Showing posts with label JULIA CRANE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JULIA CRANE. Show all posts

Monday, April 9, 2012

Mesmerized by Julia Crane & Talia Jager - Includes Author Interview

Seventeen-year-old succubus Lily Anderson can’t have a normal life: She isn't allowed a boyfriend, she has no friends, and school is just one mess-up after another.

Lily’s parents send her away to the prestigious Emerson Academy. It doesn’t appear to be any different from the others. That is, until she meets her roommate, Hannah, and a blue-eyed boy named Jake.

Lily makes an almost deadly mistake, and Jake has a mysterious past that has come back to haunt him. Together, they must go on the run from things neither of them understand in order to save the people they love—and each other. But, Jake’s foe is more dangerous than they realized, and it will take the help of friends and family to save the man Lily loves.

She must learn to use her powers for good before it’s too late.

Where were you born and where do you call home? 

Julia: I was born in Portsmouth, Va and currently call Dubai, UAE my home.

Talia: I was born in New York, but now live in Texas.

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.

Julia: I'm excited that my mother will be here in a couple of weeks to visit which means my husband and I can escape for a long weekend without the kids.

Talia: We are expecting our 6th baby (and first boy) very soon. It’s an exciting and anxious time.

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?

Mesmerized: Seventeen-year-old succubus Lily Anderson can’t have a normal life: She isn't allowed a boyfriend, she has no friends, and school is just one mess-up after another.

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

We have received many request for a sequel for Mesmerized so it's definitely a possibility. Talia and I are currently working on a book about a light faerie that gets trapped in the dark faerie world. We hope to have it released by June.


What books have influenced your writing?

Julia: This question is always so hard. As an avid reader I'm sure I'm subconsciously influenced by many writers.

Talia: I agree with Julia. I have been influenced by many books and writers over the years.


Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Julia: Today I would have to say e-books, although there is something nice about holding a book in your hand. I have tons of hardcovers that I never plan on parting with.

Talia: I prefer to read e-books nowadays. However, if I really like the book, I’ll go out and buy a paper copy.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Julia: Amazon

Talia: Amazon

What book would you like to read again?

Julia: I rarely read books more than once. Off the top of my head I can think of Atlas Shrugged, and Fountain Head that I've read each three times.

Talia: I like reading some of my favorites to my children like The Little Prince or The Chronicles of Narnia.


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

Julia: I'm actually reading Patti Roberts book Paradox-Progeny of Innocence and loving it!

Talia: The Secret Circle by L.J. Smith. Paperback. It was a Christmas gift.

Patti Says: Oh I quiet enjoy the TV Series.

Who designed the cover of your book?


Stephanie is an amazing artist.

Do you buy a book by the cover?

Julia: I'm often sucked in by covers. I also buy books by recommendations from fellow readers.

Talia: I have and I’m sure I will again.

Do you have a book trailer?

Not for this book.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I think they are a fun way to advertise.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Julia: Write often, edit, watch people and pay attention to the little details in life.

Talia: Write for yourself.

Do you write under a pen name?

Julia: Yes
Talia: No

What date were you born? - you can leave off the year if you like.

Julia: 09/19/1974
Talia: 1/12/1975


Did you have a favorite toy as a child?

Julia: I'm sitting here trying to think of a favorite toy. We only got toys on Christmas, but my mom would buy us as many books as we wanted. I guess I didn't have a favorite toy. That's kinda sad :)

Talia: I had a few. Cabbage Patch Kids, Legos, and Tinkertoys.

An early childhood memory - 

Julia: My grandmother lived with us and she always took me with her to her miniature doll shows and meetings. I thought I was so special since I was the only child she took out of the four of us.

Talia: I remember spinning around in my living room, falling down, and hitting my lip on a table splitting it open. My mom took me to the ER and I remember they filled up a glove with ice for me to hold on my lip while we waited. I still have the scar.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Julia: More times than I care to admit. I love PJ's my favorite are a pair with polar bears all over them.

Talia: All the time!

Patti says: in them right now!

What are your pet peeves? 

Julia: It drives me crazy if someone leaves a cabinet door open. I also need some moments of solitude during the day.

Talia: Too much air conditioning. Brrrr. Being bothered while I’m in the shower.

Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?

Julia: We used to have a bulldog named Thor, but he passed away before we moved.

Talia: We have two miniature schnauzers.


Coffee or tea?

Julia: Both, but I need coffee in the morning.

Talia: Neither. But, I do like hot cocoa when it’s cold.

So you like to cook?  Do you have a favorite food?

