Monday, October 7, 2013

Meet Elissa Daye author of In Rapture

When you are getting ready to start a new book, what’s the first thing you do? 
I try to think who my characters are going to be. 

What do they look like? What makes them happy? What music would play whenever they are around? Then I start to write down some ideas for my plot, a bare bones idea of where I want my story to go.

How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?
I tell everyone I know in my real life and my internet life, for I have several connections I have never met before.

Have you had any fun fan moments since you became a writer? 
Yes! I have a few fans in my Destiny Divas group that have really been super supportive of my Destined Series. The first time someone messaged me on facebook and told me she was a huge fan, I was smiling for a week. I couldn’t believe it at first. I’m so lucky to have such amazing friends and family that support me, but to have complete strangers believe in what I do is simply amazing!

Do you have any hobbies or special interests you’d care to share?
I used to rescue ferrets in my area, until I had my two girls. For a time, these furry little critters were my kids and were completely spoiled. I even had a crafty ferret business on e-bay at one point, where I made cage accessories for small animals. I even attended a few ferret shows. Ferret shows are much like dog shows, believe it or not. Ferret breeders show their ferrets off and earn awards in different categories. For those of us who simply wanted to bring our ferrets for fun, there were a lot of small contests they could enter: paper bag escape, tunnel races, costume contests. Those were the days!

What was the inspiration for your books?
I’m a big believer that life leads you down the road you are meant to travel. There are many forks in the road, turns, twists, cracks, and crevasses that you fall into, but over time you learn to maneuver your way and exceed your expectations. Destiny, overcoming your life and living to your fullest has and will always be an important them in my Destined Series. It’s prevalent in my upcoming book, The Land of the Shadows too.

How difficult is if for you to come up with a title for your books?
Sometimes very difficult. At times, I think it is easier to wait until you are finished to decide the title of the book, that way your whole plot is complete and the name makes sense. For the Destined Series, the first book In Flames got its title in the beginning because it was such a spicy romance. In the end though, the title had a greater meaning, because one of my characters finds herself enflamed. In Rapture, well again, this book was also a hot read and very intense love story. The third book, In Chains,  which is taking forever to write, is more about being bound to a destiny with very little choice. I do intend for this to be a gentler love story than the other two, but still promise to not disappoint in the heat department. Now for The Land of the Shadows, the title came right from a place in the story. That was an easier title to come up with, but it was not decided until the book was completed. I actually played around with other titles, before deciding that this was the right choice for the book.

What jobs have you had on your way to becoming a writer?
Let’s see. I taught for almost 8 years in different schools and ages. From Middle school French/Language Arts all the way to teaching first grade at an inner-city school. My favorite teaching position was when I taught writing skills to every class in the building as part of their school improvement plan.

Where does the magic happen?  Where do you write?
Anywhere really. I like to find a place for my girls to play and write down ideas as I keep an eye on them. I’ve written at fast food restaurants while my oldest colors, at Panera when I get a break with a sitter, at the gym while the girls are in daycare, at home when everyone is asleep, and in the car when we go on road trips. I try to jot down ideas any time I can, to keep the juices flowing. I have ideas for several books written down in different notebooks.


Friday, October 4, 2013

Meet Jill Campbell author of Celtic Rose

When you are getting ready to start a new book, what’s the first thing you do? 
I call my Muse, Josh, and converse about the book until I get an idea for a great hook to start with.

How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?
I dance around the house to Stronger by Kelly Clarkson. J

Have you had any fun fan moments since you became a writer? 
I have a fan I call a little squirrel because she likes or comments on everything I post on my facebook.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests you’d care to share?
I read….a lot. J I crochet and cross stitch. I love going fishing and having movie marathons on the weekends.

What was the inspiration for your book?
I’ve seen this answer a lot, but the inspiration for my book came from my dreams.

How difficult is if for you to come up with a title for your books?
I come up with the title fairly easy, again using conversations with my physical Muse, Josh.

Who would play your hero/heroine in the tv or film version of your book?
I have three in mind for my hero, Talus, Ian Sommerhalder, Jay Ryan, or Tyler Hoechlin. The heroine is more difficult to choose for, but I know for my guardian werewolf, Gabriel, I would want Hugh Jackman.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Every time I’m asked this question I say the same three words…”Never give up!” 

What jobs have you had on your way to becoming a writer?
I’ve been a waitress, a cashier, and now I’m a Trade Spend Rep, kind of like an accountant in a way.

Did you have any interesting experiences when you were researching your book, or getting it published?
I had the worst experience in the world with the first publishers I had. They were rude and wouldn’t answer any of my questions. On a happy note, though, I met my wonderful author friends and my wonderful publisher in the process and they helped me to get out of the sticky situation I was in and brought me into the fold at World Castle Publishing with open arms.

Who are your favorite authors? What authors have influenced your book?
There are so many I don’t even know where to begin. I love Stephanie Meyers books, of course. Laurell K. Hamilton, Keri Arthur, Cassandra Claire, L.J. Smith, etc…those are the better known ones. I could go on all day.

Where does the magic happen?  Where do you write?
In the kitchen. Lol That’s where my desk and computer are, although sometimes lying in bed writing on my laptop is good too.

Aside from writing, what do you do in your free time? 
Spend time with my adorable little boy, of course. J I spend a lot of my time with my family and I’m extremely active in my church as well.

Do you prefer print books or eBooks?
I really prefer print books more than anything. You can turn the pages on a kindle like you do a print book now, but I just really love the sound of the pages turn and the smell that comes off them.

What's in the works for you?

I’m in the process of working with my editor on the second book in my Celtic Rose Saga as we speak and have been working on book 3 in between. When that’s done I’ll start the last book in the Saga. After that who knows, maybe I’ll get them turned into movies. lol