Interview & $15 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: Summoned by Susan Leigh Noble

Original Title: Summoned
Series: The Elemental Trilogy #1
Author: Susan Leigh Noble
Release Date: August 13th 2011
Genre: Fantasy

Lina wants an ordinary life in the Grasslands of Zena. But she isn’t ordinary at all. At the age of four, she discovered she could start fires with a mere thought - an ability believed to have died out long ago. Cautioned by her telepathic cat, Tosh, she keeps this Elemental power a secret in fear of how the outside world would react. There is something else different about Lina - she feels a strange force compelling her to go north.

Before she can decide whether to give into this mysterious urge, she is kidnapped by gypsies and wakes in a foreign land. The desire to travel north is as strong as ever. When a strange raging fire prevents her return home, Lina realizes she must find out once and for all what or who is summoning her.

On her journey, she befriends an odd assortment of allies including the son of a High Council member, a thief, a former guardsman and a large sarcastic black dragon. Together they battle mystical creatures and unnatural forces, although such magic had ceased to exist over 800 years ago.  During each battle, Lina must use her innate Elemental power as she becomes more certain that someone is using magic against her. When she discovers the shocking truth, it will change her life in ways she could never imagine.

EXCERPT

Then he saw one of the men break away from the battle. His sword held ready, the man set his horse directly toward them. Tosh lashed his tail angrily against the saddle. He had succeeded in getting her out of the danger of the initial attack but that lone rider would soon be upon them, and Lina had no weapon. He considered his options. He only saw one clear choice. He lifted his paw, claws outstretched.

Lina, hold on.

He prepared to slash the mare again, but as he raised his paw, he caught a glimpse of her face. She was staring intently at the man racing toward them. Her face held a determined look as the wind began to blow her hair. The long honey-colored locks whipped around her face as the wind began to blow harder.  The force was so strong Tosh had to dig his claws into the saddle in order to stay on the mare. He whirled around in time to see the full force of Lina’s gust of wind hit the attacker. The man fell backward, his arms outstretched as if to grab the saddle. But his fingers missed and continued backward. Then Tosh heard the sickening sound of the man’s head hitting his horse’s rear hoof. The man hit the ground with a deadening thud and lay motionless. Lina cringed, a look of shock on her face.  

“I didn’t mean...” she whispered in a sick voice. Her eyes had a haunted look, and she shook her head slightly as if in disbelief over what had happened.

You had to stop him, Lina. He leaned against her, tucking his head into the crook of her arm. 

Lina hung her head down. Her honey-colored hair fell around him like a curtain. “But I only meant to stop him.” She stared at the motionless man before her. “Not to kill him.”

INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN LEIGH NOBLE

1. Tell us something about your book that is not part of the book description (blurb).

As Lina travels north to find the source of what unnatural force is pulling her away from her homeland, her own innate magical power grows. During a battle, she ends up killing a soldier. This brings about an internal struggle of whether she can ever use her powers in battle again.   

2. Who is your book cover designer and what do YOU think about the cover?

My book cover was created by Donna Casey of Digitaldonna.com. She did a wonderful job of taking my concept and making it look awesome. I love the cover and have received lots of compliments on it. I liked it so much that the covers for the rest of the trilogy have similar covers.

3.   What are your current literary works?  Any sneak peeks?

       

I am currently working on the final book in The Elemental trilogy.  Below is a sneak peek from that  Book 3 (currently unnamed).

The boy drug his spoon across the bottom of the bowl as he scraped up the last of the stew. He stared at the bowl as if he wished he could pick it up and lick the remaining gravy from the sides.

Selda watched him, half amused. It had taken her most of the previous day to find the one person she thought could give her the information she and Slade needed. It hadn’t been hard to pinpoint the location of the thieves hide out. She had spent most of the day watching the place. Twice she had seen the boy wandering outside the Red Lion tavern. A few discrete inquiries at some of the neighboring businesses had confirmed what she needed to know. Griffin was the son of a thief who had recently died. And more importantly, he had often been inside the thieves’ headquarters. He would have insider information. And having been on the street for a few weeks, he would be hungry.

“So Griffin,” Selda said as she signaled for a refill of his bowl. “Regina’s currently gone. So who would she leave in charge.”

“Dunno.”

She tried a different approach. “Did your father ever mention who Regina trusted most?”

“Beck’s around a lot.” Griffin’s face lit up as a second bowl of stew was placed in front of him. His dark hair fell across his face as he gulped down the food. 

Selda had to fight the urge to brush the hair from his eyes. She didn’t know where that instinct came from as she had never had a maternal thought before in her life.

“Beck, huh? Is he a good thief?”

“Father called him a mole.”

“Mole?”

“Digs up information for her. Never heard of him stealin' nothing for her but information.”

