Sunday, November 6, 2011

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

42 comments:

  1. I've had my eye on this book for a while now. I'll keep my fingers crossed! Thanks!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

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  3. I haven't read your book yet, but I've heard it's amazing & the teasers you post really have me wanting to get it. :)

    Tonie
    toniekish@yahoo.com

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  4. I love Mary, she is so real, caring, and cute. She's someone you want as your best friend and she has even encouraged me to start writing my own book. I want her book so bad!

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  5. i want it so bad!!!
    i have allways loved this kind of books, i wish to have such a talent, but to read is my passion , so i will be hounored to recive this book:)

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  6. I am looking forward to reading Crossroads...it is on my list!

    Crystal
    crystalhoard1@aol.com

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  7. lol..
    my email: tupkp@walla.com

    opal panker:)

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  8. I love this book! Can't wait for BETWEEN!! My email for the contest is ruth10p11a12@gmail.com

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  9. Email Me At.....jennywyatt7@yahoo.com.........i wold love to get an email from you Mary Ting.....i havent read this book but i really really really want to....Thankyou i give you my love Jenny Wyatt.

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  10. I have been looking for this book, now I'm really interested in reading it! Thank you for giving us something to look forward to!

    Nicole Vesper
    Nvesper@ymail.com

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  11. Seems like such a good read :) thanks for this contest!

    mareyam_samani@hotmail.com

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  12. Good Interview. I was also lucky to have a wonderful grandmother. Keep going - you have what it takes!

    MARSHA COOK

    MICHIGAN AVENUE MEDIA LLC.

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  13. I've been looking forward to reading this book since I heard of it! Wish I had a copy while I was on my RV trip from hell this week! Looks AMAZING!
    jodivb@aol.com

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  14. Just wanted to add how fantastic I think this book is!! It has helped me to deal with the death of my Dad. And I can't wait for the sequel!!! I have gotten to know Mary through the internet since reading her book and she is awesome!!! She always answers me and makes her fans feel like a part of her life.

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  15. Great interview!!! It's good to know you relate to alot of us out there. And I agree with Nanci about answering her fans and making us feel like part of her life...That is AWESOME!!!! How many famous peopl do that , really!!!

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  16. I can not wait to read your book and the interview was awesome

    thank you in advance for a great read

    Sheila MacDonald
    smacdon@sasktel.net

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  17. Im so hoping to win an ebook copy of Crossroads, the excerpts/teasers on the Crossroads Facebook page are intriguing!!!

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  18. I am looking forward to reading Crossroads..
    oklahomaice@yahoo.com

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  19. Wow i feel like a tard.was not paying attention i mentioned ..every word i said was from the heart and crossroads i can't wait to read..sorry since my lungs collapsed last year I've been homebond and with a tissue disorder i don't get out that much..but these kind of books and teasers you've been given us ..just lets us know what a true writter you are..so as soon as i can get out and about i will buy your book..speaking of the twilight series i own them all and after 2 years IM not even in the middle..just have watched and bought the DVDs and so looking foward to seeing the new one in theaters. Well gonna push myself...well i will defentley stay in touch have a great evening ..

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  20. I have not read CROSSROADS yet. I would love to.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  21. Ive been wanting to read this for a while!
    Sayomay
    tirnanog77@gmail.com

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  22. Totally love the cover. Been wanting to read this for awhile, as well. Great interview, too. Enjoyed it immensely.


    LizzieBeth1095@sbcglobal.net

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  23. I really, really hope I win. I've wanted this book got awhile now!
    Maryann@ chapter-by-chapter.com

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  26. This book sounds awesome and I would love to read it! The author sounds amazing!! flippingdancer@gmail.com

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  27. Crossroads is such an amazing book and is so incredibly special to me. I'll never forget it!

    galvezton1983@gmail.com

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  28. This is on my to read list & Christmas list this year....

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  29. I did not know this book, until I saw its author in a Twilight contest...

    It would be awesome if I could win! And I hope I will! :)

    Thank you!

    paulapineda2006@hotmail.com

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  30. this would b a great double gift for my daughters christmas!im hopin to get her a e-reader this year and this could be the first addition
    exavia12@gmail.com

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  31. I have always admired those who write and wrote lots of poetry and short stories when I was younger. I am always reading myself..it is wonderful that you are looking forward to a Movie release of a book, that says a lot for the directors, as most don't get it right.

    Looking forward to reading Crossroads and Between...maybe I'll win one of them..

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  32. I would love to get this book! Thanks
    charlizmoma@gmail.com

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  33. Good luck to you all! It is an amazing book by the sweetest Author! Mary is Amazing! elliotmcmahon@msn.com

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  34. Great interview, looking forward to reading the book. I also adore Fall, love wearing boot (especially the heeled variery), and am super excited for Breaking Dawn's release next Friday! Just in case I am the lucky winner my e-mail is: ginalouise10@sbcglobal.net

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  35. Cant wait for Betweeen! :D <3 Crossroads <3

    nikkisvis@gmail.com

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  36. I have been wanting to read this for a while now, really hope I win so I finally can.

    nikx1015@gmail.com

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  37. I My self Have, for Some time, Been thinking about writing A book!! I Guess I Just don't Know where to Start..I Have all My Thoughts , Story Lines Ect. Written Down..but From there I'm Lost! do I Just Pick Up A Pencil and write...Is there anything I should Keep In Mind..I'd Love Some Pointers From ANYBODY !!!!Cannot WAIt To read This..hope I w

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  38. Cant wait! <3

    tejasvini94@gmail.com

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  39. I've been wanting to read this book for awhile now. Gonna keep my fingers crossed that I win :)
    slray@frontiernet.net

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  40. I just got done reading Crossroads yesterday it's a great book can't wait for the squeal Between to come out. :-)

    LTODD11@yahoo.com

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