Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with good company and good food!

How Authors Write- Zara Hoffman

Today, I am so excited, because I have a new author to introduce to you. She's not only a newly published author, but she's a teenager. Welcome Zara!

Tell us, what do you write?

I write YA (Young Adult) bordering on NA (New Adult) fantasy romance. I have a NA fairytale retelling series coming up, too after THE BELGRAVE LEGACY is completed.

Do you use 1st person, 3rd person, multiple POVs?

It varies depending on the book. For THE BELGRAVE LEGACY, I'm using 3rd omniscient, but with each of the 4 fairytales I'm doing something different (but how I plan to do that is a surprise I'm not ready to reveal just yet)

How do you get started with a book- is it an idea, a character, vary from story to story?

I start with an idea that normally comes to me in a dream, as hokey as that sounds. [Not hokey at all. I've had that happen, too!] Then I start writing a scene before I do anything else, just to get a sense of the story.

Do you draft quickly?

I completed THE BELGRAVE DAUGHTER in 7 months (4 for the first draft, the rest for editing). [Nice! That's pretty quick. Mine first took 8 years!]

Do you do research before your first draft, during?

I research as needed along the way. Normally, my stories don't require much research to begin with...

Do you outline? How?

I generally do a barebones outline to begin with after the initial free write (see my answer to #3), but sometimes I make it more detailed. It always evolves either way as I continue writing.

Do you name everything up front when you are drafting or do you leave comments for yourself to go back and fill in later so you don't lose the flow of what you are working on?

I try and write linearly and as completely as possible. I always know edits will happen, but I still try and get a semi-polished piece in the first draft.

Do you work with CP's (Critique Partners) or Beta's Beta readers)? How soon into your draft do you let them see your work?

I technically HAVE a beta group, but haven't sent them any of my writing because I kept changing stuff every two days. For my next book, I'm going to actually use them. [I had to learn to wait to get feedback back from my CP's before working on revisions (which really is harder than it sounds!) as I would make sweeping changes before they had a chance to read any of what I'd sent.]

What books/websites have you found most helpful to helping you write your best?

Writer's Digest (books, magazine, and blog), as well as Veronica Roth's blog, and the Go Teen Writers blog.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started writing?

A first draft is NOT the final one, so don't rush the writing, revising, or editing processes. It will only create more work down the road. [That's a great piece of advice!]

What do you have out now, or coming out? Any upcoming events? A website we can find you and your books at? An author photo? A booktrailer? Anything else you want to share?

My debut novel, THE BELGRAVE DAUGHTER (1st in THE BELGRAVE LEGACY trilogy) came out November 14, 2013. [Congratulations, Zara! I am so thrilled for you!]

The Septemgeminus Prophecy states: "A powerful sorceress with blood laced in gold sevenfold shall determine the fate of the world."

Fawn Belgrave's magical powers are the coveted prize in a bet between God and the Devil.

When she meets Caleb, the dark angel assigned to seduce her, Fawn's life is turned upside down.

Want to connect with this AWESOME teen author? You can find Zara here:

www.zarahoffman.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorZaraHoffman

www.twitter.com/AuthZH

Introducing Dante from FIRE OF STARS AND DRAGONS

Today I am super excited to share my interview with Dante, from Fire of Stars and Dragons. King Corrin awed me, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from a demigod.


Let me tell you. Dante was nothing I expected a demigod to be. I expected flashy and egotistic, but what I found was laid back and modest.


His soft, black cashmere sweater with navy trousers and perfectly shined Oxfords were much more casual than King Corrin's sport coat. Even so, I was happy I'd put on a skirt and done my hair and makeup before Dante popped in. And I do mean popped in. One minute I was sitting at my kitchen table going over my notes, the next there was a flash of brilliant blue lightening and Dante was seated in a chair beside me.


MW: Goodness! I pressed a hand to my chest and let out a shuddering breath. You startled me.


Dante: Forgive me, Ms. Waibel. You did say ten o'clock.


His lips curved in a smile as I looked at the clock. It was ten.