Selda shook her head. Beck wouldn’t be any use to her. “Who else would she turn to if she wanted something?”

“That would be Hodge.” The boy’s eyes darted to the entrance of the tavern. “Or Esma,” he said pointing with his chin at the woman who had just entered.

Selda turned to see a petite woman wearing a tight dress move toward the bar. Her dress was low cut to show off her firm breasts. She walked with an attitude that clearly indicated she knew all the men were watching her. As Selda watched her flirt with the barman, an idea began to form. She would be perfect.

4. What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

I don’t see a lot of movies in the theaters but still hoping to catch the Avengers before it leaves the theater. 

5. If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Jon Bon Jovi, Whoopi Goldberg, Sarah Michelle Gellar

6. Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. 

Summoned blends magic, adventure, and sword fighting into an intriguing tale about a young woman, her telepathic cat and a sarcastic black dragon.

7. Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Hearing from readers is always rewarding. I like reading their reviews, and I even once got a message from a reader on Twitter as she was reading Summoned.  

8. What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

If writing is what you love, don’t give up. Keep at it.

9. If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

Apart from my own world, I think I would jump into Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series. While I wouldn’t like not having modern conveniences, I would love to have my own dragon.

10. If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

Since my life is so crazy busy right now, it would probably be called Where’s my Duplicating Machine?  (I really could use a copy of myself to get everything done.)

11. What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?

My favorite scene from the book of my life? Hmmm, hard to pick just one. I would have to say my honeymoon in Walt Disney World was pretty great.  If you are talking about in Summoned, I love when Lina meets the dragon Zoot. It shows Lina’s caring nature and has a few funny lines in it too.   

12. What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?

I watch CMT’s The Singing Bee. I don’t usually listen to country music and don’t do karaoke, but something about that show makes me want to watch.     

13. What is one book everyone should read (apart from yours)?

There are so many great books out there it is hard to pick just one, but I would think To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is one everyone should read. 

14. What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day?

My favorite way to spend a rainy day would be lying in bed reading a book.

QUICK ANSWERS

Favorite place?

Disney World (was just there at the beginning of June)

Best Christmas present?

Books are always great - or jewelry!

Favorite book?

Can’t pick just one!

Favorite author?

Nora Roberts

Favorite smell?

Roses

Favorite series?

The Belgariad by David Eddings

Nickname?

None

Favorite writing spot?

On the couch

Favorite movie?

Hitch

Favorite dish?

cheesecake

Favorite color?

Forest green

Favorite quote?

“Medicine for the soul.” - the inscription over the door of the Library at Thebes.

A bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?

Big expensive one

Your best trait?

Detailed/Planner

Your worst trait?

Worrier

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Leigh Noble has always loved dragons and magic so it is no wonder that she became an author of fantasy novels. As a cat lover, she also threw a telepathic cat into the mix for her The Elemental Series. The first two books, Summoned and Quietus, have already been released in e-book format. She is currently working on the third and final chapter of the trilogy.

When she isn’t writing, Susan is an active volunteer in her neighborhood and at her children’s schools. She lives with her husband, two children and three cats in Texas.

AUTHOR ONLINE: Email | Facebook | Twitter | Website

GIVEAWAY

Susan will award a $15 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour and a $10 Amazon GC to the host with the most comments (excluding Susan's and the host's).


In order to enter this $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway, please comment in this post WITH your email ID.  Anonymous comments are also accepted, as long as you put your name and email ID in your comments.  

Open INTERNATIONALLY!  Giveaway ends July 13th, 2012!

PLEASE SHARE THIS GIVEAWAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Guest Post & Giveaway: Saving Mary by Deidre Havrelock

Original Title: Saving Mary - The Possession

Series: Saving Mary #1

Author: Deidre Havrelock

Publisher: Etcetera Press

Released: 2012

Links: Goodreads | Amazon

If you’re a fan of supernatural fiction then you will be captivated by this true story about a spiritually sensitive girl and the path that led to her possession. Part one of a two-part series, Saving Mary is the story of a modern-day Mary Magdalene—the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons.

Deidre Daily is drawn to anything seemingly spiritual, desperately seeking a spiritual existence. But inside this vibrant girl hides a terrified child who sincerely believes she has married the devil. Through a series of spiritual encounters her fear turns into reality, and she ends up possessed.

Deidre’s fascinating spiritual memoir relays her story from childhood to adolescence: invisible eyes leering at her from the corner of her bedroom, horrible nightmares tormenting her, and her desperate attempt to find God—only to end up possessed. It is a candid account of possession from a first-person perspective. This dark memoir brings to light an intricate world of deceitful spirits hell-bent on manipulating and damaging an innocent girl’s life, not only through her dreams, but also through seemingly every-day encounters. 

