Starting This Sunday…The Blue Diamond – The Razor’s Edge by @PSBartlett ON #SALE ONLY $.99!!!

Please Share!!!

Own The Blue Diamond – The Razor’s Edge on Kindle for Only $.99!!!

From December 21-28, 2014!

DATES OF DEAL: 12/21/2014 – 12/28/2014

 

US LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OEYUKOY

 

GENRE: Regency/Historical Romance

 

TWITTER NAME: @PSBartlett

 

TWITTER LINK: https://twitter.com/PSBartlett

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PSBartlett

 

WEBSITE:http://psbartlett.me/

Nowhere to Run Q&A @JeanneBannon

 

Nowhere to Run

by

Jeanne Bannon

An excerpt from the book:

A creak came from the back of the diner. Lily lifted her head to listen. Another small groan of the floorboards. Could Sara be giving her a sign?

“Sara?” Lily slid off the stool.

A tall, dark figure loomed in the doorway.

Lily froze, her heart near exploding. “What do you want?” she choked out in a thin voice.

He stepped nearer. “Open the register.” His voice was a deep whisper.

A balaclava hid his face; the seams of a dark gray coat strained over a thickly muscled physique. He aimed the gun in his right hand at her chest.

Her feet seemed rooted to the floor.

“I said, open the register.”

The man moved close enough for Lily to catch his scent—a mix of sweat and cheap aftershave. He shoved her forward, snapping her from her stupor, and followed as she made her way behind the counter to the cash register.

A glowing red light caught her attention. She hadn’t turned off the coffee maker! In one quick movement, Lily grabbed the pot’s plastic handle and launched the scorching brew at the woolen knit of the intruder’s balaclava. The gun landed with a thud between his booted feet as he clawed at the steaming mask plastered to his face.

Now was her chance. Lily shouldered past him to the front door. Her fingers, thick and clumsy with panic, fumbled as she tried in vain to turn the two deadbolt locks. She ordered herself to calm down. Take a breath. C’mon, you can do this, she told herself, but her heart jackhammered in her chest, and her ears pulsed with the rush of blood behind them.

Suddenly, a face appeared on the other side of the glass front door of the diner, sending Lily backward, nearly tripping over her own feet.

The stranger on the other side of the door took her in. A look of confusion flickered across his face. Then, as if coming back to himself, he yelled, “Hurry. Unlock the door!” The cold night air whipped his dark hair wildly around his face. His pale blue eyes locked on hers.

Panic had hijacked her brain. She didn’t know what to do. He could be an accomplice.

4 out of 5 stars "I confess I'm not a big romance reader, but this one was well put-together. The thriller-mystery aspects were cleverly done, and kept my interest. I had a quibble or two about the denouement, but nothing serious. I recommend this to anyone as a good, light read. I enjoyed the play-by-play between the romantic leads - it's not mushy or overdone. I found Lily, the main character, credible and easy to relate to. I was never bored. The plot is fast-paced, the descriptions are excellent, some turns of phrase really stood out. I think Jeanne Bannon is a talented writer. I also liked her other book, Invisible, very much. She seems able to write in different genres with skill and aplomb."-S. Dalton Click here for full review at Amazon.

I enjoy authors. I think if you've been visiting here at all you know that by now. When I encounter someone that is a real professional in all aspects of what they do I get even more excited. My guest today inspired me a bit. To be working in this business for over 20 years, is that a dream of everyone reading this or what? She ventured into writing the book of discussion today in a similar way that I ventured into writing Romance myself. Let's get right into meeting . . .

Author

Jeanne Bannon

 

@JeanneBannon 

RW: Where are you from?
JEANNE: I was born in Toronto Canada and live forty-five minutes outside of the city in a small town called Caledon.
RW: Who are your favorite authors?
JEANNE: I have many. I love J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, John Irving, Amy Tan, Ken Follett, Sarah Waters, Betty Smith - I’d better stop here because I could go on and on.
RW: What is your favorite beverage to drink, any kind?
JEANNE: Perrier water!
RW: What is your escape from writing when you are at that about to explode point?
JEANNE: Unfortunately, that point comes often for me. I love to do things with my family. Just go out, even if it’s just for a drive or to grab an ice cream. I’ll also watch Netflix. That can be a distraction, however, and it’s a bad habit. I don’t watch much regular television, so I guess I’m not wasting too much of my time.
RW: What is your favorite word?
JEANNE: Daughter. I have two of them and they are the most precious gifts I’ve ever been given.
RW: What is your background in writing, what makes you a writer?
JEANNE: I’ve always written. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t. I remember writing a bunch of poems in grade one and my teacher graciously transforming it into a book by stapling the pages into a folder and letting me decorate the front cover. Then she put it in our classroom library. I believe that was the time when I decided I wanted to keep writing. I’d gotten attention and some accolades. It was pretty nice. I do have a degree in journalism, but I’m not sure that makes me a writer. I’ve also worked in the publishing industry as an editor for over twenty years. Perhaps I’m a writer because I’m a reader first and foremost. My parents were readers and would leave paperbacks sitting around the house. I remember being curious about the books and started to read them. I was hooked after reading Cain and Abel by Jeffery Archer at the ripe old age of eleven. Then I moved on to Sidney Sheldon novels, lol.
RW: Why did you choose the name Nowhere to Run for your latest novel?
JEANNE: The title Nowhere to Run was not the original title. I’d titled it Love, Lies, and Redemption but the publisher decided the story needed a title that would better reflect the suspenseful elements of the novel and asked me to come up with a list of five alternatives. Nowhere to Run was on that list and that was the one they chose.
RW: What genre does your book fall into?
JEANNE: Nowhere to Run is romantic suspense.
I have also written a paranormal YA novel titled Invisible. I guess I’m all over the board when it comes to genres.
RW: You have books in two genres, which genre do you favor and why?
JEANNE: I would say my primary genre is paranormal YA. I love to write about the unexplainable; things that make our world mysterious and exciting. I also want to inspire and uplift young people. Invisible is about a teenaged girl named Lola. Lola is very tall and overweight. She doesn’t fit in at home or at school. She wants to disappear and one day, she does. It’s a story about bullying and fitting in and I hope it gives readers a positive message. Invisible has also been optioned for film. Got my fingers, toes and eyes crossed.
RW: An aside, here's a review on Amazon for Invisible for those of you who are interested.

