Cover Reveal: Deadly Gamble by Shirley Kennedy

We're proud to be a part of author Shirley Kennedy's cover reveal for her paranormal thriller, DEADLY GAMBLE, released by Inkspell Publishing. Here's what the story is about:

Deadly Gamble

When attractive Kristi Andrews is hired as Assistant Marketing Director at the Parthenon hotel/casino in Las Vegas, she’s focused on succeeding at her new job. But from the very first day, strange events occur:  a deadly escalator accident—the strange death of a candle shop owner—a psychic’s warning that the Parthenon is doomed AND IT’S ALL KRISTI’S FAULT.

Shocked and  baffled, Kristi must determine if she could be responsible for the mysterious, evil presence that seems to haunt the hotel. She’s aided by a man she’s just met—famous western historical author, Mike Garvey. Attracted to Kristi, Mike goes one hundred fifty years back in time to draw upon his knowledge of old Las Vegas and the Santa Fe Trail. They are the key to a puzzling mystery which Kristi must solve if she wants to save not only the Parthenon but the entire Las Vegas Strip from total disaster.

About the Author:

Shirley Kennedy wrote and published Regency romances for several years for both Ballantine and Signet.  She switched genres to write a wagon train romance. When struck with what she called “a great idea” about a haunted casino in Las Vegas, she was compelled to abandon both  Regency England and the Old West to write Deadly Gamble.

Born and raised in Fresno, California, Shirley has lived in such diverse places as Denver; Houston; Torrance, California; Bogota ,Colombia; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Sciences at the University of Calgary.  She worked as a computer programmer/systems analyst for several years before she went back to her first love, writing.  

Shirley lives close to her two daughters in Las Vegas Nevada. Brutus and Sparky, her two editorial assistants on the furry side, love to nap in the sunshine next to her computer while she produces her next novel.

See Shirley’s web site at www.shirleykennedy.com

Her published books include:

Heartbreak Trail, Camel Press  

Three Wishes for Miss Winthrop,  Signet

Lady Flora's Fantasy, Signet

The Irish Upstart,  Signet

The Selfless Sister,  Signet

The Rebellious Twin, Signet

The London Belle, Signet

Lady Semple's Secret,  Ballantine

Interview with Lisa Voisin PLUS Giveaway

Today we have the pleasure of chatting with author Lisa Voisin about her novel, THE WATCHER. Let's dive right into the interview, shall we?

Hi, Lisa! Welcome to We Do Write. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi Dorothy! Thank you so much for having me here today. I’m thrilled to be here.

I’m a first-time author with a background in English Lit and technical writing. I’m also a meditation teacher who’s curious about all things metaphysical. I live with my fiancé and our two cats in Vancouver, Canada.

Ooh, I've recently gotten into meditation. We'll have to talk about that sometime. ;) How long have you been writing?

I've been writing stories since I was in grade school. I kept writing through high school, to the point where I preferred writing stories over doing other homework. My parents started to get concerned about me and tried to talk me out of this ridiculous notion that I could be an author.

They won out for a little while, then I went to university and took up technical writing just to prove I could earn an income from the written word. Though my mom is no longer around to see me follow my dreams, my dad is now one of my biggest supporters.

Tell us about THE WATCHER. What’s the story about?

Put very simply, THE WATCHER is a story about a love that transcends time, and the way trauma from the past repeats itself. It's about trying to break out of the past, out of our ideas about ourselves, to reach for our potential and for new possibilities. It's also a tale of redemption.

Cool! How did the idea of the story come to you?

This story had been a seed in the back of my mind for years. I wanted to write about a boy waking up to discover he was an angel. He knew he had powers but he also knew he'd transgressed so to speak. I also wanted to tell the story from the perspective of the girl who loved and remembered him from an ancient past. Then Mia's story came to life.

