Author Interview: Shweta Ganesh Kumar

After reading the book A Newlywed's Adventures in Married Land, which was an ARC, I thought it'd be great to have a talk with the author Shweta GK about the book. Shweta agreed readily and here's what we talked about.

Hi! Welcome to my blog.  Its such a pleasure to have you here! First of all, as we'd love to know, tell us something about yourself.

Hi Vinny, thank you for having me on your blog. I am an author and a travel columnist. My first novel 'Coming Up On The Show... The travails of a news trainee', was released in May 2011, by Srishti Books. It sold more than 10,000 copies within the first two months of its release. My second novel 'Between the Headlines' was released in May 2012, by Good Times Books and has been very well received. My latest book, ‘A Newlywed’s Adventures in Married Land,’ is now available worldwide via Toronto based publishers, Indireads. My short fiction and poetry have been published in Indian Voices - An anthology, Bricolage Magazine, Synaesthesia Magazine, Writers Asylum, Single Solitary Thought, Damazine, Love Across Borders, Shades of Love and other anthologies and literary magazines in more than four continents. My monthly column, ‘Trippin With Shweta’ is a steady feature in the Indian magazine, ‘Travel and Flavours’. The New Indian Express, One Philippines, Venture (Indonesia) and Geo (Indian edition) have published many of my travel columns. My non-fiction pieces have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Indian Spiritual Soul and Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul – On Friendship. I also write and illustrate on the joys and trials of being a parent, in a blog called, ‘The Times Of Amma – The motherhood bulletin with badly-drawn cartoons.’ Before dedicating my life to writing, I worked as a TV news correspondent with CNN-IBN and as a Communications Officer at Greenpeace India.

So, when did you first know that you wanted to be an author? Did you always want to be one?

I’ve always been a writer- right from the age of five, when my mother sent one of my childishly scrawled short stories to a newspaper contest, till today. Some of my most treasured possessions are my dog-eared bundles of notebooks filled with pages and pages of my musings, rantings, stories and in some cases, poems that were written in misguided grandoise moments. I’ve always wanted to reach out to others with stories and narrations of real life incidents.

 What prompted you to write the book "A Newlywed's Adventures in Married Land"?

Lewis Carroll’s’ ‘Alice’ has always fascinated me. As a child, I’ve lived in Muscat, Kottayam, Calicut, Kochi, Hubli, Pune, Delhi and Bangalore. Two years, sometimes three in one town and then we would move on. Sometimes, it was mid-term as I walked in to friendships formed on the first day of school. I would stand at the fringes – an interloper trying to blend. Masking my nervousness with a grin I would force the extrovert in me out, while the nerd in me would yearn to curl up with my books and my dog for company. I’d wonder about Alice and how she coped in that Wonderland of hers. I had my wonderful parents as a constant source of support, no matter which new city we moved to. Alice however, had no way of knowing whether this was a dream or if there was another way out of the rabbit hole. Much later, all grown up and married, my husband and I moved to El Salvador in Central America where I tried to cope with the rigours of bringing up my baby, then barely five months old and the trials of learning to communicate in Spanish. While I thanked my lucky stars for my husband’s support, I remembered that girl I used to be long ago. The newlywed who moved to a foreign land and learnt her way around it. Much like a lot of my friends who had left their family and careers and friends behind. Much like my childhood friend Alice trying to grapple with the eccentricities of Wonderland. And that’s how this book was born.

As I was going through your bio it seemed like the story was inspired by your own life at some point. Is that true?

I have found that when I write about the things I know and have experienced, the story flows with a life of its own. My books are slotted in the genre of Urban Fiction, as I have lived through the research needed for all of them. My own life if it were a book would be slotted in Urban Non-Fiction. So, yes I do get inspired by real life – but it’s not always my own.

What was the biggest challenge while writing the book?

I prefer finishing my manuscript first and then working on the edits. This is the process I have followed with my first two books. However, with this book, my publisher and I were working on edits simultaneously, sometimes from chapter to chapter and this was challenging. Though, I believe the book is what it is today, thanks to this process.

Did you ever suffer writer's block? If yes, what did you do to get over it?

I approach writing as I’ve approached all my previous jobs. I could not afford to have a day off as a reporter or as a communications executive. When you are at work you work, no matter your mood. This approach works for me as I manage to write at least a little bit, every day. Being my own boss, I stick to this tactic to ensure I don’t slack off or procrastinate. I also work on multiple projects simultaneously. This way even if I don’t feel the words flowing for a certain story, I know that it will for another column or blog waiting for my attention.

