Book Review: Abandon

Meg Cabot

Type:Paperback
Publisher:Point (January 2012)
Language:English

Summary: When Pierce first sees him, she thinks he is a murderer. She's right about one thing—he does take lives. But not in the way she ever imagined. Pierce is drawn to the dark stranger even as she tries to uncover the mystery surrounding the tragic death of someone close to her. As she gets closer to the truth—and the stranger—unexpected secrets are revealed, even in her own heart.

-Amazon.com

I had been longing to read this book and finally I got a copy, but I’m actually really sad. I loved the concept of this book. I mean an old tale spun for a new generation, awesome! But I hated Pierce as a character; she was vapid, idiotic, insensitive, shallow, boring person. She's everything I hate in a character. No backbone, changing loyalties, and just this carelessness that I HATE! She is portrayed as being someone who is not materialistic, yet she does and say stuff which makes her exactly so. When she gets into trouble, she says things like "You want money? Fine! My father will give it to you" .

I also didn’t like the flow of the narrative. Part of my 2012 New Year’s resolution was to finish a book not matter how much I want to throw it against the wall (I have not actually done this- I love books too much to actually, physically, harm them even if I didn’t exactly like them). So I read it out, even though I didn’t want to. I felt that the flow was off and all over the place. There were flashbacks throughout the novel, but it was hard to tell where one stopped and one started so I felt lost to most of the book.

I would not have minded the lack of a plot, if the character development was well done. However, every character is one-dimensional. I cannot remember liking a single character. I can’t really say much about John, the male interest. His character was so flat it was hardly 1-dimensional. I felt that he was meant to be this kind of bad boy hottie, but to me he was a stick drawing on a page who gets angry often, sometimes violently angry and aggressive. He even tries to keep Pierce in the underworld against her wishes. He kind of creeped me out.

I haven’t read any on Meg Cabot’s other book, but I loved the Princess Diaries movies and I hope I’ll be able to read those books soon. The premise of the book is promising and as this is a series maybe the books will get better. However, I will probably not read the next in the series mostly because I had to force myself to finish the book. The whole book wasn't terrible, but it wasn't good enough for me to want to recommend it to a friend.

Buy this Book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

About Meg Cabot:

Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. Born
and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Meg also lived in Grenoble, France and Carmel, California (the setting for her bestselling Mediator series) before moving to New York City after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University.
After working for ten years as an assistant residence hall director at New York University (an experience from which she occasionally draws inspiration for her Heather Wells mystery series—two new books in the series will be out in 2012 and 2013), Meg wrote the Princess Diaries series, which was made into two hit movies by Disney, sold over 16 million copies, and has been translated into 38 languages. and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Meg also lived in Grenoble, France and Carmel, California (the setting for her bestselling Mediator series) before moving to New York City after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University.

-MegCabot.com 

Book Review: Will Grayson Will Grayson

John Green and David Levithan
Reading level:Ages 14 and up
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher:Speak; Reprint edition (April 5, 2011)

Summary:
One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, Will Grayson crosses paths with . . . Will Grayson. Two teens with the same name, running in two very different circles, suddenly find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, and culminating in epic turns-of-heart and the most fabulous musical ever to grace the high school stage. Told in alternating voices from two YA superstars, this collaborative novel features a double helping of the heart and humor that have won them both legions of fans.

-Amazon.com

So far, this is the third book I’ve read by John Green and my first by David Levithan. I had mixed feelings about this book. Through the actual reading process, I loved both Wills but then I didn’t. As usual these characters are realistically crafted and easy to relate to. There were times throughout the story that I felt myself nodding in sympathy or feeling vindictive hatred for the unfortunately dead-on portrayal of selfishness and angst that's common in most high school teenagers. What I love about these characters is that they are individuals who learn life lessons and cry and hope and dissect situations to ridiculous extremes and hold grudges and appreciate love and friendship. This is the kind of book that reminds you what a coming of age tale is supposed to be.