Once I'd established that, the story unraveled bit by bit from there.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I've worked with all of them. Though a first draft came quickly, THE WATCHER took three years to edit and complete. I had much to learn (and I still do!). I had several good writer friends act as alpha readers/Critique partners. I also would run scenes through a critique group. I then had beta readers look at it, and I went to workshops and conferences. I had a great deal of help. Finally, I also worked through a mentorship program for the final drafts before sending it off for publication.

Solid strategy! Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I'm a bit of both, but more of a pantser than anything. I write the story from start to finish. I get ideas for chapters and I make a rough outline. Then I write it, to see where the story goes. It can get complicated when I go off in directions I never planned.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

I think the hardest part about the actual writing process is living inside the character's skin while you're putting them through difficult situations. Sometimes, like the character, I don't know how they're going to get out of the situations I put them in. I put myself through the story too, so I can see through the character’s eyes.

Paradoxically, the hardest part is the most wonderful part about writing as well.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Usually it's coffee. I write in coffee shops a great deal. It's the only way I can keep my cats off the keyboard!

LOL. They're just curious (and want attention, I'm sure). If you could have any super power, what would it be?

That's a tough one! But I'd have to say, since I'm writing about angels, I'd love to be able to smite demons, get rid of some of the evil in the world. I'm a big fan of the angel Castiel in the TV show, Supernatural, and I just love the way he smites! I even love the word “smite”.

Love Castiel! The actor has the same birthday as I do - just a little useless trivia for you, lol. What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

The Mothman, maybe. It's a pretty weird thing. I wrote a blog post about it. I google a lot, so it's hard to remember all the strange things I've looked up.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: watchful, frivolous, and silverware.

With her ever watchful gaze, Jenna caught the man in the frivolous purple suit ease the silverware into his pocket.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

...sleeping, reading, or out for a walk.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Gosh! So many people have helped and supported me over the past few years. First, thanks to my alpha readers--Cara Anderson and Elinor Svoboda--who read this book almost as many times as I have. Cara helped me write and Elinor edited The Watcher book trailer. I also had much friend support there.

Needless to say, my fiancee, Matthew, and my dad have both been immensely supportive. They deserve pages and pages of thanks.

I must also thank everyone who helped me with critiques: Steve, Blair, Marilyn, Laurie, Nicola, Jessica. Then there's my mentors Nancy Richler and Alyx Dellamonica. Their invaluable assistance is due to Betsy 
Warland herself who invited me to the Vancouver Manuscript Intensive program. Then there's everyone at the SCBWI in Nevada. I also owe thanks to the authors who read my novel and blurbed it: A.M. Dellamonica, Eileen Cook, Stephanie Lawton, and Stephanie Keyes.

I also want to thank the team at Inkspell Publishing who have been amazingly supportive of my book: Shilpa, who discovered my book, and Melissa who's been just great. Also, my editor Rie Langdon, was tremendously insightful. And Najla Qamber did the most amazing cover a girl could ask for!

I'd also like to give a shout out to the members of THE WATCHER Street Team - Ashley, Chyna, Iris, Andeaa, Stephanie -- you know who you are! You guys are awesome! THANK you for coming along and lending your enthusiasm and support!

Most of all, I want to thank the people who read this book. It means so much to me to be able to share this work with you.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

I can be found at: http://www.lisavoisin.com.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisavoisinauthor
Twitter: @lvoisin
Blog: http://lisavoisin.wordpress.com

The Watcher can be found on Goodreads here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13665100-the-watcher

THE WATCHER is available at:
B&N.com
Inkspell Publishing
Amazon
Kobo

Now, dear readers, enter the giveaway for your chance to win this winged necklace!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Need by Stephanie Lawton

We're proud to present to our readers the cover reveal for NEED by Stephanie Lawton.

Synopsis:

Isaac Laroche is cursed. All he wants to do is hide out and feel sorry for himself. Never mind that he got caught sleeping with his seventeen-year-old piano student, or that he abandoned her when the truth was exposed.

