Monday, April 22, 2013

Author interview with Dawna Raver


Colour Wielders  
Heirs of the Magykal Realm Series Book One

By: Dawna Raver

 Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy Romance
 Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
 Word Count: 124k
 Cover Artist: Ricky Gunawan

Book Description:

Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.

Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.

As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.

Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?

Author Dawna Raver's Interview:

Tell us a little about yourself:
First, I'd like to thank you, Brenda for having me.
Let's see. I recently moved to San Antonio from Albuquerque, New Mexico because of my husband's work. I've had many careers from bookkeeper to graphic designer. But writing will be my final, and favorite one. I love to cook, read, and watch football. (Go Fins, go Broncos.)

Did you always want to be a writer?
Actually, I kind of fell into writing. I was recovering from surgery and was bored. I'd never written for fun before, but with nothing else to do, I sat down and started writing about an old memory.

What inspired you to write Colour Wielders?
As I mentioned,  my writing was inspired by recording an old memory. As I wrote, I thought it might be fun to change the outcome of the memory. From there, and after many versions, Colour Wielders was born.

What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
The hardest things was fine tuning the plot. There have been times when I've felt it get away from me. That's when you have to stop and map out where you're going. And the editing. In fact, the editing was the hardest thing by far.

What was the easiest?
Creating the characters. I've always had a clear picture of them in my mind. But that doesn't mean they don't often surprise me. One of the coolest things about writing is when your characters does something or say something that turns the story on a dime. For me, that's pure writing magic.

What genre is this and what drew you to writing it as such?
Colour Wielders isn't exactly one genre but a combination. I call it a romantic urban fantasy. I love romance and love the idea of fantasy. You can do anything, be anyone.

How many will be in this series? Or is it a stand alone? When done what will you write next? Anything planned?
As of this moment, I believe the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series will be a trilogy. But if a 4th book is required, so be it. I won't limit myself to 3 books if 4 are necessary. There may be a standalone novel or novella about one of the subsidiary characters.
I also have an idea for a stand alone paranormal romance which could be expanded into a series. I'd like to have that out early 2014.

Do you have a certain routine you do before you start writing? Like a certain spot you sit in? Background sounds? Music you listen to?
I usually try to start writing by noon most everyday. I have an office with a lovely leather chain and a new desk. I really should be sitting in there everyday. But, we just bought a new leather couch and it's very comfy. I'll admit, unless I'm on deadline, I usually work from the couch. So I guess that makes me a couch potato writer. Sigh.

What have you learned through your publishing experience that you can share?
The biggest thing I've learned is you have to stand up for your story. If you have an editor that's taking it in a direction you don't like, say something. Say it loudly so everyone hears you. Your story is your baby. Only you understand the nuts and bolts. Don't be afraid to move on to another editor if it just isn't working.
Also, starting promoting yourself before your book not after. In today's world, you have to have a social media presence even if you don't want to. Make connections, talk to other authors, talk to reviewers. Sad but true, you will spend as much time doing this as you will writing. It's the nature of this beast we love.

Have you experienced writers block while writing Colour Wielders? How did you overcome it and can you give any advice to other writers?
I really didn't have writers block, luckily. I've pretty much always known where the story needed and was going. I did have a family crisis that effectively killed my writing for about 2 months. I didn't have the energy to write. After it was over, I was still worn out. But, I made myself get over it. You kind of have to.
I'd say if you're experiencing a block, read. In fact, as a writer, you should be reading a lot anyway.

As the release date gets closer, how are you feeling? I know I’d be nervous! What are you doing to pass the time?
Promotion, promotion, promotion. And yes, I'm as nervous as an expectant parent. Will you like my baby? Is it pretty enough? Yada, yada, yada. But, at this point, Colour Wielders is what it is.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Like any surprises coming up? A book preview? Or anything at all, just add it here.
I'd love to share the link for chapter one of Colour Wielders. You can read it here.

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Contact Dawna at:
Support indie authors by reviewing this book at:

Giveaway to celebrate the release of Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rafflecopter giveaway Sharecode: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OGExMTdhYjE5ZDg1MDYyYjIxZTk4OGNiNGNmNTgyOjA=/

Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver: special Interview with Quinn and Arik


Colour Wielders  
Heirs of the Magykal Realm Series Book One
Dawna Raver

 Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy Romance
 Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
 Word Count: 124k
 Cover Artist: Ricky Gunawan

Book Description:

Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.

Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.

As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.

Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?

 About the Author:

Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.
Contact Dawna at:
Support indie authors by reviewing this book at:


Giveaway to celebrate the release of Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharecode:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OGExMTdhYjE5ZDg1MDYyYjIxZTk4OGNiNGNmNTgyOjA=/

Colour Wielders Quotes

"You have the Sight. I guess some might call that magic.

"Forever is a long time. But I could do it with you."

There are so many things I would explain if I could. I would tell you we are the Colour Wielders; a people of Magyk.

