Guest Post - Cheri Lasota

 YA Artemis Rising FREE on Kindle June 27-29!

Thrilled to pop by to chat a bit about "Ole Arty." Many of you may not be too familiar with my work as compared to some of the other Indelibles, who have been incredibly prolific with series and multiple books. I have no idea if I'm prolific or not, really. My first novel, a YA historical fantasy, took me a decade to write and it's my only book on offer right now. I'm currently in the middle of ironing out the rough draft of my second novel, another YA.
 

Artemis Rising, is an intense love story, one based on mythology but even I was surprised at the twists and turns the novel takes on its journey. This story is both a reflection of my past and a hope for my future. It is my magnum opus and for many years was the bane of my existence--ten years is a long time! =) I poured a large part of my soul and time into it, and my greatest hope is that it will touch the lives of others, just as it has touched mine.

For just a few days--June 27-29--Artemis Rising will be free to all on Amazon! To check it out now, just click here.

xoxo,
~Cheri

A bit about the story

On the voyage home to the Azores Islands, Eva accepts the pagan name of Arethusa but learns too late that her life will mirror the Greek nymph’s tragic end. Her mother reveals that her destiny lies with Diogo, the shipowner’s volatile son. But Eva has a vision of another…

When the ship founders in a storm off the coast, Tristan, a local boy, saves her life and steals her heart. Destined to be with Diogo yet aching for Tristan’s for­bid­den love, Eva must some­how choose between them, or fate will choose for her.

Cheri talks to Dr. Veronica Esagui about Artemis Rising

 

 

AUTHOR Q&A

Want to know a little more about me or my writing? Here's a Q&A I did a while back with my publisher, Spirehouse Books. 

Q: HOW DID YOU CONCEIVE OF ARTEMIS RISING?

A: This is a difficult question. How does anyone come up with a creative idea? I generally don’t understand the mechanism which allows me to breathe life into characters and weave plots and develop universal themes within the context of a historical setting. I am truly only grateful that I’m paying attention long enough to write it all down. Some days it comes easily, some days I think and think and nothing comes to me. But Artemis Rising? Wow, it is a mish-mash of all my longings and fears. It is an amalgam of all my hopes for the future and my memories in the pleasures of the past. It is a laundry list of my most treasured interests and passions. It is also complete and utter fiction. Does that answer your question?

Okay, something a bit more specific. I used to live in the Azores Islands, a profound privilege that went by far too quickly. But the place and its people have stayed with me some fifteen years later, and I knew that no matter what my book would eventually be about, I would set it on Terceira Island, one of the great loves of my life. The setting being carved in stone, I wondered what to write about for the plot. No answer forthcoming, I played on the Internet (what else is a writer to do?). I remember looking up the meaning of my favorite name in all the world, Tristan. That’s when I stumbled upon the Arthurian legend of Tristan and Isolde. Ooh, did I revel in this delicious story! Mad love and longing, knights and ladies, treachery and tragedy—what’s not to love? And then another day, perhaps months later, I was researching mythology. Can’t recall why. I came across the story of Alpheus and Arethusa and noticed strange similarities to the Tristan and Isolde myth. Something just clicked in my mind. I thought, what would happen if I squished those two myths together? What if they became the subtext to my own story. . .? And my mind went racing on with the possibilities.

Q: HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE ARTEMIS RISING?

A: I think I ought to be embarrassed to answer this question. In some ways I am, because for many years, I was actually terrified of writing. I would start a bit, confuse myself with the complex plot elements, and then give up, slinking away into the dark of night (or rather, into the TV room, where all my favorite already-written stories played out beautifully on screen). My goal was to take a universally well-loved story and turn it on its head, using multiple layers and characters who played not one role but three. This sounded all very well in my head, but it was another thing altogether to coax it out of my over-confident imagination and have it make sense on the page. It was like one of those giant puzzles of some scenic place with tiny, confusing pieces that rather frustrate you before you bother to finish it. I knew the pieces would fit, I just knew it. But how? And what would it all mean once I got the puzzle together? I began the research for Artemis Rising in earnest when I was 22 years old. I am now 31, and am only just now feeling confident in the puzzle. It was, I confess, the most difficult endeavor I’ve ever undertaken. But I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR WRITING REGIMEN?