But then there were the times when I felt like giving up. I don’t get why his is written in all lower case letters, something that actually bugged me quite a bit. “will” was the MOST stereotypical emo character I have ever read. Every cliché "emo kid" idea you could come up with is thrown in his chapters. And I do have a few emo friends, even they do not whine as much as this guy!

However, I trusted John Green as a writer so I continued to read on. After several chapter, there is a clear shift in “will’s” character and then the novel became quite enjoyable. John Green never fails to present a wonderful character who is full and enjoyable.

All in all, this was a pretty great novel. It’s not long before you are pulled into the world of the Will Graysons. You will laugh, cry, have hopes and enjoy the time you spend reading this novel.

Buy this book:    
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Find these authors:
<---  John Green



David Levithan --->

Book Review: Looking for Alaska

John Green

Reading level:Ages 14 and up
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher:Speak (December 28, 2006)

Summary: Before. Miles “Pudge” Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave “the Great Perhaps” even more (François Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young. She is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart. Then. . . . After. Nothing is ever the same.

-Amazon.com

I loved this book! Looking for Alaska was not what I thought it was going to be. Honestly, I didn’t even read the summery, but after reading John Green’s, An Abundance of Katharines, I had to read more. And I was not disappointed! I felt as if I was part of the novel rather than reading it. I laughed and cried! Green’s crisp voice transcends all age limits. This book deals with all the big situations that EVERYONE goes through: friendship, suffering, loss, and grief, love, hatred, and philosophy- it does so with such compassion and humor that the net impact is uplifting.

I loved the idea of “last words,” and “escaping the labyrinth of suffering”. throughout the novel I felt that I was seeking the same answers the characters were and through the author’s plot process I was not left feeling that I didn’t understand.

I was sad when the book ended- because I wanted it to go on forever. I did not want to leave this world that was so real!

This is a must read book. Even if you prefer reading paranormal romance or fantasy novels, GIVE THIS BOOK A TRY!

Where you can find John Green and his books:
Kindle  Nook     Author Website    
Youtube: VlogBrothers
Twitter: @realjohngreen
Facebook: John Green Fans
Goodreads: Fan Page

About John Green:
John Green is a New York Times bestselling author who has received numerous awards, including both the Printz Medal and a Printz Honor. John is also the cocreator (with his brother, Hank) of the popular video blog Brotherhood 2.0, which has been watched more than 30 million times by Nerdfighter fans all over the globe. John Green lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

-Amazon.com

Author Interview: Hope Collier

Hope Collier was born in Harlan County, Kentucky. Growing up in the Appalachia, she quickly learned that a good imagination — along with the ability to outrun the neighbor’s cantankerous dog — was essential to survival. Hope wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of six and never stopped writing. She now lives in central Kentucky with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. When not spending time with her imaginary friends, you’re likely to find her stalking other writers on Twitter or searching out new ways of fitting square pegs into round holes.

                                                                                                  -From Author's Website

Where you can find Hope Collier and her books:

Author Website: Hope Collier Books

Where to buy: The Willows: Haven

Twitter: @hopecollier

Facebook: Hope Collier

Blog: A Lilliputian’s Journey to Publication

E-mail: hope@hopecollier.com

I just want to thank author Hope Collier for participating in this interview. Congrats on her success and best wishes in her future.

I hope everyone enjoys the interview.

Interview:

~When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer/ that you even liked writing

I'm not sure I ever had a moment where I just knew I wanted to be a writer. It's something I've always done. I wrote and illustrated my first book at six years old. Our teacher had them covered and bound as a surprise. I haven't stopped writing since.

~What inspires you to write?

I find inspiration in most aspects of life, but the thing that inspires me most is music! After writing, that's my favorite thing of all. It amazes me that someone can sum up an entire story in a matter of minutes.

~Are any of your characters similar to you or anyone you know?

I think all writers include a little bit of themselves and others in their characters…whether they mean to or not.  I want my characters to feel and act real. The best way to do that is by observing others.

