Interview with Tizzy

Hey guys, today I'm interviewing one of the winners of the monthly bloghop called The Knights of MicroFiction.  So everyone welcome Tizzy!!

Good morning, Tizzy!  I hope you've had an amazing week so far!

My first question is:  When did you know you wanted to be a writer?  And what's you're WiP about?

I've wanted to be a writer ever since primary school when an inspirational teacher suggested it to me.  My current WiP is a YA urban fantasy novel.  It's about a tribe of people that bond with spirits of various African animals in order to gain super-human abilities.  There's a lot of action and drama, a steamy romance and a bit of African mythology thrown in.  At the moment it reads like a cross between The Lion King and Heroes, and I'm having a lot of fun writing it.

What books have most influenced you?

I grew up on fantasy novels like The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter, which has definitely influenced me to write novels with paranormal/fantasy elements and to enjoy world-building.  Lately I've been rather obsessed with dystopian novels like The Hunger Games and Divergent which feature kick-ass heroines, tons of action and a modern voice.

Ooh yes I love The Hunger Games and The Chronicles of Narnia!  The other two I really have to get around to reading... Lol.

Now, what is the most difficult aspect of writing for you?

I find it difficult to commit to a regular writing time, so sticking with a novel right until the end is hard, especially when self-doubt creeps in.  Too many half-finished manuscripts have been abandoned to the cobwebbed recesses of my hard drive because I lost faith in my writing ability.

Ah I know what you mean.  I've got about ten stories I've started but just never got around to finishing.

So what are your goals for the year?

My goals for this year are to finish the first draft of my WiP and start the first round of edits.  I'd also like to get into a more consistent blogging routine and read and review at least 24 books.

Wow, that's awesome!  I don't know about you but I'm a very slow reader.  So 24 books would be a lot for me!  Good luck!

How long have you been blogging and how has it improved your writing?

I've been blogging for about three years and the main thing it has helped me with is my self-esteem.  I used to be so afraid to share my poetry and stories with friends and even family for fear that it was no good, but starting a blog has helped me get over that and put my work out there for strangers to read.  Joining in with all the blogfests lets me practice my writing skills and gain valuable feedback from fellow writers and readers.  The blogging community is so supportive and their encouragement along with the awards and competitions I have won, has really boosted my confidence.

I completely agree!  And it's nice to know you're not the only one out there!

Anyway, what do you do when you're not writing?

Mostly I work in a pharmacy, but when I'm not popping pills (into bottles/dispenser trays, that is), I'm usually glued to the internet.  I enjoy visual sites like Polyvore and Pintrist where I can create mood boards and collages.  When I'm not online I like to read, dance, draw, play computer games and eat my weight in chocolate (but not all at the same time).

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I'm wildlife mad and generally prefer the company of animals to humans, so they usually feature predominantly in my stories.

That's awesome!!  Now unfortunately that's all the time we have today.

Thanks so much for joining us, Tizzy!  Good luck with all your writing and blogging!

Thanks for reading guys!  Go check out Tizzy's blog and congratulate/follow her!

Happy Wednesday :)

--Jess

I've been bad...

Guys, I'm embarrassed.

I just broke my amazing streak of posting every MWF of the year (except for when we were on a cruise in February.)  It was one of my New Year's Resolutions to keep a steady posting schedule for the entire year!

But I guess life finally caught up to me.

Hey, well at least I made it more than half-way through!

Still... I'm a little disappointed with myself.  Oh well.

How have you kept up with your New Year's Resolutions?


--Jess

P.S.
by the way, I'm being interviewed on T.Z. Wallace's blog sometime today, so check it out and comment!

Interview with Ashna Banga

Hello everyone!

Today, I'm interviewing Ashna Banga from Journal of a Bookworm!  So, let's get this started, shall we?

Good evening, Ashna!  Thanks so much for agreeing to the interview!  My first question is:


What books have influenced you most?


Umm... this should be a straightforward answer, but the fact is, while reading any book, I try to understand people and their behavior in different situations and thus, feel influenced by them.

Books themselves have been such a positive influence in my life, the best being that you know if something is happening the way it is, there's a reason or an influencing factor behind it and you can't judge without knowing everything.  Though, I feel influenced the most by books with kids as protagonists or that deals with a sensitive issue.

So every book influences you!  That makes sense, because everything that happens to you or anything you read will in some way influence you!  And, I like books with kids as protagonists :)


How long have you been blogging and how has it improved your writing?