MW: I did. I shook my head. I just assumed you would knock on my door. I smiled. Thank you for coming, even if it wasn't quite conventional.


Dante: My pleasure. Please, feel free to ask me anything you'd like to know.

MW: Thank you…hmm, My Lord? Your Grace? I must confess, I'm not quite certain what title to call you by.

Dante seemed to grimace here, as if my mention of titles bothered him.

Dante: Please, Ms. Waibel, I prefer to forgo titles. My name is Dante, simply Dante.

MW: Very well, then, Dante. And please, call me Mary. He inclined his head. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions for me.

A soft smile curved his lips, and his vivid blue eyes brightened and amusement seemed to dance in their depths.

Dante: Madame. I frowned, and he held up a hand. Mary, you flatter to think me of such importance that mere minutes in the span of millennia would be an imposition upon my time. I’m rather intrigued to learn what questions you have for me.

MW: Well, why don't we start with this one. I pick up the index card I had been reading when he appeared. As the son of a goddess, you are quite a powerful man, and clearly an intelligent one, given the time you've spent studying people and things. Out of all that you've experienced, what is the one experience that means the most to you personally?

Dante: By birth, my mother, the Goddess gifted me with certain powers; however, considering me powerful, in my personal opinion, is to qualify me as a whole. You must equate true power as the sum of a man, his innate gifts and the knowledge he chooses to attain, making full use of any natural intelligence. In truth, brute power is corrupt power.

He paused here, his cheeks flushing slightly as he sighed and shook his head.

My apologies, Ms. Waibel… You asked about my studies and experiences, not for a tangent on my opinions regarding the corruption of power.

He smiled another charming smile, and I bit back a sigh.

Have you ever read the book How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill?

Before I could answer, he continued on.

His portrayal is not precisely accurate, yet quite close to historical events. Saint Patrick, Saint Augustine, Saint Columba, they and many monks took great care in preserving human history, documents and magnificent works of literature, that may have otherwise been lost with the fall of the Roman Empire. Their actions stand out due to my connection with the ancestry of the Celtic civilization. What little I know of my father tells his origins are from a tribe of fae who lived in the Scottish highlands as far back as twelve thousand years ago. Gaelic history has always held a personal fascination for me.

He paused again, his eyes taking on that distant look of someone lost in the past. After a moment, he spoke again.

As I was saying, I had the opportunity to meet St Columba and spent some time at the abbey on Iona. Out of all I’ve experienced, I must say it is moments such as these I find most profound throughout history, when the human spirit prevails against all odds, meeting challenges and overcoming them to continue moving forward in their development and evolution. Deities, dragons, vampires, fae, elves… humans may very well be physically weaker than any other species, but I daresay their spirit cannot be crushed so easily. Utterly fascinating, humanity, beautiful in all its flaws… I do apologize. I’m sure you have other questions, yet you touch on such an interesting subject. I cannot help myself

He gave an apologetic smile and nodded at me to continue.

MW: Like King Corrin, you've never wished to marry, but have been content to be an observer of all around you. What about Cait made you change your mind?

Dante: You are greatly mistaken to believe I am like Corrin, a child with little concept for what gravity such a decision holds. By no means am I perfect, humans often misconstrue deities as perfect beings, but I do strive to live by a strict code, uphold myself to higher expectations, those of my mother.

He laughed harshly.

And there are no higher expectations than when your mother is the Mother Goddess. Among the deities, the eternal, marriage is truly until death, the death of time itself, until we all return to dust. I will not marry for anything less than love. To do so would be to commit a sin against the sanctity of such a union.

He glanced down at the triquerta ring on his right hand.

I believe I can love Caitriona… His voice trailed off and I could barely hear him say, I want to love her.

MW: What special quality do you think you possess that will make Cait choose you as her husband? And what special strategies do you intend to use to be sure of the outcome?

His face took on a serious look, but as he spoke about Cait, his eyes softened.