~What made you decide to self-publish? Did you try to go the traditional route at all or did you know from the get-go you wanted to be an indie?

I'm published through a small press and couldn't be happier. I love the attention and support authors receive from smaller houses. It was nice to have a say in cover design and content. I queried a handful of agents very early on, but the more I learned about indie publishers, the more I realized that was the best fit for me.

~Do you have any other jobs at the moment or are you just focusing on your writing?

I'm a stay at home mom of two little girls, and they keep me on my toes!

~Do you enjoy writing in first or third person?

This is a tricky question. I prefer first person for the fact that I love feeling, seeing, hearing and just experiencing what the character is. However, third person is more inclusive of all characters. You get a more information when you can see every aspect. There are advantages to both, but I'd have to say I prefer first person.

~What is a must have food/drink that you must have when writing?

Sweet tea!

~Who are your favorite authors and do they affect your writing?

My favorite authors are Janet Evanovich, because she has such relatable stories and characters, and Elizabeth Isaacs because she is such an emotional and sensory writer. It truly resonates with the reader. I so strive to be that kind of story teller!

~What are your goals at the moment?

My goals for the near future are: Finish the novel due out in April, and complete the second book in THE WILLOWS series due out Fall 2012.

~What was the best and worst comment from any of your writing? How has it helped you grow as a writer?

I try not to take compliments or criticism personally. It becomes too much pressure to please a reader. The problem is, what one person might love about your writing, another may hate. I just try to write something I'd want to read myself and learn from my mistakes. Though I will say, honesty and specificity really help no matter if it's a complement or criticism.

~Will we ever get to see any of your unpublished work one day?

Geez, I hope not! It's unpublished for a reason. Haha!

~You mainly write for teens, why?

I love YA! There's just something magic about teens and the way they see the world. Everything is emotional and epic, yet there's still the newness of not having experienced everything life has to offer.

~Can you share with us a little of the work that is yet to come?

Book two of THE WILLOWS is well under way and so much fun! Everyone will get a deeper look into the mythology surrounding the world where Ashton, Gabe, and the rest live. More questions will be answered from HAVEN, and there will be a few surprises as well. I'm all about the mystery!

~Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

You guys are my heroes! I couldn't do this without the support and encouragement of the readers. I owe you all more than I can ever repay you! Thanks!

~Do you have any rituals or habits that you do when writing?

Music! Music is the drive behind my muse. It fuels my imagination and sets the stage for what's going to happen. I can't write without it.

~Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?

See the previous question ;) My favorite bands for writing are: Luke Asher, Silversun Pickups, Florence + the Machine, Bon Iver, The Fray, Adele, Death Cab for Cutie, and Snow Patrol. I love indie, folk, and singer/songwriter bands.

~Out of every one of your novels, who is your favorite character?

Oh, wow. This is a near impossible question to answer. I think one of my favorite characters to write is Kyle. He's just so easygoing and simple, but he's genuine and heartfelt. He's the kind of person anyone would want to have as a best friend.

~Which is your all time favorite novel?

Hands down, my favorite book ever, THE LIGHT OF ASTERIA by Elizabeth Isaacs. No other novel has moved me like this one. It's a story about selfless love and heartfelt forgiveness. Not to mention the incredible characters that are so real and true to life, you forget they're not really your friends. Just an incredible story! I highly recommend it!

~Do you outline before you write?

Not typically. I'm more of a pantser when it comes to writing. I'm not sure if that's the best way to write, but I think if I plotted the entire thing, I'd pull my hair out. I like the element of surprise, even if it's from my own characters.

~If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor and why?

Elizabeth Isaacs. I love her ability to include so much information and detail without the reader ever noticing they're getting it. And her world/character building is just amazing! There's so much more to her stories than the obvious. They're steeped in meaning and significance.

~Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Free advice is worth what it costs you, but mine would be this: Write for you. Write for fun. Learn and grow, but never give up or compromise when it means something to you! Oh, and don't expect to be perfect…especially when you're just starting out.

