Interview with #1 Bestselling Author, Rachel Van Dyken!

(Don't miss your chance to win one of her ebooks in our giveaway extravaganza!)

Author Bio: Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill.

Blurb: Rock star Alec Daniels has it all. Love, fame, money... But being in the limelight isn't all it’s cracked up to be, and after one bad choice comes back to haunt him he is left picking up the pieces of his carefully constructed life. Now he faces the toughest decision of his life:
Deal with his mistake like a man, or dive back into the dark hole of depression, drugs, and denial that have been his comfort for so long.
One wrong move could destroy everything. His girlfriend, his family, and his future.

*To start out, could you tell us about your journey toward publication?

"I started out as most authors do--frantically searching for someone ANYONE to accept my manuscript. I was blessed enough to discover Astraea Press and published my first 16+ books with them. They are a small indie publisher that publishes sweet romance. Once I started getting my feet a bit more wet, I decided to start branching out into self publishing as well as publishing with an indie publisher. My self-publishing titles were New Adult and had more mature themes than what AP would allow. As soon as they started gaining notice, (And I'm still freaking out over this!) I was given the opportunity for representation with a fantastic agency and soon after that, given a four book deal with a big six publisher."

And congratulations on your deal with Grand Central Publishing! Your success is a shining beacon of hope for so many of us still navigating the choppy waters of publication.

*What does your writing process typically look like?

"It's insanity. I have up to four manuscripts open at any given time. I like to switch between genres. So I may have a regency open and then decide to write some New Adult, then switch back over. I usually get up, go for my run, get my coffee (get ready for my day), and sit down at my computer. I write anywhere from 6-12 hours a day most of the time it's more. My poor husband is so understanding. An authors work is never done, so I usually bring my computer or iPad with me everywhere. I work until eleven or midnight, and sometimes wake up in the middle of the night if I have an idea. I LOVE it though and would not change it for the world!"

I guess one woman's definition of insanity is another woman's definition of 'awesome.' I should like to borrow your straightjacket sometime. ;)

*What do you think has drawn you to writing within the New Adult contemporary and Historical genres?

"Historicals have always called to me because I LOVE the idea of the regency rake, how delicious is that? I think I was drawn to YA or NA for similar reasons. I wanted to put something out there that was kind of angsty yet still fun. I wanted to write the contemporary bad boy and found that it was really a fun niche for me" ;)

Ah, rakes and angst. You surely MUST have an understanding husband. ;D

*Looking back at all you've undergone up to this point in your career as an author, what would you have done differently?

"Nothing. I only say that because I truly feel like every choice and every decision has led me to where I am today."

Coming from you, I can believe that.

*Would you tell us a little about your current Work In Progress, and what you have in mind for your next project?

"Right now I'm working on the sequels to The Bet and Elite. The Wager is the second book in The Bet series and stars the "other brother," Jake Titus. He's a bad boy millionaire who doesn't care about anyone but himself. The catch is, his grandma's out to change all of that by any means possible. It's been a lot of fun so far! Elect, which is the sequel to Elite, is kind of like Gossip girl meets The Godfather. It's about a group of mob bosses who are pretty young, and a girl that's been under their protection, without her knowledge, for the past eighteen years. It's loosely based on true events and has been a really exciting WIP for me ;) I LOVE the research behind it and get to have a lot of fun with the characters."

I'll look forward to hearing more about all three of those in the near future.

Irrelevant, nonsensical questions:

*If you could have any Disney sidekick creature as a manifestation of your muse, which one would you pick and why?

"As a muse...okay I would totally pick the dragon from Mulan, or possibly the cricket ;) They are HILARIOUS and always meant well! I love the dialogue from that Disney movie and would love to have two little companions whispering in my ear all hours of the day."

Mushu! Why am I not surprised your muse would be raucous and full of sass? ;)

*Paper, plastic, or BYOB (bring your own bag)?

"BYOB if I can, and if not...then paper..only b/c I save the paper bags and make caramel popcorn every Christmas!"

Ooo...I want in on your Christmas candy list. >.> Or at least the recipe. I can already hear my dentist prepping her lecture... but it will be SO worth it.

*If you were banished to live in a storybook world, in what book would you most prefer to find yourself trapped?

"Hmm....probably Cinderella, but only if I was actually Cinderella. She has awesome shoes and got the prince in the end." ;)

If you overlook the years of emotional abuse and servitude, I suppose she did end things on a high note. ;)

And now, let's have a look at an excerpt from your latest release, Shatter...

