Interview and Giveaway with Author Valerie Douglas

 Today I'd like to welcome Valerie Douglas to the blog. Read this fun interview and enter her giveaway! 

Q: Who are you, and why should readers read the rest of this interview?

Hmmm, I’m old enough to know better but young enough to still do it. I collect odd animals – one submissive and one schizophrenic dog, a one-eyed cat, another whose jaw has been broken and I’m pretty sure is dain-bramaged (we don’t say that out loud) and another who sucks her tail. The fourth cat is normal. More or less. I also have nearly twenty books published either as myself or under my pen name – and the genres tend to vary depending  on my muse. Why read the rest of the interview? Because you KNOW you want to…

Q: Tell us a little about the work you are here promoting.  

Heart of the Gods is a nifty little thriller full of myth, magic, mummies and romance with a little paranormal thrown in for good measure. An archeologist, Ky Farrar has been fascinated by the legendary Tomb of the Djinn since he first learned of it as a boy. The stories of its Guardian and the treasures contained within intrigued him. Of course, he believes that most of those tales are myth. Until he finds out the Guardian is all too real, and she’s as lovely as she is lethal.

Q: Mummies sounds like something I can get into.  As a writer, do you have plans for world domination, or do you have a day job as well?

I’m lucky enough to support myself as a writer – so I have lots of time to plot world domination.

Q: Nice! Self-published, traditional, indie or part of an indie collective? If not yet published, what are you doing to make it happen?

All of the above, except the last. My first novels were published traditionally under my pen name, but I found I didn’t like giving up the control. I just don’t handle authority well. *grins* What a surprise. Now I have all the control, all the headaches, but all the money as well. I’ll take door number two in exchange for one and three any day.

Q:  How do you handle bad reviews?

Ya know, I just don’t like every book I’ve ever read and I don’t expect other folks to do the same. Even so, I’ll admit it still hurts. Less so from the person who admitted they didn’t read the book but failed it on the blurb. Now, most of the time I just avoid looking at them, so when I find a good one it’s such a wonderful surprise.

Q: I like that attitude!  Are you nervous yet and do you prefer white or wheat bread.

Nah, and I don’t eat bread much. (Love the taste, but carbs put me to sleep.)

Q: I don’t think I’ve ever heard of carbs putting someone to sleep. =) Do you blog? If so, don't you wish you were as cool a blogger as I?

I started guest blogging for someone else, and now I almost never post on my own blog page.

Q: What is your favorite creature, monster, or fantasy based thing you write about?

I like almost all of them except sparkly emo vampires. Sorry Twilight fans, not picking on it much, but then I’m over 30 and that can be a handicap.

Q: Are you planning to give something away (if not, good luck getting anyone to read this thing) and if so, what are your demands for winning (I assume, your book because why else would you stop by?) 

I’ll give away a free copy of both Heart of the Gods and Servant of the Gods to each of the first three people who can find my blog and prove they’ve read the blurbs for both.

Q: Any advice for aspiring writers?

Do the work. Put out a quality product. Then, stick with it. It won’t happen overnight.

Q: Tick off a few authors you look up to.

Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird). Anne McCaffrey (One of the first women to be awarded a Hugo and Nebula).  Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb, bestselling novelist.

Q:  Are you, or are you not a douche bag? Heh, you don't have to answer that. That's just for my enjoyment.

Not in general practice.

Author Bio: 

Valerie Douglas is a prolific writer and a genre-crosser, much to the delight of her fans. A fan of authors from almost every genre from Isaac Asimov to Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, she writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and as V.J. Devereaux, erotic romance. Who knows what will pop up down the road!

She’s the author of several series – the Servant of the Gods series (historical romance),  The Coming Storm series (epic fantasy), and The Millersburg Quartet series (romance), and a dozen more.

Happily married, she's lives in the wild farmlands of Ohio. In addition to her husband she’s companion to two dogs, four cats and an African clawed frog named Hopper who delights in tormenting the cats from his tank.