~What are some future projects we can expect?

I actually have several projects in varying stages. I hope to have more on those as they progress, and I have a little better idea how they'll pan out. One is a ghost story and the other has more of an "earthy" feel. And of course, Book 2 of THE WILLOWS.

Random questions:

~If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want?

To pilot their indestructible aircraft! I don't want to be able to hurt myself.

~If you could be any character in fiction, whom would it be?

Hmm, this is a tough one. The first person to pop into my mind is Jo March from Little Women. She's such an incredible character…strong and non-conforming. She was always comfortable with herself and really made an impact. Plus, she was a writer.

~If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

It'd probably something lame but functional like super-human knowledge retention. I love words and information. It would be nice to act as a walking encyclopedia as long as I wasn’t annoying!

~If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?

Something salty, no doubt!

~When was the year you were the most happy and why?

I've never been happier or more content than I am now. My life is so beyond blessed. I couldn't ask for anything more.

~If you had to choose to fight off 1000 cats, 1000 babies, or 1000 old people, who would you fight against?

I'm going to go with 1,000 babies. They're relatively immobile and they don't have teeth. While some might say that's true of the latter, the thought of dirty diapers is less creepy on an infant. ;)

~If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

"Caution: Stumbler at Work"



Book Review: Hell Phone

William Sleator
★★★★★

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 2007)



Nick wants a cell phone so he can talk to his girlfriend, Jen, after school, but he doesn't have a lot of money. The used phone he buys seems like a bargain, until the phone calls begin—strangers calling night and day, some begging for help, others making demands. Nick wants to get rid of the phone, but something prevents him, and, soon he finds himself committing crimes—stealing, conning . . .and killing. --- Goodreads

Surprisingly, I found this book in the Dollar Store. I’ll tell you now, if you’re thinking that “Oh, it’s from the Dollar Store, it must be bad,” I have to let you know now that this statement is not true. I’ve actually found some really amazing books there.

Now, on to the review: I really liked this book. Honestly, I thought how serious of a story that is about a phone from hell is going to be? Boy, was I wrong to judge (Remember kids, don’t judge a book by it’s cover- but sometimes the cover helps). Sleator really spun a story out of an almost wacky idea that had me terrified that my phone might ring one night and people from hell would be on the other side. I swear to you, I used to jump out of my skin when the phone rang while I was reading this book.

I really liked Nick as a character. He felt whole and real to me. There was no hide and seek with his character. He was a really sweet guy who wanted to be closer to his girlfriend and then falls into a horrible situation. I felt for his character. Sometimes I felt like I was Nick. When he was sad, I was sad. When he got angry, I got angry. There were a lot of emotions in this book, but not so much that you felt lost.

I love the twist in the last few chapters! My heart was racing and I could not stop reading. William Sleator was a horror genius! If you love horrors that hit you with an unexpected twist, you will love this novel!

William Sleator (February 13, 1945 – August 3, 2011)

Where you can find other William Sleator books:
Amazon: Author Page
Goodreads: Author Page
On this blog:

Book Review: Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

★★★★★

Hardcover:336 pages
Readig Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (November 1, 2011)

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…Now it’s our turn. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, turning everday people into hunters, killers, crazies.

Mason's mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground, and everyone he knows is killed. Aries survives an earthquake aftershock on a bus, and thinks the worst is over when a mysterious stranger pulls her out of the wreckage, but she’s about to discover a world changed forever. Clementine, the only survivor of an emergency town hall meeting that descends into murderous chaos, is on the run from savage strangers who used to be her friends and neighbors. And Michael witnesses a brutal road rage incident that is made much worse by the arrival of the police--who gun down the guilty party and then turn on the bystanding crowd.

Where do you go for justice when even the lawmakers have turned bad? These four teens are on the same road in a world gone mad. Struggling to survive, clinging on to love and meaning wherever it can be found, this is a journey into the heart of darkness – but also a journey to find each other and a place of safety.