5 out of 5 stars "I can easily say this one of my favorite young adult books this year. The author portrays the characters in a very realistic manner, making this a story that will easily resonate with anyone who has ever been a victim of bullying or self esteem issues!"-Brenda Casto Click here for full review at Amazon.

RW: Tell us a little about your newest book, Nowhere to Run.
JEANNE: Okay, back to Nowhere to Run. The tagline is - what’s a girl to do when she falls in love with the man whose mission it is to bring her down?
Here’s a tidbit from the back of the book:

With the murder of her only sister, Sara, just a few months past, Lily Valier—a woman of beauty and substance—tops the sheriff’s list of suspects in small town Maine, and for a very good reason. Dear old Dad had willed his fortune to Sara and only Sara, leaving Lily to fend for herself. However, with no murder weapon or witnesses, the evidence against Lily is only circumstantial.
Enter P.I. Aiden O’Rourke, black-haired and blue-eyed, charged with gaining Lily’s trust and learning her secrets, all to finally get the goods on her. Things move fast and feelings run deep, yet when Lily discovers the truth about Aiden, everything begins to come apart.

RW: What inspired the book?
JEANNE: Okay, this is a long story but I’ll make it short. I was invited to join a group of like-minded writers to pen a romance. We’d divided up into smaller groups, but my two writing partners kinda hijacked the project, pushing me to the sidelines. After a while, I left and decided to do my own thing. I’m not sure if those ladies ever finished their project, but I am proud to say that I did.
RW: What message do you think your book delivers to the reader?
JEANNE: I don’t think there’s much of a message in Nowhere to Run. I wrote it primarily to entertain. I do, however, touch on the paranormal (can’t help myself), so perhaps readers will learn a little about what I think happens to us when we die.
RW: What did you learn about yourself from writing this book?
JEANNE: That I can write outside my genre and that writing outside your genre is really hard.
RW: Where can we get your book now?
JEANNE: It’s on Amazon, Scribd, Etopia Press’s website, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks
RW: How do people connect with you through all forms of social media?
JEANNE:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Jeanne.Bannon.author
Twitter - @JeanneBannon
Blog - http://beyondwordsblog.blogspot.ca/
Website - www.jeannebannon.com
RW: Do you currently have representation?
JEANNE: Yes, I am represented by Karen Thomas of the Serendipity Literary Agency.
RW: What are you working on right now?
JEANNE: I’m on the final draft of a paranormal thriller titled Dark Angel. It’s about a female exorcist.
RW: What book are you reading at this time?
JEANNE: I’m reading Ken Follet’s Century Trilogy as well as Sarah Water’s latest novel, The Paying Guests.
RW: What is your biggest tip for getting published?
JEANNE: Persistence. Do not give up. All writers hit low points. Sometimes it’s almost impossible to make myself write, especially if I’ve had some negative feedback. Don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of your dreams.
RW: If you could have written any book that exists, other than your own, what would it be and why?
JEANNE: I think I’d have to say, Donna Tartt’s Goldfinch. Although there wasn’t much by way of character redemption in the story, I found that the novel stayed with me for quite a while after I read it. I loved the character of Boris and was in awe of Ms. Tartt’s talent at character development.
I also loved J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy. Perhaps a tie between these two? I think Ms. Rowling is a genius. If only I could be her for a day ... sigh.

After the interview I almost asked for copies of her books to read. But I am a professional - in this space, I'm an interviewer not a reviewer. I enjoyed getting to know Jeanne better through her answers.  As expected, she is a professional and her cooperation is much appreciated. I am always surprised when an Author says yes to my requests.  I hope we see her here at Lit World Interviews again at the release of her next book. 
Everyone, get Jeanne Bannon's books and remember this . . .

Read a Book, Write a Review.