Q: Alright, where can readers find you on the web?

http://valeriedouglasbooks.com (website) http://valeriedouglasbooks.blogspot.com/ (blog)

https://twitter.com/#!/ValerieDouglasA (Twitter)

http://www.facebook.com/Valerie.Douglas.Books (FB) 


The giveaway 
Alright, folks. The giveaway will end May 26th. The author listed her demands above... locate her blog and comment that you read the blurb, the first three comments win!

Heart of the Gods synopsis:

Tales of the fabled Tomb of the Djinn and its Guardian have fascinated archaeologist Ky Farrar since a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo when he was a boy. The story of the star-crossed lovers and their battle to save ancient Egypt from the Djinn made him choose his career. He believes he’s finally found it - only to discover the Tomb's Guardian is all too real. And she's as lovely as she is lethal.
 

Ky, however, isn't the only one searching. It's a race to reach the Tomb before the others accidentally unleash what lies within it in their effort to claim the ancient artifacts which lie within - the legendary Horn of the Djinn and the Heart of the Gods.

 

Interview With Author Charles O'Keefe

Today I'd like to share an interview with fellow Penumbra author and friend, Charles O'Keefe. I will be reviewing his debut vampire novel here at Paranormal Wire in the very near future. Enjoy!

Q: Who are you, and why should readers read therest of this interview?

A: Wellthat’s an easy one, at least the first part ;). My name is Charles Rex RenoufO’Keefe, I prefer Charles O’Keefe, my parents gave me two middle names but likemost people I don’t use them. I am hoping that readers will read the rest asI’m someone who loves to meet new people, both online and in person, especially if they have similar interests and not to brag but I have been told that I’mfascinating ;)

Q: Tell us a little about the work you are herepromoting.

I havealways loved vampire books/stories/movies and about 10 years ago, I had an ideafor one. Life got in the way but in 2010 I finally got serious and the resultis my first vampire book that will be out in April of this year. It is aparanormal/romance/horror novel where I put my own spin on vampires and imaginehow my own life could have turned out if I had become a vampire at 23.

Q: As awriter, do you have plans for world domination, or do you have a day job aswell?

Worlddomination would be fantastic but for now, I do hold down a mundane day job as an inventory manager. Maybe someday I will be able to write/gamble full timeand spend my winters somewhere warm.

Q: Self-published, traditional, indie or part of anindie collective? If not yet published, what are you doing to make it happen?

As youknow I am with Penumbra Publishing, I signed a contract back in September of2011 and I will be published in April of this year. For me I think semi-traditional publishing was the way to go (as you know Penumbra is asmaller company that specializes in Ebooks) because I just don’t think myediting skills are good enough to make a book publishable and I wanted ajumpstart with promotion (and I didn’t want to pay for printing).

Q: How do you handle bad reviews? If you have nothad one...would you be willing to grant me permission to trash your writing,just to see if you cry?

I haven’thad a bad review as my book hasn’t come out yet. I imagine I will take thefirst couple a little hard. I give you permission but I know you won’t trash mywriting (at least not now), you were kind enough not to do it when you had thatfirst ARC copy of my book.

Q: Are you nervous yet and do you prefer white orwheat bread.

Hard tobe nervous when I do these questions ahead of time (and we are already friends). Whole wheat certainly please, I am something ofa health nut. It serves me well as I have not been sick more than once in almost 4 years.

Q: Do you blog? If so, don't you wish you were ascool a blogger as I?

Yes I blog and yes I wish I was as cool as you or more precisely had more guest bloggers, just kidding. My blog is http://p45crok.wordpress.com

Q: Ah yes, most bloggers wish they were as cool as I ;) What is your favorite creature, monster, orfantasy based thing you write about?

Come on now Tasha you know this one! ;) But since the readers may not it’s vampireswithout a doubt. For me the idea of living forever, with powers, eternal youthand the ability to make others like you is worth any price…or so Joseph thought, you’ll have to wait to find out more (well YOU won’t but everyone else will).

Q: I did know that but asked the question to humor everyone else. Any advice for aspiring writers?

Yes, work hard and do not give up. Also be prepared for criticism both constructive and otherwise, finally be ready to revise and edit A LOT. For other detailed advice please visit my blog (above) or yours at http://paranormalwire.blogspot.comI’ve been known to do a few guest posts there.

Q: Tick off a few indie authors you look up to.

