Author interview with Julia Crane by Guest Blogger Lenmeo, After The Book.

Interview With Julia Crane Author of Keegan's Chronicles

Please welcome Julia Crane author of Coexist-Keegan's Chronicles Book 1

Thank you for being here with us today. I know that you have a new book coming soon and that you are very busy. We do appreciate the visit.
Thank you for inviting me!

When did you realize that becoming a published writer is what you wanted to do?
I think most people dream of someday publishing a novel. I know as a teen I used to send off short stories to magazines all the time. That still makes me smile. I’m sure they were horrible. It was just within this last year after reading so much about how ebooks have flung the doors opens to authors that I started considering it. We had recently moved to Dubai, and suddenly I had a lot of free time on my hands. Writing sounded like a good idea.

Who or what has been the most instrumental person/thing to you as far as getting published? There are so many people involved it’s hard to pick just one. It’s a combined effort. Of course I have to write the book, but editors, and designers get a lot of credit.

As an author, is there any one author or book out there that inspired you write a specific genre? I would not say there is an author or a book that inspired me to write young adult. I would say having a teen daughter gave me a lot of inspiration. And my Irish grandmother inspired me to write about elves.


Do you have a favorite and non-favorite genre to write and read?
I have always loved to read. I can pretty much read and enjoy anything. There are so many amazing authors out there. I do tend to read mostly fiction I love to get lost in a book. As far as writing, I really enjoy the paranormal young adult. When there is magic anything can happen.

Would you say that being a reader is important to being a writer? It is important to me. I learn a lot through reading other author’s works.

I know that many authors today utilize other authors while they are writing their books as critique partners. How do you edit your books?
I just recently got two amazing critique partners. Fellow authors Talia Jager and Heather Adkins. I also hire two editors.

Are you a part of a critique group? I belong to critiquecircle.com however, I don’t utilize it as much as I should. There are some amazing helpful people on that site.

If so...Would they or yourself be interested in being contacted about critiquing other authors? I’m really not the best as far as critiques go. Which is why I require two editors. I do love to beta read. I just can’t help someone clean up their story, but I can tell them what I enjoyed as a reader.

Do you have a favorite place to write that helps bring inspiration to your stories? I really like to be alone and in a quite place when I write. However, with three children that doesn’t happen very often. So I tend to write late at night or when the youngest is napping. When I am lucky, my husband takes the baby out so I can write.

Do you listen to music when writing? No, it’s too distracting for me.
Would you say that writing has gotten easier for you now that you are published? No, if anything it might be harder. I feel the pressure to make the next book better than the first. I have learned a lot so certain steps are easier. My revision time has been cut in half for the second book.

How long does it generally take you to write a book? Three to four months for the rough draft.

What was your inspiration to write Coexist? When I sat down to think about what I wanted to write,the idea of elves was pretty automatic. My mother is 100% Irish. My grandmother loved telling Irish tales, and my family all have pointy ears which we get teased for having elf ears. When I first started dating my husband, he told me he had a strange dream about an elf battle. I actually forgot about that until I almost finished the book. I think that was probably always in the back of my subconscious.

Is there a book trailer for Coexist?
Yes, I was fortunate enough to find parajunkeedesigns.com she made and amazing trailer for Coexist. http://youtube/I9S5rXgjlok

How much research if any did you put into writing Coexist?
I’m almost embarrassed to say very little. I just sat down and started writing. The story came to me fairly quick. I did research dark elves because I didn’t really have a firm grasp on how I wanted to portray them.

Would you say that the setting of your book was vital in the telling of your story?
Yes, because it was set in modern times. However, the elves were still drawn to nature so they liked to live near the woods. Of course, the battle had to take place in Ireland where it all began.

Without giving away any spoilers, what would you say was the most challenging part of Coexist to write?
Hmm, it really wasn’t a challenge to write it. It was a challenge to revise after editing. That took me longer than writing the book. 

