Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Meet Futuristic/SciFi Author - Hywela Lyn!

Hywela Lyn
Futuristic/SciFi Author

      Thank you for stopping in to meet Hywela Lyn and to take a step into one of her fantasy worlds. The small shuttle ship glides through the atmosphere and makes a perfect landing on the snowy plain which stretches as far as the eye can see. We have arrived on the snowy planet, Earth Colony Niflheim, named after the Norse land of mist and cold. The planet is inhabited by telepathic settlers from old Earth, and a room in the Great Hall has been made available to us for our interview.
      In the distance, nestled beneath the jagged mountains, the settlement of Gladsheim waits to welcome the visitors. Don’t worry, the buildings are so comfortable and warm inside you will forget how cold it is outside; the inhabitants of the settlement are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality. Niflheim may be chilly and hostile in the uninhabited areas, but here it is very beautiful. The drifts of pink snow are not just reflections from the distant red giant sun, but a natural phenomenon. Despite the cold, tiny blossoms adorn the long thin branches of the trees and wildflowers grow all around the settlement, and on the shores of the lake, around which many of the dwellings are built.




Lyn: Hi Deanna, thank you so much for inviting me to be interviewed this week and for making the long journey to be with me on one of my favourite planets, Niflheim, which features in my novel ‘Starquest’ and the sequel ‘Children Of The Mist’.

Deanna:  The pink snow is wonderful. Who would have thought? Your imagination has to kick in to write these types of stories for your readers! What else do you do along with your writing?

Lyn: I have two horses, and love to spend time with them – many of my plots have been dreamed up on the back of a horse! I also love walking my dog, a rescued Jack Russell terrier, and I enjoy photography. I used to oil paint but just don’t have time these days, and of course I love reading, especially science fiction, fantasy and romance, or a mixture of all three.

Deanna:  What do you do to relax?

Lyn: Relax? What’s that? *grin* I do enjoy listening to instrumental type music, country music, and some classical, and reading of course.

Deanna:  As authors, we’ve sometimes been accused of being several people. How many personalities live in your mind?

Lyn: *Sigh*  Too many.  My current heroine and hero, and several previous characters, especially Jess, my heroine from Starquest. She’s really a part of me! They tend to argue with me – a lot!

Deanna: At least they're talking to you! Mine love to tell me how to change story lines. Some authors aren't that lucky. What is your strongest area in writing: plotting, character personality, dialogue, etc?

Lyn: I think characters are my strongest area. I love writing dialogue between characters, so I suppose both characterization and dialogue. I’m not too good at plotting, I rely on the characters to do that for me!

Deanna:  It's a help when the characters do chime in to add to the plots. Can you work on more than one book at a time?

Lyn: At the moment I have my current WIP and two more on the back burner! However once the first draft is written, I prefer to finish revising one book completely before moving on to the next.

Deanna:  How long does it take you to write a book?

Lyn: Too long! I’m a slow writer. Or at least I write the first draft fairly quickly but then it takes me ages to rewrite and revise until I think it’s fit to send off to a publisher. It all depends on the book though.

Deanna:  What is your editing process?

Lyn: I read through the first draft and make a few amendments as I go, but really I’m just reading to see if it ‘flows’ and makes sense. The second time I go through and do a fair bit of deleting and rewriting. I also check for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors. My crit partners will have been given my second draft, so I incorporate their suggestions as well, provided I agree with them of course. This usually involves some emailing back and fore to discuss things we may or may not agree on. Then when I think I’ve caught everything, I give a final read through and even then, it may take one more reading and editing process before I feel able to let it go!

Deanna:  What is your favourite way to connect with readers?

Lyn: Readers can contact me through my website, comment on my Blog or on my Facebook page or Email me at hywelalyn@hywelalyn.co.uk  I really don’t mind, I just love hearing from them!

Deanna:  Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.

Lyn: Well, I usually check and answer my emails before breakfast, because I am not a ‘morning person’ and checking emails is about all I’m capable of until I start to wake up. Then I do any blog posts I have outstanding and check my diary to make sure I haven’t missed anything. As I said earlier, I have two horses and a dog. Unfortunately we don’t have our own land and the horses are kept about half an hour’s car journey from where we live, so that it takes a fair chunk out of the afternoon by the time we’ve traveled there, fed them watered them and cleaned up the paddock and shelter. Then I usually take my dog for a walk down the bridle path. I don’t ride much now, and in the winter there just isn’t time. If I’m really busy though, hubby is very good and will see to them for me. I love my animals and wouldn’t be without them, but it does mean that most of my writing has to be done in the early evening or late at night, but that suits me – I’m awake then!

Deanna:  Do your books have a common theme or are they all different and do you write in more than one genre?

Lyn: Well they’re all romances! It took me a while to realize that everything I wrote ended up as a love story, so I just gave into it and went ‘with the flow.’ America was ahead of the UK in acknowledging that romance covers all genres, so I submitted my first full length novel to the Wild Rose Press and was thrilled to have it accepted in the ‘Faery Rose’ line. Hmm, yes I think I’ve strayed a little from your original question. Apart from the romance, I think another theme that runs through my books is that of the protagonist having their mind set on one thing and finally achieving or finding something different, which makes them far happier than they could have imagined.
      ‘Starquest’ is a futuristic/Science Fiction romance. I followed it up with a sequel, ‘Children Of The Mist’ and am currently working on a third in what looks like becoming a trilogy, although I didn’t set out to write one! I also write the occasional fantasy, mainly set in medieval Wales or England, and have had Western Historical short stories published here in the UK. In fact, I have a Western Historical novel waiting for me to find time to work on it. I would also love to have a go at ‘Steampunk’ romance, it is such a ‘fun’ genre.

Deanna:  Lyn, I have to tell you how much I love historical novels set in England, Scotland or Ireland. The history fascinates me and even though we know it wasn't all so romantic, we try to keep that alive. Thank you for being with us all week. I'm sure our readers will have many questions for you.

Lyn: You ask the best questions, Deanna, I’ve really enjoyed this interview.  Before we head back to the ship that will take us back to earth, I’d like to offer a download of either ‘Starquest’ ‘Children Of The Mist’ or my Fantasy novella ‘Dancing With FatePlus a $10 Gift card, to a random commenter who tells us what their ideal planet would be like, and who they’d like to share it with. Be sure to leave your comment with email addy and what format you'd need if you win.


About the author: 
      Hywela Lyn lives in a small village in England, with her long suffering husband Dave,  although her heart remains in her native rural Wales, which inspired so much of her writing.
      Although most her writing tends to be futuristic, the worlds she creates are usually untainted by crowded cities and technology, embracing the beauty and wildness of nature.  Her characters often have to fight the elements and the terrain itself.  Her heroes are strong and courageous, but chivalrous and honourable - and of course, handsome and hunky. Her heroines are also strong and courageous, but retain their femininity and charm.  However difficult the journey, love will always win in the end.
      A keen animal lover, she has two horses. a rescued Jack Russell and two 'ferel'  cats.
      Her  first novel, a futuristic romance released by the Wild Rose Press was followed by a sequel 'Children Of The Mist'.  Lyn is working on a third story in the series.

      She is a member of The Romance Novelists' Association (UK)  and EPIC. Hywela invites you to visit her website and meet her characters, check out her books and visit her blog.





Contest:  One e-book plus a $10 gift card to one lucky commenter! The winner will be picked on Saturday, Feb 2.

**Please share this post via the social links below so others can learn about Hywela Lyn's books. Thank you for stopping by and good luck in the contest!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Get in on the Romance Blog Hop! Start HERE!

Welcome to the 
Romance Madness Hop!!

     Here's my newest release! If you love lighthouses, romantic suspense, and a bit of paranormal ghost issues, please take a moment to bookmark my pages so you can download your own copy tonight. Help me make this release a huge success. This book just went to print and I'll have paperbacks available on my website as well as the major online stores.
     In the free read, you'll meet Dana who is adamant about getting an opportunity to remodel an abandoned lighthouse. Unknown to her, there are dangers that lurk within the tower and keeper's house that could destroy her future! I hope you enjoy the FREE Chapter One read and grab your own copy from my Whispers website page


My TWO Giveaways:

$30 Dining Card!
(winner's choice)

1 Signed copy of
Whispers at Ghost Point! 
(US residents only, Internat'l = ebook)

1 - Leave a comment w/your email addy
2 - Enter the Rafflecopter & earn more entries!
3 - Not Mandatory but....I'd love it if 
you'd sign up for my newsletters!
(subscribers are in a monthly contest!)   

     I hope all of you have just as much fun during this hop as you've had in past hops. There are many prizes up for grabs out there over the next five days. By clicking the banner below, you'll be taken back to The Romance Review Hop page where you'll be shown the blog to hop to. Their system will remember what blogs you've already been to and show you the next blog to visit.

     If you've not registered at The Romance Review site, be sure to do that so you can take part in their  Q & A contests! Several authors are giving away prizes on the TRR website, check it out! Thank you so much for stopping by MY blog and good luck!

Check out the author interviews below!

The Romance Reviews Romance Madness Hop
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, January 21, 2013

Join us in the jungle - Come meet Paty Jager, Romance Author!



 Paty Jager
Romance Author

This is a special treat this week as we visit with Paty on location in thegorgeous, yet danergous Guatemalan Jungle - the setting of her new series. To me, it looks like it could  be filled with alligators, spiders and snakes so let's stay close. Paty's doing a giveaway at the end and the more who comment, the more she'll give away!



Deanna:  Paty, I have to admit, this jungle setting is definitely different. Too bad I hate spiders and snakes because I do love the jungles. Let's get comfy  beneath the canopy of trees here. I brought bug spray if anyone needs it. Okay Paty, thank you for taking the time to chat with us in the midst of writing more books! What else do you do along with your writing?

Paty:  My husband and I own 350 acres in two different areas. On 70 acres where we live, we raise beef cattle and on the other 280 in another area (where I spend a good part of my summer) we raise alfalfa for hay.  Our goal is to sell the 70 acres and be set up to raise alfalfa and have more months out of the year where we can travel. But I enjoy the summer at the “cabin” when I irrigate and help with the haying. There are less domestic chores to do and more time to write.

Deanna:  That sounds like a lot of work! What do you do to relax?

Paty: It depends on the relaxation. I like to ride my horse, go for walks, and visit with family and friends. I also like to sew.

Deanna:  As authors, we’ve sometimes been accused of being several people. How many personalities live in your mind?

Paty: Oh my! Now there’s a loaded question! ;0) I’m sure my husband would say I have four: The vixen, the loyal wife, the mother bear, and the b*#@*. LOL I am a hormone driven personality so he gets hit with all of these every month. Now if you ask me… diva, hermit/recluse, best friend, vixen, adventure seeker, and on my bad days, old lady!

Deanna:  We all have bad days but here's hoping the vixen wins out more often! What is your strongest area in writing: plotting, character personality, dialogue, etc?

Paty: I believe my strongest area is character personality. I finaled in a contest years ago with my second historical romance because the editor loved my character, but I still hadn’t grasped GMC(Goals, motivation, and conflict). And usually in reviews it is my characters that get the accolades.

Deanna:  Can you work on more than one book at a time?

Paty: I kind of do. I don’t actually write on two books but while I’m writing one, I’m always working up the idea and characters for the next one I’m going to write. It’s like an assembly line in my head. One I’m working on, one I’m discovering the characters, another I’m conjuring up the idea.  And there is always one book in edits, while another is being written.

Deanna:  That's a great way to describe the process! How long does it take you to write a book?

Paty: Without family and life interruptions I can write a book in three months. That’s having it already figured out in my head and doing a good part of the research.

Deanna:  What is your editing process?

Paty: When I started I had a strenuous editing process, but now, after having written over twenty books (13 published),  I begin writing, write a chapter, review it the next day and write the next chapter, review it the next day and write a new chapter. Start at the beginning a couple times before I get to about chapter five, then I start sending chapters to two critique partners and by the time I finish writing the book and they read the last chapters, I only have one more run through before I send it to a critique partner/editor who goes through it and I’m done.  For self publishing then it goes through a beta/ proof reader before I publish the book.

Deanna:  Many readers like these interviews that show them more of the authors they're interested in. What is your favorite way to connect with readers?

Paty: I enjoy connecting with readers anywhere. Either in person at events or online via email and chats.

Deanna:  Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.

Paty: A typical day would be getting up at 6am, feed my husband and send him off to work by 6:30. I get on the computer and answer e-mails, do promotion, hit some blogs to comment until 8am. Then I dress, have breakfast and do chores. This time of year it’s break the ice on the water tanks and feed the animals hay and grain. I come back in and write or do promotion until noon. I take an hour lunch break. In warm weather I go for a walk. I sit back down and write until 4pm then I go out and feed again and when my husband gets home we feed hay off a trailer to the cows. We have dinner and I may get back on the compute for another hour or two of promotion related things.

Deanna:  Hardly the life of a glamorous Hollywood author is it? You put in more than a full day's work, woman! Do your books have a common theme or are they all different?

Paty: The common theme in my books is justice prevailing or showing an injustice.

Deanna: We love your books but we're curious - what prompted you to sway from western romance to the action adventure?

Paty: I’d read a book dubbed “a female Indiana Jones” and was disappointed in the fact the first and last chapters were the only chapters set outside the U.S. So, after complaining to several people and having them tell me to write what I think one should be, I took them up on it after brainstorming with another writer. Through that brainstorming Doctor Isabella Mumphrey and DEA agent Augustino Constantine a.k.a. Tino Kostas emerged to be partnered in Secrets of a Mayan Moon.

Deanna: oooooo - I like the way you think! Take on a challenge and know you can accomplish what you set out to do! What setting outside the U.S. did you pick and why?

Paty: Having a DEA agent as the hero, I needed a country rife with drug trafficking and one that would have an ancient civilization for my anthropologist heroine to specialize in.  With this knowledge and research, I came up with Guatemala. It has rain forests, drug trafficking, and the Maya.

Deanna: Is this the only action adventure you’ll write?

Paty: No, it’s actually the first of a trilogy with Isabella Mumphrey and Tino Constantine. The second book, Secrets of an Aztec Temple, will be available later this month. If the three books go over well and readers want more of Isabella and Tino, I could write more books.


Blurb:

      What happens when a brilliant anthropologist is lured to the jungle to be used as a human sacrifice? 

      Child prodigy and now Doctor of Anthropology, Isabella Mumphrey, is about to lose her job at the university. In the world of publish or perish, her mentor’s request for her assistance on a dig is just the opportunity she’s been seeking. If she can decipher an ancient stone table—and she can—she’ll keep her department. She heads to Guatemala, but drug trafficking bad guys, artifact thieves, and her infatuation for her handsome guide wreak havoc on her scholarly intentions.
DEA agent Tino Kosta, is out to avenge the deaths of his family. He’s deep undercover as a jaguar tracker and sometimes jungle guide, but the appearance of a beautiful, brainy anthropologist heats his Latin blood taking him on a dangerous detour that could leave them both casualties of the jungle.
      Secrets of a Mayan Moon is available at Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords




 Bio:  Wife, mother, grandmother, and the one who cleans pens and delivers the hay; award winning author Paty Jager and her husband currently ranch 350 acres when not dashing around visiting their children & grandchildren. She not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it. You can learn more about Paty at her blog  her website or on Facebook and Twitter - @patyjag. 



Contest:  Paty will give away a $5 Amazon gift card for every 15 people who leave a comment on this post.