I’m stilla little unsure exactly what “indie” means but first you, Natasha Larry, a friend of mine DarrenHann, another friend ShannonPatrick Sullivan, and Joanne-SoperCook another Newfoundland vampire author (though her style/setting is much different than mine).

Q: Awww, its sweet and unsettling that you look up to me. That might be dangerous. :)

Are you, or are you not a douche bag? Heh, youdon't have to answer that. That's just for my enjoyment.

A friend of mine once said “everyone is an asshole sometimes” and I think that is verytrue. I would think about 80% of the time I am not a douche bag, the other 20%...:)I am fairly certain I’m OCD (though not diagnosed) so that can lead to some annoying behaviour on occasion.

Q: Sell your book, right now, to your host withoutonce mentioning your book, blog or twitter handle.

Easy,imagine you had sex with the man/woman or your dreams and discovered a few dayslater you had been turned into a vampire. How would you cope with that? More importantly what would you do with your creator/sire and how you would dealwith other vampires in the world? I answered a question with a question buthey, that’s just how I roll.

Q: Alright, where can readers find you on the web?

Easy-peasy,www.charlesokeefe.com. This includes buttons/links to my blog,e-mail, Twitter, Facebook and Skype.

Authorbio:

CharlesO’Keefe currently lives in the beautiful province of Newfoundlandwhere he works as an Inventory Manager at O’Keefe Agencies.He is happily married and has two furry children named Jude and Esther . Heenjoys many hobbies such as walking, Pilates, writing, reading, movies, gaming, television,pokerand of course vampires(not the sparkly kind!). Lately he has been very focused on writing blogposts and his first book “The Newfoundland Vampire” which will be out April2012. He believes in animal rights and has been a strict vegetarian for many years. He also believes in helping to save ourplanet and trying to helppeople whenever he can. He would also describe himself as Agnostic.He has a BA in English along with Masters in education that provided him with abrief teaching career.

Check Out My Latest Interview and Giveaway

I was recently interviewed by the lovely Jaidis Shaw. You can read the interview Here at Juniper Grove. There is also a chance to win a copy of Darwin's Children and Unnatural Law!

A Wayward Interview+Sneak Peak at Common Descent!

Hi all, Natasha here. I just wanted to share an interview I did with one of my favorite bloggers and supporters, William Green. You can read the hilarious interview here at Wayward Things. 

There is also a brief and sneaky peak at the third book in the Darwin's Children series , Common Descent.

JeanzBookReadNReview: AUTHOR INTERVIEW - NATASHA LARRY

JeanzBookReadNReview: AUTHOR INTERVIEW - NATASHA LARRY: Q What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now? My name is Natasha Larry. I was born in Fort. Riley, KS. Right ...

Interview and Giveaway With Author Nova Sparks

Sam Tucker thought he was saving the lives of his fellow Coloradans when he rushed them and his family into an alien spaceship and away from a crumbling Earth. But given recent events...he was DEAD WRONG! With the brutal murder of his best friend and the equally mysterious series of events that preceded, he is absolutely sure that the race of aliens that have given the humans a home on their planet, are hostile. The Syrions want something from the humans and Sam is sure of it. 

Emma Tucker didn't expect to fall in love with a Syrion boy and she definitely didn't expect for her life to be ruined because of it. After a group of dangerous Syrions found out about her involvement with one of their own, they made sure that she got the message to stay away. Living in fear inside of the Dome, Emma finds herself in the company of a human, Jason, a young man who seems to be everything Emma should want. But the more she tries to distance herself from a life she craves, the more the affects start to take its toll on her. Emma's changing and she doesn't know why. Working together with her father to discover the intentions of the Syrions, Emma realizes that the only way she can get answers about the fate of the humans is to risk everything.

the DOMErevelation is a heart pounding adventure of love, trust and self-discovery. 

Continue the journey...Invade the truth.

Q: Who are you, and why should readers read the rest of this interview?

My name is Nova Sparks and I'm a sci-fi urban fantasy romance author. You guys should read the rest of this interview because I would be really sad if you didn't. And you wouldn't like me when I'm sad. I'll get big and blue and destroy your city. They call me The SULK maybe you heard of me.

Q: Tell us a little about the work you are here promoting.

