Bitten by Books
Confession: I’m into woo-woo.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to people who know me that I’ve written a series about energy—the energy between people, to be specific. That burst you get when you’ve spent an afternoon with good people, ‘your’ people. The drain from an energy-vampiress boss who feeds on power over others the way I feed on chocolate chips when I’m on deadline. Flares of warning signals that fire off when you meet someone untrustworthy or dangerous. The warm yet jittery excitement of meeting someone who makes you fantasize about what his or her lips taste like. I love that energy.
Imagine you’re a teenage girl who feels energy but suddenly finds that she can also see it. Everywhere. Her abilities and her unique energy make her a magnet for danger and for the most soul-sucking takers of all time—the Arrazi. It’s a war against her diminishing race and time is running out.
At first glance, you might think this is a series about star-crossed lovers. There’s an element of that, surely. But I can say with truth that this series is so much more. Illuminate, the 3rd book in the Light Key Trilogy, is a mystery, with real-world clues (a la Dan Brown), which Cora must link in order to expose a global conspiracy before our world is destroyed. It’s metaphysics and mystery and yes…it’s woo-woo, in the best way.
If I’ve succeeded, it will surprise you and leave you thinking about energy—what we give, what we take—and why it matters.
Excerpt from Illuminate:
I learned that souls don’t bleed warm and sticky. The bleed of a soul is stinging ice.
I bet it doesn’t feel that way when you die naturally. I imagine a natural death is like warm steam rising from a bath, languid and ambitious as it stretches its wings and sails upward. Peaceful. Both (spoiler) and (spoiler) died the cold way. Surely I’d be killed likewise. I intimately knew the icy bleed, and every time it felt like the frozen blade of an ice axe stabbing into my chest and splitting me open for my silver aura to spill out.
Pain battered my temples and tension gripped my muscles until they felt bloodless and limp. Soul so angry. Body so damned tired. I’d have to climb the steep stairs out of my weariness to find the truth and use it to stop the slaughter of Scintilla and innocent humans as well. My circle was shrinking. I had so few people left.
The two boys in the car with me had my love, but my love for them was a receding wave that had swept my heart out to sea.
One was a liar. One was a killer.
Buy a Kindle copy of Illuminate from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $3.99!
Books in the Light Key Trilogy in the order they should be read:
Scintillate
Deviate
Illuminate
About Tracy Clark
Author Bio:
Tracy Clark grew up a “Valley Girl” in Southern California but now lives in her home state of Nevada. Her two teenagers teach her the fine art of distraction and are a continuous source of great dialogue. While being mouthy has gotten her into trouble at times, Tracy’s happy to give characters the freedom to be as mouthy as they need to be. She’s a mom, a private pilot, spicy-chocolate connoisseur, and an irredeemable dreamer.
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Who are some of your favourite authors?
Hi Minna!
I love Laini Taylor for her very inventive use of language and she has mad world building skills! I love Cassie Clare for her Infernal Devices series, which made me cry and feel awe at her PERFECT construction of a true love triangle. I love Anne Blankman and Elizabeth Wein for writing historical YA that takes your breath away. Code Name Verity was amazing and particularly cool for me because I’m a private pilot with an obsession about the pioneering women pilots. There’s so many!!!! How about you?
Some of my favourites are Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb, David and Leigh Eddings, Cindy Spencer Pape, Maggie Shayne (Miranda’s Viking is one of my all time favourites), Jax Garren, Aimee Thorlo and Bec McMaster.
Which actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book/series?
Hello Lisa,
The actress who played Cora in both the SCINTILLATE & DEVIATE trailers was phenomenal. I know she’s still unknown but I have such hopes for her. She embodied Cora Sandoval so perfectly. You can watch her here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg2oNrfOqlc
and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVCOK3fWLx8
She’s even on the cover of DEVIATE!
For my next release, MIRAGE, from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, I very much saw Solange Knowles as a possible Ryan. I have pinterest pages for all my books where you can see some of my character inspirations.