WOW. WOW. WOW! Did I mention: WOW? Dark Inside was just awesome, awesome, AWESOME! 2011 has definitely been the year for dystopian novels and so far I have read some pretty amazing ones including Blood Red Road, Divergent, and The Hunger Games. But Jeyn Roberts writes a novel that is unlike any I have read so far. Told from 4 different POVs, Roberts explores the world as it falls to pieces. Unlike other dystopian novels recently, Roberts explores the during and after of the end-of-the-world situation, not just the after. Personally, I thought this was amazing (sorry for the lack of words here but it is just AMAZING!). The multiple POVs showed that there were not just one hero in this devastation, but multiple. The characters were so real and interesting I found myself dreaming about them while I was awake or asleep. I was sad when I couldn’t find time to finish and when I did get to read it I was lost in the world of Dark Inside.

First, the cover art is just brilliant. Honestly, while searching on Amazon, when I came upon the book, it was the cover art that drew me in and it was the summary and the preview that persuaded me to buy this book. I didn’t even bother to read anything about the book- call it instinct, but I just knew this book just had to be great! And I sure was right.

Of the four characters, I think Aries hasto be my favorite. I’d like to think that if I were ever in that circumstance I would be able to become the leader and worry about everyone else beside myself. She took control when there was no hope of security and tried to make the horrible situation at least half-way decent. Mason is just a really sweet guy. After loosing his mother, I really thought he would just ended up killing himself or eventually turn into a Bagger himself. He lost everything he had. After finally being able to trust people again and then having them ripped away from him was just so sad. Michael was…interesting. I felt he was one of the realest characters. Even though he was faced with the decision of dying with his group or saving himself own would have thought he would have stayed and try to find a way to beat the Bagger and save his friend Evens and the woman with her sick child, but the fact that he ran away and tried to save at least himself- well I thought that was the most human a character has ever acted. Clementine was so determined to find her brother, it was awesome to see how her mind worked in trying to travel a monster infested world when there was little hope of any survival. Roberts characters were each different and I really couldn’t pick which was more brave. These teens were throw into a world that wanted to rip them to shreds and Roberts was able to psychologically dig into each one of their subconscious that give us characters that each had different goals and feels while stuck in the same world.

I loved the idea of this evil and how the world was cleansing itself. Roberts even gave us instances where this might have actually have happened. The Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs, all leaders of their time and each fell. It is almost like Roberts is suggesting that no matter how much we grow, sometimes the world cannot take the evil and then we need to be cleansed. The idea that others turned “evil” while others were spared was so fascinating, but also it was like even though they were somewhat safe from this “evil” they too held some of it within them. I just thought the psyche of that was just brilliant!

Roberts delivery was spectacular. I never felt out of the loop and the additional view from “Nothing” lets the reader into the mind of those turned. I thought Roberts choice from the multiple POVs was spectacular and the fact that they all met up in the end was just great!

I read that there was going to be a sequel and I so hope that’s true because I am DYING to read what happened next. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE… this book! Simon & Schuster has defiantly been publishing some of the most amazing dystopian novels ever. First Blood Red Road and now Dark Inside. I am defiantly loving this year!

If you haven’t read this book yet I really have no idea what you are waiting for. Go- go get a copy now. I serious!

Where to find Jeyn Roberts:
Twitter: @JeynRoberts
Amazon: Jeyn Roberts Author Page
Facebook: Jeyn Roberts
Good Reads: Jeyn Roberts
YouTube: Dark Inside Trailer
Author Website: JeynRoberts
Simon & Schuster: Jeyn Roberts Author

Author Interview: Nicole Storey

After becoming a “Twitter fanatic” over the past few months, I have had the honor of meeting a myriad of different people with whom I have much in common, and have become friends with. One such person is YA/MG author, Nicole Storey of Grimsley Hollow: The Chosen One. Over a very short time, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Ms. Storey and I can say with all my heart that she is genuinely a wonderful and kind person. Ms. Storey has been extremely supportive and was gracious enough to answer a few questions as a guest on KniteTales and I am quite grateful she agreed. Please welcome, Nicole Storey:

Nicole Storey during her favorite time of year, Holloween.