Well, last time I was here, I was promoting my first book, the DOME, which is part one of the DOME trilogy. TODAY, I'm here promoting the second installment, the DOMErevelation. I'm super excited. The book basically picks up right where book 1 left off. If you read book 1, you'd know that it left off pretty hectic. There were a lot of questions in book 1 and the DOMErevelation answers a lot them. All the cool characters are back of course, Emma, Sam, Kris, Gregory, Ked (the alien lover), and introducing Jason! All of these people are working together to figure out what the aliens want from these humans. You've gotta read it! You've just gotta!

Q:  As a writer, do you have plans for world domination, or do you have a day job as well?

I really do want to dominate the world. It would only make sense. I have so much stuff that I do for work. I'm Mrs. Busy! But I always make time for my writing. I plan to be a bestselling author one day. Here's to hoping!

Q: Self-published, traditional, indie or part of an indie collective? If not yet published, what are you doing to make it happen?

I am PROUDLY self-published! This has been a rocky ride but it has been SOOOOO FUN! I've met some awesome people, man! And you're one of them, Natasha. Many of us are really supportive of each other. We pretty much know the deal with this industry and we help each other every way we can. I love it! Of course, I do hate it sometimes. But for the most part, I love it!

Q: How do you handle bad reviews? If you haven't had one...would you be willing to take part in a social experiment? Basically? Would you grant me permission to trash your writing, just to see if you cry? I wouldn't do that (don't worry)

I do enjoy a really good bad review. A review that points out specific issues in my book. But then again, I don't really consider those bad or negative reviews. I consider that constructive criticism. A BAD review would be someone who has no idea why they don't like my book, the just don't like it. They can't explain why. Those things are slightly irritating, but I remember that everyone has their own opinion.

Q: Are you nervous yet and do you prefer white or wheat bread.

You make me nervous all the time. But that has to do with my strong feelings for you, sweetie. ;-) And as far as bread goes, I've discovered this bread that's white but with all the healthiness of wheat bread. That is sooo good.

Q:  Do you blog? If so, don't you wish you were as cool a blogger as I?

Yes I blog! And I do wish I were as cool a blogger as you! I heart your blogging skills, hun!

Q: What is your favorite creature, monster, or fantasy based thing you write about?

My favorite is ALIENS, of course! They are so flexible. You can do SOOO much with them. I feel like with some things like vampires, werewolves, etc...you're kind of put into a box because sooooo many things have been done already. With aliens, you can do whatever you want and no one can say anything to you about how realistic it is because no one really knows about the existence of aliens or what they can really do. With those other things, they only exist in a realm of fantasy and because of that, certain rules have been formulated for you by various other artist, authors, etc... It becomes difficult to branch out of that without making them not seem like exactly what they are. If this makes any sense at all.

Q: Are you planning to give something away (if not, good luck getting anyone to read this thing) and if so, what are your demands for winning (I assume, your book because why else would you stop by?)

Sure! As soon as the DOMErevelation comes out on NOVember 30th, I'll give a free copy away to EVERYONE who leaves a comment at the bottom of this interview with their email included!

Q: Tick off a few indie authors you look up to.

HAHAHAHA! I'm going to leave this question alone!

Q: Are you, or are you not a douche bag? Heh, you don't have to answer that. That's just for my enjoyment.

I am a SUPER douche! But a douche BAG? You are going too far missy!

Q: Okay, where can people reach you on the web? 

Nova Sparks Books, Amazon, BN, and Smashwords

the DOME is now on sale for 99 cents!

Every comment gets a free copy of the DOMErevelation:

Ends November 30th!

Interview and Giveaway With Author K.C. Neal

N.L. Who are you, and why should readers read the rest of this interview?


I’m K.C. Neal, author. You should read the rest of the interview because later on I reveal *the* magic formula for writing the most captivating, perfect story possible. That’s right! But that part of the interview is written in invisible digital ink. If you paypal $49 to my email address, I will send you the special ink decoder!

N.L: Wow, that answer was AMAZING. I just fell in love all over again. Moving on.
Q: Tell us a little about the work you are here promoting.

