Today I have the pleasure of welcoming here fellow book blogger and debut author, Emma Michaels. Her first novel, The Thirteenth Chime is going to be released on August 13th, 2010, on a Friday 13th. How cool is that?
I've discovered Emma's blog and her book through the Blog Hop and I'm so glad I did. She is super sweet and her novel sounds very intriguing and exciting. I've been reading some great reviews about it. I can't wait to read it! I'm counting the days (see the widget above).
Also, I think it's amazing that one of us, a book blogger, has finally become an author. So, I contacted Emma and asked for an interview. She very kindly agreed. She has been supporting authors and readers for a long time on her blog and now her time has come. I'm cheering her and her book on. I hope you do too, she is very deserving.
Product Description:
No one knew of its existence until it was removed from the attic upstairs.
In a beautiful house that overlooks the sea, an antique clock has the power to change the course of their lives.
The power the clock resonates will not only force Destiny and ex-boyfriend David on a journey into the depths of one man's mind long dead, but into the mind of a man filled with hatred and bent on revenge.
With the only clues to the nature of the clock having disappeared into the sea, Destiny and David must retrace the steps the man had taken into the darkness, before they fall prey to the trap he had set in motion over half a century ago.
Hatred never dies.
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal/ Urban Fantasy)
Publisher: Bokheim Publishing
Available soon in all digital formats and print
Doesn't it sound incredible? I can't wait to get my hands on it!
I want to thank Emma for being here and without further ado here is the interview:
1) What was your inspiration for writing The Thirteenth Chime? Was it the first thing you had ever written?
It is the first book I have ever professionally written for myself, although I have been involved in various freelance and ghost-writing projects with books and also have scribbled down a few ideas before. My inspiration for "The Thirteenth Chime" involved a storm one night that knocked out the power where I live. We had gone to our neighbors to share a few candles and I had an experience with a grandfather clock that night, which inspired the inspiration for the story. When the thunder was shaking the house and the lightning flashed, it was in a moment of silence that the antique grandfather clock began to chime, and the sound echoed throughout the house and my heart.
2) Can you tell us a little about what the story in your own words?
The story is about two people, David and Destiny, who were once romantically involved, but now they are as strangers to one another. Destiny is now engaged to another man and she goes with her roommate to the West Coast to relax during a Spring Break. While there, her roommate and mother are attacked and both end up in the hospital. Not knowing who else to turn to, Destiny asks David for help, who promptly flies to her. However, while they are trying to find out what happened and deal with the emotions from the past, a dark and sinister trap almost fifty years old is waiting for them. They must rediscover the bond they had and renew it once more, before the darkness that is "The Thirteenth Chime" devours them.
3) The Thirteenth Chime has generated quite a buzz in the Internet, and the book hasn't even been published. How does that make you feel? Were you surprised?
I was astonished! I mean, as an aspiring author you can't help but hope for 'the chance' for your first book, but to actually have it happen? It is wonderful! I am so grateful to everyone, bloggers and blog readers alike, who have supported me since I first began writing. Thank you so much!!
4) You are a fellow book blogger turned published author, can you tell you a bit about your journey? Why did you started blogging? When and why did you decide to start writing you own book? Did you ever think you would get published?
I began my first blog back in December '09. I started blogging because of my love of reading and getting to share my thoughts and feelings on books with others. Over time, I began to share my love of writing and when I wrote "The Thirteenth Chime", I received so much support and encouragement, it was wonderful!
5) Why write a young adult novel? What attracted you to the YA and Paranormal genres?
I read my first YA novel when I was younger. I was sick for a time and I couldn't leave my bedroom. My grandmother purchased for me my first YA book and after a few pages, I was hooked. It was then and especially after getting to meet the author of the book, Tamora Pierce, that I realized what I wanted to do - I wanted to become an author of YA books, though it was quiet the secret wish for a long time until meeting my fiance whose one wish, is for me to be happy and follow me dreams.
6) I'm a big fan of the Paranormal genre, ever since I was a little girl and read The Little Vampire by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg. Have you always been interested in the Paranormal?
