Tuesday 26 May 2015

Q & A with Cathrina Constantine

Wickedly They Dream
by Cathrina Constantine 
After Seeley is possessed by an evil wraith, Jordan must dig deeper into the Satanic realm. Against Markus’s direct orders, she offers herself, body and soul in a blood covenant to rescue Seeley from the clutches of hell. Jordan assumes her guardian angel will not leave her to fight alone. But there’s trouble in paradise, and Markus has been reassigned. Can Jordan defeat both her internal and external demons to win him back? Or is he gone for good this time? 
ebook, 258 pages
Published November 5th 2014 by Black Opal Books

Find it on Goodreads 
Amazon     Barnes & Noble

Read It & Reap:  May 26, 2015

 


Cathrina Constantine resides in Western New York with her husband, five children, two Labrador Retrievers and two cats.

Author of WICKEDLY THEY COME, WICKEDLY THEY DREAM, TALLAS, and Don't Forget to Breathe

When not with my family, baking, crafting, reading, or stationed at the computer writing, you will find me walking in the backwoods with my dogs, conjuring up a new tale.

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179953.Cathrina_Constantine

Q & A with Cathrina Constantine

Q:  Tell us a little bit about your main characters.
Here is an easy way to explain my main characters, Seeley & Jordan Chase: The Gilmore Girls evolve into Sam & Dean Winchester. (Supernatural) It’s a mother & daughter team fighting against wicked demons. And it can get messy.


Q: 
Who designs the covers for your books and what is that process like for you as an author?

Melissa Stevens of The Illustrated Author is my fantastic designer for 3 of my 4 covers. We had a photo shoot with my daughter and an actual sword from the Spanish American War, then sent the pictures to Melissa. Melissa then performed her magic to make the cover for Wickedly They Dream. I absolutely love this cover. (That’s my daughter on both covers of Wickedly They Come & Wickedly They Dream)


Q: 
Describe your ideal writing spot.

I like to change positions. I’ll write in a comfortable recliner by a wide picture window and sometimes at the kitchen table. Summers upon us and I plan on writing outside

Q: 
What is the best advice you have been given?
Never give up. 


Q: 
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An Actress. 


Q: 
Which do you prefer: hard/paperbacks or ebooks?

Hardcover Books 


Q: 
If you could be any paranormal creature, what would you choose to be and why?
Angels are the best! If I can’t be an angel then a magical faery would be nice…

Q: 
What book are you reading now?

I’m a multi-reader. I’ll read 2 or 3 books at the same time. I like to help other authors with reviews, which are so needed these days. I find my TBR list growing by leaps & bounds, not only to read & review for authors, but for my own likes as well. At this moment I’m reading Persecution by Elizabeth Montgomery, The Young Elites by Marie Lu, and I just finished Destiny Mine by Nana Prah.







Monday 25 May 2015

One Among Us by Paige Dearth

One Among UsOne Among Us by Paige Dearth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie's life is changed forever the day she is kidnapped and thrown into the cruel, frightening world of human trafficking. Her innocence stolen from her, Maggie does what she must to survive. Alone, even though she is with others going through the same horrifying experiences she is, Maggie's story is heartbreaking, but inspiring. Maggie endured unimaginable cruelty at the hands of her captures and others who should have been trying to help her. But through it all, she remained strong, never giving up hope.

Paige Dearth, staying true to her writing style, delivers an intense, engaging, and thoughtful story. The details are fictional, but are so close to the truth to be scary, and she is able to bring out emotions with her writing in a way that is simply captivating. Maggie's story is not a light read, and it will make you contemplate the horrors that are very real in this world. But it is a story needs to be told.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Omega by S. M. Reine

Omega (War of the Alphas, #1)Omega by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have come to expect an intriquing premise and solid writing from S.M. Reine. Omega was no exception.

Deirdre Tombs has struggled since her rebirth as a shifter who can't shift. She is called an Omega which is the lowest position in the pack. Deirdre is considered a danger since her animal is unknown. She has been tossed around for ten years since her rebirth. The Alpha of the werewolf pack, Rylie Gresham, needs Deirdre's help to infiltrate a rival Alpha, Everton Stark's pack who is bent on dominance and destruction. Everton uses compulsion to make shifters carry out his orders. Deirdre is the only one immune to his power. Will Deirdre be able to help Rylie? Can an Omega rise in the ranks, or will Deirdre always be at the bottom of the pack?

