Author Interview with Claire Ashgrove

I suppose author interview isn't entirely accurate, my friends. Today, instead of having Claire answer a few questions about herself, we will be visited by Farran de Clare, our hunky hero from Claire Ashgrove's most recent release, IMMORTAL SURRENDER (Curse of the Templars #2).

So without further ado, Farran here is going to grace us with his delicious six pack wonderful personality.

Hi Farran! How old are you, exactly?
I am over nine hundred years old.

Is that so? And what, exactly, do you do? 
I serve the archangel Mikhail, under the steady sword of Merrick du Loire, in the Holy Order of the Knights Templar.

What is your favorite saying? 
(Farren chuckles.) At present, I find myself oft beginning my sentences with damsel.  As in, Damsel, mind your tongue.  'Tis hard not to when I'm bound to one so willful.

Who is your worst enemy, and what did he/she do? 
My worst enemy is the dark lord, Azazel.  I am sworn to fight against his vile creations, to protect the mortal realm you know.  He covets the highest throne, and 'tis mine and my brothers' duty to stop his ascent.

What is one thing you wouldn't be caught dead doing? 
Once I would have said watching television, but I find myself in greater luxury of late, and cannot claim such now.  'Twould have to be dancing at one of these so-called clubs Noelle has spoken of. 
 

Any love interests? 
(A wicked smirk drifts across his mouth.)  Aye.  
  

Well... are you going to tell us who? 
'Twould be the lady de Clare, Dr. Noelle Keane.  Though 'twas not an easy journey to reach this contentment of my heart. I wanted naught to do with her.  She, however, possesses a... way... about her, shall we say, that made it impossible to do anything but adore her.  
 

When did you know you were falling for her? 
(He laughs again.)  When the urge to feel her lips on mine became as fierce as the urge to throttle her.  (Farran pauses for a moment, then his expression sobers.)  In truth, 'twas a moment we shared in the belly of the temple, when I glimpsed the woman she was, not the seraph forced upon me.  
  

What is one favorite childhood memory? 
Saints' toes -- a millenia has passed since I have been asked about childhood.  I do not oft think about those I have left behind.  Though I recall a special fondness for riding through the de Clare lands as a young boy beside my sire, grateful for the time he shared with me.  He was truly a lord to be admired, and I deeply respected him.  
  

When this war is over, if the Templar are the victors, where would you like to go to get away? 
I have seen much sand in my life.  Fought in the dispicable dunes against Saladin.  But I have never set foot on tropical sands.  I should take Noelle to an island, I do believe.  One that is not marked with a gate to Azazel's realm.  (His grin returns, devilish as ever.)  And there, I shall focus on naught but my duty to Noelle.


Award-Winning Author Claire Ashgrove has been writing since her early teens and maintained the hobby for twenty years before deciding to leap into the professional world. Her first contemporary novel, Seduction's Stakes, sold to The Wild Rose Press in 2008, where she continues to write steamy, sexy stories for the Champagne and Black Rose lines. Adding to these critically acclaimed romances, Claire’s paranormal romance series, The Curse of the Templars debuted with Tor in January 2012. For those who prefer the more erotic side of romance, she also writes for Berkley Heat as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire.

To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.claireashgrove.com, or www.toristclaire.com. You can also connect with her via Facebook, and Twitter. 


Giveaway

What you can win:

• One digital copy of any of Claire's backlist books, excepting those in the Templar series
  
• Commenters’ names will be added into the tour-end drawing of a 25.00 Amazon gift card.

What you need to do:

• Leave a comment on this interview; be sure to include your email address in the comments section, otherwise you will not be entered to win either prize.
  
• Follow the tour – the more you comment on participating blogs, the better your chances of winning. Complete tour dates can be found at Claire's website, here.

Author Interview: Lisa Shearin (plus giveaway!)

Please give a warm welcome to Lisa Shearin, who is stopping by Book Faery today to discuss the final book in her series, ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE!

