear of the Morning Star:
The girl took her eyes away from the pug and redirected all of her attention toward the raven, who sat just a few feet away from her. She talked softly, so no one, especially not even one of her neighbors or her parents would overhear. People these days may get the wrong idea from just a few misheard words, and the witch hunts and trials can begin again. Women have always been identified as the weaker sex throughout the centuries, and every time a woman spoke out or displayed any kind of strong character, she was met with oppression ... especially from the side of organized religion. Not long ago, Thea learned about Salem Witch Trials a few centuries back, and about how many ordinary women were tried by the church and by their neighbors and were executed. History tends to repeat itself.

I am no longer ordinary. Thea thought to herself, and immediately understood that no longer being ordinary could actually have a negative impact, rather than a positive one.

What exciting story are you working on next?
This will be a bit of the spoiler, but the next book (this will be book 5 of the Thea Reeves series) will be about Thea Reeves meeting the dwarf king.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The first time I earned a royalty from the sale of my first book, I considered myself a professional writer. Only once you earned any kind of income/royalty/commission, can you consider yourself to be a professional in any kind of venture.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
No, I have other ventures I pursue full-time. Writing has always been a hobby, even if I spend ten or twelve hours a day writing, it will always be a passion and a hobby.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

We have a vacant RV trailer on our property. If it ever gets too loud or too crowded in the house, I usually escape to the trailer in order to write. Once I went an entire day with my family thinking I was in the city, when I was only a few steps away in the trailer ... writing.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I honestly do not remember, but definitely not the individual I currently am. I currently inspire thousands on daily basis and have the thousands I inspire, inspire me in return.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
The reason I do not include images in my books is because images kill imagination. So put your tablet or smartphone aside, pick up a book with no pictures and give your imagination a mental exercise.

Links:

Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon book page

Thank you for being a guest on my blog!

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