----
Alec

Crap. What the hell were we going to do at a bed and breakfast? We could eat, but we couldn’t really sleep, not if we had that stupid restaurant opening in a few hours.
My control was seriously slipping. I flexed my hand and began reciting the states in alphabetical order. Other than burying myself deep in the girl I loved — it was the only way I could relax. Running had stopped working, and I knew it was absolute insanity to run fifteen miles a day. Singing helped, but we were supposed to be acting, not singing. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona…
I took the stairs two at a time. Arkansas, California… Thankfully, the elderly couple was already waiting for me in the main dining room.
“Alec!” Mr. Smith came forward with arms open. I hugged him and then kissed Mrs. Smith on the cheek. There were only a few guests and most of them were over the age of sixty. They probably thought I was the Smiths’ grandson.
The familiar smell of the restaurant calmed me down. “I need a favor.”
“Anything.” Mrs. Smith pinched my bicep and winked. “Now, what can we do for you?”
What could they do? Oh you know, erase a few nights from my memory and convince Bob, my bodyguard, to assassinate the one person who could ruin my entire freaking existence with one push of a button. “Um, how about a room? Something nice? I want to spend some time with Nat away from everything.”
“Done.” Mr. Smith walked over to the main desk and pulled out a key. “Enjoy yourselves.”
I reached for my wallet to pull out my credit card, but he held up his gnarled old hands. “Oh no you don’t. You’ve done so much for our business already, son. This one’s on the house, alrighty?”
“Please. Let me pay.” I offered one last time. Charity made me feel nervous, like I couldn’t control the situation. Wow, I had issues.
“Nope. That’s final.” Mr. Smith held out his hand for me to shake it. I wanted to shake it. Instead, I just stared at it and told myself to stop freaking out. It was a free room for a few hours, not a house. Smiling, I reached for his hand and shook it.
“Thank you.”
“Have fun! And let us know what you want for your meal.” Mrs. Smith waved goodbye as I turned and jogged back out of the building.
Nat was in the middle of the patio, her blonde hair blowing in the wind. I could watch her forever. She tucked her hair behind her ears and crossed her arms. She had no idea how precious she was to me — or how deep she had etched herself into my soul. I couldn’t help but wonder… would she curse me later for that very thing?
I tried to push the dark thoughts away, but it was hard. My brain felt fatigued, probably all that alphabetizing. I managed a smile as I walked up to her and whispered, “Surprise,” dropping the key into her hand.
“You bought me a car!  You shouldn’t have!”
I paused. “Wow, never actually thought about it. Do you want a car? I guess I could buy you a car. Would that make you happy?” I smirked at her eye roll. “Would you jump up and down and possibly make out in the backseat with me?”
“Maybe.” She blushed.
“Would you scream my name over and over and over again?” I kissed her hard on the mouth. “Would you be mine forever and always?” Damn, I was losing my mind. The need to be with her was trumping everything. I knew it was wrong. I was using her. Using the way she made me feel in order to push away my demons. But nothing else was working. Not the pills, not my ridiculous staff of people that I pay millions to keep. Nothing. Only her kisses, her touch. If I was going to hell, I wanted to take every shred of this feeling with me.
Nat exhaled and pulled back. “Yes. I would.”
“And all because of a car?” I squinted, trying to calm my heated body down. “Hmm, too bad this key doesn’t lead to a car. But…” I grabbed her hand. “I think you’ll still feel the same way when this afternoon is over with.”
“Oh? That confident, huh?”
I stopped and pulled her into my arms for another earth-shattering kiss. “Extremely.”

----

In celebration of her May 19th release, Rachael is giving away 10 ebooks! You read that correctly. She has made available 5 copies of 'The Bet' and 5 copies of 'Elite' for a total of 10 winners! (If you have a preference, please be sure to list it in your comment when you enter.) The drawing ends Tuesday, May 20th, 2013 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced and contacted by mid-day on May 21st. Take advantage of extra chances to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Other titles by Rachel Van Dyken

"The Bet"
"Elite"
"The Wolf's Pursuit"
"The Devil Duke Takes A Bride"
"Tear: A Seaside Novel"
"Pull: A Seaside Novel"
"Whispered Music"
"Upon A Midnight Dream"
"The Ugly Duckling Debutante"
"Waltzing With The Wallflower"
"Beguiling Bridget"
"Savage Winter"
"The Redemption of Lord Rawlings"
"The Seduction of Sebastian St. James"
"Every Girl Does It"
"An Unlikely Alliance"
"Compromising Kessen"
"The Parting Gift"
"Taming Wilde"

