Portals to New Worlds: Sparklebooktours

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Quanta by Lola Dodge @Lola_Dodge @sparklebooktour

Presented by

Title: Quanta

Series: The Shadow Ravens

Vol or Book #: 2

Author: Lola Dodge

Audience: YA

Genre: Sci-Fi

Format: E-book and Paperback

Publisher:Ink Monster, LLC

Cover by: Art by Ana Cruz, Graphics by Paddy Donnelly

Editor: Ink Monster, LLC

Pages: 250

ISBN: 9780996086479

ASIN: B00NQAD0TE

Date Published:10-13-15

Just because Quanta can see the future doesn’t mean she can change it. She’s spent most of her life imprisoned, feeding her captors information to keep herself alive, but she’s finally reached the endgame and her death creeps closer by the moment.
The son of two senators, Altair Orpheus leads a life of privilege that provides the perfect cover for his side job: working with the rebel Shadow Ravens to undermine the ruling Seligo government. Everything is running like clockwork until he crosses paths with Quanta. As he watches her deftly maneuver through life in a perverse prison, his plastic heart melts. A jailbreak would be suicide, but Tair is willing to sacrifice everything to give her a chance at happiness.
Now Quanta senses a terrifying new future brewing. She and Tair are bound together, but every image of them kissing, snuggling, and acting knee-weakeningly happy is balanced by a much darker possibility. They’ll be picture perfect together, but only until time rips them apart. How can she follow her heart when she’s seen how their love plays out?

Amazon / Goodreads / Nook / iBooks

Altair’s POV

Mother smiled like a cat, full of ambition and smugness. “Someone wants to meet you.”

Someone? Suddenly, I knew where this was going. “Mother—”

“There are the Astors.” Mother gave a demure wave and started gliding toward a trio standing near an ice sculpture. Her fingers clamped my arm, dragging me along. Father walked on my other side, sandwiching me in place.

No way to run without making a scene. Senator Astor and her husband stood waiting with their daughter.

A set-up.

My free hand bunched into a fist, but I tucked it into my pocket. I couldn’t make a mistake in front of this audience.

Mother exchanged greetings, then made a sweeping gesture. “This is my son, Altair. Altair, this is Layla Astor.”

Layla’s blonde hair tumbled in artful curls and braids. She wore tasteful neutral makeup that emphasized her full lips and emerald green eyes, but a hint of darker eyeliner smudged like a leftover from some previous night’s debauchery; that was half of what I needed to know to escape the conversation.

And I would escape. I had no interest in these shallow romances meant to gain my family position.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Altair. I knew your sister at academy.” And that was why Cass had been invited. Some common bond to me to a potential future mate.

Good thing Cass had stayed home. She’d hate the situation as much as I did.

The girl extended her arm, flashing her Green Helix and I couldn’t avoid the handshake. “Likewise.” Layla’s rough fingertips gave me the last clue I needed. Calluses from playing an instrument. Between that and the eyeliner, I had an excellent guess at how to get rid of her. Rather than sell her out in front of her parents, I offered her an arm. “I was just about to admire the ice sculptures. Would you care to join me?”

“I’d love to.” She smiled and placed delicate fingertips on my arm.

Our parents grinned conspiratorial smiles as we strolled away. No doubt they’d already picked a wedding date. I waited until we were out of modified earshot to speak. “How upset would your family be if I mentioned that you play in a band?”

“Very.” Layla tensed, and her expression and tone shifted from vapid politeness to shrewd consideration. “Not that you should know.”

I shrugged. “I won’t say a thing as long as you don’t press an engagement.”

“Thank God.” Layla shuddered. “Our mothers schemed this one. I thought you were in on it.”

I grinned. I didn’t often stumble onto others faking their way through Helix life, but every so often an ally dropped in my lap. “Should we small talk for a few minutes and then pretend to offend each other?”

Layla pressed her lips together, eying me up and down. “If you’re up to it, I have a better suggestion.”

“Oh?” I handed her a drink taken from a passing tray. Our parents still watched from across the room.

“Let’s meet for coffee. We could draw this out for months.”

“A faux courtship?” It had promise, although there were certainly risks.

“You’re the first guy they’ve set me up with who’s not a self-centered ass.” Layla’s mischievous smile made her eyes sparkle. “My girlfriend would love you.”

Her voice was clear of subterfuge and I found myself smiling back. “Next week? I’m sure our parents already exchanged our contact information.” And faking a relationship would save me getting blindsided at every event.

“Call me.” She finger-waved and then headed for a crowd of friends, who proceeded to glance my way, slipping a few quickly smothered cackles. I nodded before heading off to work the crowd.

Despite my parents’ efforts, the night was going better than expected.

Lola is a compulsive traveler, baker, and procrastinator. She earned her BA in English from Stonehill College and MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University—and hasn’t stopped moving since. When she’s not on the road, Lola spends her time indoors where the sunlight can’t melt her, writing or bingeing on anime and cherry soda. She can be summoned in a ritual involving curry, Hello Kitty idols, and a solid chocolate pentagram.

Website/Blog

http://www.loladodge.com

http://inkmonster.net/blog

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / AMAZON / PINTEREST / INSTAGRAM

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

All those old career things from elementary school say either chef or FBI agent. I also almost went to pastry school instead of writing school!

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

Not until I got my MFA and had my first sale. Now I’m writing full-time so I feel more comfortable calling myself that.

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

I had my first sale right after grad school and published a series of superhero romance novellas with Samhain Publishing. My first full-length book is a whole different story. Years and years and years!

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

Just editing. Other than that, I’m writing full time. I live in Thailand, so the cost of living is WAY cheaper than living in America (especially where I’m from in New York!). I spend most of my time working out of cafes in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

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

Quanta is the title and the name of the main character. She’s captive in a lab/prison and can see her death on the way until Altair Orpheus arrives and changes everything.

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

Right now I have books at Inkmonster.

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

It really depends on the book. I’d like to take a year or two for every project, but it’s hard to do that and stay competitive. You really have to be publishing two books a year (if not more) these days.

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

I’ll keep writing fantasy/romancey things. I’m dabbling with a contemporary romance right now, too.

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

I started it seriously in 2009. Before that, I was working as an editorial assistant and my favorite part of the job was interacting with the authors. I realized I was working on the wrong side of the desk, so I went back to school and got my MFA in Writing Popular Fiction.

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

I move around way too much to have a system like that. All I really need is my laptop. I write at cafes, airports, and occasionally shrines (although I definitely got yelled at for that last one). There are things I like to have—like a good table and chair, and quiet—but if I had to have them every time I wanted to write, I’d never get anything done.

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

Sometimes. It’s hard to avoid them, and sometimes I’ll get @ mentioned on a bad one and click before I know what’s happening. Although, I have so much self-loathing about my work, I like to think I hate it more than anyone else ever could (Isn’t that a happy thought?!). I save fan notes and 5-star reviews to get me through when I’m struggling. Not everyone is going to like my books and that’s totally fine! I actually think it looks suspicious when you read reviews for a book and they’re all five stars. Everyone has different tastes and unless you’re paying reviewers, that should show in the rating.

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

Title definitely comes last. I don’t really know what a book is about until I’ve written it. Although lately, I just name them after the heroines…

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

I do character sheets for all the main characters before I start writing, so I have reference photos and a good idea of their background and personality. That usually evolves as the story goes on, but I think it’s important to know that stuff before, otherwise too much time gets wasted figuring it out and rewriting.

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

I like paperbacks, but they’re not practical for my lifestyle. I recently got a Kindle and I like that a lot more than hauling books around in my suitcase.

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

The Giver by Lois Lowry is my favorite book of all time. It’s one of those timeless stories that makes you think something different every time you read it.

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

Ha! I was just going to say I can’t bear to watch the movie for The Giver. My soul cried out when I saw that trailer. I think they can be done well (Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice stand out to me). I just hate this new two-part movie trend. I refuse to see Mockingjay Part 2 or any other movie that gets split in half so the studio can make more money at the cost of the story. They will not be getting my box office dollars for that nonsense.

Your favorite food is?

I’m a spice fiend. I eat a ton of Thai food (because that’s the logical thing to do when you live in Thailand) and khao soi is my favorite local dish. It’s basically noodles in curry broth with more fried noodles on top. Carb heaven! My favorite roadside place serves it swimming in chili oil.

Your favorite singer/group is?

I’m obsessed with Krizz Kaliko right now. Also listening to a lot of Pentatonix and Red Velvet.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Book Blast: The Plumber and the Women Who Love Him by Mz. Jae @JGRWriter @sparklebooktour

Presented by:

Title: The Plumber and the Women Who Love Him

Vol or Book #: 1

Author: Mz. Jae

Audience: Adult 18+

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Women

Format: E-book and Paperback

Publisher: Cole Hart Presents

Editor: Karen Perkins, Lionheart Publishing LLC

Date Published: 09/29/2015

Sean Flynn is a man with an appetite for fine women. This key element happens to be his greatest downfall. Flynn has always been loved, even worshipped by women from all walks of life. He's had his share of wealthy southern belles, princesses, a spoiled heiress, sensual intellectual types and most recently, a powerful professional diva. Though having very little in common with these women that crave this blue collar, tattooed Irishman, Flynn's been able to secure their affections. In many ways, he is living a life that most men would sell their souls for. But don't be fooled. Being desired by the best of women comes at a price, especially when these women are meant to be untouchable. Of all the men in the world, only Sean Flynn has been capable of setting them straight, and laying the pipe just right.
After consistently finding himself in trouble with the law, even having served time for lack of control, Flynn looks to make a change. But since he's already set the stage for the wrong types of relations, how can he so easily walk away?
As Flynn continues down this self-destructive path, he finds solace in an unlikely savior, yet another woman. Judge Lauryn Lomax is thrust into his life. Though she's attached, connected and indebted to career criminals, Lauryn refuses to give up on this man she barely knows.
Flynn has never relied on luck, in fact, it's consistently played against his favor. But when the right woman comes along, one that is willing to brave hell for his sake even as her own life hangs in the balance, can he believe that all things are possible?

Buy Links-

Amazon

“What should I call you?” I ask as he takes a seat directly in front of my desk. I remove my robe. After placing it one side, I half sit-half lean against the edge of the desk. My gaze rests on his hands, mainly the way his fists flex while he draws his fingers inward and out.
“Under normal circumstances,” I begin, unsure of why I'm so compelled to proceed, yet needing to make sure he is and will always be okay. Though it's a treat to have him come before my bench, it might not always be my bench and he certainly wouldn’t always be this lucky. “Under normal circumstances, you would call me Judge Lomax or Your Honor. For now however, I’d like to set aside all formalities. Call me Lauryn.”
I smirk when his eyebrows shoot up. And when his tongue trails out from between his lips, I stand up and walk off towards the window. With that move of his, I'm bound to straddle his lap and forget myself altogether.
“This is a dangerous game, Lauryn,” Flynn warns from out of left field. I face him, finding it necessary to secure several inches, maybe even feet between us. He's still seated, but instead of sitting on the edge leans back into the chair. “Are you looking to step into the dark side? If so, that’s not me. But Lauryn, you appear to be innocent enough-“
Innocent? I almost want to laugh. Sure I'm capable of presenting an air of innocence, but that's a whole other story. “I’m only looking to help you out, Mr-“
“Just Flynn, that’s all,” he scolds, then gives me permission to proceed with a nod.
“I’m only looking to help you get back on track, Flynn.” I pace amongst the sunlight from the window, then finally move to the shades, slowly sauntering closer to where he remains.
“Why Lauryn?” he squints, taking one leg, bending the knee and resting the ankle of his boots over the other side knee. He wreaks of arrogance, even in the simplistic gestures. Without actually asking, without any type of force, I feel a pull to do whatever it takes to set him straight. When he asks why, I honestly can't give an answer, only that it's a done deal.
How can I convince him that it's just something I'm compelled to do? Other than the fact that he's sparked areas in and throughout my body, I can't come up with a feasible explanation. For someone that had flown through grade school like it was a kiddie race, and tackled undergrad and law school before their peers could blink, I am at a loss. Moreover, this isn't a want. This is a need to do whatever it takes to help him. So instead of answering the question and breaking the silence, I reach around my desk for my card. When I return back around to face him, Flynn has finally gotten up from the chair. He's within breathing distance, by breathing I mean to the point where we're literally exchanging air directly.
Two inches…just two inches separate us.
Neither one of us move. For more than ten seconds, we exist not as judge and criminal, or Flynn and Lauryn. We're man and woman. My neck is strained as I look up into his gorgeous face. His pupils examine me with a hint of curiosity; as for mine, I can only imagine. My heartbeat pulsates everywhere, and all at once. He's large enough and wide enough to take me into his arms; while I'm presently weak enough to let him. I'm set to collapse at any moment..
“Are you okay?” Flynn asks, showing a gentler side.
And I consider playing the innocent, vulnerable damsel in distress. For a second I toy with the idea of having him carry me over to one of the sofas. Totally inappropriate. And then I get a vision of Dmitri. Oh yes, the man I'm supposed to marry. “I’m fine, Flynn. Here’s my card. Reach out on Friday, please."
He takes the card, and leaves without another word.
I rush to the door, bracing my forehead against it. With palms pressed against my chest, I try to soothe the scorching of raw desire. I scold my thudding heart and try to refocus on the man I had already swore to love for life.

Mz. Jae is a loving mother, sister, daughter and friend. She is devoted to feeding into others whenever possible. The author prides herself on being bold enough to write with conviction, yet unpretentious enough to respect the craft. She enjoys writing in several different genres, with an ultimate goal of simply providing literature that readers can escape with whenever need be.

Website/Blog – https://authormzjae.wordpress.com

http://jgrwriter.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010146122454&fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mz-Jae/451442668370528

Twitter – https://twitter.com/JGRWriter

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Alpha Unleashed by Aileen Erin @aileen_erin @sparklebooktour

Presented By:

Title: Alpha Unleashed
Series: The Alpha Girl Series
Vol or Book #: 5
Author: Aileen Erin
Audience: YA, 14+

E-Book Publisher: Ink Monster, LLC
Cover by: Art by Ana Cruz ;
Graphics by Paddy Donnelly
Editor: Ink Monster, LLC
Pages: unknown at this time
ISBN: 97809906352A0M
ASIN: B00NX52A0M
Date Published: 10-13-15

Tessa McCaide has had it up to here with supernaturals. Luciana may have failed to steal Tessa’s magic, but she’s just getting started on her crusade for magical domination. If her demonic summoning isn’t stopped, it could mean the end of everything.
Tessa’s allies, including her mate Dastien, are ready to fight, but they’re no match for Luciana’s power. A little help (and ancient Inca mojo) from Tessa’s cousin, Claudia, may give the side of good a chance if she can make it home in time, but stopping the war is no longer an option.
When witches and wolves fight, no one wins. Only time will tell who will still be standing after the last spell is cast.

Amazon / Goodreads / Nook / iBooks / Kobo Books

I trailed off when I noticed Meredith staring hard at something behind me. I quickly glanced over my shoulder. “What?”

“What’s Shannon doing with that group?” Her lips pressed into a tight, thin line. “And is that Imogene?” Meredith and I might be split on how we felt about Shannon, but we totally agreed on Imogene.

I turned back to my now-cold omelet and took a bite. “I know,” I said after a second. “Looks like they’re BFFs now.”

She scrunched up her nose as she thought. “Why is she with those guys? Shannon has nothing in common with them. She’s from the Irish pack. And Imogene? Really?” Meredith stared at them like she could glean answers off them. “Maybe if we all try reaching out to her, she’ll sit with us again.”

I’d explained what happened between Shannon and I while Meredith was sick, but she didn’t understand. For better or worse, they’d been friends since forever. Their parents were friends and they’d grown up taking vacations together. Meredith was loyal, almost to a fault, and that meant she refused to give up on Shannon. “We tried that, remember? It didn’t work.”

“I should go over. Try talking to her again.”

I nearly rolled my eyes. Meredith had tried talking to Shannon, and in her defense—Shannon was still nice to her, but it was a losing battle. Shannon would obviously rather be with her new friends than us.

Meredith started to stand up, but I grabbed her hand. “I wouldn’t—”

“I have to try.”

I let her go as I tried to think of a way to say what I needed to say without making it worse. “I don’t know. I still can’t feel anyone at that table through the pack bonds. Including Shannon.”

Meredith crossed her arms as she stared down at me. “Whatever happened between you and her, she wouldn’t do anything to harm the pack. Shannon’s not capable of that.”

I disagreed, but saying so would only hurt Meredith’s feelings. “What if she thought it would help the pack?” And what if they aren’t part of our pack anymore? I thought the words but didn’t say them aloud.

For a second, Meredith’s lower lip trembled, and I thought I’d gotten through to her, but then she shook her head. “No. I don’t believe that. Not at all.”

I kept my mouth firmly shut. If there was one person I didn’t want to piss off, it was Meredith. She’d been my friend—no questions asked—from the beginning. She’d helped me through when all I’d wanted to do was run away from St. Ailbe’s. And when I’d sucked at running and kept falling out of windows, she hadn’t made fun of me. Much. “I just don’t want you to get disappointed.”

“I—” Meredith stopped in the middle of what she was saying, and turned to the door.

It took me a second to figure out what was going on, but then Donovan came into the cafeteria, and started our way. Maybe he’d be able to reach Meredith, because I sure as hell wasn’t getting anywhere.

She laughed at something he must’ve said through their bond. “Donovan is going to keep you company while I talk to Shannon. I’ll be back in a sec.”

There wasn’t any point in trying to stop her.

Donovan took Meredith’s spot at the table. He wore sweat pants and a T-shirt and his black hair was still messy from his run. His clothes gave of the scents of cedar and grass and dirt, and it almost made me jealous.

Maybe a run would clear my mind. Help me figure out a way around these visions.

“She’s checking on Shannon, eh?” Donovan asked, bringing me back to myself.

“Yeah.” I’d already said my piece to his mate. I didn’t need to repeat myself.

He jerked his chin toward the table in question. “There’s still something off about them.”

My fork dropped to the plate with a clatter, and I glared into his glass-blue eyes. “Oh, come on. We’re not doing this.”

Donovan raised his eyebrows. “Not doing what?”

He had to be joking. “I just had this conversation with Meredith. I know how the whole mate thing works. There’s not a chance she didn’t tell you.”

He gave me a wicked grin, and I knew trouble was coming. “Aye. But what you don’t know is that I agree with you.”

“You do?” Mr. Dawson had been all—everything’s fine. Donovan hadn’t said a word. Why now?

“Yes. I do.”

“What do you know?” I leaned toward him, lowering my voice. Pesky Weres and their super-awesome hearing. “Why are their bonds missing? I thought they couldn’t leave the pack without putting in a formal bid to Mr. Dawson.”

“That’s true enough. I don’t know what’s going on, but I think you’re going to find out. If this absence of pack bond is spreading, then we need to find the cause. Just… Don’t say anything to Meredith until we’re positive. All right?”

Whoa. I didn’t keep much—if anything—from Dastien. “Do you think that’s wise?”

“Keeping my opinions from my mate?” One side of his mouth quirked up. “Not usually. But she made her side clear enough with you, and I’d rather not start an argument that won’t get us anywhere.”

Who knew? Even the great Donovan—one of the all-powerful Seven—was afraid of pissing off his mate. The idea was a little preposterous, but then again—I didn’t like upsetting Dastien either. I’d done it. But that didn’t mean I liked it. That left me with one last question. “Why can’t you keep an eye on them? You’re probably way better at this pack bonds stuff than I am.”

He raised an eyebrow. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m not of this pack. I’m an alpha, and can use that to overpower and override the pack bonds if necessary, but this needs more finesse. An insider’s look.”

“But your mate’s in our pack.” When Dastien bit me, I’d become part of the St. Ailbe’s pack. I figured it would be the same for Donovan and Meredith and their mate bond, even if they hadn’t gone through with their bonding ceremony.

“Doesn’t work that way. I’m already the alpha of another pack.”

“So, what about Meredith? Is she still part of this pack?”

“Until she and Michael decide to let her move to mine. She’ll keep it for as long as she’s here, and I think that’s best.” He leaned forward. “I’ve heard through Michael and Meredith, but I want to know what it is you’re feelin’ from them. I’ve not experienced this before, and that’s sayin’ something to me.” His Irish accent thickened, and I finally knew that someone else was as worried about this as I was.

“I don’t know what to say except that I can’t feel them. It’s like they’re there, but they’re not.” I sighed. “It makes no sense. Which is why Mr. Dawson blew me off when I brought it up. Shouldn’t you be talking to him about this? He’s the alpha.”

“What makes you think I haven’t already?”

The tension on my shoulders relaxed. It seemed like a good sign that two alphas were really talking about the problem. “And?”

“Nothing. If they’ve withdrawn from the pack, he’s not feeling it.” He leaned in closer, speaking so quietly that even I could barely hear. “But last night, he gave that group of boys from the Canada pack a direct command and they disobeyed. I backed the command and forced their obedience, but I shouldn’t have had to. He’s their alpha. It may be that Rupert Hoel’s influence went deeper than those we’ve caught. There’s still a major player out there, and I’ve a fine idea who it might be.”

Holy shit. That was bad news. Only someone more alpha than Mr. Dawson could ignore his commands, and they weren’t more alpha. At all.

“Who?”

“I think you might know. It’s one who got away.”

It hit me then. They’d kicked one of the Seven out of the Council. The one who hated me. Ferdinand. “Do you really think it could be?”

“Aye.”

“But you didn’t say anything when I brought it up before.”

“It took me longer to feel what you were getting at. I like to suss things out before actin’. Get fully aware of the situation. If you feel anything else out of the ordinary, let me know. Just be aware that if that lot wants to leave, that’s fine by me. They’re welcome to go their own way, but they need to make formal bids to Michael and they’ll have to tie to the Seven until they find their new packs. It must be done properly, or they’ll be considered lone wolves. And if they align with Ferdinand… I’d like those youngsters to avoid that if possible.”

My stomach churned, and suddenly I didn’t feel much like finishing my omelet. If the pack was breaking up, then how were we ever going to defeat Luciana? We needed to be united if we wanted to stand the slightest chance of surviving.

Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd—from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Website - http://inkmonster.net

Blog – http://inkmonster.net/blog/category/aileen

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/aelatcham

Twitter – https://twitter.com/aileen_erin

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Instagram : Username: aelatcham

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

AE: I always dreamed of being a writer, but I wasn’t sure it was such a practical dream. So, I got a degree in Radio-TV-Film with a concentration in post-production from the University of Texas at Austin. I moved out to LA after graduating, and got a job really quickly. But after three years in the business, I was unhappy. Only writing at night was keeping me going. So, I quit my day job and decided to dedicate myself to writing.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

AE: When I started my MFA in Writing Popular Fiction—which was a year and half after quitting my day job. Once I was really focused on writing and learning the craft, I started to feel more comfortable calling myself a “writer.”

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

AE: I went the indie pub route. After finishing my MFA and watching so many friends get traditionally published and not liking their experience or the lack of control they had over their career, I decided to start my own publishing company with a friend—Christina Bauer. Once we started Ink Monster, it took us about a year to get the business plan down and feel ready to start publishing.

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

AE: I don’t! I’m super lucky and thankful that I don’t need another job. I get to focus full time on writing and publishing.

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

AE: I co-own a publishing company called Ink Monster, LLC. It’s a super awesome company that publishes books about girls who kick ass.

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

AE: I usually spend a week or two on brainstorming, 6-8 weeks writing the first draft, and then another 4 weeks revising. So in total, about 3.5 months to write a book from start to finish.

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

AE: I’m taking a break from the Alpha Girl series for a little bit to write a new series. It’s paranormal with ghosts set in LA, and will have a good romance in it, too. I’ll also be writing more Shadow Ravens books in the future—which has a little more science fiction/science fantasy to it.

What genre would you place your books into?

AE: The Alpha Girl books are YA Urban Fantasy to me, but they could also be classified as YA Paranormal.

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

AE: I’ve been writing for about 8 years. I started writing for sanity’s sake. I hated my day job, and coming home and writing was a way for me to let go of everything that happened during the day. Once I finished my first book (which is currently in a drawer and will never, ever see the light of day), I realized that writing was where my true passion was. I quit my day job, got a part-time one, and started my MFA in creative writing so I could hone my craft. I haven’t looked back since.

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

AE: I have a writing chair that I love. I need to be totally comfortable to really get in the flow of the story. I always listen to music, but it changes depending on book and series.

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

AE: No! I stay far away from the reviews. I write the best book that I can, and hope for the best. I look at the average star rating, and that’s about it. Reading one bad review undermines my confidence as a writer, and I start to question everything. So, I learned early on to just ignore them. I know I can’t please everyone, but I hope I at least the majority of readers enjoy the books.

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

AE: For the first book in the Alpha Girl series, Becoming Alpha, I had the book written first. For every other book I’ve written, I came up with the title first.

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

AE: I come up with the character traits before I start writing. I write out a little character map, and figure out their backstory and who they are when the story starts. And then I figure out where I want them to be when the story ends. How they might grow as a character. I have to know who I’m writing about before I start writing. Otherwise, I’ll just end up needing to revise or rewrite all of it.

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

AE: I’m a total convert. I love my Kindle. Only because I travel so much, especially when my husband is shooting a movie. I’m all over the place. Keeping my Kindle with me is key! I don’t have to use half my suitcase for my books anymore. One lightweight device and I have thousands of books at my fingertips!

Your favorite food is?

AE: Mexican food. Especially Tex-Mex. I could eat it every day, every meal.

Your favorite singer/group is?

AE: Above and Beyond. Love them so much. They’re weekly podcast—Group Therapy—is amazing. I never miss it.

Your favorite color is?

AE: Blue! My whole house is blue, I swear. I just love everything a little better when it comes in blue. ;)

Your favorite Author is?

AE: Oh, boy. I can’t pick just one. My Kindle library has over three thousand books… And that’s not including my real library in my house… But I was really lucky in my MFA to have one of my favorite authors as my mentor—Maria V. Snyder. I also love Anne Bishop. Her world building is outstanding and completely unique. Sarah J Maas is amazing, too. As is Patricia Briggs—I never miss one of her books!