What were your feelings when you first saw the finished copy of your book?

I always think of my books as my babies. ‘A Newlywed’s Adventures in Married Land’, was my first foray into the world of eBooks and seeing the first finished copy of the book was like seeing a newborn make her appearance for the first time.

Are you completely satisfied with your writing or would you like to change something in your story, given a chance?

For me, my writings are little slices of Life. And like life, I don’t think you can change or rewrite your basic narrative once it has happened. So, no, I never change the basic gist of my stories once written. This is not to say that I do not edit, I do. Sometimes, I edit my manuscripts as many as three times. But I never make structural changes or personality changes in my characters.

Well said! Now lets hear a few things about you. To start with, is writing your full time profession?

Yes, I’m a full-time writer. I’m also a travel columnist and a work from home mother to a two-year old.

When you're not writing what do you do to relax?

When I’m not writing, you’ll find me playing with my daughter, reading, trying out new recipes or travelling.

What’s the schedule of a typical day for you?

My day is usually made-up of play and reading with my daughter, getting the day’s meals ready and sticking to my daily word count – albeit by working on a novel, short story, blog or a travel column.

If your book is adopted for a movie, which actors would you like to play the characters of your story?

Such an interesting question! I’ve never thought about it before. I’d say I’d love for Priyanka Chopra or Vidya Balan to play the role of Mythili and Farhan Akhtar or Siddharth (Rang De Basanti) to play the role of Siddharth.

I guess Vidya Balan and Farhan Akhtar would suit Mythili and Siddharth very well! Um, so what are your favourite books?

I’ve had the good fortune to grow up surrounded by books. My parents started reading to me at an age that I cannot even remember and that is what motivated me to start putting down my thoughts no matter how silly or random they were. There have been so many books that have left such a deep imprint on my mind that it is impossible to list them all. To name a few, I would have to go with Isaac Asimov’s Robot Dreams, which is also on my read and re-read list. I love all the books in Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series. They are addictive for someone who loves literature in all its forms. My favourite classic is Charles Dickens, ‘Tale of Two Cities’ and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. I am also a Muggle who is madly in love with the Harry Potter series.

To kill a Mockingbird is one of my favourites too! What are you reading currently?

I am currently reading Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love.

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

The biggest challenge about being a full-time writer is sticking with it to the end, in the absence of an external editor, boss or deadline. Especially in the beginning, when you have no idea that your manuscript might be picked up for publication at all, it is easy to sit down and put your hands up. And so my advice to new writers is to persevere and be patient even in the face of rejection.

Just for curiosity, if you’re ever deserted in an island alone, which 5 books would you pick to carry along with you? And why?

Tough question!
I’d probably carry a childhood favourite Enid Blyton’s The Secret Island, for tips on how to survive. And Douglas Adam’s The Hitchikers’ Guide to The Galaxy for those long nights when I’ll have to look at the stars and wonder if anyone there is looking down at me. I’d pick one book at random from Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series, for the literature lover in me. I’d take Kiran Desai’s Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard to remind me of daily life in the small towns of our country and the lengths to which, one would go to avoid the responsibilities of adult life. And finally J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, because it is long and will give me good company for all those long days and nights ahead of me and will reassure me that all life’s riddles will be solved at last and that darkness will not triumph no matter how stark and lonely the road ahead seems.

Such diverse and well described choices! Finally Shweta, thank you so much! I loved the chat with you. Lots of good wishes for the success of your book. :) 

Shweta Ganesh Kumar is a writer and travel columnist. An alumnus of the Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, she worked as Communications Officer for Greenpeace India and as a correspondent with CNN-IBN, before dedicating her life to writing. 

Her third book and first novella, 'A Newlywed's Adventures in Married Land,' is now available worldwide from Toronto-based publishers Indireads. 


Her second novel ‘Between the Headlines-The travails of a TV reporter’ was released in May 2012 and is now available in bookstores and online stores. 

Her first novel ‘Coming Up On The Show… The Travails of a news trainee’ sold more than 10,000 copies within the first two months of its release in May 2011 and was also listed on multiple bestseller lists.


A mother herself, she writes on the joys and trials of being a parent in a five day a week bulletin called 'The Times Of Amma - the motherhood bulletin with badly-drawn cartoons.' 