What was your favorite part of Coexist?

My favorite part of the book would have to be the family dynamics among the elves.

  

What is your favorite part of writing? My favorite part of writing was seeing the word count go up so quickly. I started writing it on a whim, not confident I could finish it.

Which character do you identify with the most? Emerald, even though I tried not to she turned out a lot like me.

Which was your favorite to write? I really enjoyed writing the character Thaddeus. However, Rourk was the easiest to write. He came naturally to me.

Are any of the characters in Coexist a direct reflection of yourself or someone you know? Yes, I took characteristics from people I know for most of the characters in the book. They say write what you know.

Where and or how did you come up with the names for your characters? Keegan, I have just always loved that name for a girl. Rourk, was the name of one of my favorite characters in a novel. Emerald, I just made that up out of the blue. Thaddeus, Brigid, and Katrina are my actual siblings names. Warrick is my youngest son’s name. The rest, no real reason behind them.


How much input do you have in the cover art of your books? I was lucky to find an amazing cover artist, Kadri Umbleja. She is on DeviantArt. We went back and forth several times during the process. However, the vision is all hers. I told her about the story and in minutes she had an idea it was pretty amazing. The girl on the covers is actually my daughter. 

I know that you have a second book coming out soon. Would you like to share any news with our readers about the release date or story itself?
Tentative release is September 15th. However, things don’t aways go as planned so that is a fingers crossed date.

Which of your two most recent books would you say was your favorite to write?
I think Coexist even though I believe my writing improved in Conflicted. I loved bringing life to Keegan and Rourk.

How many more books do you plan on writing in the Coexist series?
As of right now, only three. However, I do plan on writing some spin off books to shed light on some of the smaller characters that have a story to tell.

I know that Coexist is set to come out in paperback soon. Is this as an exciting time for you as when it came out in eBook format? It is exciting, but also slightly frustrating. Since I live in Dubai the mail takes forever to get here. My sister has already seen a preview copy and I want to hold it in my hands.

Do you have any bookmarks or signed bookplates that readers can inquire about?
Not yet, but those are great ideas I will have to look into.

Aside from writing, what are your other hobbies and interest?
Before we moved to Dubai my husband and I owned a small gym, so fitness has always been important. I enjoy reading although it’s harder to find the time now. I don’t really have any hobbies. I spend my free time with husband and children. We do travel a lot so maybe that’s a hobby?

Do you have a favorite book that you would like to give a shout out to?
Well, it’s actually not released yet. I was lucky enough to beta read for Talia Jager and she as great vampire book soon to be released called Secret Bloodline. 

Is there an author out there that our readers may not have heard of yet or been exposed to that you believe could use a little bit of extra recognition? Heather Adkins. She’s a wonderful person and amazing writer.

Where can readers purchase a copy of Coexist and your other books? http://www.amazon.com/Coexist-Keegans-Ch...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coexist-...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/66...


Where can readers get in touch with or follow you? Blog: http://coexistjuliacrane.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coexist-Ke...
Twitter: juliacrane2
Goodreads:   http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/480...
email: juliacrane@zoho.com

Will you accept inquiries from other bloggers to host giveaways on their blogs?
Yes, I love giveaways.


Would you mind other bloggers contacting you about interviews or Guest Posts? I’m always open for interviews. I rarely do guest post, they stress me out too much. I’m sadly not a very good blogger.

Do you review books? Well, I post reviews on Amazon etc. However, I write short and sweet. I have a lot of respect for book bloggers that write long reviews. I’m also very grateful for them.

Is there a link somewhere that will take readers to a "frequently asked questions" page?
No, I guess that is something I should add to my list of things to do. This interview has given me a lot of ideas.

Aside from marriage proposals, are there any types of questions that you will not answer for readers?
I cannot think of anything off the top of my head. I love having readers send me emails to ask questions.

And lastly, a question for fun.