Much Respect

Ronovan

2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved by litworldinterviews.wordpress.com

Q&A Vashti Quiroz-Vega-The Basement @VashtiQV

THE BASEMENT

by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Book Description

 Robbie is a meek boy in New York City who struggles with the desire to prove himself to his friends, his enemies, and himself. Robbie's father is a stubborn man determined to teach his son through tough love. When he witnesses Robbie being bullied, he forces his son to face his fears. Robbie is sentenced to a frightening challenge––staying in the basement alone for a night. But what lies in the dark recesses of the basement? Will Robbie make it out alive and well? Will the urban legend about the terrifying creatures that hide in the dark basement prove to be true? And most importantly, will Robbie prove to his friends and his father that he is brave enough to take on the challenge? The Basement is a tale of angst, teamwork and solutions, treasure hunts and adventure, and facing fears. It focuses on the small world of one group of preteens and the very real and wondrous challenges they face.

I never expected a book like this from a lady like this. When I first approached Vashti, who I met through her blog, about an interview I wanted to learn more about the author behind The Basement. I still want to learn more but in truth, I want to know about this book and how it came to be and what else this author has planned for us. I’m going to get out of the way of this interview, simply ask the questions and let you meet . . .

VASHTI QUIROZ-VEGA

@VashtiQV

RW: Vashti Quiroz-Vega. Love the name. Tell us a little about your ancestry. I am very into history. And your name spins all sorts of imagery through the echoes of my mind.  And is there a meaning behind your name?

VASHTI: My first name, Vashti, is Persian in origin and has very little to do with my ancestry, I’m afraid. Vashti is the name of a queen in the old testament of the bible in the book of Esther.

RW: Your book, The Basement available on Amazon,where did the idea come from?

VASHTI: The Basement began as a short story I wrote in high school. I won an award for it and put it away in a box, along with a bunch of other stories. Years later, I came across it. After reading it again and with the encouragement of others, I decided to expand the short story into a novel.

RW: The book is about an 11-year-old boy and his troubles, how did you connect with the character?

VASHTI: I have a brother and two sisters. I'm close to all my siblings, but I grew up especially close to my brother (maybe determined by the fact that I was a tomboy). The Basement is loosely based on memories I have from childhood. The main character, Robbie, was inspired by my brother and my nephew, Joshua.

RW: And the abuse parts?

VASHTI: There has been no abuse in my household, but I did know a child growing up who was verbally and physically abused by a parent. The parent did not try to hide this from anyone. I saw and heard this child being abused on many occasions. This experience and the memory of this child have stayed with me till this day, which is why I tolerate no kind of bullying or abuse of any kind.
An ex-boyfriend once told me that I was a perfect mix of femininity and masculinity because I am feminine and very much a woman, but I am also assertive, straightforward and I love basketball, action movies, UFC and camping.

RW: What did it feel like writing the character of Robbie, the 11 year old boy in the book, as you had to basically become him for periods of time?

VASHTI: When I wrote The Basement, I essentially became an 11-year-old boy. I felt vulnerable––like my life was not in my control. I guess I felt like a child in a scary world.

RW: For those reading who may not be familiar with you can you give an example of an author and perhaps a book that would give them an idea of what this book is like as far as feel and style?

VASHTI: That’s a tough one. Some people have compared my storytelling to that of several other writers, including Stephen King and Anne Rice, who are two of my favorite writers and whose books I have been reading for years. So I don’t doubt that there is some of their influence in my writing, but I believe that I’m developing my own style. Not that I wouldn’t love to write as well as Stephen King and Anne Rice, but I don’t think I’m quite there yet.

RW: Are you a character in The Basement?

VASHTI: Let’s just say that several of the characters in The Basement have some of my personality traits.

RW: Tell us about your writing process. You took a short story and turned it into a full-length novel. How did you go about that?

VASHTI: As I re-read the story, I added, changed and rearranged sentences, and I replaced and deleted words. I had read so many books and learned so much since writing that story in high school that expanding it was not that difficult. Even now, I feel that I have learned so much since publishing The Basement. I guess that’s how it is with writers. We are constantly reading, learning and improving. I feel that my second book, Lilith, will be much better written than my first, and my third book, Dracul, will probably be better written than my second, and so on. That doesn’t mean any of my books are badly written. It just means that as I learn and gain experience, my work will reflect that. I have noticed this when I compare Stephen King’s earlier books with the books he’s written in the last couple of years. But I have always enjoyed all of his books.

RW: Can you walk us through how you went from complete and satisfied manuscript to now available for purchase? Many will be reading this who haven’t gone through it yet, and since you have on a number of occasions, I know I would personally like to hear it from a pro like you.

VASTHI: Wow! You flatter me, Ron. ;) I’ve actually gone through the entire process only once with my book The Basement. The best advice I can offer anyone who has finished writing a story is to give the finished manuscript to several trusted people and ask for their honest opinions. Then after revisions (if any), hire a professional editor.

RW: Ah, I get the impression you have published several because of how professional everything seems. What other works do you have available and what are you working on presently?

VASHTI: I have written a variety of short stories, from horror and dark fantasy to sci-fi and romance. You can check them out on my blog.
I’m in the final stages of editing my book Lilith. This is a dark fantasy about angels aimed at a young adult/ adult audience. I’m hoping to have it available in early 2015.