The New Indian Express, One Philippines and Geo (Indian edition) have published many of her travel columns. RobinAge, a leading children’s newspaper features her pet and travel columns for children. ‘Kiski Kahani – The Ramayana Project’, an Open Space initiative, features her essays on the diversity of the Ramayana. 

Her non-fiction pieces have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Indian Spiritual Soul, Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul – On Friendship and also in CBW’s India’s Top 42 Weekend Getaways eBook. Women's Web has featured her feminist columns and Mahindra's Mom and Me - her columns on being a new mother. 


Her short fiction has been published in Indian Voices- an anthology, Shades of Love (An Anthology of Short Stories), Winds of Change (An Anthology), Australian Women Online, Single Solitary Thought, Pothiz, Damazine and the Asia Writes Project.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Here's The Review of the book A Newlywed's Adventures in Married Land.

P.S.- Shweta sent me an autographed cover of her book. Yayy! I love the cover and with the autograph on it, its even more precious! Thank you, Shweta!

Author Interview: M. M. John

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview the wonderful debutante author M. M. John. Her debut novel, The Death of Ink, the first book in the series titled the same, is expected to be published in January, 2014! We had a discussion over her book, her writing and other stuffs. 

Hi! Its such a pleasure to have you here! Welcome to my blog. To start the interview, first tell us something about yourself.

I’m 22 years young. I love to create and only feel complete when I’m doing it. I love the capture the picture of the human soul. How beautifully complex we all are, both our good and bad parts, some parts contradictory, but that’s what makes life so interesting. I love people. I love studying and observing them. I live to create stories about the average person, the working class, the mail worker or nurse’s assistant, families that live paycheck to paycheck and the people who still dare to dream of a better life. I sometimes imagine my life with a soundtrack of music playing in the background, mostly Janelle Monae and other soulful artists. I’m a senior in college, majoring in International Business, but really writing is my life and writing is my dream. I have several story concepts bouncing around in my head all day, every day. Sometimes I wonder if I will have the time to write them all.

Wow! I can already imagine how beautiful your writing is! And by the way I love observing people too. Now lets talk about your book and writing. So, when did you first know that you wanted to be an author? Did you always want to be one?

Becoming an author wasn’t something that I would have named as what I wanted to be growing up. Writing was just something I alwaysdid. I didn’t really think about it or think on it. I knew that I loved sharing stories when I was a kid in elementary. I loved people’s reactions and how they could enjoy something I just made up. How they could laugh or cry based on something I said or wrote about imaginary people. Later on, after some tough circumstances in my life, writing was something that I did for myself, not an audience. In a way, writing is still something that I do for myself.

 How did you come up with the idea behind "The Death of Ink"?

Well, I had this book called Writer’s Muse, I believe, with pictures and quotes on every page. Occasionally, there would be a writing prompt. One of the writing prompts was about meeting someone at a bookstore and seeing them again years later, at the same bookstore, as a famous author. From that prompt, the idea behind The Death of Ink kind of just sprouted. Other ideas came and formed the structure of the novel.

Is any of the characters/incidents in your book influenced by real life people or circumstances?

I based some of Devon’s back story on my own life. Even now, parts of the story are difficult for me to read because it is ripe with so many memories. Some of those memories are painful. Originally, Devon and Paige, the main characters of my story, were based on two people I knew in high school. One was a girl who was very smart, but who everyone seemed to hate for some reason. The other was a boy who seemed hell-bent on getting her attention only to be rebuffed and ignored. I used these two people to form the bare elements of my characters, but after some development, the characters kind of took a life of their own. ”

What was the biggest challenge while writing the book?

I would say getting a chapter to my liking. It’s not abnormal for me to take a month on a chapter for this reason. I would have to have every chapter, every sentence, just the way that I wanted it. Sometimes I was hit with inspiration at a restaurant or sitting on a bus, I would write down the idea or thought, and it would come out just right. Sometimes the notes would get lost (thankful, I now bring a notebook and pen with me everywhere). I would literally turn the place up-side-down to find those notes again. I can never duplicate the words the way I wanted the first time. I have learned to get over this, albeit slowly, and accept nothing will come out perfectly or just the way I want it.

Did you ever suffer writer's block? If yes, what did you do to get over it?

All the time. Tricks I do are play music and imagine the scene or dialogue in my head, and then write what I see. I cannot write anything unless I first visualize it.

What were your feelings when you first saw the finished copy of your book?

Still not at that point yet. But when I saw my book cover I felt above cloud nine, so surreal, a glimpse of heaven…so the print copy might immobilize me for a few days.

Are you completely satisfied with your writing or would you like to change something in your story, given a chance?

If I could choose I would write like a god. I can never be satisfied with my writing because nothing comes out as beautifully as I imagine it in my head. Writing is a way to translate that vision to paper and it often fails.

 Are you working on the sequels already?

My sequels are all done. I completely finished the series before I even thought about publishing.

That's something I really appreciate. I think you should have framed the whole picture of the story before you pen it down! Now tell me why did you choose this particular genre to write about? Who are your target readers?

I was in high school at the time, so I chose to write about high school students. I don’t think I can write another young adult novel. I want to reach young adult writers and readers with a story about kids with passions like theirs.

Okay! I'd now love to hear a few things about you. To start with, is writing your full time profession?

No, at all. I am a full time student and an intern at a non-profit.

When you're not writing what do you do to relax?

I write to relax. Not the answer you were expecting was it?:-) Besides writing, spending time with friends and family helps me unwind.

What’s the schedule of a typical day for you?

Wake up. Get ready for work. Go over writing scenarios. Go to work. Jot down writing ideas. Eat lunch. Start shaping the ideas a bit more. Take the transit. Scribble more ideas. Get home. Lay down for a while. Eat supper. Go over notes and add it to my story. Do class work. Talk with boyfriend. Exercise. Get ready for bed. Draft a blog entry. Think about story scenarios as I go to sleep.

If your book is adopted for a movie, which actors would you like to play the characters of your story?

I can’t think of any. I think I would like to use lesser-known, up-and-coming actors for the main characters and maybe A-listers for supporting roles.

What are your favourite books?

To Kill a Mockingbird 

Misery 

King of the Lost and Found

To kill a Mockingbird is one of my favourites too! What are you reading currently?

Claire of the Sealight

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Ignore advice, keep writing, do what you want, and don’t be afraid to break convention

Just for curiosity, if you’re ever deserted in an island alone, which 5 books would you pick to carry along with you? And why?

Probably books that can comfort me: the book of Psalms, an empty notebook and a pen (to write to keep my sanity/process the situation), Where the Sidewalk Ends (to remind me of childhood and happy times), The Cove, and that one biography book my boyfriend gave me but I never read (to remind me of him).

Thank you so much! I loved the chat with you. Congrats on the publication of your first book and lots of good wishes for your success. :) 

Title: The Death of Ink

Author: M. M. John

Series: The Death of Ink #1

Genre: Paranormal / Fantasy

Synopsis

Fifteen-year-old Paige Langley’s life has always revolved around good grades and escaping her less than ideal home life…but once she meets Devon Connors, her life drastically changes. Although, they share an instant attraction, Devon’s concealing a dark past. And an even darker secret…there’s a dead girl haunting him nightly. Resolute to win the school’s writing contest, Paige will do just about anything to achieve her goals. So after she finds a binder containing information on a past murder and the illegal activities of the students, she believes the stories are fictional and the perfect way to win the contest. But the owner of the manuscript, Devon Connors, has other plans. To keep Paige from exposing his secrets, Devon befriends her and even offers to help her write a winning story for the contest. The chemistry between Paige and Devon is undeniable, but Paige doesn’t know if she can trust him. The deeper she digs into the dark underbelly of their high school, the more she realizes that some secrets are better left buried.

You can find about M. M. John from her Goodreads profile and also by visiting her beautiful Website.

Blog Tour: Covert Dreams by Michael Meyer [Promo + Author Interview + Guest Post]

Title: Covert Dreams

Author: Michael Meyer

Date of Publication: June 1st, 2012

Publishers: Createspace 

Genre: Mystery

Format: Paperback

Length: 340 pages

AN INTERNATIONAL SUSPENSE THRILLER Imagine waking up remembering intimate details about a country in which you have never traveled and fluently speaking a language that you have never spoken. B.J. is living the ideal life. He has a great wife, a wonderful job. And yet he is experiencing life-like vivid dreams of Munich, a city he has never visited. Stan Halsey is a professor in Saudi Arabia, who sends for his wife to join him. She arrives, and, in the blink of an eye, she vanishes, leaving no trace of ever being alive in either the United States or in Saudi Arabia. COVERT DREAMS is a fast-paced international suspense thriller that moves from Munich to the burning sands of Saudi Arabia. What is real, and who is responsible for the terrifying nightmare?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Hi Mike! Its such a pleasure to have you here! Welcome to my blog. To start the interview, first tell us something about yourself.

I am a retired English professor. I taught at universities literally throughout the world: Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the Virgin Islands, and, for the last 25 years of my 40-year career, I taught at a California community college. Now that I am retired, I can devote my time to my four favorite things: my family, writing, reading, and world travel. I live in Southern California wine country with my wife, Kitty, and our two adorable rescue cats.

That's enviable! You traveled a lot! So, now lets talk about your book and writing. When did you first know that you wanted to be an author? Did you always want to be one?

I wrote my first book when I was about ten years old. My parents bought it for a dollar, I think. From that time forward I was hooked. Now that I am retired, I have the luxury of time to practice what I preached for forty years as a professor of writing.

 How did you come up with the idea behind "Covert Dreams"?

I love a good mystery. I like to be thrilled. There are few locales in the world more mysterious than Saudi Arabia. In addition, Munich has been one of my most frequented vacation spots. That is how I chose the two primary locales. As for the plot, the strange relationship between the very Western American government and the ultra-conservative Saudi government has always intrigued me, so the plot was born.

Is any of the characters/incidents in your book influenced by real life people or circumstances?

The characters are all from my imagination, but the locales are authentic. In addition, the premise of the book, the involvement of the American government, is not too far-fetched. As a matter of fact, many readers have told me that the ending is quite believable, which, to me, is quite a frightening thing.

What was the biggest challenge while writing the book?

I hated it to end. My books are like my children, in a way. When they go off to live their lives on their own, say at Amazon or at Barnes and Noble, I miss interacting with them on a daily basis. I am like a reader when I write, and I am always a bit sad when I finish a good read.

Did you ever suffer writer's block? If yes, what did you do to get over it?

I write because I enjoy doing so. Whenever my writing becomes anything more than pure fun, I simply get away from it for a time. I never want my writing to seem like work. I am retired now. I have put in my time, so now, when I sit at my computer, I do so because this is what I want to do in retirement.

What were your feelings when you first saw the finished copy of your book?

I was elated, but, as I mentioned earlier, I was also a bit sad. However, when I held the paperback version in my hand, I must say that I beamed like a proud father. I love seeing my own books on my bookshelves at home.

Are you completely satisfied with your writing or would you like to change something in your story, given a chance?

When I finish, I am finished. I then move on to something new. I have spent so much time rewriting, that there comes a time when I simply have to tell myself, “Enough.”

Why did you choose this particular genre to write about? Who are your target readers?

I am an eclectic writer as well as a reader. I have published two mysteries/thrillers, two humorous novels, and one non-fiction book. In other words, I am all over the place. I write what I like to read, and I have many different reading tastes.

Okay! I'd now love to hear a few things about you. To start with, is writing your full time profession?

As a retiree, my profession is now behind me. Writing is now my preferred avocation, and I am enjoying every minute of it.

When you're not writing what do you do to relax?

I love to read, and I thoroughly enjoy spending quality time with my three kitties. My wife, Kitty, and I travel a lot. We enjoy short vacations in the U.S., and we make it a habit to travel overseas at least once a year. In fact, we just returned from a three-week holiday in Germany, where we rented an apartment in a small town along the beautiful Rhine River.

What’s the schedule of a typical day for you?

I really do not have a typical day since I write when I like, and Kitty and I might decide to spend the day along the beach or at a local bookstore. Or, we might decide to stay home all day and read since we are both very avid readers.

If your book is adopted for a movie, which actors would you like to play the characters of your story?

I’m not choosy. If any of my books become a movie, I would be so elated that I would not care one bit who starred in it.

You said you love reading. So what are your favourite books?

I am an avid reader, and I select the books I read pretty carefully. Therefore, since I really get involved in what I am reading, I would have to say that the book I am reading at the moment would be my favorite.

What are you reading currently?

I just finished DOG’S RUN by Nick Russell, and it was terrific.

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Write, write, and write because that’s what writers do. And be sure to enjoy it, not to think of it as labor intensive. Life is too short to do otherwise.

Just for curiosity, if you’re ever deserted in an island alone, which 5 books would you pick to carry along with you? And why?

A large blank book, so that I myself could write; a concise encyclopedia, so I could continue to learn about the world; a large collection of poetry, so that I could calm myself when need be; a large anthology of British and American literature, since you can never take the English professor out of me; and a second blank book, so I can continue writing, which is very cathartic for me.

Are you working on any other book now?

I am taking a short break at the moment since I just recently completed my latest book, THE THREE KITTIES THAT SAVED MY LIFE, my true journey from grieving widower to the once-again happily married man I am today.

Thank you so much, Mike. I loved the chat with you. And lots of good wishes for your book. :)

Topic: How did you decide the setting of your novel?

Written by: Michael Meyer

People often ask me how I selected the settings for my international thriller COVERT DREAMS. I got the traveling bug early in life, and it has stayed with me all these years. I love to travel internationally at least once a year. I have been a student overseas, and I have taught at universities overseas. I have visited, and know well, all of the locales in COVERT DREAMS, London, Rome, and the two major locales of Munich and Saudi Arabia. I have been to Munich so many times that I know it like the back of my hand. I can practically move about blindfolded and find my way. I love that city! As for Saudi Arabia, I was a professor for two years at the University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. I literally traveled all over the Middle East. The local color drawn in the book is real. I was there. I lived in both major settings. Authenticity is in all of the local color portrayed in COVERT DREAMS. Boisterous Munich and the mysterious burning sands of Saudi Arabia are portrayed in all their splendor, glory, mystery, and secrecy.  

I have always been intrigued by the relationship the United States has had with Saudi Arabia, one of the most restrictive societies in the world, where I have been personal witness to the fact that life here and life there is as different as being on two separate planets. What we take here for a given is nearly always a no-no there. It is as if our two cultures come from completely different worlds, so the interaction between the two fascinates me and makes for a good suspenseful read.

The area of parapsychology has always intrigued me, and where better to deal with something such as this than in a very hidden-from-the-rest-of-the-world location. The live and let live boisterousness of Munich, coupled with the religious zeal of mysterious Arabia, enhanced by government intrigue – and the plot just seemed to thicken, drawing me into it as I wrote, without my ever knowing precisely where or how it would end, but loving every minute of it. I was like a reader as I wrote. It was as if I were back in the two locations I have experienced so well in my real life.

The sites of London, the glory of Rome, the ebullience of Munich, and the mysteries of Saudi Arabia—the locations are all presented authentically since I have personally visited and /or lived in all of them.

Blog Tour: Slide by Michelle Congdon [Promo + Author Interview]

Title: Slide

Author: Michelle Congdon

Series: Broken #1

Date of Publication: November 25th, 2013

Genre: New Adult

After surviving a horrific car accident twelve years ago, that claimed the lives of her mother and brother, heiress to the multi-billion dollar Montgomery Empire, Evangeline, promised never to go back to the city filled with memories of her tragic past. However, after an unexpected event, Evangeline reluctantly finds herself back in New York City. Since the accident, Evangeline has feared the media attention that comes with having the Montgomery name, and would give everything up to bring back her loved ones. Delicate and camera shy, the last person she needs in her life is New York Yankees hotshot, Ryan Fox. Witty and extremely arrogant, the notorious bad boy is well-versed at playing the game both on and off the field. Ryan isn't fazed by the media circus following his every move and couldn't be anymore different to the quiet, shy girl that is Evangeline. Everything about him screams trouble with a capital T, but it’s away from the cameras that Evangeline begins to see the real man hiding behind the cocky façade— one that is haunted by a dark and terrible secret. Life led them to one another, but will further events and opening up about their past bring them closer, or tear them apart and have them sliding into darkness all over again?

***Recommended for ages 18+ due to mature situations, sexual content and language*** 

Hi Michelle! Its such a pleasure to have you here! Welcome to my blog. To start the interview, first tell us something about yourself.

I can’t say no to chocolate, and I have an unfinished degree in Ecology.

Oh yeah, chocolates can never be denied!! So, now lets talk about your book and writing. When did you first know that you wanted to be an author? Did you always want to be one?

I never planned on being an Author. I’m a very creative person; I also do a little acting, so there are always crazy things running around inside my head. A friend of mine suggested jotting all of the dreams and ideas I got into a journal, and before I knew it, an entire story came of it.

 How did you come up with the idea behind "Slide"?

Slide started as a dream I had about a couple that was both trying to hide from their demons and grew from there. The baseball theme came from my high school crush on Alex Rodriguez, haha.

Gosh! I wish I get my story someday like that too! Haha.. Anyway, lets move on. Is any of the characters/incidents in your book influenced by real life people or circumstances?