What is the airspace velocity of an unladen swallow?
My sister is a huge Monty Python fan. She will get a kick out of this. I just finished a 6 mile run and I can guarantee it’s a lot faster than I am!

With all that having been asked, do you as an author have any questions for our readers? Rourk or Donald?

Amazing interview. Thank you again for being here and for answering all of our questions. We would love to have you back again. Just say when :)

If you liked this interview and are interested in reading Julia's first book Coexist, please leave a creative comment below and tell her why.  She might just giveaway a couple of eBooks to the most creative reasons.  Go ahead, tell Julia why you want to read Coexist!

More on Lenmeo's blog here

Up Close & Personal with Author – Phil Truman, Legends of Tsalagee

If you get a chance, check out Phil's interview with Patti Roberts: @DonovanCreed John Locke.

Where were you born and where do you call home? 
I’m a native Oklahoman. For the past 30 years, my wife and I have lived in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow.  

How long have you been writing? 

During my wage-earning years I dabbled in writing; wrote columns for local and regional magazines and newspapers, did some freelance stuff, entered contests for short fiction, that sort of thing.  I’ve always had an itch to write, but I never considered my writing much more than a hobby…or a rash. So I stayed with “real jobs” while my kids were growing up. But once that was all behind me, and I retired from the work-a-day world, I took up fiction writing full time because I had the time, space, and attitude to maintain it.

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?

My latest release is the novel Legends of Tsalagee. I call it a mystery, adventure, romantic comedy. The story revolves around a hunt for the Lost Treasure of Belle Starr. There’s a murder, there’s some lovey-dovey stuff. Oh, and there’s a Bigfoot. It’s available in all e-book formats, as well as print, from the usual sources. How many words was that?

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

Hayward Yost – “Punch, are you always gonna be stupid?”

Socrates Ninekilller – “The white man has sold us many maps, but few have led to treasures. He miscalculated on casinos, though.”

Sunny Griggs – “Mother God is The Goddess, the supreme Creator of all things.”

Punch Roundstep – “Mother God? Is that like Oprah?”

Red Randy Brown – “My name’s Smith, and my partner here is Wesson. We’d like to ask you a few questions.”

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

Second question first: Legends isn’t part of a series, but it is sort of a follow-on to my first novel – GAME. It’s not a sequel but it does take place in the same fictional town thirty years later with some of the same characters. GAME is kind of a guy book, a YA novel. My original idea with Legends was to write a book which almost everybody (women) would want to read, by which I mean, buy. I’m currently writing a historical novel about a late 19th, early 20th Century Oklahoma outlaw. Expect to have it out by the first of the year.

What or who inspired you to write?

I don’t recall being inspired too often. To me, getting inspiration is something almost supernatural, something accompanied by a bite of genius or the Divine. Beethoven was probably inspired, Van Gogh, John of Patmos. But looking at these guys, there seems to be a fine line between genius and madness. I’ve not been accused of having either…yet. However, I have been influenced by many people and events over the years. Life experience is my wellspring.

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

I wanted to use something in the title which would evoke a sense of mystery and adventure, hence “Legends.” Tsalagee is the name of the town where the action takes place. It’s a corrupted spelling of the English phonetic spelling of the Cherokee word tsalagi (sah-la-GHEEY) which means “Cherokee.” I used that to convey a Native American/Oklahoma flavor. My publisher deserves credit for the cover design. He found the stock photo of a full moon shining in through a rocky cave entrance, both of which are story elements – perfect. I think it arouses feelings of mystery, adventure and, who knows, perhaps even romance.

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

All my characters are based on people I know or have known, but they’re all composites…the characters, I mean. There is an actual legend here in Oklahoma about Belle Starr’s hidden treasure, loot from some of her escapades.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

Many of Larry McMurtry’s books, the Lonesome Dove series, the Berrybender narratives, especially the westerns, because of the dialogue, humor, sense of history.

Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain, Thirteen Moons. I like the historical context in which he writes – the Civil War, the Cherokee saga.

Also like some of Fanny Flagg’s work – her character building, humor, dialog.

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

I don’t think so. Most authors I know write better than they converse. I include myself in that category. I shy away from celebrities.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

On-line, usually Amazon. Now that I have a Kindle, I buy almost exclusively e-books.

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

I’m currently reading The Return, by Charles Sasser. Been asked to review it. My reading queue seems to be growing. I try to support as many Indie authors as I can – e-books. I would encourage all Indie authors to BUY other Indie author’s e-books, especially the cheap ones, and voluntarily post reviews on Amazon, B&N, etc. We get so self-absorbed in promoting our own books, we forget our Indie brethren (and sistern) are out there doing the same. Why wouldn’t you get a book for less than $3 if it sounds interesting. Use it as a tax write-off while you still can.

Are you a self-published (Indie) Author?

Small press published – AWOC Publishing, but I consider myself Indie. I follow the John Locke philosophy in his “How I Sold a Million e-Books…” book. He doesn’t need my endorsement, but I highly recommend this book. It should be required reading for every Indie author.

What book do you know that you will never read?

I’ve never read a Harry Potter book and doubt I ever will. Flying magical children frighten me. Also, I have no desire to read any books involving teenage vampires; probably because I was once a high school teacher.

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

I already changed is so much it’s almost completely different from the first draft. I’m a compulsive re-writer.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I’ll probably sell mine now that I don’t have to haul all those book around. Maybe some college student could use it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Wow, advice for writers. Well, let’s see…get the aces out as soon as possible when playing FreeCell solitaire; use adverbs sparingly; action verbs are good; eat more fruit than Twinkies when snacking; and, uh…oh, yeah – stay in school and don’t take drugs.

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

Don’t quit your day job.

Do you write under a pen name?

Only to the IRS

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

PJ’s? I don’t need no stinkin’ PJ’s.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs, but only those bigger than a rat.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee

White wine or red?

Tea

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?

Vanilla, in a mug of root beer.

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

A banana, OJ, and a cup of Jo (or two).

What are 3 things you never leave home without?

My keys, my wallet, and a “As long as you’re out would you pick these up?” list from my wife.

One of your favorite quotes -

“Writer’s don’t like to write, only to have written.” – E. Hemmingway

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Grapes of Wrath, Lonesome Dove, Thirteen Moons

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

Grapes of Wrath, Lonesome Dove, Fiddler on the Roof

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

Morgan Freeman’s Through the Wormhole (Science Channel. I’m a closet geek)

Where can your readers follow you?

My blog:  www.PhilTruman.blogspot.com

My website:  www.PhilTrumanInk.com

My facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/philip.v.truman

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/PhilipVTruman

Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/3vsflon

B&N:  http://tinyurl.com/3jbf4sy

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? -

Both

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word. 

Thank you, Patti, for bringing me in. Appreciate the opportunity to share with your readers.

I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better.  Patti

PS: really enjoyed reading your answers - you  have a very quirky sense of humour :)

My name is Becky. And I am a blogger! This is my blog - Book Bite Reviews

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Oakwood Michigan, and i now live in Monroe, Michigan.

How old are you?

19

How long have you been blogging? 

I have been blogging for about 3 months now

What is the name of the book you most recently blogged about?

I just posted a review for Adrianne Ambrose's "Fangs For Nothing" Which is a Young Adult Paranormal/comedy. It was pretty good =D

What did you think about the cover?

Honestly, i hated the cover of Fangs For Nothing. It's a cartoon graphic of a guy lifting up his sleeve and he has one of those heart tattoo's that usually says "Mom" but his says "You Suck". It's just cheesy and not very glamorous. I'm a big judger of book covers and i feel that the reason i had doubt's about me liking the novel before i read it was because of the cover, but i ended up still liking the novel, which was really nice.

