Children and Young Adult Author | Official Website
Author: Ellwyn
I live with my loving husband, two children and dog in Philadelphia, PA. I discovered my passion for writing in second grade when I had to write a book report for school. I was so excited to write the report, until my mother told me that I had to write about someone else's book and not my own story. I became indignant and decided that once I finished the book report I would most certainly write my own original story. I have been writing ever since!
My self-published book Chris Kringle's Cops was a Finalist in The Reader's Favorite Book Contest for 2016. I am so happy to share this story with you.
My picture book Kamyla Chung and the Creepy Crawlies was given a 5 Star rating by Reader's Favorite Book Reviews in 2017.
Kamyla and I are going on a trip and we want you to come with us. We’ve made an interactive game to play with you during our travels.
Each day we’ll ask a question related to the trip. The first person to answer these posts correctly on my website wins a prize. I’ll post the first question tomorrow and the answer the day after. Just follow the link.
Have fun and good luck!
Prize List:
1- One Free Classroom Skype Visit
2-An Autographed Copy Of Kamyla Chung and the Creepy Crawlies and a Creepy-Crawly Craft
3-An Autographed Copy Of Kamyla Chung and the Classroom Bully and a Bully Free Pledge Certificate
4-A Copy Of Kamyla Chung and the Creepy-Crawlies Teacher’s Guide
5-A Mason Jar Nightlight
6- A Copy Of Both Books in The Kamyla Chung Series
7-A $5.00 Starbucks Gift Card
8-An Autographed Copy Of Chris Kringle’s Cops The First Mission
9- A Harry Potter “I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good” Shirt.
Claire
Buss loves cake, Victorian Sponge to be precise. She says it’s a classic cake
but when made well it’s truly scrumptious. She has a wonderful sense of humor
that comes through in her writing and her website.
When she’s
not eating cake, Claire pens award-winning books and poetry, bakes, and dotes
on her two young children. She lives in London with her family.
Now that I’ve introduced you to Claire let’s get to know her a little better.
Hello, Claire, and welcome. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you
for having me.
What
inspired you to be a writer?
I have always loved stories and reading as many books as possible, being transported to other worlds with new people and new possibilities.
I always said I would be a writer but then I did nothing about it until 2015 when I saw a poster in my local library for a free writing workshop. I took the course and entered their writing competition placing second overall with my debut novel, The Gaia Effect.
Is
writing your full-time profession?
I’d love
to say writing is my full-time profession and I certainly do try to write as
much as possible.
But I’m also a stay at home mum to my little boy, Leo (5) and my little girl, Anabelle (1) so my writing time tends to be crammed into small opportunities at random times in the day!
How
long have you been writing?
I’ve always written – funny stories when I was young, angsty poetry as a teenager, a few dabbles with fantasy ideas in my twenties and then actually committing in my thirties.
Have
you won any awards?
The Gaia Effect won the Raven Award for Best Sci-Fi Fantasy Novel in 2017, The Rose Thief won a Golden Squirrel Award for Best Book Cover 2018 and Tales from the Seaside won Reedly’s Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 (it placed 26th overall).
How
many books have you written?
I’ve written two books so far in The Gaia Collection, my hopeful dystopia series – The Gaia Effect (2016) and The Gaia Project (2018). I wrote the first draft for the third book in the series, The Gaia Solution, during NaNoWriMo in November 2018 so hopefully I’ll be editing that later this year.
I’ve written two collections of humorous short stories, Tales from Suburbia (2017) and Tales from the Seaside (2018).
I wrote a humorous fantasy book called The Rose Thief (2017) and I‘m currently working on another book in that world, The Interspecies Poker Tournament.
Then I released a collection of flash fiction called The Blue Serpent and Other Tales available for free when you subscribe to my newsletter.
I also wrote four poetry books last year which will become part of a larger series. So far I’ve got Little Book of Verse, Spring Fling, Summer Dreaming and Spooky Little Book of Verse and I hope to add more in the near future.
I’ve had
two short stories published, Underground Scratchings in Tales from
the Underground from Inklings Press and Patient Datain The
Quantum Soul from the Sci-Fi Roundtable.
Last year,
my fellow author CH Clepitt and I edited and released a Christmas anthology
called the Sparkly Badgers’ Christmas Anthology which also includes our
co-written short story A Badger Christmas Carol.
Which genres do you write?
So far I write hopeful dystopian, humorous fantasy and satire plus the poetry but I‘m sure that will expand!
What do
you find most challenging writing for these genres?
To be
honest, I don’t really think about the genre I’m writing in. I write for the
characters and the story they’re trying to tell. I do read a lot of sci-fi and
fantasy, they are my go-to genre but I do try to read wide as well.
I think
the most challenging thing in any genre is to be wary of tropes and specific
cliches unless of course you are using that to your advantage. The thing with
writing is someone, somewhere is always breaking the ‘rules’.
Sometimes
it works, sometimes it doesn’t but the most important thing is that the writing
feels real to you.
What
are you working on now?
I have just realized that my planned novella, The Interspecies Poker Tournament, doesn’t quite work yet so I need to expand it into a novel. Which isn’t a bad thing except for those readers who are waiting to read it! I’m actually looking forward to getting stuck in and expanding the universe.
Last year,
during NaNoWriMo, I wrote a very rough draft of The Gaia Solution which
will be the third book in my Gaia Collection series and I hope to get
going with the revision later this year.
I’m also planning to release another free book of flash fiction this year, title to be decided!
Where
do you find inspiration for your characters?
I do a lot
of people watching, but not in a creepy way! My characters tend to tell me what
they want to say. I’m a discovery writer so I never know what’s going to happen
until I write it.
I don’t
model my characters on anyone in particular but I think I do get a lot of
inspiration from the people around me. Whilst I don‘t like being the centre of
attention, I quite enjoy being on the sidelines and watching others interact,
it’s great dialogue fodder.
What
has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
I think the most rewarding experience has been when I was in the library and my little boy said ‘Mummy, your book is on the shelf.’ Sure enough it was. He’s so proud of me, that’s a very motivating and humbling experience.
What
advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Just do
it. Cliche I know and you should probably avoid those but if you want to write,
write. Don’t worry too much about genres or tropes or what you should or
shouldn’t be doing.
If you
love writing that’s what you should be doing. There’s a whole host of advice
out there for what you should be doing and how you should be writing. I would
say take the things that make sense to you, leave the things that don’t.
If you try
something and it doesn’t work, that’s alright. You can’t do everything all the
time. The main thing is that you enjoy the writing experience.
Is
there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
If you
read one of my books, please post a review. It helps others decide whether they
want to read it or not and that is so important.
I work
really hard to juggle family life and try to keep the writing and marketing
going so I really appreciate knowing that someone has read my book.
I plan to keep writing for lots more years to come, I’ve got lots of ideas, I just need to resist the urge to write them all at once!
What
message are you sharing in your books and poetry?
Friendship,
love, looking after our planet, the importance of family, being a mum, hope and
a healthy dollop of humour.
What
are your favorite books/authors?
The
Wheel of Time series by
Robert Jordan, The Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch, the Discworld
novels by Terry Pratchett, everything Robin Hobb has written. I think it’s fair
to say I love fantasy books!
What
are your favorite movies, TV shows?
Oooh I
love this question. Favourite movies are the LOTR and The Hobbit
trilogies, ThePrincess Bride, all the Disney animation movies, Constantine,
The Matrix, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, The Never-Ending Story, Flight
of the Navigator oh I could go on and on and on!
TV shows – I’m a big fan of anything Joss Whedon wrote so Buffy, Angel
and obviously Firefly among his other shows. The dialogue and character
interplay is so good in those shows.
