Authors are Rockstars: Chloe Neill Interview + Giveaway

Today I am beyond excited to have Chloe Neill, one of my most favourite authors, stop by the blog for part of the Authors are Rockstars tour. In case you are unfamiliar with Chloe, she is the author of the "Chicagoland Vampires" (adult) and "The Dark Elite" series (YA).

Why do I think that Chloe Neill is a Rockstar Author? Let me count the ways:

• Caroline Evelyn Merit, better known as Merit: Perchance one of the strongest female characters I have ever met. She isn't afraid to get the job done (nor get her hands dirty in the process), she knows how to use a katana like no other, and she's not just another pretty face- she has just as much, if not more, brains than beauty. 
• Ethan Sullivan: If you have yet to be introduced to Ethan than I truly pity you. Your world is not complete without firsthand knowledge of his bright green eyes, long blond hair, and muscles on his muscles (think Chris Hemsworth. Times a million). 
• Jeff Christopher: I don't think that there exists a more so-nerdy-that-he-is-adorable sidekick. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the boy is a Shapeshifter. 
• Catcher Bell: His dry wit and unforgiving attitude brings the funnies like no other. 
• Chuck Merit: The grandpa that you always wished that you had- plus, he's the liaison between the various supernatural races and humans AKA ONLY THE COOLEST JOB EVER.

Are you convinced to read these books yet? If not, perhaps Chloe herself will be able to in our interview!

The eighth book of your Chicagoland Vampires series is soon to hit shelves- how does that make you feel? Do you get as excited with each new release as you were with the release of "Some Girls Bite"?

I think it's much less surreal now than it had been when SOME GIRLS BITE was released, but there's absolutely always that sense of excitement and anticipation. I really love Merit, and I hope others enjoy her stories, as well.

With eight books in the series under your belt, and two more planned, how do you keep the story lines fresh?

I try to keep my mind fresh. I read, watch television, keep up with graphic design and fashion, love American history. I think diving into all those various subjects gives me tidbits to include in the books.

I think that a lot of readers, female especially, will agree that Ethan is their most favourite of the series- who is your favourite character?

Interesting question. Ethan is definitely one of the easiest to write. His voice is very distinctive, so it's easy for me to imagine his diction. Jeff is another favorite, because he's so noble and honorable. People don't give him enough credit because they see him as a "geek." He is that, and many other things, too. Merit has a lot of me in her, so it's less that she's a "favorite" than "part of me." :)

On the note of favourites, what is your most favourite of the supernatural beings? If you had to be one type of being, which would you choose?

I would like to be any type of being that could fly. It's my preferred secret power. :) Beyond that, probably a vampire.I'd miss the sun, but immortality and strength are pretty good.

Both of your series, Chicagoland Vampires and Dark Elite are set in Chicago. What does the city mean to you? Why feature it so prominently?

It's a city of contrasts, which I find really, really interesting. Great food, amazing architecture. But also poverty and crime. It's a city with meat on its bones, and there's always something I can use to make the CV books pop.

Quick Questions

Ethan or Morgan? Ethan, always. There's something odd going on with Morgan.
Monsters under the bed or monsters in the closet? Under the bed alligators.
Adult or YA? Adult, although I'm reading mostly nonfiction right now.
TV or film? TV. I rarely watch movies. I have a miserably short attention span. :)
Starbucks or Diet Coke? DIET COKE. In large quantities. :)

Special thanks to Jamie and Rachel of Rockstar Book Tours and Chloe Neill!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Author Interview: Anna Carey

Today I am excited to have author Anna Carey stop by the blog to celebrate the release of the last book in her "Eve" series, "Rise"! 

How does it feel to have officially wrapped up the EVE trilogy?
It’s strange…it doesn’t feel like it’s over. I obviously wrote the last pages and have seen the final book, but the characters are still alive to me, still very real. It’s as if we all graduated and went our separate ways. I’m waiting to see pictures of Eve and Caleb on facebook.

What is your favorite scene in your series?
I have several, but I especially love the scene in Once when Eve sees Caleb for the first time (that’s all I can say without being too spoilery). The second book was the most challenging to write, but it also contains one of the biggest twists, which I love hearing people’s reactions to.