A: I suppose some writers have a daily regimen. Er, does it actually work like that? Ha! Okay, I confess: I’m a cheater. I generally kick-start another round of editing or writing every November for National Novel Writing Month. Yes, I know. I’m supposed to be starting a brand new novel for NaNoWriMo, but I can’t help it. I find that sitting down with my friends in cozy coffeeshops during the bitter cold days of November to be one of the most inspiring literary endeavorings (yes, I just made up that word) I can think of doing. And if I really need to get a WIP finished, then why not?

So I’m one of those writers who is an occasional obsessive. If I’m on a deadline–self-imposed or otherwise–I work like mad until it is done, and every other thing in my life takes a backseat. Is this healthy? I have no idea. But it certainly works for me. But there are two things I cannot live without as I write: coffeeshops and film scores. Nigh impossible to concentrate in my apartment with my laundry, Xbox (oh, yes, I’m a HUGE fan of gaming–bet you didn’t guess that, huh?), and vast movie collection to distract me.

And film scores . . . *sigh* I NEVER write better prose than when I’m swept along to the soundtracks of Mansfield Park, Lord of the Rings, and Atonement. Absolute silence makes me slightly insane, so I always have to have some noise in the background. But I can’t listen to Top 40 radio, because then I’ll just sing along. You see the dilemma . . . But being obsessed with movies since I was in the womb and subsequently majoring in film at university, I have a special little space in my heart for film–and most especially for scores and soundtracks. And since now, I’ve gotten into scoring piano music for local indie films, including my book trailer, I’m just that much more interested in the topic. I would go so far as to say I can’t write without a score in my ear.

Q: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER?

A: A simple question and a simple answer: Tristan. Must I elaborate? He is my ideal, you see. Flawed, yes, but his intentions are honest. He has a good soul, and I treasure him for that. And Eva needs kindness, given what she’s been through. He is her perfect match.

Q: HOW DID YOU APPROACH YOUR RESEARCH?

A: With trepidation . . .? There is so little research available about the Azores Islands in the 1890s. Education had been abolished by the freemasons for decades, so much of what daily life was like has been lost to oral histories only. I did my utmost to create a world as authentic as possible while remaining true to my vision of the story. A great resource I must mention: James H. Guill’s A History of the Azores Islands.

Want to connect with me? You can find me on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter. Or you can pop by my website to explore the novel even more or contact me directly. Want me to guest post on your blog? Shoot me a message. I'd be glad to!

Spider Wars Now Available

Finally! The second Lords of Shifters novel--Spider Wars--is now on Amazon and Smashwords. Eventually, peeps can get it wherever ebooks are sold.

What happens when a species is tired of being stomped on?


Jess' life has never been ordinary. After all, life on the road with an immortal family of gypsies is hardly predictable. Living in the small town of White Salmon, Washington has brought some normality to her life. But when her cheating, sometimes boyfriend, Nicu, gets involved with a group of arachneshifters, life gets a little sticky. Will she be able to save him from the web he's spun? More importantly, how much is she willing to risk to get him back?

This novel is meant for mature readers.

Here's the link to Amazon <------
And Smashwords <------

Haven't read the first book yet? No problem. 1. Spider Wars can stand alone. 2. Loramendi's Story is now FREE on Amazon, so you might as well go pick it up now, right? -------> Free Loramendi's Story

Enjoy!