If you could ask the Author 3 questions what would they be?

1. Why did you end the book that way?

2. Did you ever consider writing it in a girls P.O.V?

3. Did you ever think about using a different paranormal creature or adding more than one in the story? Or did you just like the idea of having one and that particular one? 

Can you name one of your favorite chapters?

My favorite chapter would probably either be when they meet the vampire for the first time or when Rini went off on Lana.

What was you most favorite character and why?

Xander, because he seemed like such a great guy and a great friend

If this book was part of a series, would you read the next book?

I think i most likely would, just because i did really like it and it kept me reading the whole time. It never got boring. 

Was this a book you were asked to review or did you buy it?

I was asked to review it. 

Have you written a book yourself or are you planning to in the future?

You see, i have ideas for books and i can tell you what would be a good idea and what wouldn't, but i could never write my own. I  hate writing dialogue so it would be awful. I think i would be perfect for an editor. 

What genre is your favorite and why?

YA Paranormal, because i love the YA writing style and how most have romance, but i LOVE paranormal creatures. It gives it that HUGE imagination/fantasy factor.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what 3 books would you want with you?

Does my kindle count as one book? hehe if not i would pick Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg, Twilight By Stephenie Meyer and probably Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz.

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

I feel like Stephenie Meyer is too famous for normal people to meet now, ya know? And i feel like she might not be as nice as i picture her or maybe she would just turn out to be super weird so i am going to go with my second top author and that is Melissa De La Cruz. I LOVE her!!

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Hardcover, because i love how pretty and shiny they are. I also love that their condition lasts longer (i.e. the covers dont get all bent up) and i love taking off the jacket and seeing how they decided to decorate the hard cover. I love when you take of the jacket and the hard cover isn't just plain with the title, but has some extra little surprise.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

I did prefer to buy them from my local borders which is Walden Books, but now im trying to save money and borrow from the library, which has been working AMAZING! except now im finding amazing books that i want to decorate my shelves with so if i do end up buying them after reading them i think im going to have to buy from the book depository. 

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Yes, i have read the twilight series twice, the catcher in the rye twice, hush hush twice, the first 3 in the vampire diaries twice, and i plan on reading Thomas Amo's "Apple For Zoe" again as well as C.A. Kunz's Childe again. I think twice is my number. I've never read anything more than twice, but you never know, that could change. 

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

The only one i can think of is Pride & Prejudice. I LOVE that movie, but i just can't see myself ever being able to read the book, even though i've never tried. Also i haven't read the Harry Potter books yet, and im scared im not gonna like em since i've already watched the movies, but im kinda doubting that one.

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

I'm about to start "Forgive My Fins" By Tera Lynn Childs and it is Hardcover (YAY)

What book do you know that you will never read?

"Forbidden" By Tabitha Suzuma , because it is about a brother and sister falling in love and even though i've heard it's really good, it makes me sick thinking about it and that is just one topic that i don't want to be ok with or understand. Sorry, dude, but incest just isn't my cup-o-tea.

Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?

Thomas Amo, because even though he writes Adult Horror his writing style is a lot like YA so it keeps me interested and in his novel he has a lot of factual scary things like the zodiac and other murderers so you get a sense of "this could really happen" while being totally scared out of your mind. 

Tamara Rose Blodgett, because she has 2 novels that i have read so far and they are unlike anything i have ever read and if you read them and don't know that she wrote them you would SWEAR two different authors wrote them, thats how amazing she is. 

C.A. Kunz, because its a mother-son duo and they write so well that you can't tell two people wrote it and also it's writing that hooks you from the start where you don't want to stop reading.

Aimee Carter, because she makes her novels very realistic and makes it easy for you to empathize with the main character.

And finally Kady Cross, because even though i have only read the prequel her writing is so different and its amazing the imagination she has.

Have you read a book that you would like to rewrite the ending of?