Technically, I've been blogging for more than two years, but my book blog is 8 months old.  I'm not working on a book as of yet, but I can definitely say blogging has been an amazing platform for considerable improvement!  I mean, I've had the opportunity to read some amazing blogs, interact with people from all over the globe, with different ways of writing.  I sure write much better now than I did when I initially began blogging.

Besides, I've even developed more as a reader!

Yeah, it's pretty cool that we can talk to so many different writers from all over the world!


When did you start reading?


My parents tell me I started reading ever since I learned how to read, so it started pretty early.  I come from a place where many people are not into too much of reading, so it's kind of great, especially that I love it so much.  I am also blessed with wonderful family and relatives from abroad who gifted books.  I cherish them the most, still! :)

If not for them, I wouldn't have read books when I should have.  In fact, one of them gifted me a Harry Potter boxed set with the first four books when I was 12 and that is when the real passion actually began.

I still have to get around to reading the Harry Potter books.  I read the 4th one and loved it, but I just haven't read the rest!


What do you think constitutes a great book?


Whenever I think of a 'great' book, the first thing that comes to mind is a descriptive aspect.  Any book with a good description of people, places and behaviours can can steal my heart!  If I have a movie-kind-of-story in my head and if, the real movie based on the book matches that, it's awesome for me!

lack of appropriate descriptions when readers don't get what they were looking for, isn't very appealing to me.  Also, I like sensible characters, they can be cribbers, but they should have a human touch to them, not totally made-up.  Something realistic please.

And oh!  I adore happy endings and endings that answer all questions!  I hate abrupt endings where the readers are left wondering...

I have to agree... I like fulfilling endings.  But then, it's nice to have some loose end that leaves readers wanting a sequel!


Is there anything else we should know about you?


Sure!  I love photography, observing people, Calvin and Hobbes, I fantasize about mountaineering (which I'll sure do when I finish with college), and all sorts of adventure sports!  I love eating, but not cooking, just like I love great-looking clothes but not 'shop-till-you-drop' shopping!  And yeah, I'm also very clumsy.  Just don't hand me any fragile object ;)

Thank you, Ashna!  Unfortunately, we're out of time, but it's been so nice having you here!  Stop by again soon and good luck with all your reading and writing!


Have a great weekend everyone!

--Jess

Interview with Esther Jones

Happy Monday everyone!!  Today, I'm interviewing Esther Jones because she was one of the two winners of this month's Knights of MicroFiction!

Okay, let the questions begin!!

So Esther, when did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I can't remember how old I was, but I was very young.  I wrote a story about a girl and a horse, and my parents told me it was very good.  I realized I might just have a talent.

What's your current WiP about?  We'd love a short summary!


Peter never considered that the undead he hunted might have a family, or that one of them would hunt him down and exact revenge.  Now a vampire himself, Peter is obsessed with finding the one who turned him--to thank him by taking his head off.

Lance has many regrets in his long life, not the least of which is turning Peter into a vampire.  However, more than anything, he misses his twin brother Raoul who Peter killed.

Christopher wants nothing more than to be just like Lance; first, because he thinks being a vampire is cool, then because he truly admires Lance (to the point of hero worship).  However, Lance is reluctant to turn another human.

Wow, sounds like a very interesting WiP!  I haven't read very many vampire stories, but it sounds like one I might pick up!
Now, what books have most influenced you?


Oh, my goodness.  So many.  I guess I'd have to say Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, anything by Terry Brooks, and the Harry Potter series.

Wow, I love Terry Brooks!  I read Star Wars: The Phantom Menace by him and I loved it.  Always been meaning to read the other two :)
What is the most difficult aspect of writing for you?


Novels.  I can toss off a poem, flash fiction, or short story quite easily, but I've never finished a novel.  I've got several ideas, but fleshing them out into that many words is so difficult for me.  I've always written very concisely, and I hardly ever put enough description into my scenes.

I totally agree.  Poems and flash fictions are the easier of the lot.  Short stories are difficult for me because they always end up wanting to be novels though.
So, what are your goals for this year?


Finish my current WiP (not sure if it's a novel or something shorter).

Awesome!  Good luck!
How long have you been blogging and how has it improved your writing?


