Very excited to welcome Mary Ting to my blog today. She is touring for her latest book Crossroads around the virtual space. So read on.....for an exclusive interview and an exclusive giveaway.....
Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Where, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn’t her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia.
Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing Crossroads was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. It was inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl.
Q. Tell us something about yourself.
I’m married to a wonderful husband with two children. I also have a maltese and two hamsters. I teach kindergarten. I enjoy oil painting, making jewelries, reading and writing books.
Q: What is the best part of writing for you?
Writing has helped me heal the loss of my grandmother. It also helps me relieve the stress of everyday life.
Q: Did you always have in mind to be a writer or it just happened?
It just happened. Writing was strictly a result of my inspiration to write Crossroads. I started writing Crossroads because it was a way for me to heal the loss of my grandmother. I didn’t think I had much to say, but I was wrong…lol!!!
Q: How would you describe CROSSROADS in a sentence?
Where love and friendship know no boundaries.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your book?
Crossroads is like a second Heaven, a place between Heaven and Earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Crossroads is where Michael and Claudia meet for the very first time so I wanted to name the book after where it all began. My book is based on my dream I had in high school. I was inspired by Stephenie Meyer because Twilight was based on her dream as well. Crossroads is a story about a rich paranormal mythology, unique angel-lore, forbidden romance, action and suspense
Q: How did the idea of writing CROSSROADS sprang up in your mind?
Crossroads was based on a dream I had in high school. I’ve always wondered what it would have been like if I stayed even though the angel in my dream told me to go back. So I created a world, a world I would have loved to visit.
Q: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie Do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write? I have ideas and I just start typing. I guess you can say that I let my fingers do the talking…lol!!! Crossroads was easy to write for me because it was based on my dreams and my experiences.
Q: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?
I LOVE to eat Giant Chewy Sweet Tarts. I can eat a whole pack in one sitting.
Q: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living?
One of the best aspects would be that you can work from home and schedule your writing around your activities. The worst aspects would be when you submit your work and you have to just sit and wait to see if your manuscript is worth publishing.
Q: How similar to its principle protagonist and the main cast are you?
Claudia is based on me. Her dreams and experiences she goes through was based on my experiences. I can say that I wrote a book about my high school years except there were no angels and danger...lol!!!
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about what you are going to do next after this?
I am currently working on the sequel to Crossroads.
Now some simple questions and more fun^^
-Your favourite books and author?
Authors who have inspired me are Stephenie Meyer, Emily Giffin, and Lauren Kate.
-Your favourite band/singer?
I love all kinds of music…country to rock and roll.
-Twitter or Facebook?
Though I like Twitting, you can interact easily on facebook
-Favourite place in the world?
Home
-Last movie you watched at the cinemas?
Captain America
-The last book you’ve read?
Immortal Embrace
-Have you ever googled yourself?
Hehe!!! Yes. My friend told me she googled me and there were pages and pages regarding Crossroads so I had to check it out.
-If you wouldn’t be a writer, what you would be?
I am not just an author, but I’m also a teacher so I guess I would have to say that I would be a teacher…lol!!!
-And last one....print or ebooks?
Though I think ebooks are a neat concept, I love the feel of the book in my hands so I would have to say….print.
Q: The cover of CROSSROADS is really awesome. Did you have any inputs in it?
Yes, I wanted the wings to be a shape of a heart…representing a love story about angels.
Q: What advice would you like to give budding authors or those who want to start writing?
Get all your thoughts down before you forget. Ask friends to read your draft and get feedbacks. But most importantly, believe that you can!
Crossroads is one easy and a quick read. The first part of the book was lovely in all points of view but the second part felt like it could have used a bit of more work. But forget that I still loved the book. It was definitely a refreshing read and the interactions between Claudia and Micheal or with the other Nephilim was nicely done and exciting to read.
The giveaway will be going on for the duration of the tour which is from Sept.15 - Sept. 28 and it's International. So you have two weeks to enter to win a great book! All you have to do is leave your blog name, email, and preferred ebook format in the comments below and you'll be entered! Good luck! Mary Ting is also hosting a giveaway for the whole duration of the tour. The prizes include a signed copy of Crossroads, a heart necklace, and a bracelt. To enter to win click <<here to fill the form>>.
SUMMARY
Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/crossroadsbook
- Twitter: @maryting
- Website: www.marytingcrossroads.com
- Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=crossroads+by+mary+ting
- Barnes: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crossroads-mary-ting/1100334731?ean=9781937085759&itm=1
- Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEIfaQdh_nk
Exclusive Interview With Robert J. Duperre
I’m married to a wonderful husband with two children. I also have a maltese and two hamsters. I teach kindergarten. I enjoy oil painting, making jewelries, reading and writing books.
Q: What is the best part of writing for you?
Writing has helped me heal the loss of my grandmother. It also helps me relieve the stress of everyday life.
Q: Did you always have in mind to be a writer or it just happened?
It just happened. Writing was strictly a result of my inspiration to write Crossroads. I started writing Crossroads because it was a way for me to heal the loss of my grandmother. I didn’t think I had much to say, but I was wrong…lol!!!
Q: How would you describe CROSSROADS in a sentence?
Where love and friendship know no boundaries.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your book?