Getting Sideways by Lisa Nowak (who is very awesome, btw)

Getting Sideways: Book 2 in the Full Throttle Series Getting shipped off to live with his uncle Race was the best thing that ever happened to fifteen-year-old Cody. Then a wreck at the speedway nearly ruined everything. Cody’s making every effort to get his life back on track—writing for the school paper, searching for the perfect girlfriend, and counting the days until he gets his drivers’ license—but there’s no escaping the nightmares that haunt him. A chance to build his own car seems like the perfect distraction. Until Cody realizes he’ll have to live up to Race’s legendary status. But that’s the least of his worries, considering he doesn’t have his dad’s permission. All he has to do is the impossible: keep Race from discovering his lie until he can convince his dad that racing’s safe. Yeah, sure. That’ll be easy.

• Buy it on Amazon
• Buy it at Barnes and Noble
• Buy it on Smashwords

Haven't read the first book? Running Wide Open is on sale now for 99 cents. Running Wide Open: Book 1 in the Full Throttle Series Cody Everett has a temper as hot as the flashpoint of racing fuel, and it's landed him at his uncle's trailer, a last-chance home before military school. But how can he take the guy seriously when he calls himself Race, eats Twinkies for breakfast, and pals around with rednecks who drive in circles every Saturday night? What Cody doesn't expect is for the arrangement to work. Or for Race to become the friend and mentor he's been looking for all his life. But just as Cody begins to settle in and get a handle on his supercharged temper, a crisis sends his life spinning out of control. Everything he's come to care about is threatened, and he has to choose between falling back on his old, familiar anger or stepping up to prove his loyalty to the only person he's ever dared to trust. Praise for Running Wide Open: "It doesn’t matter if you are a racing fan or not, Running Wide Open will captivate you and capture your heart." – Cari J, Amazon reviewer “The roar of engines practically explodes off the page in this compelling, heart-thumping debut. Cody Everett is a straight-shooter with attitude, smarts, and whip-cracking wit; he doesn’t pull any punches, and neither does author Lisa Nowak. The collision of Cody and the world of stock car racing makes for a great story, one of the best I’ve read in a long time. Running Wide Open is a book not to be missed.” - Christine Fletcher, author of Tallulah Falls and Ten Cents a Dance "The racing is easy to understand and does not get in the way of a rattling good story. I still couldn’t put it down on a re-read." – Elisabeth Miles, Amazon reviewer "We race stock cars during the summer and even though this is a recommended read for Young Adults, we are seniors and enjoyed every page. We can hardly wait for the sequel to come out. MUST READING!" – Maxci Jermann, Barnes and Noble reviewer "I say read this book, it’s fun, it’s beautiful, it’s a very cool read that will give you a feel-good state of mind. Awesome read." - L.E.Olteano, Butterfly-o-meter Books

• Buy it on Amazon
• Buy it at Barnes and Noble
• Buy it on Smashwords

Author Bio: In addition to being a YA author, Lisa Nowak is a retired amateur stock car racer, an accomplished cat whisperer, and a professional smartass. She writes coming-of-age books about kids in hard luck situations who learn to appreciate their own value after finding mentors who love them for who they are. She enjoys dark chocolate and stout beer and constantly works toward employing wei wu wei in her life, all the while realizing that the struggle itself is an oxymoron. Lisa has no spare time, but if she did she’d use it to tend to her expansive perennial garden, watch medical dramas, take long walks after dark, and teach her cats to play poker. For those of you who might be wondering, she is not, and has never been, a diaper-wearing astronaut. She lives in Milwaukie, Oregon, with her husband, four feline companions, and two giant sequoias. Connect with Lisa online:

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lisa_Nowak
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LisaNowakAuthor
• Google +: http://bit.ly/LisaNowakGooglePlus
• Blog: http://lisanowak.wordpress.com/
• Subscribe to her newsletter for updates about coming attractions: http://bit.ly/LisaNowakNewsletter

Someday Famous YA Author -- P.J. Hoover!