I started my writing blog on April 1, 2012.  Before that, I had a photo-a-day-for-a-year blog.  Blogging about my own struggles and triumphs in writing and reading others' blogs has been an invaluable source of encouragement.  I've gone from thinking, "Maybe someday I'll write something and then think about maybe getting published" to actively working on a story with the intent of publishing.

Great job!  That transition from wanting to be published to actually writing is hard, but definitely essential (for obvious reasons, lol :)
What do you do when you're not writing?


I read (of course - lol), I play Lord of the Rings Online, I spend time with my husband, and I watch tv (mostly fantasy & sci-fi shows).

Is there anything else we should know about you?


I am the oldest of 8 children-- I have 1 younger sister, and 6 younger brothers.  I live in the middle of the Canadian prairies, although I grew up in the middle of beautiful British Columbia.  I play piano and guitar, and sometimes I write music.

Wow, that's so cool!  I always wanted to play guitar!


Unfortunately, that's all the time we have left today, so everyone give Esther Jones a round of applause and go congratulate/follow her blog!


Have a great Monday everyone!

--Jess

Interview with Stephanie

Hey guys! Today I'm interviewing, Stephanie, one of the two winners of Knights of MicroFiction! Tobi will be interviewed over at Kathy's blog.

Here we go!

***

Hello, Stephanie! It's so nice having you here! I don't know about you, but I'm really excited for this interview. You ready? Okay, good! My first question is...

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I was about 15 when I wrote my first original story, about a family of witches guarding an ancient artifact. From there my love of writing took off, but it would be a few more years before I was brave enough to take a writing class and share my work with others.

Oh, yeah I know what you mean. It's scary sharing your work with others! And speaking of sharing your work... what's your current WIP about? We'd love a short summary.

Right now I'm working on the sequel to the YA fantasy book, I intend to self publish this year. In the first book, Shadow of the Wolf, the main character Toby finds himself in enemy territory, surrounded by werewolves. Instead of killing him, the werewolves, who Toby was raised to believe are monsters, adopt him into their pack. While he's adjusting to a very different way of life, his sister is back home looking for some way to rescue him and uncovering a lot of secrets in their village.

In the sequel, Wings of the Butterfly, Toby is preparing to take the Trials that will declare him an adult. Unfortunate events and the escalating threat of war, lead to suspicion and the possibility that Toby won't be permitted to become an adult. Ora meanwhile is attending school in a neighboring kingdom and gets caught up in several political assassinations that she attempts to solve.

Wow, that sounds exciting! I'm working on my sequel, too! I know how hard that can be. And I just love that title, Shadow of the Wolf. It sounds so awesome!

Now, what are your goals for this year?

I plan to fully proofread and self-publish Shadow of the Wolf by July. I'll finish the first draft of Wings of the Butterfly by next December, so I can have that revised and proofread by July of next year. And in the meantime I'll be writing and submitting short stories to try and get my name out.

Sounds like you've really got a good game-plan here!

Alright, next question! How long have you been blogging and how has it improved your writing?

I just passed my one year blog anniversary a couple of weeks ago. It's been lots of fun. My writing has definitely improved, especially in learning to sit down and hammer something out. Contest and posting deadlines are a great motivator, and I love having feedback. Reading writing from other bloggers, fiction and nonfiction, has also been a great way to expand my knowledge of writing.

So, when you're not learning about writing or writing, what do you like to do?

I read a lot, of course :-)  I do yoga and pilates, and I do a lot of different crafts depending on my mood. Sometimes I make candles, sometimes I cross-stitch or sew and I also cook. I also have an unhealthy obsession with iTouch games like Tiny Tower, and Paradise Cove. Those things are really addictive :-)

Lol, yeah, once you start playing those games it's hard to stop.

Is there anything else we should know about you, Stephanie?

I'm very scatterbrained, and fairly disorganized in relation to anything that's not my writing. But I love to keep busy, because otherwise, I tend to fall asleep.

Haha, I'm with you on the 'keeping busy' and the 'disorganized' part...

Unfortunately, that's all the time we have for today! Thank you so much for joining us, Stephanie!

Thank you for having me!

No problem, it was a pleasure! Let's have a round of applause for Stephanie at Word by Word!

***

Thanks guys, hope you enjoyed! Go check out Stephanie's blog and congratulate her!

Have a great weekend!

--Jess

Interview with T.Z. Wallace

Hey guys, I just wanted to start with a little heads up. I'm not sure how I forget to mention it before, but we're going on a cruise tomorrow! Actually, we're going to Florida tomorrow and getting on the ship on Sunday. But still!