Connect with Lisa:
{Website} {Facebook} {Twitter} {Goodreads}


Can you please describe your Raine Benares series for those unfamiliar with your work?

Raine Benares is a seeker, which is basically a detective who uses magic to find missing people and stolen objects. At the beginning of the series (MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND) she inadvertently gets herself psychically bonded to the Saghred—a stone that gives the one bonded to it unlimited power, with a side order of insanity. Not crazy like an eccentric aunt, but take-over-the-world-and-kill-millions kind of crazy.

The entire series (all six books) takes place in an approximate three-month timeframe. That’s a lot of action in very little time, but thanks to the Saghred (and the evil megalomaniacs who want the stone for their own), Raine is in a lot of trouble with very little ways out of it.

Thanks to friends and allies (both old and new), and ill-timed romantic entanglements (it ain’t easy to fight for your life and have a relationship at the same time), Raine manages to stay one step ahead of the power-hungry elves and goblin aristocrats who want the stone and its power for their own. Unfortunately Raine can’t just give it to them. Once bonded to the Saghred, you’re bonded for life. Only death can break that bond. Yours. Understandably, Raine has a problem with that last part.

ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE is the finale of the Saghred storyline. In it, Raine and a small band of good friends, not-so-good friends, and one outright enemy (don’t ask), travel to the goblin capital of Regor in order to destroy the Saghred and kill the goblin archmage who has found a way to use the stone’s power to enslave the world. While there, Raine & Company must also renegade goblin prince on the throne. Piece of cake. Not.


Was there something specific that inspired you while writing ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE? 

I love reading thrillers. The more breakneck-speed the action is, the better. Since ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE is the culmination of the previous five books, there’s plenty of action and believe me, it moves fast. In fact, all of the books in the Raine Benares series hit the ground running, and barely slow down enough to let the characters catch their breath. Yep, I’m an evil author. ; )


Who is your favorite character from this series, and why?

Hmm, that’s like trying to pick a favorite child; you love them all, but for different reasons. I have to say that my favorite characters are the ones who weren’t expected or who were supposed to have only a minor role, and who once they had arrived, grew into so much more than I could have ever expected. Tam, Phaelan, Talon, and Piaras are the best examples of this.


Is there one particular scene in ASBL that you are dying for readers to finally read?

All of them. No, really. For those who have read the entire series, each scene in ALL SPELL BREAKS LOOSE will have something to love, and I hope they think the ending is as satisfying as it felt to me when I wrote it.


Please describe your heroine in one to two sentences.

Raine Benares is the kind of friend you’d want to have. She’s unwaveringly loyal to her friends, unpretentious, tough yet vulnerable, sassy and irreverent, and as long as you’re anywhere near her you’ll never have a dull moment.



Giveaway

Want to win a copy of this awesome novel? Well it's your lucky day! The wonderful folks at Penguin is offering an e-book copy to one blog reader. You know what that means, right? It's open internationally!

Details:
1) Leave a comment asking Lisa a question;
2) Include your email in the comment;
3) Wait for an email from me if you've won.


Series Order:
Magic Lost, Trouble Found

Armed & Magical

The Trouble With Demons

Bewitched & Betrayed

Con & Conjure

All Spell Breaks Loose (May 29, 2012)

My name is Raine Benares—and it sucks to be me. The Saghred, a soul-stealing stone that has given me unlimited power, has been stolen by a goblin prince, and with it went my magic. The Saghred is in the goblin capital of Regor, in the hands of Sarad Nukpana, who’s on the verge of becoming the most powerful mage ever...just as soon as I’m dead.

Because Sarad can’t use the stone while I’m alive. Incentive enough to plan a little trip to Regor with a small band of good friends, not-so-good friends, and outright enemies. All we need to do is destroy the Saghred, kill Sarad, and put a renegade prince on the throne. Did I mention I’ll be doing this without magic?