There's this author. I've seen her book, Solstice, around for a while now, and I recently bought it. I'm super excited about reading it. My friend, Megg Jensen, has read it and absolutely loved it. It's a must read.

Today, I'm pleased to introduce to the Someday Famous YA Author series, P.J. Hoover.

About P.J.

P. J. Hoover first fell in love with Greek mythology in sixth grade thanks to the book Mythology by Edith Hamilton. After a fifteen year bout as an electrical engineer designing computer chips for a living, P. J. decided to take her own stab at mythology and started writing books for kids and teens. P. J. is also a member of THE TEXAS SWEETHEARTS and SCOUNDRELS. When not writing, P. J. spends time with her husband and two kids and enjoys practicing Kung Fu, solving Rubik's cubes, and watching Star Trek. Her first novel for teens, Solstice, takes place in a Global Warming future and explores the parallel world of mythology beside our own. Her middle grade fantasy novels, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, and The Necropolis, chronicle the adventures of a boy who discovers he’s part of two feuding worlds hidden beneath the sea.

Q AND A

Thanks so much for hosting me! I’m honored to be here! 

1. What made you decide to include global warming in your novel, Solstice?

Well, at first it seemed like just a nice twist. I have zero idea how it first came to me, but once the idea implanted, I found it perfect. That said, the whole global warming aspect blossomed into so much more than I ever could have imagined.

2. The cover is gorgeous! How was the cover designed? Did you have any input?

Thank you! I also kind of feel like I won the cover lottery 

I sent in ideas and words that came to mind when I thought of SOLSTICE, but ultimately, my agency picked the stock photo that was going to be used. It was nothing like I had imagined, but I found it to be perfect and really convey the sense of the novel. The cover artist took it from there, and the final result is what you see.

3. What inspired you to write Solstice?

Well, I adore mythology. And I always wanted to write a myth retelling. And so that is what I set out to do. But I surprised myself with the final result, because SOLSTICE is not really a retelling at all, but more a what happens after the myth. Kind of like a sequel to Mythology 101. 

4. OMG! Tell us about how you learned to solve a Rubik's Cube in under 2 minutes? Was this a skill you learned as a kid?

LOL! As a kid, I was able to get one side. But when I hit my thirties, I started doing some soul searching. I learned to solve the Rubik’s Cube. I memorized Kubla Khan by Samuel Coleridge. I started Kung Fu. And I started writing novels. I have to admit the Rubik’s Cube makes a nice party trick. People are always impressed, and it is fun to do.

5. Do you still work as an engineer or are you a full-time writer now?

I’m a full-time writer now. I have two kids (ten and seven), and so the writing job gives me way more time to spend with them. I love the balance of motherhood and writing. The kids help me with brainstorming and give me lots of ideas, and the writing gives me a purpose besides cleaning toilets when they are at school.

Thank you again for letting me be here!

ABOUT SOLSTICE

Piper's world is dying. Global warming kills every living thing on Earth, and each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles which threaten to destroy humanity. Amid this Global Heating Crisis, Piper lives with her mother who suffocates her more than the chaotic climate. When her mother is called away to meet the father Piper has been running from her entire life, Piper seizes an opportunity for freedom.

But when Piper discovers a world of mythology she never knew existed, she realizes her world is not the only one in crisis. While Gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper's life spirals into turmoil, and she struggles to find answers to secrets kept from her since birth. And though she's drawn to her classmate Shayne, he may be more than he claims. Piper has to choose whom she can trust and how she can save the people she loves even if it means the end of everything she's ever known.


Check out the awesome Trailer! 

I know you'll want to buy this book right this second. Get it on Amazon for only 99 cents!

Thank you, PJ Hoover, for taking the time answer my questions. It's been fun! And thank you, the readers, for checking the interview out.

Someday Famous YA Author -- SHERRY SOULE

I met Sherry on AgentQuery about about six months or maybe more ago. We exchanged critiques for a bleep in time and decided our critique styles didn't mesh, but I still enjoyed her story. She has agreed to an interview for your reading pleasure.

