Dalene's Book Reviews: >The Alchemy Series by Donna Augustine with Interview

Sunday, December 29, 2013

>The Alchemy Series by Donna Augustine with Interview

Interview

1) First, tell us about yourself – where you live, your family, and those sorts of details.

I'm currently single and living in NJ. I'm the youngest child of three girls and I think that helped prepare me for harsh reviews better than anything else in my life. Don't get me wrong, my sisters are my closest friends, but there's nothing like siblings to toughen you up a bit. They are also my biggest supporters.

2) How long have you been writing?

I've been writing forever, but I didn't seriously start pursuing a career in writing until about two years ago.

3) Do you have a favorite place to write?

Anywhere but a desk. I hop around with my laptop. I'll write on the couch, in bed, outside, etc…I'm pretty flexible. The only thing I can't do is write when there are a lot of people around.

4) Why did you decide to write The Alchemy Series?

There are a lot of reasons I started. Probably too many to list so I'll just give you one. Whenever I have trouble sleeping, I make up stories in my head to put myself to sleep. Then I would look for something to read that was similar to what I had in my head, but of course, it didn't exist. The problem was, that was the story I was in the mood to read so I decided to write it. When I write, it gives me that same feeling of escaping into another world as when I read.

5) Who is your favorite character in your series and why?

Cormac and Burrom are probably tied. Cormac because he's a typical hot alpha, and Burrom because I find him very interesting.

6) How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

I don't really have a least favorite or I would've booted them out of the book. I can't write characters I don't find interesting. I also don't like to write anyone that is completely evil. Even the bad guys have a touch of good, just as my good guys aren't without sin.

7) Do you proofread/edit your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?

Absolutely not. This last book was edited by two different people, Sharon from www.devilinthedetailsediting.blogspot.com and Andrea at www.expresseditingsolutions.com.uk. The more eyeballs on it, the better.

8) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I'm a crafting addict. I needlefelt, paint, sculpt and whatever else I can get my hands on.

9) Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?

I'm a binge reader. I'll go through periods where I'll barely glance at a page a week and then I'll read a book a day for a while. My current favorites are Karen Moning, Anne Bishop and Chloe Neill. Yes, I'm knee deep into fantasy right now : )

10) What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has? Write it out here, then answer it.

Why was your lead character so immature in the first book?

I'm a big proponent of emotional growth in a character. I don't want them to be the same person at the end of the book, that they were at the start of the book. I find it boring and unrealistic. Traumatic events in your life change who you are. Jo's upbringing stunted her emotionally and I wanted that to show. I know it annoyed some readers but I have to be true to who my characters are.

The Keepers

The Alchemy Series, #1

Two days ago, Jo Davids was a waitress by night and a college kid by day, with the unnerving problem of objects floating around her.

One Day ago, Jo's sexy boss, Cormac, noticed her for all the wrong reasons when she witnessed a man transform into a monster in the basement of his casino.

Today, Cormac ordered her shot.

If he's real lucky, she won't die. Because if she does, all hope is lost.

Amazon (Paperback & eBook) Barnes & Noble

Keepers and Killers

The Alchemy Series, #2

The story of Jo and Cormac continues on in this fast paced drama.

It's very hard to work with someone who tried to murder me. But when the mysterious senator reappears on the scene, I'm desperate enough to take whatever help I can get, even if it is from Cormac. Dealing with him is nothing compared to losing a few hundred lives and that's the best case scenario. Worst case? I lose them all.

Amazon (Paperback & eBook)

Barnes & Noble

Shattered

Alchemy Series Book #3

I thought I could be a hero. That was before I helped destroy the world. Now, as I stand among the rubble of what used to be, I wonder how we're ever going to pick up the pieces.

Everyday is a struggle, and people are getting desperate. Creatures that never should have existed are picking away at the dwindling numbers of the human race. And the knowledge that could be our salvation lies with the senator who reigns supreme on the other half of the globe.

Barnes & Noble Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna Augustine’s lifelong ambition was to become the crazy cat lady. Unfortunately, when family allergies cut short her dream of living in a house full of furries, she turned her ambitions toward writing. Combining her love of fantasy, sci-fi, horror and romance, she tries to string together interesting twists on urban fantasy.

A native of New Jersey, when she isn’t writing or over dosing on caffeine, she can occasionally be spotted in disguise at the local dog park.

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

GRAND PRIZE: a Signed paperback set of THE ALCHEMY series & a $10.00 Gift Card to Amazon (international winner will get eBooks instead of paperbacks)

RUNNERS-UP: 3 runners up will receive an eBook of choice from THE ALCHEMY series

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12/09 - 12/29 Donna Augustine's THE ALCHEMY Series Tour

12/9 Coffee Talk Writers (Series Spotlight)

http://www.coffeetalkwriters.com