And Coming soon!
"Shatter: A Seaside Novel"
"Divine Uprising"
"When Ash Falls"
"Elite"
"Fall: A Seaside Novel
"The Wager"
"The Spinster Club"

Interview With M. V. Freeman

Today, I'm interviewing award-winning author, M. V. Freeman. Don't miss your chance to win an Amazon gift card, or a copy of her debut Urban Fantasy: Incandescent! 

Author Bio: M.V. Freeman is a native of Minnesota, but calls North Alabama her home. She is a member of RWA, and the chapters: Georgia Romance Writers, Southern Magic, and Heart of Dixie. By day her mind is filled with medical jargon at the local health clinic, but at night she finds herself exploring alternate worlds within our own. Heavily influenced by Slavic languages and culture, you will find she weaves these elements into her stories. Her award winning current story INCANDESCENT is the first in a series. She is currently working on the second book in the series while plotting another set of stories. When she is not writing, she's reading, cooking, throwing around kettle bells, or making coffee. She is represented by the Aponte Literary Agency.

Blurb: Some gifts are unwanted, and Laurie Hudson's affinity for fire is one she hates. It has destroyed her relationship with her family and she has few friends. She's fought hard to keep the fire inside suppressed, living a low key life as a bartender, until a brutal and charming man blows into her life.

Around Mikhail Petrov, her careful control disintegrates. She is at once drawn to his urbane, cool demeanor and irritated by his overbearing manner. Her options are taken away when he kidnaps her, forcing her into a fight she wants nothing to do with. As she learns to survive, Laurie faces the hardest choice of all, her freedom or the destruction of the frustrating man she's come to care for.

A formidable Tri-elemental, Mikhail Petrov commands earth, air, and water. He will use anyone or anything to free himself from the oppressive rule of the Mages, including the untrained fire element he discovers, Laurie. Most of his family has been wiped out in an effort to manipulate him. He thinks he has nothing left to lose. To him, Laurie is a tool, a rare and powerful elemental that is his to use. He fights his feelings for the fire elemental because with caring comes weakness, another opening for destruction. Rarely are emotions as easy to control as his elements.

As he trains Laurie to work with him, he doesn't expect his growing attachment to her. With the Mages closing in, Mikhail faces a choice: destroy the fledgling relationship with Laurie to gain his coveted freedom, or sacrifice himself for hers.

In case anyone missed this reviewer's thoughts on Incandescent: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/383579403
a Rafflecopter giveaway

To start out, could you tell us a little bit about your journey toward publication?

"My journey to publication involves lots of coffee, tenacity, and blind faith. I learned quickly that publishing is not like anything I’ve ever encountered—it’s very subjective. The only thing I could control was learning to hone my writing craft and surround myself with writers who are serious about continuously improving themselves.

The next step was developing the thickest skin possible—because being told in varying forms of language—NO is one of the hardest things in the world to deal with.  It is demoralizing.  I have a file full of rejections. Everyone gets them. But…oh, they were tough.

I am one of those sorts that when I am told “No”, I tend to get a bit—grumpy. Instead of quitting, I revised my story again and again. I decided I was going to go for broke—I continue to send out my manuscript. It’s like throwing mud against the wall—I kept waiting for something to stick.  It finally did with the current publisher, Crimson Romance. They decided to take a chance on me."

Coffee: check. Tenacity: check. Blind faith:...double check. ;) I love talking to someone who's determined to improve their craft. Just as a reader, it's good to know that an author I'm interested in isn't settling for mediocrity.

What does your writing process look like?

"There is a theme here—It involves, Coffee, Tea, and daydreaming. Chocolate is always a plus. I am a mix of Pantser and plotter. I get an idea—figure out the main characters (and this is extensive). I know the midpoint and the black moment. I brainstorm with varied hapless souls. Then I begin to write. Although, for the first book this caused me to rewrite the blasted thing five times. Yes. Five.

So, I’ve changed things this time around. I took a class by Urban Fantasy author Suzanne Johnson, called quilting for pantsers—totally saved my second book. This gives you a pattern you “weave” without over plotting. (If you break out the spread sheets I will weep). It involves the relationships in the story fueled by the plot. Works for my brain.

