Em&#39;s Art &amp; Words

Avoiding Alpha (Alpha Girl Book 2)

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Alpha Divided (Alpha Girl Book 3)
Amazon

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Bruja (Alpha Girl Book 4)

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Alpha Unleashed (Alpha Girl Book 5)

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SHADOW RAVENS SERIES:

Cipher (Shadow Ravens Book 1)

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Monday, September 28, 2015

Character Interview ~ Tessa ~ Alpha Girl Series by Alieen Erin

Emily:
Were you surprised to learn about all the supernatural beings that really do exist?

Tessa:

Yes! I mean… I was so freaked that I jumped out of a window. Although—looking back on it—I probably shouldn’t have been so surprised. I wasn’t exactly normal to begin with. ;)

Emily:
Are any of us really "normal"? lol

Emily:

Tell us Tessa, how do you feel about being bitten?

Tessa:

At first, it was an adjustment. I didn’t like the sense that I was losing who I was. I was so scared of becoming a wolf and what that would mean… But now I’m totally at peace with it. I love my life and wouldn’t change it for the world.

Emily:

How do you think your peers are handling your change?

Tessa:

I didn’t really have any friends to begin with, so no worries there. My parents have been pretty cool about it. Same with my brother, Axel. He’s really my best friend. If he’d freaked out, I think I would’ve freaked out even more, but I have a really awesome family. They made the transition as easy for me as they could.

Emily:

Has your family come to terms with you being a Werewolf?

Tessa:

Yes. They’ve been great. I swear—they have to be spending a fortune to feed a group of weres every Sunday, but they don’t seem to mind it at all. They came to terms with it much faster than I did, that’s for sure.

Emily:

Have you 100% come to terms with it yourself

Tessa:

I think now it’s safe to say yes. Maybe even a few weeks ago, I was still working through it, but after dealing with Luciana and all this madness, I finally feel okay with who I am. Things could have gone so much differently and I’m just thankful…

Emily:

So, your friend Meredith had a rough go. How did it feel to save her life?

Tessa:

She really did… It was terrifying. When I realized what she was going through… I just had no idea. I knew she didn’t shift and there was a curse, but I didn’t really get what that meant. I was too new. But when she got sick, I was so scared. And when she was okay, I was more relieved than anything. I was so glad that she was alive that I couldn’t really feel anything else. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t broken the curse.

Emily:

It sounds to me like you're a hero. Do you feel that way?

Tessa:

No! I feel like if I were a real hero, I’d know what the hell I was doing. But most of the time, I’m playing catch-up. Trying to at least get on the same page as Luciana. I do my best, and most of the time, it’s just barely enough to get by. But that little bit is all that counts. Thank God.

Emily:
Well, I consider you a hero.

Emily:
You obviously have some bad ass alpha power. How do you think Mr. Dawson feels about it?

Tessa:

You know, I don’t know what he thinks about that. He doesn’t really say much. If I had to guess, I’d like to think that he’s fine with it, and more than that—glad that Dastien and I found each other. It’s easier to balance that much power between two people… If that makes sense?

Emily:

Your relationship with your cousins has always been tense. How is it now?

Tessa:

So much better. At least with Claudia. Raphael… He’s been a little quiet and brooding. I’m worried about him. I’d hoped that after dealing with Luciana, he’d be better, but… That said, my relationship with Claudia has only gotten better with time, which is great.

Emily:

Were you shocked to learn that Claudia found her true mate that's a wolf?

Tessa:

Before she went to Peru, I had this feeling that she’d meet her match there. I had no clue it was going to be a were! That was nuts! But so many strange things have happened to me over the past few months, that once I got over the initial shock, I think it’s pretty great. Although I’m kind of wondering if she’ll let him bite her! I mean, that would make the most sense, right? So, what are they waiting for?

Emily:

Do you think Raphael will ever find a mate?

Tessa:

I hope so. Either with a bruja or were or human… I don’t care, but that guy deserves someone to bring him some happiness. He stuck by his sister, when he could’ve left her there at the compound. He could’ve left when their parents left, but he didn’t. He’s a good guy. A really good brother to Claudia. And after what happened with the demon… Yeah. I really hope he does.