Currently
we are enjoying the Marvel and DC TV shows as well as things like Suits, TheGood Place, Orange is the New Black.
There is
so much choice out there we’ve gotten very behind on shows we used to watch
because there is always something new popping up. I would like to add that I’ve
got two active lists on my iPad – one for TV shows and one for movies so I
don’t forget to watch things that look interesting.
When
you’re not writing where can we find you?
Usually in
the midst of a huge pile of Legos or trains! #mumlife
VAMPIRE MAGE (REBEL ANGELS FOUR) by Rosemary A Johns
VAMPIRE MAGE is a new novel in the addictive #1 bestselling urban fantasy/paranormal romance series REBEL ANGELS by USAT Bestselling author Rosemary A Johns!
It contains epic battles, steamy love scenes, magic, vampires, angels, shifters, and a badass heroine. Dive into the action-packed magical ride with irresistible vampire and angel lovers and a supernatural world like you’ve never seen it before…and binge read your next series on Kindle Unlimited! http://viewbook.at/VampireMage
In the supernatural war of angels vs vampires, magic is a savage prince. Nothing could’ve prepared Violet for initiation into the Legion of the Phoenix. Perilous. Nightmarish. Deadly.
If the training doesn’t kill her, the sly hot shifter probably will for not saving their world from the fanatical cult leader. The lone female apprentice mage, Violet is trapped in the Brotherhood with an army of angels brainwashed to annihilate vampires.
When three wishes offer her deepest desires, she should know better than to trust them. Even if she lives through the hellish magic Initiation alongside the harem boy angel, she still must face the vicious Mage Challenge. If she doesn’t, the seductive vampire geek she loves will be kept forever as their pet, whilst her snarky angel lover will be executed, only to be resurrected as a slave.
Violet must fight beside her monstrous half-brother, the prince, who hungers to force the world to kneel…or battle against him to become a hero to those she loves. Either way, dangerous magic is unfurling inside her, and new realms are about to open that threaten them all…
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Nothing could’ve prepared Violet for initiation into the Legion of the Phoenix, or being trapped in the Brotherhood with an army of angels brainwashed to annihilate vampires.
Even if she survives alongside the harem boy angel, she still must face the vicious Mage’s Challenge. If she doesn’t, the seductive vampire geek she loves will be kept forever as their pet, whilst her snarky angel lover will be executed, only to be resurrected as a slave.
Violet must fight beside her monstrous half-brother, the prince, who hungers to force the world to kneel…or battle against him to become a hero to those she loves. Either way, dangerous magic is unfurling inside her, and new realms are about to open that threaten them all…
“I am blown away! This series is full of action, snark, and love. Each book has such epic battles, trials, and emotions but I swear that this is my FAVORITE book… In no way can someone read ANY of this series and not be drawn in! Absolutely amazing!” – Rebecca, Goodreads, 5 Stars http://viewbook.at/VampireMage
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EXCERPTS: 1. “You’re in Hogwarts the X-rated version but you can learn here. The Slytherins, who treat me as the class mascot, see you as a champion.” Ash reached as if to touch his gold collar, but only hovered his fingers over the front of it, afraid to touch: it flared warningly, and he winced. “I’m the creature, not you. I wish I could be more than that, and I was once. But I’ve played the pet before and I can do it now, if it means that you’re free.”
I rocked, light-headed, whilst static crackled up and down my skin, spitting to escape and blast the world for letting Ash believe that. “Family means,” I replied, each word as sharp as a polished shank, “that I love you.” Ash blinked at me.
Then I dived at him, howling with violet and black that blurred the kitchen to nothing but Ash, Ash, Ash…
I snatched him by the shoulders, tumbling him over, until we were yanked by the chains at our throats with mirrored yelps. Then I straddled him, licking down the line of his long neck, whilst he gasped.