I still spend way too much time staring at the computer screen and thinking 'Now what?'"

Ah, daydreaming...the most underrated of all the writing tools.
What do you think has drawn you to Urban Fantasy as your genre of choice?

"To me this is the best of both worlds—I’ve always adored fantasy, but I like the familiarity of modern day. In this genre the rules for characters aren’t so constrained. I can explore situations and happenings that are impossible in reality. This appeals to me, because my goal as a writer is to bring people outside of their world for a little awhile. Best part? I can write dastardly anti-heroes. I find it easier to justify them in Urban Fantasy than contemporary." 

Whatever you need to justify those antiheroes, it's working for you. ^_^ As much as I love fantasy, I do appreciate how much quicker I can get my head around an Urban Fantasy. I like to think of it as fantasy-lite--all of the flavor with less mental caloric commitment. ;)
Looking back at all you've undergone up to this point in your career as an author, what would you have done differently?

"There are a few:

I wish I started getting serious writing a lot earlier than I did. Perhaps I would be farther along—but my path has made me what I am as a writer. So, I am not going to live with regret.

I’d also know more about contracts. (Seriously, this can’t be stressed enough).

But you know what?—there is no perfect path. I’ve learned that if you’re going to walk this publishing path, one is going to make mistakes. Everyone does. The thing is, I am not going to let it stop me."

On behalf of all newbies to the publishing industry, I thank you for your hard earned wisdom.
Would you tell us a little about your current Work In Progress, and what you have in mind for your next project?

"My current work in progress is tentatively called Illumination. It’s a stand alone, but set in the world of the first book, Incandescent. It brings together a quirky heroine--Mina who tries to help others and just mucks things up, and an uptight hero--Xander who must face his own prejudices and understand he can’t control everything. 

Here is my current blurb: In an effort to stop a war darkling Mina started one. Fleeing her own kind who want her dead, she turns to Xander, her people’s mortal enemy for help, who faces a choice—help her and lose everything, betray her and regain it all.

I have two ideas for the next project, another book in the same world, Iridescence, dealing with an angry heroine, and equally damaged hero.

Or I may do a YA set in Birmingham.

Choices, choices…. "

Well, considering our introduction to the delightfully eccentric Mina in your first book, I know I'm not the only one looking forward to getting her story in Illumination.

Irrelevant, nonsensical questions:

If you could have any Disney sidekick creature as a manifestation of
your muse, which one would you pick and why?

"This is hard, because my muse happens to be a suave Russian, since that is not on the list---I choose Mushu, from Mulan. A small dragon that starts fires. Sorta my style."

A smart-mouthed mythical beast with pyromaniac tendencies. I won't argue with that one. >.>
Paper, plastic, or BYOB (bring your own bag)?

"Funny you should ask this. Plastic. Let me explain why—for those with queasy stomachs, just move on…..

I was stuck on a bus shuttle going to the airport. I guy was going to be sick. I am not fond of this. So much so—I snagged the plastic bag the driver had next to his seat (I pray it didn’t have his lunch in it—may explain the stink-eye I was given) and gave it to the man who proceeded to do his business.
So. From that time on, I carry at least two plastic bags—JUST IN CASE.  

What if that were me? One has to be prepared."

Emergency emesis containment...that's a new one.  
If you were left stranded on an island infested by zombies, what two items would you want to have with you?

"A fully loaded Sherman Tank, and Wolverine. (Hey, I have my priorities). I figure if I can’t survive it with those two, I probably deserve to have my brains eaten."

Congratulations...that has to be the best answer I've yet received for that question--hands down. XD You didn't just answer it, you OWNED it.

Many thanks for devoting your time to this interview!

M.V. Freeman loves to hear from readers--you can email her at: mvfreeman @ymail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMVFreeman
Twitter: Follow @MVFree
Google +: MV Freeman https://plus.google.com/u/0/MVFreeman
Linked in: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/m-v-freeman/19/a1a/932
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6849592-mv-freeman

.

Interview With C.J. Redwine -- Signed ARC Giveaway!

Today, I'm interviewing author C.J. Redwine. Don't miss your chance to win an ARC copy of her recently released YA Dystopian, Defiance!