I'm pleased to introduce you to a someday famous YA author called Sherry Soule.

**Applauds** **Cheers**

Thank you for taking the time to answer some very important questions, Sherry. We know you are busy writing and appreciate that you took a break just for us:)

So, how long have you been writing?

Off and on since I was seven and fell in love with Judy Blume books. Once you catch the writing bug--there's no greater love in your life. I wrote my first chapter book with illustrations in 6th grade. The teacher read it to the class, I was so proud. Actually, all of my teachers throughout school encouraged me to write.

Then I found Lois Duncan and V.C. Andrews in my teens before discovering Anne Rice. But I didn't pursue writing professionally until about 10 years ago. God, if I only knew then what I know now. *sigh*

I noticed from your blog that you have three complete novels waiting to be published. Is there one in particular you would like to discuss or that you are seeking an agent for?

I actually have seven.

My YA, Beautifully Broken, is my baby. I know they say paranormal is dying out, but I don't believe it. Not with shows like the Vampire Diaries and True Blood airing. Besides, the supernatural genre has its own loyal fan base, so I believe it will NEVER really die. I've loved horror since I was a teen and never stopped. I'll read and watch anything with a paranormal premise.

What is Beautifully Broken about?

Ahhh, tough question. My gothic tale mixes elements of ghosts, murder, mystery, demons, romance, and the paranormal bringing a fresh new twist to the young adult novel.

It's about a sixteen-year-old impetuous, ghost-whisperer named Serenity Broussard, who has seen 'shadows' for as long as she can remember, and they always turn up when something bad is about to happen. She's terrified of the ghosts, demons and shadowfolk stalking her. But eventually we all have to face what we fear most--our own inner demons.

For women born into the Broussard family, it's their destiny and their curse. Unfortunately, for Serenity, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

Yet the finale gives Serenity the knowledge and strength to realize that while she does not have all the answers, she does know that she can overcome any obstacle that might darken her path.

What prompted you to write this novel? Why for YA?

Maybe I want to relive my adolescence! LOL

The idea for the novel was born after touring the Winchester Mystery House as a child. Supposedly, it's haunted. I became fascinated by this rambling hundred-room Victorian mansion. I wrote a similar story many years ago (very V.C. Andrews inspired) with family saga and dark secrets. I knew the storyline was good, but was lacking something. I decided to rewrite it with more suspense and add a darker, edgy mood. I removed the family saga and added demons, ghosts, and goblins, oh my!

And I have written three sequels. They need a lot of work, but if I land an agent, I've got an entire series ready to go!

Have you always written YA?

Mostly. I have two completed adult novels, too. One is a vampire-romance (very steamy!) and an adult paranormal (semi-steamy).

How long have you been looking for your forever-agent?

This time around, for over a year. But in hindsight (ain't it a bitch?) I can see where my query and hook wasn't strong enough. After joining AgentQuery and YALITCHAT and revising my query (about fifty times), I found my perfect pitch. So, much so that in the last two weeks, I've had requests for 4 fulls and 5 partials. The most requests I've had since I've started pursuing this insane journey--I mean, dream.

Sometimes, I want to give up. After 50 or so rejects, I figure it's not going to happen. Or I find an agent who I feel is so wonderful and loves the same genre as me, but then I get rejected. Now, I'm getting numb. But I'm NOT giving up. It's my passion, my love, the one thing that keeps me sane and happy, when everything else in my life is falling apart.

I can totally relate. Congrats on the requests! That's awesome news for you

What do you do to keep yourself busy until your forever-agent crosses your path?

I keep writing. I have unfinished novels I need to get to. The problem is, I get an idea and jot it down. 50 to 100 pages later, I've abandoned whatever it was I was previously working on.

Also, blogging and reading, of course. I love to edit/critique for other writers, too.