My steel nails shot out, gouging thin lines down Ash’s chest. He whined, arching into their touch, as I groaned at the intensity of the sensation: trembling shocks that radiated from their sensitive tips. I quaked, biting my lip at the overload. My wings burst to flames at the rush.
Then I lapped at the trails of crimson, juddering at the bursts of rich power and longing. Home. Hell, Ash’s blood was home, and I hungered to drink every drop of him and live in his scarlet… My eyes widened.
Ash’s dazed gaze focused, as if he’d caught my thought, then he slammed his lips against mine: hard and possessive. His fingers tangled in my hair, holding me still. Here was the dark solider of the Under World, who’d dominated the Devil’s Trident in a dance with death that’d paled even mine. No one’s pet.
I burnt to sear away the mages’ touch on him, the lonely days, and his doubts, as well as to prove my love, which tottered new born. I crawled over him, stroking his right wingtip, before sucking it hard between my lips. Ash’s back bowed, as he howled. Yet then he snatched my hand, sucking my claw into his mouth.
Electrified, it was my turn to howl, as I closed my eyes, slamming my other fist, nails out, screeching across the slate. The winding coils from my gums to my wings built to a wailing crescendo, until finally nothing but black…
2. I knelt next to Mischief, pushing back his hair. “What about your magic?” He flinched. “The infernal brand will always be with me, but the witches’ deaths have freed my magic.” He met my gaze, levelly. “I may not kneel for you, but you have my eternal gratitude for unbinding me. For a magic user that means I’m coupled to you in ancient customs, which are stronger than any oath. In every way, I am yours, queen.”
I stared at him, shaking at his intensity and the way my silver reached to his, stroking and intimate. Yours…
When had Mischief called me queen? It hadn’t felt as if he’d been calling me his queen but acknowledging I was worthy of the title. And why should that matter so much that my eyes burned with tears?
At last, Mischief knocked his forehead gently against mine. “Come now, let us return to trading insults and blows or we’ll spook your faithful lovers. Do you imagine these chains will fall from us by fairy wishes?”
I smirked. “You’re rusty. You’ll have to up your Snark-O-Meter.” His eyes glinted. “I do so love a challenge.”
3. “I’m not adorable,” the Cat Vampire hissed, “I’m Tiger.” He nuzzled his chin against the studs in Rebel’s jacket, scenting them. He peeked at Mischief. “And I’m not the one with sparkly hair, angel.” Mischief arched a brow. “Meow, the cat has claws. I hope he knows that I scratch back?”
TESTIMONIALS:
“Rosemary A Johns scores another home run. Rebel Angels has piqued my imagination page after page, book after book. Go ahead and treat yourself today and jump into the world of Rebel Angels along with the rest of us.” – Books, Books, and Ahh Books Blog
“You’d think kicking butt and taking names in heaven and hell would be enough, but no: Violet and her fam must also suffer the whims of a great mage. Secrets are revealed and new adventures are to be had. Love this series!” – Goodreads, Lori, 5 Stars
Everyone loves a rebel, most especially Rosemary A. Johns. A self-proclaimed rebel, Rosemary’s best-selling and multi-award winning fantasy novels are chock full of rabble-rousers, villains, and anti-heroes who fight in epic battles.
Rosemary lives in Oxford, where she
enjoys listening to music, reading and cultivating her inner rebel.
Now that I’ve introduced you to Rosemary let’s get to know her a little better.
Hello, Rosemary, and welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
What
inspired you to be a writer?
First, thanks
for having me on Ellwyn!
I’ve always
loved reading, and Oxford (where I live) has a rich history of fantasy writing.
My parents allowed me to read their fantasy and science fiction books as well
as explore our local libraries from a young age.
Yet I call it
being compelled to write: I have a world inside my head that plays out – I see
my stories like films and it’s a compulsion to write them down. I was a
playwright before, as well as an actor and director, so writing has always been
a part of me.
Is writing
your full-time profession?
Yes—as well as
being my passion!
