Patti Roberts and Guests : October 2011

Friday, October 14, 2011

Up Close & Personal with Author - D L Richardson “The Bird With The Broken Wing”

Book review wanted: Bloggers welcome.

Patti Says: Love this cover! Vote for it on Goodreads...

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Dublin, Ireland and my parents migrated to Australia when I was 8 months old. I live on the east coast of Australia, on the south coast of New South Wales. 4 years ago I ditched the city life for a sea change with the plan to spend more time writing. My plan has paid off. 3 years after leaving a 2 hour city commute behind, I’ve landed my first publishing deal.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

The Bird With The Broken Wing is a Young Adult Paranormal novel about a guardian angel who finds herself trapped in Purgatory with the mortal she’s assigned to watch over.

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

All my characters are pretty dysfunctional, even though they all think they’re perfectly fine. You’d have to take everything they said with a grain of salt.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

I’m currently writing a YA speculative fiction novel. One day I’ll write a follow up to The Bird With The Broken Wing as there is so more to tell about my dysfunctional guardian angel.

What or who inspired you to write? And how long have you been writing?

I can’t say any “one” person inspired me to write because I have always wanted to write novels. This compulsion to write has come from within. All up, I’ve been writing on and off for 15 years. Every now and then I give it up, then, disgusted with myself for giving in to rejection so easily, I take it up again.

Would you like to giveaway a copy of your book on this blog?

I would love to give away a copy to a reader. I would love for them to do a review on any of the sites my book is selling though as I'm starting out and really need the support.

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

The title took a while to finalize. I had working titles for the first few months of writing but none of them felt right. Then I was out walking one morning with my dog, playing with words in my head, and then bam, I got the idea that angels were birds and this angel is not as perfect as she thinks she is. The cover design is brilliant though I can’t take any of the credit for it. My publisher, Etopia Press, found my cover artist.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

No, but because I write teenager characters, I constantly have to delve back into my own childhood. I will freely admit to hating going through puberty and have never wished to go through it again. Hormones are horrible. I guess if I came out of my childhood feeling differently, I would not be able to create believable teenage characters that people can identify with.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

My favorite books as a teenager made me fall in love with YA fiction (see list of my favorite books below). When I was 18 I discovered Dean Koontz and for the first time I could say I had a favorite author.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Dean Koontz.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I do like a paperback because I always like to have a book in my handbag. But I can see the benefits of getting a kindle or some other e-reader. I’m planning 3 weeks of travel soon, and I can’t cram too many paperbacks into my luggage. So an e-reader will be my next purchase.

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Definitely. One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest. The Hobbit. Black Beauty. Flowers in the Attic. Tuck Everlasting. I’m currently on a journey to track down books I read 20 years ago, such as Lord Of The Flies, The Onion Fields. I’m getting sentimental in my old age, and I’m wondering what books of today I’ll consider classics in another 20 years.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

I think the Harry Potter movies are as good as the books, but I would never say they are better. Books are better. Period.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

I'm curently reading "Linger" by Maggie Stievater, in hard cover version. I’m reading it out of order but I’m having no troubles following the story line.

Who designed the cover of your book?

The cover was designed by Eithne O’Hanlon, an Irish girl with amazing talent. I didn’t source her, my publisher did. I couldn’t be happier with the cover art. It’s perfect.

Do you have a book trailer?

Not yet. I plan to work on one soon, which will be a totally new area for me. I’m a mid level techie. Any suggestions?

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

Not sure, as I haven’t done any exploring yet. I have no idea what I’m in for. If anyone has any advice I’d be glad to hear it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read a lot. Write a lot. Learn a lot. And expect to do all three for many years.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?

Nobody asked me to do this. That little gem of advice has helped me deal with rejection letters and to not take them personally. It’s made me want to be a better writer so that one day somebody will ask me to write a book. It’s helped me stay grounded, humble and helped me get rid of any ego because there is always something I need to learn.

Do you write under a pen name?