AAD NOLA Author Spotlight: Samantha Kane

What is your favorite genre to read?
I have two. Paranormal and contemporary m/m. I don't write paranormal, so I can turn off my internal editor and just enjoy. And contemporary m/m I just love. I have written that and hope to do more, but I devour those books. 

Why did you choose to pursue this career path?
I've always been a writer, since I was in grade school. Creative writing classes and clubs, school newspapers, poetry...you name it, I wrote it. I went to a liberal arts college with a History major and an English Lit. minor, went to law school for a year, and then went to graduate school and earned a Master's in History so I did a lot of scholarly writing as well. I began writing my first romance book in graduate school. I didn't really think about writing as a career until I actually finished a book. Then it was my goal. 

When did you decide that you wanted to be a published author?
Hmm, I would say after my first child was born and we moved across country for my husband's new job, all within a month. We got to our new digs and we'd decided I could take a year off of teaching with the new baby and all. A year turned into forever. I finished my first book soon after we moved, then I joined RWA (Romance Writers of America) and learned about romance publishing, wrote my second book and sold it. And that was it. Within three years of my first book coming out I was making more than I had as a teacher, so it just made sense to make writing my career. 

What has the journey been like?
I'm a little unusual in that the journey to publication was almost ridiculously easy for me. (Please don't hate me other writers who didn't have this experience.) As soon as I joined RWA and took some workshops etc. and learned how the business worked, I wrote a book for a specific publisher in a genre they were looking for, won a contest with it, and got published. That is not what happens for most people. But as I said before, I'd been writing all my life. 

What is the writing process like for you?
A lot of preparation. I do a complete outline, GMC (Goal, Motivation, Conflict) charts for my hero and heroine, figure out word count, write a synopsis, and then I begin writing. The actual writing of a full length single title can take anywhere from 3 to 4 months. I do a lot of self-editing along the way, so that when I finish, I just need to do one read through and then it's ready to send to my editor or agent.

Do you have any pre/post writing rituals?
Rituals? No. I have a very busy home life with three kids, so when I can sit and write I do it. I don't have time to create the perfect atmosphere or wait for the planets to align. I just get it done.

If you could marry any fictional hero, who would it be and why? 
I have to pick just one? I can't have a harem? This is a hard one.  Captain Wentworth, Jane Austen's Persuasion. The older and wiser hero for me, thank you. 

Coffee or tea?
Both. It depends what time of day it is. Morning and afternoon coffee, evening tea. I like my coffee strong and sweet, and my tea flavored, in particular Bigelow's Constant Comment Green tea.

Cookies or cake?
Cookies. I'm not a sweets person. I like a little bit of sweet, which a cookie provides perfectly. I eat two Golden Oreos with my afternoon coffee. They're perfect for dipping. Also, I don't like frosting. I often eat just the cake. It's not a calorie thing, it's just my preference. My kids love that they get the frosting and I'll eat their cake. :-) 

Day or night?
Day, afternoon to be specific. I have a hard time getting my act together before 10 or 11 in the morning. My most productive time is from about 10-2 or 3. That being said, I'm a night owl. No matter how tired I am it's unusual for me to go to sleep before midnight. Which might be related to my non-morning person status. Or as my husband calls it, my morning "sleeping issue." 

Winter or summer?
Summer. Summer, summer, summer. I'm cold-blooded (without official reptile status at this time, however.) So I walk around in three or four layers of sweaters all winter. And that's a Southern winter. No matter how hot it is in the summer, I spend most of the day outside, writing on my covered porch. I love the heat.


Samantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband of fifteen years and three children, two boys and one girl. She spent seven years as a high school history teacher before becoming a full time writer and mom. Ms. Kane has a Master's degree in American History, but she writes Regency historical romance. Her book Prisoner of Love recently won the 2011 CAPA for Historical Romance from The Romance Studio.