Which character did you have the hardest time saying goodbye to?
It was hardest to say good-bye to Arden. She experiences a lot over the course of these books, much of which we don’t see. I feel like her story hasn’t been fully told (that would take another book…or three).

What was the most difficult thing you encountered when writing the series?
I found the sequel incredibly challenging to write. There’s always this fear that you’re painting yourself into a corner. You can feel the story moving towards its end, and that’s sometimes scary. I ended up cutting apart the third draft of the book, rewriting big sections, and putting it back together.

How much research went into writing the series? What was the most interesting (or random) fact that you encountered?
I know way too much about the shelf life of canned food, wild boar populations in Northern California, and Grizzly bear attacks. I was constantly looking up maps of the roads Eve travels, or researching medical conditions (How do you set a bone? What does a gunshot wound look like?). There’s a funeral in Rise, and I had a strange, surreal moment when I googled “How deep do you have to bury a body for it never to be discovered?”. The internet is a strange place.

Do you have any more books (or ideas) up your sleeves? If so, can you tell us a bit about them (for instance, are you looking to write outside of post-apocalyptic)?
I’m writing a new series called Blackbird. Official details will be announced soon!

From Goodreads: "How far will you go when you have nothing left to lose?

When she lost her soul mate, Caleb, Eve felt like her world had ended. Trapped in the palace, forced to play the part of the happy, patriotic princess of The New America—and the blushing bride of her father's top adviser—Eve's whole life is a lie. The only thing that keeps her going is Caleb's memory, and the revolution he started.

Now, Eve is taking over where Caleb left off. With the help of Moss, an undercover subversive in the King's court, she plots to take down The New America, beginning with the capital, the City of Sand. Will Eve be able to bring about a new, free world when she's called upon to perform the ultimate act of rebellion—killing her father?

In Rise, Eve must choose who to leave behind, who to save, and who to fight as Anna Carey's epic tale of romance and sacrifice in the chilling dystopia of The New America comes to a stunning conclusion."

About the Author: Anna Carey has been a gift wrapper, face painter, nanny, horrific cocktail waitress, sofa saleswoman and children's book editor. She graduated from New York University and has an MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College. She currently lives in Los Angeles, where she can be found writing, reading, and doodling on the giant chalkboard in her kitchen.

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Marissa Meyer Interview

You can now find the transcription of Ashley's and my interview with Marissa Meyer on Ashley's blog HERE (super thanks to Ashley for transcribing all of that!).

Also, again, big thanks to Marissa, Raincoast and Chapters/ Indigo!  

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Blog Tour: "When the Silence Ends" by Jade Kerrion

Today I am excited to have author Jade Kerrion stop by the blog to tell us a bit about her recent release "When the Silence Ends", her inspirations, her personal favourite part of the book and so forth!

1. Tell us a little about your book.

On the one hand, When the Silence Ends is the story of an ordinary girl, Dee, facing ordinary challenges. She holds down two jobs to pay the rent, makes sure her twin brother gets to his speech therapy class, and wonders how to pay for college. Dee, however, is an ordinary girl in a world transformed by the Genetic Revolution—a world that is struggling to deal with the social and political repercussions of human derivatives: the clones, in vitros, and mutants. What chance does “ordinary” have in a world of “extraordinary” people?

2. How did you come up with the title?

Silence is a key theme in the novel. Dum, Dee’s twin brother, has not spoken ever since a shattering event destroyed their family when they were five. The novel is the story of Dum’s journey out of silence. A secondary theme is that of secrets. Danyael Sabre, the alpha empath who trains Dum, has secrets of his own, and as the story unfolds, the silence around an eighteen-year old secret comes to an end.

3. What inspired you to write this book?

Young Adult novels abound with extraordinary protagonists. I’m sure that in your travels through books, you’ve met the child of destiny who’s fated to end a war and unite two worlds. You’ve probably also met the quiet kid who doesn’t quite fit in, who discovers his amazing super powers and uses them to save the world. Of course, there’s the protagonist who stumbles upon a mysterious world that coexists alongside her reality, populated by sparkly vampires and handsome werewolves.

I’ve found two major themes running through most YA novels: the first, as I noted above, the extraordinary teenage protagonist, and second, the adults are frequently the enemy, ranging from indifferent parents to murderous despots. Neither of those observations particularly aligns with my observations of life.