Yes, The Twin Dagger By Zachary Henderson. I wouldn't make it so depressing. I'd make it happy. 

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

If they are done well they can be really cool and make me want to read the book, like yours, Patti, after watching the trailer i REALLY wanted to read Paradox, but some are just cheesy and make you second guess the book, like some that i see on TV. 

Do you have a favorite book cover - chose up to 3 if you like.

1. Hush, Hush By Becca Fitzpatrick

2. An Apple for Zoe By Thomas Amo

3. Hourglass By Myra McEntire

4. Bad Taste in Boys By Carrie Harris (i know you said 3, but i couldn't pick 3 out of these)

Do you ever blog in your PJ’s?

Im pretty sure thats the only thing i blog in, because i blog late at night and early in the day before i get ready. I'm a night owl, so this is my blogging time =]

Sleep in or get up early?

SLEEP IN!! I HATE getting up early. I do like getting up early and feeling accomplished for getting so much stuff done, but i still end up staying up late, because im a moon child and then the next day im tired, because now im sleep deprived. Its a terrible cycle.

 

Patti says:  Oh, I know that feeling only tooooo well!

Favorite color?

Green

What are 3 items you never leave home without.

Cell Phone

Wallet

Hair tie 

What is your most favorite electronic gadget?

My iPhone, its so cute and such adorable cases and has everything i need when im on the go. The only thing is i can't blog on it. It's not impossible, i just don't like it. 

Favorite book character or film character crush.  Yes you can pick 2 :)

Book crush would be Patch from Becca Fitzpatrick's "Hush, Hush" and movie crush would be Robert Pattinson =D

A character you love to hate.

I think it would have to be Damon from The Vampire Diaries. I don't hate him, i just hate when he messes with Elena and tries to make her leave Stefan for him. 

 

Patti says: Me too - i really love the Damon character - his face, that smile, Yum!

Cats or dogs?

I have both, but i think i would pick Cats. They are so mysterious and quiet, and i feel like if they could talk they would be very wise, but i do LOVE cuddling with dogs, especially since i know they wont scratch or bite me =D

White wine or red?

I dont drink wine, but i think i would pick white. 

Coffee or tea?

Coffee, but cappuccino 

Favorite food?

Potato

Vanilla or chocolate icecream?

Vanilla with lots of toppings =D

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

Nine Lives of Chloe King, i HAVE to read those books, because that show is amazing

 

Patti says:  Yes!  I have just started watching that and I really like it!  Also a show called The lying Game and a comedy called Awkward.  Check those out :)  Most of all - the Game Of Thrones - if you like medieval type show.

What is your ideal reading environment like?

In bed, all cozy, late at night, while its raining and everyone in the house is asleep. 

 

Patti says:  Love rainy nights!

Do you like reading outdoors or inside?

This summer i recently found that i LOVE reading outside in a hammock. I found this out while camping and now im trying to get a hammock for my house, but summers almost over so its kind of pointless.

What is your favorite paranormal creature?

Probably Vampires, i don't know what it is about them, but i just really really love them. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people sing a song and don't know the words. Even if one word is off it drives me insane and i have to correct them. *sorry*

How often do you blog?

Every day except for Saturday, thats my day off

What book genre have you recently found and fell in love with?

Steampunk, it's so different and awesome, and i love the idea of mixing new technologies with the past, especially renaissance times, and i love the idea of steam powered horses =D

How big is your To Be Read pile?

Last time i counted i have about 53 books and those are just books that i OWN and haven't read that's not just the books that i want to buy/read one day.

Where can we STALK you?

My blog: http://bookbitereviews.blogspot.com

My facebook page: 

My Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5399044-becky

Twitter: http://twitter.com/bookbitereviews

 

Great Answers Becky, thank you!  Happy blogging :) Patti

My name is Stephanie Laymon. And I am a blogger! This is my blog - Five Alarm Book Reviews

http://fivealarmbookreviews.com

Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Upstate New York and lived there up until three years ago, when I moved to Alabama.  I don't think that any two places in the United States could be so entirely different from one another, but they both have their positive attributes.