How long
have you been writing?
When I was eight years old, I wrote my first novel. My first short story was published when I was fourteen. I then wrote plays and owned a theatre company before turning to novels.
Have you won
any awards?
Yes, and I’m
always honoured, whether they’re from the industry or voted for by readers. In
theatre, you have immediate feedback (I loved acting in comedies for the buzz
of making people laugh!), but when you write you only have awards or reviews to
get that response, which is why they’re precious.
Recent awards include: Silver Award in the National Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Finalist in the IAN Book of the Year Awards. Runner-up in the Best Fantasy Book of the Year, Reality Bites Book Awards. Shortlisted in the International Rubery Book Awards.
How many
books have you written?
An
award-winning trilogy called REBEL VAMPIRES, which is a twist on vampire mythology
with a sexy British vampire anti-hero at its heart.
Two novellas in
USA Today Bestselling boxed sets.
Also, a USA Today Bestselling five book series called REBEL ANGELS, which is about an epic war between angels and vampires, with an unexpected heroine at its heart. It’s a sort of Buffy meets Lucifer, where vampires and angels are locked in a deadly war. Half vampire/half angel but raised by humans, Violet is caught between both sides… who want her back.
Which genres
do you write?
My genres are fantasy,
urban fantasy, paranormal normal romance and dark fantasy.
What do you find most challenging writing for these genres?
Writing is
about truth and emotion: it doesn’t matter if you’re talking about angels or
the breakup of a marriage in 1950s America.
The trick is to
find the universals and how it connects to the reader by putting all of
yourself into the book—even the dark places—and shining a light on emotions, so
that the reader sees themselves.
So, when I
write fantasy, it’s magical and thrilling… but it’s also about trust,
abandonment, fathers and daughters, love and what home means.
It’s not challenging, but it’s my one fundamental rule: where’s the truth. This probably comes from being an actress!
What are you
working on now?
The fourth book
in the REBEL ANGELS series is about to release on the 8th January:
VAMPIRE MAGE. When three wishes offer Violet’s deepest desires, she should know
better than to trust them. But can her shifter, vampire, and angel lovers save
her from the dangerous magic unfurling inside her, or is LOVE the most
dangerous magic of all…?
I’m just starting to work on the fifth book in the series and it will be epic…
Where do you
find inspiration for your characters?
Light, in REBEL
VAMPIRES, is a savant vampire who remembers everything as he lives over the
centuries, and this is both a blessing and a curse.
http://viewbook.at/BloodDragons
The idea was
inspired by my son who’s an autistic savant. Another character within the book
is an autistic vampire, and one thing I always do within my books is reflect
society across all spectrums—and as the heroes. Yet apart from his savant ability,
Light’s voice sprang complete into my head.
Maybe because
of my theatre background, voices usually come to me first, then I work on the
character: how will they move? What clothes would they wear? What music would
they listen to?
In REBEL ANGELS, Rebel, my punk Irish angel, sprang alive as soon as I knew these background details.
What has
been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
My Rebels! I
have a fan group and street team called the Rebels, and they’ve been an incredible
support, especially at more difficult times that all writers face, such as
being trolled.
I receive
messages and fan art around both series and hearing how much a book means to
someone or has helped them is massively rewarding.
Light in
particular has made a difference to people who have felt alone, a misfit, or
the outsider (which is all of us at one time or another!), but he’s become the
hero despite it and so he’s helped them through dark times. Books and
characters have done that for me. I love Light and Violet, and my hope is that
readers will as well!
What advice
would you give to authors just starting out?
Only write what
you’re truly passionate about. Publishing is a difficult business, but if you
start from the point of truly caring about what you write, then it’ll see you
through.
Is there
anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
I’m a
subversive artist—this means I challenge society’s lies: disabled people can’t
be successful, money makes you happy, or men must be more dominant than women.