Author Bio: C.J. Redwine loves stilettos, lemon bars, and any movie starring Johnny Depp. She is the author of Defiance, the first in a post-apocalyptic fantasy trilogy from Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins. C.J. lives in Nashville with her husband, four kids, two cats, and one long-suffering dog. To learn more about C.J., visit her website at: http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/

Some of you may know what I had to say about her debut, Defiance. But for those of you who missed it: RedPeril's Review O' Defiance

Blurb: Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
-----

To start out, could you tell us a little bit about your journey toward publication?

"I've been writing stories since I was in second grade, but I didn't seriously begin pursuing publication until I was 30. I'd kept waiting for life to slow down (Four kids! Part time job! Life!), but after fighting cancer at the age of 30, I realized it was foolish to wait around for life to be perfect before I followed my dreams. I finished my first novel and started querying. After receiving a slew of rejections, I realized my first book wasn't going to get published. It was a training ground for honing my craft.

"My next book garnered me my fabulous agent, but it took two more years, and two more books, before I landed a publishing contract. I'd started to feel like the girl who couldn't sell a book to save my life, but I figured I could either quit or take on the project that felt almost too big for me and keep trying. When my agent called to tell me an editor was going to make an offer on Defiance, I just sat there and cried. I could hardly believe it!"

I doubt anyone could argue you didn't already have a full plate before you dedicated yourself to writing. Clearly, it's been a hard-fought victory.
Looking back at all you've undergone up to this point in your career as an author, what would you have done differently?

"I'd have figured out faster that I function best when I shut out other voices--reviews, opinions, chat etc--and focus on just my writing and what my trusted team of critique partners and my editor have to say about it. Learning that has been so freeing for me."

Noise-canceling headphones, eyes off the reviews, clicker off the social media, and faith in your hand-picked cohorts--gotchya!
What does your writing process look like?

"My books live in my head for a long time before I start writing. At any moment, I have 6-8 books in my head, slowly taking shape. Once I do start writing, I usually have a first draft in about 3 months. Then, I rip it apart and revise, revise, revise! The magic happens during revision." :)

Ah, so you marinate in your ruminations. I bet you're plotting even now...
What made you choose Young Adult as your preferred writing genre?

"It's the genre I love to read, so that felt like a natural fit for me, plus I just love the immediacy in the YA genre. It's the first love, first heartbreak, first step away from home, first real risk ... and it all feels life or death. YA is such an amazing age range because it's just on the cusp of figuring out who we'll be as adults. Nothing is yet set in stone so anything can happen. I also adore that the YA genre has so few restrictions. If you can execute the story well, you can write it. There really aren't many boundaries, and that's perfect for a speculative fiction writer like me."

Well, thank you--you've just put into words what I've always had trouble articulating. There's really something to be said for getting to experience new things along with a character you're rooting for.
Would you tell us a little about your current Work In Progress, and what you have in mind for your next project?

"I'm currently co-writing a middle grade book that is kind of like Grimm meets Howl's Moving Castle. I'm super excited about it! Once I finish that, I'll be writing the third and final book of the Defiance trilogy."

Ooo...Grimm AND Howl's Moving Castle? You have my attention, Madame. 

Irrelevant, nonsensical questions:

If you could have any Disney sidekick creature as a manifestation of
your muse, which one would you pick and why?

"Pascal, from Tangled. He just GETS me."

A loyal, comedic chameleon. Sounds all shades of fitting. ;)
Paper, plastic, or BYOB (bring your own bag)?

"Paper. I love paper bags. I know that's weird. I accept it."

I hear acceptance is the first step on the road to recovery...
If you were left stranded on an island infested by zombies, what two items would you want to have with you?

"A machete and Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, complete with his sword."

There you have it, folks. She's hands-on in the Zombie eradication department, AND she has impeccable taste in male protagonists.

Now, for those of you who'd like to procure your very own ARC copy of Defiance, you have one week to enter this drawing! And for you oft left-out international peeps, I want to assure you that I am willing to ship this book anywhere that is not currently facing U.S. sanctions. :D (Winner will be announced after 9am on Friday, November 23rd. Winner will have 48 hours to claim or otherwise leave me contact information via a comment--after that, I will have to redraw.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

     For more information on C.J., The Defiance Trilogy, or any of her other projects (I strongly recommend query-prepping authors pick up a copy of her instructional guide: http://www.amazon.com/QUERY-Everything-Started-Noticed-ebook/dp/B0074P5UV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328816582&sr=8-1 ) , please help yourself to the following linkage:

Website: http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/CJ-Redwine-Author/214211451945062?fref=ts

Twitter: @cjredwine

.