Author Interview and Giveaway with Mary Ting

Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Mary Ting, author of Crossroads. She is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, Crossroads, a teen paranormal romance. Be sure to look in the near future for the sequel, Between, available in February 2012 in e-book and trade paperback. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on November 12th and we will forward each winner a copy of Crossroads in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate and your email address so we may contact you as a winner!

Thank you Mary for participating in the giveaway! I'm sure your readers an fans would love to hear more about you.

Mary, tell us your latest news.

I’m currently working on the sequel to Crossroads, called Between. Crossroads is a place between Heaven and Earth.

When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing about 3 years ago when my grandmother passed away. It was a way for me to heal. After I started writing, I stopped crying. There is a character named after her in my book. I had so much fun writing Crossroads that I couldn’t stop. I’ve been teaching kindergarten for almost 20 years and never planned or dreamt about being an author.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Fate. Some things are meant to be beyond our control J.

Besides spending time with my family, I enjoy oil painting and making jewelries. I also love to read books, watch movies and of course, shop.  My friends and I created www.inspiredbytwilight.com. We design and create sterling silver jewelries inspired by Twilight.

What inspired you to write your first book?

My inspiration was not just from my grandmother, but also from author, Stephenie Meyer. She wrote Twilight from her dream; therefore, I was inspired to write Crossroads from my dreams. Chapter one and two are my real dreams and experiences.

What do you think makes a good story?

The best story comes from the author’s personal experiences or a specific passion. Any story can be a great story as long as you put your heart and soul into it.

How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?

I was told Crossroads has helped readers escape from their everyday life stress and it also has helped them heal the loss of their loved ones. I would like the readers to question their lives and think about what is important to them. What makes life worth living?

What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?

This question is difficult because many of my characters are my friends. Some even have passed away. I’ve written only one book so far so I would have to say Claudia because her experiences are my real experiences I had in high school, but there were no angels…too bad…lol!!!  Gotta add Michael. I would love to fly with him.

What influences your creativity of your characters?

Some characters are influenced by my friends’ personalities. You always need a character you love and a character you love to hate.

What would you like your fans to know?

Besides being an author, I teach kindergarten. I took several years of piano and flute lessons. I also teach a dance routine every year for my daughter and her friends at their school talent show. I was also one of the five foundering members in a sorority called Kappa Zeta Phi at UC Irvine. For two years, I was PTA president (Parent Teacher Association).

What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?

Crossroads will be a trilogy. I also have other ideas, but one book at a time.

Just for Fun:

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

I would love to be able to fly. I could fly to Paris for lunch and be back home to pick up my kids from school…hehe!!!

What is your favorite Quote?

I have two: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.  Maya Angelou

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. Hilary Cooper 

Favorite Candy?

Giant Chewy Sweet Tarts. I can eat one pack as I write…lol!!!

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

Breaking Dawn

What's your favorite season/weather?

Fall. I love to wear boots, scarves, and jackets

I took on a journey not knowing how rewarding it would be for me. I've met so many wonderful people from all ocer the world through facebook, twitter, goodreads and blog sites. I've made everlasting friendship where friendship knows no boundries. And I have to thank my grandmother who continues to watch over me from Heaven. Thank you so much for having me!!! And thank you to my readers who are now my friends. Thank you for being my friend!!!

Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win! Also, please leave your email address so that we may contact you if you are a winner.

Congratulations to our winners Toniekish & LizzieBeth