Julia: I wish I liked to cook. My favorite food would be potatoes any kind of way. I LOVE them.

Talia: I hate cooking. Other than chocolate, I love steak and potatoes or spaghetti and meatballs.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?

Julia: Chocolate.
Talia: Chocolate.



What do you normally eat for breakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?

Julia: I always have a cup of coffee in the morning as I catch up on my emails. I try to eat breakfast because it's good for you, but honestly I forget a lot of the times. I love a bagel with cream cheese.

Talia: Depends on if I’m hungry...or pregnant. A bowl of cereal if I am, nothing if I’m not.


What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?

Julia: I have a two year old so toddler, diapers, wipes and sunglasses.

Talia: For me, I always get cold, so a light jacket. A water bottle, sunglasses, and a journal in case an idea comes to me while I’m out.


Sleep in or get up early?

Julia: Not a morning person. So I sleep as long as I can which sadly isn't very late. My little one wakes up around 6:30.

Talia: I’m a night owl too. I would rather stay up until 3am and sleep until midday. But, because I have to get kids to school, I usually get up about 7:30. I love summers!!! Two months of sleeping in later.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Julia: Laptop I move around a lot when I write.

Talia: Laptop.

Your favorite gadget - 

Julia: iPhone

Talia: iPhone

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

Julia: Whenever it's quiet and it really doesn't matter where. Coffee shop is a rare treat.

Talia: Usually in bed or on the couch. I like writing late at night, but being pregnant has put a stop to that right now.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad - 

Julia: Well, a good review makes me feel great and a bad review makes me feel not so great. Although, I've come to terms with the fact that bad reviews are part of the deal. Not everyone is going to like what I write. I really do appreciate it when people take the time to write reviews.

Talia: I love good reviews and I appreciate constructive criticism. While reviews that attack me are hurtful, I ignore them. They are a part of life. Every book out there has bad reviews.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

Julia: Oh goodness, do they have to be famous? Famous people are playing a role so we have no idea what they are really like in person. Hmm, Temperance from Bones, because she is brilliant and hilarious, Castle from Castle because he always see things that others miss, and Eric Bana he's strong and looks good. 

Patti Says:  And he is an Aussie (and Grace's father in the Paradox Series:))

Talia: Adam Sandler to keep me laughing, Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland for her voice, and someone really smart to get us off the island and keep my mind busy.

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?

Julia: Ireland

Talia: Ireland

Patti Says:  Me too - not in the winter though!!

One of your favorite quotes -

Julia: "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein

Talia: "Blank stares aren't signs of dullness & stupidity; they're signs of deep thoughts and dreams." - Unknown


An actor or a book character you have a crush on -

Julia: I have a crush on Sam Fisher from the splinter cell books he's in his fifties and still kicking butt and looking good.

Talia: Ian Somerhalder. Mmhmm!! 

Patti Says: Yell please!!  I love the Vampire Diaries and Ian is the BEST!

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

Julia: I'm loving the new show Once Upon a Time.

Talia: Vampire Diaries.

Patti Says: I'm with you on that one!  But the best - Game OF Thrones!


Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog:

My facebook page:

Twitter:

Amazon:


Smashwords:


Barnes & Noble:


Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
Right now it's only on ebook, but it will be out in print by summer. 

Thanks ladies it has been fun.  Much success for your book :) Patti




Friday, September 30, 2011

Interview with Julia Crane - Author of Conflicted: Keegan's Chronicles #2)


You can sin a copy of Julia's ebooks by entering the Christmas Bloggerthon HERE.

Hi Julia, where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Portsmouth, Va. I currently call Dubai home.


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?

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

I think Rourk would say enough with the drama give me Keegan back.

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

I'm currently working on book 3 in Keegan's Chronicles. I still haven't decided on a name yet. However, I am leaning towards Consumed.


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

Of course!

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

Conflicted was a pretty easy title to come up with. The main character is conflicted between who she wants to be with and who she should be with.

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

Yes, I take a lot of character traits from people I know.


Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Before we moved to Dubai I would have said hardcover. Since we don't know how long we will be living here we are trying not to collect too much stuff. I switched to e-books and love it.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

I buy most of my books on Amazon.


Have you ever read a book more than once?

Yes, there are quite few books I have read more than once.

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

Not that I can think of books are usually better than the movies.

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

Slumber, by Samantha Young and I'm really enjoying it.

What book do you know that you will never read?

Never say never! I often read books that aren't my taste because someone recommended them. I feel you can get something out of any book even if it's just one sentence that speaks to you.

