Signed book & ebooks to win - Becoming (Daughters of Saraqael Book One) By Raine Thomas

Raine is giving away to one lucky winner a signed copy of Becoming (Book One of the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy).  ( U.S. and Canada only)

And for 3 lucky international winners there are ebooks up for grabs in e-format.


All you have to do to enter is tweet or facebook this post then leave your email address below.

Winners will be notified on the 10th of March 2012 by email.  Good luck!!












Thank you Raine and hi...

Where were you born and where do you call home? 

I was born in Chicago, Illinois and currently live in the ‘burbs of Orlando, Florida. I also spent twelve years in the Atlanta area, and I love it up there! Each of these locations has influenced my writing in some form or fashion.

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

The release date of Defy, book one in my upcoming Firstborn Trilogy, was just announced. The big day will be April 30^th, with a cover release coming at the end of March. This is huge and exciting news in my world!

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

I’m hard at work on the Firstborn Trilogy, which is a follow-up to my YA fantasy/romance Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy. The first book of the Firstborn Trilogy, Defy, is in the final editing stages, and Shift (book two) is nearly complete. I’ll start the outline for Elder, the third book, within a couple of weeks. All three books are slated for release in 2012.

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

As far as my all-time favorite author, that is Nora Roberts. I so enjoy getting lost in her books! Of course, if I ever actually meet her, I’ll probably make a stuttering fool of myself or faint at her feet. There are many, many other authors that I’ve connected with since entering the writing world who I’d like to meet one day.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I’m in love with my Kindle. The ability to click a few buttons and have a book waiting for me is simply awesome! That said, it must be formatted properly for me to enjoy it. I’m too Type A to get past a poorly formatted e-book.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Since I have a Kindle, I usually buy my books through Amazon.com. When I’m in the mood to go shopping for paperbacks, I head to Barnes and Noble.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

Yes, and a very happy one! The name of my publishing company is Iambe Books.

What book would you like to read again?

I frequently re-read books. The next time I decide to re-read, I’ll go back through the J.D. Robb “In Death” series. It’s my favorite of all.

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

I just read When Copper Suns Fall by KaSonndra Leigh. The book has a YA dystopian-angel theme that really works. It was well-written and set up for a sequel, which makes me think it’ll be a winner with readers!

Who designed the cover of your book?

My book covers were designed by the brilliant Devan Edwards of Nimbi Designs (http://nimbidesign.wordpress.com/book-cover-design/). I truly believe that the majority of my first sales were a direct result of her amazing designs. Authors: invest in a great cover designer!

Do you buy a book by the cover?

Oh, yes. Well, and a well-written, engaging blurb!

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I currently have book trailers for two of my books (Becoming and Central), with a third in production (Foretold). I think they’re an interesting element for an author to include among their marketing tools, but I can’t say that I’ve ever had someone say they bought my book because they saw the trailer. Thus, my advice to new authors who are working on a budget is to invest in other things, such as professional editing and cover art, before the trailer.

What date were you born?

My birthday is January 31^st. I’m a proud Aquarian!






Patti Says:  Me too!
 
Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Almost every day (I write long after my hubby and daughter have gone to bed!). In fact… *looks down at self* …why, I’m wearing them now!


Patti says: What can I say - ME TOO!
 
What are your pet peeves? 

One of my biggest pet peeves is listening to someone chew. In my house, there always has to be music or television playing when we eat. I can’t stand it! Also, just about anything grammar-related falls under the pet peeves category for me (i.e., misusing your and you’re). I’m a Type A…what can I say?

Coffee or tea?

In the mornings, it’s coffee. But come the afternoon, a nice glass of sweet tea sure is awesome!

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

My favorite food is just about anything served in a Mexican restaurant, but don’t let me near a kitchen! My hubby does almost all the cooking in our house. Sadly, I did a lot more cooking when I was younger, but I seem to have grown out of that skill.