At the heart of
my Rebel books are the themes of freedom, choice, and diversity. But it’s not a
message, rather it’s themes: a reader can make up their own minds.
What are
your favorite books/authors?
I have SO many…
I read every day!
My
favourite book is The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice. I was a teenager when
I read it for the first time.
It
had a major impact because I realized you could write a beautiful monster who knew
he was a monster. But have the reader still love him and be unable to put the
book down. It inspired my love for the antihero. When I’m compared to Anne
Rice, therefore, it’s extra special!
What are
your favorite movies, TV shows?
Movies are a
big inspiration for me: acting, writing, and directing… they’re all crafts. I
love studying what works (or doesn’t!) and why.
I’m also into
bingeing on boxed sets. There are incredible TV shows in fantasy, paranormal,
and sci-fi: Buffy was my original love!
Thor: Ragnarok and the Guardians of the Galaxy films probably come the closest to my sense of humour..!
When you’re
not writing where can we find you?
I’m a British
author. I went to Christ Church, which is the college where they filmed Harry
Potter, and I still do events and readings sometimes in Oxford. I also do
events online, so you can find me wherever you are in the world!
Where can we
find your books?
You can find
them on Amazon: on Kindle, paperback, and audio book. You can also download
them for FREE if you have Kindle Unlimited!
Rennie St. James loves many things:
chocolate, horror movies, martial arts, yoga, travel and her three rescue
kittens. She also loves to write and support Indie Authors through the Facebook
group Clean
Speculative Fiction Readers Group.
Rennie lives in Virginia and is a proud member of house Slytherin.
Now that I’ve introduced you to Rennie let’s get to know her a little better.
Hello, Rennie, and welcome. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
What inspired you to be a writer?
I had the idea
for my fantasy series in college but didn’t have a clue how to proceed. It was years later that fan fiction inspired
me to write.
After six
months of fan fiction, I was back to my original series and working hard. My
fan fiction lessons have stayed with me and inspired some changes too. Thanks to Grimm and Arrow, I
love an ensemble cast and strong friendships.
Is writing
your full-time profession?
No,
unfortunately, I have a full-time job in the real world.
How long
have you been writing?
I posted my first fan fiction story December 2013. After a rather bumpy publishing history, I re-released the first books in my fantasy series this past fall as an indie author.
How many
books have you written?
While I’ve
released three, I have three more written for the series. I have also completed two romances and a
collection of short stories I’ve yet to publish.
Which genre
do you write?
Currently, I’m writing urban fantasy, but I plan to branch out into romances in the next two years.
What do you
find most challenging writing for this genre?
While good
characters and a strong plot are always necessary, fantasy requires a bit of
world-building. It is both challenging
and exciting to bring magic into the real world though.
What are you
working on now?
I’m working on
the next books in The Rahki Chronicles, a new grittier fantasy series,and some romances.
Where do you
find inspiration for your characters?
Basically,
anything I’ve ever read or watched inspires my characters. Real world interactions also add to them.
There’s the additional fact that I share many similarities with my heroes and
villains!
What has
been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
I’ve been fortunate in my ARC reviews. One reader claimed a character as her book boyfriend. Another new reader friend revealed I’d caused her sleepless nights as she wanted to find out what happened.
It was incredibly rewarding to pay it forward as I’ve had my share of book boyfriends and sleepless nights as well.
What advice
would you give to authors just starting out?
Find patience. To paraphrase one of my favorite quotes, writing a book is like telling a joke and having to wait two years to see if it’s funny. You need patience when writing.
You must learn to wait to edit newly finished works with fresh eyes. You must learn to wait for others to read/ review your books. You must learn to wait for acceptance and rejections. And while you are waiting, you write.
Is there
anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
Besides sharing similarities with my characters, writing allows me to share many of my favorite things. You’ll find many references to martial arts, yoga, travel, history, animals, and chocolate in my stories.
You’ll find the same things on my social media accounts so expect pictures of my cats and images of my fave desserts!
