Lala's Book Corner Presents: Author Interview & Giveaway with Linda Robertson

Hello everyone! We are only on day 2 of this New Year and it is a year full of first for me already. I have my fist Author Interview here today and I want to thank Linda Robertson for being so sweet and agreeing to this. (Giveaway details at the end of the post)

Linda is the Author of the Persephone Alcmedi Series. Hallowed Circle, Book 2, Just came out on Dec. 29th.

Here's a bit about the books:

"A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do....

Being a witch doesn't pay the bills, but Persephone Alcmedi gets by between reading Tarot cards, writing her syndicated newspaper column, and kenneling werewolves in the basement when the moon is full -- even if witches aren't supposed to mingle with wolves. She really reaches the end of her leash, though, when her grandmother gets kicked out of the nursing home and Seph finds herself in the doghouse about some things she's written. Then her werewolf friend Lorrie is murdered...and the high priestess of an important coven offers Seph big money to destroy the killer, a powerful vampire named Goliath Kline. Seph is a tough girl, but this time she bites off more than she can chew. She needs a little help from her friends -- werewolf friends. One of those friends, Johnny, the motorcycle-riding lead singer for the techno-metal-Goth band Lycanthropia, has a crush on her. And while Seph has always been on edge around this 6'2" leather-clad hunk, she's starting to realize that although their attraction may be dangerous, nothing could be as lethal as the showdown that awaits them."

From GoodReads.

You can find my review of Vicious Circle here.

"And you think beauty pageants are scary?

Persephone Alcmedi has been persuaded to compete for the position of High Priestess of the Cleveland, Ohio, coven -- now that the former priestess, Vivian Diamond, has strangely gone missing. Unfortunately, there are a few small problems with the idea. Not only does Seph know rather more about Vivian's disappearance than the other witches realize, but the epic struggle she's just survived has left her with some highly unusual powers -- ones that could be dangerous to reveal. Despite her reluctance, she agrees to participate, if only to prevent snooty Hunter Hopewell, an obnoxious but talented witch, from ending up in the winner's circle. Can Seph hide her secrets -- including her connection to the master vampire-wizard Menessos -- from the terrifyingly wise judges? Plus, there's her rock 'n' roll werewolf boyfriend, Johnny, and some angry fairies to deal with....

Once the competition begins, a finalist turns up dead. It looks as if one of the contestants is willing to do anything -- including murder -- to win. Suddenly Seph has even more on her plate than she thought: from solving a murder to working out what her new powers really are...and exactly why they're creating so much havoc in her love life."

From GoodReads.

I am reading this book right now, the review will be up soon! =)

The Interview

Larissa: When did you first start writing?

Linda: I've always wanted to tell stories, so I started at a young age, about eight. My mom recently gave me that first book I wrote which had been stashed in her cedar chest. I'd illustrated it too. (Laughs.) It was sooo bad. I was still into phonics, so the spelling was crazy. But seeing that little book, and the various other attempts I'd made, one thing became clear: I was always seeking to tell the story of a strong female.

L: What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Linda: The beginning! All the possibilities are exciting.

L: What is your least favorite part?

Linda: The fact-checking and the polishing process. It's not as fluid and all the imaginative parts are done.. But this part is so important.

L: Why writing Urban Fantasy?

Linda: I have always been an avid reader, and in my teens I wasn't seeing female characters I could relate to; they were all the damsel-in-distress in need of a hero to rescue her. I wanted to read about smart, tough women who could take care of themselves so...I became more serious and started writing it for myself.

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

Linda: Jennifer Roberson's Sword Dancer series; Christopher Golden's Peter Octavian series; there are SOOO many.

L: What is your favorite subject in the Urban Fantasy Realm?

Linda: How the characters deal with being whatever 'fantastic' being they are.

Favorites:

L: Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?

Linda: The Underworld trilogy, especially the prequel. Lucien is awesome.

L: Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?

Linda: I watch way more comedy than anything else!

L: Favorite Author?

Linda: I could not limit it to one, Jennifer Roberson, Christopher Golden, Steven Brust.

L: Favorite Urban Fantasy Author?

Linda: Kim Harrison.

Favorite one of your Books so far?

Linda: It's not out yet, but the third one FATAL CIRCLE was very fulfilling. Lots of drama.

L: The Persephone Alcmedi series in your own words?

Linda: A modern day witch taking steps toward her great big destiny, dragging a hunky rock-n-roll werewolf and a manipulative vampire, and a spunky grandmother with her.

L: Who is your favorite of your own characters?

Linda: I cannot pick just one! I adore them all for different reasons.

L: Which was the hardest to write?

Linda: Nana.

L: Why?

Linda: She's got to be maternal, and yet have some snazzy sayings. Coming up with those is getting tougher. :-)

L: What would you be if not a writer?

Linda: I'd be a graphic artist or a Realtor.

Quickies:

This or That? Neither! Ha!

Coffee or Tea? Coffee, with chocolate and peppermint syrup.

Up or Down? Up.

Virtual or Real? Real.

Right or Left? The middle!

Vampires or Werewolves? Oooooo. I can't choose! Both!!!!

Angels or Demons? That depends...if the demons are human looking ( as in not the Predator-looking evil things), then demons..

Witches or Warlocks? Witches!

Reading or Writing? Writing!

L: How many books do you have planned for the Persephone Alcmedi series so far?

Linda: I've plotted roughly through eight, but I could go on for more without a problem.

L: What is coming up next for you?

Linda: Hopefully book five. Don't even have a working title yet.

L: What are you working on right now?

Linda: Book four; ARCANE CIRCLE.

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

Linda: Push yourself harder than anyone else and never give up.

L: Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?

Linda: Thank you so much! My dream has come true getting to write and be published, so believe me that dreams can and do come true. Whatever yours is, work hard, and believe in yourself.

#####THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED#####

The Giveaway!

There will be 2 winners in this giveaway!

1st Place - A Signed copy of Hallowed Circle (Thanks to Linda)

2nd Place - A copy of Hallowed Circle (from me)

This Giveaway is International!

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment about the interview.

That's it!

if you want extra entries:

+5 if you Follow this Blog. (leave profile link in the comments)

+3 if you Follow me on twitter here. (leave username in the comments)

+3 if you Follow Linda on Twitter here. (leave username in the comments)

The contest will run until next Saturday, Jan. 9th!

Thanks for tuning in and I'll see you soon!

xoxo,