So, when I set out to write a YA spin off my award-winning Double Helix series, featuring Dee and her twin brother, Dum, I wanted my readers to appreciate adults in more roles than that of the enemy. Some of them are, of course, but like the real world, there’s a vast spectrum of them; some adults even become Dee’s friends and mentors. More importantly though, I wanted my readers to appreciate the power of “ordinary.”

4. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I’d like my readers to realize that “extraordinary” is within all our grasps, and it has nothing to do with destiny, superpowers, or being loved by a vampire. Dee is the embodiment of ordinary, but she still manages to change her world for the better. If she can do it, there’s no reason at all the rest of us can’t.

5. Do you have a favorite line or scene from your latest release?

It’s hard to choose just one scene. I enjoy many of the scenes involving Jessica—the fifteen-year old alpha mutant, who, unlike Dee, isn’t ordinary, but is striving to find her own brand of normality, nonetheless. My favorite scene, however, is the very last scene at the concert when the silence ends. Several readers have reported tearing up at that scene.

6. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I started at the age of thirteen when my school essays were returned to me with a bunch of “A”s scrawled over the top. Teenagers are impressionable. Being much more impressionable than most, and believing that my teachers knew what they were doing, I figured I was destined to be a writer. It’s only taken me tens of thousands of hours of work since then to be halfway decent at writing (and I’m still learning each day), but one has to start somewhere.

7. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Neil Gaiman is pure genius in his storytelling ability.

8. Have you published anything else?

My award-winning Double Helix series includes three books, Perfection Unleashed, Perfect Betrayal, and Perfect Weapon. When the Silence Ends is set in the world of the Double Helix, and readers will find that many of their favorite characters play much larger roles in the main series. My YA science fiction novel, Earth Sim, was just released as well and is currently on tour. It is a compelling and whimsical view of Earth’s history through the eyes of the two students assigned to manage our planet.

9. What’s next for you? / What is your next project?

I’m currently working on a paranormal romance called City of Eternal Night. Once I finish that, I’ll start work on the fourth novel in the Double Helix series. My plan is to release three novels in 2013.

10. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I just want to say thank you. Thank you for your support, your enthusiastic reviews, and your outraged e-mails over what I did to some of my characters. Thank you for loving them. Thank you for rereading my novels. Thank you for trusting me with your time. I do promise to honor that trust and keep delivering fantastic novels that keep you reading past your bedtime.

From Goodreads: "When you choose your friends, you also choose your enemies.

Seventeen-year old Dee wants nothing more than to help her twin brother, Dum, break free from the trauma in their childhood and speak again, but the only person who can help Dum is the alpha empath, Danyael Sabre, whom the U.S. government considers a terrorist and traitor.

The search for Danyael will lead Dee and Dum from the sheltered protection of the Mutant Affairs Council and into the violent, gang-controlled heart of Anacostia. Ensnared by Danyael’s complicated network of friends and enemies, Dee makes her stand in a political and social war that she is ill equipped to fight. What can one human, armed only with her wits and pepper spray, do against the super-powered mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution?

America, nevertheless, is ripe for transformation. Exhausted by decades of belligerence between humans and their genetic derivatives—the clones, in vitros, and mutants—society is on the verge of falling apart or growing up. Dee, with her sassy attitude and smart mouth, is the unwitting pebble that starts the avalanche of change. In her quest to help her brother become normal, Dee will finally learn what it means to be extraordinary.

When the Silence Ends is the Young Adult spinoff in the award-winning Double Helix series and can be read as a standalone novel."

About the Author: Jade Kerrion, an award-winning author, got her start in fan fiction. She developed a loyal reader base with her fan fiction series based on the MMORPG Guild Wars. She was accused of keeping her readers up at night, distracting them from work, housework, homework, and (far worse), from actually playing Guild Wars. And then she wondered why just screw up the time management skills of gamers? Why not aspire to screw everyone else up too? So here she is, writing books that aspire to keep you from doing anything else useful with your time. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with her wonderfully supportive husband and her two young sons, Saint and Angel, (no, those aren't their real names, but they are like saints and angels, except when they're not.)

Connect with Jade Kerrion: Blog / Facebook / Twitter

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Interview: Author Nikki Colligan

Today I am excited to have author Nikki Colligan whose debut novel, "Sunshine", is released today, stop by the blog to tell us a bit about herself and her book! 