So, if I can't post all next week, don't be alarmed. I probably wont be able to do any blog hopping, either since I hear the internet is quite expensive.

Now to business. Today I'm interviewing one of the winners of the bloghop Knights of Micro-Fiction that takes place on the last Monday of every month, co-hosted by Kathy and me. Aldrea Alien, over at Thandrandian Thoughts will be interviewed on Kathy's blog.

Now, let's congratulate T.Z. Wallace at One Year Until Book Launch for winning an interview on my blog. Great job!

So let's get started.

***

Lights, camera... ACTION.

Hello T.Z.! We are so happy to have you here today! Look at all those nice, smiley faces in the crowd. You ready? Okay, good! So, my first question is: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I've always loved writing and always longed to 'be a writer,' but I felt uncomfortable calling myself a 'real writer'. I think I envisioned that a writer was someone who was able to make a living with their words. Then I realized that writers are really people who write... Not people who just talk about writing, or wishing they had more time to write, but real people with real lives and demands who still make time to write- because they love it... because they have to.

I'm a bit of a slow learner when it comes to shifting my mental perspective, so I didn't actually realize this until January 29, 2012. (That's the day I started my Book Launch Blog and the day that I announced to the world that 'I'm a writer' and 'I'm writing'.) That's when I gave myself permission to say "I'm a writer" without feeling like a fraud. That's when I allowed myself to believe it could be more than just scribbled notebooks tucked into a bottom drawer.

You know, it took me a while to actually let myself say 'I'm a writer,' too. I could only do it after I'd finished the first draft of my first novel which took about a year to write! Speaking of novels, I hear you're working your way through one. What's it called?

I don't have a working title. Unless you count 'My Book' as a working title. I'm horrible at creating titles and put it off until the very last minute in the hopes that inspiration will strike and save me.

Since this is part of a trilogy, I want to have a title that reflects that and serve to unify the books... but no pressure. (Maybe I should have my blog followers decide on a title for me so I can quit stressing over it. Is that permissible?)

I know exactly what you mean! I still haven't really thought of a good name for my overall trilogy... Sorry I interrupted. Please continue. Tell us about your novel. Can you give us a short summary?

As to what the book is about: I've always been enamored with dystopian concepts and am also intrigued by the workings and possibilities of time and space. Somehow, between those two fascinations, this story was born. It is the first in a trilogy that centers around a sixteen-year-old girl, Emma Cale, who must cope with the murder of her father.

During this time, every sixteen-year-old is required by law to submit themselves to the government for service to the war-ravaged society. People are starving and the use of many modern conveniences are severely restricted. Since Emma's mother is adamant that Emma will not offer herself for service, they seek refuge with Emma's aunt in an ancient house tucked in a tiny valley away from the political chaos. But (of course) they can't get away that easily... the government officials seek out Emma due her late father's role in the rebellion efforts.

Meanwhile, Emma's mother seems to have the life literally draining out of her, leaving Emma and her... um, "just a friend"... Saul to unravel the years of built up secrets that seem to have settled in the valley. Emma and Saul have to try to protect each other-- and the whole community-- from the unnatural powers that linger there, as well as from a government that's desperate to harness that power...

Wow. You've got me on the edge of my seat! It definitely sounds like a book I'd read! Dystopian books are awesome :)

Anyway, What are you goals for this year?

My goal is to finish this novel and have it available for purchase (via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords) this summer. I also have a few short stories (or at least, what I'm anticipating will be short stories) rattling around in my head that I hope to write and make available for free via Amazon later this year as a way to give back to those who are being so encouraging and supportive of my work. And I really want to continue to meet and get to know more writers... to encourage them and support them in their craft.

Awesome goals! I'd kind of like to know why you so readily chose self publishing. I don't know much about it, myself. But more of that another time!

How long have you been blogging and how has it improved your writing?

I started my first blog (a personal blog) back in the summer of 2009. I think blogging gives me a sense of community and accountability. Writing is really solitary work, so it's nice to find people that you can interact with, root for, and learn from.

I have also realized that I tend to write more when I have the delusion that people are waiting expectantly and, since I suffer from an over-developed sense of guilt, I feel like I 'owe' it to my readers (current and future) to get off my back side and get some words on paper and then to polish it like crazy in the hopes that it will resemble something worth reading. My followers, their encouragement, and their comments are really what keep me moving forward during those times when I still feel like a fraud.