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

My typical breakfast consists of fruit (either a banana or fruit salad) and some cereal or grits. I’m a big believer in starting the day with breakfast!

Sleep in or get up early?

Oh, how I miss sleep! I absolutely sleep in every chance I get.

Patti Says:  I love my bed...

Laptop or desktop for writing?

I’m a laptop gal. *pets laptop* *croons* Gooood laptop…

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

This is a great question! The thing about book reviews is that they’re subjective. One person’s Shakespeare is another person’s elementary-school scribblings. Reviews are so important, though. Most readers rely on the input of their fellow readers to make decisions on whether or not to buy a book. As an author, I hope that readers consider an array of reviews when making a decision. I’ve seen reviews for books that were given 1 star and the reviewer commented something like “This was boring.” Hopefully readers don’t dismiss a book over a review like that! Thus, getting a wide variety of reviews is essential, both from an author’s and a reader’s perspective.

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

My family and I want to go to Hawaii. When I’m bogged down with writing tasks, my daughter says, “That’s okay, Mom…you’re just working so you can take us to Hawaii!” It’s kind of our thing now. Our goal is to venture there next year. Fingers crossed!

One of your favorite quotes -

“How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” –Henry David Thoreau

List 3 of your favorite movies.

My favorite movie is Field of Dreams, as it combines baseball and literature (two of my favorite things!). I also love The Princess Bride and, on an entirely different spectrum, Die Hard.

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

At the moment, it’s American Idol season, so I’m glued to the TV every Wednesday and Thursday.  I’ve also become hooked on The Finder, a show that airs after AI on Thursdays. LOVE that show!

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog:  http://RaineThomas.com/blog/

My Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/xVwmxa

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/raine_thomas

Twitter: @Raine_Thomas

Other: 

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/raine_thomas/

YALITCHAT.org - http://yalitchat.ning.com/profile/RaineThomas

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

The Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy (Becoming, Central and Foretold) is available in paperback as well as all e-formats.

 Editorial Reviews

 "...great potential to do something amazing in the young adult market."

-The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Move over Edward, Jacob, Peeta and Gale, there's a new hottie in town."
-Unreality Book Blog

"Here's a book that will rock your world, make you smile, and keep you guessing."
-Chelsea Fine, bestselling author

What are they?

They aren’t gods and goddesses. They aren’t angels. They’re the beings upon which human myths and biblical stories are all based.
They are Estilorians.

Humans and Estilorians once shared the earth. Over time, humans realized they could never have the powers and abilities of the long-lived Estilorians, and began warring against them as well as each other. To save humanity from themselves, the nine Estilorian elders joined together to create their own plane of existence, removing all Estilorians from the human plane and becoming beings of legend.

In so doing, they doomed themselves to an emotionless existence. No happiness or joy. No optimism or hope.

And no love.

Millennia later, their possible salvation comes in the form of three teenage, half-human girls…the daughters of one of their own. 

The Daughters of Saraqael.

 

Every three years, Amber Hopkins explodes. Okay, not a blown-to-smithereens explosion, but whatever it is always hurts like hell and leaves her life a shambles. She’s already worked her way through five foster placements, and she’s doing whatever she can to avoid getting blasted into a sixth.

As her eighteenth birthday approaches and she feels the strange and powerful energy building, disaster looms. When the inevitable explosion occurs, her life gets its biggest shakeup yet. She’ll not only learn how her fellow foster and best friend, Gabriel, really feels about her, but she’ll discover that she isn’t really without family.

To top it all off, she’ll finally find out why she’s having the power surges: she isn’t entirely human.

Amber must Become, transitioning to another plane of existence and risking the loss of the most important relationship she’s ever had. Her choice will impact the future of an entire race of beings, and will pit her against an enemy that will prey upon her doubt to try and take her very life.

Kind of makes the explosions now seem like a cakewalk...

Raine Thomas is the author of the exciting and original series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane. She followed her life-long passion for all things literary and earned her bachelor's degree in English with a focus in Creative Writing from Georgia State University, then her master's degree in Humanities from Central Michigan University. Having grown up in places such as Chicago, Atlanta and Orlando, much of her writing reflects these settings.

Raine is a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning...two areas that intersect far more than one would think. Her years working with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges inspired her to create young protagonists who overcome their own conflicts. When she isn't writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing… 

This biography was provided by the author or their representative.

Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Becoming (Daughters of Saraqael Book One)
All I can say is that I am a fan of the Becoming (Daughters of Saraqael Book One). I look forward to reading the rest of the books.

Published 28 days ago by D. Eskridge  

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
The reviews I have seen for this book range from addictive to alluring. This is an understatement.

The writing has a lyrical quality.

Published 1 month ago by Michelle C. Jordan  

5.0 out of 5 stars Becoming
I really enjoyed Becoming,Book 1 in the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy and as I continued to read it, I quickly realized I had to have books 2 and 3. 

Published 1 month ago by Heidi    eBooks on Smashwords:  all ebook formats

Becoming (Daughters of Saraqael Book One) - HERE

 Ancient gods, avenging angels and other beings of myth and legend all have one thing in common: they exist. They’re called Estilorians. Amber Hopkins is one of them…well, half of one, anyway. If only she knew it.

Central (Daughters of Saraqael Book Two) - HERE

Foretold (Daughters of Saraqael Book Three) - HERE

I for one am looking forward to reading this trilogy!

Enter today for your chance to win!

 

 

Interview with Author KaSonndra Leigh When Copper Suns Fall.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me KaSonndra. It has been fun, 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 

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Charlotte, NC (race car capital). My parents moved to the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina when I was young so I don’t remember living there.

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 most recent book is my debut novel and it’s called When Copper Suns Fall. To sum it up in 30 words or less (b/c I’m kinda good at these mini pitches now, haha) I would say it’s about a fifteen-year-old girl trying to use her memory power to face rival demon slayers and save her brother.

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

Ohh the fun part. Here goes:

Chela Prizeon (our 15-yr-old protag) would say: life is a curvy road filled with potholes and steep turns waiting to throw you over the edge of the mountain.

Faris Toulan (male protag#1) would say: the first three dead-heads are all for me.

Seth Alton (male protag#2) would say: Girls are like foxgloves: easy on the eyes, but deadly when eaten.

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

I do. I have three books that will published in 2012. One of them is the sequel to Copper Suns. It’s called When Silver Moons Rise. I’ve already begun writing it and I have some big shoes to continue to fill after the reviews Copper Suns received. The other two are horror/fantasy novels. Yikes, right? One is called Hacienda Moon (due out in April, 2012) and the other is called the Moon Goddess Memoirs. I’m really excited about both of those.

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

Actually, I attempted to write my first book after watching the movie the Last Unicorn and reading the book My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews. That was a long time ago, so, um it probably wasn’t a very good first attempt. I ended up chucking the story. About five years ago, I tried to write it again. I revised it, sent it to agents, and then…crickets! Oh, and rejections. It was terrible. I hadn’t found my voice/style yet, so I chucked the story yet again and enrolled in an official writing program. I’ve been writing since I can remember. But professionally, I’ve only been at it for about three or four now.

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

Sure thing. I’ll be giving away 3 copies - HERE

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

Oh fun! Fun! I was hoping many people ask about the cover. My story is a cross-genre, and not just your typical one. I created an urban fantasy inside of a dystopian world. The urban fantasy doesn’t have vampires, either.  I chose two very different genres so the cover had to reflect the flavor of both while pulling the story into it too. Phew! What a task. Enter super graphic designer extraordinaire, Shy3 (a nickname) and the world was saved. The result?—A dystopian style cover that clearly tells the reader about the supernatural element present in the book as well. Pretty clever, right? Big grin. :-D

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

Of course, our writing always is based on the events, people, and places that most shaped our lives. I’d say the characters, themes, and overall tone of Copper Suns’ message is based on the way I feel about losing my grandmother. She was the one who told me to learn how to talk to the flowers. They hold the secrets hidden by the angels. So that’s what I did.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

Elizabeth Kostova’s the Historian, Alice Walker’s the Color Purple, and Stephen King’s the Stand. (I know, a pot of multi-cultural soup, right) All three of those authors have had the most impact on my decision to pursue a full-time writing career. Each one represents someone who is truly at the top of their game. But (there’s always the ‘but’ factor) they struggled to overcome many obstacles to get there. Elizabeth’s literary novel brought strong criticism from male critics. Alice Walker was a black woman struggling in an industry that sometimes stifles ethnic voices. And Stephen King struggled with an alcohol addiction while trying to keep his family together. All very inspiring, very real stories that make you want to not only buy these people’s books, but cheer them all the way to the top.

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

Yes! Yes! Cassandra Clare who was my inspiration for writing Copper Suns. And guess what? Not only did she tweet with me a few nights back, but she’s also coming to my regular hangout Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, NC on December 9^th. That’s the same day as my Twitter release party. Talk about angels watching over you, right?

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I prefer any readable format. But e-books are slowly becoming my fav. I can gobble books up faster in that format. Big grin. My attention span is terrible, so audiobooks end up talking to my walls.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Again. No real preference anymore. But l will say the last five or six books I purchased came from online stores like B&N, ibooks, and Amazon.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

I’m an indie author and proud. TriGate press is the brainchild of several local readers/writers/authors who believed enough in my baby to invest. I heart all of you dearly. Copper Suns was given the same treatment as the works of authors at major houses. I’ve gotten much respect and support from the industry all over. And I’m both grateful and proud. :-D

Have you ever read a book more than once?

I read Copper Suns through almost twenty times before I was satisfied with my editor’s handy work. That’s how I know others will enjoy it, too. Other than that, I’ve never read anything twice. Not because I’m that picky, but because there’s so darn many books and so little time. **sigh sigh**

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

Daughter of Smoke and Bone in e-book!

What book do you know that you will never read?

Loaded question! I’d better plead the fifth amendment of silence on that one. :-D

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

Yes! Yes! The fabulous Patti Roberts because her story of the angels in Paradox, along with the eye candy all over the pages, sent my head a whirling. I cannot wait for Progeny of Innocence. I will be the first one to purchase a copy. Also, Laini Taylor, the author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Her style and mine are similar, and it’s always fun to read other authors who can really strive to be different with the dark side of angelic characters.

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

**Groan** Always a double-loaded question for a writer. At the end of the day, I’m a perfectionist. My editor told me to stop reading through and picking out sore spots. So, I did. That was hard. But I’m pretty sure if I would’ve kept on reading through, I would’ve found something I just ‘had’ to change.

Who designed the cover of your book?

Oh fun! Fun! I was hoping many people ask about the cover. My story is a cross-genre, and not just your typical one. I created an urban fantasy inside of a dystopian world. The urban fantasy doesn’t have vampires, either.  I chose two very different genres so the cover had to reflect the flavor of both while pulling the story into it too. Phew! What a task. Enter super graphic designer extraordinaire, Shy3 (a nickname) and the world was saved. The result?—A dystopian style cover that clearly tells the reader about the supernatural element present in the book as well. Pretty clever, right? Big grin. :-D

Do you have a book trailer?

The book trailer is coming. It will probably hit YouTube about the same time as the book’s release. There’s a matter of permissions, etc. with the song we want to use for it. **groans again**. But I promise it will be well worth the wait.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

Love them! I’m one of the people who always goes poking around to see if my fav new release has a trailer attached to it.

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

Read, read, read, and critique the writing of others. You can learn so much that way.

Do you write under a pen name?

No fancy, seductive names or anything like that for me. KaSonndra is my real name. Although I changed the way it’s spelled so people could differentiate between me and the other author of nephilim mischief, Cassandra Clare.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
All the time!

What are your pet peeves?

People who hate on you because you’ve got the guts to be bold and different.

Cats or dogs?

Too many of all of the above. :-D

White wine or red?

Whichever works the fastest at any given right moment.

Coffee or tea?

Again, all of the above. I am a writer. Repeat after me. We are all addicted to caffeine in any form.

Favorite food? Anything Italian (love these fun questions, btw)

Vanilla or chocolate icecream? Cookies and cream all day long, baby!

What do you normally eat for breakfast? Nothing. Never have time. :-D

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

iPhone, notebook (I’m a bit old-fashioned, okay), lip gloss (goes without saying, lol), and sunglasses (Big Hollywood style ones! Haha) In fact if you poke around Myspace, you’ll catch me with them on!

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop. Although I have a really fancy desk made out of clear, blue glass that I sometimes remember is sitting neglected. LoL I at least try to open the door and glance at it every now and then.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

3am-7am is the time when I have to catch my muse. In fact, I’m filling out this interview and it’s 6:48a.m. So I’d better hurry the heck up and finish before she turns my thinking cap off!

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

1)     Oprah Winfrey(sorry, but she can gab like no one else I know)

2)     Keanu Reeves (have had the hugest crush on him since I can remember)

3)     Gabrielle Garcia Marquez (Gotta have someone who can construct killer sentences that can outdo my longest ones. And yes, I know how to string them up!)

In fact, I’d probably never want to leave that island if I were stuck in that situation. :-D

One of your favorite quotes – “I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.” Marilyn Monroe

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

The Matrix, the Color Purple, and V for Vendetta

An actor you have a crush on –

OMG! The list is endless…top of the list winners for this month? Will Smith and Josh Hartnett. Next month’s contenders…who knows? Too many, eh-em, thoughts going through my head right now. LoL

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

The Walking Dead of course! You can find me and members of that cast/crew/writing squad tweeting each other up all the time on Twitter. We’re always happy to take in new brigade members. :-D

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Follow your dreams, and work on fine-tuning the knowledge you’ll need to master in order to get there. Read, write every day, find a mentor if you can (I did), and keep reaching for the stars. Persistence always pays off in the end.

Where can your readers stalk you?

I make stalking me very easy. See answers below:

My blogs: http://www.kasonndraleigh.com and http://kasonndraleigh.blogspot.com/

My facebook page:  http://tinyurl.com/cg9zhrt

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5137209.KaSonndra_Leigh

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kasonndraleigh

Smashwords all formats : Here

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

First run in December will be an ebook. The timing of the second run (print books) depends on how well the ebook does.

KaSonndra Leigh

KaSonndra Leigh was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina. She likes to write about teens doing fantastical things in magical worlds. Her two sons have made her promise to write a boy book next. She holds the MFA in creative writing, and loves to play CLUE, Monopoly (the Indiana Jones version), and Pandora's Box (good writer's block therapy). She lives in an L-shaped house with a garden dedicated to her grandmother. It has a secret library complete with fairies, Venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass.

And thank you for supporting me, Patti. I will heart you forever. :-D

Reader comments:

Review by: Danielle Gonzalez on Jan. 31, 2012 :
If you're a fan of "The Hunger Games", then you will certainely enjoy "When Copper Suns Fall" by KaSonndra Leigh. Chela Prizeon has spent most of her life keeping her true heritage hidden from everybody that she knows, including her best friends Jalen and Lexa who are all living under the rules set for them by a governing group called the Tribunal. When her brother Micah suffers a mysterious accident, she is determined to find out what actually happened. Chela finds herself in an entirely new world of trouble as secrets about her heritage begin to unfold, and she must choose between good and evil in order to protect the people that she loves. This book had me hooked from beginning to end, and I cannot wait for the next installment of this series!