What is your favorite genre…and why?

- Guest Post By Deidre Havrelock

Gothic, of course. My first gothic book was titled, The Bloody Dagger. (I wrote that in grade three, for my mom.) It was a story about a man who hides in the shadows, killing unsuspecting people. A kid finally hunts him down and rats him out. I’m sure my gloomy story impressed my mom. I know it impressed my teacher, Mrs. Whalen, who asked, “Don’t you have any happy thoughts?” I have a lot of happy thoughts…the guy got caught, didn’t he?

Actually, I haven’t met too many people who don’t love a good gothic book. I even heard that The Monk is being released fairly soon as a movie. (I can’t wait. In fact, I wanted to write a screenplay for that book…drat, I’m too late!) It seems gothic has definitely risen to the top of some people’s A-lists. Which is somewhat weird, gothic is after all dark and depressing. But I think the genre has gotten a bad reputation due to a horrendous misunderstanding.

Feminists tend to dislike the female gothic tradition because it portrays women as weak and needy (think The Mysteries of Udolpho). FYI, in the female gothic tradition, a girl struggles to survive under the burden of a patriarchal society (think The Handmaid’s Tale), and most often she waits to be saved, usually by a man (think Saving Mary: The Possession). This pathetic desire to be saved (without lifting a finger to save herself) certainly would put feminists on edge. After all, it’s true—women don’t always need to be saved. But a totally intolerant stance against the female gothic tradition misses the beauty of it.

If anyone is a fan of gothic they should read Art of Darkness by Anne Williams, where the male and female gothic traditions are discussed. Like this author, I don’t see the female gothic tradition (which includes the need to “be saved”) as intrinsically weak and pathetic. I see it as reflecting a talent within all of us…it just shows up best in the weak. It’s the ability to ask for help and accept help. And whether we like it or not, there are instances in life where we are simply incapable of saving ourselves (read my book and you’ll see); and, therefore, faith in the mysterious other (to save us) kicks in.

Both traditions (including the male gothic model—which includes the need for punishment) are core issues inside all of us. FYI, in the male tradition the protagonist usually has to die or at the very least suffer for his/her vile and sinful life (think Anne Rice’s books or The Monk or The Picture of Dorian Gray). Typically, the male gothic model is condemned by Christians (as opposed to feminists) because of the model’s focus on sin and punishment. (In male gothic there is no salvation for the character, only hopelessness.) But again, dislike for this model can be caused by a misunderstanding for the genre. Christians, after all, should understand the concept of eternal damnation more than anyone.

In these contexts, gothic isn’t about horror. It’s about life: oppression and sin, salvation and damnation. Either way you look at gothic, if someone gets saved or someone gets a final punishment—it means the darkness has passed. And that’s why I love it.

We all live in a gothic world, and we have to learn how best to survive it.

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away 3 e-copies of this supernatural fiction novel to the winners.  Please enter this giveaway using the Rafflecopter below.

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Book Feature & Interview: Jailbird by Heather Huffman

Original Title: Jailbird
Author: Heather Huffman
Publisher: Leave your Mark
Release Date: September 23rd, 2010
Genre: Contemporary Romance

A paradoxical blend of light and dark, Jailbird is a warm and humorous tale about the power of hope.

Neena Allen has led a tough life. Born on the reservation, raped and unjustly convicted of murdering her attacker, she survives prison - barely. When an opportunity presents itself, she doesn't hesitate to escape. Presumed dead, she stumbles into a sleepy Arkansas town where she finds refuge with a kind family and glimpses the chance for a real home, a place to belong. But leading a double life isn’t easy, especially when you fall in love with the town lawyer. To complicate matters further, a tenacious reporter gets too close to the truth and Neena finds herself on the run again. With a manhunt under way and her newfound happiness at risk, Neena must face the painful memories of her past or risk losing the future she dreams of.

Should she fight for her new life or give up those she loves to keep them safe?

INTERVIEW WITH HEATHER HUFFMAN

1. Tell us something about your book that is not part of the book description (blurb).

Jailbird opens in the middle of a jailbreak and the pace doesn’t let up much after that. Still, it’s warm and funny, and the love story between Neena Allen and Charlie Russell is one of my favorites. Neena’s older brother, Conrad, has always been one of my favorite characters, which is why I made him a main character in my latest release, Devil in Disguise.

2. Who is your book cover designer and what do YOU think about the cover?

My book cover designer is Emily Stoltz. I met her when I still worked for corporate America. We became instant friends and from the moment the decision was made to publish, I knew I wanted her to design the covers. I love her work! She has an amazing ability to produce exactly what I’m hoping for, even though I’m rarely able to coherently express what my vision is!

