Author Interview & SWAG Giveaway w/ Emma Michaels {Blog Tour}

 

This Giveaway is over!

Thanks for participating!

Results will be posted soon!

 

 

 

Hey everyone! Busy week here at the blog, isn’t it?

I am happy to have here today Book Reviewer turned YA author Emma Michaels in her first Blog Tour! How cool is that?

Emma’s first novel “The Thirteenth Chime” is officially out TODAY and here’s an awesome opportunity to get it with a discount:

 

Without further ado, I give you my interview with Emma! Enjoy…

 

-        When did you first start writing?

When I was younger, I was sick for a time and confined to bed. I wasn't able to leave my room and my grandmother gave me my first YA novel as a gift to pass the time. From the first page, I was hooked. I started playing with ideas in my head for my own stories and before long I began scribbling stories down. After school was over, I began working as a freelance writer and ghost novel writer. Shortly after I moved to the state of Washington, I had the inspiration for "The Thirteenth Chime" and I decided to take the plunge and begin writing for myself.

-        Have you always been interested in the paranormal?

In many ways, yes, I have always been interested in it since my father started telling me stories when I was younger. Ironically, "The Thirteenth Chime" didn't originally start out as a paranormal story. It evolved into it when I suddenly read through my first draft and realized that my novel was growing in ways I could never have anticipated. I am very happy with the results!

-        Why did you decide to write YA Fantasy?

After getting hooked on YA novels it just seemed natural to me. I have done work in other genres, but I like the feeling of YA. Here, we can tell stories that almost any age can read without worry about language or questionable scenes. We are authors who have gotten the opportunity to share with others and I really hope that potential fans will enjoy "The Thirteenth Chime".

-         Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?

Every now and again something will capture my interest, but the desire to try my hand at writing came after I met Tamora Pierce at one of her book signings. After talking with her and reading her books, I just knew what I wanted to do, even if at first only secretly.

-         What is your favorite subject in the Fantasy Realm?

Heroism. When one or more person(s) can stand together to make a change that everyone else thought was impossible.

Favorites:

-         Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?

The Haunting (1999)

-         Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?

Fringe

-         Favorite Paranormal themed Book?

Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

-        Favorite Author?

Anne McCaffrey - I am in an Anne McCaffrey mood.

-         Favorite YA Fantasy Author?

Tamora Pierce

-         Who is your favorite of your own characters?

Stephanie. If David is the mind, and Destiny the heart, then Stephanie is the spirit who brings them all together.

-        Which was the hardest to write?

Destiny. The trick with her was letting her personality grow, but in a specific way so as to not crowd the story but also allow for the ending.

-        What would you be if not a writer?

I would probably work at borders or a library so that I could be around books all day. Plus, I hear that border's employees discounts are worth it for book bloggers like me.

Quickies!

- Coffee or Tea? Tea!

- Up or Down? Depends on which direction I'm going.

- Virtual or Real? This depends on if I am in a 'nerd mood' *laughs* Virtual AND real.

- Right or Left? Right.

- Day or Night? Both are beautiful but in the end I would have to choose 'Day' as there are some colors you can't see at night.

- Here or There? There - I love being on the move and seeing new places, yet keeping my special sanctuary always ready.

- Sooner or Later? Sooner. I like getting things done and done well.

- Light or Dark? Depends on my mood, but right now 'Light'!

- Fast or Slow? Depends on the dance *laughs* Fast for now :-)

- Vampires or Werewolves? Hmm... do I choose glitter or to scratch behind the ears? Tough one. It's a wolf day!

- Angels or Demons? Angels for Mondays, Demons for Tuesdays. Every other day of the week depends on my mood. (Angels if I am reading!)

- Reading or Writing? I have two hands so I can do both! Or I wish I could *laughs* Probably writing if I am pent up with inspiration and reading if I want an escape!

-      What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Letting my ideas come alive and tell their own story as the inspiration first begins.

-         What is your least favorite part?

The ending... Although I am glad that a story is able to be concluded, I am always sad to say goodbye to the characters, even if it is only a temporary goodbye.

-        The Thirteenth Chime in your own words?

It is the story of a bond between two people who, even though fate has driven them apart, must find their connection once again if they are to survive the trap a madman put into motion almost fifty years ago.

-        Any plans for more books after this one or for it to become a series?

It is my hope that "A Sense of Truth" will become a series. If potential fans want to read more, I definitely have more ideas ready to go!

-        What is coming up next for you?

An extensive marketing tour while working on my next idea. Which I am actually really coming to love!!!

-         What are you working on right now?

A new series and a potential sequel to "The Thirteenth Chime".

-         Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?

Yes, please never give up. I received over a hundred standard form rejections to my queries to agents. What was most frustrating is that none of them even asked to see a sample of my work! But when I began querying publishers directly (please note - I'm not advocating this, it just worked for me) the difference was like night and day. As aspiring writers who want to turn into authors, all we need is just one opportunity, just ONE, that will make the difference and help us find our magic door into the publishing world. I've found mine and I can't wait for you to find yours!

-         Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?

I hope you will enjoy reading my debut novel, "The Thirteenth Chime", as much as I enjoyed writing it!

-         Thanks so much for being here!

Thank you so much for interviewing me. I really love your blog and am so happy to be one of the authors featured on it! Thank you to everyone reading! Your support means so much to me!!!

 

Find Emma Online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

You can win some awesome SIGNED “The Thirteenth Chime” SWAG!

6 Winners:

• 1st Place: Cover Plate + Tassled Bookmark + Card + Sticker {all signed}
• 1nd & 3rd Place: Cover Plate + Tassled Bookmark + Card {all signed}
• 4th, 5th & 6th Place: Signed Bookmark {signed}

To Enter:

- Leave a comment about anything on this post.
- Leave an EMAIL for contact! (if you don’t feel comfortable leaving it here, email me at larissa@larissaslife.com)

Extra Entries:

+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Emma on Twitter (@EmmaMichaels)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)

International!

Ends August 20th!

Good Luck!

 

Don’t Forget to Vote for Next Week’s {Aug 15th} Theme for

The TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the left sidebar!

My Giveaways:

Win a SIGNED copy of “Tracking The Tempest”!

Click HERE to enter!

International!

Ends August 16th!

Good Luck!

You have the chance to win a True Blood Inspired Necklace!

Click HERE to enter!

INTERNATIONAL!

Ends August 23rd!

and

My Creative HUGE 1027+ Followers & Bday Blow Out:

Click HERE or on the image above to enter!

Good Luck!

 

Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,