Welcome Author J.R. Wagner

I'm pleased to welcome author J.R. Wagner to my blog today! J.R. has graciously answered interview questions for me and my pals over at Never Too Old for YA Books on Goodreads and Facebook! You may know of J.R.'s book:

Title: Exiled (The Never Chronicles Book One)

Publication Date: June 5, 2012

Blurb from Goodreads:

James has never known an ordinary life. As long as he can remember, he and his family have been on the run—moving from place to place, never settling down, never growing roots. Now, just when he’s on the brink of manhood, the very thing his family has been trying to prevent tears him from all he has ever known and thrusts him into a place where he is powerless and alone. 

Bent on finding a way back, James must brave a place reserved for the worst of his kind. He quickly learns that the land itself poses a greater threat than its inhabitants and if he is to have any chance of returning, he must work with the very people he’s been raised to fear.

James has known magic since just after he was born. As a sorcerer, his skills are exceptional yet when he wakes in The Never, his abilities are gone. Armed with nothing but determination and the will to survive, he braves a land wrought with dangers, mysteries and temptations meant to ensnare both body and mind and prevent escape forever

J. R. Wagner was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, during a blizzard. The snow made travel by car impossible, so his father called an ambulance when his mother went into labor. The ambulance became stuck at the bottom of their home’s driveway, prompting the dispatch of a fire truck, which towed the ambulance to the hospital where he was

born.

Maybe it was this experience that destined J.R. to love adventure.
A competitive cyclist, triathlete, mountain biker, and adventure racer, he once received a medal for saving a woman’s life during the kayaking section of an adventure race.

J.R. drafted his first story, a sequel to Return of the Jedi, when he was ten years old. A self-proclaimed Star Wars geek, he had lofty aspirations of working with George Lucas on filming the
project. In 1990, he began filming his version of The Lord of the Rings in his parents’ basement, but the plug was pulled after he nearly burned down the house. Since then, J.R. has written two
full-length screenplays and a thriller novel.
After graduating with a kinesiology degree from Arizona State University, J.R. returned to Pennsylvania, where he took up writing once again.
He began writing Exiled while vacationing in Maine

You can purchase J.R.'s book at these sites:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Please welcome J.R. as he answers a few questions for his readers:

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

            I’m not sure there was a moment when a light bulb went off in my head and I decided I wanted to be a writer. It was more like an infestation that slowly worked its way through my brain. In fifth grade I vividly remember trying to re-write scenes from Return of the Jedi.  I would have my friends act them out in the recess yard while everyone else was running around playing football or at the playground. (Go ahead, you can say it, I was a total dork!) Around the same time I had a teacher give us all journals with the instructions, ‘Write whatever you like,’ well, I wrote Jaws IV.  Throughout my younger years my main focus was screenwriting and the filming that went along with it.  If you’ve ever seen the movie Super 8, that was my childhood minus the alien and the pretty girl.  I think at this point I knew I wanted to do something creative with my career, however it took a few more decades to whittle it down to writing.

2. How long does it take you to write a book? 

            It took me ten months to write a first draft of Exiled.  I’m 2/3 of the way through the first draft of book #2 and hope to have it complete by early fall.

3. What do you think makes a great story?

            Great characters.  You can have the coolest settings in the world but if your characters are lame, the story will not captivate the readers.  I also believe a great story should make you think.  I like subtle connections between characters and events and I love when, at the end of a story, events that appear independent come together and in that moment everything makes sense.  Stephen King is a master at this.

4. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

            I get up at 4:30am, write until 6:30 or so and then start getting my daughters ready for school or summer camp or whatever else they’re involved in.

5. How do you balance family and writing?

            I specifically chose my writing time to fall when everyone else is asleep so I’m not disturbed and I don’t lose any time with my family.  There are times when I’m doing an event that takes me all day or requires me to travel and most often, my wife and daughters are happy to come along.  I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the efforts of my wife to pick up the household slack since my book began consuming more and more of my time.  She is an amazing woman.