Deirdre is determined to overcome her Omega status. She works hard and is unwilling to be the punching bag for anyone with more power. Deirdre's perseverance despite adversity made her a stronger character. Everton is powerful with the ability to control other shifters and the charisma to attract people to his cause. Despite his sadistic tendencies, I thought Everton was an interesting character and look forward to learning more about him. If you are looking for a well written, action packed, paranormal urban fantasy, then give Omega a try.

View all my reviews

Wednesday 20 May 2015

A Heart's Betrayal by Colleen Coble

A Heart's Betrayal (A Journey of the Heart #4)A Heart's Betrayal by Colleen Coble
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors, so when I saw A Heart's Betrayal on Netgalley I knew I had to give it a try. I was not disappointed.

After the tragic death of her new husband, Emmie Croftner is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life only to be hit with another blow, her husband was legally married to another woman. What will she do? Emmie journeys out west to be with her friend, Sarah Montgomery, at Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Will this be the new beginning Emmie needs?

Emmie is a resilient woman who has had a hard life. She is willing to work hard for a better future. This is a quick read that will leave you wanting more. I look forward to reading the next installment.

View all my reviews

Wednesday 13 May 2015

Q & A with Angela McPherson

Distraction (Distraction #1)
by Angela McPherson


Aside from the normal changes in her life, college junior Elle Richards can always count on her friendship with Tristan. The longing for him to love her back is something she keeps well hidden, even from herself. No matter how many miles apart they are, regular phone calls and texts keep them close...until the day everything changes. Wide Receiver Tristan Daniels has a good thing going. Much to his, and every single woman's surprise, he's in a committed relationship. The possibility of going pro looks more than promising...until his spur of the moment transfer to a rival college is approved. Now, Tristan will be forced to be in the presence of the woman he's secretly loved for as long as he can remember. Elle. Being away from one another was enough to keep Tristan and Elle distracted, but angst, confusion, and troubled secrets launch them into a breathless, heart pumping story you won't want to miss! Recommended for mature audiences 18+



Paperback, 320 pages
Published August 15th 2014 by Untold Press, LLC


Find it on Goodreads
Amazon       Barnes & Noble

Read It & Reap: May 14, 2015



Born and currently residing in Midland, Texas, Angela shuffles three busy children (not including her husband) all over the place. She works in a busy pediatric doctor's office as a nurse during the day, and writes at night. She is addicted to coffee–who isn’t? And firmly believes chocolate can fix all–especially chocolate ice cream. She laughs a lot, often at herself and is willing to try anything once (she thinks). When Angela isn’t rushing kids around, working or writing, she’s reading. Other than life experience, Angela turns to a wide variety of music to help spark her creative juices. She loves to dance and sing, though her kids often beg her not to.

Website: http://www.angelamcphersonblog.wordpress.com
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7074174.Angela_McPherson
Twitter: abt3mcpherson


Q & A with Angela McPherson

Q:  Tell us a little bit about your main characters. 

Gosh, this is such a tough question. Okay, Tristan has always been a ladies man, and smart ass extraordinaire, but he’s also a super sweet guy. Hard to imagine after listing those qualities, but he’s loyal and would do anything for a friend. Especially, Elle…
Elle is super sweet and would bend over backward to help anyone out, but sometimes to a fault. She’s unsure about life, in general, but learns to trust herself and becomes a stronger person in the end.

Q:  In your opinion, what makes a good, strong female character?
One who makes mistakes but doesn’t let them define who she is or wants to be. Shows compassion, and can kick ass and takes names, too, of course.

Q: 
Who designs the covers for your books and what is that process like for you as an author?
My publisher… I believe they use Beastie Books Graphic Designs :D Because I work with a super awesome small press, they allow me to give feedback! Pretty great and I love being part of the final decision making process.


Q:  Describe your ideal writing spot.
Any place I can focus. With three busy kids, finding a quiet place can be hard. I usually end up in my office while one of my kids keep me company.


Q:  What is the best advice you have been given?
Never stop. Keep going. If you get stuck, take a breather then go at it again. Don’t worry what anyone else says. Your’e awesome. Just write, edit later. <—my new mantra)


Q:  Which do you prefer: hard/paperbacks or ebooks?

I LOVE hardbacks, but the price sucks. Ebooks are the bomb and a great way to save money. I usually stick with my Kindle.

