Sugarbeat's Books

The Home of the Romance Novel

Author Interview

BLB Book Tour – Interview with E. Van Lowe author of Boyfriend from Hell

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Welcome to Sugarbeat’s Books – The Home of the Romance Novel!

Today we are going to chat with E. Van Lowe, author of Boyfriend from Hell.  She is touring her book as part of a BLB Book Tour.  Yesterday I reviewed this delightful book.  Make sure that you have a quick look at my thoughts!

Without further ado, here’s the interview:

Barb : Tell us a little about yourself.

E. Van Lowe – I’m a fun loving writer who likes putting his female protagonists in dangerous yet romantic situations.  I grew up in New York City, moved to LA to go to graduate school, and wound up staying in California.  I’ve spent most of my career writing television sitcoms (The Cosby Show, Even Stevens) and a few movies.  I am happy to be returning to my great love—books.  I laugh a lot; I love hanging out with my friends and family, and drinking either wine or tequila.


Barb : How long have you been writing?

E. Van Lowe – When I was ten-years-old I got pneumonia during the summer.  For a kid who loves the outdoors, being housebound all summer could have been unbearable. Fortunately, my mother knew me well.  She said “You love making up stories.  Why not write some of them down?” Now, here’s the kicker.  She said: “You can make money.” That was all my ten-year-old ears needed to hear.  I was already a big reader.  I started writing fiction.  It got me through the summer, and I’ve been writing ever since.

Barb : What do you love about writing? Why?

E. Van Lowe : I am an entertainer at heart.  I love telling stories, I really love it.  As for why, I loved the feeling I got when I was a kid reading something that surprised me, or shocked me.  I want to conjure up those same feelings in my readers.  There is no greater joy than when someone says “I loved your book.”

  
Barb : What is your least favorite part about writing? Why?

E. Van Lowe : My least favorite part of the writing process is editing.  The why is obvious: having your book come back from your editor again, and again, and again until you’re sick of it is no picnic.  However, the process is worth it.  Boyfriend From Hell is getting some great reviews so far.  I’d like to take all the credit (*smiling*) but I know some of it belongs to my editors, just don’t tell them I said so.  LOL.

Barb : Tell us about Boyfriend From Hell.

E. Van Lowe : It’s a YA paranormal about a fifteen year-old girl and her single mother, both of whom start dating mysterious young men—one of whom turns out to be Satan. If you’d like to know more, the first four chapters are available for free on my website (http://evanlowe.com/) Just go to the home page and click Boyfriend From Hell Sample.


Barb : Who is your favorite character in Boyfriend from Hell, or who do you identify with the most?

E. Van Lowe : I love all the characters.  I do have a special fondness for Guy Matson, the handsome bad boy that Megan falls for.  In high school, I wanted to be a bad boy.  All the girls I liked seemed to gravitate towards bad boy types. I tried to be bad but I couldn’t pull it off.  I was stuck with being a nice guy.  Now I get to live out my high school fantasies through Guy.


Barb : What is your favorite scene from Boyfriend from Hell? Why?

E. Van Lowe : I have a number of scenes I am fond of in Boyfriend From Hell–the mathlete challenge where Guy seems to have the entire audience in the palm of his hand, comes to mind.  My absolute favorite, however, is the scene in the kitchen where the gris gris comes to life.  Anyone who has read the book knows that scene is a real shocker.  For those of you who haven’t read it yet—big surprise.


Barb : Where did your inspiration come from for this book?

E. Van Lowe : When I finished Never Slow Dance With A Zombie (my first YA Paranormal), I was looking for something other than zombies or vampires to get into.  I saw a YouTube video for Lucy Daughter of The Devil.  It was funny and irreverent.  A bell went off in my head—write about the devil.  However, as I got into it, I really wanted to explore themes that were close to me, mother/daughter relationships and dating bad boys. Want to know how these two come together?  Read the book.  LOL.

Barb : What book(s) are you currently reading?

E. Van Lowe : Just yesterday I started The Gunslinger by Stephen King.  I am also reading The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan, and Darlking by Yasmine Galenorn.  You’d think I’d finish one before picking up another, but that wouldn’t be any fun now, would it?


Barb : Do you have an all time favorite book? Or do you have many?

E. Van Lowe : I can name lots of literary titles: Catcher in The Rye, The Invisible Man, Angela’s Ashes, all of which I think are great, but I really love Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli.  That little YA book moved me.  I think a piece of that boy, Leo Borlock, lives in all of us.  Sad to say, but I have been in his shoes, and like him, out of fear, did the wrong thing.  There’s a wonderful lesson to be learned in that book.

Barb : Where can your fans find you?

My website: http://evanlowe.com

My blog:  http://vanlowe.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/evanlowe

My Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/E-Van-Lowe/152364748167154?ref=ts


Barb : Where is your work available for purchase?

E. Van Lowe : Amazon of course, and B&N, as well as any independent book store.  If it’s not on the shelf, please ask for it.  It’s in everyone’s catalog. 


Barb : Do you have anything else on the go?

E. Van Lowe : I recently turned in the sequel to Boyfriend From Hell, Earth Angel, to my editor. It should be out early next year.  I am also working on putting together the Never Slow Dance With A Zombie movie musical.  Fingers and toes crossed please 😉


Barb : Anything else to add?

E. Van Lowe : Yes. I’d like to add that Boyfriend From Hell is the first book in the Falling Angels Saga. AND my big news is that while my book is scheduled for publication September 1st, my publisher (White Whisker Books) is offering an ebook pre-sale, where for two weeks (from Aug 15th-31st) Boyfriend From Hell kindle or Nook will be available for just $2.99. On September 1st the book will go up to its regular price. So now is a good time to get it. Readers can go to my publisher’s website (http://whitewhisker.com/) or my website (http://evanlowe.com/) to purchase on or after the 15th.

I’d like to thank E. Van Lowe for dropping by and treating us to such a delightful interview. Here’s the blurb from her book – it really is as entertaining as it sounds!

Aww, Hell No!

Fifteen year-old Megan Barnett and her single mom, Suze, have a special relationship—they are friends, close friends, who do almost everything together.

“But come on, guys, she’s my mother… Can I really tell her that while we’re snuggled up on the sofa watching Spider Man Three, I’m secretly undressing James Franco with my eyes? Of course not…”

The special bond takes a turn for the worse when Suze decides to start dating again. She hasn’t had a man in her life since Megan’s father left ten years ago.

Enter two mysterious young men, Megan’s new classmate, sinfully attractive bad boy, Guy Matson, and the dangerously handsome art dealer, Armando. Before long Megan and Suze both wind up in steamy relationships. But neither of the handsome pair is quite what he seems. In fact, one of them is Satan, with his sights set on a new bride. Megan has precious little time to figure out how to stop him. If she doesn’t, either Megan or Suze are quite literally going to HELL.

Boyfriend From Hell is the first book in the Falling Angels Saga from the author of the gruesomely hilarious, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie

Ted Saves the World Interview and Giveaway

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Welcome to Sugarbeat’s Books!

Today we are learning more about Bryan Cohen, author of Ted Saves the World. Bryan is touring and promoting his cool new book. Let’s learn more about Bryan and his book, as well as the giveaway that he is hosting!

Barb – If someone else wrote a blurb about your book what would it say?

Bryan – I think that wonderful person would say that the book is packed with a lot of humor and action and that anyone from their pre-teens up would probably get a kick out of it. In the actual blurbs that have been written, a prevailing point is that they hope there is a follow-up, which I’m currently working on as we speak!

Barb – Tell me a little about yourself

Bryan – I am an improv comedian, turned theatre producer, turned writer who lives in Chicago, Illinois. My first few books have been about the craft of writing, but with my first fiction book, Ted Saves the World, I’ve been more able to capitalize on my love of comedy and my obsession with action packed television shows. I’m also a Libra, a weekend athlete, and a self-proclaimed amateur chef.

Barb – Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?

Bryan – This is a fantastic question and one that I haven’t completely figured out yet! I would love to live in a cheap and tropical paradise where I could just write and live off my book sales for a while, but I don’t know if I’d want to spend the rest of my days there. I love having all four seasons without any of them being too extreme as well. If you think of anywhere in particular for these desires let me know.

Barb –  State a random fact about yourself that would surprise your readers.

Bryan – I was once in a comedy wrestling show in which my character wore nothing but a Speedo and sneakers. It’s so funny how a lack of shame can translate into pure comedic gold.

Barb –  What’s your favorite part of writing a book?

Bryan – When a couple of plot lines you have in mind come together with a perfect “ah ha” moment. I think the least favorite part would be the moment before that moment when you have no idea how it’s all going to come together!

Barb –  Which scene(s) were the hardest to write?

Bryan – I would say that action-packed fight scenes are tough. You don’t want to bog down the reader but you also want to keep things exciting and fast-paced. I love writing character-based talking scenes because dialogue is extremely fun for a chatty Cathy like myself.

Barb –  Who is your favorite character in your new release?

Bryan – Ted’s sidekick Dhiraj. He’s a fast-talking, car salesman type who almost immediately capitalizes on Ted’s newfound superheroism. He even publishes a knock-off super hero action book that he outsourced from India. An Indian who outsources to India. I love this guy!

Barb –  Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Bryan – There’s a little bit me in all of them probably, but more so in Ted than anybody else. I was a run-of-the-mill, average teen just plotting along in high school. Having a burst of other-worldly powers dropped in my lap would have been an amazing and welcome addition to my life.

Barb –  Are you a plotter or a pantzer?

Bryan – Hmmm. I would say I’m mostly a plotter, but I leave a lot of room wide open for how the characters actually get from one plot point to another. Leaving plenty of room for witticism along the way.

Barb –  What is your writing schedule?

Bryan – Ideally, I get most of my writing done early on in the day before there are any e-mail or other responsibilities to take care of. I tend to get a bit bogged down by promotion and my freelance writing career during the day. If I can get up before anybody else is up, I feel at peace and most able to take advantage of any creativity stores I have available. If I was on a peaceful island, I think my creativity stores would rise dramatically, but I’m not quite there yet.

Barb – Where do you get your inspiration?

Bryan – When I started doing improv comedy, I was always hampered by my overwhelming internal monologue. Carefully and calculatedly, I shut the dang thing off. This helped me immensely in popping out there on stage and starting scenes and characters quickly. I didn’t expect it to also let me come up with writing ideas speedily. I think that most of my inspiration comes from my much less inhibited subconscious. Also, seeing other people succeed in the world of writing is a major emotional boost.

Barb – What book is currently on your nightstand?

Bryan – Bossypants by amazing comedian, Tina Fey. What a lady!

Barb – Where can your fans find you ?

Bryan – When I’m not on the beach volleyball court, my fans can find me on http://www.bryancohen.com or on my writing website Build Creative Writing Ideas. If you’re in the social media age, you can also find me at Twitter.

Barb – Where can readers find your books?

Bryan – Ted Saves the World is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords for $0.99. My first book 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts: Ideas for Blogs, Scripts, Stories and More is also available where all fine e-books are sold.

Barb – What is in the works for you next?

Bryan – The next book in the series for Ted Saves the World is tentatively titled ‘Ted Finely and the Date with Destiny’. I’m also planning a sequel to my writing prompts book.

Barb –  Anything else you would like to add?

Bryan – I’m doing a giveaway on your site! I’m giving away four $25 Amazon gift cards, one for each week of this month long blog tour. To enter, simply comment with your e-mail address (feel free to substitute @ with (at) or other tricks to stop spammers from getting it). I will draw the four names at the end of the tour, picking one entrant at random from each week’s set of blog posts. Entries will be counted through Monday, August 15th, 2011. Enter on as many sites as you want, follow the tour at Build Creative Writing Ideas. If Ted reaches the Top 100 on Amazon at any point during the tour, a fifth $25 card will be added to the giveaway.

Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your site today!

I’d like to thank Bryan for dropping by and chatting with us! As he has pointed out, leave a comment to be entered into a draw for a gift card worth $25!

A possessed cheerleader.
A cursed gang of criminals.
Mysterious telekinetic powers.
An angry ex-girlfriend in gym class?

One second, sophomore in high school Ted endures his first breakup in his favorite place in town. The next, a mysterious blue light turns him into a worldwide superhero sensation for taking down a posse of grisly murderers. As his views on YouTube increase and his friend Dhiraj tries to capitalize on the marketing potential, his dangers increase as well when a presumed-dead cheerleader begins taking a personal interest. Can Ted survive the his first week as a superhero in the public eye?

This novella is the first taste in a series of full-length novels about the adventures of Ted Finley and Erica LaPlante.

BLB Tour – Interview with Michelle Franklin Author of The Tales of Frewyn

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Welcome to Sugarbeat’s Books – The Home of the Romance Novel!

Today I’m welcoming Michelle Franklin to my blog!  She has several books out, but today we are going to learn about her latest books, The Tales of Frewyn and The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu.  Before I continue to the interview, I must say that I am totally enchanted by the artwork on the cover of Tales from Frewyn.  So different from what I’m used to seeing!

That being said, let’s learn a bit more about Michelle!

Barb –  Tell us a little about yourself
Michelle – I’ve been writing high fantasy and romance stories since I was in grade 4. Now I’m the sole author of the Haanta Series: the longest, ongoing, online romantic fantasy series.

Barb –  Tell us about your new release without using the official blurb?

Michelle – The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu is the first book in the Haanta Series. It discusses a relationship between Commander Boudicca MacDaede, a wry and strong heroine, and the Den Asaan Rautu, a stubborn giant and warrior. Together, they save the kingdom of Frewyn from annihilation whilst trying to keep their love for one another a secret from Rautu’s people. Tales from Frewyn are short stories about these characters and everyone else in the series, written as vignettes of what the characters do when they aren’t saving the world.