That is awsome!
What’s the hardest part about writing a series?
Honestly? The CHOICES! It’s like a maze that you are simultaneously building and trying to navigate. “If I do this, then it will go in this direction.” “If I do that, this might be the consequence.” The worst part is being afraid you’ll write yourself into a dead-end because of a choice you made in book 1! It can be paralyzing. But what’s gotten me through it, is trying to trust that there’s no corner I can’t fight my way out of.
Was it hard to keep track of everything your characters had done, to make sure it all lined up in subsequent books?
Hi everyone!
I’m happy to be here and to answer any questions you have about me, the series, writing, the writing life, chocolate, and just plain book love. Let’s chat!
1. Yes, I have a negative person in my life and I just try to stay away from her or just speak only positive things to her.
2. Anywhere is fine for me as long as the story is good.
3. I think we are energy.
Do you ever see the energy around a person? I think I have a couple times. They were both very positive uplifting people.
One of the inspirations for this series was a friend who “sucked the marrow from my bones.” A lovely person, don’t get me wrong. But our energies clashed. I’ve always been fascinated by the waves we feel with people.
A LOT of people have asked me about SEEING energy/auras the way that my character, Cora, does. I’m definitely in the ‘feeling’ category but I had one experience when I was hanging out where I used to skydive, and I could swear I saw colors around a woman. (Or the desert heat fried my brain.) LOL
Is there anything in your series you wish you could go back and redo? Or a scene that got deleted that wish would’ve made the final cut?
Let’s see… If I’m being honest, I’d love to tackle the earlier parts of Finn & Cora’s love story in Scintillate. Through edits, a lot just had to go and it left some readers feeling like their attraction wasn’t “unpacked” enough. Sadly, a lot of that was in the original draft but needed to be cut to move the mystery element of the story along faster.
There was a really fun scene in SCINTILLATE I wish hadn’t been cut. The VIP’s (the snob ass kids at school+Very Important Populars) get caught in the web of Finn’s sortilege to pull the truth from people and start turning on each other. It’s hilarious and probably was my wish fulfillment that the popular kids would cop to their own B.S. I loved that scene! But it was a goner to the story as a whole.
Overall, I’m really proud of the series and how I managed to pull together so much real-world mythology, history, and clues to make my story feel grounded in real life. My hope is that you read it and wonder whether it’s all true!
Hello! What writers have influenced you?
Hi Susan,
A great question and one that could take pages to answer!
I’ll try, though.
I was always an “odd” reader. My earliest book-loves were nonfiction metaphysical stuff: Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, etc. Then I read Celestine Prophecy and it was the first book to get me thinking about paying attention to energy. So, going way back into my teens, these were some influences that shaped this series so many years later.
As for YA, I don’t have favorite authors, per se, because I might LOVE one book by an author and feel meh about their next. I DO have some favorite books that, for me, are examples of incredible talent. The Book Thief, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Scorpio Races, Crank, Code Name Verity, Speak, Thirteen Reasons Why and so many more. The exception is JK Rowling. I adored every single HP book.
What Author or book influenced you to become a writer?.
Howdy Christy!
I’ve known I wanted to write since I was 15 or so. But it wasn’t a specific book or author. I wrote something for an assignment and when my friend’s mom read it, she cried. I felt such power! And for a girl who often felt voiceless and powerless in her life, this was a revelation! I knew then that I wanted to make people FEEL with my words.
Many, many years later, I will say that a group of authors, specifically my mentor Ellen Hopkins, who were all part of my Nevada SCBWI group, influenced, pushed, taught, nagged, and otherwise rooted for me to keep at it. My crit group STILL pushes me! One of my bestie crit partners just had her debut release. LOCK & MORI. I’m so proud of her and the success of my friends makes me want to keep pushing on.
quick question. Why does everybody but me have a cute doodle?.
Ha! My lovely hostesses told me how to change my avatar but I kinda like it!