6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

            I think my inspiration/ideas come from my collection of life experiences.  Books I’ve read, movies I’ve seen, places I’ve been, things I’ve done. Take all of those, smash them together, throw them in a blender and press puree and you’ve got my creative brain in smoothie form.  I believe all of my past interactions have impacted what I write and how I write it.  I can’t cite one source as all-inspiring. When I sit down to write, I’m just as excited as when I sit down to read because I have no idea where the story is going to take me.  The story dictates the direction, I’m just the conduit between my brain and the keyboard.  It’s funny (odd may be a better descriptor, I’ll let you decide) but when I’m not writing, the characters call to me.  They poke at the back of my brain until I give them the attention they deserve.  I believe this is part of the reason why I find back-story so important.  Everybody has a story to tell and I find one-dimensional characters dreadfully boring. As far as information, I use books and the internet and my all-knowing editorial friends as often as possible.  Right now I’m trying to figure out what the inside of an 18^th century men’s clothing store looks like –not an easy task.

7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? 

            I was really surprised when I realized that the amount of effort that went into writing the book pales in comparison to the amount of effort that goes into marketing the book. Creating your author platform, staying current with your social media, etc. etc. etc. It can be exhausting.  Two weeks ago my wife and I drove sixteen hours for a book signing.  Something else that surprised me was when I realized there is more to being an author than selling books.  I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to at-risk teens on several occasions and I see how profound reading and writing can be for kids in that situation.  I am continually building upon that experience and hope to help create a program that will give them the tools to see and use what I call The Outlet and The Escape through writing and reading.

8. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite? 

            Exiled is my first published work so, after much deliberation, I’d have to say Exiled would be my favorite if I had to pick just one. J

9. Are your characters based on anyone you know?

            I haven’t based a character on any one person. Bits and pieces of personalities I’ve come into contact over the years (including my own) are in all of the characters, some more so than others.  I’ve named characters and places after people in my life.  The Queen Mary is the name of the ship James, the main character, uses to sail to the satellite islands of The Never.  The Queen Mary was the name of my grandfather’s fishing boat –picture a tiny boat no wider than your outstretched arms with a small outboard motor that wouldn’t start half the time.  In fact,  (feel free to delete this because I’m rambling) my father, uncle and grandfather were fishing one time (probably not the first time) in the path of the ferry that takes cars from Cape May New Jersey to Lewes Delaware.  They saw the ferry coming, pulled up their lines and went to start the motor –no luck.  So as this massive multi-story ship is bearing down on them, my father is desperately yanking on the starter cord while my grandfather tinkers with a screwdriver trying to get it started.  Needless to say, they were able to finally get it going and avoid becoming shark chum.

10. Do you have a favourite place you love to write?

            I write in my office every day.  It has a nice view of my flowers but I can’t see them because it’s always dark.  Beside me is my ever-loyal German Shepherd, Sorin…sleeping. I always have my noise canceling headphones on and listen to movie soundtracks as I write (I told you I was a dork.).

11. How hard is it to get published?

            Very, very hard.  With the current upheaval in the publishing industry right now, very few people are willing to take risks –especially on new authors.  The industry will change in favor of the author, I believe, but that is still in the distant future.

12. What do your family and friends think about your books?

            Everyone is thrilled.  Most didn’t know I was writing a book until I announced the launch party (I always hold my cards close).  They always seem to say, ‘I look forward to being able to say, I remember Josh when…’ no pressure or anything, right?

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

            I work with my brother at the business my father started over 30 years ago.  We are holding it together during these not-so-prosperous times in hopes of better days to come.  I’m hoping those days come in tandem with my full-time writing career allowing me to step away without being a detriment to the family business.  To keep me sane, I ride my bike, run and swim…and compete in an occasional triathlon or adventure race. Somehow I managed to qualify for the National Olympic-distance triathlon championships this year although my schedule will not allow for proper training to even consider participating in that event. (I’m neurotic when it comes to training…and just about everything else.)

14. Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they? 

            Write every day. Set a schedule and a goal and stick to it. Same time, same place if possible.  Shoot for a duration or word count.  Read every day.  Read in your genre most often. Enter writing contests. Visit figment.com and set up an account there –it is a great website.

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 

            A Hollywood film director.