I couldn't agree more! And everyone is so supportive and nice! It's great having people who can cheer you on as you write. Now, what do you like to do when you're not writing?


I love to read. I really like finding out more about science, astronomy, physics and nature. I like to spend time outside and get back in touch with myself. Since I spend so much time in front of a computer, I have to reconnect with nature or I get cranky.


I also like to explore. When I go for a drive and pass by a dilapidated shack, I'm always compelled to pull over and peek in the windows, slide through the hole where the tree crashed in and scour the wreckage for signs of its past.


I have a well-charred antique door knob on my book case that I found when I examined what was left from a house fire at a long-abandoned home in a tiny town where I spent my summers as a child. I stood in the ashes with the wind whipping around me. I could have sworn I heard voices trickle through time... When I look at it now, I think about how many hands turned that knob... and it makes me want to tell those stories.


Ooh I know what you mean about finding about science, astronomy and physics! I love reading about things like that.


Now for our final question: is there anything else we should know about you?


Um... I have a staggering number of food allergies.


I also have a crazy number of phobias (I recently made a list of them... not that I'm likely to forget).


Also, it's been mentioned to me that my family history tends to read like some Southern Gothic novel (a novel my mother keeps urging me to write, but I've found that when you live Southern Gothic it's not nearly as entertaining as when you read it.) Honestly, you don't really notice that you're family is... rather, er, colorful... until you're retelling all those family stories and realize the room has grown quiet and everyone's staring at you.


I'm also superstitious*... wildly so.


And I hope that I can continue to find and connect with writers and readers who are passionate about books and stories and characters. (*knock on wood)


I don't think you'll have too much trouble with finding connections with other writers. *turns to audience* Right guys?


Unfortunately, that's all the time we have for today. We're so glad you could stop by today, T.Z.! Good luck with you're novel :)


So go over to T.Z. Wallace's blog and follow along!! Let's have a big round of applause for T.Z. Wallace!


Aaaaaand cut.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

--Jess

KOMF Winner Interview

Happy Friday, everybody!

Today I'm interviewing one of the winners of the bloghop Knights of MicroFiction, co-hosted by Kathy and me! (It's a monthly thing, so if you want to join, details are HERE). Julie, over at  Rosewood Pencil Box  will be interviewed on Kathy's blog.

Anyway, I'd like to congratulate.........

Fairbetty, over at Fairbetty's World for winning the interview on my blog!
Alrighty, here we go!

*curtain opens*

Good morning fairbetty! It's so nice to have you here! Looks like a nice big audience today. You think you can handle it? Okay, good. Me too. My first question is: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?


I started making up stories at a young age and began my first novel in high school (I mostly finished it last year... finally... it's horrible so don't expect to read it anytime soon :) )

Aww, I'm sure it's not bad! That's just your inner editor talking ;) What's your current WiP?


My current WiP is called (for now) Lilith's Sea . It's a YA fantasy based on folklore from the Orkney Islands of Northern Scotland.

That's really cool! Sounds like a book I'd read! What are your goals for this year?


I hope to complete the re-write of Lilith's Sea and maybe, hopefully, show it to some people. I move slowly, though, so we'll see.

That's great! If you ever need someone to show it to, I'm right here! Anyway, how long have you been blogging and how has it improved your writing?


I have been blogging since 2008... although the past year and a half most consistently. I would say that the act of blogging has not improved my writing so much as the amazing network of writers that I have come in contact with blogging have. Seriously. You are all amazing and encouraging and helpful! Thanks!

We think you're awesome, too :) Is there anything else we should know about you?


I am currently obsessed with the Orkney Islands. I visited them last year (see posts in my blog from April photos) because I wanted to set my novel there.

Lucky! I'd love to go there someday! Unfortunately, that's all the time we have today! Thank you so much for joining us today and I hope you have a great weekend!


*applause & curtain closes*

--Jess

Untraceable- Interview with the Author

Hey everyone! Today I am interviewing S.R. Johannes (Shelli), author of the newly released book Untraceable! Let's get started!


**


Okay, Shelli, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have am MBA in marketing and worked in corporate America for over 15 years doing marketing, communication, and training. I walked off the job in 2006 and have been doing freelance marketing ever since. I own my own marketing company and have worked with Spanx and Goody Hair. I have a hubby from England, 2 kids and a Goldendoodle. I’m actually very boring, which is probably why I write thrillers :) I love being at home, doing yoga, reading and playing with my kids. That’s my everyday.