How long have you been blogging?
In 2007 I began reviewing books for local papers and magazines and guest posting and Five Alarm Book Reviews went live in 2011.

What made you want to blog about books?
I was a real pain in the neck kid who was motivated and inspired to write about things by my English teacher, Mr. Wickham.  I received the Journalism award two years in a row in high school, which pushed me even further and I became a writer of sorts.  Combine that with my intense love of books and you have a book blogger.

What is the name of the book you most recently blogged about?
You caught me in a "fluff" moment.  A Sheetcake Named Desire by Jacklyn Brady.  It is the first in a new cozy mystery series, A Piece of Cake Mysteries.

What did you think about the cover?
It is perfect for the title and the colors are beautiful.

If you could ask the Author 3 questions what would they be?
What do you read?  If you were not writing books, what would you be doing?  Why cozies?

If this book was part of a series, would you read the next book?
It is a part of a series.  I will most definitely read the next.

Was this a book you were asked to review or did you buy it?
A Sheetcake Named Desire was sent to me by publishers, Berkley, which is an imprint of Penguin.

Have you written a book yourself or are you planning to in the future?
I did write a book, although I am not sure how I feel about publishing it.  Is that ridiculous or what?

What genre is your favorite and why?

I don't really have a favorite.  I tend to read one genre for awhile and then move on to another.  I will read something that is extremely dramatic and then pick up what I call "fluff".  A cozy mystery or chic-lit.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what 3 books would you want with you?
Cane River by Lalita Tademy, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and one of the Joanne Fluke cozies, probably Strawberry Shortcake Murder.  That would give me an all time favorite, something to lose myself in and my fluff.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
Jackson Pearse would probably be my first choice.  Her latest book, Sweetly, was just released a couple of days ago.  I like Jackson because she loves her fans so much and she uses video frequently on her blog and you can just see this great personality shine through.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
I love my e-reader, but I have to say, nothing will ever replace the feel and the smell of fresh print of a paperback.  One of the things on my "Top Ten Things I Love" list is the smell of coffee and books together.  Walking into a Barnes and Noble is one of my small joys in life.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?
I love indie stores, although they are scarce where I live.  I often order from the internet for indie books and shop at Barnes and Noble for the rest.

Have you ever read a book more than once?
You bet!  I have read Cane River by Lalita Tademy at least four times and have done a double take on several classical and poetry books.

Is there a particular movie or TV series that you preferred over the book version?
I have never had that happen.  I have consistently liked the book better.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
I am reading the ARC for The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta.  It has a publication date of August 30, 2011 and I would like to post my review on the same day.

What book do you know that you will never read?
Sorry, good question, but no can do.  There are a ton of books that I would never read again and some that I wish I had not wasted my time on even once, but all of the books that I post reviews for are books that I enjoyed and can recommend.  If I can't give it a positive review, I keep it to myself.  Someone else might enjoy it even if I didn't. 

Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest recently and why?
Bert Murray, author of Colin Preston Rocked and Rolled.  His writing style is great for twenty somethings, which I think is an age group that is not targeted often enough.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?
I like book trailers a lot.  In this age of multimedia, I think that they are just the thing to grab the attention of a potential reader, especially for young adult titles.

Do you have a favorite book cover - chose up to 3 if you like.
I love book covers.  Five Alarm Book Reviews are the host for the weekly meme, Shelf Candy, where a book cover is featured and credit is given to the designer, photographer and/or illustrator.  Some favorites are Spin the Plate by Donna Anastasi, Blood and Flowers by Penny Blubaugh and this coming Saturday's feature cover, Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey.

Do you ever blog in your PJ’s?
You betcha'.

Sleep in or get up early?
I love getting up early.  I am always anxious to read my email from my readers.

