Sunday, September 29, 2013

Wendy Owens BLOG TOUR: Author Interview



I'm so pleased to have Wendy Owens' Blog Tour stopping in today! Wendy has graciously subjected herself to an author interview with me, so we get to find out some interesting tidbits about her writing (and non-writing) life. Wendy's Guardians Series encompasses five books. Since I want you to have the opportunity to check out each of them, let's get right to it!


K.H: Where is your favorite place to write?
Wendy: When I started my writing career I had a desk shoved in the corner of the laundry room. However, about six months ago, my darling daughters decided they wanted to share a room, freeing up space for *gasp* and office. A weekend of painting and decorating and I now have a writing cave fit for a queen, chevron stripes and all.
K.H: Finish this sentence: If I could live anywhere…
Wendy: San Francisco. My husband has family near there and every time we visit we get the instant feeling of home. That being said, I also love the city I live in now, Cincinnati. Though sometimes I do wish I could swap out our manic weather.
K.H: What inspired your latest WIP?
Wendy: The Guardians series was something I had many dreams about over years before finally putting the proverbial pen to paper. Now that the series is completed I have dozens of outlines crying out for attention, but a certain love story has taken precedence, based on characters in another romance I had written, entitled Stubborn Love. At last we learn Paige and Christian’s story.
K.H: Is there music or television on while you write?
Wendy: Yes, I tend to write to soundtracks and prefer instrumental music as I write action, but it all really depends on what I’m writing.
K.H: Outside of your own, what's your favorite book?
Wendy: Hunger Games. I’m a sucker for some Dystopian teen drama.
K.H: As an author, are you a planner (outline) or a pantser (by the seat of)?
Wendy: Complete Planner. I start with an over all story line, then make chapter ideas, and then write a summary for each chapter. I am willing to stray, but I have found this helps to keep the story moving along for me.
K.H: Chocolate or vanilla?
Wendy: Chocolate, but why not have both?
K.H: Would your MC want hang out with you and vice versa? Why?
Wendy: I doubt my main character, Gabe, (K.H. butting in to say, I LOVE THIS NAME!) would want to hang with a human. Our worlds are not very similar and considering he feels compelled to protect humans, my presence would only stress him out.
K.H: What do you do to get your creative juices flowing?
Wendy: Movie marathon, lights my imagination on fire. And wine. Lots of wine.
K.H: Which authors inspired you as a young adult?
Wendy: I loved Roald Dahl and Judy Blume
K.H: Best advice you’ve ever received about writing/publishing?
Wendy: Just keep writing. All the time. Never stop writing.
K.H: Looking back, what’s the one thing you wish you knew before starting your first novel?
Wendy: The network of people I currently know. They have helped me grow a lot as an author.
K.H: What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Wendy: Don’t give up and take criticism as a way to grow. Don’t get defensive.
K.H: Any OCD tendencies? If so, what?
Wendy: I handle stressful situations by counting to the number three repeatedly. You will actually find this technique in one of my books.
K.H: Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not?
Wendy: I do. It has never happened to me personally. I have grown into love in each situation, BUT I am madly in love with my husband, and I can’t imagine limitations on such a powerful feeling.
K.H: What is one characteristic about yourself that you love?
Wendy: I like to think I’m fun. I enjoy spending time with family and friends laughing and soaking in life.
K.H: What character quality do you wish you could trade in? What would you trade it for?
Wendy: I worry. No, I mean it, I worry about everything. I wish I could trade this in for a carefree attitude.
K.H: Why did you decide to write the genre(s) that you do?
Wendy: I don’t lock myself into one genre. I have now written YA Paranormal and NA Contemporary Romance, but I have many genre’s outlined and will always write what I am feeling.
Thanks so much for interviewing me. I really appreciated sharing my thoughts and ideas with you all.

-Wendy Owens
Wendy, it was a pleasure to have you with us today and I wish you all the luck with your fifth book of The Guardians Series, The Guardians Crown.

About Wendy Owens

Since 2011, she has published a young adult paranormal series, The Guardians, which will contain five books total, as well as a novella.

Wendy now happily spends her days writing—her loving dachshund, Piper, curled up at her feet. When she's not writing, she can be found spending time with her tech geek husband and their three amazing kids, exploring the city she loves to call home: Cincinnati, OH.

Author Links:

Take a look at all the gorgeous book covers and their blurbs below for the five books of The Guardians Series, then go buy them and enjoy!


Sacred Bloodlines (Book 1)

by Wendy Owens


Free Everywhere

Blurb:

Tragedy has defined Gabe's short existence in this world. An ominous darkness lurked on the edge of his existence until one day in a subway, strange things start happening. A series of events lead Gabe into a new and fascinating life filled with angels and demons, but he isn't sure if he wants to be a part of it.

Gabe is thrust into the middle of this exciting world that is full of things he has longed for in his life but it comes with a price. This new life also promises constant terrifying dangers that Gabe fears he may not be able to survive.

Cursed (Book 2)

by Wendy Owens


Blurb:

Some people are born into love, some people are born into war, when Gabe discovered he was a Guardian Angel, his life was suddenly thrust into both. If this hidden war wasn't enough to deal with, Gabe learns he is fated to be the great protector who will one day deliver the last prophet to either safety or death. All of these revelations didn't matter for Gabe, he only cared that his new life included Sophie. 

Sophie and Gabe grew closer over the summer. She is now a fixture in his life that keeps him moving forward. Evil doesn't stop stalking him just because he found happiness. This time darkness finds it's way into Rampart manor and Gabe will have to decide if he is willing to risk everything to try and stop it.


The Prophecy (Book 3)

by Wendy Owens


Blurb:

Five years have passed since Gabe abandoned Rampart, deserting his destiny and closest friends. The struggles Gabe has endured to stay alive have changed him, hardening him into a man unwilling to trust anyone or anything, dealing with difficulties connecting with the outside world.
Gabe has finally found a certain paradise--a peace in solitude--until a familiar stranger shows up on his doorstep, pleading for Gabe's help.

Now he has to decide if he is truly content in his new life, or if he is willing to risk his solitary happiness for a little piece of the world he left behind.

Should he choose to accept the most important duty of his life, one failure could mark the beginning of the end for all mankind.

The Lost Years (Book 4)

by Wendy Owens


Blurb:

Gabe's world was forever altered by the people he came to know and love at Rampart Manor. Although, it wasn't only his life that was changed when he made the choice to leave them all behind.

During his five year absence, they each had a battle with personal demons. Dina is faced with a moral dilemma, the path of good leading to certain heartbreak, or evil, and a possibility of happiness.

Uri meets a mysterious woman who seems to have a lot of the answers that he has been searching for, and she certainly has a place in his heart, if he can only hold onto her.

Sophie is faced with choices she never knew would be so difficult. The question now is: will the personal demons of the remaining Guardians of Rampart be too much for them to overcome?

The Guardians Crown (Book 5)

by Wendy Owens

Blurb:

Gabe is finally forced to answer the ultimate question, will he give his life to save the world? What about just to save the one he loves the most? The Guardians struggle to find another way--ideas that don't involve Gabe's death--to defeat Baal. Time is running out. What will Gabe choose? What price will he pay for that choice? 


Friday, September 27, 2013

Wendy Owens NEW RELEASE: THE GUARDIANS CROWN (Book 5 of The Guardians Series)

Banner

I am extremely excited to announce Wendy Owens'
NEW RELEASE, the fifth book in The Guardians Series.

THE GUARDIANS CROWN


Title: The Guardians Crown
Author: Wendy Owens
Series: The Guardians, Book 5
Genre: YA Paranormal
guardians crown cover

Book Description:

Gabe is finally forced to answer the ultimate question, will he give his life to save the world? What about just to save the one he loves the most? The Guardians struggle to find another way--ideas that don't involve Gabe's death--to defeat Baal. Time is running out. What will Gabe choose? What price will he pay for that choice?

Buy it today!

  guardians-quote-2 (1)
About Wendy Owens
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Wendy Owens is a 34 year old author, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. For several years she created and sold her own artwork. In 2011 she gave her true love, writing, a try. Her first novel flowed from her in only two weeks time, as though it had been fighting to get out. That moment was when she knew she had found her calling. Wendy now happily spends her days writing the stories her characters guide her to tell, admitting even she doesn’t always know where that might lead. Her first series, The Guardians, will be concluded with the fifth and final book in 2013.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and two pups, lovingly nicknamed stinks and chubbs. She also loves to cook and is a film fanatic.

For more info on Wendy's young adult fiction visit http://wendy-owens.com/

If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:

 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Abby Cavenaugh's Blog Tour: Author Interview


Abby Cavenaugh's BLOG TOUR

I am so happy to have Abby Cavenaugh stopping in on her blog tour. Abby is my friend and a member of my critique group, The Off Beats. I have a special treat for everyone: Author Interview!

Check out Abby's NEW RELEASE, GOING HOME AGAIN (Swoon Romance) below, and then keep reading to find out more personal facts about this wonderful author.


Going Home Again Book Blurb:


In high school, it was doubtful Michael Day knew Alyssa Jones existed. 

Twenty years later, when the now-famous pop star returns home to coastal North Carolina, Alyssa gets a second chance to make a first impression on Michael. 

On sabbatical from his failing marriage, Michael agrees to an interview with Alyssa, a journalist for the local tourist magazine. 

When the chemistry between them ignites, Alyssa and Michael are hit with the harsh reality that he isn't yet free to love her. 

With Michael's wife and son still very much in the picture, can Alyssa hold out until he ends his marriage for good? Or will she risk it all for a second chance with the one who got away?


About Abby Cavenaugh

Abby Cavenaugh is a writer of romantic women's fiction and YA paranormal. She is a newspaper editor by day, but dreams of someday retiring to the North Carolina coast to write books full-time. She lives near Charlotte with her twin sister, also a writer, six-year-old niece and crazy cat, Gus, and is driven by dreams, Diet Coke and chocolate




Now, let's get down to business and
really get to know Abby.


K.H: When did you first know you had a book, an entire book, in you to write?

A.C: Well, I wrote my first book-- dreadful as it was-- when I was a teenager, so I've always kind of known I had it in me! It was just a matter of finding the right story to tell.

K.H: Finish this sentence: If I could live anywhere…

A.C: I would probably live in Wilmington, NC. I've always really loved Wilmington and the area beaches! Or, New York City. There's a special magic in the air in NYC that you can't find anywhere else. I just felt at home there the few times I've visited. Although Wilmington would be nice when I'm craving a slower pace.

K.H: Going Home Again is Women’s Fiction, what other genres do you enjoy reading and writing?

A.C: I really enjoy all kinds of genres, really. I can find something to love in any sort of book, as long as I believe in and care about the characters. As for writing, I feel most comfortable writing romantic women's fiction but I wrote YA paranormal as well, and loved that too!

K.H: Where do you find inspiration for your characters and settings?

A.C: I find inspiration everywhere. Usually, I have ideas in the shower or when I'm driving, so I try to write notes as soon as possible so I don't forget!!

K.H: As an author, are you a planner (outline) or a pantser (by the seat of)?

A.C: Definitely a pantser. I've tried to be a planner, but I just can't do it! I really have to sit down and just let the writing flow.

K.H: Chocolate or vanilla?

A.C: I am a chocolate fiend!!!!!! LOVE it!!! Especially dark chocolate.

K.H: Outside of your own, what's your favorite book?

A.C: "Best Friends Forever" by Jennifer Weiner-- it's so funny, and yet heartwarming and real at the same time.

K.H: What do you do to get your creative juices flowing?

A.C: Listening to music is always a good way to get my creativity started! I've got playlists for all my stories, and when I listen to them when I'm feeling stuck.

K.H: Which authors inspired you to start writing?

A.C: Dean Koontz, even though my writing style is nothing like his. I was 12 or 13 when I first read his novel, "Twilight Eyes" and I wanted to create something even half as good as Dean Koontz!!!

K.H: Best advice you’ve ever received about writing/publishing?

A.C: Not to give up, and to never compare yourself to others. I'm still working on the latter one!

K.H: Looking back, what’s the one thing you wish you had known before starting your first novel?

A.C: I wish I'd known better when I was actually done with my manuscript. I probably queried way too early and I should've refined it a few more times before sending it out. Alas, live and learn, I guess, because I'm not sure I would've known when it was "right" without the experience of being rejected so many times, if that makes sense!

K.H: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

A.C: Never, ever, ever, EVER give up!!!!

K.H: Do you REALLY believe in love at first sight? Why or why not?

A.C: I used to but now that I'm older and one would hope wiser, I'm not so sure. I think maybe lust at first sight, and it grows from there.

Abby, thanks for stopping in and opening up to give us a glimpse at the woman behind the book. Everyone should definitely take time to check out Abby's book, Going Home Again.

Look for Abby and Going Home Again:


Social Media
Abby Cavenaugh on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyCavenaughAuthor
Swoon Romance (publisher) site: http://www.myswoonromance.com/

Where To Buy

Have you read GOING HOME AGAIN? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.