Emily:

So, in Alpha Unleashed, we were introduced to a new character, Van. Did you ever find out what was up between him and Cosette?

Tessa:

NO! Cosette won’t tell me a damned thing. She’s so cagey like that. I swear, she loves being mysterious… I’m DYING to know!
Emily:

I think we all are!

Emily:
So, it's been a rough ride. How are you feeling now that Luciana is dead?

Tessa:

Relieved. Thankful. And a whole hell of a lot of exhausted. Boy, am I ready for vacation with Dastien…

Emily:

Did you think killing her was possible for you or did you think you would either die or have to sacrifice yourself in the process?

Tessa:

I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. My vision gave me one version of what could happen, and I worked hard to make sure that didn’t happen. For a lot of reasons. But I was scared. Terrified. I knew it was going to come down to me or her or possibly both, so I had to be ready for all of it.

Emily:

How does it feel to not hide about being a werewolf to the humans?

Tessa:

Super weird. People are still camping out by the St. Ailbe’s gates. As much as I’m glad not to have to lie about this stuff, it feels like I’m being watched everywhere I go. It kind of gives me the creeps.

Emily:

How are things with you and Dastien?

Tessa:

Awesome. I’m super lucky.

Emily:

Did you at some point tell your mother about you and Dastien bonding? If so, how did she take it?

Tessa:

My dad totally spilled the beans. Which was fine. She took it way better than he did.

Emily:
Well, you are daddy's little girl.

Emily You said you wanted to go on a honeymoon and Dastien said he would make the arrangements and take you anywhere you want to go. Do you have a place in mind?

Tessa: I’m hoping to maybe see his place in France. I’d also love to go to a white sand beach somewhere in the Caribbean with clear water. I could totally get into lying on the beach for a few weeks and reading a ton of books.

Emily:

Have you changed your mind about having a real wedding?

Tessa:

I don’t know. My mom wants one. Now that we’re bonded, it seems silly… But we’ll see what happens.

Emily:

Now that the world is at peace, where do we go from here?

Tessa:

I don’t know. Luckily—or maybe not so luckily—I haven’t seen anything yet. But I don’t think the fey are too happy right now. Cosette’s disappeared, and from her exchange with Van and what she hinted at, it’s not good. And there are so many other bad things out there. It makes me wonder if now that humans know that they’re there, if things will start to get crazier. If they don’t have to hide, then what happens? I don’t know yet, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon.

Do you want to get to know more about Aileen and her writings? Follow her at the links below.

Facebook

Website

Blog

Twitter

Instagram

Goodreads

Are you interested in learning more about the Alpha Girl series or the Shadow Raven series? Click on your preferred platform below to start reading.

Alpha Girl Series:

Becoming Alpha (Alpha Girl Book 1)

Amazon

iTunes

Avoiding Alpha (Alpha Girl Book 2)

iTunes

Alpha Divided (Alpha Girl Book 3)
Amazon

iTunes

Bruja (Alpha Girl Book 4)

iTunes

Alpha Unleashed (Alpha Girl Book 5)

iTunes

SHADOW RAVENS SERIES:

Cipher (Shadow Ravens Book 1)

iTunes

Before you go, be sure to enter the giveaway. You have the opportunity to win a signed paperback of the following books:
Becoming Alpha (Book 1)

Avoiding Alpha (Book 2)

Alpha Divided (Book 3)

Bruja (4)

You will also win an ebook of Alpha Unleashed, a necklace, bookmark and keychain from the Alpha Girl series. Be sure to visit the blog everyday to enter again. Giveaway ends 9/30.

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Sunday, September 27, 2015

Author Interview ~ Aileen Erin

Today, I have the amazing author Aileen Erin in the spotlight! We did an interview to learn more about her life, her writings, her quirks and just a little randomness that is just her.

Be sure to check out the giveaway at the bottom of the page and enter for you chance to win a fabulous prize pack.

Author Bio:

Aileen Erin is half-irish, half-mexican and 100% nerd from Star Wars (prequels don't count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW). She reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin and a MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds and kicking ass.

Emily:

Thank you Aileen for joining me on the blog today! I am a huge fan of your writing. Tell us, exactly how long have you been writing?