What can you tell me about your experience with small press publishers? I noticed that you have been published before through small press.

In truth, my experiences have not been very good. Absolutely no support whatsoever. I'd rather self-publish.

What is your blog about?

I have a blog devoted to helping other struggling writers. It's nice to know you're not alone and get to network. I started interviewing agents and authors to get some real insight into the world of publishing. And to showcase my work. I mean, someone has to be forced to read my drivel! (hehe) You can visit me here: http://www.darkangelwritingandreviews.com

What is your writing routine?

For the past 2 years, I write every day. Before that, mostly I wrote on the weekends.

Is there anything you want to add? Any personal information you'd like to discuss?

Like I said, I critique a lot of manuscripts and I hate to say this but I think some writers are just plain lazy. Research your genre! Read everything you can get your hands on. Study the craft. Join writer's groups, critique groups, find beta readers. Hone your skills

ANALYZE dialogue by your favorite writers. Read your own dialogue out loud. Dialogue is the hardest thing to write. Examine how a published author broke up the dialogue or inserted a descriptive or action tag to convey who's talking with using "said" or "asked" tags.

While readers tend to read over these phrases, obvious efforts to insert variety, through words such as "interjected," "shouted," or "teased," pull the reader out of the action. If the writer is doing his or her work, the reader is already aware that the speaker is interjecting, shouting, or teasing. The writer won't have to say it again in the tag. One benefit of dialogue tags that does not get much attention is their usefulness in controlling the rhythm and pace of dialogue.

Do you have any advice for teenagers or a story you would like to share of how you may have struggled during your teen years?

Like most teens, I had a rough time during those years. Picked on, beat up once, and hated school. I was a rebel without a clue. Had a huge chip on my shoulder and gave my parents hell. LOL Thankfully, all is forgiven and I survived. Remember, if you can survive high school, you can survive anything. :)

What are you currently reading?

"A Great and Terrible Beauty" by Libba Bray (so loving it! She's an amazing writer) and the "Sookie Stackhouse" series.

What is your all time favorite YA novel and why?

I have to say it's still "Flowers in the Attic." Just love the prose, the suspense, the emotional ties that pull you into the story and don't let you go. And recently, the "House of Night" series by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast is incredible. Love, love, love it!

What's your all time favorite movie?

"Gone With The Wind" and "Pride and Prejudice"

If you could be an object or another species, what would you be and why?

A vampire, of course. It;s all glamorous, erotic and formidable. Who wouldn't want that kind of power and agelessness? Yum

What is your favorite food?

BBQ Chicken Pizza, double yum.

Thanks again, Sherry. I'm looking forward to seeing your books on the shelves of book stores:)

HEAR YE, HEAR YE!

While rubbing bodies at my day job the other day, the idea fairy and I had a conversation. We do that on a regular basis. Sometimes our chats are pretty ridiculous and others are ultra-fabulous, like this one.

The ultra-fabulous idea will take form in reality on September 1st. At that time, this blog will become somewhat of an awesome place to be. Not only because Yours Truly will be posting on it more often, but because there will be teenagers here, too. Not just one or two, but a new teen every single week! Talk about teen-spirit!

This blog will be dedicated to the ordinary yet extraordinary teen voices of this generation. They will talk candidly with me about the issues they deal with on a daily basis and about books and about drugs and about school and about growing up and about fantasy and about life in general. Heck, they may even decide to burst out with something totally random--which would be rad.

Although the goal is to be teen oriented, we will also have an occasional interview featuring an upcoming, unpublished YA or middle grade author. Because, after all, we love books! We may also feature a famous author or two. **gasp**

But, don't hold your breath because interviews with famous authors can be found everywhere else. What can't be found elsewhere are the interviews of the unknown. And that's exactly what you will find here.

Our first guest will be Bree--I think she's awesome, and so will you!

So follow the blog, learn about some really cool unknown people, and enjoy life.

Peace out, yo.