Yes and no. My real name is Deborah but nobody calls me that. Everyone calls me Deb or Debbie but I don’t like either of those names in print. So I opted for initials. Plus I want to write fiction aimed at male readers.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Ummm, guilty. I work full time so I get up early and sneak in a few hundred words while drinking my morning coffee. Then, after work, I’m dying to get out of my suit so I slink straight back into my PJs where I type for a few hours and slip into bed.

What are your pet peeves?

I usually can’t remember these till they happen, then I’m like, I #$#@#$ hate this!!! I dislike people who hijack conversations; they mistake my silence for active listening when really I’ve zoned out. I don’t like slow drivers; bit of a speed demon I’m afraid. Dishes left in the sink when the dishwasher is only two feet away. The weekends ending.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I prefer to write first thing in the day when my brain is fresh. Plus the house is usually quiet and dawn is my favorite time of day.

One of your favorite quotes.You can do anything, but not everything. David Allen.

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton. I connected with this book when I read it at 14 years of age and my love for this book has never left me.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit for the same reason.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I read this for the first time only a few years ago and I didn’t want it to end. Did not expect it to capture me.

The Hobbit by Tolkien which I’ve read 3 times.

I know you said 3, but I have so many books to choose from. I also love The Brothers Grimm. It’s no surprise that I don’t write for adults!

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

Gone With The Wind (for sentimental reasons, plus it’s a classic)

The Crow (best love story ever)

The Sixth Sense (best ghost story ever)

An actor you have a crush on.Jensen Ackles

Patti Says: Doesn't everyone :)))))

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

There are only a few TV shows that I’ll stop writing for. Supernatural, Doctor Who and Burn Notice.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Website: www.dlrichardson.com
Email: dlrichardsonbooks@bigpond.com
Blog: dlrichardsonwrites.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/dlrichardsonbooks
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/DLRichardson1

BARNES & NOBLE
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bird-with-the-broken-wing-d-l-richardson/1105684334

KOBO BOOKS
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Bird-with-Broken-Wing/book-Dh0jX5kDukm4X5AqsSPAPQ/page1.html

OMNILIT
http://www.omnilit.com/product-thebirdwiththebrokenwing-601126-251.html?oid=22

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Review and Interview with - Krystal Larson - Live To Read Blog Spot

Paradox – The Angels Are Here is for readers that enjoy reading Fantasy/paranormal/EMO books.
The story is narrated by Juliette, a soul who died 900 years ago and is now living on in a little girl named Grace here on earth - who is unaware of Juliette’s existence. However, Grace is not the only body that Juliette has lived through over the centuries, and from time to time, Grace is forced to relive some of Juliette’s past lives and deaths through disturbing visions.

Together, these two souls are on a mission, but only Juliette is aware of what that mission is. There are others too, some are here to help them succeed; some are here to make sure they don’t. But who is good and who is evil?

Are Grace’s Guardian Angels from heaven or hell???

This book delivers two aspects to the story – one focusing on Angels in their own dimension in Altair, and the other focusing on the events down here on Earth, and especially those events pertinent to a young girl named Grace, who is clearly important to the Angels.

Grace’s story is very moving – a young girl whose world is changing, especially when her father, whom she idolizes, dies in an accident. The grief Grace feels is very tangible – it’s written about so realistically. Readers will really feel for Grace as she comes to term with her father’s death.
The main Angels characters, although they are only touched on in book 1, are interesting and slightly disturbing – an aspect most really enjoyed.

This story is packed with a host of individual characters. And the questions you are left asking about some of these characters will have you wanting to pick up book 2 which is due out in November.

Here are some of the questions readers have asked about the book -

Q. When did you first start writing, Paradox? And did the idea for the book just come to you?
A: I started in 2009 so it took me roughly 2 years to put the first book (Novella) together.
I was inspired to write the series by what I didn’t know. By the questions we as humans have asked ourselves since the beginning of time. Where did we come from, what happens after death? Is there a heaven? Do our souls live on?