Dante: Caitriona is an unusual woman, not one who finds my birthrights or gifts as particularly special; therefore, I rely on those qualities that should truly matter in any marriage; unwavering devotion, fidelity, honesty, and an undying eternal love. However, I have no special strategies. Love is not a game. I do not wish to toy with her heart and hope she has no intention to do so with mine. You cannot ensure an outcome when the outcome desired is to be loved.

MW: I am sure Cait will appreciate knowing you won't toy with her, and I look forward to seeing what happens between you and Cait. I looked down at my cards then at Dante. Do you have time for a few rapid fire questions?

His quiet laugh filled the room, and his smile was stunning.

Dante: Mary, I would not have agreed to this interview had I not been willing to see it through, answering all questions you had prepared. Fire away, my lady.

MW: Great! OK. Coffee or tea?

Dante: Tea. Earl grey.

MW: Wine or beer?

Dante: Wine. Merlot preferably.

MW: Chocolate or bacon?

He wrinkled his nose as I asked this question, and I found it rather cute.

Dante: Chocolate, most definitely. High quality dark chocolate.

MW: Work or pleasure?

Dante: I’m unsure there is a definitive line between the two. If you love your work, it is a pleasure. Inversely, some people turn their pleasures, their hobbies, into work. Every pursuit has its value, leaving me unable to answer that one, Mary. I’m quite sorry if that disturbs your interview process.

MW: Not at all. Just one more. Dining in or eating out?

Dante: I actually quite enjoy cooking and have learned many interesting recipes from Evan’s wife Runa, but I must admit I prefer eating out. People-watching is my hobby I suppose.

MW: Thank you so much, Dante. It's been a pleasure learning more about you.

Dante: Oh, no. Thank you. I appreciate you so politely enduring my rambling on a bit there. You had some excellent questions.

MW: Thank you, and I didn't think you rambled at all.


Dante: You are most welcome, and now, I shall bid you farewell, Madame.



He rose, and in a flash of blue lightning, disappeared from my kitchen.

MOONLESS by Crystal Collier

Today I am super excited to be a part of the blog tour for Crystal Collier's MOONLESS. One of her characters, Kiren, has agreed to an interview, although I must say, he was quite difficult to get answers from. See what you think!

Ginger hair frames Kiren’s clean-shaven face, straight nose and piercing blue eyes as he takes a seat. A jagged white scar cuts from below one eye down his cheek.

Welcome, Kiren. It’s so nice to have you here today.
*leaning forward on his knees* I have reluctantly agreed to be here at my author’s behest. There may be some questions I cannot or will not answer.

Fair enough. Should we begin?
Indeed. *sits back*

What is your full name?
Kiren De Kir, although I answer to many different names.

Like what? And why?
*drumming fingers and staring*

Forbidden territory, huh? Where do you live?
*shifty eyes* Primarily on the road.

How long have you been living without a proper home?
I never said I lack a proper home, only that I rarely occupy one.

Why?
*jaw clenches as he leans forward* Do you know what happens on moonless nights?

No. What happens on moonless nights?
*shakes his head* If you’re ignorant, you are safer.

That sounds slightly freaky.
*nods*

You look about twenty, how old are you?
Next question.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Other than sitting through interviews?

That scar on your cheek, where did it come from?
The person who taught me what really matters in life.

And who was that?
*crosses his arms and stares*

What’s the best/worst gift you’ve ever received?
*slides a hand over his chest, revealing the outline of a chain through the material* The best and worst gift is 
the weight my father placed around my neck.

Can you tell us any more about that?
*shakes his head*

What do you miss most about being a kid?
My family.

What happened to them?
*eyes close*

Are they gone?
*looks away*

How old were you when you lost them?
Six.

Do you think you’ve turned out the way your parents expected?
No. But I dare believe they would be pleased with what I’ve become.


See what I mean? Not very forthcoming. I guess we'll just have to snag a copy of MOONLESS and read more about Kiren and how he fits in the story. Be sure to scroll all the way down for the Rafflecopter- a chance to win MOONLESS and several other prizes!