RW: Is there a lot of romance in your work or sensuality?

VASHTI: There’s always a little romance because I believe that’s part of life and reality. There’s also some sensuality in my work-in-progress because that’s part of who I am, and that part of my personality comes through in the story.

RW: How understanding are your friends and family when the writing mania takes hold of you?

VASHTI: Some are very understanding, especially other writers because they’ve been there. Others––not so much.

RW: What would be your ideal agent be like to sign with?

VASHTI: I would love an agent who truly enjoys my story. The editor that's working with me on my second book 'Lilith' truly loves the book. It is obvious by her enthusiasm, the comments she's made and the questions that she's asked me. It makes a difference when the agent loves the genre and story. Also, an agent that is hardworking and self motivated is great. One that will stop at nothing to get you the best deal possible for your book. I would love to get into one of the big publishing houses.

RW: Now for a few fun and trivial questions. What’s your go to beverage while writing?

VASHTI: Water. I know you’re thinking, “boring,” but I prefer to be sharp and focused when I write. Being well-hydrated does that for me. I don’t drink much coffee, beer makes me bloat like a blowfish, wine puts me to sleep, margaritas and rum are fun, but put me in the wrong frame of mind, and I get distracted easily. So while I’m writing, it’s water for me.

RW: What is your escape from writing when you need that break before burnout happens?

VASHTI: Reading, cooking, baking, hiking, kayaking, getting together with family and friends, watching one of my favorite shows on TV (Criminal Minds, Law and Order, Castle, Modern Family . . .) or going to the cinema, playing with my dog, and other things I shouldn’t mention––not necessarily in that order.

RW: And finally, as a writer, what is your favorite word and why?

VASHTI: Wow! There are several words I love, but the first word that comes to mind is “Dulcet.” Why? Because it’s a beautiful word, I enjoy pronouncing it and writing it down. Meaning: 1: sweet to the taste 2: pleasing to the ear 3: generally pleasing or agreeable.
Thank you, Ronovan, for inviting me as a guest author to your awesome blog. I appreciate you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I want to thank Vashti for taking the time to answer a few questions for us. And I hope she comes back when her next book is due out.
Her various contact information appeared in some links throughout the interview but I am putting them all here together so you can follow her everywhere. Also here are some some fan art of her and one of her characters from The Basement, Natasha. Don't worry, she won't mind, I already do and if she will let me follower her she'll let you too. And we are all about supporting each other here, right?

Fan Art of 'Natasha' from The Basement.

Fan Art of Vashti

Website

Author Site

The Basement Fan Site

Goodreads

Twitter

Amazon

2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com

Q&A Shannon A. Thompson of Take Me Tomorrow @ShanAshleeT23

 

Take Me Tomorrow

Shannon A. Thompson

5.0 out of 5 stars  An exciting YA dystopian novel-Elaine Jeremiah
"This was an exciting, intriguing tale. In the dystopian world Sophia, her family and friends are living in, there is a war on between the State who control the various regions in this post-modern America and those who use and promote a clairvoyant drug."

 

4.0 out of 5 starsEnticing, mysterious dystopian!-Jen @Star-Crossed Book Blog

"This was truly a unique read! I love my dystopian worlds and while some can blend together, that definitely wasn't the case in Take Me Tomorrow. The elements of the storyline were enticing and the mystery of all of the unknowns kept me flying through the pages. The little hints of romance were innocently sweet and what blossomed from it left me smiling. And the ending of the book left me completely dismayed (but in a good way)! I can't even start to imagine where they can all go from here!"

 

4.0 out of 5 stars A YA novel unafraid to address grown up issues-Allie Potts

"The book's premise hooked me right away. Set in a realistic future featuring extreme immigration control and harsh anti-drug policies, a teenager named Sophia Gray's sheltered world is turned upside down after a chance meeting with a stranger in the woods. This stranger has ties to a risky drug believed to provide users with the temporary ability to see everything all at once, including the future. While users are potentially endangering their own lives by using the drug, it is the government that is the most threatened by its existence. The novel asks you to answer the question, what is more important security or freedom?"

 

I want to say my guest and I have followed each others blogs for some time now. I mean she's an author, I think authors are cool, so of course I followed the author lady. That of course meant that when I decided to start this site I wanted to interview her and amazingly enough she said yes. I am surprised with each person that says yes, but especially those who have several books out. Now it's time to meet . . .

Shannon A. Thompson

 

@ShanAshleeT23 

RW: Where are you from?

SHANNON: I’m from the road. Even though I’m only 23, I have moved 15 times in my life. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Georgia, and on the Kansas-Missouri border, so I don’t really have a hometown. It’s hard for me to stay in one place for too long. Traveling is when I feel at home.

 

RW: Who are your favorite authors?

SHANNON: Jack Kerouac and Edgar Allan Poe are my favorite traditional authors, but I absolutely adore Meg Cabot, Cassandra Clare, Lauren Oliver and Lynne Ewing in the young-adult market. I’m also a huge fan of the poet, Billy Collins.

 

RW: What is your favorite beverage to drink, any kind?