Q. Was there any research involved in writing the book especially when the times were in the very early centuries?
A. I think I have done just as much research for the series of Paradox books as I have done writing the story. Although a lot of that will not actually be evident until further along in the series. I love writing Grace’s flashbacks of Juliette’s past lives. I love going back in time and delving into historical events that have shaped our world. And hopefully bring some of them back to life throughout this story via the characters.

Q. Were any of your characters based off of someone you know or the names of the characters?
A: The characters in the Paradox Series are not based on anyone I know personally. Some of their traits and experiences are, however, influenced by people I have met. Mostly on an unintentional level. It isn’t until I reread some of my characters lines that I have sometimes thought – Oh, that reminds me of ….

Q. Was it at all difficult to write about such loss and heartache through out the book?
A: Surprisingly, no. I was going through an emotional stage of my life at the time and if anything it allowed me to really “feel” Grace’s loss and put it into words. I really believe that I would never have been able to achieve that if I wasn’t in that “place” in my life and if I hadn’t gone through something like that myself. I focused very much on the death of my own mother a few years ago; Mum was very much looking over my shoulder as I wrote it.

Q. As you were writing Paradox did you ever have writers block or did you already somewhat know what the story-line would be before you put the words on paper?
A: I have never had writers block. I have so many stories to tell that if anything sometimes I wonder where to start and where to leave off and cut to another scene. Some people have said that Paradox – The Angels Are Here jumps around during the telling of the story. And maybe it does. That is how the story unfolded to me while I wrote it and how Juliette tells it – as she remembers it.
When people are sitting around telling stories, I think that is how it happens. Suddenly you remember something from the past, because of something someone else has said, and regardless to where the story is at; you jump in and add it because you know that further on into the story, it is going to be important. It is very much Juliette’s story now. I just have the pleasure in writing it.

Q. What age groups do you recommend for the readers of Paradox?
A: I say 14 and up. Some would say that some of the subject matters are for an older audience but I disagree. It wasn’t that long a go in history that a 14 year old girl was old enough to wed and expected to bear children. In some cultures today they are very much considered adults. History has also shown us that in order to keep bloodlines “pure” it was nothing if not expected for brother and sister to produce an heir. Thankfully, the society that most of us live in today does not applaud or encourage this way of life.

Q. Who designed the cover and did you have any say in what you wanted it to look like?
A: Being an indie author I was very much solely responsible for the look of the cover. I searched numerous sites until I found the artwork by the very talented Hazel Brown. Then I added the heart, feather and text.

Q. Do you have any future plans for Grace and her family & friends with another book?
A: The Paradox saga is a series of books. The first book – The Angels Are Here – was an introductory into the series and is a Novella. The second in the series – Progeny Of Innocence - is a novel and is due out in November. The third – Bound By Blood – is due out in 2012 with more to follow the following year.

Q. What was the most difficult part writing the book? Do you have anything you wish you could go back and change?
A: The only thing hard about writing in general is time. If I could lock myself up and concentrate on only writing that would be great. But my friends would think I had gone completely mad and would probably try and have me committed.

Q. Did anyone inspire you to write Paradox "The Angels Are Here"?
A: Yes and no. I had just recently gone through a break-up and was terribly “lost”. I see now that the break-up was an incredible gift. It handed me the opportunity to focus on other things which I would otherwise had never done. And those other things turned out to be writing. The break-up, unbeknown to me at the time, turned out to be my cloud with a silver lining. Writing has been such wonderful therapy; I have never looked back and I have never been happier.

Q: Do you write full-time now? If so, what did you do before you started writing?
A: I don't write full time yet but would very much like to. That is my wish. I have to sell a lot more books though before that happens :)
Q: Where did you come up with the idea for the Paradox series?
A: I was inspired by what I didn't know. By the questions we as humans have asked ourselves since the beginning of time. Where did we come from, is there more after death? Is there a heaven? Do our soul's live on?