16. What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?

            The chaos walking series by Patrick Ness, The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, of course and one can’t mention fantasy without mentioning Mr. Harry Potter and his creator, J.K. Rowling.  I also love Ray Bradbury, Michael Chrichton and Stephen King.

17. For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published?

            Write a blog.  Start it yesterday. Build a following.  Focus your target reader and cater to their likes with your blog as best you can.  Provide content they will enjoy as often as possible. Post often, build that following. Get on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and do the social media thing.  Most importantly is to get readers familiar with your writing style.  Throw in a chapter of you book if you’d like.  Start a serial story.  Content is important.  Never lose sight of your target reader and focus on them whenever you brainstorm about content ideas. I wouldn’t even consider looking for a publisher before you’ve gotten a following.  They want to know you can market yourself before they’ll even consider working with you.  Sorry, the days of holding up in a cabin in Maine and doing book signings only when your novel releases are over.  Being an author requires constant work.  It’s not just about writing anymore.  If you don’t like it, get out of the game. You’ll only find frustration. One more thing, have your manuscript professionally edited BEFORE you even send out a query letter.  If you can’t afford it, wait until you can. Also, when you’re ready to query, have that professionally edited as well. Seriously, don’t rely on your roommate. If you want in the game, do it right.

18. What are you working on now?

            I am working on book #2 of The Never Chronicles –and it isn’t just because everyone whose read Exiled wants to kill me for ending it the way I did.

Thanks so much for the interview, J.R. I wish you success with your next book in The Never Chronicles!

Feel free to visit J.R. at the following sites and follow him on Twitter:

Goodreads

Facebook

The Never Chronicles

Twitter

Welcome Author Sara Ross

I'm pleased to welcome author Sara Ross to my blog today! Sara has graciously answered interview questions for me and my pals over at Never Too Old for YA Books on Goodreads and Facebook! You may know Sara's books:

Published: January 27, 2012

Purchase Awaken here:

Amazon

Smashwords

Blurb from Goodreads:

Lucy Donovan was supposed to have a weekend of fun in the sun, celebrating her upcoming graduation from college. In a split second, everything changed. A drunk driver ended Lucy’s mortal life.

Lucy opens her eyes to a world she never imagined possible and a new destiny: as a Patronus, a guardian of spirits. Adjusting to her new role and abilities while negotiating this confusing realm will test her limits and push her further than she ever dreamed she would go. From wayward spirits who don’t want her help to soul stealing vampires, and even a stuck-up British royal, Lucy must brave them all to save one spirit she can’t bear to lose.

Further complicating her life is an inexplicable yet growing connection she feels to a member of her team, Max, whose mysterious behavior leaves her both confused and intrigued.

Waking up dead was just the beginning of her problems. Lucy’s death is about to become the greatest adventure of her life

Published: June 2012

Purchase Echo of An Earth Angel here:

Amazon

Smashwords

Blurb from Goodreads:

18 year old Tessa Copeland barely survived the worst year of her life—in fact, it was a miracle. After making it through the tragedy that killed both of her parents, she’s left to pick up the pieces of her life. Combating the holes in her memory and the concern of her friends was hard enough, but a new talent threatens to destroy everything she’s trying to reclaim. 

David Allegri didn’t mean to ruin Tessa’s life. She was the brightest soul he’d seen in centuries and he couldn’t let her die, so the fallen angel used his abilities to heal her—only he took it too far and changed Tessa forever. Now, he has to figure out a way to explain what’s happening to Tessa and somehow protect both of them from the consequences.

My Review of Echo of An Earth Angel

(**SPOILER ALERT** so skip if you don't want to know)

