Author Tag!

I was tagged by the talented Daniel Coleman for this post, so here goes:

What am I working on?

Well, I'm working on the first draft of a new LDS sci-fi novel called The Glory of the Stars. I'm also working on final edits for The Ransomed Returning (sequel to my first novel, Defenders of the Covenant). And then I'll start my first revision pass on Shattered Skies (third book in the series).


How does my work differ from others in it's genre?

There isn't a lot of LDS sci-fi out there. My books are different from a lot of sci-fi because it is so overtly religious, and it's different from most LDS fiction because it is sci-fi. :) This isn't always a good thing, but it is what I long to write.

Why do I write what I do?

My goal in writing has always been to write stuff that is both uplifting and entertaining. That's what I strive for. Adventure and truth.

How does your writing process work?

Chaotically. I write my first draft out by hand in a notebook. Then I type it (the part I hate most). I usually make a few changes while I'm typing. Then I'll let it sit for a month or two and read it over again to get the big picture. I'll cut or add scenes or change what I feel needs changing. When I feel it is the best I can get it up to that point, I'll send it out to some of my trusted writer friends for critique. I'll revise based on those suggestions, give it another proofreading pass, and consider it done! This takes practically FOREVER, by the way. :)

Okay, so I'm passing this tag onto Terry W. Ervin II and Todd (T.M.) Hunter! 

Merry Christmas and God bless us, every one!

One Word Interview with S.M. Anderson

Today we welcome science fiction author S.M. Anderson to the writing chair. I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for her new sci-fi adventure novel, Copied.


What fictional world would you most like to live in?
Damar 

From Robin McKinley's Blue Sword, I assume? I haven't thought about Damar in a long time, but I'd love to live there too.
 
What are you asking Santa to bring you for Christmas? 
Tuition for Writer conferences

Smart idea! I hope you get lots.
 
Which of your characters is the most like you?
 Xan

The main character in Copied. We writers often have lots in common with our MCs, though I presume you weren't genetically engineered. ;)
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
 Eliza R Snow or  William Tyndale

I love both of those answers so much! Both wonderful and interesting people.
 
You're having your characters over for Christmas dinner. What are
you serving?
Sushi

That wouldn't be my first choice, but I think it would be interesting to dine with your characters.
 
Thanks so much for joining us today!

S. M. Anderson (Sarah Anderson) was born in Lima, Peru. She has lived in seven different countries, on five continents, and speaks a smattering of languages. As a child and even young adult, writing and reading were difficult for her, so difficult that she received extra help outside the classroom and was diagnosed with a learning disability. However, she always loved stories, especially ethnic folktales from the countries she lived in. It was the desire to create stories of her own that fueled her determination to overcome the challenges that came with writing. She has a BA in Art Education from BYU, with a minor in Russian, and a love of power tools. She has a growing family of three kids and currently lives in Springville, Utah.

You can find Ms. Anderson on her website or on Facebook

Adopted off the black market, Alexander Mitchell, has no idea his DNA is copyrighted and property of military weapons giant Texacom Defense. Nor that his DNA is being used to develop an army of clones. When the company discovers he was not properly disposed of 17 years ago, they send an assassin copy, BETA23, to terminate Xan and cover it up After he narrowly escapes BETA23’s first attempt, Xan teams up with Lacey, a genetically engineered genius he’s surprised to find common ground with— only they’re awkward together. Half of the time she stares at Xan like the science project he is and the other half…let’s just say Xan can’t keep his eyes off her lips. When they manage to capture a company copy by luck and sheer stupidity on Xan’s part, Lacey is determined to see the good in their prisoner to the point she believes BETA23 can be persuaded to give them the intelligence they need to keep the company forever off Xan’s back. Xan’s not sure if he can trust the darker version of himself, not when it means gambling with the lives of his family and the possibility of losing Lacey.

Watch the book trailer!

It's that time of year again!

Oh, that time of year with presents to buy and wrap and mail and deliver. Cards to address. Lists to make. Halls to deck. Goodies to bake. Concerts to attend. Concerts to rehearse for. Etc, etc, etc.

Personally, I love it! It doesn't leave much time for writing, though. At least not for me. Still, I wouldn't trade the Christmas season for any amount of writing time.

So, Merry Christmas, my friends. Happy Holidays. Take the time to really enjoy yourself and focus on the ones you love.

And if you can keep your writing juices flowing too, all the better!


By the way, if you want to read some great Christmas stories, my sci-fi Christmas novelette, Joy Ride, is only 0.99 for Kindle.

Or you could pick up the Carol of the Tales anthology (with one of my stories) and help out a great cause too. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Autism Speaks.

One Word Interview with Jaclyn Weist (with a Giveaway!)

Today we welcome Jaclyn Weist, author of the brand new YA contemporary fantasy novel, Stolen Luck. (Don't miss the blog tour giveaway at the bottom of the post!) Welcome to the writing chair, Jaclyn!

You've been plunked down in a fairy tale. Which mythical creature are you?  
Unicorn

Very beautiful and very wise. Sounds appropriate.

Uh-oh! Your house is on fire! After your kids, what's the first thing you grab? 
Books

If your house is like mine, you'll only have time to save a small fraction!
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with? 
Shakespeare

I'm certain the bard would make a delightful lunch companion.
 
What quality do you share in common with your main character? 
Megan? Her unwillingness to give up. Also, she's not a morning person and neither am I. :)

Both excellent qualities! (Although, I am being converted to morning person against my will.)
 
We're holding a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What are we serving for dessert? 
Cheesecake
By far the most popular dessert choice. Confession: I don't like cheesecake all that much. I must be missing something!

Thank you so much for being with us today, Jaclyn

Jaclyn is an Idaho farm girl who grew up loving to read. She developed a love for writing as a senior in high school, when her dad jokingly said she was the next Dr. Seuss (not even close but very sweet). She met her husband, Steve at BYU and they have six happy, crazy children that encourage her writing. After owning a bookstore and running away to have adventures in Australia, they settled back down in their home in Utah. Jaclyn now spends her days herding her kids to various activities and trying to remember what she was supposed to do next.
Find Jaclyn on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.


Sixteen year old Megan Crenshaw has everything going for her until the day a leprechaun shows up on her doorstep and steals all her luck. Not only that, he follows her around and wreaks havoc in her life. With the help of her friends, Megan must get her luck back before he manages to destroy her life and the lives of all those around her.

Buy Stolen Luck from Amazon
Buy Stolen Luck from Barnes and Noble



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