SHANNON: Coffee! I’m such a coffee addict that I just cannot go a single day without at least one pot of coffee. I’ve actually been drinking it regularly since I was twelve. I am not a fan of chocolate, so I didn’t like having hot chocolate in the winter mornings to keep me warm, so my father thought it was a good idea to give me his leftover coffee. Been hooked ever since. The funniest moment was when my middle school teacher realized what I was drinking every morning, but that’s another story to be told. I’m actually drinking a coffee right now.

 

RW: What is your escape from writing when you are at that about to explode point?

SHANNON: Writing - I know that sounds like a contradiction, but I have many types of writing. I write young-adult novels, but I’m also a poet, and I work on numerous books at a time. If I’m stressing out about one, I just skip over to something else - something that I don’t have to worry about - and if I don’t want to write at all, I’ve been known to hop in the car and drive without a destination in mind. The road is a comforting place. Unless you’re short like me driving into the setting sun. Then, it burns.

 

RW: What is your favorite word?

SHANNON: Midnight - I am a night owl, practically nocturnal, and the single word reminds me of how calm everything is late into the evening when everyone else is asleep.

 

RW: What is your background in writing, what makes you a writer?

SHANNON:  I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. In fact, my mother taught me to write in order to cope with my night terrors as a child, but she - unfortunately - died very suddenly when I was eleven, so I began chasing a serious writing career after that. My first novel was published five years later, and since then, I’ve had four novels, two short stories, and a collection of poems published all around the world, including a Norwegian magazine. I also studied literature and creative writing at the University of Kansas where I graduated from in 2013.

 

RW: Tell us about why you chose Take Me Tomorrow as the title of your novel?

SHANNON: Take Me Tomorrow is my latest novel, and the title created itself. About halfway through the story, one of the protagonists talks about tomorrow and what it means to them, but explaining it too much might give away parts of the story. The novel is a young-adult dystopian tale about a clairvoyant drug. When citizens can see the future, it changes how everyone lives in the present and remembers the past, so time is a huge factor in both the story and the title. The drug is also called “tomo” and everyone believes it is a nickname for “tomorrow” but it isn’t. ::wink wink::

 

RW: What genre does your book fall into?

SHANNON:  Young-adult dystopian.

 

RW: Why do you write in the genre that you do?

SHANNON:  I write in many genres, but I currently only have young-adult, paranormal romance, dystopian, contemporary, military, and poetry published. Whew. I thought that list would be shorter when I started, but - as you can see - I love writing in various styles. I look at it this way: I love reading numerous genres. Why would I only write in one genre?

 

RW: Tell us a little about your book.

SHANNON:  Take Me Tomorrow is a young-adult dystopian novel about a clairvoyant drug, but sixteen-year-old, Sophia Gray, has other problems to deal with. Her father runs an illegal forgery, and her best friend is caught up in small crime, and that is not even the end of it. When a mysterious boy shows up in her backyard, Sophia has to decide whether to fight for a tomorrow she cannot see or sacrifice her loved ones to the world of tomorrow.

 

RW: What inspired the book?

SHANNON:  Take Me Tomorrow deals with many sensitive issues within society, including drug abuse, addiction, and immigration. I decided to write about these topics mainly because my mother was a drug addicted, and it ultimately killed her. I spent many years researching drugs, and that research developed itself into this novel. I actually wrote an article about this if you want more details: http://shannonathompson.com/2014/07/18/why-i-write-about-immigration-drugs-and-addiction/

RW: Tell us about your main character(s) and what you think will them connect to readers.

SHANNON:  Sophia Gray is strong, stubborn, and willing to do anything to help her friends and family, but she’s also human. Her anger can get the best of her, but she doesn’t let anyone try to stop her from doing what she thinks is right. Noah, on the other hand, is rather forced into doing things, and everything has slowly broken him down. He’s a very complex and damaged character, but when the two come together, a dark serenity clears the tension around them.

 

RW: Who would play your main character(s) in a movie?

SHANNON:  I would beg, beg, BEG for an open-casting call. I wish Hollywood would do that more often for two reasons:

1. It gives new actors and actresses a chance at participating in a large project

2. (I think) Viewers can believe in the characters more when they haven’t seen the actors everywhere before.

 

RW: What message do you think your book delivers to the reader?

SHANNON:  As much as Take Me Tomorrow deals with sensitive topics revolving around drug abuse, I strived to stay neutral to the topic, and so far, many readers have reflected that in their reviews. The message is completely up to the reader, and I wanted it to be that way because society is that way. These things are not black and white. These moments are always gray.

 

RW: What did you learn about yourself from writing this book?

SHANNON:  After it was all written, I think I realized how much of my personal life I have slipped into the story. Sophia is very much like me when I was sixteen years old. She has a knife collection. (Something I do, in fact, have.) And she finds peace in a forest that she checks with her dog, Argos, who she loves very much. That was practically my life. I had acres I had to watch over, and my husky and I spent hours out there. Writing about it brought many happy memories back, but writing about the drug use was also very hard. When my mother first died, I never told anyone how it happened. I just avoided explaining it. But after many years passed, I slowly dealt with the fact that she had been addicted to drugs, and writing allowed me to explore a lot of those emotions. There’s a moment in Take Me Tomorrow where Sophia looks at Noah and states, "I could handle his drug-induced state. His sober state was more terrifying.” This line has been pointed out by readers, and I think that’s because it’s uncomfortable and true. Not for all situations, of course, but for some people who’ve had loved ones addicted. Sharing those moments can be scary, confusing, disheartening, and honest.