Website: http://samanthakane.us
Twitter: http://twitter.com/skanesauthor
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SamanthaKane.author

AAD NOLA Author Spotlight: Diana Castilleja

Hi to all the Book Faery Readers! So, I'm here to charm and hang out for a while, huh? Well, let me share a little bit about me and my writing. Tori has been kind enough to put together an interview for me, so let's get rollin'!

What is your favorite genre to read?

This is very cyclical. For the last year or so, I've been reading almost exclusively Male/Male romance. But I also read paranormal and romantic suspense, so it depends on the mood more than anything. I also tend to follow authors, so what's next might not be the latest release, but how deep I've been able to get into my TBR pile.

 
Why did you choose to pursue this career path?

I'm not so sure I chose to pursue writing. It was more, it appeared out of a dark alley, beat me over the head, and mugged me. Only after I acceded to the will of my muse did I decide to outwardly go with the flow and attempt a full blown career at it. It wasn't easy, and it took years to get to this point, and it will take many more years before I can honestly say, I still have a lot to learn. 

 
When did you decide that you wanted to be a published author? 

I began writing in 2004, and at first it wasn't to publish my work. I began writing out of boredom, reading a lot of books that I enjoyed at the time and feeling I could do the same. I'm a bit of a "get it right" personality, so I joined a writer's critique group here locally and one of the group was a retired college professor. She, among the others, encouraged me to seek publication. I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to attempt that on my own otherwise. My mother has been a huge supporter of my writing, as well. 

What has the journey been like?
Oh, boy. A lot of ups and downs. A lot of success, and an equal if not larger number of failures and frustrations. Did I mention a lot of ups and downs? But each bump taught me something, gave me the strength to stand up for my work later down the road, or taught me what I needed to avoid like the plague *cofhistoricalcof*

What is the writing process like for you?

I sit down and usually play a little. Write a little or a lot depending on the flow and how caffienated my muse is. Play some more. Answer emails, write, play, write, and occassionally I remember to eat. 

 
Do you have any pre/post writing rituals?

I was going to say no, but that's not really true. Post especially, one of the things that is almost a winning bet is I'm going to sit down and read what I've written, end to end. I self-edit as I write, but I also tweak and then when it's all said and done, I do it again after it's officially finished. The only time someone sees raw work is on the fly, during challenges. And they're sworn to secrecy of how crappy that writing may be. :) 

 
If you could marry any fictional hero, who would it be and why?

Hm... That's a toughie. Let me think on that one. 

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Though I drink tea during the winter when I want something hot and not loaded. 
 
Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate. It is its own food group, isn't it? 

Night owl, or early riser? 

Night owl. Ask anyone who knows me. I am not a morning person. 

Winter or summer? 
Actually, I'm a fall girl. I love the change in the seasons, the colors, and the cooler temps without quite needing to bundle up like a hill-billy sales rack to go get the mail. I do love snow, but there's very little that can ruin a brisk north breeze with sunshine on you. 
 


Diana Castilleja has been writing since 2004 with her first work published in 2006. She's since had over twenty combined titles published under her mainstream name and her psuedonym of Diana DeRicci. Her writing runs across the board in the romance genre and she's always on the lookout for anothe challenge--usually brought to her at right at the same time she's trying to fall asleep. It's a collision of Muse and Sandman and rarely does she get out of it easily. 
  Her latest works include Wolf Brother's Legacy: Resurrection (Castilleja) and Under One Roof (DeRicci). For more information, sample chapters and other bits about her work, please feel free to check out her websites. She can be reached through her websites and she loves to hear from readers.

www.DianaCastilleja.com
www.DianaDeRicci.com

AAD NOLA Author Spotlight: Kristen Painter

What is your favorite genre to read? 
I'll read anything I can get my hands on. Lately though, it's been comic books and graphic novels.
 
Why did you choose to pursue this career path? 
I think it chose me. ;o) I have a head full of stories and there's no better way to tell them than to write.