In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor’s estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world—especially later when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night.

Among the many things to change for her that evening are: her physical appearance—from ghastly to breathtaking, an epidemic of night terrors predicting the future, and the blue-eyed man’s unexpected infusion into her life. Not only do his appearances precede tragedies, but they’re echoed by the arrival of ravenous, black-robed wraiths on moonless nights.

Unable to decide whether he is one of these monsters or protecting her from them, she uncovers what her father has been concealing: truths about her own identity, about the blue-eyed man, and about love. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a love

AVAILABLE AT:
AMAZON
BARNES AND NOBLE
SMASHWORDS
iTUNES
SONY

❀Unleashing the dream world, one book at a time ❀

You can find Crystal here:

Website: www.crystal-collier.com
Blog: http://crystalcollier.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crystalcollier1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2598146-crystal
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crystalcollierauthor

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Eric Price and Owen from UNVEILING THE WIZARDS SHROUD

Today I am excited to turn the blog over to fellow MuseItUp author Eric Price, and Owen, a character from Eric's upcoming debut novel, Unveiling the Wizards' Shroud.  Take it away, Eric!

Be sure you read all the way through to see how to win this awesome shirt!

When I sat down to write a blog post for Mary, I intended to put together a mock newspaper story like I did for Katie Carroll, which her readers seemed to like a lot. But as often happens when I write, and I think other authors have this issue as well, something completely different appeared on my screen.

A few months ago, my publisher, Muse It Up Publishing, suggested a blog theme of having your main character interview you. This seemed like an interesting idea, but I never found time to do it. Well, it finally happened. Owen convinced me to meet, and he got some things off his chest. The interview didn’t go as well as I had hoped. He seems to have a chip on his shoulder about some of the stuff he got into during Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud, and he blames me. As if I had anything to do with it! I just opened a window into his world and wrote what I saw. But how do you convince someone who’s never seen a computer something like that? I did manage to find someone a lot like myself at the same age. In that regard, I guess we were destined to bump heads a bit. Is this what I have to look forward to when my boys are teenagers?

If you like what you see, you can buy the book and enter the contest. If you want the book, but don’t care about the T-shirt, hold on to your confirmation number anyway. I plan on holding more contests in the coming weeks. Just check authorericprice.com to stay up to date on what promotions I’m running. Some, I think, are very interesting. I’ll have a chance to see who really pays attention when they read my book.

Here’s the interview as I received it from Owen. I thought about editing it to make myself look better, but decided against it.

Eric enters the room and his eyes instantly dart to the sword I left on the desk. He takes his hands out of his pockets and reaches for the sword. He must change his mind because he withdraws his arm and sits in an empty chair. He faces me with his back to the sword.

Owen: Thanks for meeting with me today, Eric.

Eric: You’re welcome, Owen.

Owen: What is this room?

Eric: It’s my office.

Owen: What do you do in your office?

Eric: I write.

Owen: Ah, yes, you write. That’s the reason I wanted to talk to you in the first place. Before you came along, I spent my days studying, practicing swordplay, and exploring the forest. You ruined everything. You made me team up with Cedric, you put my father’s life in danger, you almost got Yara killed.

Eric: Yara did not almost die.

Owen: Hard telling what could have happened in that cave, and you put her there.

Eric: I did no such thing. She got herself into the situation. She wasn’t even supposed to come with you, remember? Besides, I just tell people what happens in your world. I don’t alter the course of events.

Owen: How am I supposed to believe you? Everything was fine before you came along.

Eric: I just came into your life and started writing about events the day everything changed for you. Don’t you think it would have been kind of boring if I’d have just written about you studying, practicing swordplay, and exploring?

Owen: Are you calling my life boring?

Eric: No. I’m just saying readers want to see how characters handle situations different than their normal daily routine.

I slam my charred-looking hand on the table.

Owen: This hand is certainly different than my normal routine. Are you going to do anything to fix it?

Eric: I can’t do anything about it; I’ve already told you that. But I have looked ahead in your world. I think another event is going to happen. You may even get a solution to your hand problem.

