Author Interview: Cat Lavoie

Please welcome Cat Lavoie to Ruby's Books. she stopped by to talk a little about her debut novel, Breaking the Rules (read my review here)

• Thank you for stopping by, Cat! Tell us a little about yourself.

Thank you so much for having me, Ruby!

Where do I begin? I live in Montreal, Canada with my cat, Abbie. I work as a claims analyst for an insurance company by day and I write chick lit. BREAKING THE RULES is my first novel.


• When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

I've loved reading for as long as I can remember but I fell in love with writing when I was a teenager and tried to write a romance novel. From that moment on, I knew that writing was what I wanted to do.


• What's your favorite book/author?

That's a tough one. If I had to pick just one book, I'd say CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC by Sophie Kinsella. I knew I wanted to write chick lit after reading that novel and Sophie Kinsella remains one of my favorite authors to this day.


I loved that book too. I don't think Sophie Kinsella wrote a book that I didn't like.
• What are you doing when you're not reading or writing?
I'm usually either watching cooking and home improvement shows or trying to bake something without setting off the smoke alarm.


• What inspires you when you write?

I'm inspired by everything around me. I like to observe how people interact with each other and—on more than one occasion—I've overheard snippets of conversation from complete strangers on the bus or subway and integrated that into a story.


• What your favorite and your least favorite part of the writing process?

I love almost everything about the writing process—from the initial spark when you get an idea and run with it to editing and whipping your manuscript into shape. I guess my least favorite part is that it takes me a lot of time to complete a first draft. I wish I could write faster.


• Are you a plotter or a panster?

I'm definitely a plotter. I like to have a pretty detailed outline before I start writing.


• What projects do you have for the future?

I'm currently writing my second chick lit novel called ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN and I'm hoping to finish it by the end of the year.

I can't wait to read it! Thanks for stopping by!

Bio:

Cat Lavoie was born in the small town of Jonquière in Québec, Canada. At the age of nineteen, she packed up her things (mostly books) and moved to the big city of Montreal where she currently lives with her tempestuous cat Abbie—who is both adorable and quite possibly evil.

An incurable Anglophile since her university days where she studied English Literature, she can often be found daydreaming about her next trip to London. Since she’s an expert at the art of procrastination, Cat is easily distracted by cooking and home improvement shows—even though she’s not particularly good at either.

Cat grew up watching soap operas and legal dramas and—had she not decided to be a claims analyst by day and write chick lit by night—she would have probably become a designer suit-wearing lawyer. Or a character on All My Children (which is what she really wanted to be when she was twelve).

Cat is not sure whether she’s a geek or a nerd—and is afraid she might be both. Breaking the Rules is her first novel.

Cat blogs about the writing life and posts adorable pictures of Abbie over at the Catenabi Chronicles. Come say hello at: www.CatLavoie.com and follow @Catenabi on Twitter.

Links:

www.CatLavoie.com

http://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieAuthor?ref=stream

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440914.Cat_Lavoie

https://twitter.com/Catenabi

Author Interview: Resa Nelson

Please welcome Resa Nelson. She's the author of one of my favorite series, The Dragonslayer (my reviews: The Dragonslayer's Sword, The Iron Maiden, The Stone of Darkness).

1. Thank you for stopping by, Resa! Tell us a little about yourself.

Thanks so much for hosting my tour, Ruby! It’s wonderful to be here. I’ve been writing my whole life, and I can’t imagine not writing. The easiest way to explain it is that writing is like air – I can’t imagine how I would live without it. Outside of writing, I’m a big fan of museums, ballet, movies, and Broadway musicals. I’ve always loved nature and animals. One of the strangest things about me is that if I want to get a really good night’s sleep, the best thing to do is watch a really scary movie! I’m not sure why or how, but it always works like a charm.

2. When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

When I was in the 2nd grade I had a class assignment (with two of my favorite classmates) to rewrite and draw pictures of a well-known children’s story. We chose The Three Little Kittens Who Lost Their Mittens. My memory of it (which may or may not be accurate) is that we were a big hit with our teacher and the whole class. So that taught me all I needed to know about the power of the written word. I was hooked!

3. What’s your favorite book?

This probably changes all the time. My favorite book that has shaped me the most is The Autobiography of Malcolm X. I was a child during the Civil Rights Movement, and it made a huge impact on me. I read this book when I was in high school, and it was the first time I’d witnessed someone taking charge of his life and deciding who and what he wanted to be. Every so often, Malcolm X would evaluate himself and his life—he’d keep the things he liked about himself but he’d change the parts he didn’t like. When I first read that book, I decided that’s how I want to live my life, and that might be the biggest force behind my Dragonslayer series because that’s what my main character does: she constantly decides who she wants to be and then takes action to make it happen. On a lighter note, when it comes to favorite novels, I love The Hunger Games!