When did you decide that you wanted to be a published author?
When I was six or seven. Unfortunately, it took quite a while longer to get published. 

What has the journey been like?
Big ups and big downs, but I've made some amazing friends along the way.

What is the writing process like for you?
A lot like exercise. I have to make myself do it, then while I'm doing it I'm pretty much in the zone, but I'm happiest when I've finished and know that what I accomplished was totally worthwhile.


Character's Name: Malkolm Bourreau 
Character's Appearance: Dark hair and eyes, fangs, body covered in the tattooed names of his victims. 

What is one thing you wouldn't be caught dead doing?
I'm already dead. And I've done just about everything.  

If you could marry any person, who would it be and why?
Marry? I'm not the marrying kind. *checks to see if Chrysabelle is listening* 

What is your favorite book?
The one that has the solution to my curse in it.

What is your favorite article of clothing?
A good weapon. Not technically clothing, but I'd rather be naked and armed than not. 

Do you have a favorite food?
Humans. 


A little about me: I’m a former college English teacher, but I’ve held a crazy mix of other jobs including maitre’d for Wolfgang Puck, personal trainer, and sales for Christian Dior Bijoux. On the writing side of things, I’m a two-time Golden Heart finalist and have been on the board of three different RWA chapters. What can I say? I like getting involved. I’m not adverse to bossing people around either.

Connect with Kristen: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Crossroads 2011: Kitty Keswick

Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2011/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween. 

Answers are to be emailed to bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com by October 31^st at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 1^st, the DAY OF THE DEAD. 

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337

BRIDGE Social Media: http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com is holding a special promotion for public libraries. Libraries that actively promote the Crossroads tour (post a link on their website, mention it in their newsletters, etc) can email us proof of their promotional activities by midnight on OCTOBER 31st to be entered in a draw to win a FREE SKYPE AUTHOR VISIT FOR THEIR LIBRARIES – WITH BEST-SELLING YA AUTHOR, RACHEL VINCENT.

---

Tori:Does your antagonist have a favorite pair of shoes?
Kitty: Hum, really good question. It’s more of a quality of dress for him, than shoes. However, my heroine wears her favorite pair of Chucks. I think they are super comfortable shoes, so I guess my love of them is translated. I once wore a pair until they were “barking.” The soles would flap when I walked. I finally tossed them out. Kasey and Ruby --one of my favorite supporting characters in Furry & Freaked-- also share a love of boots.  

Tori: What is your favorite movie?
Kitty: Right now, I love Easy A! It’s so witty and fun. My favorite movie changes so often. I adore all of the John Hughes’ High School movies from the Brat Pack days, Pretty In Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles. 

Tori: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?  
Kitty: Yes! You have to force yourself to write, work beyond the block.

Tori: What is your favorite dessert? 
Kitty: Chocolate Malted Crunch Ice Cream. It’s a California ice cream and I miss it! Also anything with Reese Peanut Butter Cups in them! And peanut M&M’s when I’m writing. The munching and typing thing is …magic.
 

You can connect with Kitty via:
{Website} {Blog} {Twitter} {Goodreads}

Check out the other author who has stopped by Book Faery today! 

{Read Linda Joy Singleton's interview questions}

Crossroads 2011: Shannon Delany

Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2011/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween. 

Answers are to be emailed to bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com by October 31^st at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 1^st, the DAY OF THE DEAD. 

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337

BRIDGE Social Media: http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com is holding a special promotion for public libraries. Libraries that actively promote the Crossroads tour (post a link on their website, mention it in their newsletters, etc) can email us proof of their promotional activities by midnight on OCTOBER 31st to be entered in a draw to win a FREE SKYPE AUTHOR VISIT FOR THEIR LIBRARIES – WITH BEST-SELLING YA AUTHOR, RACHEL VINCENT.

