Today, We Do Write is privileged to take part in the Shadow Fire blog tour by featuring an interview with the author, Kimber Leigh Wheaton! Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY at the end of this post!
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, video games, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in The Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming soon.
Welcome to We Do Write, Kimber. How long have you been writing?
I've been writing fiction off and on for years. Up until two years ago, I lacked the drive and passion needed to finish a manuscript and find a publisher. Funny, once I finished Shadow Fire, the momentum didn't let up. I just completed my fourth manuscript.
Wow! That's fabulous! Tell us about SHADOW FIRE. What’s the story about?
Shadow Fire is a lighthearted, fun adventure with a touch of whimsy and a sweet romance. Ashlyn is Chosen by her town to go on a deadly journey to recover a stolen relic infused with the power of a goddess. Lucky for her, she has a rather capable mercenary, Zane, to help her on the quest. Together they will fight the evil force trying to obtain the relic's power for his own nefarious purposes.
That sounds great! How did the idea of the story come to you?
My inspiration for the story came from playing a few too many RPG video games—it's quite apparent in the plot.
No fault in that. ;-) Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I am a bit of both, but mostly pantser. I wrote an outline for Shadow Fire, and it ended up scrap paper. The plot took off on a major tangent and the entire story changed from the original outline. Before I start writing, I spend several weeks brainstorming and meditating on the plot and characters, so I suppose I do have the outline in my mind.
What’s the hardest part of writing for you?
The hardest thing for me is trying to schedule writing time versus family time. My muse whispers and cajoles nonstop, especially when I'm trying to go to sleep at night. It's virtually impossible for me to set a block of time aside for writing. If I do, I'll probably stare at a blank screen for hours. It seems I have to write on my Muse's terms. This creates all sorts of challenges like waking in the middle of the night for a writing session. My husband wants to kill me some nights when I wake him because I had some brilliant idea that I'll forget by morning if I don't get up and write it down.
What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?
Diet Coke is really the only thing I can't write without. I learned the hard way to stay away from snacks. I once ate an entire can of Pringles with no memory of doing it. I also like Tic-Tacs and buy them buy the dozens. I go through a lot of Tic-Tacs while writing.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
I want to fly, no question! I think I'd look adorable with a set of black feathered wings poking out of my back.
Totally adorable. What's the weirdest thing you've googled?
I think the strangest things I Googled were all related to being a new mom. "Is green and orange a normal color for something found in a diaper" Yep. Mushy baby food spinach and carrots will do that. "How do I dislodge x, y, or z from toddler's nose and/or ear" "Is cat food harmful for a toddler". The list goes on…
Oh, I remember those days ...
Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...
…playing video games.
Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.
My family puts up with a lot from this temperamental writer. I'd like to thank my husband for proofing and my son for beta reading. My mother-in-law is my staunchest supporter, so a big shout out to her. My publisher, Astraea Press has been great. Thanks to my three editors and my awesome cover artist, Amanda. And I can't forget my parents who hear about everything good and bad— they probably think I'm bipolar with my ups and downs.
And finally, where can people find you and your books online?
Links to all of my books can be found at my author site Kimber Leigh Writes
http://www.kimberleighwheaton.com
Shadow FireAshlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.
Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.
Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.
All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.
Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal
As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?
Praise for Shadow Fire "This book contains monsters, magic, majestic creatures, and a evil guy that wants to destroy the world. If you love hot guys.....Zane is all that plus a few tricks up his sleeve. Just read it!" Venture ~Amazon Reviewer "Adventure, magical creatures, fun characters, and romance make this book a perfect read for all ages." James ~Amazon reviewer "I thought the writing was strong; it had me turning the pages quickly to see what would happen next. The characters were engaging and the dialogue well-written." Lisa Temple ~ Goodreads "Oh, I truly loved this one! Shadow Fire, by Kimber Leigh Wheaton, is a snappy, sassy, sweet, all-that-kind-of-awesome-and-then-some YA read. I couldn't put it down." ~Sasha Hibbs ~ Amazon Reviewer
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/25/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Thanks for hosting Shadow Fire!
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