4. What do you do when you’re not reading or writing?

I live near Boston so when I want some adventure, I go into the city to go to museums and plays or just walk around and enjoy the day. Although I must confess I’m a reality TV junkie. I’m not interested in dating shows, though. My favorite reality TV show is The Amazing Race because I’m a big fan of travel. I love the way that show honors different countries and cultures and how it strives to immerse the contestants in history and customs of the host country. I also love shows like America’s Got Talent. When someone has real talent and the audience embraces them—especially if they look like someone who might be shunned or ignored in real life—I get the best kind of chills. When I watch these shows, I often feel like I’m seeing the best side of humanity.

5. What’s your favorite and your least favorite part of the writing process?

I love the very beginning of a project. I recently finished writing the last book in my Dragonslayer series, so I’m thinking about what to do next. I’m spending the summer brainstorming and figuring out what the next book I write will be. It’s so much fun to not know! It feels like a real adventure. And as you might guess from what I’ve just said, my least favorite part is the very end of the editing process. It’s important to me to be sure everything lines up in terms of plot and continuity and all kinds of things. But … wow! What a tedious process!

6. Are you a plotter or a panster?

Ruby, thank you for bringing a new word into my life! I’d never heard “panster” before and had to look it up. I think I’m a weird hybrid. First, I need to think through the story and understand it in a general, loose kind of way. I do need to know certain points in the book before I write it – the beginning, a few points in the middle, and the ending. But when I write, I’m more of a panster. For example, I tear up paper into little squares (about 1” x 2”), and I use each square to note what I want to accomplish in each chapter. But I usually just write a few words on each square and never more than a couple of sentences. The goal is to write down what I want to accomplish in each chapter. Then I stack them up. (Sometimes I reshuffle them as I’m writing the book.) But when I sit down to actually write a chapter, something in my brain takes over and I feel like I’m watching a movie and writing down what I’m seeing. It’s weird. But really, really fun.

7. If you could be anyone of your characters, who would you be and why?

I’d really like to be the main character in my Dragonslayer series, Astrid. OK, the truth is that I probably am Astrid. I see so much of myself in her. For one thing, she’s a blacksmith who makes weapons. When I was researching the first book, I took a course in blacksmithing. Afterwards I found out that I come from a long line of blacksmiths! It turns out there are three generations in my family who are blacksmithing today. Honestly, I think it must be some kind of genetic memory that made me want to write about being a blacksmith. Oh, and I also took courses to learn historically accurate ways to use medieval weapons, which was incredibly fun. I was even a weapons demonstrator at a museum for a few years! Working with weapons was odd because I’m a pacifist (like Astrid), but I really like using swords (also, like Astrid).

8. We know that The Dragonslayer series is close to an end *sniffle* What are your plans after finishing this series?

I’m sniffling, too! Honestly, I had such a difficult time starting the last book. I felt like I was trying to force myself to write it. But then I figured out it was because I didn’t want the series to end (even though it needs to), and from that point on I was fine. My next book is going to be soft science fiction (maybe science fantasy) blended with mystery and action/adventure. But a woman is the hero—my mission as an author is to write about women who are strong, smart, and courageous. That’s what you can expect to see in any novel I write.

9. Can you tell us what to expect from book 4 of The Dragonslayer series? A little detail about Astrid’s future? 

Poor Astrid! I’ve been so horrible to her! But she’s tough and she’ll figure out how to deal with everything I’ve thrown at her. Throughout the series I’ve been tight-lipped about the dragons and what they are and where they’re from. So Book 4 spells everything out. There are a lot of big surprises. Book 4 draws upon all of the books in the series in big ways and in small details. There are lots of clues planted in the first three books, and Book 4 pulls them all together. Astrid discovers new things about herself—and I didn’t even know one of those things until it happened! Different characters have to take different paths for different reasons. Astrid has a surprising change of heart about one character in her life. And she has one very big decision to make about who she wants to be. There are some new characters that play very important roles. I’m over-the-moon excited about Book 4. It’s coming out in November, and I can barely stand the wait!

Thank you for stopping by, Resa! 

Synopsis for The Dragonslayer’s Sword (Book 1)

For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover--the dragonslayer--disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning.

Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child.

Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?

Synopsis for The Iron Maiden (Book 2)

Astrid is reluctant to travel the winter route beyond the Northlands, even though it’s her duty. She’d rather stay home in her village, surrounded by friends and neighbors. Ignoring the bonds of tradition, she decides to spend the cold winter months in the warmth of her blacksmithing shop. Why should she leave the comfort of her cottage to serve and protect foreigners who might raid and harm her native Northlands?

