Interview with Author, T.J. Dell

Today it is my privilege to host author T.J. Dell and to discuss her newest book, Whispers in the Woods.  T.J. will be giving away two signed paperbacks of Whispers in the Woods, along with three $5 Amazon Gift Cards during her tour.  Be sure to sign up at the bottom of this post.

THE INTERVIEW

1. For starters, please tell us a little about yourself.

Ho-hum, hum-ho. A little about me? Well I'm a mommy of two toddlers. And if you are a mommy then you will understand how that defines 90 percent of me. The other 10 percent is a hopeless romantic that loves stories. Books, movies, television, even local high school theater floats my boat.

2. Have you always been a writer? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have had a lot of jobs... a lot. So no, I wouldn't say that I've always been a writer. But I have always wanted to write. I've always been intrigued by the idea of having other people enjoy the stories constantly playing out in my mind.

3. In your opinion, what are the easiest and most difficult parts of being a writer?

Pretty much all of being a writer is difficult. But it wouldn't be worthwhile if it wasn't. One thing that gets to me the most is release day. I suffer from the absolute knowledge that no one is going to buy or like each new title. I don't breathe an easy breath until that first (hopefully positive) review pops up on amazon.

4. Would you tell us what your book is about?

Evie Parker moves to Benair Falls after a car accident makes her an orphan. On top of losing her parents she has to deal with living in a new town (with a grandmother that resents her) and starting a new school (where she has no friends).  Things start to look up when she meets Lucas. He is handsome and fun and everyone loves him. To make him even more perfect... he likes her. However, things aren't always exactly as they seem and Lucas has secrets. Secrets that nearly kill Evie.  Eventually Evie has to decide if having Lucas in her life is worth giving up normal forever. Because Elfin lords are anything but normal.

5. Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?

Sometimes I blame it on a slight case of Schizophrenia. (winky sarcastic face) Characters sometimes pop into my head for a visit and then refuse to leave until I tell their stories.

6. I understand you have a couple of other books that are doing well on Amazon. How long have they been out? What have you done to help them succeed?

Well I have actually just celebrated my book-iversary. My first title was published in September of 2011. That was 'Her Best Friend's Brother' and I haven't looked back. As far as making them succeed that is all credited to my readers. I must have the best readers on earth. I have received a number of messages from people stating that a coworker or a family member 'just insisted' that they read this. I can't think of a better compliment. I only 'insist' other people try out my very favorites.

7. What projects are you currently working on?

I'm happily working on Carter's story in Whispers in the Dark. That should be available at the end of this year. And I'm very excited about it. Carter is one character that really gets to you. He just moves right in and sets up shop in your heart.

8. What advice would you give to authors who are struggling to make it in the crowded world of publishing?

The best advice I can give is to tell you to 'keep it up'. Amazon and other digital booksellers have really broken a wide open path for indie writers. You no longer need to wait for someone from an office in New York to notice how awesome you are. Of course being an indie also means being your own editor, agent, and publicist. But it's worth it in the end. I promise.

9. Where can readers find you on the web?

Facebook is a second home for me facebook.com/dell.tj

10. Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Well of course I want to thank you for taking the time to speak with me, and I hope you (and all your readers) enjoy Whispers in the Woods!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Vol. I
When Evie Parker meets Lucas Spencer she begins to feel hope again. Lately she's been going through life in a fog and Lucas is all about teaching her how to have fun again. For the first time since the accident she knows what it means to be happy.  So who cares if Lucas is a little odd. It isn't that strange that she's never met his parents, or that teachers never seem to notice when he's late for class. Evie tries not to care, but on top of all his peculiar behavior she's been feeling kind of sick lately-- ever since she met Lucas actually.  When Lucas decides it is time to come clean with all his secrets Evie has to make some hard decisions.

Vol. II
All Evie wants is a little bit of normal in her life-- is that really too much to ask? Lucas isn't normal, but he makes her happy. That should count for something. Evie thinks she can find a balance that will let her be normal and also be with him.  Of course she hadn't counted on adding his family into the mix, or his ex-girlfriend.  Life with an elf is never boring.

Vol III
Lucas and Evie were finally at a place where Evie was comfortable with her mix of normal human teenager and fantastical elf boyfriend. Then she went and got herself crushed by a tree.  Evie wakes up with a whole lot of extra issues to deal with. Not the least of which is a trip inside the Veil to see Lucas's home. She never would have agreed to go if she'd known she was going to have her own secret to hide.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When TJ isn't reading or writing (which is almost never), she is enjoying a blissfully boring life with her family in Maryland. Her two greatest wishes are to serve on a Starfleet Starship or to be invited to join the Justice League. Sure her chances are slim, but she's a big believer in dreaming big. 

 

A hopeless romantic to her very core, T.J.'s books explore every corner of the wobbly-kneed-world of romance novels. She has a particular penchant for Young Adult themes. Dell's debut novel 'Her Best Friend's Brother' is enjoying its tenth month as an Amazon best seller, and her popular Elfkin Series is hot on its heels.

PURCHASE LINKS

http://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Complete-Collection-Elfkin-ebook/dp/B0084XCRVU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1343249434&sr=1-2
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-in-the-woods-tj-dell/1111569369?ean=9781477634967
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Whispers-Woods-Complete-Collection/Tj-Dell/9781477634967?id=5417972292235

 

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Disclaimer:  My participation in this book tour does not mean that I have read and/or agree with the work being promoted.  Typically, unless I'm doing a book review, I do not have the opportunity to read the books before promoting them. The purpose of virtual tours is to help fellow authors promote their works, and while I am very particular about who and what I promote, I cannot guarantee that the beliefs and views stated in any specific book are my own.