Owen: When are you going to write this story?

Eric: I don’t know. I’ve got at least two works in front of it. Maybe three. Yara has been asking for her own book too.

Owen: Don’t you do anything to hurt Yara.

Eric: I’ve already told you, I don’t decide what happens. Besides, you’ve known Yara as long as anyone. She can take care of herself.

Owen: What have you seen of her story?

Eric: Not much. It looks like she’ll be leaving Wittatun for a while. She has to travel across the sea. I think she’s going to meet some mermaids and mermen.

Owen: Mermen?

Eric: Yes, mermen. Are you alright with that, or do I sense a tinge of jealousy? You don’t have a crush on her, do you?

Owen: For Yara? No. She’s like my sister. But I worry about her, and I’ve seen what kind of stories you like to write. Also, I’ve never heard of mermen. The seamen only tell stories of the beautiful mermaids they come across on their voyages.

Eric: Well, everyone leaves out some details of their stories. And as far as mermaids being beautiful… well, I’ve heard beauty is in the eye of the beholder. They’re a bit scaly for my taste.

Owen: Alright. So after Yara’s voyage and safe return…

Eric: I didn’t say she’d have a safe return.

Owen: After Yara’s voyage AND SAFE RETURN, do you think you’ll be able to solve this hand issue?

Eric: I don’t know for sure. I just saw a glimpse of it, and it looked different. It seemed to work better for you.

Owen: I better let you get back to your writing, so you can finish these books. I’d hate to spend the rest of my life like this.

I stand to leave and grab the sword from his desk. I scrape the point on purpose, leaving a scratch down the top of his cherry wood desk.

Owen: That’s for the hand.

Wow! Thanks Eric and Owen. That was quite an interview. I'm very curious now to see what happened to Owen's hand. If you're as curious as I am, head on over and pre-order your copy today!

As the only son to King Kendrick, Owen despises the idea of being king one day. Magician may be the only career he’d like less. He has dreaded the days leading up to his fifteenth birthday, when his father will certainly declare Owen heir to the throne. But at the birthday celebration, his father falls ill. The only person in the kingdom that may be able to save him is a magician–the very same magician Owen holds responsible for the death of his mother.

Owen and his companions will have to travel the continent of Wittatun in search of the cure for King Kendrick. On the journey, they will battle strange beasts and harsh climates, befriend extraordinary magicians, and meet a dragon before returning to Innes Castle–where much has happened in the days since he departed.


PRE-ORDER AT:
Muse It Up
Amazon—Coming Soon!
Barnes & Nobel—Coming Soon!

SPECIAL:
Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud comes out November 22. It’s available to pre-order now on the Muse It Up Publishing website. If you pre-order it, save your confirmation number and enter it into the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a T-shirt featuring the beautiful cover art by CK Volnek. I’d even scribble my name across the shirt, if you so desire.

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Available in all sizes. For US mailing addresses only, sorry. Non-US readers, if you pre-order, keep your confirmation number as well. I have more giveaways planned for after the release.

Hmmm. Eric gave me a teaser from the story, and it makes me wonder if this is where Owen injured his hand. What do you think?

Owen halted in his tracks. Did the magician really just suggest they stroll into the perils and scorching heat of the accursed land? He shook his head in disgust.

“Did you say the Land of Fire?”

Cedric stopped and looked back at Owen, a casual expression gracing his face. “Yes.”

“So we have to cross Death Desert?”

“Indeed, we do.”

Owen could feel rage bubbling at his temples. His vision lost focus, and his voice sounded more like the grunt of a wild boar than a human. “You know I can’t get beyond the outer rim! If the heat doesn’t kill me, the animals will!”

“You can, and will, get through Death Desert,” Cedric’s mustache twitched as he attempted to smile through his mass of facial hair. “But we’ll have to use magic.”

Want to learn more about Eric and his characters? You can find him:

Website/Blog authorericprice.com
Twitter: @AuthorEricPrice
Facebook: Author Eric Price and Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud