INTERVIEW | Giveaway| with Ali Atwood | Romance Author - Alternative-Read.com

INTERVIEW | Giveaway| with Ali Atwood | Romance Author

WIN THIS!

SB: Good Morning, Ali! Welcome to AR. 

 
AA: Good Morning, Sassy. Thank you for interviewing me. I’m big fan of Alternative Read and I visit the website often.
SB: Oh, you're too kind. But thanks!  ;) Okay, please may I start by asking you to tell our readers a little about how you got into writing, and what made you turn to this genre? 
AAWell, the game of make-believe began for me when I started reading junior, adventure books. I was probably about eight. In my teens my interest switched to science fiction and horror. Secretly, I wrote my own stories when I was supposed to be doing school homework. I knew nothing about the technical aspects of writing, but I had a fantastic time creating my own universe, filled with a variety of bizarre life forms. Oddly enough, I didn’t pick up my first, romance book until I was twenty-four—Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers. I was hooked, reading more and more. Believing, fool that I was, that the sexy stories I devoured as easily as chocolate, couldn’t be very difficult to write. I remind myself of that on the days my laptop screen seems as large as a king size bed while I struggle to fill it with words.


SB: For those who are new to your work, can you please give us a brief description of what Celestial Heat is all about? 
AA: I think the blurb will best explain it:

In the year 2096, Feyna Sy Tordinay knows the price of love. Once she would have given her very soul to Ketrick DeSardon, but after a few, short weeks of tender romance and phenomenal sex, the dashing Starfleet captain left her in a storm of heartache. Now she's strictly business, a clinical psychologist on her way to the top. Is she troubled by the unexpected assignment aboard DeSardon's warship? Not a bit.
Darkly seductive DeSardon is running from his feelings, hiding dangerous secrets. Unbeknown to Feyna, she and Ketrick are cosmic mates with untried, magical abilities. Unbeknown to both of them, there are some scary beings out there stalking the couple, aiming to harness their talent through crossbreeding. To save themselves from an uncertain death, Ketrick and Feyna must revitalize an ancient power source—right after they blend their special powers by way of high-voltage sex.

SB: Yum! Yum! For anyone who missed it, here's my review! http://bit.ly/9kRE9s


So, you were born in the British Isles and now live in the United States. Why did you relocate, and how does living in both countries affect your writing?
AA:  Actually, I’ve lived and worked in both countries over the last two decades and my day jobs could probably fill a catalogue, everything from flight attendant to ice cream parlor owner. I decided to relocate to Florida at the end of last year because my mother lives there and I do love the outdoor life. Since I am a Mid-Atlantic species, I can readily shift backdrops for my stories to either side of the pond.


SB: That's fantastic. Florida sounds so warm and fun to me!  


What are your writing strengths and weaknesses? 
AA:   Hmm. I would say discipline and perseverance are my strengths. When I decided to write for publication I treated it like a part-time, office job, aiming to turn out roughly two thousand words per day. To motivate myself, while I was burning the midnight oil, I stuck a sign on my refrigerator that advised: 
“If you want something badly enough and you don’t give up you’ll get it.” 
Too bad that doesn’t apply to winning the lottery. *chuckle* 

SB: *Chuckles along* Too right!

AA: As for my writing weaknesses, those stem from method. I’m a pantser, probably for the same reason I hate reading the instructions that come with new products, it taxes my patience. I would rather write than refer to a detailed synopsis. But that does put me at the mercy of my characters’ whims, which means I have moments of panic when the story runs away from me and I’m not sure how to get to the next plot point.

SB:  Would you please share with us one tip you discovered about the craft that you felt improved your writing? 
AA: I suppose not stopping until I finish the first draft. Despite my pantser status, I tended to edit as I went along. Finally, I realized the process was stifling my idea flashes, which stalled the story.


SB:  What's the last book you read and what did you think of it?
AA:  How Did You Get This Number by Sloane Crosley. It’s a collection of essays that are philosophical, current and extremely humorous. I believe Crosley has written at least one other book, which I will definitely be looking at.


SB:  I'll have to look that one up. Thanks!  So, what's on your TBR list? 
AA:   I’m afraid it would fill a complete page, I read all the time.


SB: *Chuckles* I know that feeling!  Okay, do you set goals for your life and writing job? If so, could you share how you do this, please? 
AA:  Absolutely! I don’t believe in setting achievement limits in any area of my life. While the plan I made in my twenties to go pony trekking through the Himalayas is pretty much off my bucket list. LOL! There are still a lot of places I would like to visit, like St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, and Alaska to see the Aurora Borealis effect. As a writer, I will always strive to improve my skills. I belong to a small, critique group and I plan to take more classes this year to improve my technique.


SB:  I bet you'd still love to pony trek through the Himalayas, I would! I'd ache a bit afterwards though. LOL 


Are you working on anything else right now, and do you have any other plans for future books? 
AA:  Now that my second book, Miranda’s Misconduct—a contemporary ménage a trois—is out. I have a few works in progress. One is a paranormal trilogy featuring heroines who come from a long line of female hunters with predatory speed and lightning-fast reflexes. The first book in the series includes time-travel, a shapeshifter and a ménage. The working title is Warriors At The Double. Additionally, I’ll be part of an upcoming Tarot series from Extasy Books. My story will be inspired by the Empress card. At present I’m still working on the first draft, but I’ll keep readers posted via my website.


SB: Great! So congratulations are in order!  I hope Miranda's Misconduct sells well, and look forward to seeing your story for the Tarot series. Where can our AR readers find you to keep track of your progress and cheer you on?
AA:  Website:     http://aliatwood.com
        Email:         aliatwood1@googlemail.com
        Publisher:  www.estasybooks.com
SB:  Thank you so much for sharing so much about yourself and your writing life. Before we part I'd like to leave you with one last question. Well, it's more of an exercise that can be used by other authors and aspiring writers. Just fill in the blanks!