1) What inspired you to write "Grimsley Hollow"?

A: “Grimsley Hollow” started out as a hobby. As a stay-at-home mom, I realized that I didn’t have something that I could do that was “all mine” and no one else's. I began writing because I wanted to do something for myself.

2) What is your workspace like?

A: My office is usually pretty neat. I have two fish tanks in there (a 150 gallon and a 30 gallon), and with all of the filters going, it sounds like it is raining all the time; very peaceful. My desk, on the other hand, can get very unorganized, especially when I am editing! I’m the type of person who can’t work in chaos, so I try to keep everything as neat as I can.

3) What is a typical day in your life?

A: A typical day for me is waking at 6am to get the kids ready for school. After that, I do a bit of cleaning or running errands, and then I write. I go into my study, turn on some music, and let myself enter another world. It is the best job in the world! After my kids get home from school, I help them with their homework, cook dinner, and then I try to spend some time with my family. Our favorite thing to do is have “Movie Night” where I pop popcorn and we turn all the lights off and cuddle on the couch to watch a dvd or I read to my kids.

4) What are three of your favorite authors? And do they inspire your writing?

A: I have a lot of authors that I enjoy reading. Right now, one of my favorite series is “The Hollows” by Kim Harrison and yes, she does inspire me. I love the way Kim always has time for her fans. She answers questions, whether it be about her writing or helping others with their own writing. She hasn’t forgot about the very people who got her where she is today and I respect that about her. So many other authors forget about the fans once they reach a certain point in their careers.

5) Do you have any rituals or habits that you do when writing?

A: I always have to have some sort of music playing in the background and a cup of coffee by my hand.

6) Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?

A: Yes! I like instrumental music, usually Manheim Steamroller or some other spooky tunes.


7) What is your preferred drink or snack that is a must have when you write?

A: I must have coffee!!! I am a coffee addict!

8) What is your favorite genre to read and write?

A: I write middle grade fantasy with a touch of paranormal and I love to read fantasy and paranormal, too. I also enjoy books that deal with people in impossible situations such as dystopian genres. Really, I like all kinds of books except romance and erotica.

9) What can of books can we expect from you in the future? Anything unrelated to the series you are writing?

A: I do have an idea for a horror/thriller book that I am thinking of and also a children’s book. However, my next book will be in the “Grismley Hollow” series.

10) If you could change anything about your book, what would you change?

A: I plan to do some revisions in my first book to clarify changes in different point-of-views. Other than that, I love my book just the way it is.

11) Who is your favorite author?

A: My favorite author of all time is C.S. Lewis. His works instilled in me the love of reading and books when I was a child.

12) What was the hardest part to write?

A: The hardest part of writing for me is editing. It is hard to edit your own work, but having the help of beta readers makes it go a little easier.

13) What did you do to get yourself in the mindset to write everyday?

A: I love to write, so it isn’t hard for me to get in that mindset. I always have ideas for my characters running through my head. I live in Grimsley Hollow almost 24/7! LOL!

14) What is your favorite part about the book?

A: I think my favorite part is when Gage blames himself for Siren’s kidnapping and the dragon explains to him why he shouldn’t. Too many times in our lives, we blame ourselves for things that are beyond our control. It is a good lesson to learn.

15) Do you outline your story?

A: I didn’t with my first book and I wish that I had. I do have an outline for the one I am working on now. The story doesn’t always stay with what I have on my outline, but it is a good base to have and I always come back to it. A lot of times, my characters take on a life of their own and I have no choice but to follow them and see where it leads.

16) If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

A: J.K. Rowling. Her personal story will always be an inspiration to me and she showed me that if I a person really wants to write, then they shouldn’t let anything keep them from their dream.

17) What book are you reading now?