Describe SUNSHINE in 5 words or less.

Oh, that’s hard, but I’ll try: Funny. Dark. Music. Monsters.

How do you balance being a student with being an author?

It’s definitely hard! But I love being a student as well as being a writer. I guess it depends on the semester, really. I usually try to write at least 2,000 words a day. It can be hard when I have homework and papers and all of that school business, but as long as I have a semi-routine of school, school-work, writing-work, I’m a happy camper.

Also, caffeine helps. : )

Do you work on multiple books simultaneously? If so, what is your process? 

Yes.

I try to take at least a week break in between writing a rough draft and then editing it, although last time I tried that, I went nuts. I can’t NOT write. So now when I take a break, I start a new project. I take a break from writing with MORE writing. 

I’m also a creative writing major in school, so I’m always working on pieces for class during the day and novels at night. As far as having a process, I don’t really think I have one. I just write whatever is taking up the most space in my head first.

Fans of _______________ will enjoy my book. 

Hmmm…well, I think there’s something for everyone. There’s romance, and darkness, and blood, and punk, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and piano, and vampires.

So fans of those things, I would say. : )

What are you currently reading right now?

I just started The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzack, and I’m really, really loving it. I’ve wanted to read it forever.

How did you come to your decision to self-publish?

It was a long journey. First, I tried to go the traditional publishing route with finding an agent and querying and all of that…but the more I learned about it, the more I started leaning toward self-publishing. I wanted to be the one in charge of the book cover and the release date, and how far apart my books could come out, etc. I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to creative things. I love traditionally published authors as well as self-published, but I didn’t want to have to worry if I was being too weird, or too dark or too messed up for the “traditional crowd”. So, in a nutshell, I guess it was mostly about control over my work.

Being a self-published author what impact (if any) have book bloggers had on your career?

HUGE. This is my first book and as I’m answering these questions, it’s not even out yet and I can already see the difference that book bloggers are making. I went from three people wanting to read it on Goodreads to forty in a matter of days, which seems small, but it isn’t for me. Book blogs are where people go to see how good/bad/ok books are, and the bloggers not only know what they’re doing, but genuinely love books, so it’s really amazing hearing what they have to say. I can’t wait to see the role they’re going to play once my book is out. : )

Where did you get your inspiration for SUNSHINE? There were a number of things, but I’ll tell you three:

1: I broke my knee and I was basically home-bound and couch-ridden. After I read every book I had, watched every TV show and movie, and annoyed every person I knew, I had nothing to do and I was bored.
2: I’ve always loved vampires and I wanted to make my own story with them.
3: I got really, really bad sun poisoning on a family vacation and let’s just say that the experience stuck with me.

This or that?

Monsters under the bed or monsters in the closet? Ooooh. I would have to say in the closet, just because it would be easier to get away. If they’re under the bed, it’s harder to protect yourself (I’m going with the you’re-asleep-and-there’s-a-monster-in-your-room scenario). Also, monsters don’t scare me. Aliens do. So I was imagining aliens during this question and it was terrifying.

Hot chocolate or chocolate milk? Hot. I always pick hot drinks over cold.

Kindle or Nook? I’ve never had a Nook, so I’m going to have to go with Kindle.

Student or author? Author. Author all the way. However, I think if you’re doing the author thing the right way, you’re always learning anyway, so in that way, I guess I’ll always be a student. : )

Unicorn or dragon? See, I thought this one would be easy. Dragon, right? But I also freaking love unicorns. But if I had to only choose one, it would be dragons. Because dragons are DRAGONS. They have fire, wings, and they’re cute as hell. Unicorns only have a horn and cuteness. So, three to two, dragons win.

From Goodreads: "18 year old Sophie Jean is pretty good at acting normal. Sure, she’s not exactly happy, but happiness is nothing compared to being like everyone else. She can pretend she’s not allergic to the sun. She can hide what her ex-boyfriend did to her. She can cover up the scars she’s made for herself. Ignore anything. Forget anything. Then Myles enters her life, and he has more than a few secrets of his own. When accident after accident keeps happening to Sophie, she can’t help noticing that he’s everywhere. That he knows too much. That she’s remembering too much.