My publisher, designer and I all recently agreed that my covers should have more consistent branding, so we revisited several of them. I absolutely love the new cover for this book. It could be my favorite.

For the original cover for Jailbird, I actually shot the picture myself in my backyard (those are my feet). At the time, Emily was busy so I did the cover just to keep the project moving. I think it turned out pretty well considering design isn’t my forte, but I still prefer the new one!

3. What are your current literary works?  Any sneak peeks?

I just released my seventh novel, Devil in Disguise. The others are: Throwaway, Suddenly a Spy, Jailbird, Ties That Bind, Ring of Fire & Tumbleweed. Devil in Disguise revisits characters that were introduced in Throwaway, Suddenly a Spy and Jailbird, so it brings together many of my fans’ favorites!

I’m currently working on a collaboration with a favorite author of mine: Sylvain Reynard, author of Gabriel’s Inferno. It’s a romantic comedy novella, and we plan to donate 100% of our share of the royalties to organizations that fight human trafficking.

4. What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

I still haven’t had a chance to see the Hunger Games and I’d really like to. I meant to watch it when it first came out, but things have just been too busy! Now I guess I have to wait for DVD.

5. If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

1) Jon Stewart because I think he’s smart and hilarious.

2) Sylvain Reynard – I have so enjoyed collaborating on our book via email that I think it would be fun to one day actually meet him in person.

3) Natalie Portman strikes me as intelligent, kind and fun.

4) Ann Curry is intelligent, powerful, and seems to genuinely care about others. I’d love to have a conversation with her.

5) Heather Ludviksson – my book manager – because if I’m having dinner with the four people mentioned above and don’t invite her, I’d be in trouble. That, and she’s fun to have dinner with!

6. What's the craziest writing idea you've had?

It’s hard to narrow down – I have lots of crazy writing ideas.

7. Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. 

Because you’ll fall in love with the characters, and they’ll take you on a journey with a few tears and a lot of laughter.

8. Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

It’s hard to choose only one. Seeing my books on the same lists as authors like Nora Roberts, interacting with my amazing readers, and getting to work on projects with other authors I respect are all at the top of my list, though!

9. What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Don’t be too prideful to listen to feedback, but learn to sift through the good and the bad – and don’t let the naysayers keep you from your dreams.

10. If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

Jailbird. I really do love the characters and the world Neena creates for herself.

11. If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

She Tried

12. What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?

I love the early interactions between Charlie and Neena. She’s normally so quick and witty, it was kind of fun to see her so off balance. There are a couple of scenes later in the book that I really enjoyed writing – they even made me a little teary in a good way – but I don’t want to give away anything too close to the end.

13. What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?

I promise I’m not ducking the question – I just really can’t think of any!

14. What is one book everyone should read (apart from yours)?

The Bible is honestly the first thing that popped into my brain. It wasn’t until I read through it again as an adult that I began to truly appreciate the threads throughout and the beauty of the entire thing.

15. What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day?

Curled up reading a good book or watching a romantic comedy.

QUICK ANSWERS

   1. Favorite place?

Home, sitting in my backyard overlooking the hills while my kids play, the chickens forage, and the horses graze.

   2. Best Christmas present?

The stuffed beagle my parents got me when I was about six. I named him Lazy and he was my favorite toy.

   3. Favorite book?

I don’t have a favorite, or maybe my favorite just changes. One week I can’t get enough of the classics, the next I’m eagerly anticipating the next release of one of my contemporaries. Thanks to the new publishing landscape, there are a lot of fresh and interesting voices out there!

   4. Favorite author?

I don’t think I have a favorite – there are many I respect or enjoy, and my tastes are pretty varied.

   5. Favorite smell?

           

Citrus, or maybe fresh-cut grass.

   6. Favorite series?

           

TV? The BBC’s Merlin

   7. Nickname?

Not sure I should admit it… my old roommate used to call me Hussy. I was a bit of a flirt at the time, I guess. That’s the only nickname I’ve ever really had. Wait, I take that back. All of the kids in my family call me Aunt Kitty because I used to have really long hair and my oldest nephew would stroke my hair and say “kitty” when he was about two.           

   8. Favorite writing spot?

Anywhere quiet.

   9. Favorite movie?

The Avengers. I could watch it over and over – I was really surprised how much I enjoyed that movie.

  10. Favorite dish?

           

Pizza – as evidenced by my novel Jailbird.

  11. Favorite color?

            That changes – at the moment, I really like orange.

  12. Favorite quote?

Be true! Be true! Be true! Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred! Nathaniel Hawthorn, The Scarlet Letter

  13. A bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?

            Small gifts

  14. Your best trait?

           

I genuinely care about others.

  15. Your worst trait?

           

I can be a perfectionist, and I’m usually sure my way is right.

Feature & Follow #16

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