** spoiler alert ** Finally finsihed! Review to come later.
I was given an ARC of Echo of An Earth Angel by the author, Sarah Ross, in exchange for an honest review.
Tessa barely survived a horrifying shooting which claimed the lives of her mother and father. After 9 long months in the hospital and a miraculous she finally gets to go home. Only her recovery is more miraculous than she would have ever imagined. Soon she meets David, a rogue angel, who reveals to her the truth behind her recovery and her new found abilities which make her a target for Hunters.
I love the theme behind this story. A young woman has a near death experience and is saved by an angel only to become an angel herself.
Tessa is spunky and bright, and confused about why she can suddenly heal people with the touch of her hands. You watch her come into her powers and fall in love, when she thought love was dead.
David is a sweet, well meaning angel who took things too far. He falls hard for Tessa and believes she has the brightest soul he has ever seen. He doesn't mean to change her into an angel, but he accidentally take his healing too far and transfers the powers he has to her.
I like the attraction between the two main characters. It is insta-love, but it's hard to deny that such love does exist. It's hard to deny that love can transcend knowing someone for a long time.
The supporting cast of characters is only ok, in my opinion. Those you thought were good, turn out bad. Those who are bad are really bad, and sort of crazy at the same time. Those who are good are really good, and you see the depth of their caring.
Things that I had issues with in this book were the use of British colloquialisms for characters who live and were born in America and the fact that there is very limited narrative. The paragraphs are quite long, even when there is dialogue between characters. And I found that there was a lot of repetition. I understood the need for the characters to reflect upon what was happening, but the relationships started to become unbelievable because you rarely saw the characters interacting with each other. Instead, the interactions were described in long narratives that could have been broken up with more action.
All in all the story was interesting and I can see where the characters have room for growth. The end was very abrupt, but you can see how a sequel will definitely help the reader to work out the holes that were left by the sudden ending.

A litte about Sarah:

His choice made them targets for the Hunters, who will use any means necessary to capture their prey. Only a desperate plan can help them escape, and sacrifices will be made. Time is ticking. Will they make it, or will they be lost to the echoes of fate?

I started my obsession with reading at an early age, getting in trouble for sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class in elementary school. I would read any fiction book I could get my hands on. I knew it was an addiction when instead of grounding me from TV or music, my mom would take away my books as punishment (The Horror!). My love of all things paranormal was inspired by my good friend Laurie, who convinced me that books with vampires, witches, and all things shifter were amazing. After a little reluctance, I gave it a shot with the Sookie Stackhouse books, realized she was right, and the rest was history. 

I grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with my degree in English, and taught 8th graders to love reading as much as I do for several years. I will always be a proud member of the Steelers Nation, but I couldn’t take the cold and moved my frozen tush to Florida where I now live with my family and two cats. You will find me now with my trusty Kindle in hand and toes in the sand!

When I'm not writing or reading, I am probably partaking in my favorite vice: sunbathing. I know it's wrong, but I love the feeling on the hot sun on my skin and could lay in it for hours. I do live in Florida for a reason!

I also enjoy traveling, baking, movies, and playing with my adorable fur babies

And now without further ado, here's Sarah!

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always been a writer, writing little plays or skits for my younger sister and I to perform. In college, I began writing seriously, but I was trying to write mysteries and I never fell into a groove with the stories. It wasn’t until I started reading, then writing paranormal that my muse clicked on and said, “now you’re talking!”

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

For me, it takes about 6 months to write and edit a book. Now that I’m a full time author, I’m hoping to cut the time a little more.

3. What do you think makes a great story?

This story was playing around in my head for a while—since I started writing Awaken. I just love the way that a tragedy can turn out to be an amazing gift. And I loved playing with the idea of Angels having free will and not always working for good. Plus, who wouldn’t fall for the hunky angel that saved your life?

4. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I’m a full time writer, so I can write whenever the mood strikes. I do, however, tend to be most productive in the early morning (before noon) or late at night (after 10). The house—and my mind—are quieter then and I can focus. Though I do get very easily distracted by Facebook way too much!

5. How do you balance family and writing?

I’m very lucky that I’m writing at a time that I don’t have children, so balancing is pretty easy. My hubby and I don’t have family that’s close by, so all I have to worry about is him.

6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I have no idea where these crazy ideas come from, they just seem to be rattling around in my head. I do a lot of research for my books if I’m throwing in anything historical, so I’ll spend a few hours on the web gathering info on what I might need to use when the situation calls for it. It’s nice, kinda like being in college again—minus the all-nighters!