A. My debut novel, Pyxis: The Discovery is the first book in a YA fantasy series. The main character, 16-year-old Corinne, discovers there are two universes - the waking universe we live in every day, and a universe our minds enter when we're asleep. Her destiny is to protect a weakness between the two universes, to keep evil and harm from cycling between them, but the person who was supposed to teach her everything died unexpectedly. Her friend Mason has a role in all of this, too, and together they search for answers. I don't want to give away too much, but there are some fun paranormal elements to the story - ESP, pyrokinesis, things like that. It’s  a fast-paced read that's full of mystery.


Q: As a writer, do you have plans for world domination, or do you have a day job as well?


A: Oh my gosh, have you been spying on me? I talk about my plan for world domination daily! I’m dead serious - my closest friends can confirm this. It’s a 5-phase plan, and I’ve almost completed Phase 2. I do have a day job, too, though. Cackling over my world-domination plans doesn’t pay the bills. Not yet, anyway. I work full-time as a Medical Writer.

N.L. Ha, I have actually been spying on you. In a friendly way. I’m an easy stalker to get along with. Anyway…onward!
Q: Self-published, traditional, indie or part of an indie collective? If not yet published, what are you doing to make it happen?

A: I’m a bit of a hybrid, in a way. I don’t have an agent, but I do have a publisher, StoneHouse Ink. It’s a pretty awesome set-up, actually. I work directly with my publisher and have a lot of say in the decisions that get made. I had a ton of input into my book’s cover, for example. And just this last week I got to choose a voice actor who will do an audio version of my book. I’m a bit of a control freak, so this arrangement really suits me. My publisher is really more of a business partner, and we both work really hard to give my book the best chance possible.

Q: How do you handle bad reviews? If you haven't had one...would you be willing to take part in a social experiment? Basically? Would you grant me permission to trash your writing, just to see if you cry?

I haven’t had any reviews yet, so I’m not sure how I’ll react. But, being a Medical Writer has been good training in terms of getting my writing picked apart and put back together. When I write medical content, half a dozen people or more review and edit it. You learn really quickly not to take any of it personally. And my manuscript got pretty much shredded earlier this year, which led to a major revision. I’ve built up some calluses, I guess you could say. :)

UPDATE ALERT: K.C has been getting reviews that I’ve obviously read. Hint, they are glowing! Congrats! Next…
Q: Are you nervous yet and do you prefer white or wheat bread?


A: You know, I AM kind of nervous. White for garlic bread and grilled cheese sandwiches, wheat for everything else.

Q:  Do you blog? If so, don't you wish you were as cool a blogger as I?

A: I do blog, but I’m nowhere near the force de blog that you are. You’re like a power blogger! (Are you susceptible to flattery, btw?)

N.L.: I am always open to hearing how awesome I am. =)
 Q: What is your favorite creature, monster, or fantasy based thing you write about?

A: No creatures in my series, but there’s plenty of magic. The ESP is the part I really dig, though. All kinds of interesting ways to use that in interactions between characters.

Q: Are you planning to give something away (if not, good luck getting anyone to read this thing) and if so, what are your demands for winning (I assume, your book because why else would you stop by?)

A:  Sure, I’d love to give away an ebook! My demand is this: that you worship at the altar of my Twitter account. By following it.

Q: =) Any advice for aspiring writers?

A:  I don’t think of myself as particularly qualified to give advice to writers, but since you asked…. One, find a skilled, more experienced writer to critique your work, and don’t fear criticism; a good critique will help your writing improve by leaps and bounds. Two, an idea for a story isn’t the same as a plot; a book needs a plot and a plot needs tension and conflict, not just cool ideas. Three, read voraciously; aside from actually writing, reading is your best training.

N.L. I totally agree. Tick off a few indie authors you look up to.

Q: Angeline Kace, who just released her debut novel, Descended by Blood, in August. She wrote a great book and worked really hard marketing it, and her book is killing it in the Kindle store. Sometimes I’m afraid I’m getting into ebook publishing too late, I missed the wave, but her success gives me hope that it can still be done.
Aaron Patterson, who heads StoneHouse Ink (my publisher), is a bestselling author and just as talented at the business part of publishing as he is at writing, which I imagine is a rare combination. His first book came out back before there was this enormous wave of self-published books, and he’s kept out ahead of the changes in the industry the past few years.
Really, I admire any indie who can sell well enough to make a living off their books. It’s not easy out there!