Not major ones. Ryan’s character was inspired by a friend of mine, whose name also happens to be, Ryan) as well as a few characters from TV shows (including a cartoon, can you believe it?). There are a few small parts to the story that have come from real life; such as watching Will and Grace re-runs, and a scene that involves Ryan’s dog almost biting him. (Happened to my cousin while I was holding his puppy; except that Toby was a Chihuahua and not a great big Blood Hound.) Trust me, the look on my cousin’s face was priceless!!

What was the biggest challenge while writing the book?

Finding the time to write when you still have to try and live a life. Sometimes I wish there were more of me! Haha.

Did you ever suffer writer's block? If yes, what did you do to get over it?

Not yet!! Fingers crossed not ever!

What were your feelings when you first saw the finished copy of your book?

I was so excited! A friend of mine had been begging me for months to have it done. But I wanted to make sure Ryan’s character was perfect. :-)

Are you completely satisfied with your writing or would you like to change something in your story, given a chance?

After many re-writes (blame Mr. Fox) I think I’m finally satisfied with it.

Slide is the first book of the “Broken” series. How many books will be there in this series? Are you working on the sequels?

There will definitely be sequels. How many? I’m not so sure yet, but the other characters that want to share their stories. So far I have 3 others planned.

Why did you choose this particular genre to write about? 

I love reading NA Contemporary. They deal with subjects people can relate too and are allowed to be super steamy!

Okay! I'd now love to hear a few things about you. To start with, is writing your full time profession?

I wish! But no, unfortunately. I have to go to work just like everyone else.

When you're not writing what do you do to relax?

When I’m not writing, I’m trying to play catch up’s with friends. They start to complain after I’m being anti-social for long periods of time. I love the beach and also shopping!

What’s the schedule of a typical day for you?

My typical day generally goes something like this: go to work, come home, discuss my day with my housemate, jump on the computer, play around on my social media sites, dinner, watch any TV shows I may have missed, then head to my room for some serious writing until I fall asleep.

If your book is adopted for a movie, which actors would you like to play the characters of your story?

I haven’t even thought that far, that takes some seriously Googling time. But I would demand to be part of the auditioning process. I will stomp my foot if I have to, haha. ;-)

What are your favourite books?

Oh, it’s hard to choose!! I’ll just try to name a few. The Stranger I Married, is still a favourite from Sylvia Day. AbbiGlines, While it Lasts. Let The Right One In, by John AjvideLindqvist and also the Vampire Academy series, by Richelle Mead.

Some of What are you reading currently?

I am currently reading two books by two awesome Aussie Authors that I will be attending the Indie Down Under Event with early next year. Welcome to Sugartown by Carmen Jenner & Consumed by SkylaMadi.

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Follow your dreams and never give up doing what love! My parents used to say that to me all the time.

Just for curiosity, if you’re ever deserted in an island alone, which 5 books would you pick to carry along with you? And why?

Nothing scary if I’m stranded alone! 1. Sylvia Day’s, The Stranger I Married (I could read the over and over!). 2. The entire Harry Potter series 3. Also the entire the Vampire Academy series. (Both series would keep me busy for a while). 4. Some sort of survival guide for being stranded on a deserted island. 5. And lastly, a journal. (You just never know when some great story ideas will pop into your head!)

Thank you so much, Michelle. Lots of good wishes for your book. :)

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Blog Tour: The Final Omen by Heather Topham Wood [Author Interview + Guest Post + International Giveaway]

Title: The Final Omen

Author: Heather Topham Wood

Series: Second Sight #2

Date of Publication: November 9th, 2013

Genre(s): New Adult, Paranormal Romance

**To know more about the book and the author check this blogpost. **

Here's an interview with the author, Heather Topham Wood

The Final Omen is the last book in your series, are you sad to say goodbye to the characters?

Absolutely! There should be some sort of support group for authors that have to say goodbye to their beloved characters. I’m definitely glad to have completed the series, but I can’t say for sure Kate’s story is over. I’ve outlined a potential spin-off series featuring Kate and her psychic partner Declan.

How exciting! What would the books be about?

They would be standalone novels that would each feature a single missing persons case that Declan and Kate would solve together. The books would have dual POVs: Declan’s and Kate’s.

Any other upcoming projects?