7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

It surprised me how long it takes to publish after the book is written! I finished Awaken in late October, but it wasn’t published until mid-January. And that’s with a small publisher—the big ones will hold a story a lot longer than that! I’m a control freak, so putting it in someone else’s hands (even very capable hands), makes me squirm a bit.

8. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

Echo of an Earth Angel is my second full/published novel. It is the first in the Earth Angel Trilogy. My first novel, Awaken, was published in January and is the first in the Patronus series. Both are my babies, I can’t choose which one I love more, but Echo does hold a special place in my heart. 

9. Are your characters based on anyone you know?

There are a few characters I threw in that are based on real people. The biggest one is my baby sister, Jessica in Awaken.

10. Do you have a favourite place you love to write?

I actually switch all around the house: office, living room, in bed. It depends on how long I’ve been sitting in a chair! LOL. I’d love to write on the beach (It’s across the street), but my hubby is afraid it’ll ruin the laptop.

11. How hard is is to get published?

I got very lucky. I knew some of the people at the publishing house, so when I asked if they were taking submissions, they accepted mine right away. I know this is not the normal process and it’s usually much more difficult, with rejections and queries, but I am happy I didn’t have to go through all that.

12. What do your family and friends think about your books?

Everyone has been super supportive. Not a lot of people in my family read YA or Paranormal, but they all bought my books and have become my street team, selling it and passing out my cards to everyone they meet!

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

I am a beach girl! I love the Florida sunshine and digging my toes in the sand. I recently started taking surfing lessons too, and that is a lot a fun. I am also an avid reader and will suck myself into a book and not look up. That happens a lot!

14. Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they?

Read On Writing by Stephen King. Amazing advice in that book. Get a good writing thesaurus. Also, surround yourself with others who understand and are also following their dreams. Join a writing group, or a critique group—anyone who will help encourage you in your journey. There are so many people out there who are going to tell you “you can’t do it”, it’s important to have people in the background saying, “yes, you can!”

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I had my heart sent on becoming a pediatric oncologist when I was a kid. I even went into college pre-med. It was funny, I was struggling to get C’s in my advanced chemistry classes, and taking Shakespeare as an elective and acing it. Everyone kept telling me to switch majors, but I was a bit stubborn back then…

16. What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?

I read so much, I don’t know if I could pick just a few authors or books. Amanda Hawking is a big inspiration and I hope I can be half—a quarter—as successful as her one day. I also have a big girl-crush on Charlaine Harris. The Sookie books were the first paranormal books I ever read, and when I met her last month at her book signing she was the sweetest woman in the world.

I also read a lot of fabulous YA indie authors who continue to amaze me with their brilliance. People like Nichole Chase, Liz Reinhardt, Tiffany King, CA Kunz, M. Leighton, Elizabeth Sharp, Tawdra Kandle, and Lacey Weatherford.

17. For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published?

Do: Hire a professional cover artist and editor. If you want your work to be taken seriously, you need to hire professionals.

Don’t: Send unedited drafts to publishers. They’ll never accept it that way.

Do: Have a thick skin. It’s hard, cause it’s your baby and you love it. But not every book will please every person. Bad reviews and harsh criticism is a part of the industry. You just gotta suck it up.

Don’t: GIVE UP! Even if you’ve been rejected over 100 times, keep trying! JK Rowling and Charlaine Harris were both rejected multiple times before getting picked up.

18. What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on book 2 of each series. Simultaneously. Yes, it’s nuts. Avenge will be out next (book 2 of the Patronus series.) I’m hoping to have it out by September.

I’ll have book 2 of the Earth Angel Trilogy out this winter.

Thanks so much for stopping by Sarah! Feel free to follow Sarah at the following sites:

Goodreads

Facebook

The Scribblings of Sarah

Twitter

The Twilight Saint

Book Description

Publication Date: July 12, 2012

It has been thousands of years since the fall of the great nations and the tribes that remain in the ashes of the fallen must fight to survive in the shadows. In this desperate landscape, Ailive has spent her entire life fighting for the honor of her tribe and she has grown weary of war. When Ailive sees a chance to escape her fate, she flees into a chaotic landscape where death and darkness lurk behind every friendly face until she finds refuge in the peaceful city at the center of her world. In this city, Ailive finds everything she’s ever dreamt of, but news of a strange prophet from the South brings whispers of war to Ailive’s peaceful home. Now Ailive alone can stop the genocide of an entire tribe of people. Ailive alone holds the key to bringing peace to the world and destroying the monstrous man whom she once loved, if she can only gain the courage to pick up her sword again and make herself fulfill the destiny she’s fought her entire life.