 

RW: Where can we get your book now?

SHANNON: Take Me Tomorrow is available everywhere - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Apple, etc.

 

RW: What other books do you have to share with us and can you tell us a little about them?

SHANNON: The Timely Death Trilogy is an award-winning, paranormal romance, and it is also available everywhere. Minutes Before Sunset (book 1) explores the world of lights and shades, creatures that live among humans as humans, and two characters - Jessica and Eric - tell the story of two destinies and one death. Book 2, Seconds Before Sunrise, is also available, and Death Before Daylight, book 3, is releasing in January of 2015.

 

RW: How do people connect with you through all forms of social media?

SHANNON:  I am mainly found on my website - ShannonAThompson.com - where I talk about reading, writing, and publishing. We are so close to 18,000 followers! But I love connecting with anyone and everyone, so I am also on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wattpad, Instagram, and more.

RW: Do you currently have representation? If so who, and if not describe what qualities you would like in an agent and what you would bring to the relationship.

SHANNON:  In 2012, I was signed by AEC Stellar Publishing, Inc., and they’ve represented The Timely Death Trilogy as well as Take Me Tomorrow. My poetry was published by LALUNA magazine and Kansa Publishing, and my short story was in The June Project. My first novel was done by Golden Eagle Publishing, but I’ve gotten my rights back, and I plan on re-releasing November Snow in November of 2015.

 

RW: What are you working on right now?

SHANNON:  For publication, I’m working on my content edits for Death Before Daylight, book 3 of The Timely Death Trilogy, and November Snow. I have other works pending in various stages of publication, but I don’t like talking about them until they’re coming out - I’m a very superstitious person, and I always feel like I’m jinxing it if I talk about it with anyone but beta readers.

 

RW: What book are you reading at this time?

SHANNON:  One of my jobs at AEC Stellar Publishing, Inc., is pre-reading novels before release, so I’ve been reading two novels we’re releasing - The Stars Are Infinite, book 2 of The Stars Trilogy, by Amber Skye Forbes and The Pandora Chronicles by Ryan Attard.

 

RW: What is your biggest tip for someone to getting published?

SHANNON:  Research and research some more to make sure the path you take is the best one for both your novel and your goals. Traditional publishing, small press, and self-publishing all have pros and cons. Understanding those is key to achieving the type of publication you dream of.

 

RW: List links to all websites you have and social networks such as Twitter.

SHANNON:

• Website

• Facebook: Shannon A. Thompson Author page 

• Twitter

• Goodreads

• ASMSG

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Pinterest

• Tumblr

• LinkedIn

• Wattpad

 

There you have it all folks. Everything you need to know about Shannon. Below you will see her book trailer for Take Me Tomorrow, enjoy it. I once again thank Shannon for agreeing to join us today. I just cannot believe the generosity of the Literary Community in starting this site off in such a great way.

Much Love & Respect to You All
Ronovan

To see the Book Trailer for Take Me Tomorrow, click here.

Follow LitWorldReviews on Bloglovin' by Clicking Below.

2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved by litworldinterviews.wordpress.com

Q&A Lisa Mason of The Garden of Abracadabra @lisaSmason #Kindle

 The Garden of Abracadabra

Lisa Mason

 "This is a very entertaining novel- sort of a down-to-earth Harry Potter with a modern adult woman in the lead. Even as Abby has to deal with mundane concerns like college and running the apartment complex she works at, she is surrounded by supernatural elements and mysteries that she is more than capable of taking on. Although this book is just the first in a series, it ties up the first "episode" while still leaving some story threads for upcoming books. I'm looking forward to finding out more. "-D. Pflaster about The Garden of Abracadabra

 

Author of numerous books spanning over a surprising amount of time, I was very excited to have our guest today. She accepted with such sincerity and kindness I was encouraged about the literary world. Meet . . .

Lisa Mason

@lisaSmason 

RW: Where are you from?

LISA: The heart of the Midwest. But I’ve been living in the San Francisco Bay Area for so long, and love where I live so much, I consider myself a California native.

RW: Who are your favorite authors?

LISA: That has evolved over the years as my taste in fiction has evolved and broadened. While I was writing book reviews for Goodreads and skimming through works I’d previously read, I was struck at how some books and authors stand the test of time, while others aren’t as great as I’d remembered them.

E.B. White and P.L. Travers from my childhood reading remain fresh and delightful. Classical writers like Edith Wharton (domestic dramas), Margaret Mitchell (historical romance), and Raymond Chandler (hard-boiled 1940s detective mysteries) are always good for relaxation. In science fiction, Frank Herbert’s Dune still reads well, but Dan Simmons’ Hyperion isn’t quite as amazing as when I first read it.

In contemporary urban fantasy, I enjoy Jim Butcher and Charlaine Harris. In detective mysteries, I like the early Sue Graftons, not so much the later ones. In high fantasy, George R.R. Martin is of course the king, but I just don’t have time for 1,000 page books.

