Portals to New Worlds: Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: The Angelnots by Elise Pehrson @EPehrson

The Angelnots

The Unknown

Book One

Elise Pehrson

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Publisher: Soul Fire Press

Date of Publication: March 26, 2015

ISBN: 1938985672

ASIN: B00V9HDVJA

Number of pages: 246

Word Count: 62,900

Cover Artist: Neil Noah

Book Description:

Anyone around the snug village of Bizi-Herri might pass it by upon first glance. However, this quaint hometown of Olivia and Alazné Zubiondo is far from ordinary, and one day, they find out why first-hand.

When a curse afflicts Alazné, Olivia must find a way to stop it. As she searches for answers, more problems surface and she finds herself uncovering secrets kept hidden away from the world—secrets meant to come out by nature but were concealed by man. Now, Olivia must figure out how to save her sister, her people and the dimensions intertwined with her fate.

Available at

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BN Books a Million Christopher Matthews Publishing

“Olivia could hardly contain herself as she peaked around the stony corner and saw an open door. Florescent beams puffed out of it, illuminating the otherwise black hallway with a spectrum of colors. She sped to the room, bathing in the multi-colored lights as she strode through the doorway.

Once inside, she couldn’t believe her eyes. It was a beautiful haven of anyone interested in honing her knowledge and skills in the magical arts: burbling pots and sporadic sparking lights cluttered all four walls of the little room. The scent of brewing cauldrons and extensive rows of the much-handled dying books was more than enough to draw her in. Her fingers curled around the edge of the door. She held her breath and leaned backwards a bit, peering at the hallway in either direction, before making the leap inside.”

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

Yes! I’ve loved writing my whole life, and it’s been a life-long endeavor of mine.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

When I wrote my first novel at age eleven.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

Well, I did a lot of writing for years before self-publishing at age nineteen. Then, last year, a company picked up that book and a different company picked up this book, The Angelnots. So, I would say a few years from when I seriously started.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

I am an editor and a journalist. I edit books, magazines, and websites, as well as writing for magazines and websites. I’m not doing as much editing and writing (besides my novel writing) as I usually do at the time being because I just had a baby this past May.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

It’s entitled The Angelnots, and it’s about two sisters that unravel secrets about themselves and their people in a way far wilder than they’d ever imagine.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

My publisher is Christopher Matthews Publishing.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

I would say about two to three years because I like to take my time and allow the idea, scenes, and characters to simmer and grow on their own. It also takes a good amount of time to refine the first couple drafts.

What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

Both! I have a couple more books in this series, and I will be writing more books in the young adult fantasy genre, but I will also have contemporary fiction books coming out in the near future.

What genre would you place your books into?

Young adult fantasy

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

Fantasy has always been a favorite genre of mine, and the young adult audience is due to the fact that I think pre-teen and teenaged girls need more female role models to look up to in the world of literature and entertainment. There needs to be more girl power in the world. J We need more female characters who are strong and intelligent.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

I really like Alazné. She is very dear to my heart. I got very emotionally attached to her as I wrote out this book and pieces for its sequels. She is so human and so passionate, and although the events that transpire with her in this book are very fantasy-driven, I think many people will be able to relate with her one way or another.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I’ve been writing my whole life, but I started getting pretty serious about it when I was ten and eleven years old. My dad really inspired me to write. He was the first one to discover my talent, and he always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. He also helped me become better by placing me in private writing classes when I was homeschooled in junior high, and he encouraged me to study writing in college. He’s always been my biggest fan and advocate. I’ll forever be grateful for all he’s done for me. I don’t know where I’d be without his constant love and encouragement.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I usually have to read over plans I have for the book and different scenes I’ve written out so that everything stays fresh, and then I listen to whatever music fits the mood of what I’ll be writing.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

Yes, I do. I love feedback!

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

I’ll usually choose a name while I’m working on the book.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

In this particular book, names play a huge role. So, I researched almost every name to fit the character. I tend to also research the names of my main characters in other books because I think it’s a fun Easter egg hunt for the readers that happen upon the meanings of certain names and find that they relate to the characters in my books.

Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

Character names are usually thought of as I’m developing that character, but place names often change along the way.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

I plan character traits, but oftentimes the character traits change as the character develops. Then, I’m able to refine the characters when I edit and polish up the book.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")

There are a few, some of which are: everyone can find something in common with another—we’re all the same at heart; beauty comes from within, so nourish your mind and intellect because that will only grow, but looks will fade; never give up on your family.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

Hardback.

What is your favorite book and Why? Have you read it more than once?

That’s a tough one. I don’t know if I could choose one absolute favorite book, but among my favorites are Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Howl’s Moving Castle, The Great Gatsby, and The Paris Wife.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

I don’t think so; there’s too much in a book to capture on screen. My favorite book to screen adaptation would probably be The Great Gatsby (the 2013 movie); it’s one of my favorite books and one of my favorite movies. I was very impressed with that particular adaptation. I would say my least favorite screen adaptation was Eragon. It was a wonderful book and Christopher Paolini is a great writer, but the movie didn’t follow the book very well at all.

Your favorite food is?

Mongolian BBQ

Your favorite singer/group is?

Avenged Sevenfold (rock on!)

Your favorite color is?

Purple

Your favorite Author is?

J.K. Rowling

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Author Elise Pehrson is an award-winning writer, editor, publisher and journalist. She has interviewed stars from popular television shows and movies, such as The Walking Dead, Arrow, and Napoleon Dynamite. She enjoys reading, writing and spending time with her family.