Barb –  Who are your cheerleaders?  Who encourages you to continue writing?

Michelle – I am fortunate to have many cheerleaders, but the one most prevalent is Twisk, the artist for the series. Every day, she plagues me with questions of what will happen next and what I am writing at present. This, to me, is more important than encouragement because it allows me to ask myself what will happen next in the series.

Barb –  What’s the hardest part of writing a book?

Michelle – Doing anything else.

Barb – What’s your favorite part of writing a book?

Michelle – Watching the characters and following them wherever they may go.

Barb –  Which character do you most relate to – or like the most?

Michelle – I cannot pick a favourite, but I can say I identify most with the commander, for she has the audacity to say that which I have only the bravery to think.

Barb – Did you know the title before you started writing?

Michelle – I often don’t know the titles to my books before I begin writing. Usually they materialize after half of a given book is finished.

Barb – What was your favorite scene?

Michelle – I have a few favourites, most of them involving the characters being made to do something that goes against their nature. Alasdair having terrible hair, Rautu eating a vegetable or Boudicca wearing a dress are situations that accord endless delight.

Barb –  Do you have an all-time favorite book?

Michelle – The Belgariad by David Eddings and most Jane Austen novels are my books of choice.

Barb – Where can readers find your books?

Michelle – They can be found at any online retailer and some independent bookstores.

Barb –  How can readers stay in touch?

Michelle – I am always reachable through my Twitter account @MrsDenAsaan or through the official Haanta Series website: http://thehaanta.blogspot.com/

Barb –  What projects are you currently working on right now?

Michelle – I’m currently working on edits for Commander and Den Asaan Vol 2 and writing chapters from book 14 in the series.

I’d like to thank Michelle for dropping by today!  I completely fascinated by these books and their covers!  Please find some blurbs below as well as some buy links so that you can pick up copies of Michelle’s work.

The Haanta Series is the longest, ongoing, online romantic fantasy series. Thousands of readers visit the world of the Two Continents to enjoy the daily short stories featuring all their favorite characters from the Haanta Series novels. In between the business of the books, the commander, Rautu, Otenohi, Unghaahi, Leraa, Kai Linaa and Alasdair enjoy some time together in Diras Castle, but as the stories portray, mischief lies in every corner of the keep where spiders, chocolate pies, petulant giants and grouchy cooks abound.

The Kingdom of Frewyn is being invaded by the Galleisian infantry and at the forefront of the battle is Boudicca MacDaede, a First Captain in the Frewyn armed forces. Her regiment is charged with defending the borders between the two nations, but when Frewyn’s last line of defense falls, Captain MacDaede enlists the assistance of a Haanta, one of giants from the islands to the far north. Promising to free him from his imprisonment in exchange for his help, she gains his trust long enough for them to win the battle and save the Frewyn border from being breached. The giant’s freedom is granted, but Rautu cannot return home unless he redeems himself in the eyes of his people for past his transgressions. He is offered a place by the captain’s side, and together, they defeat the Galleisian forces and become the saviors of Frewyn.

One year later, King Alasdair Brennin takes the Frewyn throne, Boudicca is made commander, Gallei and Frewyn reach an accord, and Rautu is granted an invitation home. He is eager to return and see his brothers but finds it difficult to leave Frewyn without Boudicca at his side. He has become accustomed to her company and the idea of being made to live without her begins to distress him. Rautu invites the commander to the islands in hopes of finding a way for them to remain together, but when they arrive at the white shores of Sanhedhran, not everything goes as planned: one of the dangerous Haanta magi is freed, Rautu’s three brothers are strangely missing, and the neighboring nation of Thellis leads an attack on the islands.

Together, the commander and the Den Asaan Rautu must find a way to unite their two nations and defend against the Thellisian fleets, but can they do so successfully when an envious Frewyn king, and impending war with Thellis, and a cruel Haanta military leader would keep them apart?

Buy Links:
Amazon
Tales from Frewyn: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052O4ZQE
Commander and Den Asaan: http://www.amazon.com/Commander-Asaan-Rautu-Haanta-ebook/dp/B00564TGKA/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=AZC9TZ4UC9CFC

B&N:
Commander and Den Asaan: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-commander-and-den-asaan-rautu-michelle-franklin/1031506362?ean=2940012971531&itm=5&usri=michelle%2bfranklin
Tales from Frewyn: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tales-of-frewyn-michelle-franklin/1102474986?ean=2940012588449&itm=2&usri=

Smashwords
Commander and Den Asaan: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/66266
Tales from Frewyn: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/62011