4/9/14

Interview with Angela Blount

We are having a giveaway going on for April. What item are you giving away? (Anyone can win the item by going to the rafflecopter on the right hand side of the pg.)

 An ebook copy of Once Upon A Road Trip


First why don't you tell us a little about yourself?

Let's see...I'll try to stick to the vital stats.

I'm a Minnesota native, but relocated to the deep South some 11 years ago when I married the best guy I've ever known. We've since accumulated two children and a small zoo worth of pets.
I've been an RWA (Romance Writers of America) member for the last four years, and have grown tremendously in my writing thanks to their vast array of support and resources.  
My last name is pronounced 'blunt,' and I've been told it goes well with my personality. 
Oh, and I have an irrational aversion to Precious Moments figurines. 

Newest release?

 Once Upon A Road Trip - A Young/New Adult story with a contemporary fiction feel.
What can we expect from your stories, action, drama, romance, sex, blood and guts?
Always some action and romance--particularly in the more contemporary-oriented works. :) The more sci-fi stuff I'm working on right now has its fair share of blood, thanks to my apparent affinity for brutal fight scenes. 

Do you have a favorite character in your stories? Who? and Why?

One of my current favorites is a character named Louis, who started out as a side-character prone to comedy relief. He's boisterous, off-beat, awkwardly honest, and undeniably Cajun. I finished the book about his best friend, but kept "hearing" him in my head. I decided he was probably just trying to get his own book, so his is now in the works. :)

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

Once Upon A Road Trip is a true story. Technically, it's a memoir about the somewhat crazy 2-month road trip I took the summer after high school. But since it's written largely in 3rd person, it tends to read like fiction. :)

Has there been any other authors who have inspired your work or helped you out with your stories?

 I've found tremendous help in the writing workshops offered by C.J. Redwine, a fellow YA author for whom I have great respect and admiration.   

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Leave honest ratings and reviews! :) Just about all authors appreciate that--and there are lots of places to leave your literary thoughts/opinions. (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Librarything, etc.) If you happen to be on Goodreads and participate in any groups, take a few moments to nominate -any- books you like for various polls (i.e. read-alongs or book-of-the-month).   

Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

One of my favorite things to recommend for readers is Goodreads. Once you get the hang of it, there is so much potential there to connect with people who have similar literary tastes who can help you prioritize where to spend your precious free reading time. Many of the Goodreads groups even provide the opportunity to procure free ARC copies of ebooks for review through their ARR or R&R programs. And let's not forget the hard copy giveaways that are always going on...
As a bonus, it's a great place to check out what's going on with your favorite authors. :) 

Do you have a favorite author? If yes, what draws you to that person’s work?

I try not to play favorites, but I do have a particular fondness for C.S. Lewis. Much of his work has a poignant poeticism about it that stays with me long after I've turned the last page. I think that's one of the greatest accomplishments any author can aspire to.

Can you remember one of the first things you wrote? What makes it memorable?

 I wrote my first novel when I was in the sixth grade. It was an ambitious conservation-themed adventure I titled: "Island Of The White Rhinos." I wrote it entirely by hand in a spiral-bound notebook, and bartered with a boy in my class for his editorial services. (An entire book's editing in exchange for $5 and a trick yo-yo.) Needless to say, that particular piece will never again see the light of day. ^_^

Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your work?

Everything around me has the potential to be inspiring. Sometimes the strangest--or most mundane things--spark an idea I may be able to use in some area of my writing life. Conversations with my husband frequently shakes things loose. He's quite accustomed to me putting out conversation on pause so I can run off and write something down. :)

Do you have any other interesting hobbies, pets or stories you would like to share?

For some reason I enjoy dabbling with gardening, despite having a notoriously brown thumb.
I also used to breed domestic rats. (No, really...they're incredibly clean, sweet animals!) I wish I had one sitting on my shoulder right now. :)  

Favorite places to travel or visit?

Seattle, Washington is probably the most beautiful, eclectic places I've ever had the privilege to visit. They don't call it The Emerald City for nothing!
And it doesn't hurt that there's coffee pretty much around every corner. It's like Disney Land for caffeine addicts. 

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:( Include links to where we can find your work)
-------
“It’s bruising. But not the kind you’re thinking of,” Angie said, stepping onto the frame of the lower bunk to reach her overnight bag. She sat down with it on the edge of the futon and readied a less technical explanation while she rummaged through the bag. “I thought he just cut off my airway when he had me in that head lock, but he must have pinched an artery, too. Those are little blood vessels under the skin that burst from too much pressure.”
Vince crossed the room and sank down beside her while she hunted through her things. “You’re saying…he tried to strangle you?” He spoke in a slow, deliberate voice.
“I’m not saying that’s what he was going for.” She shook her head. “It was just reckless and stupid. I never should have put myself in a position like that.” Angie ended her search and sighed, turning up only an old eyeliner pencil and a small pot of lip gloss. Frustrated, she dropped the bag to the floor at her feet. “No cover stick. I guess I can’t hide it.”
Vince’s weight shifted next to her and his hand settled on her shoulder, commanding her attention. Looking toward him, she turned to show as little of her face as possible. It was unreasonable, she knew, but part of her insisted on being embarrassed.
“He almost killed you, and you’re worried about how it looks?” Vince's tone held a quiet sobriety. With his other hand he touched along her jaw and turned her face fully toward him. “I should have taken you to the hospital.” His thumb slid over her cheekbone and brushed beneath her eye. “Does it hurt?”
“No hospital. I’m fine,” Angie insisted. “Really. It doesn’t hurt. I mean, the back of my neck is still sore, but my eyes don’t—” Her voice caught in her throat when he brought his face closer.
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Once Upon A Road Trip: Book Links




Thank you for stopping by.  We will continue with more tomorrow.

Julie Ramsey
ADM, JBR

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