Aileen Erin:

My mom sent me a story I wrote in 2^nd grade a few months ago, so I guess I’ve been writing for quite a while. But I really started writing seriously two years after I graduated from college—2007. I was working in LA in post-production and hating it. So, I’d go home at night, have a glass of wine, and write until my then-boyfriend, now-husband came home. That usually gave me a solid three hours of writing time. After a year, I had a finished book, quit my day job, got a part-time gig nannying, and decided to go to school for my MFA. I knew I needed some help learning the craft, and I found an amazing low-residency genre fiction program. Seton Hill’s MFA in Writing Popular Fiction. It was there that I really learned to write.

Emily:

I didn't really grow up reading, but now I can't put the books down. Did you grow up reading?

Aileen Erin:

Yes! OMG, yes! My mom had a rule, no books at the dinner table. Otherwise, I don’t think she would have seen my face most days. My nose was always in a book. I read anything I could get my hands on. By the time I was in sixth grade, I’d already graduated to adult fantasy novels.

Emily:

Do you have a favorite genre that you prefer to write?

Aileen Erin:

Urban fantasy. Although, I started out writing YA fantasy. That’s what I played around with first. But urban fantasy/paranormal stuff really flows for me. I like the sense that it’s our world, with a little something extra on top to make it more interesting.

Emily:

So, your most recent release is Alpha Unleashed (Alpha Girl Book 5). What inspired you to write the Alpha Girl series?

Aileen Erin:

Becoming Alpha was actually my thesis novel for my MFA at Seton Hill University. When I showed up on campus for my first writer’s residency, I was so excited and such a no0b! I didn’t even realize I needed to come with an idea for my thesis ready to go. So, I had to hustle for something. I was really into urban fantasy at the time, but vampires were getting all the love. I always liked werewolves better. I mean—how cool that they can shift forms?! Plus, they’re not dead. ;) I also really liked the idea of a secret boarding school. I always wanted to go to boarding school when I was a kid—I have no idea why! So, I talked to my mentor at the time—author Karen Lynn Williams—and told her I wanted to write about a girl who moved to small town Texas, got bit by a werewolf, and had to go to a secret boarding school for werewolves.

Emily:

Who is your favorite character in the Alpha Girl series and why?

Aileen Erin:

I really love them all, but I think Meredith might be my favorite. She’s gone through her own hardships, but she’s always so positive and kind. I’d really like to explore her character more and her relationship with Donovan.

Emily:

I hope you do explore more on her and I look forward to reading more on her and Donovan.

Emily:

When you're not writing, what do you do in your spare time?

Aileen Erin:

Read! I have a book a day habit, sometimes more depending on how busy I am. I keep my Kindle with me at all times, and in the off time that I don’t have it handy—there’s always the app on my phone! It’s pretty bad. I’m a total addict. Some things you just never grow out of…

Emily:

What's your favorite genre to read?

Aileen Erin:

I love to read fantasy and urban fantasy—especially when there’s a strong romantic subplot!

Emily:

Writing is more than just having a talent for it. What motivates you to write?

Aileen Erin:

Writing is a passion. There never was a question if I should write or not. I had to. It’s only gotten worse with time. I get a little cranky when I don’t have enough writing time.

Emily:

I know the struggle of staying focused while writing. Do you write with background noise?

Aileen Erin:

I listen to Pandora a lot. My Ludovico Einaudi station is a go-to. Or I listen to Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy podcast. When I’m super stressed and on a deadline, I listen to this DNA repair track on YouTube. It calms me down, so I can focus and get my work down.

Emily:
How about some fun non-writing related questions?

What's your favorite movie?

Aileen Erin:

I have to pick one?! That’s impossible. The original Star Wars trilogy is an all time fave. I love the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice. And I love a good comedy. If Spaceballs or The Three Amigos are on, I have to watch them. So good!!!

Emily:

I have a hard time choosing just one movie myself. lol

Emily:

I love music. I listen to a wide variety of music. What kind of music do you listen to?

Aileen Erin:

I like electronic music—specifically trance and house. When I’m not listening to that, it’s usually Nine Inch Nails or classical.

Emily:

I don't know about you, but I love food. Mexican is my fave! What's your favorite food?

Aileen Erin:

Tex-Mex! I could eat it every day!

Emily:

I'm a big time Pepsi girl. What's your favorite drink?

Aileen Erin:

Diet Coke. It’s a problem…

Emily:

I can't choose between purple and yellow. lol What's your favorite color?

Aileen Erin:

Blue!

Emily:

Give us a glimpse into your love life. Are you married?

Aileen Erin:

Yes! Very happily to my best friend! I highly recommend it. ;)

Emily:

I love my fur babies! I have two feisty and funny dogs. Do you have any pets?

Aileen Erin:

Nope. We almost got a dog last spring, but we decided to wait until after we have kiddos.

Emily:

Everyone has funny quirks or habbits. lol Do you have any funny quirks or habits?

Aileen Erin:

I sing when I’m doing things. It’s totally absent-minded. Sometimes purposefully off-key. (I’m classically trained!) But I can’t help it. For example, I’ll be looking for something to eat in the fridge, and start singing, “What am I going to eat? What is there to eat? I need some food! I am super hungry!”

Candace—who works for Ink Monster out of my house—has been friends with me for seven or eight years, and didn’t know this about me until she started working here. She’s threatening to take videos and upload. That is so never happening! #embarrassing

Emily:
Candace needs to enlighten us all on this singing quirk of yours! Preferably with video... lol

#hilarious #video #youtube #quirks

Emily:

Have you written any other books besides the Alpha Girl series?

Aileen Erin:

I wrote Cipher the first book in the Shadow Ravens series. I’m bad at doing the one liner thing, so here’s the blurb:

In the not-too-distant future, the color of your helix tattoo shows exactly how your DNA was modified—green for super-smart scientists, black for pumped-up warriors, white for the immortal Seligo—but Cipher’s red helix is a death sentence. It’s a sign of unstable DNA, which is probably the reason she can manipulate electricity.

When she was eight years old, Cipher made the mistake of showing her uncle the tattoo. In return, he killed her parents and tried to kidnap her. She’s been on the run ever since, and twelve long years later, Cipher is tired of hiding. Survival isn’t enough anymore. She wants her life back.

Hacking into the Citadel mainframe is a huge risk, but it pays off when she finds a database on red helixes. Before she can copy it, she loses control of her power, charring her last processor, and the only person in the Arizona Voids that can get her back online is her oldest friend, Knightly. She hasn’t seen him in person since she started running, and Knightly 2.0 is fully upgraded with a six-pack and knee-melting smile.

For a girl like Cipher, trust doesn’t come easily, but Knightly makes her yearn for a life she knows she can’t have, especially when every secret she reveals endangers them both.

Emily:

That's an excellent book! I really enjoyed reading it as well!

Emily:

Do you have any future projects in mind?

Aileen Erin:

Yes! I’m starting a new series—the Holy Ghost High series. Invocation, the first book, comes out in may. It’s about a girl who goes to a high school that was built on top of a graveyard in LA. Needless to say, it’s super haunted…

Emily:

Sounds interesting! I look forward to reading it! <3

Emily:

So, you co-own Ink Monster. Tell us a little bit about Ink Monster and how it got started.

Aileen Erin:

Ink Monster is the publishing company that Christina Bauer and I started. Christina had been traditionally published before, but was unhappy with the experience, and I had just finished my MFA and wanted to try out indie publishing. So, we joined forces. She’s got some major expertise in marketing (That’s her day job!), and I have knowledge about writing and editing. Plus, it’s way more fun to publish when you have a partner in crime. We spent a long time on our business plan (over a year), and finally published our first releases in December of 2013. You can read more about what we do and why here, in our manifesto.

Do you want to get to know more about Aileen and her writings? Follow her at the links below.

Facebook

Website

Blog

Twitter

Instagram

Goodreads

Are you interested in learning more about the Alpha Girl series or the Shadow Raven series? Click on your preferred platform below to start reading.

Alpha Girl Series:

Becoming Alpha (Alpha Girl Book 1)

Amazon

iTunes

Avoiding Alpha (Alpha Girl Book 2)

iTunes

Alpha Divided (Alpha Girl Book 3)
Amazon

iTunes

Bruja (Alpha Girl Book 4)

iTunes

Alpha Unleashed (Alpha Girl Book 5)

iTunes

SHADOW RAVENS SERIES:

Cipher (Shadow Ravens Book 1)

iTunes