Character name: Tina Tomlinson
His/her quirky trait: She’s a “Gee whiz” type.
Occupation: Reporter for a local news station.
What awful thing has just happened to your character?  She was seized from behind.
   What room or which specific loction is your character in?  The darkened news room

SB: Fantastic! Thanks. I hope that spurs some of our readers to write something about what happens next to poor roving reporter Tina Tomlinson. 

So, dear readers, want to win a copy of Celestial Heat? Please check below for further details.

WIN WIN WIN! 


Open to ALL entrants. Closes MIDNIGHT TUESDAY 3rd AUG 2010 - 
Winner announced THE FOLLOWING DAY!


  1. To enter - please follow the AR blog (publicly) Thank you!
  2. Leave a comment for the author here.
  3. Make sure you also leave your email address, too.
That's it. Good luck! 
 
FOR EXTRA ENTRIES - ONE ENTRY PER COMMENT:
As usual you may comment on the review, Tweet (@Sassy_Brit), Digg , add this comp to your blog's sidebar, sign the AR Guest book! use the "Share This" button, etc, just come back here to let me know you have - for extra entries. Now you can even follow us on google Buzz and Buzz an entry over to us! It's even quicker than tweeting if you have gmail.

Thank you! However you spread the word, just come back and let me know.

Each separate comment (with email address) = 1 extra entry!  
If you don't add your email address, I can't be sure you want to be entered into the competition or if you are just commenting.  
DON'T forget to enter our other competitions while you are here!




JULY 2010 - Please welcome VIVIANE BRENTANOS our Author in the Spotlight!
WIN! WIN! WIN!
 

WIN The Last Living Slut by Roxana Shirazi - Ends 26th July 2010

WIN The Path of Innocence by Megan Johns - Ends 15th July 2010

WIN One Too Many Times by Diana Rubino - Ends 22nd July 2010

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INTERVIEW | Giveaway| with Ali Atwood | Romance Author INTERVIEW | Giveaway| with Ali Atwood | Romance Author Reviewed by Sassy Brit @ Alternative-Read.com on 1:44 pm Rating: 5

17 comments:

  1. I was wondering if you had to change writing styles for american readers versus your own countries readers? I would love to read the book.
    I am a gfc follower.
    debbie
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I love reading sci-fi/futuristic romances and Celestial Heat looks like an incredible read.

    *shared on facebook http://www.facebook.com/people/Anna-Shah-Hoque/767402866

    *GFC follower

    *hugs*
    Anna
    s7anna@yahoo.ca

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for this giveaway and for this awesome interview, i enjoyed it a lot!

    sandymanga@hotmail.es


    follower nick: Sandy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Knew it was something I had forgotten, glad I remembered to come back :)

    Nice interview, and I like the sound of this futuristic story.
    Must google St Basils to see what it looks like now

    blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Debbie,

    Yes, I do make adjustments for British and American readers. It’s amazing how many basic words have different meanings. Some can get you into trouble. For a laugh, I took my book of Cockney Rhyming Slang to a Fourth of July barbeque last Sunday. By the end of the evening I had my American friends in stitches.

    Good luck with the contest.
    Ali

    ReplyDelete
  6. How can I not pick up a story that has a sexy Starfleet captain? (And have thereby admitted my geekdom...I'm good with that.)

    I especially like your quote, I'm going to steal that if you don't mind, and post it above my computer. Thanks for the inspiration!

    And I am NOW a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the cover and the contest!!!

    brandyzbooks@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love scifi have not read them latly but your books sound great.Please count me in your contest.
    I'm a new follower of this blog
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I enjoyed the interview. Thanks! This sounds like a great read. And that cover is really hot! Thanks for the giveaway.
    Just joined GFC.
    tamsyn5@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have been reading reviews of your book and thet are good. Good luck.

    lorettaC
    lbcanton@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  11. hi Ali, Thanks for the great interview. This book sounds great!!
    Thanks for the giveaway

    jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. This book sounds good! The cover is really cool!

    kakuchouakisame_19@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the interview. I am a follower. I look forward to looking into yoor books more!!!

    -Brandy

    brandyzbooks@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous2:53 am

    Hi Ali! Thanks for sharing some of your writing ways - I'm a fellow panster and can totally relate to the story running away. Writing a logline helped me stay on target.
    Thanks for the awesome opportunity to win your book, Celestial Heat. I know I'll love it.
    kaydeeroyal@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello, Everyone,

    I want to thank each of you for dropping in to say hi. I’ve enjoyed reading all your positive comments about the interview and Celestial Heat.

    In answer to the questions:

    Kristabel - I love the fact that you’ll be using my inspiration quote.

    KayDee - Fellow pantser, thanks for the logline idea.

    Good luck to all with contest!

    A special thanks to Sassy, for having me.

    Ali :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello, Everyone,

    I want to thank each of you for dropping in to say hi. I’ve enjoyed reading all your positive comments about the interview and Celestial Heat.

    In answer to the questions:

    Kristabel - I love the fact that you’ll be using my inspiration quote.

    KayDee - Fellow pantser, thanks for the logline idea.

    Good luck to all with contest!

    A special thanks to Sassy, for having me.

    Ali :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are most welcome, Ali, it's been lovely having you here!

    I am now going to randomly pick out the winner and write out the winning post :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave a sassy comment. It's truly appreciated. I aim to get back to you as soon as possible -- Sassy :)

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