Friday, November 11, 2011

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?
ACEmbrace 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.

1. Please leave a comment in appreciation to the author on THIS post.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

11 comments:

Carol L. said...

Loving this tour. :) Loved the excerpt from Embrace The Highlander. Looking forward to reading about Cody and Shay. Thanks ladies for this opportunity. GFC name is Lucky47.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Anita Clenney said...

Hi Carol. Thanks so much! I'm thrilled to have you along for the ride. :)

CrystalGB said...

Great interview. Anita's book sounds awesome. Love Highlanders. Gorgeous cover.
GFC CrystalGB
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com

Ruby Johnson said...

Anita:
I'm not normally a paranormal fan, but I read the first in the series AWAKEN TNE HIGLAND WARRIOR and loved it. I can't wait to read your new book. I loved your advice to educate yourself before you start writing. So many books I read look like they missed a few lessons.

Anita Clenney said...

Thanks, Crystal. I really have enjoyed this series. The warriors all have such strong personalities and I look forward to eventually telling all their stories.

Anita Clenney said...

Ruby, even though this series is paranormal, it isn't dark. Even cozy mystery lovers could enjoy this. I think it spans genres. Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoy Embrace, and I would love an email letting me know if you did.

Beverly said...

Nice interview - thanks for sharing.

mamabunny13 said...

Anita, this series sounds fabulous and I'm looking forward to reading it! Don'tcha just love the cover?
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

Di said...

In determining whether I'll enjoy books by a new author I've found it very helpful to read something about what they like to read & what they like to do. I pretty sure I'll like Anita's stories based on her responses in this interview.
sallans d at yahoo dot com

In Julie's Opinion said...

Lovely interview!! My all time favorite author is Diana Gabaldon! Her books are so beautifully written! And I really, really want to embrace a highland warrior if you have one you could lend me:)
jwitt33 at live dot com

Theresa N. said...

I love a good highland romance.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com