› Visit Amazon's Jessica Penot Page

Biography

Jessica Penot is a writer and psychologist who often considers leaving the more traditional field of psychology for the less conventional para side of it. Jessica loves a good ghost story and all things dark and beautiful. She lives in Alabama with her family. You can learn more about her at www.jessicapenot.net

Guest Post with Jessica!
Mayan Prophecies as used in The Twilight Saint

 

When I began working on my novel, The Twilight Saint, I was deeply inspired by a trip I took to Chichen Itza in Mexico.  I had heard that the Mayans predicted that the world would end on December 21, 2012, but I didn’t know much more about the prophecy other than that it existed.  My visit to Chichen Itza deepened my knowledge of these prophecies and inspired me to begin writing about a world after the apocalypse.  Chichen Itza is one of the most monumental of a series of Mayan ruins in the Yucatan area. Its beauty and size are awe inspiring.  Its history is fascinating.  During my trip, we were lead through the sprawling ruins of the fallen city by an amazingly knowledgeable Mayan guide that explained Mayan prophecy to us.  According to our guide, Mayan history came in phases and that the ruins were in layers depending on their period of origin. There were the Olmec, Toltec, and Classical Mayan phases represented in the ruins of Chichen Itza, none of which were surviving when the first Europeans set foot on the shores of the New World.

One of the most fascinating things our guide explained to us about the Mayans had to do with the 2012 apocalyptic prophecy. At the time we travelled, the 2012 prophecy was far less well known and no one expected to hear anything about it. Our guide told us that the Mayan calendar was cyclical and that the Mayan's believed that the world was born and died many times. He talked about the last apocalypse. He said that it was an apocalypse of water and that the earth was covered in a great flood. He said that when that age, the age of water, was brought to an end by the flood a new age was born, an age of fire. We are now in the age of fire. In 2012 our age of fire will end in fire and an age of ether will be born. The end of the world will also be the beginning of a new world.

In my book, The Twilight Saint, it is the end of the age of ether.  The world has ended and been reborn many times and it sits on the verge of yet another apocalypse.  The post-apocalyptic landscape that is seen in my novel is filled with the ruins of our civilization.  Scholars study us as we now study the Mayans.  The cycle of life has come and gone again.  It has been thousands of years since the end of our world and the new world is about to end and be born again.

Welcome Author J. Meyers

I'm pleased to welcome author J. Meyers to my blog today! J. has graciously answered interview questions for me and my pals over at Never Too Old for YA Books on Goodreads and Facebook! You may know J's book Intangible:

Released: January 31, 2012

Links for Purchase:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Blurb from Goodreads (click link to add to your TBR):

Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.gift. 

J. has also released a bonus short story to go along with her book which is currently free on the above sites and on Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and Amazon:

Published: October 17, 2012

Blurb from Goodreads (click link to add to your TBR):

Luke and his twin sister Sera have unusual abilities. Hers is a gift—she can heal with a touch of her hand. His is a curse—he can see the future but he can’t do anything about it.
On a hike up the mountain, Luke has a vision unlike any other—one that leaves him terrified. Knowing that it will come true—and that he must do everything in his power to stop it—leaves his own future uncertain.

ision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.

j. meyers grew up in Vermont and now lives in Central New York. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s chasing her four kids around, exploring the outdoors with them, relishing the few quiet moments she gets with her husband, baking sweet treats, and forgetting to make dinner. Though she cannot actually see the future nor heal with a touch of her hand, she likes to think her children believe she can. Intangible is her first novel.

And now J. has graciously answered interview questions for me and My NTOFYAB ladies! Be sure to check out the interview over on Goodreads as well!