Favorite color?
Pink.  I am still a girly girl at heart.

What are 3 items you never leave home without.
My I phone, my current read and my wallet.

What is your most favorite electronic gadget?
Every bloggers favorite, my laptop.  I can blog on the go, which is great for book signings and release parties.

A character you love to hate.
Scarlett from Gone With the Wind.  She was really something.  Hey, did you know this is the 75th anniversary for the book?

 

Patti says:  I do now!  :)

Cats or dogs?
I love my little chihuahua, Charo Lucille, but other than that I don't really like dogs.  I have to say cats, or dogs that are like cats.

White wine or red?
Red all the way.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee.

Favorite food?
I love and miss pizza.  I have not had a real pizza since I left New York.

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?
Vanilla

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?
I missed nearly all of the Glee episodes because I didn't think that it would be for me, but I loved it when I finally did watch.

Where can we STALK you?

My blog:  http://fivealarmbookreviews.com

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fivealarmbookreviews
My Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2286046-stephanie-at-fivealarmbookreviews

Twitter: http://twitter.com/FABookReviews

Thank you again for this splendid opportunity.

 

Stephanie
Five Alarm Book Reviews

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Thanks Stephanie, it has been fun :) Patti

My name is Lisa, I am a blogger - my blog is Turning Pages!

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Columbus Georgia, but that's not what I would call home. Actually, I don't even remember it much. My family is full German, but my dad's in the American military, so Georgia was only a duty station. Home is Germany, where my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles all live. Home is where your family is.

How long have you been blogging? 

Turning Pages, is turning six months old this month on the 28th. 

What is the name of the book you most recently blogged about?

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace! I really enjoyed it, and you should definitely check it out! 

What did you think about the cover?

It reminds me of Twenty Boy Summer, but I actually like it better. The cover has a velvety feel, and the black background makes the cover look really clean.

If you could ask the Author 3 questions what would they be?

Is this based on a true story?

What would you do if your daughter had a abusive boyfriend?

What made you decide to write But I Love Him, right after writing You Wish?

Can you name one of your favorite chapters?

The first and the last! Why? Because the first chapter, is about how she's laying on the floor, and was just beat up by Conner, while the last chapter is how Ann and Conner even meet.

What was you most favorite character and why?

Ann, because unlike Conner's mom she was strong enough to get out of a abusive relationship!

If this book was part of a series, would you read the next book?

OF COURSE!

Was this a book you were asked to review or did you buy it?

I purchased it at a book signing.

Have you written a book yourself or are you planning to in the future?

Nope! I rather just cuddle in bed and read a good book. Than get up and onto the computer to write my review!

What genre is your favorite and why?

Young Adult, it's easy going and more fun.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what 3 books would you want with you?

But I Love Him, Breaking Dawn, and Perfect Chemistry!

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

Simone Elkeles.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Paperback and Hardcover, I rather touch, hold, and smell a book, instead of staring into a computer screen.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Barnes and Nobles.

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Yes, ALL the time.

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

Not at all!

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

Beautiful Creatures, paperback.

What book do you know that you will never read?

Being Nikki by Meg Cabot, Airhead sucked.

Do you ever blog in your PJ’s?

All the time.

Sleep in or get up early?

Both

Favorite color?

Blue.

What are 3 items you never leave home without?

Wallet, cell phone, and car.

What is your most favorite electronic gadget?

Cell phone and computer.

Favorite book character or film character crush.  Yes you can pick 2 :)

Jacob Black, from Twilight.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs, they actually want to play with me.

White wine or red?

I'm not allowed to drink...

Coffee or tea?

Coffee and chocolate addict right here.

Favorite food?

Mexican red rice.

Vanilla or chocolate icecream?

Both.

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

I really enjoyed Return of the Planet of the Apes.

Where can we STALK you?

My blog: Turning Pages

Twitter: @TurningPages11