Crossroads is like a second Heaven, a place between Heaven and Earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Crossroads is where Michael and Claudia meet for the very first time so I wanted to name the book after where it all began. My book is based on my dream I had in high school. I was inspired by Stephenie Meyer because Twilight was based on her dream as well. Crossroads is a story about a rich paranormal mythology, unique angel-lore, forbidden romance, action and suspense
Q: How did the idea of writing CROSSROADS sprang up in your mind?
Crossroads was based on a dream I had in high school. I’ve always wondered what it would have been like if I stayed even though the angel in my dream told me to go back. So I created a world, a world I would have loved to visit.
Q: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie Do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write? I have ideas and I just start typing. I guess you can say that I let my fingers do the talking…lol!!! Crossroads was easy to write for me because it was based on my dreams and my experiences.
Q: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?
I LOVE to eat Giant Chewy Sweet Tarts. I can eat a whole pack in one sitting.
Q: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living?
One of the best aspects would be that you can work from home and schedule your writing around your activities. The worst aspects would be when you submit your work and you have to just sit and wait to see if your manuscript is worth publishing.
Q: How similar to its principle protagonist and the main cast are you?
Claudia is based on me. Her dreams and experiences she goes through was based on my experiences. I can say that I wrote a book about my high school years except there were no angels and danger...lol!!!
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about what you are going to do next after this?
I am currently working on the sequel to Crossroads.
Now some simple questions and more fun^^
-Your favourite books and author?
Authors who have inspired me are Stephenie Meyer, Emily Giffin, and Lauren Kate.
-Your favourite band/singer?
I love all kinds of music…country to rock and roll.
-Twitter or Facebook?
Though I like Twitting, you can interact easily on facebook
-Favourite place in the world?
Home
-Last movie you watched at the cinemas?
Captain America
-The last book you’ve read?
Immortal Embrace
-Have you ever googled yourself?
Hehe!!! Yes. My friend told me she googled me and there were pages and pages regarding Crossroads so I had to check it out.
-If you wouldn’t be a writer, what you would be?
I am not just an author, but I’m also a teacher so I guess I would have to say that I would be a teacher…lol!!!
-And last one....print or ebooks?
Though I think ebooks are a neat concept, I love the feel of the book in my hands so I would have to say….print.
Q: The cover of CROSSROADS is really awesome. Did you have any inputs in it?
Yes, I wanted the wings to be a shape of a heart…representing a love story about angels.
Q: What advice would you like to give budding authors or those who want to start writing?
Get all your thoughts down before you forget. Ask friends to read your draft and get feedbacks. But most importantly, believe that you can!
REVIEW
GIVEAWAY TIME
TOUR SCHEDULE
Sept.15 : Books Ahoy (Giveaway) www.books-ahoy.blogspot.com
Sept.16 : Keeping Up with the Rheinlander's (Guest Post) http://mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com
Sept.17 : StephLikesBooks (Review & Author Interview) http://stephlikesbooks.blogspot.com
Sept.18 : Books Like Breathing (Review & Guest Post) http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com
Sept.19 : Jen @ A Books and A Latte (Giveaway & Guest Post) http://bookandlatte.blogspot.com
Sept.20 : Le'Grande Codex (Review, Author Interview, & Giveaway) http://le-grande-codex.blogspot.com
Sept.21 : Cup of Tea Reviews (Review & Guest Post) http://cupofteareviews.blogspot.com
Sept.22 : From the Bookshelf of T.B. (Review, Author Interview, & Giveaway) http://www.ftbotbblog.blogspot.com
Sept.23 : SeeitORreadit (Character Interview & Giveaway) http://seeitorreadit.blogspot.com
Sept.24 : After the Book (Author Interview & Giveaway) http://afterthebook.blogspot.com
Sept.25: A Casual Reader's Blog (Review & Guest Post) www.ellsey.blogspot.com
Sept.26: Mom Reads My Books! (Review & Giveaway) momreadsmybooks.blogspot.com
Sept.27: YA Books: Beyond the Cover (Guest Post) http://yabooksbeyondthecover.blogspot.com
Sept.28: The Magic Attic (Review, Character Interview, & Giveaway) www.theawesomemagicattic.blogspot.com
What a great giveaway! Awesome - thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteInternational even...YAY YAY YAY! The international follower in me is doing the happy dance.
Saskia @ http://bookthatthing.blogspot.com
sk_86(at)gmx(dot)de
Format: mobi or anything that works on Kindle
u filled the form right?
ReplyDeleteu have to fill it to enter.
Thank you for the giveaway and tour. Book has very beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteI would prefer ePub format.
artgiote at gmail dot com
This looks like a wonderful read. I would love to be entered to win! I prefer an ePub format.
ReplyDeleteke7yca at gmail dot com
I'm really sad I can't enter this give away because I don't have a blog. I really loved this book though it was an amazing book and I loved the main characters. I got it on my kindle and just couldn't put it down.
ReplyDeleteYou have nice giveaway going on in here.!
ReplyDeleteIf ever I win I'd love to have it on pdf format.. please.. I hope I win!
ladykrishna @ gmail dot com
Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteIf I ever win, I would prefer kindle format to read on i-phone...
rusalka@bbox.fr