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

Writing kind of snuck up on me. I hated writing when I was in high school and college. A few years after college, I got a job freelancing at an educational texts publisher inputting changes to manuscripts. I quickly moved up to proofreading, copy editing, and eventually started writing. Without even noticing that I was doing it, I became a professional writer. :-) I ended up co-authoring a couple of parenting books before writing Intangible, which is my first novel.

2. How long does it take you to write a book? 

Intangible took about a year to write, working on it only at night while my kids were asleep. And then it took another year to revise/edit/polish it up for publication. I'm hoping the novel I'm working on now will only take about a year total to get it ready to publish. (I've got LOTS of fingers crossed for that.)

3. What do you think makes a great story?

Characters you care about and can connect with, a plot that moves along logically and with surprises, beautiful writing, great dialogue.

4. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I've recently started getting up early to write before my kids wake. I'm really liking getting my work done in the morning so I have the rest of the day to focus on my family and get other things done, so I think I'm going to stick to this schedule.

5. How do you balance family and writing?

I wish I knew. :-) I don't balance it well at all, and I hate that. I've discovered that I'm an all-or-nothing sort of person when it comes to writing, so my family definitely suffers when I'm focused on a book. However, my new early morning writing schedule seems to be bringing things back into balance somewhat, giving me more time with my kids and husband, so I'm hoping I've found the secret I've been searching for. (Fingers and toes crossed on this.)

6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

The idea behind Intangible--of a girl who could heal with a touch of her hand--was inspired by Reiki, which is a hands-on energy healing method that I'm trained in. The addition of other teens with gifts, including her twin brother, was inspired by superheroes. :-)

I keep a notebook with a list of book ideas, and I'm not sure where the ideas come from. Dreams, sometimes. Maybe news stories or articles I read. Or the idea just strikes me in the flash of a moment, seemingly unrelated to anything I'm doing at the moment. I write EVERYTHING down so I don't forget it.

7. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite? 

Intangible is my first novel--I've co-authored two parenting books as well. Intangible is definitely my favourite. :-) 

8. Are your characters based on anyone you know?

Nope. While I may borrow pieces of people for my characters, each one is a unique creation all unto him/herself and not based on a specific person.

9. Do you have a favourite place you love to write?

In winter: on the couch in front of the fire with a hot cup of tea and some dark chocolate. The rest of the year: anywhere the ideas are flowing...with a hot cup of tea and some dark chocolate. ;-)

10. What do your family and friends think about your books?

They are all very supportive and excited for me. Most of them have read the book and loved it, which is an amazing thing. Though it's really nerve-wracking to have my friends and family read it. More so than anyone else, I suppose, because I *really* want them to like it. 

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

Read. :-) (I read a LOT, and mostly YA or MG books because it's the best writing out there.) And hang out with my family--going for hikes and walks, playing outside, baking with my kids.

12. Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they? 

For me, I learn a lot from reading. Reading for me is studying--I'm paying close attention to the words an author chose or how they created a particularly vibrant world or how they drop clues or handle backstory, in addition to the story itself. I'm constantly trying to figure out how to do it better myself.

And, of course, to get better at writing you must actually WRITE. But write with intention. Write with an idea that's taken hold of you and won't. let. go. Also? Finish what you start. :-)

13. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 

I wanted to be a doctor...until I realized that I'd have to dissect cadavers. And I knew I wasn't up to that task. So then I wanted to be an actor. I definitely did not want to be a writer. :-)

14. What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?

I am incredibly inspired by these books and authors (and regularly study their books): The Dreamdark series by Laini Taylor, Chime by Frannie Billingsley, This is All: The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn by Aidan Chambers, and the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling.

15. For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published?

Do put out your best work. Polish it until it shines as brightly as you can make it. Publishing or submitting anything less than your absolute best will only work against you.

Do believe in yourself.

And if it's something you really want, don't give up. :-)

16. What are you working on now?

I'm writing the sequel to Intangible.

Thanks so much, Brooke! It's been a real treat. :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, J.! It's been a pleasure having you here! Please feel free to follow J. at the following sites:

Goodreads

J. Meyers Books

Twitter

Facebook

The Right To Choose!

