We Do Write

Today we're chatting with author Elizabeth Arroyo about her novel, THE SECOND SIGN, released by Sapphire Star Publishing. Let's get to know her and her book.

Welcome to We Do Write, Elizabeth.

Thanks for having me!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I've worked in the community for the bulk of my professional career. I write Young Adult novels, enjoy quiet moments, action flicks, and dancing with my four-year-old.

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since I was fourteen. I've been learning how to write for publication since 2008.

Tell us about THE SECOND SIGN. What’s the story about?

When a demon guardian comes to collect seventeen-year-old Gabby's soul, she refuses to give it up. She’s not a demon. She can’t be. Her father and twin brother are angels. The demon gives Gabby twenty-four hours to decide her allegiance, and then starts killing her short list of friends, leaving a message behind: She is the Second Sign.

As Gabby and Jake--her almost boyfriend-- begin to unravel the mystery behind the Second Sign, she learns Jake may be the key to saving her soul. But it means a sacrifice has to be made that will change their lives forever.


How did the idea of the story come to you?

It actually came to me in a dream. Lame, I know. But that one scene led to the next and on it went.

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

I have found some awesome critique partners and beta readers. For The Second Sign I had two adult readers and one teen reader. I couldn't have done it without them.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I'm a bit of both. I usually write the inciting incident blindly. I usually see a scene in my head and write it as it comes to me. Then, I usually begin plotting major plot points and how I'm going to get my characters there. I've become more of a plotter.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part for me is finding that right word. Sometimes a scene is incomplete because I'm not happy with the visual or mood because I'm missing that word. It's there on the tip of my tongue, but it takes me a few revisions to find it.

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A notebook...and lots of coffee.

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

Teleporting. That would be fun.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

Hm...the physical symptoms of drowning.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: signature, tremendous, and disassemble.

I've disassembled my signature with tremendous effort.

Does that count?

Sure! Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ... dancing with my daughter.

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

I would like to thank my sisters Edith and Judy and my brother-in-law Enrique for being my first cheerleaders.

I'd like to thank my awesome critique partner, Anita Saxena, for telling me this is the one.
She was right. And to my awesome beta readers, Christine Rains, for braving an early draft and my teen reader, Andrea, for providing great feedback. I couldn’t have done this without them.

I'd like to thank my kids for sharing me with a computer every night. My two oldest--Angel and Jaycee--for giving me some morbid ideas on how to scare folks. I'm burning SAW from our collection of movies.

Thanks to the team at Sapphire Star Publishing for their awesome support and to the wonderful writing community who have inspired me to keep moving forward. Thanks!

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

I can be found at:
Website: http://www.elizabetharroyo.com
Blog: http://chandarawrites.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabetharroyo.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EArroyo5

Watch Trailer at http://youtu.be/omcmt6q8PIw

The Second Sign is available to purchase from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amazon http://amzn.com/1938404300

B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-second-sign-elizabeth-arroyo/1114135496?ean=9781938404306