Isaac’s feisty high school sweetheart has different plans. Heather Swann has returned to their hometown of Mobile, Alabama, to regroup after breaking up with her troll of a fiancé. She’s restless and looking for a diversion, but she bites off more than she can chew when she sets her sights on rehabilitating Isaac with her unorthodox sexual, mental, and physical plans.

The two quickly reconnect, but their happiness is threatened by family secrets, old vendettas and the death of a beloved father-figure.

Can Heather handle Isaac’s baggage, or will her own come back to haunt them both?

Published by Inkspell Publishing

http://www.inkspellpublishing.com

Release date: May 17, 2013

Author bio:
After collecting a couple English degrees in the Midwest, Stephanie Lawton suddenly awoke in the deepest reaches of the Deep South. Culture shock inspired her to write about Mobile, Alabama, her adopted city, and all the ways Southern culture, history and attitudes seduce the unsuspecting.
A lover of all things gothic, she can often be spotted photographing old cemeteries, historic buildings and, ironically, the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. She also has a tendency to psychoanalyze people, which comes in handy when creating character profiles.

Links:
Author website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
NEED Goodreads button:

Cover Reveal: Reconnaissance by Aubrie Dionne

We're pleased to take part in the cover reveal for RECONNAISSANCE, the sequel to COLONIZATION in the Paradise Reclaimed series.

RECONNAISSANCE by Aubrie Dionne

Nova Williams has lost her one shot at Lieutenant hood and at love. Lieutenant Crophaven has promoted her rival, Andromeda, all because her lifemate, Sirius, sacrificed their mission to win back Andromeda’s love. 

While sneaking out to prove Andromeda is a fake, Nova finds an alien ship hovering over their colony. Lieutenant Crophaven assigns her to a reconnaissance mission, giving her a second chance to redeem herself. Sirius must fly her and a research team to the vessel to decide if they are a threat. Thrown together with the lifemate that betrayed her, she battles with her own jealousy while her team battles for their lives.

Can she forgive Sirius in order to save her team and warn her colony?

About the author:

Aubrie Dionne writes science fiction fantasy with romantic elements. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Inkspell Publishing, Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. She’s also a professional flutist in New England.

Please visit her website: http://www.authoraubrie.net

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2964057.Aubrie_Dionne

Blog: httphttp://authoraubrie.blogspot.com

Twitter: @authoraubrie

Giveaway:

Prize 1: 1 Paperback after release
Prize 2: 5 eBooks after release
Prize 3: 1 Necklace (Photo attached)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Rita Arens

Friday, at last! Hooray! Let's kick off the weekend with an interview. Author Rita Arens is here to talk about her novel, THE OBVIOUS GAME.

Welcome to We Do Write! Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Rita Arens. I blog at Surrender, Dorothy (www.surrenderdorothyblog.com), I'm the senior editor at BlogHer.com, and in addition to THE OBVIOUS GAME I edited a parenting anthology called SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK, which came out from Chicago Review Press in 2008. I am married and have one daughter who is eight. I live in Kansas City.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing bad poetry and short stories when I was in elementary school.

Tell us about THE OBVIOUS GAME. What’s the story about? 

Ultimately, it's a coming-of-age story about a girl with more than the usual set of obstacles. Her mom has cancer, she's got a best friend with a mean streak, she's falling in love and she's facing an eating disorder. THE OBVIOUS GAME follows her for a school year as she figures out how she's going to handle her problems.

How did the idea of the story come to you? 