---

Tori: What does your heroine do in her free time?
Shannon: Free time? Poor Jess doesn’t get much of that considering the drama that evidently surrounds hot Russian-American werewolves. ;) The closest thing to free time Jess gets to do is ride her horse, Rio every once in a while. Oh, and she gets some time out for kissing Pietr (certainly not a shabby pastime). Other than that she’s pretty much stuck in survival mode.

Tori: What is your favorite dessert?
Shannon: It depends on my mood. I love tiramisu (but I’m very picky about it) and I have a fondness for most anything chocolate but only most of the time.

Tori: Coffee or tea?
Shannon: I like tea but I don’t think I can function without coffee. ;)

Tori: What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t writing?
Shannon: Researching, sketching, traveling and dreaming up new stories. I’m currently pre-writing a science fiction/cyberpunk series AND a historical standalone novel with a definite revolutionary flare to it.

You can connect with Shannon via:
{Website} {Blog} {Twitter} {Goodreads}

Check out the other author who has stopped by Book Faery today! 

{Read Carrie Harris' interview questions}

Crossroads 2011: Carrie Harris

Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2011/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween. 

Answers are to be emailed to bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com by October 31^st at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 1^st, the DAY OF THE DEAD. 

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337

BRIDGE Social Media: http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com is holding a special promotion for public libraries. Libraries that actively promote the Crossroads tour (post a link on their website, mention it in their newsletters, etc) can email us proof of their promotional activities by midnight on OCTOBER 31st to be entered in a draw to win a FREE SKYPE AUTHOR VISIT FOR THEIR LIBRARIES – WITH BEST-SELLING YA AUTHOR, RACHEL VINCENT.

---

Tori: What is your heroine’s biggest fear?
Carrie: Kate’s a huge perfectionist and is really REALLY hard on herself. When everyone expects the world from you, you feel a little obligated to deliver it. I think this helps to explain why she feels so compelled to solve the zombie problem—especially after she learns that it’s at least partially her fault. So the concept of failure gets her quaking in her boots almost as much as the distinct possibility that a zombie might soon be EATING her boots.

Tori: What is her least favorite music genre and why?
Carrie: Kate’s not hugely into music. Her best friend Rocky is a singer and always sends her music of all kinds—chamber orchestras follow glam metal, which in turn follow top 50 pop. Kate always skips the screamy songs, although she’d never admit it to Rocky because it would hurt her feelings. But that stuff gives her a headache.

Tori: What is your heroine’s worst habit?
Carrie: She’d say that her worst habit is biting her lip, which she does when she’s nervous or thinking hard. But I think she’s way too hard on herself. She’s also very good at denying what’s right in front of her if it doesn’t fit in with what she knows logically. She could (and does) get her lip bitten off by a zombie and still is in total denial about what’s going on. I’d probably be more like her brother Jonah; I’d be running around screaming things like, “It’s ZOMBIES! That’s so COOL!”

Tori: Do you have a song list for your books? If so, could you list a few songs?
Carrie: I can’t listen to music when I’m writing! I like to sing, even though I’m horrible at it, so I end up singing and dancing around like an idiot. And it’s very tough to type when you’re doing that. But I do have some songs that I listened to when I was editing. Some of my favorites are “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + the Machine, “Shut Up and Let Me Go” by The Ting Tings, and “Balrog Boogie” by the Diablo Swing Orchestra.

You can connect with Carrie via:
{Website} {Blog} {Twitter} {Goodreads}

Check out the other author who has stopped by Book Faery today! 

{Read Shannon Delany's interview questions}

Crossroads 2011: Rachel Vincent

Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2011/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween. 

Answers are to be emailed to bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com by October 31^st at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 1^st, the DAY OF THE DEAD. 

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337

BRIDGE Social Media: http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com is holding a special promotion for public libraries. Libraries that actively promote the Crossroads tour (post a link on their website, mention it in their newsletters, etc) can email us proof of their promotional activities by midnight on OCTOBER 31st to be entered in a draw to win a FREE SKYPE AUTHOR VISIT FOR THEIR LIBRARIES – WITH BEST-SELLING YA AUTHOR, RACHEL VINCENT.