Everything changes when a traveling merchant steals Starlight, the first dragonslayer’s sword Astrid forged and her last link to her sweetheart DiStephan. Having no time to alert her friends, Astrid races in pursuit of the merchant, determined to reclaim Starlight as her own and return home in time for dinner. Instead, her quest leads her to new lands, unexpected friendships with foreigners, and a harrowing encounter with the damage done by the followers of a new god that considers women as nothing more than servants to men. All the while, she must be ready to face any dragon traveling the winter route.

In Book 2 of the Dragonslayer series, Astrid must learn that deciding who she is isn’t a decision she can make just once. It’s a decision she must make every day.

Synopsis for The Stone of Darkness (Book 3)

In Book 3 of the Dragonslayer series, Astrid accepts her duty and follows the winter route--until she's bitten by a dragon. Everyone knows dragon bites are poisonous and deadly, so she reluctantly accepts her impending death. In a twist of fate, she survives. Desperate for an explanation, Astrid believes she has somehow been protected by the black stone she keeps with her at all times, a stone that emerged from the sole of her foot a year ago.

Determined to find out what the stone is and what kind of powers it possesses, Astrid begins a journey that leads her to alchemists and an army of men under the rule of the powerful warrior, Mandulane, the acting lord of the Krystr army. Mandulane's mission is to spread the word of the new god Krystr, which preaches the evil intent of women and the danger they pose to all men, who are entitled to dominate the world. Rumors about this new god and army have spread, but Astrid is the first Northlander to encounter them.

Soon, she stumbles upon a secret of a far-reaching and mind-numbing plot that will impact the entire world. Astrid must find a way to spread the news of this threat and protect her people and everyone else at risk. She's convinced the answer lies inside the Stone of Darkness, and she must find a way to understand the stone and the powers she's convinced it must hold before it's too late.

Author Bio:

Resa Nelson has been selling fiction professionally since 1988. She is a longtime member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) and is a graduate of the Clarion SF Workshop.

Resa was also the TV/Movie Columnist for Realms of Fantasy magazine for 13 years and was a contributor to SCI FI magazine. She has sold over 200 articles to magazines in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Her first novel, The Dragonslayer’s Sword, was nominated for the Nebula Award and was also a Finalist for the EPPIE Award. This medieval fantasy novel is based on a short story first published in the premiere issue of Science Fiction Age magazine and ranked 2nd in that magazine's first Readers Top Ten Poll. The Dragonslayer's Sword is Book 1 in her 4-book Dragonslayer series. Book 2, The Iron Maiden, was published last December, Book 3 was published in May, and the final book in the series is scheduled for publication in November.

Resa's standalone novel, Our Lady of the Absolute, is a fantasy/mystery/thriller about a modern-day society based on ancient Egypt. Midwest Book Review gave this book a 5-star review, calling it "a riveting fantasy, very highly recommended."

Resa lives in Massachusetts.

Website: http://www.resanelson.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Resa-Nelson-The-Dragonslayers-Sword/122200661871

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ResaNelson

Interview: Amber Garr

Please welcome Amber Garr. She stopped by to talk about her amazing book, Promises (read my review here).

*Hello Amber! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi and thanks for having me! Let’s see…I work as a research marine biologist during the day, and at night I’m either dancing or writing. I grew up in the Pennsylvania mountains and have lived in Florida for the past ten years. My house is full of one husband, one dog, two cats, and six fish. I recently completed my Ph.D., and although I will continue with my career, I still look forward to sitting down and writing all of the stories in my head.


*When did you start writing?

I did a little journaling as a kind (nothing major), but I really started focusing on my fiction writing about two years ago. I had an injury and couldn’t dance for a while, so I suddenly found that I had some free time. I started with flash fiction and short stories and those quickly turned into full novels and a series! I do a lot of technical writing for my job, so this was something that quickly became a new hobby of mine and I really enjoyed the freedom and creativity it brought.


*Are you a plotter or a panster?

Definitely a plotter. I make lists reminding me to make lists. I don’t have a detailed outline, but I do plot out each chapter in the book before writing. Smaller plot points will change or appear along the way, but the major scenes and characters are usually planned. I have a special zombie journal for all of my writing notes!


*What was the inspiration for writing Promises?