The novel is semi-autobiographical. I had a mom with cancer and an eating disorder. The tricky part for me was making this NOT be my life story. I wanted to write about those issues, but I wanted it to also be fiction. I had no desire to write a memoir. So I took concepts I wanted to write about and re-imagined them happening to someone else who would deal with things differently than I did.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I had beta readers. I rewrote THE OBVIOUS GAME at least eighty-seven times and continued editing it up right up until InkSpell made me hand it in.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a plotter. I need quite a bit of preplanning before I sit down to write or the writing session feels extremely unproductive and I get panicky. I don't have very much time to write because I have a family and a full-time job, so when I do sit down to write, I need a solid three-hour chunk and a pretty good idea of what the scenes I'm going to write are going to be about.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Unspecific rejection. I love writing, and I like re-writing and editing based on constructive feedback. This novel is so much better than it started out being because I had a lot of agents and editors and beta readers be very specific with me about what wasn't working. What I don't like is vague rejections that don't offer any clue as to what didn't work for the reader. I'd rather they said, "I stopped reading on page 37." Then at least I could look at the first 37 pages and try to guess at what was not working. I take reader feedback very seriously.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Headphones. I have a really hard time writing without them, even if no one else is around while I'm writing. I think it helps me feel more in my own little world to have the music directly in my ears.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Flight. I hate driving.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

What haven't I googled?

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: obviously, velociraptor, and serious.

No serious velociraptor would eat that, obviously.

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

reading. Reading makes me a better writer, and I read a lot.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

My husband and daughter are my biggest supporters. My eight-year-old daughter made me a bookmark that said THE OBVIOUS GAME a few weeks ago. She knows she's too young to read this novel, but she's so interested in the steps involved in the writing and publishing process. My husband has been through the publishing wringer with me before and is so understanding about how hard it is and never makes me feel stupid for persisting. And thank you! The people who are using their little corner of the Internet or writing reviews on Goodreads and Amazon and Shelfari and everything else will make or break this book. It's very difficult to be heard amidst all the books coming out every month, and I can't thank everyone who reads my book and talks about it enough. Word-of-mouth referral is everything to an author.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

At my website, www.ritaarens.com!

Cover Reveal: Till Death Do Us Part by T Michelle Nelson

Blurb:

With a doting husband and a new job training a vampire military, Lily Drake was living up to the prophecies of being the best.  Her life was seemingly perfect, until tragedy strikes bringing her a loss she's not sure she can endure.

The hard-working super mom / vampire slayer, Lily Drake, has just learned problems still exist even after you become immortal. 

As everyone knows, even if you find your soul mate, you don't always get a happily-ever-after.  Lily may have found temporary happiness being a newlywed, but the honeymoon is over.  When she finds her husband going out for late night bites with another woman, Lily has to fight to try and regain what she wants most, love and a happy family.

If Lily thought being a single mom was hard, she’ll find being married can be a bloody mess.

Life and Death of Lily Drake – Have you read the first book yet? You wouldn’t want to miss Lily Drake kicking some serious vampire butt. 

Check out more about this series here! – Life and Death of Lily Drake

About the author:

T. Michelle Nelson is a native of Benton, Kentucky and a graduate of Murray State University holding a degree in Education.  Currently she resides in picturesque Mount Vernon, Ohio, which 
is also the setting of her Lily Drake series.  The first book in the series, Life and Death of Lily Drake, is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kobo, and your other favorite online book stores in paperback as well as e-reader formats.  The second book, 'Til Death Do Us Part, is being released by Inkspell Publishing in April of 2013 and currently, T. is working hard to finish her third book.

When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her singing out of key while playing Rock Band with her husband and son, watching B-Horror movies or wrestling with her two ill-behaved fur babies, Buddy Perro and Bunchie. 

Cover Reveal: Bewitched by Mark Harris

"Bewitched is spell-binding! A highly-unique page-turner that hooks you from the first paragraph. With complex characters and unexpected twists and turns, Harris delivers and leaves you hoping for more!" - Stephanie Keyes, author, The Star Child series
Blurb:

Is it love or is it witchcraft? He’ll never find out if he kills her first.

The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she's sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard?

Bewitched releases March 1st.