A war is coming. One bigger and more frightening than the likes we have seen before. Do you not feel it? Choose with a clear head and an even clearer heart.

… emotionally, she felt like she was on a Tilt-A-Whirl. Each time she adjusted to spinning in one direction, the trajectory switched, sending her whirling in a different one. Somehow, her life turned into the Magical Mystery Tour. Funny, she didn't recall buying a ticket.


Interview with Arik Morgaine

Dawna Raver: Hi Arik. Long time no see.
 (I say this trying to keep my tongue from lolling out of my mouth. The man is hot in his tight, black T-shirt and jeans. The energy radiating from him comes to me in colorful hues. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.)
 Arik Morgaine: I've been busy. Very busy.
 Dawna Raver: I'm sure. I appreciate you taking time to speak with me.
 Arik Morgaine: Hmph.
 (He rolls his tourmaline-blue eyes, exasperated, but I can't help but swoon.)
 Dawna Raver: So, you said you've been busy. What's going on?
 Arik Morgaine: Things you couldn't possible grasp, being Mortal and all.
(He says the word Mortal with a sneer as he leans forward, staring me down. His Irish/Swedish accent sends shivers across my skin.)
 Dawna Raver: Hmm. Well, Mortal or not, how about you enlighten me anyway.
(I stare right back at him. Gorgeous Demigod or not, I refuse to be intimated.)
Arik Morgaine: (He sighs.) Things are going down. Unexpected things. Things that shouldn't be happening.
Dawna Raver: Oh you mean like the Changeling coming back?
(Arik stiffens at the mention of the Changeling.)
Arik Morgaine: How do you know about that?
Dawna Raver: (I smile.) I have my ways.
(Considering me, he rubs his chin with hand, and one, long finger brushes over the sexy cleft in his chin.)
Arik Morgaine: The Establishment, I expect.
Dawna Raver: No, not the Establishment. But I did speak with King Finn Bheara the other day. He sends his love.
Arik Morgaine: Ha! I'm sure. There's no love lost there. I refuse to bow to him and his two cronies until they come clean. Admit to what's going on under their noses.
Dawna Raver: One of those cronies is your father, Týr, the infamous War God?
Arik Morgaine: Yeah. And your point?
Dawna Raver: No point. So, have you heard from your mother, Mor—?
(He stands abruptly, and scowls down at me.)
Arik Morgaine: Do. Not. Say. Her. Name.
(I hold up my hands and look around nervously. Arik sits back down.)
Dawna Raver: Oh, okay. Um, are you afraid she might hear us?
Arik Morgaine: No. I'd just like to go a day without being reminded of who my mother is. Thankfully, I favor my father.
Dawna Raver: Well, except for your widow's peak.
(He runs his hand through his hair, and grimaces.)
Arik Morgaine: Yeah. Are we about done here? I have places to be, things to do.
Dawna Raver: Sure. Just one more question. Have you heard anything about the Princess? Checked up on her? I hear your old friend Devin MacGregor is staying at her house.
Arik Morgaine: She is less than nothing to me, and he more so. This interview is over.
(He growls and waves his hand, disappearing from sight. I suck in a surprised breath.)
Dawna Raver: Was it something I said? Darn. I wanted to ask him about his Colours. Well, maybe next time.
I pull out a bottle of tequila and pour myself a shot. I'd hoped to do one with Arik, but he was kind of grumpy. Seriously, he has a lot on his plate to deal with. His mother alone is scary enough. No wonder he's grumpy. Oh, and don't ask me to name her. Because she might be listening, and I don't want to incur her wrath.
I take the shot then go in search of Quinn Sinclair. Hopefully, she's in a much better mood.