I would love to see a YA set done in Greece, especially with their gorgeous beaches.
I was lucky enough to visit Santorini many years ago and YES, it’s an amazing place to set any book! I can only readily think of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (I think that’s the title) and it was years ago. I know a lot of people re-purpose Greek myths these days but I can’t think of one set in Greece.
Maybe you’ll write one?!?
My energy sucker upper would have to be my teenage daughter right now. Talk about clashing energies, she is the exact opposite of me on everything which explains the clashing. I know just a phase that she will eventually grow out of.
Guuuuurrrl, I have two teens. I feel you. I SO feel you. *passes the wine*
I truly believe we do give and take energy. I know I feel so much better almost whole if I surround myself with positive and good energy people and when I’m around people who are always angry,negative or complains about everything I feel worn out and negative myself.
Sounds like you know to stay away from the Arrazi.
Yes! This is exactly why I wrote this series! To explore this! And I got off on the idea of teens considering and thinking about the energy they give and take. I really wish I’d heeded those signals when I was a teenager.
How much plotting did it take to get all of those art and lit pieces to fit together so perfectly for Illuminate?
Great question! If you had asked me five years ago whether I was a pantser or plotter, I’d say pantser all the way. THAT WAS BEFORE I HAD A SERIES TO WRITE! There was a crap-ton of research that went into this series and sometimes the pieces fell together so easily or well that I felt like it was serendipity at its finest!
I kept a TON of notes and would organize them by which book in the series I thought they belonged to. I created “outlines” but not like you probably imagine. They were pages of notes, dialogue, scene ideas, charts about how stuff fit together, etc.
Writing a series and concluding it in a satisfying way is an enormous challenge. Keeping great notes was what saved me.
Hi, Tracy!
Welcome to Bitten by Books. Congratulations on your new release.
It is fantastic to have you with us today.
My question for you is; do you have a favorite book or series that you have written so far????
If so, which is it and why???
Thanks so much!
Of course that’s hard to answer but I’ll give it a shot. As someone who wants to always grow and improve as a writer, I can honestly admit that the more I write, the more the newer books supplant my older works as favorites. I’m really proud of each book in the trilogy-I believe I got better with each one. (At least I hope so!) DEVIATE was a challenge because it’s the middle book and that’s always hard but I’m very proud of it. ILLUMINATE is my favorite in the series because its where the theme and message comes to a head.
But if I’m being absolutely honest, my upcoming standalone, MIRAGE, is my favorite. I took some chances with that book and it ended up selling faster than any of my books! When you publish, you have to re-read your books so many times you think you can recite them! But with Mirage, no matter how many times I read it, I never tire of it. I’m really so proud of my work there.
If you could only give ONE piece of advice to newbie authors and writers, what advice do you think is the most important one to give? One PRO to becoming an author? One CON to becoming an author?
Advice: NEVER. EVER. DON’T FREAKING EVER. GIVE UP.
PRO: It’s enormously satisfying to see your work out in the world and to know that total strangers (not your bestie or your mom) are reading it. The whole reason I write and have kept it up through rejection and hard times, is to share something with readers and so having books in their hands is paramount. It’s a dream come true.
CON: Becoming an author is just one in a series of many hurdles. When we’re starting out, we want an agent. Then we get an agent and we want a deal. then we get a deal and we want marketing and good sales. Then we want to sell another book, and another. The biggest con is that it’s an easy track to making money. *laughs all the laughs*
Congratulations on the release of Illuminate! The Light Key Trilogy sounds like a fascinating series. What type of research did you do for this series?
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks so much! I hope you like reading it!
I did a TON of research for the series. Not only about auras (because I didn’t want some self-professed aura expert to call me out on mistakes) but on religious history, a lot of history into the historical significance of the spiral (very important), the significance (religious and otherwise) of the number “3″, history of places and artwork (particularly art featuring light around people, and especially the history of “energy.”