About the Author:

Mark Harris lives in Smithfield Utah, a small town located in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah. His wife, Shaundale, and he have four terrific children, two girls and two boys and a fifth one due to arrive in November of 2012. Mark has taught English and Special Education and currently works from home teaching English to people from all over the world. Writing has always been his true passion since he was a grade schooler writing about mushrooms. "Bewitched" will be his debut novel. He has two others underway and will soon start on the sequel to "Bewitched," called "The Return of the Familiar." He hopes you enjoy his work because he is working on several series geared toward younger audiences.

You can find Mark on: www.markjayharrisauthor.com


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day: Hollywood Holiday

"My new favorite author is Sasha Summers.  She's as addictive as chocolate." - Marcia King Gamble, National Best-Selling Author

Blurb:

All she wants for Christmas is for Hollywood to love her again. But once she meets him, her Christmas list changes.

Jen’s only Christmas wish: Hollywood falling back in love with her. Meeting ex-Marine Gunner was a bonus. She likes that he isn’t impressed by celebrities or the movie biz. She likes that he’s funny and sweet … and drop-dead gorgeous. And she loves that he has no idea who her alter-ego is: Jen Fleming, Hollywood bad-girl and paparazzi target number one. Why ruin an amazing affair when he’s leaving after the new year?

But the closer they get, the harder she falls, and the more she wants to tell Gunner everything. Especially once he shares his secret with her.

Her new Christmas wish: Gunner accepts and loves her for who she really is.

About the Author:

Sasha is  part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history,  and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her  first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe.  She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and  characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher  or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and  hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

Please visit her website: http://www.sashasummers.com

Enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


You can buy the book at:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Inkspell Publishing


Know more about Hollywood Ever After – Red Carpet Series #1

She wasn’t meant for movie stars,  Hollywood, or happy endings. And then she met him.

Happy Endings are for fairy tales. Or the movies. Not for real life. At least, not in Claire’s life. Even though she’s starting over, she knows better than to want too much this time. But when she falls, literally, into the strong arms of Hollywood’s ‘it’ boy Josh Wiley, Claire’s in for some surprises. Her plans for rest and relaxation are  forgotten as one incredible night with Josh becomes two… And her heart begins to want him as much as her body. Will two kids, one bastard ex-husband, and Josh’s juggernaut career mean the end of their affair? Or can Claire find her happy ending after all?

Happy Release Day: Colonization by Aubrie Dionne PLUS Giveaway

Happy Book Birthday to COLONIZATION by Aubrie Dionne!

“Forbidden love on a paradise planet that’s anything but paradise...Dionne’s Colonization will keep you guessing.” – Cherie Reich, author of Defying Gravity

Finding a new home has never been so dangerous.

Andromeda has spent all seventeen years of her life aboard a deep space transport vessel destined for a paradise planet. Her safe cocoon is about to break open as Paradise 21 looms only one month away, and she must take the aptitude tests to determine her role on the new world and her computer
assigned lifemate. As a great-granddaughter of the Commander of the ship, she wants to live up to her family name. But, her forbidden love for her childhood friend, Sirius, distracts her and she fails the tests. The results place her in a menial role in the new colony and pair her with Corvus, “the oaf”.

But when Andromeda steps foot on Paradise 21, her predestined future is the least of her worries. Alien ghosts from a failed colonization warn her of a deadly threat to her colony. And when Sirius's ship crashes on the far ridge in an attempt to investigate, she journeys to rescue him with Corvus.

Andromeda now must convince the authorities of the imminent danger to protect her new home. What she didn't expect was a battle of her own feelings for Sirius and Corvus.

Can she save the colony and discover her true love?

About the Author:

Aubrie Dionne writes science fiction fantasy with romantic elements. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Inkspell Publishing, Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. She’s also a professional flutist in New England.

Please visit her website: http://www.authoraubrie.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2964057.Aubrie_Dionne
Blog: httphttp://authoraubrie.blogspot.com
Twitter: @authoraubrie

Giveaway open to US, UK, and Canada

a Rafflecopter giveaway


You can buy the book at:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Inkspell Publishing

Cover Reveal plus Giveaway: Hollywood Holiday by Sasha Summers

Today I'm happy to be a part of the cover reveal for HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY by Sasha Summers.