What message
are you sharing in your books?
All of my
characters are, in one way or another, finding his/ her place in the
world. I think that’s important for all
of us.
What are
your favorite books/authors?
I read according to my mood so I enjoy classics from Jane Austen, steamy paranormal romances from Lynsay Sands, adventure stories from Michael Crichton, and clean, fluffy romances from Kristen Painter.
I also love supporting Indie Authors and am always looking for my next fun read whether it’s romance, fantasy, adventure, or something entirely new.
What are
your favorite movies, TV shows?
Grimm and Arrow will remain close to my
heart for my fan fiction start. I also
enjoy The Big Bang Theory, Elementary, The Good Place, and iZombie.
The old school shows Gilmore Girls and Charmed will always be on
my watch list.
When you’re
not writing where can we find you?
I enjoy working out at the gym and home.
Travel is big hobby of mine so I try to take a couple weeks off each year for
it. Basically though, I’m a bit of
homebody and enjoy chilling on the couch with my three kitties, family, and
friends.
Do you have a website/Facebook page,
etc?
My website has all of my social media contact so check me out at https://writerRSJ.com.
You’ll also find travel pictures, contests, free reads, and bonus Rahki material.
Where can we
find your books?
Currently,
Books 1-3 of The Rahki Chronicles are available from most digital
stores. You’ll definitely want to start
with Azimuth: https://www.books2read.com/RahkiWorld
Kade Cook is a daydreamer who
enjoys sharing good times with kind-hearted people. A dedicated wife and
mother, she spends each day learning a little more about the person she wants
to become.
A former IT professional, Kade spends her days supporting her children and her nights penciling fantasy novels filled with powerful supernatural characters. Readers have called her storytelling vivid, imaginative and authentic.
Kade lives in Canada with her
family.
Now that I’ve introduced you to Kade let’s get to know her a little better.
What
inspired you to be a writer?
As for how I
started, I had been working as an IT professional until I stayed home to raise
my family. Though it was wonderful, I became bored.
My husband
suggested I write a book to break up the monotony. To his surprise, I did just that. It started by watching the
crows and ravens next door at the neighbor’s house and then ideas about why
they were there just streamed in. The rest is history.
Is writing
your full-time profession?
I am a stay at home mom, so between taking care of kids and running to sports events, it would be my secondary job. The only one that makes any money.
How long have you been writing?
I believe it has been about four years now.
Have you won any awards?
I‘ve been awarded a five star badge by IHIBRP and was short listed for the KOBO Emerging Writer’s Prize in 2017
How many books have you written?
To date, I have written three novels for The Covenant of Shadows Series and two short stories, but only one has been published.
Which genres do you write?
Supernatural Suspense/Urban Fantasy
What do you find most challenging writing for these genres?
My only real challenge is finding enough quality time to sit and write. With constant distractions from the kids, it is a bit of a struggle at times.
What are you working on now?
I am writing the 4th book in my series and beginning to work on some other ideas I have outlined.
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
I think a lot of my characters are little pieces of my own personality brought out from life experiences.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Actually finishing a book. It feels wonderful to type out the last words and think one more book down, many more to go. Each being a mark on this world of your existence and time here.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Don’t give up and don’t listen to negative criticism. This is your journey so go on it. Finish that book, story, novella or what have you.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
I love hearing from readers, and how my writing has affected them. What they loved, what they hated, etc.
What message are you sharing in your books?
I am trying to share the message of hope. To look for light no matter how bleak and dark the world seems.
What are your favorite books?
The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, The Lunar Chronicles, The Throne of Glass, Twilight, A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Robert Langdon Series, Divergent Trilogy, etc. haha!
What are your favorite movies, TV shows?
I watch very little television but I love Lucifer, The Big Bang Theory and Friends.
When you’re not writing where can we find you?
Ha-ha at the
local ice-rink watching my kids play hockey.