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

I've met so many amazing writers through this process. Talia Jager and Heather Adkins are my critique buddies and both amazing writers.


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

I received a few comments that the book felt too rushed towards the end. So I went back in and added more to the chapters. That's the great thing about e-books it's easy to make changes.

Who designed the cover of your book?

Kadri Umbleja she is amazing!

Do you have a book trailer?

Yes!

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I love them. I think they are a fun way to advertise.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just keep writing. It's normal to doubt yourself, but if you are writing because you enjoy it don't stop.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?
Don't worry about anything with the first draft.


Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

I think I write most often in my Pj's. My favorite are my red polar bear ones.

Cats or dogs?

Bulldogs

Coffee or tea?

Both. I prefer coffee first thing in the morning. I grew up drinking tea.

Favorite food?

American :) I miss a lot of American foods living overseas.

Vanilla or chocolate icecream?

Chocolate...

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

Coffee, granola bar or cereal. On the weekends I have french toast.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

Toddler, iPhone, money, and wipes.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

MacBook Air.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I don't really have a preference anymore. Whenever I can find quiet time works.


One of your favorite quotes -

You cannot open a book without learning something.


An actor you have a crush on -

I don't really have crushes on celebrities. They're just normal people like us. But I DO have a crush on the characters, Batman, The Punisher, Thor, and I'm sure there are more. 

Patti Says:  Oh yes Thor, an Aussie Lad!

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

The Secret Circle. It was really good.

Where can your readers stalk you?




Twitter: juliacrane2

Amazon:


Smashwords:

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? Coexist is in both, Conflicted just ebook so far.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word.   I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better.  Patti

Sunday, August 28, 2011

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

Monday, August 15, 2011

AUTHOR - JULIA CRANE . Guest Interview By Jeanz



Julia Crane is the author of Coexist, which is one of the books in the 100 followers giveaway. 


I have not had chance to read the book yet but will be doing so soon and adding the review to this blog.

Tell us a little about yourself Julia.  Where were you born and where do you live now?

My pen name is Julia Crane. My actual name is Dymphna which is pretty hard to pronounce and remember. I decided to use my grandmothers name as a pen name since she was so important to me growing up. I felt it was a good way to honor her. I am currently living in Dubai. 

 What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?

My latest book is Coexist: Keegan’s Chronicles. Elves have evolved to live with humans. A story of a destined couple torn apart. 

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

I should be releasing Conflicted the second in the series next month. I’m very excited and looking forward to working on book 3.

Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?

Yes!

How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books?Who designed the Cover of your books?

It took me awhile to come up with the title. I felt it was fitting since the story revolves around magical creatures that live in secrecy among the humans. Kadria Umbleja did the amazing cover art, and Christine Rice applied the font work. I was very lucky to find such wonderful people to work with. 

Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you?

Most of my characters I’ve taken personality traits from people I know it’ makes it easier. 

Which format of book do you prefer, ebook, hardback, or paperback?

Since moving to Dubai I’ve only read ebooks. Back in the states we have a huge collection of hardcover and paperback books. I still love feeling a book in my hands. However, it’s nice to be able to read a few pages on your iPhone while waiting in line. 

What is your favourite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

Atlas Shrugged I’ve read it three times so far. Ayn Rand makes me want to be a better person.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst  book to movie transfer?

Yes, however books are almost always better. I really enjoyed the Twilight novels and movies. I can’t think of a worst I’m sure there are many. 

Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for them?

Heather Adkins and Talia Jager are amazing writers. I have loved everything I've read from both of them. 

What do you think about book trailers?

I have one for Coexist. I think they are a neat advertising tool. 


What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Keep writing and find a good editor. 

Where can readers follow you?

Your blog details? http://coexistjuliacrane.blogspot.com/
Your web site ? http://juliacraneauthor.com/
Your facebook page? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coexist-Keegans-Chronicles/125382790874993
Your Goodreads author page? http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4800436.Julia_Crane
Your Twitter details? juliacrane2

About the Book:
Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans.

In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen.  Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

Rourk finds himself drawn to Keegan's side every time she thinks his name. He wants to talk to her but remains in the shadows, silently guarding her every time she mentally beckons him. A twist of fate thrusts the two of them together when Rourk is forced to step up his protection and make his presence known.

An ancient prophecy deeply entwines Keegan's family and the future of their society. Somehow they must find a way to thwart fate and win the battle...without losing Keegan. With war brewing, and dark forces aligning, will Keegan and Rourk ever have the life together that they both desire?





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