Interview with Quinn Sinclair

I walk in and sit down, taking in the women before me. She's very pretty, but I have a sense future changes will make her a real beauty. She shifts uncomfortably in her chair as if she rather be doing anything than talking to me. She smiles when she sees me, and I can't help but be taken in by her bright, purple-tanzanite eyes. They're stunning.)
Dawna Raver: Hi Quinn. Thanks for joining me. I understand you've had a rough go of it recently.
Quinn Sinclair: Yeah. (She winces and nervously plays with her long, auburn hair.) Kind of.
Dawna Raver: Sorry about your birthday.
(She laughs, but it doesn't reach her eyes. For a split second, they turn jade in color. I take a quick breath and try to hide my reaction. I wonder if she knows her eyes can change color? I quickly change subjects.)
Dawna Raver: I understand when you got home your mother was missing? Any word on her whereabouts?
Quinn Sinclair:  No. (She sighs, resigned.) Mother will show up whens she ready—or she won't. Whatever.
Dawna Raver: So, I understand your brother Iain is home from the Army. You must be trilled.
Quinn Sinclair:  (She perks up at this.) Yes, I'm very excited. It's nice to have Iain home.
Dawna Raver: And he's brought a friend, Devin MacGregor?
Quinn Sinclair: (She blushes and toys with the gold signet ring on her finger.) Yeah. He's … nice.
(Her smile dips into a quick frown then back to a smile.) Yeah, nice.
(Having met Devin MacGregor, I understand her reticence. He's a man of power. Extreme power.)
Dawna Raver:  You like him, don't you?
Quinn Sinclair: Sure. What's not to like.
Dawna Raver: But?
Quinn Sinclair: But nothing. You know, things are kind of crazy right now. Weird things keep happening. (She leans in and whispers.) I think I might have some kind of magic. I see these really weird colors around Devin. I think he has magic too.
Dawna Raver: Like Thaene?
Quinn Sinclair: (She vehemently shakes her head.) No. Not like Thaene. How do you know about Thaene and magic anyway? (Her eyes narrow.)
Dawna Raver: I'm afraid most people know about Thaene or they soon will.
(Her eyes flash jade again. I try not to react so she doesn't. I happen to know about her Magyk and have no desire to experience it first hand.)
Quinn Sinclair: Great! I really wanted the whole world to know about my disastrous birthday. This is effing perfect.
Quinn stands up and straightens the skirt of her black dress.
Dawna Raver: Are you leaving? So soon? (I hold up the bottle of tequila.) I have tequila.
She waves me off and strolls out of the room, she her shoulders a little slumped. I hear her mumble something under her breath, but I can't quite make it out. Something about me and a cow?

Sighing, I pour myself another shot and down it. I seem to have a knack for pissing people off. Oh well. I can always get my revenge in book two.

Thank you so much Dawna for being on my blog and I can't wait to read Colour Wielders!
-Brenda Franklin-

Monday, April 15, 2013

Cover Reveal! From Scratch

Writer Diana Nixon has teamed up with cover designer Jennifer Munswami again! And they have produced a beautiful cover for the From Scratch (Love Lines 2.5) gift edition.
HERE IT IS!! Stunning as ever featuring Evan and Tara!

Info:
Our lives are a cascade of events that pass faster than we would like them to. Time changes everything. Our habits, our views, our circle of friends. But there is one thing that remains the same over the years.
Our memories.
Through them we cherish the most unforgettable moments of out history. And they also retain some things that can;t be forgotten....
But one day you realize that yesterday should be left in the past. Because tomorrow your new life begins, and you go back to the drawing board.
A love story of Evan Murray and Tara Mackenzie.
But no one knows when forever ends....

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Love Lines (book 1)
Songs of the Wind (book 2)
To learn more about Diana Nixon or to buy her works:
Love Lines:
Ebook or Paperback
Songs of the wind:
Ebook or Paperback
From Scratch:
Ebook or Paperback
Diamond Sky:
Coming Soon!

Diamond Sky (book 3)
From Scratch (book 2.5)
Thank you everyone for being amazing, reading the blog, loving Jennifer Munswami's works, and supporting all things LOVE LINES and DIANA NIXON related! I can't wait to see what awaits up in the future of the Love Lines Series. Stay tuned!


-Brenda Franklin
Author of the Pulse Trilogy
and Guardian, A Fated Pairing


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Guardian, A Fated Pairing Coming April 13th

Coming April 13th! The Cover was designed by Rue Volley and it was edited by Victoria Shockley.

Vampires are on the brink of disappearing. Their numbers in the low thousands hidden all over the world. After years of searching for the cure to turn humans into their kind, one vampire believes he has done it! But in creating the cure he has started a bloody and desperate hunt. A race among animals, vampires and wolves, to find the cure and either destroy it, or use it.

Alisa Chamberlin as three jobs: Keep her sister safe, find Mr. Holiday, and stay alive. With a strong vampire hot on their heels Alisa's life can't get more complicated until a werewolf named Peter Woodrow shows up in her neck of the neighborhood, but this isn't a chance meeting. Peter has been hired as a Guardian to protect her, the only problem is, she's a vampire. She's a creature his kind hopes to one day make extinct and to top it all off he's certain she's his mate, but that can't be. A vampire's blood is sickening to a werewolf and goes against everything their kind believes in.

As Peter tries to keep an unwilling Alisa safe he begins to unravel the web of secrets surrounding her and why she is being hunted, but is what she protects worth the life of the one man she is destined to be with? And can he get over the fact that she is everything he hates long enough to realize she's just what he needs? Or will the sacrifice be too great in the end for either of them?

It's an adult Paranormal Romance (rated R) that I had worked on as my NaNoWriMo last year and finally I have gotten it as perfect as I think I can get it. I can't wait for your reviews and comments and I will probably continue to lose sleep for the first couple of days after it's release, but I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I have writing it!

Other works by me, Brenda Franklin
The Pulse Trilogy
A Steady Pulse Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble
Barely Beating Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble
Flat Line (Coming soon)

-Brenda Franklin