As you have prob. Seen on my lower right hand side bar.  There are now three new things.  One is a vid from Author Jackson Pierce.  The other two are pictures about gay marriage and the right to choose.  Well I wanted to take this moment to let you all know that No I may not be gay. As I'm married to a man and I am a woman. But I do support everyones right to choose to marry whom they want.  

who are they to say whom god hates?!

As long as that marriage is between two consenting adults (and not an adult and child, ETC.) then they should be able to do that. Marriage is about love not about what is in your pants.  Who cares if two woman or two men want to be married.  Its their right to love whom they want!  

Now it seems that currently Chick-Fil-A supports ORGS that are against gay marriage.  Well I for one will no longer be eating there. Which sucks since my kids love that place.  I guess we could just order a water and I can let them play.  Since that is all they want to do there.  O I'll bring along my laptop and two ipads and use their free wifi as well!  That should eat into their profits.  I'm not against them saying what they want to. As its their right.  But it just seems wrong for them to gain profits and then give them to places that encourage hate.  I mean my daughter has been taken out of normal public school because she had bullies in 1 and 2 grade. Which is crazy if you ask me! 

Its crazy about some of our laws.  Ive been pagan (not a devil worshiper) for almost 20 years.  Ive had people get my phone number can call me up and start preaching to me over the phone. I hang up thinking what is wrong with these people.  Years ago the Dixie Chicks lost sales because of something that they said.  (During a London concert ten days before the 2003 invasion of Iraq, lead vocalist Maines said, "we don't want this war, this violence, and we're ashamed that the President of the United States [George W. Bush] is from Texas".^[1] The positive reaction to this statement from the British audience contrasted with the boycotts that ensued in the U.S., where "the band was assaulted by talk-show conservatives"^[2] while their albums were discarded in public protest.) 


I mean would you support a law or constitutinal amendment to ban your religion? Since most Christians support a Constitutional Amendment banning Same Sex Marriage would you support a Constitutional Amendment banning Christianity ? Its crazy right!?  

They say that How could anyone compare a Religion to Homosexuality? 

Christianity is a way of life which grounds people to both Faith and Morales Standards.

Homosexuality on the contrary, is an attitude and Not a civil right.

Religious Freedom is a GOD GIVEN RIGHT that requires protection of any Nation’s Constitution

To compare these two matters is utterly Ridiculous!

Now, let's look at the state of California.

In this state which is both a Liberal and Cosmopolitan State the people here had the opportunity to vote into their state’s legislator the right to gay marriages, but the people voted and said NO!!!

This includes two of the most Liberal cities of our Nation; Los Angeles and San Francisco; home of the homosexuals and even with these two cities the vote was NO!!!

This is Not a Civil Rights matter, but an attitude and that alone cannot cause for a Constitutional Amendment to ban Christianity because "most Christians support a Constitutional Amendment banning Same Sex Marriage would you support a Constitutional Amendment banning Christianity ?"

(taken from)

What makes being gay not a right.  I being straight have the right to marry the man I love so why should anyone else have that same right?!

The bottom line for me is that places are not allowed to stop you from being hired because of this!  Because its illegal.  Well then why shouldn't this be the same way.  Not being in support of gay marriage should be illegal since it is still discrimination.  

Well I support the right to choose!  If that makes you not want to read or look at my site well then that is your right.  

Check these out! And check out her site here>http://www.jacksonpearce.com

Its Back To School Time!

I wanted to take a second and let you all know that I will be teaching my daughter from home this year.  I had done this last year but we were moving around a lot and ended up putting her back in public school.  This is a wonderful opportunity for both me and her.  We are using the Connections Academy program which is free to use.  They send you everything you need other than some items you have to get yourself.  But books and workbooks are all included.

If you want to be more active in what your child is learning and you have the time at home. Then this is the perfect program to do that.  She will even start to learn a language and sign language. Which in a normal school setting they don't start learning until high school.

Anyway I wanted to let you know that I will not be on as many tours as I am right now.  I will be doing more promos and 1st chapters, etc.   I will not be reviewing as many books as I am right now.

I will however still be here!  Im not going anywhere. School starts Aug 13th so things won't change for a while.

I will start back up as soon as I get all of the schooling under way.