So there you have it. I like to read and write in different genres.

 

RW: What is your favorite beverage to drink, any kind?

LISA: Oh, like every red-blooded writer, coffee is essential in the morning. Later in the day, I enjoy chilled chardonnay. Throughout the day, I sip lots of cold spring water. I love water.

 

RW: What is your favorite word?

LISA: I like “murmur.” The word sounds just exactly like what it means. I like the symmetry of the spelling. “Susurrus” is a good one too, but not quite as usable as “murmur.”

 

 

RW: What is your background in writing, what makes you a writer?

LISA: My mother bought me lots of great books when I was a child. I loved reading and decided I wanted to be a writer. Stories and fantasies would pop into my head. I wrote my first book at age five. I’ve got it on my desk right now. It is 1¼ inches by 2 inches, hand-sewn, with two chapters lavishly illustrated by the author, and entitled, “Millie the Caterpillar.” Millie is despondent at being “a fat, green, hairy, little caterpillar.” Then spring comes, she breaks out of her cocoon, and “to her surprize, she found two beautiful red and black wings on her shoulders.” Happiness! The End.

I’ve thought ever since that surprise should be spelled with a z.

So you could say I got bit by the writing bug early on.

 

 

RW: What is the title of your book and why did you choose that name?

LISA: My latest novel-length work is The Garden of Abracadabra, Volume 1 of the Abracadabra Series.

The title is a take on a classic memoir, The Garden of Allah, by Sheilah Graham, about a wild and crazy apartment complex in 1940s Hollywood (that no longer exists) where many famous actors lived before they hit big in the movies, as well as the “Round Table” New Yorker crowd of famous writers, who had come to Hollywood to write screenplays.

 

 

RW: What genre does your book fall into?

LISA: Urban fantasy.

 

 

RW: Why do you write in the genre that you do?

LISA: Urban fantasy is one of several genres I write in, and I like it for all the reasons I like to read and write in different genres.

I like the rich blend of fantasy tropes (magic and magicians, witches, wizards, vampires, shapeshifters, and demons) in a contemporary setting, often a city but not necessarily, and mystery tropes (detective work, murder and crime, police procedural), spiced up with dicey romance, troublesome relationship issues, and wit and whimsy interspersed with murder and mayhem.

 

 

RW: Tell us a little about your book.

LISA: At her mother’s urgent deathbed plea, Abby Teller enrolls at the Berkeley College of Magical Arts and Crafts to learn Real Magic. To support herself through school, she signs on as the superintendent of the Garden of Abracadabra, a mysterious, magical apartment building on campus.

She discovers that her tenants are witches, shapeshifters, vampires, and wizards and that each apartment is a fairyland or hell.

On her first day in Berkeley, she stumbles upon a supernatural multiple murder scene. One of the victims is a man she picked up hitchhiking the day before.

Compelled into a dangerous murder investigation, Abby will discover the first secrets of an ancient and ongoing war between humanity and demonic realms, uncover mysteries of her own troubled past, and learn that the lessons of Real Magic may spell the difference between her own life or death.

 

RW: What inspired the book?

LISA: Often inspiration springs from something quotidian. You’re in the shower. Or shopping for groceries. Or, in this instance, searching for a parking place in Berkeley.

Berkeley is a small historic university town across the Bay from San Francisco. The town is so crowded these days, searching for a parking place on the street is something of a quixotic quest.

As my husband and I were cruising through unfamiliar neighborhoods looking for that elusive space, we passed by a spectacular 1920s Mediterranean apartment building and were both instantly struck by its beauty.

But more than that, the place had a powerful vibe. It was spooky!

The idea sprang instantly to my mind: what if you were the superintendent of a building and discovered that every tenant was some stripe of supernatural being and every apartment was a portal to a fantasy world? To a fairyland or a hell?

Setting the book and the Berkeley College of Magical Arts and Crafts in Berkeley itself was a natural fit. Berkeley is not only home to the University of California, but several other eminent colleges as well.

 

 

RW: Tell us about your main character(s) and what you think will them connect to readers.

LISA: Abby is an everywoman, but she’s got magical power, so she’s special. She’s chosen. She’s still discovering herself and her power as an adult. She’s still exploring with whom she wants to share her life and her love.

 

 

RW: Who would play your main character(s) in a movie?

LISA: That’s up to the casting director!

 

 

RW: What message do you think your book delivers to the reader?

LISA: That Magic exists all around us. The study of Real Magic is a powerful tool to help you in real life. And above all, Know Thyself! Think for yourself! We are bombarded from all sides by the media. It’s vital to keep your eyes, ears, and mind open to the truth.

 

 

RW: What did you learn about yourself from writing this book?

LISA: Life is an onward process of learning about yourself and the world. Never stop learning!

 

RW: Describe your book in one word.

LISA: Magic!

 

 

RW: Where can we get your book now?

LISA: The Garden of Abracadabra, Volume 1 of the Abracadabra Series, is on BarnesandNoble, US Kindle, Canada Kindle, UK Kindle, Apple, Kobo, and Smashwords.
The Garden of Abracadabra, Volume 1 of the Abracadabra Series, is also on Amazon.com in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Japan, and India.