In this rabbit hole of research, one thing would often lead to another and some astonishing coincidences came up! Made it very exciting. I think it’s why some people are comparing the series to Dan Brown’s work.
In the series, an Arrazi is a taker of energy—a literal soul sucker. Do you have any Arrazi in your life? How do you combat them?
— Sure do, they are called “my sons”. LOL!
Although, most of the husband’s family could be considered that too. Yeah I’m being a brat today! I usually just tolerate them, sparingly go visit and never too long. I always get too darn exhausted whenever I’m around them or in large crowds.
In Illuminate, the story goes global: Ireland, Chile, Italy… Is there one place in which you’d LOVE to see a YA set? Are you a fan of the small-town story or do you like the worldwide scope?
—- I am not really a fan of YA so I cannot really answer that part. As for the second, I absolutely love small-town stories! They are always so poignant and fun.
Do you believe we give off and take on energy?
—- Yes, and I believe there are people that seem to siphon emotions leaving a person so exhausted and drained. Emotional vampires.
Now that you’ve reached the end of the trilogy, are you considering ways of extending the storyline to stay in the world you’ve built?
Hey Tonya,
I do have ideas about extending the story, yes. Or even going back in time. This is a conspiracy that’s spanned thousands of years. As a practical answer, I’d have to say that sales would need to climb for me to devote precious writing hours to more in this series. Authors also have to tend to the business side of their careers and that also means choosing whether to write new stories or to spend time on existing worlds. Sales often dictate that. Let’s hope that word of mouth spreads and gives me a reason to keep writing in this world!
Yes, you have continue, because G needs his happily ever after!
whats been the hardest part about writing?
Hi Diana,
It often depends on the challenge of the day. Some days, it’s self-doubt that is the hardest part of writing. Some days, it’s life-kids, lovers, dogs, moving, or doing the many other author-duties that are required of us in this publishing climate.
If I take all that away and ask myself what’s the hardest part of the actual drafting process, it’s probably close to what I said in an above answer: choices. Just wondering all the time whether you’re making the right character, story, subplot, overall choices to best tell that story. It’s a challenge but I love it!
I know what you mean about life interferring…I used to do things a certain way and I like order then last year I had over 100 strokes…. nothing is the same… had to relearn to walk and talk…. but getting there
Goodness! You’ve been through it! Wishing you wellness, Diana.
Yes I believe we give off and take off enery… exhusband is proof of that.
Ha! We all have at least one Arrazi in our lives.
yes… ex husband the loser
Australia near the great barrier reef.. the water will add an element to it
Hi, we are having a baking competition at work this week where you have to use either Cheese or Chocolate or both
Do you have a recipe that uses cheese and chocolate? What is your favourite dessert recipe?
Ah. This day is touching on my favorite things! Books & Food! Okay, so it has to be baking? If it’s anything, you could make an insanely good chicken mole recipe and serve with shredded cheese on top. We can get clever and make “Brownie Cheesecake.” I love this recipe, which has a brownie for the crust!
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/brownie-swirl-cheesecake
Ohh that brownie cheesecake sounds good.
What do you like to do for exercise?
Hi Natalie!
I have to rotate what I do for exercise so I don’t become bored. For both my mental health and my physical health, exercise is an important part of almost every day for me. I run with Gatsby, my goldendoodle. I walk a ton (also with him.) I do yoga. I have a stairmaster and an elliptical in my garage. I lift weights. Has to be a variety. I learned this over time after losing 50+ pounds over seven years ago.
Great job with your weight loss and exercise regimen. I would enjoy your different forms of exercise except the elliptical. I have never been able to build up any endurance on it. I use my treadmill a lot when the weather is uncooperative and I really would like to do yoga on a regular basis. I’d have to walk with Gatsby rather than run!
Hello Michelle,
I’m my agent’s worst nightmare because I love genre-hopping! I’ve written fantasy, contemporary, dystopian, urban fantasy/paranormal, and thriller. I’m working on a historical thriller now. I’m a menace!
These are all YA because that’s my love. But I am interested in writing adult romance someday.
Are there any other genres that you would have an interest in writing?
I might have put your answer above in the wrong spot, Michelle B. Take a look!
(Fingers are flying!)
Do I have any Arrazi in my life?
I do. Right now, it’s my three children. They don’t MEAN to suck my energy, they just do. I think it’s the nature of children.
Will there be a fourth book in the series?
Hi Amy,
There are no current plans for any more books in the series (though I’d love to explore some other story ideas at some point!) Spending time on more books in this series would greatly depend on sales numbers. Fingers crossed!
Do you prefer to read the book first or see the movie first?
I think books are often much more layered with subtleties that movie adaptations lack. I understand that not everything can transfer from page to film but I appreciate the rich experience of a book over a movie.
Do you bake/make spicy chocolate goodies, or find them made by others? If you do make it yourself, can you share how much to add so that you can feel the burn but not light your mouth on fire?
My favorite spicy chocolate treat is Lindt’s Chili Chocolate bar. Just a couple of squares will do ya. I love to add cayenne and cinnamon to hot chocolate or chocolate smoothies for a “Mexican chocolate” kind of treat. I’m addicted.
If you could time travel would you go back in the past or go into the future? where and why?
There are tons of times and places that would be amazing to visit and I could write a huge list but as I read your question, I suddenly thought, “Wouldn’t it be interesting to go back in time, to the year or so before I was born and the first year of my life?” I don’t know why, but I think that’d be cool.
The more traditional answer would be late Victorian/early Edwardian Paris. Mostly because I’m currently writing a book set in 1889 Paris. RESEARCH, baby!
wow I never thought about going back to see myself being born and as a child — that would be so cool to see
1.no, thank God
2. Greece — small town
3. yes
Hi Tracy and Congratulations! Just a little side note~I love your haircut and I wish I could wear mine that way but it’s too curly. Of course, if it were straight, I’d want curls, right?
I really enjoyed the excerpt and I think you’re right about the energy we give off. I’ve never seen an aura but I do feel better if I’m around upbeat people.
So, was skydiving a personal challenge or how did that come about? I really dislike heights so I guess I’m somewhat fascinated by people who aren’t affected.
1. No, not really, I’m very fortunate.
2. I like stories set anywhere. I enjoy reading about the location and it helps to set the tone for the story.
3. Yes, I do. Based on myself, I’m upbeat if I’m around positive people but I crash if I’m around negative people.
Hey Betty!
You’re very sweet. Like most of us, I’m never happy with my hair. I’m currently trying to grow it out…again.
Skydiving was something that had been on my “list” and when I was about 22, I went for the first time. It scared the ever loving stones out of me but I went back for more and got my “license.” In all, I only jumped about 40 times before I stopped going. My next book, MIRAGE, is set at the (now closed) drop zone in California where I used to jump. I was scared. Every time. But the exhilaration was bigger than the fear.
I know what you mean, I’m always trying to find a new hairstyle! I’m somewhat envious of men who get it cut, wash it, comb it and they’re good to go! For me, I think the fear aka panic aka terror would always far outweigh the thrill! The only way I would skydive is if the plane were going down and still, I think I’d have to have a mighty shove out the door!
Congratulations on your new release. What book or books are you reading?
Thanks, Zonell!
I just finished ROSE UNDER FIRE by Elizabeth Wein and THE RED QUEEN by Victoria Aveyard. I read one to two books per week. Next up: A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU by Claudia Gray.
Do you have a favorite stand-alone novel?
Hi Fox, (love the avatar!)
I have a few, but one fave is THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. I adored PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER and ARISTOTLE & DANTE DISCOVER THE MEANING OF THE UNIVERSE. I loved SCORPIO RACES. Contemporary is really my favorite and they tend to be standalone books.
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
Trix!! Oh, you! You just made me sad that I don’t have cable and will therefore miss the premier of the new Muppet Show! As a child of the ’70s, I grew up watching The Muppet Show. I love Animal. He’s badass. But as I get older, I revel in being a one-woman Statler and Waldorf.
I actually wasn’t crazy about the premiere (though I know I’ll keep watching, at least for a while)…I prefer my Muppet scenarios more madcap and less deadpan. If I wanted to see a show resembling THE OFFICE, I’d just watch THE OFFICE. Sigh. But yes, Animal is pretty awesome (I love that old MUPPET SHOW episode where he’s being interviewed about his influences, and basically just starts yelling “Krupa! Krupa!” and hitting his head on stuff), and I relate to Statler and Waldorf more and more as time goes on…
I have a relative who’s an Arrazi for sure…I try to avoid her as much as possible, and then laugh and do stuff I know she’d hate/disapprove of after I’m forced to deal with her.
Quebec City would be a cool setting…all that history and those stone walls.
I hadn’t thought of it before, but the idea of everyone giving off and taking energy does sound plausible!
If you found a genie, what would be your three wishes?
Hey there, Lisa ~
1 - The highest good & happiness for my children.
2 - To live long enough to become a wise old crone with all of her faculties that enjoys life and councils the youngn’s in her life until her last breath.
3 - I’d by lying if I said I didn’t want to become a bestseller someday. LYING.
Is there anything that surprised on your journey to being published or after? Maybe having to do a lot of the business tasks that you thought your agent would do?
Ann,
From following a lot of already published authors, and having friends who traveled the road ahead of me, I knew that there was a TON of tasks that falls to authors to do for themselves. Promo. Marketing. Swag. Booking events. School visits. The list goes on.
What has surprised me the most is that no matter what I do, it doesn’t necessarily impact sales or help spread the word. Authors are stuck in this weird vortex where we’re being told to use our “platforms” to help sells us as people/authors but are also simultaneously told not to be too salesy. It’s hard. I’m surprised that even with a publisher behind me, it doesn’t guarantee exposure or reviews or good sales. The business side of publishing can be daunting at times.
hi Tracy, do you remember your dreams and if so which one was the craziest?
I am blessed (or cursed) to have an extremely vivid dream-life. I’ve dreamed in black and white, color, and even temperatures. The detail in my dreams can often be like going to sleep to go to the movies. It’s not always restful but it’s always interesting!
I can’t even answer which was the craziest. Just last night, I was on a phone interview for a job, a man started shooting at the house and none of the doors had knobs. I just don’t even…
From any of your books, what has been one of your favorite scenes, or types of scenes, to write?
Hi Lindsay,
I’ve openly admitted to LOVING writing kissing scenes. There’s a kiss in SCINTILLATE (book 1) that is really important and comes in the last 3rd of the book. That scene was one of the first I wrote for the book. (I write out of order sometimes.)
I cried when I wrote the ending of ILLUMINATE. I felt like it was such an important scene with really deep subtext and themes. To me, it was beautiful. There are also a few scenes in my upcoming thriller, MIRAGE, that literally “thrilled” me to write. If I don’t feel, you don’t feel. That’s my belief.
Hi! What is your all time favorite TV show?
Hi Lacey,
People don’t believe this when I say it, but I don’t really watch TV shows. I don’t even have cable. I do get Netflix and LOVE watching movies, but shows…no. Currently, my teens are trying to hook me into Walking Dead but it hasn’t hooked me yet. I admit I bought the 1st season of Outlander because…YUM.
Do you have any current favorite shows or books?
Hi Amy,
I read A LOT. YA is my favorite. I just finished The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard and Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein. I think that most of my favorite YAs are contemporary. I love John Green. I love books like Perks of Being a Wallflower. I prefer those close up, coming of age stories. They touch me. I devoured Cassie Clare’s Infernal Devices series. As you can see, I’m all over the map with what I love. How about you?
At this moment I’m mostly reading romantic suspense or cozy mysteries. I’m working my way through all of Jill Shalvis and Kristen Ashleys books at the moment, but I did start two YA series Bloody Jack by L A Meyer and Nevermore by Kelly Creagh and they’re both pretty amazing.
1. In the series, an Arrazi is a taker of energy—a literal soul sucker. Do you have any Arrazi in your life? How do you combat them?
I used to but I finally wised up and kinda ghosted out of that relationship because it was too toxic and was not at all healthy for me.
2. In Illuminate, the story goes global: Ireland, Chile, Italy… Is there one place in which you’d LOVE to see a YA set? Are you a fan of the small-town story or do you like the worldwide scope?
I love small town stories but i still love world wide too and i would love to read one set in London or Paris…maybe Scotland.
3. Do you believe we give off and take on energy?
Yes and I really hope I’m learning how to surround myself with people who give off good energy and I can only hope I’m good at giving off the kind of energy I would want
How many times do you spend for writing books ?
It depends on the book. The book I’m working on now refuses to let me rush it. I’m forced to surrender to that and let it “percolate” on its own time. The Light Key trilogy was different because I had pre-determined deadlines set by my publisher. I usually like to have about six months to draft a book and then there are revisions and edits after that.
Q) Do you have any Arrazi in your life? How do you combat them? A) No, lucky I do not have any arrazi in my life.
Q) Is there one place in which you’d LOVE to see a YA set? Are you a fan of the small-town story or do you like the worldwide scope? A) No particular place in general, but I do love a small town story.
Q) Do you believe we give off and take on energy? A) Absolutely. Since our souls are energy and we have loads of energy in us, we give off and take energy from others. My husband gives off a lot of energy, you feel it when he is near you and touches you, instant relation, he’s a natural healer.
I love that you feel your husband is a natural healer and has such beautiful energy! That’s sweet.
If you were to get the complete series in audio who would you like to do the reading?
Hello Ilona,
That’s so hard to answer! I do have a girl crush on Cate Blanchet’s voice.
I don’t blame you, she has a lovely voice.
I have 4 Arrazi in my life. I call them my hubby and kids. Lol. But I love them!
who is your favorite author?
Wheres your favorite place to write?
Hi Amanda,
I write in my home office, almost always at my desk. I can’t write very well in public spaces. I’m too easily distracted and am a total people watcher!
Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?
Hi there,
I cannot focus on my words when the words of songs are floating around me. I’m wacky that way. I can listen to music with no lyrics. What I will do sometimes, is listen to a specific song BEFORE I write a scene to get me in a certain groove.
What color is your energy while writing?
I wish I knew! I’d like to say that it feels blue/green.
Hi,what made you choose the genre that you write in?
wow a private pilot that is impressive was it something you wanted to become as a girl growing up or something that just happened?
Hi Debbie,
I grew up in an aviation family. My stepdad and his buddy used to build airplanes in our garage and I recall flying as early as seven or eight. So yes, I always wanted to get my license. That didn’t happen until I was 25 though! It’s something I’m very proud of and the sense of freedom up there is amazing.
Who is your favorite children’s book author.
Hi Julie,
It depends on what you mean by “children’s book.” I have beloved picture book authors from when I used to read them to my kids. There are fantastic middle grade authors and I read so many amazing YA authors that it’s almost impossible for me to pick just one. My favorite author in general is Maya Angelou.
I would love to see a YA take place in Scotland and The Amazon rain forest….to be specific.
Have you ever read other people’s aura? Or, been party to a Tarot reading?
Hi Kristin,
I’m not an aura-reader, no. I definitely FEEL people’s energy and listen to that intuition pretty closely. I have had my cards read, yes. In fact, there’s a Tarot scene in the second book, DEVIATE.
I firmly believe in auras, most readings, and karma!
What’s your dream fantasy?
1. My husband lol and I can’t really
2. I’m more of a small town girl I like the south
3. Yeah I believe that we do
Where do you get your inspiration?
In the series, an Arrazi is a taker of energy—a literal soul sucker. Do you have any Arrazi in your life? How do you combat them?
I learned in my mid 20′s to stay away from soul suckers-even if they are family
If you don’t give them the power-they can’t hurt you. If you simply do not give them any place and I mean none- nada-zip (in spite of other family members not being able to understand or approve of this approach) then they can not survive. I consciously and methodically use this approach. I don’t ask for any information and refuse to engage in any conversation with or about them. No thoughts or emotion is expended or wasted on this soul sucker.
In Illuminate, the story goes global: Ireland, Chile, Italy… Is there one place in which you’d LOVE to see a YA set? Are you a fan of the small-town story or do you like the worldwide scope?
I like small town but who says it can’t be a small town on a worldwide scope
Do you believe we give off and take on energy?
Oh definitely and I think it can effect our health, both physical and mental
Lisa,
I love your answers, especially to the first question! I really hope that some teens who read my books really think about the energy of others and how to “protect” themselves from the energy vampires of the world.
How do you up with ideas.
Hi David,
Ideas come from being observant. It can be a news story that sparks an idea, or something you hear, or even a great “what if?” conversation. The scary part is trying to decide what ideas are worth spending months and months of your life writing.
I believe people take on energy.
I am small town all the way.
There is no one in my life like that.
Do you read comics?
Paras,
I don’t! Though, I confess to being a ’70s child with an obsession with Wonder Woman. I’m sad that my plane isn’t invisible.
OMG, small town all the way. . Wow, prize amazon gc is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity.
Pick me, pick me! Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest. Starving artist here desperately needs the gc to shop and eat. A life changing exp.
“How long on average does it take you to write a book, that includes research etc.?”
Where do most of your ideas come from?
What is your favorite part of being a writer? and at what age did you start?
Hi Stacey,
Writing, telling stories, is just plain fun. It doesn’t mean it isn’t challenging sometimes, and the realities of being an author are less glamorous than some might think. My favorite part of being an author is when my books are in the hands of readers and they tell me that they touched them in some way. The whole point of doing this is to share stories with readers and I feel like it’s a dream come true to be able to do so.
I started writing very seriously when both of my kids were in school all day-Just about eight years ago.
Do you believe we give off and take on energy? Yes, with food. Our fuel.
Have you ever written a Mary Sue character?
Hi Dovile,
I think that some would/have used that phrase about Cora in SCINTILLATE. Here’s what I dislike: In all the talk of diversity in YA (a very important topic) there seems to be a trend in being judgmental about certain personality “types” or labels such as “Mary Sue.” I ask, what about diversity of personality? The mary sue wouldn’t exist as a trope if there weren’t real people like that in the world. In many origin stories, the character has no idea that there’s anything special about them.
My latest book, MIRAGE, has a character that is the polar opposite of that and I’m sure that snarky people will figure out a “label” to slap on her as well. People just looooooveeee to label. Can you tell it bugs me?
1) I think I might be immune to soul sucking:)
2) I’d love to see YA set in my country, Lithuania, only because I’ve never read one. I have no preference about the scope of stories, whichever suits the story best is fine with me.
3) I believe it’s even been measured with scientific methods that humans give off real energy, so it’s plausible that we take some of it from other people after spending some time with them. Probably pets and other live beings too.
where do you get your inspiration from
Hi Mollie,
Inspiration comes from everywhere! If you are observant and curious, you can find story inspiration from articles, magazines, songs, the news, conversations, etc.
Awesome series , i was wondering if you were planning no making a fourth book ?
Thanks, Jessica!
There are no current plans for a 4th book. Often, deciding what projects to spend time on depends greatly on whether it’s worth the time-investment. If the series takes off, I have some ideas of additional stories. If not, I’m afraid it’s important as a business woman to move on to other stories.
Thank you so much. I really enjoyed learning more about you and your books that you write.