I have a new release coming in December from Crescent Moon Press called Memory Witch, so I’m starting the sequel this month. I’m also in the process of writing a New Adult contemporary romance called Falling for Autumn. The complete Second Sight series will also be released soon as a boxed set.

Have you found the publishing experience a lot different working with a traditional publishing house?

Yes and I think there’s pros and cons with traditional publishing and self-publishing. With traditional publishing, you’re basically handing over your novel and telling a publisher to go have fun with it. You have less control when it comes to marketing, cover art, editing, etc. Not to say your input isn’t welcomed, but they are making the final decisions. However, self-publishing means you have to either do most of the work yourself or pay a team to do it for you. Editing, proofreading, cover design and formatting services are pricey, but required if you want a polished book.

Where do you find your inspiration for your works?

I am the biggest bookworm in the world. I read an average of three books a week and if my schedule allowed it, I’d probably double that amount. I love getting lost in a romantic scene in a novel and then feeling inspired to tackle a love scene in my own works. Besides fictional characters, I’m inspired by the characters in my life. My friends and family are always popping up in secondary roles in my books. Since not everyone would appreciate a gag reel of their most embarrassing moments, I change all of the names and identifying characteristics.

What’s your favorite book?

This question always makes me skittish because it’s so hard to nail down a “favorite.” Pride & Prejudice is my classic pick, but a more recent read I’d choose as my favorite would be Unravel Me by Tahreh Mafi. Mafi has such a unique literary voice and I love her world building.

What’s the hardest challenge you face as an author?

Finding the time to write is very difficult for me. I’m a mom first and foremost and I have to often put my work on the backburner often for my boys. They are still young (six and four) and although I’d love to spend more time writing, I know I’ll never get this time with them back. 

What’s the biggest perk of being an author?

I LOVE hearing from readers. Any time I open my inbox and read something from a reader, I get a little giddy. It’s amazing to hear that these little stories in your brain touched someone in some way. Each book I write is so different and I love hearing if I made someone laugh, cry or swoon.

Any advice for new and aspiring authors?

Don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself. I’m my worst critic and it can often take the fun out of writing. I would read reviews and try to puzzle out ways to please every single reader that picks it up. Your book may not be perfect, but you wrote a freakin’ book! How cool is that?

This is a guest post by the author of The Final Omen

Topic: How To Avoid Epic Book Fails

The Final Omen: Second Sight Book Four was the one for me—the book that would have me banging my head against the walls and questioning why I ever decided to print my stories for the world to see. Every possible book related catastrophe has plagued me since I began writing the novel and I hope to share some of my insight to prevent the same fate from befalling other writers.

I’ve got a MacBook now, it’s all good…

After my Windows computer went wonky on me and contracted some sort of zombie virus, I decided to save up my pennies and upgrade to a MacBook. The Apple brand gave me a fall sense of security, as if nothing ever bad could happen to my livelihood if I used a MacBook. So very freaking wrong! One hard drive crash later, I was left scrambling to try and find a data recovery firm who could get my precious novel off of the MacBook. When it didn’t work, I was forced to work off of a partial copy I had emailed myself a month earlier. This disaster led me to discover the wonders of Dropbox: an online document storage system that every writer should have installed on their computer.

My editor is the shizzel, I can’t wait to hear her thoughts on my final book…

A month past my expected publication date, I had finally managed to recreate The Final Omen as best to my ability as I could. I was all set to send my manuscript to my editor when all of a sudden her email address isn’t working. I go to her Elance page and it’s gone. No!!!! Since we only communicated via email, I had no way to track her down. This meant I had to start over with a completely new editor who hadn’t read or worked on the three previous books in the series. My point is that don’t assume anything. In hindsight, I should’ve worked out the editing details way in advance.

I can do it all on my own! I don’t need any help!

I bit off way more than I could chew with The Final Omen. I lost a month’s worth of work and tried to cut corners to get the book out on time. It was a bad call on my part and I finally had to take a step back and ask for help. Since my original cover art was lost on my computer, I tried to redo the cover using a small file I saved online. It was frustrating and time-consuming and I finally scraped it altogether and hired a cover artist. The end result? A cover that I love! I’m not a graphic artist or a formatter and I learned that although doing these things myself could save a few bucks, it’s not worth the headache.

When you’re a writer, it’s a constant learning experience. As crazed as I may have been because of these issues, I’m sort of glad they happened. It’ll make the process of publishing my next novel much easier.

To win one e-book copy of First Visions, the first book of the series enter in the following giveaway!

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