A: Right now, I am not reading anything because my children have been sick (both are scheduled for surgeries this month), but I read several over the past couple of weeks, including “Keiko’s House” by Hugh Ashton, K.L. Nappier’s “Full Wolf Moon” series, and “Cicada” by Belle Whittington. I plan on starting M. Edward McNally’s “Norothian Cycle” series as soon as I get a moment.



18) Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

A: Oh yes! K.L. Nappier, Erik Gustafson, Stephen Hise, Kristina Jackson, Belle Whittington, William G. Jones, TW Brown, and many others! Most of the new authors I have discovered belong to a book club that I am a member of on Facebook called “Book Junkies”. Indie authors have really turned my head these days and it is nice to go outside of the box of “traditional writers” and find new and exciting books to read. There are so many talented Indie writers out there! For those who are interested, you can find many wonderful books here: https://www.facebook.com/BookJunkiesLibrary

19) What are your current projects?

A: Right now, I am working on the second book in the “Grimsley Hollow” series called “The Search For Siren”. Next month, I will also start a revision on my first book to polish it up a bit.

20) Can you share a little of your work to come?

A: In the second “Grimsley Hollow” book, Siren (a werewolf and Gage’s best friend) has been taken hostage by the evil witch, Inari. He and his friends are on a quest to rescue him before he is turned into a wolf forever and forgets all of his human traits.

21)Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

A: I learned that I still have a lot to learn, especially in the publishing and marketing business! I also learned not to give up hope and to keep working towards my goals because all the hard work will pay off in the end. My son taught me that. He is the main character in the “Grimsley Hollow” book and he has autism and Tourette’s syndrome.

22) Do you have any advice for other writers?

A: Read, read, read!!! The more you read, the more you learn about writing. Also, what has helped me the most is joining a book club, such as Book Junkies: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ginniefrancesreadingroup/ There are many writers, beta readers, and reviewers in this club and they offer excellent advice and will give you honest opinions on your work. Lastly, when you think you have your book finished, edit it one more time or get someone else to read over it for you. Beta readers are very important, as they catch those mistakes that the writer will most likely miss on their own.


23) Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

A: Yes! I have just been signed with Inknbeans Press (www.inknbeans.com)!!! I am so happy about this news! It is so reassuring to have a company such as this supporting me in my writing career!

24) Who designed your cover art?

A: Caludia from Phatpuppy Art (www.phatpuppyart.com). She is THE BEST digital artist out there today, in my opinion! She has designed covers for authors such as Amanda Hocking, S.E. Gordon, Jason Letts and many others.

25) When did you realize you wanted to write/ become a writer?

A: I have always loved to write, but have always hated printing! I hold my pens/pencils in a weird way that causes my hand to cramp up after about an hour. When I was 13 years old, I got a type writer for Christmas and it opened a whole new world for me.

26) As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? And have you accomplished that?

A: For a long time, I wanted to be a marine biologist. I love the ocean and all the animals that live there. They fascinate me! But, life has a way of taking you down different roads instead of the ones you plan for yourself. I’m very glad it did.



Random questions:
If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want?

A: I would ask them for a cure for diseases that plague our world right now; autism and cancer being the first two.

If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be?

A: I would love to be a character in “The Chronicles of Narnia” or perhaps Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter books.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

A: Sandra Bullock! LOL! She is one of my favorite actresses and can always make me laugh.

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

A: I think it would be fun to fly! Oh, and of course have the power to produce amazing works of literature!

If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?

A: Wow, that’s a hard one! Probably corn bread because it goes with anything down here in the south! LOL!

I can be reached at these places:

Twitter: @Nicole_Storey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolestoreyfans

Blog: nicolestorey.wordpress.com

My book, “Grimsley Hollow-The Chosen One” is available in paperback and e-book at places such as Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.


I'd like to say a big thank you to Ms. Storey for being a part of my first interview here at KniteTales! Also, CONGRATS on getting signed! I am thrilled to have met such a wonderful person and have been able to read her book.
I hope you all enjoyed this interview and don't forget to comment below.