REAPER'S RHYTHM blog tour - Interview with Author Clare Davidson!

Hello, sweet readers! I'm so so so excited today because it's finally my turn for a stop on Clare Davidson's Reaper's Rhythm blog tour!!! *confetti*

When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to prove she was murdered.

Kim is unable to accept Charley’s sudden death. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in danger.

The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile, Kim isn’t sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died – before it’s too late.

Hi Leigh Ann! I’m really excited to be gatecrashing visiting your blog again. I love it here AND I brought cookies.

And since they're virtual, they're calorie free! Wonderful! So let's start with a writer's question. Tell me your favorite part about writing a book.  Really, ANY part. 

Those moments when you’re completely in the flow of writing and the words come easily. So easily, that when you read back your completed draft, it’s like you’re reading an unknown book. Do you ever get that feeling? It’s great.

YES, I do! I like it especially when I thought it would be horrible and then it wasn't. :) So, I'm a bit obsessed with your cover art. Can you tell me a little bit about your illustrator? What drew you to him? 

He was recommended to me by a Ruth Parlour. I checked out his work on Deviant Art and fell in love with his style. I knew I wanted him to do the cover for Trinity and he did such a great job, that I enlisted him to do the cover for Reaper’s Rhythm, too.

That's so awesome that you have that continuity between books one and two! How was publishing a non-debut novel different from your first time? 

I’ve learnt A LOT since I published Trinity. I kind of rushed Trinity out, because I could and because it was too exciting not to. I’ve taken a lot more time with Reaper’s Rhythm, in a bid to do the launch “just right” (you’ll all have to tell me if I’ve succeeded!). I think it also helps that I have another book out, as I’ve met a lot of readers because of Trinity.

Okay, now let's switch to talking about the book's subject matter. Do you have a sister, or siblings? If so, did that inform your writing of REAPER'S RHYTHM in any way, since it deals with sibling death?

I have an older brother (who the book is partly dedicated to). I wouldn’t say he informed my writing of Reaper’s Rhythm, because he’s very much alive and well. However I know how much it would hurt if I lost him.

Losing someone so close to me is the stuff of my nightmares. It’s one of the things I’m most afraid of, which is why I explored it in Reaper’s Rhythm. I think I would probably have a similar reaction to Kim: DENIAL.

Now for some rapid-fire questions:

Coffee or Tea? Neither. Give me a hot chocolate and I’m happy. 

(^oooh, very nice!)

Star Wars or Star Trek? Trek.
TV or Movies? Movies.
Marvel or DC comics? Marvel. 

(^That is correct.)

Sweet or Savory? Sweet.
Sci-Fi or Fantasy? Fantasy.

********************

About Clare:

Clare Davidson is an independent writer, based in Lancaster. Clare is a high school teacher, mother and character-driven fantasy writer. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter, a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten.

She published her first novel, Trinity in July 2012. Trinity is a young adult, fantasy novel, which currently has seventeen five star reviews on Amazon UK.

Her second novel, Reaper’s Rhythm, is due to be released on the 26^th July 2013. Also aimed at a young adult audience, Reaper’s Rhythm is an urban fantasy with a dash of mystery.

Go buy it here!

America:

Kindle: http://amzn.com/B00E258F9M

Paperback: http://amzn.com/1489574786

UK:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E258F9M

Paperback: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/099261130X

Waterstone's: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/clare+marie+davidson/rebecca+tsaros+dickson/bramasta+aji/reaper27s+rhythm/9961438/

Ways to connect with Clare Davidson:

Website: http://claredavidson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445758.Clare_Davidson

New releases mailing list: http://eepurl.com/zpjGf

Reaper's Rhythm teaser!!!

You guys! Remember just a couple days ago when I helped reveal the cover for Clare Davidson's Reaper's Rhythm? Well today I'm sharing a snippet with you, and even better, it has accompanying artwork! Amazing!

Here it is.....

Two phones in hand—mine and Charley’s—I lay on my bed. I switch Charley’s phone on. It chimes and the telecom company’s logo pops onto the screen. It fades to black and a photograph of me and Charley materialises. It was taken on a rare sunny day on the promenade. We have our backs to the calm sea. Our heads, which fill the entire photo, are knocked together. I’m smiling and Charley is pursing her lips, like she’s about to give someone a huge kiss.

I frown as I check her messages. I can’t find the text she received the night she died. I heard it come through. Charley’s message tone was the riff from her favourite song. Whatever the text said, it’s gone. I doubt the police would have deleted it. Charley must have. But why?

********************

When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to prove she was murdered.

Kim is unable to accept Charley’s sudden death. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in danger.

The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile, Kim isn’t sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died – before it’s too late.

About Clare:

Clare Davidson is an independent writer, based in Lancaster. Clare is a high school teacher, mother and character-driven fantasy writer. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter, a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten.