Well, of course I always wished that I could be a mermaid so I often wondered what that life would be like. Would I live in the ocean or walk amongst the humans? And what kind of responsibility would that entail. So the story kind of developed from there…a secret society of mermaids and a girl who feels like the she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Because, who hasn’t felt that way at least once in their life? The first chapter was originally one of my short stories, and after a few months, I decided to add more to it...and that quickly turned into a three book series! I loved the selkie folklore and knew that I needed to weave that into the story as well as creatures that may be lurking underneath the ocean but we never see.


*The covers for your Syrenka books are stunning! Did you have an idea of how the covers should look like while writing the books?

Thank you so much! Although, I can’t really take the credit for them other than making the decision to hire Claudia at PhatPuppyArt (http://phatpuppyart.com ). I didn’t know exactly what I wanted when we worked on the first cover (Promises). I debated over showing a tail or not, but we decided to keep that part mysterious. I wanted to emulate how “trapped” Eviana felt in the cover of the second book (Betrayal). And the third cover (Arise) evolved as I was writing. As you will see, it will be very fitting for the development of Eviana’s character by the end of the series. Claudia is simply amazing and I wish that I had time to write a story for each one of her pieces.


*What’s your favourite and least favourite part of writing?

I absolutely love creating new worlds and having characters do things that I would never have the guts (or personality) to do. My least favourite part is not having enough time to dedicate to writing. These past few months have been so busy for me that I’m dying to have my nights free to finish Arise and work on the other books in progress.


*What is your favourite book?

I can’t really pick a favourite. But I’d have to say that anything written by Kelley Armstrong, Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, or Richelle Mead has been read at least three or four times!


*If you could be any character from your books, who would you be and why?

I think I’d pick a water sprite. It would be cool to be able to change forms and travel anywhere water flows. I’m just not too sure about the having to eat humans part. I’m a very picky eater.


*Do you have anything planned after the Syrenka series? Will you keep writing YA?

Yes, I have two adult novels that I like to publish and I’ve been toying with a new idea for a standalone YA novel. There are also a few back stories and situations with characters from The Syrenka Series that I may write up and put together in a novella. We’ll see! I really love writing and the response to my books has been encouraging. Now I just have to find the time.


*What do you like to do besides writing in your free time?

I am involved with a local dance and fitness studio where I teach ballet/contemporary classes, perform, and choreograph. And when I’m not doing all of those things, I like going out on the water with my husband in our little boat and enjoying nature!


*If Promises were made into a movie, which actors would you choose to play the main characters?

I have thought about this so many times and the only person I’ve been sold on since the beginning is Kain…and that would be Alex Pettyfer for sure! Although I recently saw a move with a rather unknown actress (Sarah Gadon – The Moth Diaries) who may fit my ideal for Eviana. Brendan’s been tough. Perhaps Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson) with some green contacts…but I don’t know. I would love to hear some suggestions!


Thank you for stopping by!

About the Author

Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. She writes both adult and young adult urban fantasies and when not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.




Social Contact

Website: http://www.ambergarr.com

Blog: http://ambergarr.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Garr/232359720165110

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5374297.Amber_Garr

Interview & Giveaway: Sherri Hayes

Please welcome Sherri Hayes to Ruby's Books. She stopped by today to talk about her newest book, Behind Closed Doors (read my review here)

* Thank you for stopping by, Sherri. Tell us a little about yourself.

Thank you for having me Ruby. A little about myself… I’m thirty-five years old, and live with my husband and three cats in Ohio. Behind Closed Doors is my third published novel and I am currently busy editing my fourth novel, Need, which will be out July 26th, and writing my fifth, Red Zone.

* When did you decide to become a writer?

It wasn’t a planned thing exactly. I never had dreams of being a writer growing up. I did, however, have stories constantly floating around in my head. About five years ago, I put my first story to paper so to speak, and posted it on line. The response floored me to say the least, and eventually led me to writing my first novel, Hidden Threat.

* What inspired you to write Behind Closed Doors?

The ideas for my stories typically come from many different places. Behind Closed Doors started with a book cover I’d seen at a store. I never picked the book up, but the cover was of a winding country road. It made me think of someone moving to a new town to start over. After that, my imagination took over. Who was moving to a small town and why?

* I saw that Gage's story is the next one in the series. Can you give us an idea about what to expect from his book?

Although Gage’s story isn’t due out until February of next year, I’m already in the midst of writing it. At twenty-six, Gage is a professional football player and the baby of the family. We only get a glimpse of him in Behind Closed Doors, but there is a lot going on there that he hasn’t shared with his family. His lady is Miss Rebecca Carson; an FBI agent. Let’s just say there should be some fun times ahead. ;)

Oh, I can imagine it will be very fun :D


* What's your favorite book?

My favorite book? You know that’s a cruel thing to ask a reader, right? Lol. If I have to pick one, it would most likely be Voyager by Diana Gabaldon. I love how she is able to weave so much history into a story and still make it captivating. Plus, who doesn’t like Jamie Fraser?

Yes, I know it's a little cruel LOL


* What do you do when you're not writing or reading?

Lately I haven’t had a lot of time to do much of anything else, but I can sometimes be found out in the woodshop helping my husband or trolling antique malls.


* What is the hardest part of being a writer?

The hardest part of being a writer is figuring out how to balance everything. Writing itself is only a part of being a published author. There is also marketing and blogging and editing that have to be done among other things.



* What are you reading now?

I’m currently reading Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward.

I hope you like it :D

* Last movie you saw.

The last movie I saw in a theater was The Vow with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum.


* If you could be any one of your characters, who would you be and why?

Whenever I get asked this question, I cringe just a little. I tend to put my characters through the emotional wringer, so most of the time I’d rather not be like them. If I had to pick one, however, I would probably have to say Cali from Hidden Threat. Aside from the fact someone is trying to kill her, her life is pretty good. Plus, she has a hot ex-military man in Matthew. I’d just rather not have her past and what it took to get her to where she is today.


* Thank you for stopping by!

Thanks for inviting me. :)

Giveaway Time!!

I have one ebook copy of Behind Closed Doors to give away. All you have to do is fill out the form below. Comments are welcome, but you have to fill the form to enter the contest.You have until Friday (April 20) to enter. I will announce the lucky winner on Saturday, April 21. Be sure to check back here to see if you won. I will be emailing the winner as soon as possible to let him/her know how to claim the prize.

This giveaway is open internationally!

NOTE! Winner must respond to my email in 72 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.

Please read the Giveaway/Contest Policy before entering.

Interview & Giveaway: Mary Parker

Please welcome Mary Parker to Ruby's Books. She's the author of The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake, a YA fantasy novel that I loved loved loved (read my review here)

Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Middle Tennessee. I love to read anything and everything, as long as it’s fiction. I love to cook and I love to bake, but I’m not crazy about eating sweets, so I end up baking goodies for my friends. I started writing as soon as I was able to hold a pencil. I’m spontaneous and have been known to do some crazy stuff from time to time. I tried college for a while, and worked on several different majors, but I just didn’t enjoy it. I started waiting tables to support myself while writing my first novel.


What's your favorite book?

I don’t have a favorite. There are just too many. My favorite book is whatever book I happen to be reading at the time. Some of my favorite authors include J.K. Rowling, Ray Bradbury, George Martin.

What made you want to write fantasy books and why young adult?


Young adult, simply because I am a young adult and I think I can get into the head of a young adult. Fantasy, because I write what I love to read. I’m always daydreaming about a world that is far more mysterious and magical than the world we live in.

Do you plot before starting to write your books, or do you just wait to see where the story takes you?


I would love to say I was organized enough to plot in advance, because I’m sure I could make the story far more complex if I did. But I’m just not. I’m more of a ‘go with the flow’ kind of writer. I like to create the characters and then follow wherever they choose to lead me.

What inspired you to write The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake?


The character of Leeowyn has been with me forever. I had a dream about her when I was quite young, and I wrote it down. Of course that story change significantly over the years, and when I got inspired to write the novel it was only natural to cast Leeowyn in the lead role.

How would you describe Leeowyn?


I would describe her as ‘average.’ At least that is how she would describe herself. As we know she is anything but average. She is a typical teenage girl that has to deal with normal teenage girl stuff. Then she discovers these powers and the responsibility that goes along with them. Now she is thrust into a role of having to deal with not only normal stuff, but extraordinary stuff. She is tasked with saving not only her world, but several other worlds.

I'm very anxious to see what happens next. Could you give us a small idea of what will happen in the future with Leeowyn and her friends?


There is quite a bit in store for Leeowyn and her trio of friends. They travel to new realms, they are exposed to new dangers and they are stretched beyond what they think they can endure. Of course a great deal of the story involves the unknown, so I can’t give away too much without revealing the secrets that make the story so intriguing.

If you could be any one of your characters who would you choose and why?


Oh, Leeowyn. Not because she is based on me at all, but she is the kind of person I would want to be.

Giveaway time

I have two (2) e-copies of The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake to give away. All you have to do is fill out the form below.Comments are welcome, but you have to fill the form to enter the contest.You have until Monday (4/9/12) to enter and I will announce the lucky winners on Tuesday, next week (April 10). Be sure to check back here to see if you won. I will send an email to the winners and tell them how to receive their prize. 

NOTE! Winners must respond to my email in 72 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.