---

Tori: What was the hardest part about coming up with the idea to your Soul Screamers series? 
Rachel: Writing a book (or a series) is never about just one idea. The hard part is taking all the various ideas that go into any one story and making them work together. It’s a little like weaving (I imagine, having never actually woven anything but plotlines). It’s tricky, and it can make you want to pull your hair out. How well am I hiding my bald spot? ;)

Tori: What was your reason for choosing a banshee to be your heroine? 
Rachel: I hadn’t seen much done with bean sidhes before, and I thought I had some original stuff
to add to the existing lore. 

Tori: Do you have another YA series in mind, or will you continue to write your Soul Screamers series for as long as you can? 
Rachel: I do! I have several ideas (both YA and adult) burning a hole in my pocket right now. As for Soul Screamers, I love the world and the characters, and I would love to continue writing them, but every series should end on a high point, and I’d hate to run it into the ground.

Tori: Do you have a song list for your books? If so, could you list a few songs?
Rachel: I don’t routinely listen to music while I write, because it distracts me. But there are certain songs that remind me of/inspire certain characters.

From Soul Screamers…
Sabine: Misery Business (Paramore)
Nash: It’s Been A While (Staind)
Tod: It’s Not My Time (3 Doors Down)
Kaylee: The Lonely (Christina Perri)

From Unbound…
Liv: The Hand That Feeds (NIN)
Kori: Drive (Incubus)

You can connect with Rachel via:
{Website} {Blog} {Twitter} {Goodreads}

Crossroads 2011: Lucienne Diver

Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2011/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween. 

Answers are to be emailed to bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com by October 31^st at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 1^st, the DAY OF THE DEAD. 

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337

BRIDGE Social Media: http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com is holding a special promotion for public libraries. Libraries that actively promote the Crossroads tour (post a link on their website, mention it in their newsletters, etc) can email us proof of their promotional activities by midnight on OCTOBER 31st to be entered in a draw to win a FREE SKYPE AUTHOR VISIT FOR THEIR LIBRARIES – WITH BEST-SELLING YA AUTHOR, RACHEL VINCENT.

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Tori: Do you have a pre-writing ritual?
Lucienne: Not really. I write first thing in the morning, before my inner-editor wakes up and censors me. It’s the time I’m most able to get out of my own way and hear the voices of my characters. I wake up, grab coffee and something to eat and shun everything else. Otherwise, I’d get caught up in a show or e-mail or whatever. Then I grab a notebook and a pen and sit somewhere quiet and comfy to write.

Tori: What does your heroine do in her free time? 
Lucienne: Shop! Or snog with her really hot honey.

Tori: What is your favorite book? 
Lucienne: Wow, that’s a tough one. So many! Among them:

Fiction: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare, the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. I could go on all day!

Non-fiction: Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach, Devil in the White City by Eric Larson.

Tori: What is your heroine’s favorite song?
Lucienne: Anything by her favorite singer, Su Surrus. I made her up, but think a gothed-up version of Pink. For example, take these lyrics from her fictional hit Long Gone Dead (from Revamped): 

Your eyes are like a knife
Stabbing daggers, end my life
But I won't come home to you
Best believe I have a clue. 

Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t give up my day job to become a lyricist <g>.

You can connect with Lucienne via:
{Website} {Blog} {Twitter} {Goodreads}

Check out the other author who has stopped by Book Faery today! 

{Read Jackie Morse Kessler's interview questions}

Crossroads 2011: Jackie Morse Kessler

Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2011/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween. 

Answers are to be emailed to bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com by October 31^st at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 1^st, the DAY OF THE DEAD. 