Q: 
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?
I (spoiler alert) recently gave one of my characters the ability to wield fire, so I’ll go with that. Why? I’d never worry about being cold again. LOL


Q:  What book are you reading now?
I’m reading a few books… I’m savoring Every Single Page of Opposition by Jennifer Armentrout. Basically I’m not ready to let the series end. Gods of Anthem by Logan Keys, Sublime Wreckage by Charlene Zapata, and The Cursed by Laura Thalassa. (that’s a lot, I know)



Cover Reveal! Amber Prelude by Kevin B. Henry

Amber Prelude
Amber Gifts, Prequel
Kevin B. Henry


Genre: Fantasy, Time Travel, Science Fiction, and History

Publisher: Burst/ Champagne Books

Date of Publication: June 01, 2015

Cover Artist: Ellie Smith


Mitchell didn't really believe the story the Man told him, Just take a sip and speak a year. He whimsically chose a historic event to witness. Little did he know he would become part of that history. Faster than you can say Teithwyr Amser our man Mitchell is chasing a bona fide assassin not only across America but across time.

Amber Prelude will require Mitchell to travel from the America he knows to France and Africa. He will travel to decades and centuries he is unfamiliar with. Mitchell will chase authentic villains and make historic friends, all in an attempt to set history back the way he remembers.


From an early age, Kevin B. Henry was a voracious reader. His collection of science fiction, fantasy and mystery books bring tears of envy to the eyes of many small community libraries. Kevin has worked as an educator, technology specialist and day laborer most of his adult life. During all that time he lived the life of a frustrated author. That it took 30 years for him to piece together the series, Amber Gifts is a testament that the best meals need slow cooking to bring out the flavor.

The Amber Gifts Series begins with Amber Gifts. The second story, which is really the first, is Amber Prelude, and is available now. The third story, Amber Legacy continues where Amber Gifts left off. It will be available in November 2015. All are published by the wonderful folks at the Champagne Book Group. A fourth story is in the process of being written.


Kevin is a natural story teller, so it’s logical that he lectures occasionally. Topics range from the implementation of cutting edge technology hardware to the creation, modification and use of e-books within education. He constantly pursues research to expand his range of possible topics. His most recent research revolved around the aerodynamic properties of reindeer. He’s also been known to include little known facts and trivia within his presentations. Did you know just 146 years ago today the Union Army marched into Atlanta. It took longer than anticipated. They were delayed by a traffic jam on I-75 and the toll booth on Ga. 400


He continues to live in the Mid-West without human or domesticated mammal companionship.


Blog/Wesbite: www.ambergifts.blogspot.com

Twitter: @Kevin_Henry

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmberGifts


Excerpt

1963: New Mexico

It had started simply. I uncapped the vial, drank the liquid, and spoke the year I had chosen aloud. The room spun. I dissolved.

I anticipated nothing happening. I began by sitting at the old wooden table feeling numb. My expectations extended to looking for shelter the following morning. Maybe I would move under a bridge for a short time; maybe I would do something much worse to myself.

I’d experienced severely morbid thoughts for months. Moving often transformed me. A nightmarish combination of a manic and depressed person was all I had been until the vial. It continued for months, and I expected it to continue forever. What I didn’t expect was a twisting feeling in my chest and lower abdomen. It wasn’t painful, just an unusual feeling. I didn’t expect the room to blur. I blinked several times, but it wasn’t my eyes; the room was blurry. Soon the room ceased to exist.

I had not spent long hours considering the year I would move to. I flippantly selected 1963. It would give me almost ten years before my birth moment and I vanished from the universe forever. The Man was specific about not existing past my birth moment. It would give me a chance to see some of the most tumultuous years in America, civil rights marches, hippies, the moon landing. My choice of year would give me a chance to stand at Dealey Plaza and personally see if there was a second shooter. It was a shallow choice, but it was the best I could come up with.

My first thought as the world congealed around me was that I had said something wrong. Had I said 1863? It was night. The stars above me were crisp and clear. Sagebrush surrounded me in all directions. Gone were the smells of the city. My senses absorbed a clean, fresh smell. This was how I remembered the world use to be. A scrub oak blended with the evening shadows just a few feet to my right. To my left was a light in the distance, a campfire. The flames created dancing shadows on the two trees surrounding the fire. Someone sat next to the fire, stirring the flames, sparks rising into the starry sky.

I walked toward the fire. I didn’t see that I had any choice; every other direction was pitch-black. Halfway there he rose from his place at the fire and raised his left hand above his head.

He sparkled. It wasn’t anything residual from the fire. His whole body twinkled and sparkled. It was disturbing.