The Labyrinth of Illusions, Volume 2 of the Abracadabra Series, is forthcoming. With the publication of the second book, my publisher may produce print editions.

 

 

RW: What other books do you have to share with us and can you tell us a little about them?

LISA: My perennial bestseller is Summer of Love, originally published by Bantam, a Philip K. Dick Award Finalist and San Francisco Chronicle Recommended Book. This is my Great American (Science Fiction) Novel, about a significant turning point in American history with both wonderful and terrible consequences. The book is also about a harrowing coming of age for a teenager, a friendship that ends in tragedy, and a love spanning centuries.

Summer Of Love on BarnesandNoble, US Kindle, Canada Kindle, UK Kindle, Smashwords, Apple, and Kobo. Summer of Love is also on Amazon.com in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Japan, and India.

I love reading short stories and have published two dozen in magazines and anthologies worldwide. In September 2014, I sold another story, “Tearsdrop” to the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. I’ll announce the publication date when I have it on my website.

I’ve long wanted a story collection and got one in 2013, Strange Ladies: 7 Stories, which has won five-star reviews from the San Francisco Review of Books, the Book Brothers Blog, and Amazon readers. As I mulled over my previously published short fiction, I found seven wildly different stories with one thing in common--a heroine totally unlike me. I’m the girl next door. I have no idea where these strange ladies came from.

Strange Ladies: 7 Stories is on Nook, US Kindle, Canada Kindle, UK Kindle, Smashwords, Apple, and Kobo, and Sony. Strange Ladies: 7 Stories is also on Amazon.com in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Japan, and India.

 

 

RW: What are you working on right now?

LISA: Although I love urban fantasy—and authors who are fifteen books into their series are still selling well—my sense is that some readers, and certainly the publishers, are searching for fresh ground. Dystopian fiction, which interests me less, seems to have run its course, as well.

I’m continuing my urban fantasy, The Abracadabra Series, for at least two more books and will consider more after I’ve wrapped up that trilogy arc.

I’ve got several YA ideas in development, as well as a children’s series. Forthcoming also is an adaptation of my early cyberpunk novels, Arachne and Cyberweb, as a Young Adult or New Adult piece, The Quester Trilogy. I’ve got another backlist series published by Bantam, Pangaea I and II, on the slate sometime down the road.

My main focus now is on a science fantasy with—I hope!—a new fresh exciting concept. I can’t say more about it!

 

 

RW: What book are you reading at this time?

LISA: I’ve got a To-Read List a mile long, but since I’m really, really busy (see above!), I don’t know when I’ll get to it. I’d like to read Deborah Harkness’ All Souls Trilogy, The Night Circus, maybe Gone Girl (though I’m not sure after reading the mixed reviews). I love reading short stories, so any of the Year’s Best in F&SF are always a good bet.

 

 

RW: What is your biggest tip for someone to getting published?

LISA: Read works you admire, write constantly (even notes and random ideas that you’ll never develop), study the craft of writing, and persevere.

Figure out your entry point into the marketplace—and make no mistake, it’s a marketplace. If, for example, you want to write another Gone With The Wind, but you’re more likely to break in with a simple romance, start with a simple romance.

If you’re writing science fiction and fantasy, selling short stories is a terrific (and time-honored) way to break in. No other genre offers as many opportunities to publish short fiction as F&SF. Even writers who now publish mostly mainstream works (Jonathan Lethem, Karen Joy Fowler), started out with stories in F&SF magazines.

That said, if you’re prepared to devote ten years to a masterpiece as your first book, be all means give it your best shot!

 

 

RW: What is your escape from writing when you are at that about to explode point?

LISA: I power-walk three-and-a-half miles a day, usually seven days a week unless I need to travel out of town. That keeps me on track on a daily basis.

I also enjoy reading, watching movies, researching on the Internet, (usually the book business and what other writers are publishing), cooking for my family, a bit of gardening, and local field trips (usually research for a piece I’m working on).

I think it was Voltaire who said (I’m paraphrasing), “Live a quiet, ordinary life so you can be outrageous in your writing.”

Unless you’re writing a tell-all memoir about your road trip with Miley Cyrus, that’s sound advice!

 

RW: List links to all websites you have and social networks such as Twitter.

LISA: Visit me at Lisa Mason’s Official Website for books, ebooks, stories, screenplays, reviews, interviews, and blogs, adorable pet pictures, forthcoming projects, fine art and bespoke jewelry by my husband Tom Robinson and the galleries where he’s presently showing work, worldwide Amazon.com links for Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, and Spain, and more!

And on Lisa Mason’s Blog, on my Facebook Author Page, on my Facebook Profile Page, on Amazon, on Goodreads, on LinkedIn, on Twitter at @lisaSmason, at Smashwords, at Apple, at Kobo, and at Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Now you know a few things about Lisa you may not have. I want to thank her again for this chance to learn more and for her allowing us to take up some of her time to answer our questions. Buy the books and follow her on her various sites. I am still excited she said yes.

MuchRespect
Ronovan

2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved by litworldinterviews.wordpress.com