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337

BRIDGE Social Media: http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com is holding a special promotion for public libraries. Libraries that actively promote the Crossroads tour (post a link on their website, mention it in their newsletters, etc) can email us proof of their promotional activities by midnight on OCTOBER 31st to be entered in a draw to win a FREE SKYPE AUTHOR VISIT FOR THEIR LIBRARIES – WITH BEST-SELLING YA AUTHOR, RACHEL VINCENT.

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Tori: Out of all the characters you’ve written so far (and you can’t pick Death!), which of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse is your favorite?
Jackie: Can’t pick Death? **blinks** Well. Um.

In that case, my favorite character changes with every book. The current protagonist always holds a special place in my heart. I also really enjoy writing War, whether it’s the modern incarnation (post RAGE) or flashes of her from the past. (See LOSS for more—there’s one scene in there in which she rocks out loud. Man, she can be terrifying. And so freaking cruel.)

But seriously? Death. Really and truly, Death. Which makes it a wee bit daunting now that I’m about to write his book. (EEK!)

Tori: You can't see it, but I totally just fangirl squealed! If you had to be one of the ROTA, which rider would you be, and why? 
Jackie: Oh, I much prefer playing God and simply writing about the Riders of the Apocalypse. ;)

Tori: I love how you call attention to real issues that many teenagers (and even some adults) deal with in life. Do you have any future series in mind that will follow a similar approach? 
Jackie: Thank you! One of the best things about fiction is how we can relate to the characters, even when the story is made up. Just because you have a character stuck in a fantastical situation, that doesn’t mean what the character goes through is anything less than real. So while it’s safe to say that when the Riders of the Apocalypse is complete, other characters in other books will still go through issues that readers can relate to. (Just maybe, you know, not becoming Riders of the Apocalypse.)

Tori: What is Death’s favorite piece of clothing?  
Jackie: Currently? Faded sweaters, faded jeans, and Converse sneakers (faded, naturally).

You can connect with Jackie via:
{Website} {Blog} {Twitter} {Goodreads}

Check out the other author who has stopped by Book Faery today! 

{Read Lucienne Diver's interview questions}

Crossroads 2011: Kiki Hamilton (Plus Giveaway!)

Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2011/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween. 

Answers are to be emailed to bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com by October 31^st at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 1^st, the DAY OF THE DEAD. 

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337

BRIDGE Social Media: http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com is holding a special promotion for public libraries. Libraries that actively promote the Crossroads tour (post a link on their website, mention it in their newsletters, etc) can email us proof of their promotional activities by midnight on OCTOBER 31st to be entered in a draw to win a FREE SKYPE AUTHOR VISIT FOR THEIR LIBRARIES – WITH BEST-SELLING YA AUTHOR, RACHEL VINCENT.

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Tori: Do you have a pre-writing ritual? 
Kiki: Nope. I just dig in. I only write on my laptop now, so I can take it with me wherever I might be. I keep all of my notes, pictures, files, everything on my laptop, so everything I need is in one place. 
 
Tori: Coffee or tea? 
Kiki: Not really either, because coffee gives me migraines, but I do love it. As a substitute I’m totally hooked on Starbucks decaf mocha frappuccino’s – which are like a chocolate coffee milkshake. Yum! 

Tori: What is your favorite book? 
Kiki: The Harry Potter series is my favorite story, which, of course, spans seven books with one story arc. I LOVE Harry Potter.
 
Tori: What was the hardest part about coming up with the idea to your book? 
Kiki: Actually, this book was really easy to write. It only took me 30 days to write the first draft. I started with Tiki being a pickpocket in Victorian London and after she stole the Queen’s ring, I realized that others were after the ring and the story just sort of fell out of my head onto the page after that.

Thanks so much for having me over! xo Kiki

You can connect with Kiki via:
{Website} {Twitter} {Goodreads}

Check out the other author who has stopped by Book Faery today! 

{Read Angie Frazier's interview questions}

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Giveaway


Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger. 
The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.
Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

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