Interview & Giveaway for You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

I recently read and reviewed this incredible debut novel by Janeal Falor. I personally loved it. It was very unique and explored a lot of interesting ideas, but with wonderful fantastical depth :). To hear more about what I thought of this book, you can read my review HERE.

This is definitely a very exciting time for Janeal, with the release of her first book. As well I was very excited to be one of the first to read it :). But what's even more exciting is that I got to ask her  a bunch questions and find out some great stuff about her as an author and how the process of putting her book out there for the first time has been. So continue on below to see how that interview went, and then we shall have giveaway time! I can't wait to share this book with one of you, you lucky ducks!

1. First off, we'd love to learn some more about you :) What things can you tell us so that we can know a bit more of who you are? And where can we go to learn more about your book?

    Hardest question! I'm shy so I find it tough to talk about myself. I'm a homeschooling mother of three and love every minute of it. And yes, as part of that I'm constantly getting my kids to read and write books. Thankfully they are just as crazy about books as I am.

You can learn more about my book on http://janealfalor.com/. Or you can purchase it an ecopy at Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords, or the print version at Create Space.

Meghan- I am also a stay at home mom to 3 little ones. I try to encourage reading as much as possible, and they know how crazy mommy is about her books. I can only hope that at least one of them will develop the madness as well haha.


2. What has the experience of putting your very first book out there been like?

    It has been beyond amazing. I was expecting a lot of hiccups and not a lot of interest. But for a few tiny things, everything has gone very smoothly. More than that, people truly astound me with their interest and support. There has been a lot of shock, tears, and insane giggling going on at my house. But mostly it has left me feeling a lot of gratitude for so many incredible people.



3. When did you make the decision to become a writer? What helped you make that decision?

    I've been writing stories since I was a kid. I think I've always enjoyed being able to escape real life through my own imaginings. Sometimes you just need that escape to help ease the pressure of daily life. Plus it's down right fun!

Meghan- Writing has been something I've always wanted to try my hand at. But I always just worry that I don't have the creative juices neccesary to write something interesting enough. Perhaps someday something will happen to push me into that direction.


4. What things do you take pleasure in when you aren't writing?

    I love cooking and eating, the eating part probably a little too much. ;) Reading of course. Being outdoors. I especially enjoy  being with my family. My husband and children bring a lot of joy to my life.

Meghan- Ha! Can I ever relate with you on the eating too much part ;). I have a terrible weakness for foods that I know aren't good for me. But we can't be good all the time can we? Besides, it's too much fun to have ice cream with your kids on a sunny day, and sit down with some snacks and a movie in the evening :).

5. Now for some questions about You Are Mine, where did you find inspiration for this story?

    I was reading a lot of marriage of convenience/marrying for money type stories and I thought; What if these girls weren't sold off for money? What if they were sold off for something else that they couldn't control. Something of great value like...Magic.

And my life was consumed until...well, it's still consumed.

Meghan- I have to give props to a very unique and imaginative idea. It makes this read so much fun, and that much more interesting with the fantastical dynamic thrown in there.

6. Was women's rights something you always had interest in? Or was it just something that developed for the story?

    I've always cared about women's right, but I didn't go into the story knowing that was what I was going to write about. After I wrote the first draft I stepped back and went, 'Well look at that.How can I use that to make Serena grow?'

7. Did you find it difficult as a woman in today's age to put yourself into Serena's position?

   Yes and no. Serena has lived through horrors that I've never been through. But there's so many problems for women in this world that break my heart. It's only too easy to find stories about violence against women and ways we are still struggling to find equality with men. I hope that it is something we work at changing until the only places it exists is in history and fiction.

Meghan- Yes, and hopefully sooner rather than later!

8. Do you have a personal favorite amongst the characters you wrote?

    This answer always changes every time someone asks me. I just love them all so much. Right now I'm feeling in the mood for a good swoon so I'd have to go with Zade. *imagines Zade* *swoons*

Meghan- I definitely have to agree! I adored Zade, and I always got excited whenever he walked onto the scene. I had a perfect visualization of him and yes, he is definitely swoon-worthy.

9. Are any of your characters based off of people you have met or know in real life?

    Not any specific person, but I do think some of character traits have been based off of people I know in general. I know so many great people with strength and goodness and I'd like to think they've been a positive influence on my outlook.

10. Do you think if you lived in Serena's world  that you would have had the bravery she has when facing pure domination and slavery? Why or why not?

    I truly hope that I would, but honestly? I'm scared I wouldn't. It's really easy to say I would be brave enough, but the truth is I'm not always as brave as I would like to be. It's so hard to stand up for things. I can only try to work on being better and hope if ever faced with a similar situation I can do what needs to be done.

11. Why do you think people should read your book? Why would you recommend it?

    Because it's awesome!

Really though, one thing I love as a reader is character growth and Serena definitely has a lot of that. There's romance that takes time to build as the characters get to know one another. Plus, it will jerk your emotions all over, but leave them in a happy place.

Meghan- It definitely is awesome, among many other positive qualities it carries. Character development is something I love in a book. It definitely can make or break a book. But watching Serena grow, change and adapt was phenomenal. For those who haven't, you can read all about it in my review :).

12. I'd like to hear about your own reading preferences, have you always been a fan of fantasy? What other genres do you enjoy?

    I have always loved fantasy and YA. I also really enjoy reading Sweet Romances, especially historical ones, and books that make me laugh.

13. Who are some of your favorite Authors?

    Rae Carson, Beth Revis, Gail Carson Levine, and Victoria Hanley

Meghan- I am a little ashamed to admit that I have never heard of any of them or read their books. I shall try my best to change that!


14. Do you have any all time favorite books? Any books that you think everyone should read at some point?

    Pretty much all of the books written by the authors above. The Fire and Thorns series, Across the Universe series, Ella Enchanted, and the Seer and the Sword. All fantastic books/series.

15. Speaking as a new and emerging author, what advice would you give to aspiring writers out there who are thinking about putting out their stories?

    If you believe in your story, follow your heart, but be willing to work hard. Very little in the publishing business is easy, but it's very worth it.

16. I had one final question about your story. When I was listing the genre for my review, I was trying to decide if  I should list it as a Historical Fiction, or a Dystopian. In which genre would you place it, if either?

    I personally classify it as a High Fantasy. With romance if you'd like. And when I feel like making up a genre I call it a Realistic High Fantasy because it's relateable despite having magic and being in another world.

Meghan- Ah! Thank you for solving my dilemma. I think I will have to look into some more High Fantasy Novels :).

Before we carry onto the giveaway I would like to take this time to thank Janeal for taking the time to answer all my questions so thoroughly and for providing and e-copy so that I can share this great novel with one of you lucky readers :). 

Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to win!

& don't forget to tell your friends :).

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Interview/Giveaway!! Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Hello everyone !
Today I am bringing to you another awesome Author Interview and Giveaway! I am incredibly excited about this one as I loved the book so dearly. You can find my review for Starflower here. Starflower is book #4 in the Series called The Tales of the Goldenwood. But since it is a prequel you don't necessarily need to have read the previous three. It is the first in the series that I read myself and as I said before, I fell completely in love with it and I know you will to! So be sure to enter our giveaway after reading our awesome interview with the very lovely Anne Elisabeth Stengl :).

1. Please tell us some interesting facts about yourself, we love getting a further peek into the author behind the stories we love.

Hi there! I am Anne Elisabeth, a lover of Fairy Tales, cats, Sri Lankan teas, classical piano, fuzzy socks, and classic literature. I'm also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style. I live with my handsome husband, a gaggle of cats, and one long-suffering dog in Raleigh, NC. My novels include Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower. Both Heartless and Veiled Rose have been honored with a Christy Award.

2.Starflower is definitely one of the best fantasy stories I have ever read. Is fantasy something you have always been partial to?

Absolutely. I spent my early childhood years in England, surrounded by landscapes right out of fairy tales. My father and older brother used to tell me exciting stories about goblins and elves and wicked fairies that lived in the forest right by our house. I grew up with an active imagination and a fascination for all things fantastical. When I got a little older, I fell in love with the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and after them, with Robin McKinley's amazing retold fairy tales. There is no genre I love more!

I am not at all surprised by your answer. After reading your book I immediately would class it amongst stories such as Chronicles of Narnia and works of Tolkein!

3.Your characters are all so well developed and real. I always had such vivid images while reading your story. Are any of them based on someone you know personally?

Much of the reason the characters are so vivid is because I have been writing about them for a long time. Eanrin, especially, was a character I loved and wrote stories about when I was in high school. While Starflower is the first novel he's featured in as the main protagonist, he has always been my special favorite. Of course, he has grown a lot as a character even as I have grown as a writer. These days, he is also very loosely based off my husband in some ways . . . all the most charming ways. (But my husband is the most unselfish man I know, so in that they are polar opposites.)

For the most part, however, I would say that all of my characters are little pieces of me. I'll take an aspect of my own character and personality--good or bad--and then imagine that quality embellished into a whole person with a whole new background and motivations. All of my characters, even my most hideous villains, are extensions of me. Thus I know them intimately.

I love that you take your individual traits and turn them into an entire person. That is the first time I have heard an Author say that about their characters. It seems like such a great idea, because as you said, since they are a piece of you, you automatically know them intimately. That's just awesome!

4.In my review it's pretty obvious I adore this book and recommend it to any and all, but for what reasons would you yourself recommend this book?

Well, I'm a bit biased, but I truly do think that Starflower has it all!

It has the fairy tale themes we loved as children, so there is a sense of familiarity. But you can never predict where the story is actually going, so you are kept in suspense the whole while.

It has an amazingly charming hero, and an amazingly strong heroine, and yet they are nothing like any hero or heroine you've met. The hero is as vain and selfish as you can get . . . but I dare you not to fall madly in love with him! And the heroine cannot speak a word and certainly can't wield a weapon . . . but I defy any monster to face her!

It is a magical book full of twists, surprises and--Oh yes: A healthy dose of romance.

But then, like I said, I am a bit biased. J

5.Your story is so beautiful, where do you draw your inspiration from?

I am greatly inspired by such authors as C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald. These gentlemen combined their faith with their love of fairy tales and fantasy, and wrote meaningful fantasy fiction such as you don't often see today. Unlike modern authors, they weren't primarily focused on the BANG! ACTION! ADVENTURE! of their stories. They didn't simply race from one exciting sequence to the next. They wrote brilliantly engaging stories that not only catch our imaginations, but also capture our hearts. They wove meaningful themes, universal and spiritual truths, and unforgettable characters into elegant narratives.

6. If you had to pick a favorite character from this story who would it be?

Easily Eanrin. Don't get me wrong! I adore my Starflower as well. She's a wonderful, lovely, admirable character. But I just adore my poet-cat, and all his charm and selfishness! He always takes me by surprise, and he always has a witty word to offer. I've been writing about him for so long, I don't feel like I actually create any of his scenes anymore. I simply sit down and watch him go. He is the darling of my heart, and my favorite not only in this book, but also in the series as a whole.

I definitely have to agree! I just loved Eanrin right from the beginning! He was so adorable and clever, I just wish I could have strolled in and became his friend :).

7. Moving away from your story for a second, who are some of your own favorite authors/books?

I really love the following:

C.S. Lewis--Chronicles of Narnia and Till We Have Faces

George MacDonald--The Princess and the Goblin

Megan Whalen Turner--The Queen's Thief series

Robin McKinley--Rose Daughter and Beauty

Sir Terry Pratchett--Nation

There are so many more, but these are definitely among my all time favorites!

8. If you could write a story with any author, alive or not, who would you choose and what would you want to write about?

Wow, that's a really interesting (and tough!) question. I think I would love to write a story alongside C.S. Lewis, though. We have similar ideas about tying real-world mythology into our own invented worlds, and we both love to bring in allegorical themes. But our styles are VERY different, so I don't know how that would go! Maybe if we tackled a fairy-tale retelling, though. That would be interesting! Maybe a novella-length retelling of Beauty and the Beast. That would be fun to do with C.S. Lewis, and I would drink in anything he had to teach me!

I would read a re-telling of beauty & the beast in a heartbeat! That is my favorite Disney story ever :).

9. What advice would you give to the aspiring writers out there?

Read! And read, and read, and read some more. Read things you love, read things you hate. Read tons of material from the genre you want to write. Read the classics, as many of them as you can get your hands on. The more you read, the more the writing world will open up to you. The more you read, the more other writers who have paved the way for you will reveal their secrets. So read!!!

10. With everything moving toward the digital age, what is your take on e-book vs print? And how do you prefer to read your books?

I confess, I don't actually own an e-reader, so I don't have a whole lot of experience with them. I've fiddled around with friends' e-readers, and they seem really cool. I also appreciate the opportunities they afford authors these days. One day I'll step into the modern age and actually get myself one.

I'm such an old-fashioned girl at heart, though. I love a "real" book. My husband and I just converted a room of our house into our official "library," and we're doing everything we can to collect classics in gorgeous, leather-bound editions. While I appreciate the convenience of e-readers, can you really beat beautiful leather and gold-embossing? Really?

You are not alone. I also do not own an e-reader. I can agree they are fancy and pretty and I'm sure they do come in handy. But I just can't see myself every picking up a piece of metal and such instead of book with real pages and missing out on holding and smelling an actual book. I just love everything about books. As well I really do adore shelves just covered with books, it's an amazing sight to me. I am incredibly jealous of your own personal library! Hopefully someday I shall have something like it!

11. Returning back to your story, what has been the most rewarding experience you've had since you have been published?

I think the most rewarding experience for me has been the interaction with my fans. I have developed a number of truly close friendships with people I never would have encountered if I weren't a professional author. A few months ago, I started an editing/mentoring business, and I have a wonderful group of young women/aspiring authors with whom I work. It's so rewarding to see them developing their skills as storytellers, and I feel very bonded to each one of them in different ways.

I have also had the honor of being awarded two Christy Awards in the last two years, one for my debut, and one for my sophomore novel. It was so lovely to attend the gala banquet with my husband, all dressed to the nines--and so terrifying to have to get up in front of everyone and give speeches! But I was thrilled and honored both years, and felt verified that I am doing what I am meant to do.

12. I've noticed that a lot of reviews for this book are in the 5 star area. And the reviews are well deserved I must say. How does it make you feel knowing people have connected with your story so well?

I suspected that Starflower would connect with a lot of people. There are so many different universal themes going on in the story, and if a reader doesn't connect to one, she/he is likely to connect to another. I think the reviews reflect that personal connection readers feel to the story.

That being said, I am THRILLED by this reaction so far! It's always utterly terrifying for me to send my "brainchild" out to the reading public. I love my stories so much, but I also know that not everyone is going to love them as I do or understand what I am trying to communicate through them. With past books, I've had aggressively negative reactions from some readers--one reader even declared one of my books a "publishing travesty" simply because she didn't like my writing voice! That's really hard to take, I can tell you.

But seeing each book connecting with the right audience--the people for whom I truly wrote the story--is wonderful and so encouraging. I feel very blessed by the reaction to Starflower so far!

13. This was the first book in the series I have read, I now had definite full plans to go back and read the previous ones. But can we expect to see more installments in the series? I'm hoping so :)

Oh, I hope so too! Heartless, Veiled Rose, and Moonblood are all set 1600 years after Starflower . . . but there are a LOT of things that happened in between. For instance, when you pick up Heartless, you're going to find a very different Eanrin in that book than you last saw at the end of Starflower. He's suffered some major changes, both emotional and physical. But we don't yet know exactly what happened to him between Starflower and Heartless. (Well, I do . . . but I can't say yet!)

 Dragonwitch, which comes out next summer, continues some of the story threads left unresolved from Starflower, and I have a book 6 (as yet untitled) due to release spring 2014. After that, I don't know for sure. But I have many, many, many more stories to tell, so we'll see what happens!

I really need to get my hands on the rest of this series. I want to own it so I can share it with my children when they are older. I know what books I am adding to my x-mas list this year! Thank you so much for sharing this with me! I look forward to your upcoming additions to the story as well!

14. Using 3 words only, describe Starflower.

Romantic fairy tale.

15. If you weren't a writer for some crazy reason, what would you see yourself doing?

I would probably be an art teacher. I was an art teacher/portrait painter before I sold my first novel contract. And I really loved it . . . though not quite as much as I love writing! I still use my art for various promotional features for the stories, and I'm constantly doing paintings or sketches to go along with the stories. You can see a sketch I did for Starflower here: (http://starflowernovel.blogspot.com/p/illustrated-sneak-peek.html)

And, speaking of illustrations, be sure to check out my Dragonwitch page on December 7th! There is an exciting reveal coming that you won't want to miss! (http://dragonwitchnovel.blogspot.com/)

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Meghan. These were fun questions to answer! I'm so pleased that you enjoyed Starflower. And I hope all of you readers will get a chance to pick up my story very soon.

I am so glad you enjoyed the interview, thank you so much for taking the time to answer all the questions thoroughly! I completely enjoyed reading your responses :). I also hope that all of our readers find a copy of Starflower to read as well, it's and incredible read they will be glad they read.

And now my friends it is giveaway time!

It is however US only (sorry!)

Winner will receive a signed copy of Starflower as well as some awesome swag!

 One of you is going to severely lucky so enter below :).

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Author Interview: J. Meyers

I was recently asked to read and review a really great book by J. Meyers. I am so very glad that I was asked because I got to read the great story that is Intangible!

 You can check out my 4Hoot review here.

I liked the book so much that I asked Meyers if she would be interested in doing an interview so we could learn more about her, her book, and future books. She very kindly agreed, and we are so very thankful!

I would like to extend a great big thank you to J. Meyers for everything! I had so much fun reading your book, and getting to know more about you. I can't wait to read your future works!


1.We are always eager to know more about the person behind the words, tell us a bit about yourself and where readers can go if they want to learn even more about you.
I have always wanted to make my living as an artist, some way or another, so at different times during the last twenty years I've worked as a professional actor, singer, portrait artist, and writer. It's in my blood to create, though I'm somewhat shocked that I've ended up writing. I never would have dreamed that'd I'd be doing this. And yet here I am. :-)

(Readers can visit me www.jmeyersbooks.com. I love visitors!)

2. What was your favorite part in your book Intangible?
I love the bond between Sera and Luke. I did a bunch of research about twins to get a feel for how they interact with each other (how it's similar or different from non-twins) and how that amazing bond they share manifests itself in little ways.
Meghan: I couldn't agree more. I absolutely love the bond you created between Sera and Luke. The affection and friendship they share is just wonderful! The research you did definitely paid off :)

3. Who would you say is your favorite character from Intangible, and why?
Don't make me choose just one! (That's like making me choose a favorite child.) Honestly, I love them all, and I'm not sure that I have a favorite. But I will tell you that I do love Marc. I didn't intend to. I actually started out thinking he was just going to be a bad guy all around. But he wasn't. He was smart, funny, and witty. And tortured. He came with not the best intentions, but it was out of desperation. And he left because he was traumatized. (I hope he comes back, though I'm not sure what will happen if he does.)
Meghan: I would love to see Marc come back. Mostly because I feel he owes Sera a massive apology for things said.

4. Are any of the characters in the story based on people you know personally?
Not really. There are parts of me and people I know mixed up into all the characters, but no one character is based on one person. They're all very imaginary.


5. If you could have dinner with one character from your book, who would you choose?
Jonas. Because he's got to have some seriously amazing stories to tell.

6. Are you working on anything new? What can we expect to see from you in the future?
I'm just getting started on book two, and have high (possibly unrealistic) hopes that it will be out by the end of the year.
Meghan: That is very exciting! I hope you will think of me when it's released ;).


7. Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, what happened to make you decide to start writing?
Nope. I hated writing when I was in high school and college. Loved words--their meanings, origins, and word play--but hated writing. I began writing after I started freelancing for an educational texts publisher. I'd started out with just inputting changes to the manuscript on computer, but then moved up to proofing, copyediting, and eventually writing. It was a slow transition, and I didn't really think of myself as a writer at that point. Once I started writing books (I co-authored a couple of parenting books before writing Intangible), I finally realized I was a writer.



8. Aside from writing, what other things do you enjoy doing?
I read a lot when I'm not writing (and sometimes when I am). I have four kids who are the most amazing people I know and we're an unschooling family, so we spend our days learning, exploring, and playing. I also love to bake (a little *too* much), knit, sew, and go for hikes or walks with my kids.
Meghan: It sounds like you have a wonderful family, and that you share a great life together! You must feel very lucky.



9. What is it like for you, when reading reviews of your book? How do you react to positive and/or negative reviews?
I've been amazed at the lovely things people have said about the book. Overwhelmed really. And I actually haven't gotten any negative reviews yet (I have no doubt they'll come), but my big plan is to not read them. I know I'll take it personally and get upset, and I don't really want to do that. But I do feel so lucky and blessed that so far the response has been really positive.

10.What is the most rewarding experience you've had since your book was released?
Readers emailing me to tell me how much they enjoyed the book, and having some readers say they couldn't put the book down. I had no idea it would be that kind of book for some people (but then, I read it at least 10 times, so it was *very* put-downable near the end for me!).



11. What is your all-time favorite book, or a book that you think everyone should read?
I don't think I have an all-time favorite anymore--I've read some really amazing books in the last couple of years. But I'd have to say that Laini Taylor's Dreamdark books, Blackbringer and Silksinger, are a must-read. She creates the most incredible world in those books--a living, breathing world--and fantasically unique characters.
Meghan: I will definitely have to look into those and possibly add them to my TBR.



12. What is your favorite genre of books? Do you stick to mainly one, or branch out?
I'm so in love with YA and MG books, and have been for several years, so mostly what I read is within those two genres. Occasionally I read some non-fiction (because I'm on a continuous quest to be a better parent, or researching). And once in a great while I pick up adult fiction, but honestly, I just don't find it as well written or creative as YA and MG. (I've also found that now that I'm writing I have a very low tolerace for less-than-stellar books--in part because I have limited time to read now, so I can't waste my time suffering through some book I'm not liking just to finish it, and in part because I get irritated much more quickly by some styles or poor writing.)
 Meghan:  I know what you mean about limited time and trying to spend it reading things you enjoy. I have 3 kids between the ages 2 and 5 haha. And I absolutely agree on the creativity of YA, I'm a huge fan of Paranormal and Fantasy.


13. Is there an upcoming release you are really looking forward to right now?
Oh my goodness, YES. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore. I. can't. wait. (Can I tell you how happy I am that it's well over 500 pages long? Over 500 pages of Kristin Cashore's fabulous writing and unique world? So excited!)


14. Who is your favorite Author? 
I have several: Laini Taylor, Frannie Billinsgley, Kristin Cashore, Megan Whalen Turner, Aidan Chambers. (That's not all, but I'm stopping there.)
Meghan: Some more Authors I will have to take a peek at :) Thanks for sharing!



15. Where do you pull your inspiration from when writing?
Music & books. Music will sometimes give me story/plot ideas or inspire a mood/feeling for a character. And I read, read, read to be inspired (and learn how) to write better.



16. If you could join forces with any Author, alive or dead, to write a book, Who would you pick?
Yikes! I'm too much of a loner, so I don't think I'd want to write a novel with anyone and have to maybe compromise on story or style issues.


17. Do you prefer print or e-books?
Print. No contest. I love the feel of a book, turning the pages, the look of the words on the page, studying the art inside (if there is any) and on the cover.
Meghan: I agree 100%! I just love print books so much. Especially their smell and the feeling of pages in your hands, it's not uncommon to catch me sniffing books hehe.


18. What advice would you give to the aspiring writers out there? 
Read! Read a lot!! And write the kind of book you'd want to read (even if it's not currently trendy).


Thank you again for everything, it's been a real pleasure working with you and I hope to hear from you again in the future!
Thank you so much, Meghan! I've loved working with you, as well. It's been fun!