It’s one thing covering up her own dark past, but does she really need to worry about people finding out just how much Myles likes her? Or that despite how much she doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes, she kind of likes him back? Not to mention the fact that she now has to conceal that Myles drinks blood-that he says he’s about four hundred years old. She almost forgot about that part.

But Sophie has no plans to ruin the normal life she has created for herself. She can deal with this little glitch, no problem. Even if word has gotten around to the wrong vampire about Sophie and Myles, even if she’s putting the few people she loves at risk. Suddenly, those who were monsters before are just people, and the monsters? They’re real. Now being a normal human being is the least of her problems. Now she has to stay alive."

About the Author: Nikki Rae is the author of Sunshine, a YA dark paranormal romance, which is being released on January 28, 2013.

When Nikki is not writing, thinking, or reading, she is most likely hanging out with her gecko, Neil Gaiman, drawing in a quiet corner, or drinking tea by the gallon. : )

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Guest Post: Authors Brian Palmer and Jason Rowe

Today I am excited to have Brian Palmer and Jason Rowe stop by the blog to tell us a bit about co-authoring their book XII: Genesis! 

Brian: Anyone who has ever sat down to try and write a novel knows of the many pitfalls that await you. Procrastination. Writer's block. Email. Social media. Family. Friends. More procrastination. It seems in fact that from the very moment we decide we want to create this fictional tale that has come sweeping into our minds like a wave onto a warm, tropical island around sunset, there are forces set to oppose us so that we will be prevented from doing the very thing we want to do.

Jason: And it's important to realize that while all of these things can get in the way of your writing, they actually do take priority along the way, especially if you have responsibilities that others are counting on you to fulfill and writing isn't your primary source of income or priority. The key is always going to be a matter of prioritization and time management, so it's not a matter of letting these other obligations discourage you, nor should they invalidate your dream of writing. Depending on your situation, I believe it's simply a matter of making your dream a priority and then if you truly want it, you have to be willing to schedule it in with your other priorities and make the commitment to persevere, even if you don't always want to at a given moment.

Brian: Now imagine having all of these factors (and I am sure there are countless others as well) at play against you, and then add to the equation the reality of trying to write said novel with a second person. Such an addition is every bit as exciting and challenging as it sounds, and while this sort of arrangement is not for everyone, it is not impossible to do this successfully. Jason and I had to work out the kinks for a while before we could complete the first entry in our new series, XII (the first entry is called XII: Genesis), which released on 12-12-12, but we didn't give up despite a number of false starts and wrong turns, and now we have a much better idea of how to continue working together as we prepare to write the next seven books in this series.

Jason: One of the keys to our partnership has been one of mutual respect. I'm always going to be the one who had the story and the one who had a lot of the elements and details in mind before sharing them with Brian. I never relinquished my intellectual or emotional "rights" to ensure that XII becomes all that it is supposed to be in my heart and mind, but without Brian I know that we wouldn't be having this interview today. I may have written the story eventually on my own, but our balanced strengths and mutual respect have allowed us to not only create the foundational elements that make up the XII Saga, but also to encourage, challenge, and push each other to get here - while also improving individually as writers along the way. I also know that because of the strengths that Brian has brought to this partnership, XII is stronger than it ever would have been without him.
Brian: It was interesting for me, working with another person, as I had never tried this before. It's a bit like entering into a marriage, really, because you no longer can go off willy-nilly, doing whatever you please with the story you are creating. You have to take the other person into account, their sensibilities, their schedule and their ideas. You have to figure out which writing style is going to work best for you. Do you outline the project or no? Do you divide and conquer, with each of you writing about certain elements of the novel before rejoining again to discuss, edit, etc.? Is it best to just do the whole thing over Skype, as Jason and I did, that way you two can talk through every point, every scene, every character, every detail and every bit of dialogue all at once?

Jason: Having been married for over 20 years I can say that its very much like having a healthy marriage. Communication, respect, knowing each other's role and being willing to support the other in theirs are all elements that have come into play over the last few years of learning this "dance" together. There has to be equality within the relationship because without that balance, the two sides start working against each other inevitably. Brian and I are very different in our individual writing styles and personalities while sharing a ton of common ground in creative interests and influences. My wife and I are polar opposites but we balance because we're equally committed to our relationship and the same is true with Brian and I. It doesn't mean you ever stop being different or having potential "snags" when you don't see eye-to-eye on something, but inevitably both sides drift to the "center" somewhat and you end up taking on a little more of the other's paradigm as you go along.

