Interview and Giveaway: Anita Clenney

Please join me in welcoming Anita Clenney to Debbie's Book Bag today. Anita is here to talk about her latest release, Embrace the Highland Warrior. The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for two copies of Anita's book, see details at the end of the post.

DEB: Anita, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
AC:  I’ve always loved reading, but never thought about writing until the past several years. I’m so glad I did, because I love writing these stories, and I’m thrilled with the feedback I’m getting from readers. Besides books, one of the things I love is shopping for bargains. It’s really more like collecting whatever appeals to me, and it varies weekly. It might be mercury glass or iron candlestick holders (a recent phase) or mirrors or bracelets.


DEB: Tell us a little about your book, Embrace the Highland Warrior. Is this book a single title or part of a series?
AC:  Embrace the Highland Warrior is the second in the series, and tells Cody and Shay’s story. It picks where Awaken left off. We met Cody in Awaken the Highland Warrior, and we also briefly met Shay through a vision. Shay is in big trouble. An ancient demon who thought he’d succeeded in killing her as a child has discovered her empty grave and believes she’s taken the Book of Battles he stole from the clan. He comes seeking vengeance, but he isn’t alone. The vampires, who are coming out of hiding, also want the book, and now they want Shay as well.  Will hell on her heels, Shay has no choice but to accept the help of the boys next door who betrayed her, hiding her identity from her most of her life. She hadn’t planned on seeing Cody, the best friend she fell in love with back then. When Cody realizes that the entire Underworld is after Shay, he calls in the other warriors of the Connor Clan.

DEB: What was your inspiration for these books? Have you always been interested in the paranormal?
AC: A dream, and my love of the paranormal. I’ve always been fascinated by the mysterious and things that can’t be explained. I love hidden things, secret treasures, twists and turns, and this book combines all those things.

DEB: What type of research did you do for your books?
AC: Most of this was already in my head, but I did have to do some research to make sure things were accurate. I love Google.


DEB: What is your normal writing day like? Do you have things that have to be in place to write comfortably?
AC: I’m very spontaneous, no set schedules. I just need my laptop or computer. But a big Diet Pepsi or Coke doesn’t hurt.

DEB: What was it like when you got the word that your first novel would be published?
AC: It was exciting, but surreal. I’ve discovered that I’m more about the chase. When I actually achieve something, I don’t know how to take it, so I just start running again. 


DEB: Do have any advice for new writers?
AC: Read lots of books, learn everything you can about writing, don’t compare your writing journey to others, but the most important thing is to write an incredible story. Everything else takes a backseat to that one thing.


DEB: When you’re not writing, what kinds of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author?
AC: I love mysteries and romance, so I usually read a combination. Some of my favorite authors are Diana Gabaldon, Janet Evanovich, and Kristan Higgins.

DEB: What are you working on right now?
AC: I swear I feel like I have a hundred stories pinging around my head. Too many stories, so little time.


DEB: Tell us one thing that people may not know about you?
AC: I’m actually a bit shy, but I hide it well.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Sourcebooks is sponsoring a giveaway for two copies of Embrace the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney.


~ You must be a Google Friend Connect follower to participate.
~ US and Canadian Addresses only (Publisher Request).
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway Midnight EST November 25th.

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