The Cover:

The Blurb:

All she wants for Christmas is for Hollywood to love her again. But once she meets him, her Christmas list changes.

Jen’s only Christmas wish: Hollywood falling back in love with her. Meeting ex-Marine Gunner was a bonus. She likes that he isn’t impressed by celebrities or the movie biz. She likes that he’s funny and sweet … and drop-dead gorgeous. And she loves that he has no idea who her alter-ego is: Jen Fleming, Hollywood bad-girl and paparazzi target number one. Why ruin an amazing affair when he’s leaving after the new year?

But the closer they get, the harder she falls, and the more she wants to tell Gunner everything. Especially once he shares his secret with her.

Her new Christmas wish: Gunner accepts and loves her for who she really is.

Know More about Red Carpet Series Book 1: Hollywood Ever After (Paperback Giveaway)

She wasn't meant for movie stars, Hollywood, or happy endings.  And then she met him.

Happy endings are for fairy tales. Or the movies. Not for real life. At least, not in Claire's life. Even though she's starting over, she knows better than to want too much this time. But when she falls, literally, into the arms of Hollywood's "it" boy Josh Wiley, Claire's in for some surprises. Her plans for rest and relaxation are forgotten as one incredible night with Josh becomes two . . . And her heart begins to want him as much as her body. Will two kids, one bastard ex-husband, and Josh's juggernaut career mean the end of their affair? Or can Clair find her happy ending after all? 

About the author:

Sasha is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

Giveaway Swag Gift:

Rafflecopter Link: (Open to US,UK and Canada Only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post by Stephanie Keyes: Where do Characters Come From?

Where Do Characters Come From?

Have you ever read a book and wondered, “Where did they get the idea for that person?” Let’s face it, there are so many great characters in fiction to choose from and they all bring so much to the table.

In my case, my characters come from a few places:

• Behaviors/Peronality Traits that I’ve seen demonstrated
• Beliefs that I respect

In The Star Child, my debut novel, protagonist, Kellen St. James is a love-starved prodigy. He graduates from Yale at eighteen and is immediately transported from his graduation ceremony into a dream. It was important to me that Kellen demonstrated the following:

• Skepticism
• Intelligence
• Courage
• Problem-solving Skills
• Honor
• Loyalty
• Questioning
• Sensitive, but not over the top
• Romance

Once I had a sense of what shaped the character’s personality, then I could truly start to write in that character’s voice.

One time, I attended a meeting, and a co-worker kept asking questions, repeatedly. It was really starting to frustrate me, because I felt like it was derailing the conversation. Of course, I gave Kellen that personality trait. Ironically, that same colleague read The Star Child and asked if she was the inspiration for that scene. I had to fess up.

About the Book

The world is about to be cloaked in darkness. 
Only one can stop the night.

Kellen St. James has spent his entire life being overlooked as an unwanted, ordinary, slightly geeky kid. That is until a beautiful girl, one who has haunted his dreams for the past eleven years of his life, shows up spinning tales of a prophecy. Not just any old prophecy either, but one in which Kellen plays a key role.

Suddenly, Kellen finds himself on the run through a Celtic underworld of faeries and demons, angels and gods, not to mention a really ticked off pack of hellhounds, all in order to save the world from darkness. But will they make it in time?

Paperback
E-Book

About the Author
Stephanie Keyes holds an undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems as well as a Master's in Education. A seasoned, facilitator, Mrs. Keyes worked in Training and Development for an international telecommunications corporation for twelve years; spending the first eight years of her career as a Software Trainer and Technical Writer and the last four working in Human Resources and Employee Development.

In May of 2012, Mrs. Keyes left the corporate world to focus on her family and her writing full-time. She also operates a freelance graphic and instructional design business, Sycamore Road Design.