Brian: As with most things, there is no one right way to do this, but through trial and error Jason and I were able to establish the best system for us. We live in different states, so we were forced to work via Skype sessions twice a week, but your situation might be entirely different if you are working with another person. Hopefully your partner is a buddy who lives in town and you can get together at each other's homes regularly, or get to a coffee shop or something. Regardless of your situation's dynamics, however, the point is even though writing with a second person brings an added level of difficulty to the process, you still have to treat the writing process as though you are going it alone. You have to be intentional, you have to be focused, you have to set yourself a schedule and deadlines and do your best to stick to them. You have to be motivated to work on this project (having a co-writer definitely helps in this regard!).

Jason: The key is to ensure that you have one voice along the way if you're writing fiction (versus, say, non-fiction or a screenplay). Brian and I have shared our frustration in reading other joint projects by authors we've liked previously that haven't always worked when two great minds and strong voices have "paired up". If both voices are equally strong and saying the same words then it has to be perfectly in sync or it just doesn't work. The alternative reminds me of a duet where one sings melody and the other, harmony. I think Brian and I fall into the latter category and have exchanged parts at various points in the storyline while remaining true to the "lyrics and music" overall.

Brian: Writing with a second person is fun, bizarre, frustrating, therapeutic and absolutely worth it if the opportunity presents itself to you. Jason and I took the time and made the effort to make this partnership work, and while the first entry in this series took four years to create due to a variety of circumstances, we now know exactly how we will be doing things going forward, so the process will go much more smoothly.

Jason: I know some writers have taken a decade to write a story and have found international acclaim almost overnight (Can someone please get a copy of XII: Genesis to Oprah please?) but in our case we had a sprinters mentality from the outset and had to come to terms with the fact that we were actually running long distance. Neither of us will ever be comfortable with being the "tortoise" but being the "hare" is not an option in an eight-part series either. When I consider "four years to write" I shudder to think this was like earning an undergrad degree - but like college - we spent the first two years or so getting the basics and core down, before moving into actually writing the story as it should be written. Moving forward we'll have a much faster turn out because we spent 2-3 years learning how to do so in a way that worked for Brian and I, and for the story overall.

From Goodreads: "A century after the world was predicted to end, it was indeed reborn. Under the leadership of the Overseer of New Earth, minds were united, diseases were cured, and the Earth was healed when population centers minimized mankind’s footprint, and the remainder of the planet was turned over to the will of nature. War was eradicated, the world embraced one religion, and the New Era began.

But darkness rises now, mistaken for a mere shadow cast by the bright light of human progress. It is the time of which the ancients foretold. It is the time when all things must end. …It is the time of The Twelve.

Six men and six women representing all creeds and colors are supernaturally gifted, but the unlikeliest of heroes. They are barely adults by the world’s standards, but still they are called.

Only they can stand against the growing darkness – but will they stand together?

XII: Genesis is the first installment of an eight-book series in the Young Adult / New Adult genres. If action excites you, if the supernatural intrigues you, and if love compels you - then you are invited to join The Twelve in their fight against the growing darkness that threatens New Earth!"

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Author Interview: David James

Today I am excited to have David James, author of "Light of the Moon", stop by the blog to tell us a bit about who his book will appeal to, what he is currently reading and what advice he has for aspiring authors! 

Describe LIGHT OF THE MOON in five words or less. 

Beautifully dark tale of love.

Do you work on multiple books simultaneously? If so, what is your process? 

I do to an extent. I tend to write bits and pieces of other books while working on a main manuscript, but I rarely focus completely on more than one book at a time. I couldn’t do it! I’m a very linear writing, so while I do jump around from time to time, I think I would go crazy writing more than one book at a time.

Fans of ___________ will enjoy my books. 

Fans of Tessa Gratton or Brenna Yovanoff will enjoy my books. There’s a similar sense of dark hopefulness in my books that I’ve found in theirs. I’ve also gotten quite a few reader responses that have enjoyed Light of the Moon after reading Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone, which I thought was beyond amazing.

What are you currently reading right now? 

