Behind the Gate Interviews: Jessica from Lover of Paranormal

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Jessica from the blog Lover of Paranormal to Behind the Gate Interviews. If you haven't already checked it out, Lover of Paranormal is a fantastic book blog with a focus on paranormal and indie books but that also includes other genres and traditionally published books as well. It's a great source for reviews, interviews and giveaways— definitely a blog to follow!

1) What made you decide to create a blog dedicated to indie writers?

At first it was the price. Being a single momma really limits the amount I can spend on books. However, at the time I had no clue the reason why these amazing books were so cheap. I was new to the whole “E-Book” world and just assumed it was because I wasn’t getting anactual hard copy. When I grasped the reason, I was completely blown away. It just seemed unfair that these really great books weren’t lining the bookshelves in book stores around the world. I found out quickly that I was not the only one who felt this way. So the blog was a way to help promote these authors and a place where we “indie-lovers” can discuss these fantastic books.

2) What is it about paranormal and fantasy books that you enjoy so much?

I love the escape that the paranormal genre offers. We live in a harsh world, filled with unforgiving realities.  When I read a good book, I get to transport myself into a different world, where anything is possible. I get to go on journeys and watch the struggles and triumphs of my favorite characters, while cheering them on or crying with them. It is incredible.

3) Was there a particular book that turned you onto reading? What are some of your all-time favorites?

The Hobbit was the novel that turned me on to reading at an early age. All-time favorite would have to be The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, followed closely Pride and Prejudice. 

4) What do you look for in a good book?

Imagery is very important to me.If I can’t visualize the surroundings it limits my ability to engross myself into a book.  Of course, the charactershave to be relatable and convincing of their roles as well. The plot is important but I have found that if I can lose myself in the settings and lovethe characters, I am willing to go on any journey the author has planned in theplot.  

5) Do you share your love of reading with yourchildren? What do you they think of your blog?

Absolutely! Well, with my daughter. My 8 y/o son is missing the “reading gene” so far. He prefers to beread to. Emily, on the other hand, is as in love with reading as I am. I feelso blessed that I have someone so close to share this passion with. We will spend hours in a bookstore together, it is something special her and I share. She is only 10 y/o so I don’t let her read the YA Paranormal Romances that I favor, but when she is a little older I will have killer collection of books for her!  

6) If you found a hidden gate in your backyard,where would it lead to?

*Sigh* If only! It would probably lead to a place eerily similar to Energo… with a much older Calvin waiting on the other side! 

 
7)  Tell us four random things about yourself.

    Ehhh…I am a bit of a strange one and a huge nerd at heart (not the smart kind), so try to excuse my lame-ness…

1. My favorite comfort food is Beef Ramon Noddle (crushed) with Salt and Vinegar chips as my spoon. I know I know, sounds gross. But I LOVE IT!

2. I will purposely look for ways to use Will Ferrell movie quotes in everyday conversation and then am disappointed when noone gets it.

3. Water-logged, wrinkly fingers, touching me… gives me chill bumps while simultaneously making me want to scream.

4. I  ALWAYS get the giggles in the absolute worse possible situations; it is seriously hardwired in my brain to laugh at the wrong time.

Thanks for coming by Jess and for having such a great blog! We have very similar taste in books, Lord of the Rings and Pride and Prejudice are also some my favorites. I totally understand the giggle problem, I do the same thing sometimes.

Be sure to check out Lover of Paranormal and to follow on Facebook, Twitter and Google+

Perilous Light Now Available

Perilous Light, Book Two of the Afterglow Trilogy, is now available on the Kindle, Nook, and in paperback! :)

One of the best novels I’ve read this entire year. I absolutely adore Alyssa’s writing style, her characters, her story line, and basically everything about this book. Just read it and you’ll see what I mean. ~ Danica Page (Taking It One Page at a Time)


Perilous Light makes me want to have my own Guard, go fight the bad guys and help save Energo! This series is truly awesome and I can't wait to see how it all ends in the final book, Enduring Light! ~ Queen of teen fiction

The New Faces of Beckoning and Perilous Light

I wanted to share the newest covers for Beckoning and Perilous Light!! I had some issues with the previous covers and took the opportunity to work with Claudia of Phatpuppy Art to get some amazing new covers for the series. I promise no more cover changes after this :)

Kiev and a Perilous Light Excerpt!

In Perilous Light, Charlotte gets the chance to see her favorite band, Kiev, play. Featured on Liam's Playlist from Beckoning Light, Kiev's sound is often described as a more jazzy and eclectic Radiohead. They are based out of L.A. and recently won the Best Indie Band award at the Orange County Music Awards. I thought I'd share a video of Kiev and a short excerpt from Charlotte's first chapter in Perilous Light.

“How was your coffee date?”

“I had fun hanging out with Liam,” I snapped. I was overwhelmed enough with my feelings for Calvin, I didn’t need James trying to make me feel guilty about spending time with Liam.

James laughed. “Okay, fine. I already know you were only there to fuel your coffee addiction. It isn’t healthy, you know.”

“I’m not addicted to coffee.” I wasn’t about to admit my weakness to James.

Thankfully, we passed the rest of the two-minute drive in silence. James parked the car in my driveway. “I have another birthday gift for you.” His eyes danced with excitement as he ran his hands through his dirty blond hair. He had let his hair grow out, and he seemed more comfortable. I think he enjoyed no longer having to pretend to be someone else.

“Another?” Turning toward him, I let the door I had just pushed open close again. Over the past few weeks, James had given me a bunch of gifts. He handed me an envelope. I opened it slowly, not sure what to expect. “Wow, seriously?” I eyed the two tickets. “You got Kiev tickets? But wait…” My excitement waned as I realized the tickets were for a small venue I had never been to because it was strictly eighteen and up.

“What?” James asked with the barest hint of a smile.

“I can’t get in there. I’m underage, and unlike you, I don’t have a fake ID.”

“You don’t?” James grinned as he slid something into my palm.

I looked down to see a South Carolina driver’s license with someone else’s name. “You got me a fake ID?” I wasn’t really surprised. James might take his role of Guardian seriously, but he never really understood or cared about a lot of the laws in my world.

“Of course I did. It wasn’t exactly difficult. So we should be all set for Friday night. In case you were wondering, the second ticket is for me.”

“Yeah, I figured that much. But James, do you realize how much trouble I’ll get in if I get caught?”

“Well, then, it’s a good thing you won’t be getting caught.”


Perilous Light is now up on Goodreads!

Beckoning Light Giveaway!

To celebrate the upcoming release of Perilous Light later this month, I will be giving away 10 free e-book copies of Beckoning Light to the first 10 people that sign up to my mailing list (I only send an email to announce book releases).  I am so excited to share the new book with everyone in a few weeks!

Giveaway Closed! Thanks for stopping by everyone!!

Countdown to Perilous Light Release

Perilous Light releases in four weeks but until then there will be lots of Afterglow events going on including reviews, excerpts, interviews and giveaways! 

Get the Word Out! - Enchanted Book Tours

The Second Time Around

So many experiences are different the second time around. I discovered this fall that having a second child is a completely different experience from having your first.The same can be said for the second day of school, the second time you make a dish or go on a certain hike, and the list goes on. As I finalize Perilous Light and get ready for its March 30th release, I can't help reflecting on how different the experience is this time. Like all other "seconds" it's all about expectations.This time I have a much better idea of what to expect from the publication process, but on the flip side there are also more expectations both my own and those of my readers. I can only wonder how different it will feel on the third time around.