In some ways, yes I have. Actually, despite the original idea of "The Thirteenth Chime", I hadn't intended for it to become the book that it is today. When I write a story, I feel as though I am merely a scribe who is fortunate enough to write down the story I imagined. I feel it is the characters themselves who truly tell the story and the book evolved into a YA Paranormal. I am very happy with the result and I hope that everyone who reads it will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! I have loved paranormal for many, many years and am so happy that it is now more widely accepted!
7) Do you plan on making The Thirteenth Chime into a series?
Yes, it has been set up that way. It is my hope that if potential fans really enjoy the story that it will become a series.
8) Do you have plans to write other stories, besides The Thirteenth Chime? If so, can you share something about it with us?
Definitely! I have another series in the works and if like owls, you won't be disappointed!
9) Did the story came to you already completely outlined, or did it changed and took unexpected turns while you were writing it?
The story was outlined well when the idea came to me, but I spent almost two years researching the idea, locations and interviews with various people before I began writing. Once I began writing, the story took off and I think in many ways I feel as if I was more of a reader than a writer *laughs* But I love how the story has turned out!
10) What's your favorite supernatural being?
God. Or if you prefer something more mythical, a unicorn - there is something about their innocence and power to heal through a touch that makes me envious. The first YA book I read really helped me overcome the time I was ill, and it is my wish to be able to do that for someone else one day.
11) What do you want your readers to take away with them when they read your books?
I hope they will take away with them a time well spent in reading a really enjoyable book that will make them want to read every sequel and new book that I will write in the future! Or at least that is my hope!
12) What advice would you give to wanna-be writers?
Please don't give up!!! I know it can be frustrating and difficult at times, but I made it and I want to read and enjoy your books just as I hope you will with mine!
13) What are your thoughts on the fan-fiction phenomenon?
I love fan-fiction. I think it is a great way for people to start writing and get past initial writer's block when it comes to their own stories. I would be very flattered if someone did fan-fiction for "The Thirteenth Chime"
14) What book are you currently reading?
"Shiver" by Maggie Stiefvater.
15) What's your favorite book?
Tamora Pierce' "In the Hand of the Goddess".
16) Who's your all time favorite author? Have you ever considered what you might say to him/her if you run into each other?
Tamora Pierce and actually, I have been fortunate in that I met her in person and was able to speak to her for a while. I loved speaking to her and I hope to meet her again one day.
17) Who's your favorite fictional character?
Zedd from "A Sword of Truth" series, aka "Legend of the Seeker". Isn't it sad they canceled the t.v. show? I was so disappointed. It was a great show even if it didn't follow the books very closely!
18) If you could have dinner with any other author, dead or alive, who would it be?
God ( I mean come on, He wrote the most widely read book in the world!).
19) Do you have a favorite character among your own?
Yes, I like Stephanie. There is just something about her spirit and the way she is able to be a bridge between Destiny and David that I feel is great.
20) Which book (besides your own, of course) would you have liked to have written?
I wouldn't choose another book because it would have taken it from another author. I really appreciate all of the work that an author puts into his or her novel. I'm just so happy they were written and that I was one of the fortunate few to get to read it. I hope one day that others feel the same way about my work!
21) What's your favorite book genre?
YA, of course! :-)
22) If you could marry any literary character who would it be?
George Cooper from the "Song of the Lioness" series. I think we would get along well and I love to laugh... If Alanna didn't kill me for stealing him away.
23) Anything else you want to say to your future readers who are eagerly anticipating the release of The Thirteenth Chime on August 13th?
Yes! I hope that each of you will enjoy the book and I promise that if you do, I will keep writing for you! Your support means so much to me and I hope the book will be something you feel was worth the wait! Thank you so much to everyone who has stood by me, for having me here for this interview and to everyone reading!!!!!!
Thanks again Emma for doing this!
Isn't she great? And aren't you counting the days until August 13th?
Grab the countdown widget at the beginning of this post or on my side bar and go check out Emma's web site. And don't forget to buy her book!
Hey stopping by from parajunkee's follow Friday, great post I can't wait for Thirteenth Chime too, it sounds great!! You have a great blog here, and I'm now following!!!
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