I’m currently reading Kristin Cashore’s Graceling and loving it. I love her way with words, and how she creates worlds.

How did you come to the decision to go indie? 

Many reasons, but the main one was that I wanted to get my book to readers. I had a lot of responses when I attempted to go traditional, but none of them stuck the way I wanted them to. Additionally, I’ve come to know so many wonderful indie authors that are doing incredible things. I’m so happy I have a chance to be a part of that.

Are you currently a full time author? If so, how did you come to the decision to do so? 

I am, though I do contract writing on the side for local businesses. Before this, I taught high school for over three years. In the end, I decided to follow my heart. I’ve always wanted to be an author. I’ve always wanted to help people, and my ultimate goal is to provide a positive impact on the youth of today.

Being an indie author what impact (if any) have book bloggers had on your career? 

Book bloggers are beyond amazing, let me tell you. I continue to be impressed by the lot of them and the way many of them use their influences in positive ways. The entire writing, blogging, and writing community have all been so supportive. In my opinion, book bloggers have an incredibly difficult job. It’s hard to stay so positive and keep up with blog posts and reviews, but they do it well.

Where did your inspiration for LIGHT OF THE MOON come from? 

Looking up at the stars, I always used to wonder what was up there. One day the idea of using constellations as the paranormal aspect of the novel just came to me, and I started to write what later became Light of the Moon. I love the idea that there’s a whole world in the sky we just don’t know about.

How do you respond to maybe negative (or not-so-nice) reviews?

I respect everyone, so when someone writes a negative review (about any book) I have an understanding that their views may differ from mine. The negative reviews I really respect are the ones that say exactly how they feel about a book and not just voice their hatred. If there are reasons behind the negativity, then those reviews are actually making a positive impact by making educated points on books. I appreciate and respect those reviews, even if I don’t agree with them.

Any advice for aspiring authors? 

Don’t give up and don’t follow the rules. There are no specific rules when it comes to writing a book because every single person has his or her own way of doing things. Take advice from others, but take your own as well.

This or that?

Monsters under bed or monsters in closet? Oh. My. I don’t even know what to do with this question. I might have just looked in my closet, so I vote for monsters under the bed! I feel like I would have a better chance to escape.

Hot chocolate or chocolate milk? Neither! I’m actually not a chocolate fan.

Kindle or Nook? Kindle all the way.

E-Book or physical book? Let’s get physical. Physical.

Unicorn or Sasquatch? Uh. Unicorn. For sure. Because don’t they fly? Or am I making that up. I think some unicorns fly. I think. Either way I’m sure a Sasquatch can’t fly.

From Goodreads: "Stars. Fire. Blood. Magic.

One night long ago, a constellation disappeared and fell from the sky in the form of a boy.

Secrets are being kept in the sleepy town of Lakewood Hollow, Colorado. Nothing but pools of blood and dripping words are left where bodies once were, and no one but Calum Wade seems to be worried. Life unfolds in shades of red for Calum, until a mysterious girl named Kate Black enrolls at his school and everything changes. Suddenly a dangerous world of dream demons, elemental enchanters, and blood witches unfurls before Calum. He learns that the stars have forever held his destiny, and that the constellations above are much more than what they seem. As Kate and Calum sink deep into a paranormal war, they realize that an ancient prophecy might hold the answers they seek. But life is not so easy for Calum, and he can feel his heart beat faster whenever Kate is close. Worse, Kate's blood holds a dark secret even more dangerous than the war between the demons and enchanters. Soon the two find that there are worse things than loving someone you shouldn't. For Calum and Kate, even love and the fiery power of stars may not be enough to break a curse as dark as the blood that binds their destiny.

A romantic story of true love and dark curses, LIGHT OF THE MOON will leave you breathless."

About the Author: David James writes books about stars and kisses and curses. He is the author of the YA novel, LIGHT OF THE MOON, the first book in the Legend of the Dreamer series, as well as the companion novella, THE WITCH'S CURSE. A second novella for the series, THE WARRIOR’S CODE, as well as the sequel, SHADOW OF THE SUN, will be released in 2013. Living in Michigan, he is addicted to coffee, gummy things, and sarcastic comments. He enjoys bad movies, goofy moments, and shivery nights. Be sure to visit David’s blog and facebook to learn more about his various addictions and novels.

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