So how long have you been writing?

(Author S.R. Johannes)

I started right after I had my daughter in 2004. I always say she sat on something. I think since I had 4 months off maternity leave – I started writing while she was napping and couldn’t stop. I hadn’t written much before that. But when I was little I used to write all the time. IN 2006 I left my corporate job and started freelancing in copywriting and marketing. From there I started my own business where I could take the jobs I wanted while writing. It’s the best of both worlds.

Can you tell us more about your book Untraceable?

It's a wilderness thriller with a missing person, a kick-butt heroine, and of course - two hot boys :) what else do you need? Besides Moon Pies.

 What was your inspiration for this thrilling romp through the wilderness?

My hubby came home from camping and said “I was so deep in the woods, someone could do something bad and get away with it.” That planted the seed until I visited the bear pits in Cherokee. I just put those two things together.

I wanted to create a contemporary thriller. I loved James Patterson growing up and there are very few young adult thrillers out there that aren’t paranormal or dystopic. I wanted to create a “stay up late and read” sort of book with a strong girl character who could take care of herself in the real world with no magic or special powers.

What were the difficulties you had to overcome while writing it?

No one else believed in this book. My agent wanted me to shelf it. A publisher wanted me to make it dystopic. So my agent and I parted and I went off on my own. Something inside me needed this book out there.

Did you get published through a publisher or self publish?

I self-published. But I worked very hard to make sure it was of a high quality so you could not tell by looking or reading. Self-pubbing has a tough stigma so I wanted to set myself apart.

Is this your first book?

This is my first book that is published. But I have three other books that have almost been bought by publishers over the last 5 years. A tween paranormal, a teen nonfiction cyber guide, and a MG fairy book. I think I do better in YA though.

What are your upcoming projects?

A special edition is coming on ebook in Jan/Feb with the original ending. Book 2 should be done by summer 2012. After that, we will see. I have a SEKRIT project I'd love to get an agent for but that wont be until fall of next year.

Are there a certain genera you prefer to write in?

Young adult. My voice seems to come natural at 15 or 16. I prefer contemporary books. I can’t do paranormal or fantasy well. I also prefer suspense and thrillers. For some reason I cant seem to write a book without someone trying to get my MC.

Do you prefer writing on your computer or a notepad?

What is a notebook? :) Computer definitely.

How would you describe your main character, Grace, as a character?

Grace is independent, caring but awkward. She connects with nature more than she does with people. She’s a total introvert and would be happy alone for days at a time.

I will say she is impulsive and annoyingly reckless. Exactly like I was as a teen. I didn’t think about the effects of any cause. I didn’t think of consequences, I just did dumb stuff and got lucky. That is Grace. She acts and then thinks.

But no matter what she does, her heart is always in the right place. 

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

I see pieces of myself in all my characters.

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

Don’t give up and go with your gut!

Anything else you want people to know about you or your book?

Give it a try. I know it is not dystopic or fantasy but I think you will not only stay up late reading it but you will walk away forever changed. I hope.

And for a final, random, question. If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?

Besides food and water - books, laptop (with great wireless plan), and picture of family.

**

And there you have it! Thank you so much for stopping by today, Shelli!

Alright everyone, check out Shelli's blog to congratulate her!

Her book is available on Amazon in paperback and kindle formats, and on Smashwords for other ebook editions! Happy reading + have a great weekend!

Untraceable

16 year old Grace was reared in the wilderness. Her first pet was a bear named Simon. Her first potty, an oak tree. And, her first swing, a forest vine. Grace has lived in the Smokies her whole life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her everything he knew about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. But when Grace's dad goes missing on a routine patrol, unlike everyone in her sleepy mountain town, she refuses to believe he’s dead. When a Cheetos bag and stolen government file materialize, Grace is convinced she’s one step closer to proving all the non-believers wrong.

Then one day while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from imminent danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent, that’s definitely not from her neck of the woods, and a secret. Grace has never felt a connection like this before, certainly not with her ex-boyfriend, the adoring, but decidedly unrugged Wyn. 

Now with renewed confidence, Grace travels deeper into the wilderness that has always been her refuge only to learn that her father's disappearance is not a mere coincidence. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kickass heroine to emerge from an epidemic that’s spreading like wild fire, threatening everything and everyone she’s ever loved.

--Jess