Q: Are you, or are you not a douche bag? Heh, you don't have to answer that. That's just for my enjoyment.

Definitely not! Wait, that’s probably something a douche bag would say, isn’t it…?

Q: =) Sell your book, right now, to your host without once mentioning your book, blog or twitter handle.

A: I command you: BUY IT. Hee hee.

Q: Alright, where can readers find you on the web?

My blog
Twitter (@KCNealTweets)
Facebook
Google+
Goodreads

Alright now, the giveaway! One digital copy of: 

 A Blurb: Two worlds.... One 16-year-old girl must learn to protect them both.

The nightmares haunting Corinne and her friend Mason hint at a universe that exists beyond the one they know. Her destiny is to protect a weakness between the two worlds, but the person who was supposed to teach her how is dead. As Corinne and Mason search for answers, she tries to ignore the sparks igniting between them, but can't deny she feels safe only when he's nearby. Will they find help before their nightmares break free?

Blogger Demands.

1.Leave me a nice comment including your e-mail addy. REQUIRED
2.1. Follow K.C. Neal on Twitter. @KCNealTweets. (Not required but makes winning more likely). 

3. Following the blog is not required, but appreciated. Good Luck! This giveaway will end on November 16th.

Interview and Giveaway With Author David Beem

Q: Who are you, and why should readers read the rest of this interview?

Hang on a sec.  I got some pieces of my brain all over here . . . just got to get them all picked up.   Just get them stuffed back in here . . . there we go.  See?  My book is so freakin’ mind-blowingly awesome, you’ve got to be careful when you start talking about it.  Never know what’s going to happen.  So.  What was your question?

Q: Tell us a little about the work you are here promoting.

Abyss of Chaos, a cool-action-adventure-shit-your-pants-supernatural –thriller about the Ark of the Covenant, some turrurists, and a whole lot of restless souls in netherspace.  I’ve got it on good authority that the cool will rub off on you just by owning it.  Don’t even have to read it.

Q: As a writer, do you have plans for world domination, or do you have a day job as well?

No, no.  Just world domination.

Q: Self-published, traditional, indie or part of an indie collective? If not yet published, what are you doing to make it happen?

Self-published and plugged into two Indie collectives: Escapistpress and Novel Publicity.

Q: How do you handle bad reviews? If you haven't had one...would you be willing to take part in a social experiment? Basically? Would you grant me permission to trash your writing, just to see if you cry? 
 

They’ll come for sure.  And when they do, I’ll be strong.  I’ll be strong hiding behind a bottle of Jack with my liver encased in an iron box.  But sure, trash away Larry.

Q: Are you nervous yet and do you prefer white or wheat bread?

Not nervous, and wheat bread all the way baby.

Q: Do you blog? If so, don't you wish you were as cool a blogger as I?
 

Yes, and yes.  I’m very jealous of your cool.

Q: What is your favorite creature, monster, or fantasy based thing you write about?

Ark of the Covenant.  Ancient cosmic mysteries.  Melting faces.  

Q: Are you planning to give something away (if not, good luck getting anyone to read this thing) and if so, what are your demands for winning (I assume, your book because why else would you stop by?)

Sure.  I kill off one of my MCs.  If you’ve read John Knowles, you’ll know which one by his name.

Q: Any advice for aspiring writers?

Honor your work by giving yourself the space to succeed.

Q: Tick off a few indie authors you look up to.

I think I may have just done it by presuming to give advice.

Q: Are you, or are you not a douche bag? Heh, you don't have to answer that. That's just for my enjoyment.

What answer will sell more books?

Q:  Sell your book, right now, to your host without once mentioning your book, blog or twitter handle.

See the answer to Question No. 8, then add the words TOTALLY FREAKIN’ AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Q: Alright, where can readers find you on the web?

www.davidbeem.wordpress.com


Alright kiddies-This contest will run until October 17th. The prize is one ebook copy of: 

The rules? Leave a comment answering the following question:What melts your face off? ;) I will chose one winner at random. Good luck!