“About time, Mitchell,” he yelled. “I’ve been waiting here for damn near three days.” “Come on in. I’m sure you have questions, son.”

I got over my initial anxiety of the twinkle man and sat on the far side of the fire. We had been sitting before the fire for fewer than five minutes. I was dazed, confused, and overwhelmed. Less than an hour ago, I was sitting in a dingy, two-bit hotel room.

Now, here I was, in some large expanse of desert in the company of someone who looked like Ray Teal, that quintessential sheriff on so many TV westerns and movies. He wore standard blue jeans, a simple button-front dress shirt, and a light-gray jacket. This twinkle man had a slouch hat, not exactly cowboy, but not a fedora either. He was half a foot shorter than me, stockier, and a minimum of twenty-five-years older, if I had to guess his age. There was salt and pepper stubble covering his face. His voice was deeper than mine, but not so deep that I envied it.

“Okay,” I began. “Where am I?”

“New Mexico,” he answered without hesitation. “You’re about three miles east of Tucumcari.”

I considered that answer. “When am I?”

“It’s November, 1963.”

“What’s the date, the day?” It concerned me I might miss my reason for picking this year.

“It’s the sixth.” A wave of relief swept over me. I wasn’t too late.

His answers were rapid-fire, no pauses or measurable moments that I would have considered creative thinking. He was either telling the truth or extremely well prepared for my random questions. I tried to think of the relevant questions I should ask. The standard ones, who, what, when, where, seemed a good place to start.

“How did I get here?”

“Well now, that’s an obvious answer to a poorly considered, ill-thought out question.” He shook his head. “You took a drink from that vial you have tucked away in your jacket pocket.”

A sudden gust of wind caused me to wrap my windbreaker tighter around my body. Maybe it wasn’t the night air. I was a little hurt. It wasn’t an attempt at sounding stupid; just understand what had happened to me.

“How did you know I was coming?” Maybe that question would seem less inept.

“Now that’s complicated.” He answered this question more slowly. He was thinking more and not just responding. “My name is Gil, Gil Seward. I got a letter just a few days ago. It asked me to come here and see if you’d appear. The letter said to just wait here a while and see if you drank from the vial or not. If you did, I’m supposed to help you out a little. Get you started and send you on your way.”

“Asked by whom? That guy who gave me the vial?”

“Yeah” was his only response. I hate one-word answers.

“Who was he? Why did he give me this vial?”

“He was someone I owed a favor. I haven’t seen him for a long time. He isn’t someone you need to know. Forget him. I don’t know why he decided to give you his vial. He just did.”

He paused for a while, stirring the fire with his stick, a small branch from one of the nearby trees.

“One last question for now,” he said. “Make it a good one.”

“Okay, Gil,” I said, using his name for the first time. “Why the hell do you sparkle? You look like some creation by Industrial Light, a special effect in a vampire or science fiction movie.”

“Forgot all about that,” he laughed. “You sparkle too. You just can’t see it. You started as soon as you drank from the vial. All Amser will sparkle.”

“What’s an Amser?”

“Sorry, Mitchell, You’ve reached your limit on questions for now. It’s my turn to ask some.”

I started to say something, but the look on his face made me stop. I hoped that ‘for now’ meant there would be more answers in the future.

“What made you pick this year?”

“It wasn’t a rational decision. Who would believe this would really work? I figured I’d see something special, something historic. Dallas and the Kennedy assassination was a significant event in my life. All the other conspiracy theories I remember while growing up could never surpass this one event. Standing on the grassy knoll and knowing beyond a doubt if there was or wasn’t a second shooter seemed as good an idea as any.”

“With all of history to choose from, you wanted to watch somebody die?”

“That wasn’t my motivation.” I said “I thought of it more as watching a documentary on TV.”

“We’ll see what you think of your documentary as you watch it live. Did you have plans afterward?”

“I don’t have many concrete plans. Just live out the next decade before I die.”

“Why would you want to die?”

“The Man said I couldn’t live past my birth moment. That was another reason I came here. That gives me several years to live before that time.”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“You have it all wrong, Mitchell. You can use that vial repeatedly. Just refill it. You can travel to any year, any time, as often as you want, as many times as you want. You’re not stuck in this year or decade forever.”

I’m not sure my mouth actually fell open, but that is how I remember it.





Monday 11 May 2015

Coral & Bone by Tiffany Daune

Coral & BoneCoral & Bone by Tiffany Daune
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy a good mermaid story, and Coral & Bone was no exception. Don't expect Ariel from the Little Mermaid. The mermaids and sirens are more like Ursula with some serious dark powers.