Inkspell Publishing will release her first novel, The Star Child, on September 21, 2012. She is now currently at work on the second book in The Star Child Trilogy, The Fallen Stars.
Keyes lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two children, and Riley the dog.

Contact Stephanie
Website: www.stephaniekeyes.com
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Keyes/150860604966160
Twitter: www.twitter.com/StephanieKeyes

And remember, there's still a chance to win great prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Stephanie Keyes

Today we're hopping on the Star Child blog tour and chatting with author Stephanie Keyes. We also have a giveaway, so be sure to keep reading to the end of the interview.

Welcome, Stephanie. Tell us a bit about yourself. 

Hi, thanks for the welcome and for having me on your site! Let's see, I'm a mother of two boys, both under six, and a wife. I've been married to my husband for eleven years and he's my best friend. When I'm not writing, I'm reading. I always have a book close at hand.

How long have you been writing? 

Ever since I can remember. I can remember sitting on my bed at fourteen with a ruled notebook and scribbling away furiously.

Tell us about STAR CHILD. What’s the story about? 

The story is about a child prodigy, Kellen St. James, who gets approached by a young girl on the beach in Ireland when he's there visiting his Gran. He instantly has this connection to the girl and he feels like she could be his best friend. All he knows about her is her name, Calienta. After prompting his Gran, he finds out that Calienta is something of a local legend. They call her The Star Child, because she lights the stars in the sky at night.

Kellen mostly dismisses it as a dream, but he's never certain. Particularly since he dreams about the same chance encounter over the next eleven years of his life. When Kellen's Gran dies, he travels to Ireland to to take over her estate, having inherited it as her sole heir. Calienta makes a repeat appearance and he finds out that she's just as real as he is. Plus, she's come to tell him about a prophecy in which he plays a key role.

Kellen soon finds himself on the run through an underworld, where all he has to rely on is his photographic memory, book smarts, and his courage...

Sounds awesome! How did the idea of the story come to you?

I just looked out at the stars one night and though "Star Child". Then I began to think about a girl who lit the stars at night. Who was she? What did she want out of life? Ironically, I wrote Kellen before I wrote about her. He just intrigued me.

Are you a planner or a pantser? 

I am a hybrid!I plan for almost everything, but I can throw the plan out the window for a fabulous new idea. I am more than willing to just wing it and see what happens.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you? 

Editing! I love planning it out, writing it, and going through those ideas. However, I just have a hard time with editing because I'm ready to move on. Ha! Fortunately, I had a fantastic editor on this edition of The Star Child, Melissa Keir, who really worked with me and kept on top of me. I know the book is in the best possible shape because Melissa kept me honest and challenged me.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing? 

Music, my Bose headphones, and Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisps.

If you could have any super power, what would it be? 

It would be the power to magically clean my entire house and do the laundry in one fell swoop. My family would appreciate this as well.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled? 

How do you repel faeiries?

Very useful information. ;) Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: figurine, hereditary, and washboard. 

The hereditary song of my ancestors began to hum at such a decibel that I grabbed the figurine from the laundry room shelf and drove it right through the washboard.

Wow, great job with that one! Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

playing with my kids or snuggling with the hubby.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

These are great questions! Love 'em. A shout out to my husband and kids – they are the reason that I do everything. To my Mom, for telling me, yes, they will want it. To my Aunts Linda and Mary for reading the draft when I was afraid to tell anyone I'd written a book. My brother, Adam, for just being there. And the ladies in my old work group, Laura, Tessie, and Gina. They loaned me their guts so that I could pitch this to New York and let anyone read it all.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

My website is really where I communicate with folks the most. That's www.stephaniekeyes.com. However, you'll also find me at:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/StephanieKeyes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Keyes/150860604966160
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/stephaniekeyes/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5360651.Stephanie_Keyes

Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Stephanie. It was great having you here. Enjoy the rest of your blog tour!

And now for the giveaway! The autographed books and posters can be won by those in the US and UK. the ebook raffle is open to everyone. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway