Category: Interview

Author Friends: Eva King

Are you a panster or a plotter?
 
I’m a pantser through and through. I cannot, for the life of me, plan a book in advance. Believe me, I’ve tried. But it was absolute shite.
 
Do you believe in Writer’s Block? If so, how do you kick its arse?
 
Yes, I do. I’ve suffered from it. You just stare at an empty, blank page for hours.
The only way I’ve managed to get over it was by stopping writing all together and read as much as I can. Then I try again after a couple of days.
 
What book is your comfort read on a bad day? The one you go back to reread over and over. 
 
Argh! Do I have to say? Right, okay… Twilight. I think I’ve read it about ten times. It isn’t a classic, but I see Stephenie Meyer as an inspiration. If she could do it, so could I.
 
Describe your perfect writing space: 
 
My perfect writing space would be an empty house for a whole day with no Wifi. Just me and my laptop. However, the chances of that happening are very slim, so I just use my mobile phone on the train as I make my way to work.
 
Do you write your title first or story first?
 
None of the above. I write the characters first. Everything else comes after.
 
And lastly, write a one or two paragraph flash fiction inspired by the last photo or text you got on your phone:
 

 

I needed this land, like I needed air. 
Filling my lungs with the fresh air, I imagined my children, running wild, climbing trees. Growing older and having their own kids.
The circle of life would happen right here, underneath my feet. 
I circled around and faced the realtor, “I want to buy this land. Can I sign the papers now?”
She beamed, “yes, of course.”
 
Author Links:
 

Recovering from a broken relationship, Emma Mitchell moves in with her best friend. Her life is quiet and uneventful, just how she likes it. Little does she know that the events of the following months will change her life forever.

Famous Hollywood actor James McNair is a renowned womaniser with a penchant for partying and hitting the tabloids for all the wrong reasons. When a night of partying a little too hard means he finally has to take stock and reevaluate his lifestyle, a week away from the flashing lights of Hollywood is just what he needs. What better place to hide than in his childhood home in Edinburgh, Scotland?

When the old friends are reunited, feelings resurface and sparks fly. But James must keep the pretence of his new persona until the premier of his biggest film in his career. He just has no idea if he’ll be able to keep his feelings for Emma under wraps until then.

Sometimes it takes more than damage control to find a happily ever after.

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Blogger Interview: Vampy’s Ramblings

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1. What trope do you wish authors would run far, far away from?

Hmm… I don’t know of any that have bugged me yet.

2. The one book you’ll re-read over and over and over:

The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klaus.

3.  If you could rewrite one book to change one part of it, which book would you choose and what would you change?

Every book that has the girl running away from the man she loves because she heard something that upset her. Whatever happened to talking the problem out?

4. Do you have a favorite place to read?

I prefer to read in my bed because it is the closest place to a plug should I need to charge my kindle.

5. Tell us a little bit about why you started book blogging:

It happened on accident, to be honest. I started a page to talk about my opinion on current world problems and while trolling around the internet I found a lovely woman named Jez Strider, who sold her books on amazon for only $2.99. After reading it (and LOVING it) I started talking to her and realized my passion laid more in books, not crappy news articles. She helped to sort of guide me as I transformed my page into a book blog, learned how to leave a review, and discovered more authors.

6. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

That is a toss up between my phone and my kindle.

7. And finally a quick round of pick one:

Coffee or Tea: Pepsi 😉

Sweet or Salty: Salty

Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla

Hot or Cold: Hot

Laptop or PC: Laptop

Paperback or Ebook: Ebook

Find Vampy:

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Blogger Interview: Tangled Hearts

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1. What trope do you wish authors would run far, far away from?

I have to admit I had to look this one up. I have a degree in English but I’ve been out of the loop for a long time. There aren’t many ways that authors write that truly make me cringe but I’d have to say vampires. They have never been my favorites in any sense and I’ve never found them remotely attractive. That said, I will read a book with one if just to broaden my reading scope. But not too many!

2. The one book you’ll re-read over and over and over:

There are a few. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, any of Jennifer Bernard’s Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series, Vivian Arend’s Six Pack Ranch series, and anything by Lorelei James. I credit these authors with getting me to start writing my own stories.

3.  If you could rewrite one book to change one part of it, which book would you choose and what would you change?

I’d love to fix some of the issues with 50 Shades of Grey. I love what the book did for romance novels in general but it has so many issues with it’s writing style and the storyline. Christian and Ana’s story is compelling but not solidly written. It’s why I’ve never reviewed the book.

4. Do you have a favorite place to read?

I do most of my reading in my comfy bed but I have a recliner in front of my computer since I have a bad back. I’ll read anywhere there’s light and a chair.

5. Tell us a little bit about why you started book blogging:

I’ve been writing my own novels for a couple of years now. During a severe bout of writer’s block last summer, I knew I had to do something, so I started a blog. It wasn’t too hard and got me writing so I kept up with it, attending online promotion parties and picking up ARC copies of books to read. After I discovered Netgqalley, I was hooked. Now I have two partners who work with me, Tina J. and Hoosier Girl, and I’m affiliated with two other pages. I’ve expanded my work to include some graphics work and I now review for an online magazine, BTS EMag. I’ve met some wonderful people who have become fast friends. And I cured my writer’s block!

6. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Not a thing, but a person. I don’t know what I’d do without my beloved husband, whom I call Coach. He’s my light and support and I wouldn’t be here without his love. Number 2 is my computer!

7. And finally a quick round of pick one:

Coffee or Tea:

Coffee in the morning, tea later

Sweet or Salty:

Sweet

Chocolate or Vanilla:

Chocolate! But I’m diabetic so those days are few now.

Hot or Cold:

Depends. I hate hot weather so of course I live in Missouri! But I have arthritis so the cold is an issue too. I’d choose comfort over all.

Laptop or PC:

I mostly use a powerful Dell PC since I like to game in my downtime. But I have a trusty laptop for when that’s not feasible. And I use and iPad for portable reading.

Paperback or Ebook:

Ebook almost exclusively for the economics of them. Although I miss the smell of a good paperback.

Blogger Interview: Bex n’ Books.

BookBloggerInterviews

1. What trope do you wish authors would run far, far away from?
Language related would be the overuse of similes, and metaphors that are just plain odd and have no logical connection. There’s nothing like evoking a weird-arse picture in my head to turn me off. Cliche related would have to be insta-love. I do think characters should work for it. Likewise, repetitive inclusion of misunderstanding in a romance novel can be infuriating. It has the power to turn me off as opposed to continue turning the pages.
2. The one book you’ll re-read over and over and over:
Always with the one! Dang it.  Probably Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
3.  If you could rewrite one book to change one part of it, which book would you choose and what would you change?
The only book which springs to mind is Belle Aurora’s RAW; however, if I am honest, I don’t even want to change that. I think Belle ended it perfectly. Don’t get me wrong, I love a HEA as much as the next hardcore romance reader, yet sometimes, the ‘bad boy’ is so far removed from real life that the feminist in me worries about the message it’s sending to impressionable young women. Sometimes, a ‘bad boy’ needs to be bad. They can’t always be changed and sometimes, they don’t even want to. Having a reality hit every now and then is something which can be challenging, but can be created with such spectacular finesse that it can blow our minds.
4. Do you have a favorite place to read?
I chase the quiet in my home, so anywhere that has a lockable door is great!
5. Tell us a little bit about why you started book blogging:
I discovered the indie publishing world a few years back after purchasing my first Kindle. It led me to discovering amazing and truly gifted authors with a staggering amount of talent. It was after falling in love Stephanie Rowe’s Order Of The Blade series–and wanting to scream and shout about how much I loved it–that Bex ‘n’ Books was born.
6. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
No, I won’t be pedantic and say air or anything like that. My beautiful boy is a given. Yet, let’s be materialistic for a moment, I would say Facebook. Gasp-horror, I know. The community is so fabulous. It’s allowed me to reach out and meet some amazing people, several of whom have become such amazing friends. Likewise, it has provided me with the opportunity to expand my editing business too. Facebook has made so much possible.
7. And finally a quick round of pick one:
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
Sweet or Salty: Sweet
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate
Hot or Cold: Cold
Laptop or PC: Laptop
Paperback or Ebook: Ebook

Blog: Bex ‘n’ Books

Facebook: Bex ‘n’ Books

Blogger Interview: Gwyneiira’s Book Blog

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1. What trope do you wish authors would run far, far away from?

[C] I’m open to almost everything, though I’m wary of the whole insta-love, fairy-tale romances. Some authors are able to make it work and I’ve read some amazing ones, but half the time, it ends up being an unbelievable romance.

[J] There isn’t really anything that I think authors should stay away from. I’ve found that as long as the author has a good story, any idea can work. I’ve even enjoyed some darker romances because the author was able to craft the story in such a way that was tasteful, clever and spell-binding.

2. The one book you’ll re-read over and over and over:

[C] Damn…This is hard…There are quite a number of books that I will re-read over and over and over…I’ll go with Cara Dee’s Look But Don’t Touch. It’s a kink book, dd/lg, and the sexy factor is off the charts! That book pushes all the right buttons for me. So far, I’ve read it 4 times now.

[J] I’m so indecisive and hate choosing but I think I’ll go with a tie between The Reasonable Doubt series by Whitney Gracia Williams and The Jared Effect by Jake Malden. Both are hot and fantastic books!

3.  If you could rewrite one book to change one part of it, which book would you choose and what would you change?

[C] Definitely Shayne McClendon’s Yes To Everything. I would change the ending of the character Rex Black, though that would affect how the entire book play out, because he is my top favourite book boyfriend ever and I love him to pieces ❤ I won’t spoil the book, you’ll need to feel it for yourself but be prepared for a roller-coaster of emotions. Believe me, I cried for an hour and then some in between reading. It’s hella amazing!

[J] Interesting question… I would have to say Penumbra by Logan Patricks. And the part would be where Lincoln is taken hostage because he is so adorable and hot. Plus, there is so much suspense in the books I just want to protect Lincoln from that! 😀 lol.

4. Do you have a favorite place to read?

[C] Currently, my favourite place to read is in my bed. I’m planning on getting a sofa in my room and create my own little reading nook though.

[J] I read just about everywhere, except outside. But my usual place is in the living room while watching T.V. I multi-task 😉

5. Tell us a little bit about why you started book blogging:

[C] I wanted to have a place where I can talk about the books and share my love for books. None of my friends have similar reading tastes with me and that can get a little lonely. Most of the time, they look at me like I’m crazy when I rave about my favourite books. I’m proud of my blog, it’s kinda like my baby.

[J] It sort of just happened. I follow a lot of blogs, which included Gwyneiira’s Book Blog. Then one day, Cheryl was asking for some help with the blog. I was inexperienced and asked what that would involve. Then one thing led to another and she accepted me with open arms and has been incredibly patient. Blogging is great because it is a wonderful way to promote indie authors and introduce other people to the wonders of books.

6. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

[C] I can’t live without my phone. All of my ebooks are on my phone, without it, I am doomed.

[J] The internet. I was cut off for like half an hour and it felt like someone cut my arm off! lol 😉

 7. And finally a quick round of pick one:

Chocolate or Vanilla: [J] Vanilla

Paperback or Ebook: [C] Paperbacks for sure, but ebooks only because shipping rates are horrendous

About Gwyneiira’s Book Blog

Founded at the start of 2014 out of the love of all things romance, Gwyneiira’s Book Blog is run by Cheryl (founder) and Jessie (co-blogger). Gwyneiira, broken up into “Gwyn” and “Eira”, means snow white or as white as snow in Welsh. Gwyneiira specializes in promoting and reading all things NA, Adult, M/M, Erotic, BDSM and Romance. We love our alpha males and steam. Be warned that our page is filled with a whole lot of sexy.

Gwyneiira is open to review requests, promos, spotlights, author takeovers, interviews, giveaways and much more! Just drop us a note, either via the blog through one of our forms or via email, and we will get back to you as soon as we can! We love indie authors and their books, and we strive to do our best to spread the love.

On a side note, Cheryl also provides editing services at an affordable basic rate of $0.50 per 100 words with a sample edit included.

Email: gwyneiirabookblog@gmail.com

Blog: https://gwyneiirabookblog.weebly.com

Fb: https://www.facebook.com/gwyneiirabookblog

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/gwyneiira

Goodreads:

[C] https://www.goodreads.com/gwyneiira

[J] https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8268386-jess

 

If you are a blogger and you’d like to be interviewed by Dahlia, please go here.

Blogger Interview: Archaeolibrarian Book Blog

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DEBBIE:
1. What trope do you wish authors would run far, far away from?
zombies. I cannot abide zombie books!
 
2. The one book you’ll re-read over and over and over:
I’m not a re-reader. I cant see the point, The only book I’ve ever read more than twice is Stephen King, The Green Mile.  I originally read it as it was published, in parts, way back in 1998. current stand is four times 😛

3.  If you could rewrite one book to change one part of it, which book would you choose and what would you change?
OMG really?? have you seen how many books i read! I cant answer that, i really cant x if i start re-plotting books, I’ll never get anything done!

4. Do you have a favorite place to read?
Stretched out on the sofa, or just before sleep in bed. of course, sleep doesn’t necessarily follow, if its a good book!

5. Tell us a little bit about why you started book blogging:
I sorta fell into it. Merissa started a page and blog, then buggered off on holiday and made me admin! I began sharing my reviews, and then the rest followed. Its all Merissa’s fault, I tell ya!

6. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
In my book life, the kindle. in my personal life, my girlies, and in other stuff, my sewing machine 🙂

7. And finally a quick round of pick one:

Coffee or Tea: tea
Sweet or Salty: sweet
Chocolate or Vanilla: chocolate, but real chocolate. nothing chocolate flavour, like cake or ice cream *shudders at the thought!*
Hot or Cold: cold
Laptop or PC: pc
Paperback or Ebook: ebook

MERISSA:

1. What trope do you wish authors would run far, far away from?

Definitely zombies. I haven’t read a single one and have only ever seen one film that I liked which was Warm Bodies. Zombie and love triangles – can’t be doing with them.

2. The one book you’ll re-read over and over and over:

I can’t give you one book but I can give you one series which is the series that first started my love of fantasy many moons ago. The Dragons of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. I can’t remember how many times I’ve re-read this series and I’ve even had to replace books that have become too worn. And every time I re-read certain ones within the series, I still end up sobbing! http://pernhome.com/aim/

3.  If you could rewrite one book to change one part of it, which book would you choose and what would you change?

I’ve thought really hard about this one but I just can’t answer it! I read too many books to pinpoint that. I’m also a bit of a book slut and fall in love with the ‘hero’ or even the anti-hero of whichever current book that I’m reading.

4. Do you have a favorite place to read?

On the couch, once my girls are in bed. Usually with a drink and some nibbles to keep me going.

5. Tell us a little bit about why you started book blogging:

I suddenly realised one day that I was reviewing pretty much every book that I was reading but they were all over the place so I started mainly to keep them in one place. If you look back through my posts you will see loads of “Archive Reviews” which I’m still adding to which go back to 2012. My goal is to have every book reviewed on the blog by some point. And then I realised how much fun the cover reveals and blog tours were and started doing them too. It’s given me a real insight into the ‘author’s world’.

6. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Depends what area we’re talking about. I can’t imagine my life without my family and wouldn’t want to be without them. Saying that though, 4 years ago we packed everything up, put most of it in storage in the UK and moved over to Germany with the bare essentials. It’s amazing how much you can do without when you have to. And the thing I found that I couldn’t cope without was my books! I had my family, I had a roof over my head and food on the table but I was getting really grumpy with nothing to read.

7. And finally a quick round of pick one:

Coffee or Tea: Coffee

Sweet or Salty: Sweet

Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate but the real stuff. I can’t be doing with chocolate ‘flavoured’ stuff!

Hot or Cold: Hot

Laptop or PC: PC

Paperback or Ebook: Either so long as I can read

Find them online:

If you are a blogger and you’d like to be interviewed by Dahlia, please go here.

Blogger Interview: The Reader’s Hollow

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1. What trope do you wish authors would run far, far away from?

I have a link! Well, it’s not mine but I liked the viewpoint. To sum it up, it explains that tropes (though eye-rolling at times) are some of the closest to home. They’re the most true in our lives. Does love happen at first sight? Yup and I roll my eyes ever time. Though sometimes, the author has a way of making this particular trope perfect for the story and the characters.

http://jamigold.com/2013/08/story-tropes-should-we-avoid-them/

2. The one book you’ll re-read over and over and over:

I’m a bad, bad person. I’ve never done this. There have been some excellent stories, ones I can’t get out of my head but I’ve never revisited the novel. If I ran out of new books I’d probably re-read “Let the Right One In” by John Ajvide Lindqvist because it got me reading again after a dry spell.

3.  If you could rewrite one book to change one part of it, which book would you choose and what would you change?

This I have done! And, second thought, this also makes me a bad person haha, but I was nine years old. It was “My Babysitter is a Vampire” by Ann Hodgman. It was mostly the same except for a few scenes at the end where I added more action. I retitled it, “My First Vampire” then bound it with duct tape and a pencil-colorer cover.

4. Do you have a favorite place to read?

My bed or the couch usually but I can read anywhere really.

5. Tell us a little bit about why you started book blogging:

I wanted to help out authors. My first book, a novella called “Zombie-Killer Bill” was published in 2011 and I realized that marketing was a whole new ballgame and I showed up without a glove or a bat. It’s still a small blog but I’m having so much fun learning about new stories and authors I’m quite happy how it’s been growing.

6. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

My cellphone. I have a technology addiction.

7. And finally a quick round of pick one:

Coffee or Tea: TEA!

Sweet or Salty: Salty

Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate Mmmmmmm

Hot or Cold: Cold

Laptop or PC: Laptop

Paperback or Ebook: Paperback

If you are a blogger and you’d like to be interviewed by Dahlia, please go here.