She published her first novel, Trinity in July 2012. Trinity is a young adult, fantasy novel, which currently has seventeen five star reviews on Amazon UK.

Her second novel, Reaper’s Rhythm, is due to be released on the 26^th July 2013. Also aimed at a young adult audience, Reaper’s Rhythm is an urban fantasy with a dash of mystery.

Ways to connect with Clare Davidson:

Website: http://claredavidson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445758.Clare_Davidson

New releases mailing list: http://eepurl.com/zpjGf

Cover Reveal - Clare Davidson's REAPER'S RHYTHM!!!!

Hi sweethearts! I'm so excited that I get to be part of the cover reveal for my friend Clare Davidson's REAPER'S RHYTHM!!!!

Here's the blurb:

When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to prove she was murdered.

Kim is unable to accept Charley’s sudden death. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in danger.

The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile, Kim isn’t sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died – before it’s too late.

I've read a bit of it already, and,  yeah - it's as spooky as it sounds. I know I'm excited for it to come out....

and ALMOST as excited to show you the cover! Are you ready? 

Awesome, right? So run over and add it to your Goodreads here!

Author Bio:

Clare Davidson is an independent writer, based in Lancaster. Clare is a high school teacher, mother and character-driven fantasy writer. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter, a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten.

She published her first novel, Trinity in July 2012. Trinity is a young adult, fantasy novel, which currently has seventeen five star reviews on Amazon UK.

Her second novel, Reaper’s Rhythm, is due to be released on the 26^th July 2013. Also aimed at a young adult audience, Reaper’s Rhythm is an urban fantasy with a dash of mystery.

Ways to connect with Clare Davidson:

Website: http://claredavidson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445758.Clare_Davidson

New releases mailing list: http://eepurl.com/zpjGf

New Book Deal - YA Romance SOLVING FOR EX!

Hey, sweet readers! 

Whew! Can't believe it was six months ago that I was announcing my first book deal. It looked a little something like this (in my head:)

Leigh Ann Kopans's ONE, about a girl with only half a superpower and her struggle to make herself whole, to Her Own Bad Self, in a freaking sweet deal, in a two-book deal, for publication beginning June 2013. This deal was brokered by wine, ice cream, and the best friends on the planet.

So, you know, that deal did, indeed, end up being "freaking sweet," true to promise. ONE has been out for one month and five days, and just yesterday earned back all the money I invested in it. I'm really excited for TWO to be out in October (and you can see its cover revealed over at Hafsah's site today!)

Today, I'm really excited to announce a NEW book deal! Here's the (in-my-head) announcement:

Leigh Ann Kopans's SOLVING FOR EX, a Young Adult romance that remixes Jane Austen's classic Mansfield Park as Clueless meets Mean Girls in a crazy mix of high school society, mathletic competition, and teenage romance, to Her Own Bad Self, in an incredibly awesome deal, for publication in February 2014, the 200th anniversary of Mansfield Park's publication. This deal was brokered by supportive friends, more wine, and a genuine love for self-publishing.

And here's the full blurb: 

Ashley Price doesn't have much in life after being bullied so hard she had to leave her old school to live with her aunt and uncle in Pittsburgh. But the camera she borrowed from her best friend and secret crush Brendan, and her off the charts math abilities, make things a lot more bearable. Plus, since Brendan is the captain, making the school Mathletes team should be easy. 

But when gorgeous new girl Sofia rolls in and steals Brendan, Ashley's place on the team, and her fragile foothold on the Mansfield Park Prep social totem pole, it’s on. Sofia is everything Ashley left her old school to escape. The only thing Ashley didn't count on is Sophia’s sexy twin brother Vincent.

Vincent is not only the hottest boy in school, he’s charming, sweet, and he’s got his eye on Ashley. He’s also not taking no for an answer. There's no real reason Ashley shouldn't like Vincent, but with the
battle lines being drawn between her and Sofia, Ashley’s not sure which side he’s on. Or which side she wants him to be on.

She does know Sophia is trouble with a capital T, and she’s determined to make Brendan see it.

Go ahead and add it on Goodreads right here! 

Now, since I know you're wondering, traditional publication was not an option for SOLVING FOR EX for a couple reasons:

1. I'm pretty set on the book publishing in 2014, since it marks the 200-year anniversary of publication for MANSFIELD PARK, the Jane Austen classic on which it's based. I love the original, and this book is like my love letter to one of my greatest literary heroes, thanking her for all she's done. 

Even if my agent were able to sell it tomorrow, it most likely would not publish until 2015 - and I'm sentimental. 

2. Another, completely adorable-looking Mansfield Park redux came out this past Spring, and since there's already one on the market, we wouldn't have high hopes for this one being acquired by a big house.

But, hey. It really doesn't matter to me HOW this book is published, especially since I feel even more confident about the whole self-publishing gig now. 

Most importantly, I'm SO excited for SOLVING FOR EX to come out and for you all to (hopefully) read it! Thanks for reading, my loves!