Halen doesn't understand what is happening to her. What is this power that is coursing through her? How can she extinguish the fire inside that wants to destroy things? After watching her father drown, she has struggled to maintain control. Halen comes face to face with mermaids. How can they be real? What do they want from her? She discovers a whole new world and her place in it. Halen's life has been a lie. Can she come to terms with who she is and learn how to harness her powers?

Halen is a determined teenager, who has tried to rise above her tragic past. Who do you trust and what do you believe when everything changes? Halen will have to answer those questions when her life as she knew it is completely altered. Halen's tenacity and loving spirit is what helps to see her through. What an amazing adventure Tiffany Daune takes the reader on! If you enjoy an action packed mermaid fantasy that will keep you guessing until the end, then this is the book for you.

View all my reviews

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Q & A with Amy Orr

Divided We Stand
by Amy Orr


A woman attacked. Two men unravelling. A city struggling for a way forward.

Raji/Vicki and John/Thomas had everything: friends, freedom, a modern alter lifestyle, and each other. But when one of Raji’s multiple personalities gets attacked, things get complicated. Who is to blame? Is it John, trusted but unstable? Is it Thomas, quiet, confident but with something to hide? Or is it the Institute, the omnipotent organization responsible for their creation? The city teeters on the edge of chaos as one cop attempts to piece together what happened and prevent their way of life from collapsing entirely. Everyone must decide: who do you trust?

ebook, 239 pages
Published April 2015


Find it on Goodreads
Amazon

Read It & Reap: November 19, 2015


Amy Orr is a fiction writer with a background in astrophysics and finance. Her main focus is in science fiction but she also writes and enjoys other areas of speculative and literary fiction.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13781111.Amy_Orr

Website: http://www.amyorrbooks.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amyorrbooks

 

Q & A with Amy Orr

Q:  Tell us a little bit about your main characters.
I try to create characters with a realistic balance of likeable and distasteful qualities. In 'Divided We Stand' most of the characters have split personalities. John/Thomas is a deeply troubled man who is struggling to come to terms with himself and relationships with those around him. Raji/Vicki is a vivacious, happy person whose life is thrown into turmoil by a violent crime that she - seemingly - has no one to blame for. She sinks into denial and hopelessness as the world around her fails to make things right. And Kripke is a by-the-books policeman who finds himself, very unwillingly, being pulled into the world and the psyche of the suspect in Raji/Vicki's attack.


Q: 
Who designs the covers for your books and what is that process like for you as an author?
The wonderful Gabor Csigas, and the process is fantastic. I really didn't understand how much of a science cover design is until he started talking me through his process. There is so much that goes into a clever cover design! Gabor is extremely creative and I feel that the design effort - to really work - has to be collaborative. It's also really interesting to see how a creative mind accepts your concept and can take it into a totally new and un-thought-of direction.


Q: 
Describe your ideal writing spot.
Ideal? A beautiful sun-filled study with a huge wooden desk and books lining the walls, overlooking the ocean. Realistic? At home, in my little apartment in (mostly snowy) Canada, on my computer, with a dog sat on my feet. That's still pretty good though.


Q: 
What is the best advice you have been given?
The best writers are thoughtful readers. (Also: do what you want to do, not what you think you ought).


Q: 
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A marine biologist. But I couldn't swim and hated biology class. I still love the ocean though, and anything that lives in it.


Q: 
Which do you prefer: hard/paperbacks or ebooks?
Paperbacks. Although I have found it surprisingly easy to transition to ebooks. I thought I'd hate them just out of principle, but I love my ereader. It's nothing like reading on a screen and it makes travelling much easier!


Q: 
If you could be any paranormal creature, what would you choose to be and why?
Ooh, that's a tough one. I'm not big into the paranormal. I guess a dragon. They're badass and they can fly. I think flying is probably the best thing ever. But wait, are dragons paranormal or mythical? What's the difference?


Q: 
What book are you reading now?
'Behold the Man' by Michael Moorcock. An oldie but a goodie, and a really great example of a simple idea executed thoroughly and believably. It's a re-read for me, but I had a hankering for some heartbreaking pathos.

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Cover Reveal: Underground (New World #4) by Janelle Stalder

 
Underground (New World #4)
by Janelle Stalder


Love isn't something you find.
Love is something that finds you.

Phoenix has spent her whole life fighting. All she's ever wanted was to return the world to a peaceful state, and bring down the New World Order. But now she finds herself in a different sort of battle. No longer set in the streets of New Berlin, the fighting has moved beneath them, in a vicious underground fighting ring run by outlaws bent on causing trouble. And if that isn't hard enough, she's stuck with the one person who loves to fight more than she does - Trent McKay. Now the race is on to get out of their new prison and back home - before they end up killing each other.

Or worse - fall in love.


Coming soon!

Find it on Goodreads 


 

Sunday 3 May 2015

Q & A with Author Matthew Alan

What We Leave Behind
by Matthew Alan


What We Leave Behind - A story about struggle, a story of hope, and mostly, a story about love. A journey with a unique young girl who is so sure of what is out there waiting for her, that she never compromises her belief in finding it. Jane Rawley Solomon's humor, character, and passion for others, serve as a reminder that we choose our own path to happiness, regardless of the events that impact our lives.

Paperback, 226 pages
Published April 10th 2014 by Createspace (first published April 6th 2014)

Find it on Goodreads
Amazon        Barnes & Noble

Read It & Reap: November 8, 2015
 

My name is Matthew Alan and I just finished publishing my first novel entitled "One Degree". One Degree is a work of fiction that I started writing about seven years ago. I've worked on three other books during that time period (and the next will be coming out later this fall), but this is the story I kept coming back to. I hope you like it!

I am a college swimming coach/teacher living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and writing on the side. As a coach and educator, I have been fascinated in teaching and balancing learning with humor. These goals have sparked the passion in my writing for some time, and I hope to share that passion with other readers as much as possible.
 

Q & A with Matthew Alan

Q:  Tell us a little bit about your main characters.
Jane Rawley Solomon –A wonderful girl/woman that maintains her perspective and hope for finding love, despite a difficult childhood and challenges (family, relationships, medical...)in her life. She is the single best person I have ever written. Kind and tough, honest to a fault, and holding out for true love, despite setback after setback, Jane is so much of who I strive to be.


Max Kincaid - Jane's adult boyfriend. He starts out a little awkward and uptight, but reveals his true nature as their love story unfolds. Equally honest and trusting as Jane, but with his own unique views on life and relationships.

Willa (Mrs. Solomon) - Jane's adoptive mother - strong-willed, kind, passionate and loving...she supports Jane and loves her from the moment they meet. She is Jane's biggest fan.

Jason (Mr. Solomon) - Jane's adoptive father - straight-talking, protective, and caring father. He challenges and supports her from the moment they meet. He also makes dating Jane a bit more challenging for any would be suitor.

Q:  Who designs the covers for your books and what is that process like for you as an author?
Soleil Phan - one of my former swimmers who graduated in 2014. A design student at Carnegie Mellon, Soleil was also one of the most talented, hard-working swimmers I have ever coached.

We talk about the theme of the book, and brainstorm about starter ideas. Then we tweak the final version until we're both happy. She's amazing and I have been so lucky to have her helping on these projects.

Q:  Describe your ideal writing spot.
My home office, with Roxy (my lab mix) on the bed behind me, and a glass of wine on the desk.

Or a local coffee shop 61 B - great coffee (Large triple shot, non-fat, vanilla latte), always a table, and such kind people that work there.

Q:  What is the best advice you have been given?
When my swim coach told me that I probably shouldn't be swimming in college (paraphrasing), because I didn’t have a great feel for the water. A short time later spent hours challenging me to work smarter, not harder and to use my individual strengths to reach new heights in my swimming. From that point on I realized there isn't "one" right way to do things, but you have to find "your" best way.

It left me motivated to succeed beyond anything I knew before, made me realize that "going through the motions" is never enough to guarantee that success, and inspired me to huge improvement and a fourth place finish at NCAA's my sophomore year in college.

Q:  As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A doctor for most of my life...and then a swim coach. So that worked out well so far for me. :)

Q:  Which do you prefer: hard/paperbacks or ebooks?
Paperbacks. I love just taking a book to a park bench, coffee shop or beach and bringing nothing else with me. It lets me detach from one world and attach to another.

Q:  If you could be any paranormal creature, what would you choose to be and why?
AMY SEDARIS! BECAUSE SHE CAN BE ANYONE. OR A shape-shifter. To be able to look like anyone or anything - that unique skill would be incredible. The ability to learn more about people and to see things from the viewpoint of other ages, races, genders...that would be a power and accomplishment I wish we could all achieve.

Q:  What book are you reading now?
Soon I Will Be Invincible - by Austin Grossma