Interview with Carrie Butler, author of STRENGTH

Aloha,

I wanted to jump on the happy paddy wagon to celebrate Carrie Butler's first book, STRENGTH, which dropped this past Thursday.

Carrie was kind enough to agree to one of my abmormal interviews...

You're also a graphic designer and very generous with your time and talents... where doze skillz come from? Is that the day job?

Thank you, Mark! The skillz are mostly self-taught. I've always been "artsy," but I didn't have a chance to explore the digital side of things until I found myself jobless and in serious need of a distraction. (Womp, womp.) I'd really like to get a full-time writing/designing career going, though!

You spoke a lot about NA Monday and it's fair to say your feathers were a wee bit ruffled... so, how did you end at NA and not some other genre that is perhaps not applicable (or n/a :)

Me? Ruffled feathers? Pfft... ;)

With this series, I needed a contained environment to keep the momentum going—circulating rumors, frequent run-ins, growing relationships, etc. But at the same time, I wanted my characters to have the freedom to come and go as they pleased, and the opportunity to make mistakes with real consequences. What better setting than a college campus? Perfect NA material! P.S. I see what you did there. :P



How do you work writing around a family? Is there a Mr. Carrie and mini Carrie-ettes running around? How do you balance your writing time? Do friends look at you strange when you explain you are an author?

Simple answer: I don't. There is no Mr. Carrie, nor are there any mini Carrie-ettes running around. I'll probably end up adopting a clowder of cats, with whom I shall spend my golden years, whilst yelling at neighborhood kids to get away from my yard... That's kind of sad.

Quick, someone buy my book to distract me! *Grins*

Seriously, though. Being single allows me to have a flexible writing schedule. I can stay up until five or six in the morning, if that's when inspiration strikes. And as for friends looking at me strangely... well, they've always looked at me that way. I can't imagine why. ;)

OK, so I've gone through your Personal Blog (but I had a chaperone) and there is a *LOT* of weird stuff that happens in and around Zanesville. Has anyone ever considered changing the name?
You mean the fact that we had fifty-some exotic animals on the loose? Or maybe you're referring to the freak storm that knocked out our power last summer? Yeah, it's an interesting place to live. Maybe we should change the name—go for something a little less zany. I propose The Sovereign Kingdom of Carriopia. 

What's next? From your personal blog, it seems like this a series... will Paul (I just named Cover Guy - sue me why don't you:) make it back to the cover of STRENGTH II? Will he still be in his pants?
It is a (proposed) series! In fact, I'm almost done with the first draft of the sequel. :)  And I hate to break it to you, Mark, but you actually have more in common with Wallace (the book's hero) than you might think. You're both referred to as the Madman, you're both known for being shirtless, and you both... have eyes. Anyway! If it's up to me, I'd like to feature Rena (the heroine) on the sequel's cover—which means I should probably keep the "pants" theme going.
GOOD LUCK, CARRIE :)
Thank you! :D


About STRENGTH:

Links:BOOK PAGE | GOODREADS | PUBLISHER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOK TRAILER

 

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation—and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do—even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.

 

Retailers:

AMAZON  |  KINDLE  |  BARNES AND NOBLE  |  NOOK  |  SONY READER STORE  |  KOBO  |  DIESEL  |  BAKER & TAYLOR

Praise:

“Carrie Butler is now on my must read list.” ~Lynn Rush, author of Violet Midnight

"I carried Strength with me everywhere. Grocery shopping, the dinner table, you name it. The storyline was addictive, and the characters were hilarious. I couldn't put it down." ~Jessica Therrien, author of Oppression

"...Carrie Butler’s debut novel is brilliant, riveting, imaginative and seamlessly written." ~Lisa Regan, author of Finding Claire Fletcher

“This is definitely one to buy for the bookshelf.” - All's Fair with Pen and Paper

“I love that Carrie took so much time in building the relationship between them. Yay for no instalove!” - Read It, Reviewed It

“I freaking loved every last word on every page.” - Scelest's Journal

“I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who's interested in reading a bloody good book. :)” - The Life of a Total Book Nerd

“I devoured this book in two days - staying up until the early hours because I didn't want to stop reading!” - Kyra Lennon, author of Game On

“I love when a ‘bad guy’ has me feeling unsure about his ‘bad guy’ status. I won't say more, as to not give anything away, but Butler does a fabulous job walking this line.” - Kelley Lynn, author of Fraction of Stone

 Title: STRENGTH
Series: Mark of Nexus - Book 1
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (PNR)
Release Date: March 07, 2013
Formats: E-Book & Paperback
Paperback ISBN:9781938404351
E-book ISBN:9781938404368

 

W.R.I.T.E in Honolulu (Retreat) Dec. 6-8 (Update #4)

Aloha,

By now, most Readers know I’m organizing W.R.I.T.E. (Writers’ Retreat Island-Time Escape.)

 

Near Oahu's North Shore, Sept. 2012

Originally announced here, last week's post is here.


As mentioned before, W.R.I.T.E is from Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, which coincides with the 72nd anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the 41^st Honolulu Marathon.


There's only one point in my doing this - and that's the W.R.I.T.E Point: A time for writers to get together, enjoy a piece of paradise - in the middle of winter :) and share some of their work - and experiences.

So, come out and join us for a FREE* writers’ weekend on Oahu, Hawaii.

*It's free because I know how expensive it is to get here, but please know while I've arranged a few things to do and some places to see, there are no bells and whistles attached to the retreat.


The latest, tentative skeleton of a schedule is here, and although no meat was added to the bones this week, I do have one announcement.

As an eternal optimist, I've opened a Linky List to gauge how many people over the next few months are genuinely interested - and able - to attend.

Obviously, there is no obligation if someone signs up - but to prevent time wasting on everyone's part, approval is required (via sharing with me - privately - one basic confirmation such as a flight, hotel or car rental) before the name is added.
(This also lets interested parties gauge how many others plan to attend.)

And there you have it for another week. Update #5 will be next Friday.

Have a great weekend everyone - and if you're looking for a fun BlogFest for St. Patrick's Day... my Got Green? Blog O'hop will happen next Friday, March 15.

Full details and that Linky List is here, (and it's open for business 24/7 - like an Irish pub in Chicago :)

1 for Hawaii, 1 for Ireland - Ford Island, Oahu, Summer 2012

IWSG: I'm NOT Ready for A-Z yet... And more stuff like that!

Aloha,

Once again, the Earth has rotated upon its axis enough times that is again the first Wednesday of the month.

This means, of course, it’s time for another episode of Insecure Writers Support Group, hosted by the one and ugly, er I mean only Alex Cavanaugh, he of the Irish clan Mc’Cavanot-got-a-hyperlink-augh.
(They were a rowdy bunch who lived in the countryside, but today there is only one known picture of their tribal leader...)

Anyway, where was I? 

I’ve got three quick points this month, which is wonderful because I'm working hard to control my verbal diarrhea :)

Photo Credit: by mimg.ugo.com

 

 (It’s amazing what a little less salsa and a little more Tums © can do to one’s esophagus – and there I was thinking that an “esophagus” was the imaginary friend of Big Bird on Sesame Street.)

 

 

 

 

·         Am I the only one who is insecure that it's March already?

Beware the Tides of Marraige?

      It seems to me the slower it takes to remember stuff, the quicker the year goes by…

     

     And, now that we're here on Oahu, people keep telling me to beware of the "Tides of March," but I was standing on the beach for hours the other day, and no-one seemed willing to point me in the right direction.
(Except for this one fellow wearing a bed sheet and carrying a big dagger... but I didn't like the look of him... he talked funny...)

 

·         The A-Z challenge is coming in about three weeks, and I’m so not ready! I have the banner >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(But I'm so insecure... what am I going to talk about?)

 

I’ve made lots of files, with pretty names, colors and they are all neatly dated – and all nearly deleted, too.

The only good news is that I roll well when it comes to deadlines, so I hope this will be the case as March, well, marches toward April… yikes :)

 

·         My final issue is perhaps a bit weird or quirky.
BEFORE I write in response to most every post, I seldom read the comments above me because I worry I'll be influenced and my thoughts will be “watered down.”
Is that bad?
Am I a bad blogger?
I am... I know it...
I don't even have "A" for A-Z done...

 PS. I want to wish everyone an early and happy St. Paddy's Day, so in honor of you, my fellow insecure-ee, I leave you with this kickin' song by Frou Frou:

Trust me, if you’re feeling down, worried or insecure, there's no harm if you just let go J

 

Got Green? Blog O'hop (Linky is Live :)

Aloha,

Sláinte and welcome to the Got Green? Blog O’hop (v 2.0'.)

If you weren’t here for the fun last year, you missed some mighty craic (and I’m not referring to illegal narcotics – unless you mean the addictive laughter found among my Irish friends as they recollect my early “adventures” growing up on the streets and thoroughfares of Dublin City... sigh...)

 Here’s the simple concept behind the Got Green? Blog O’hop:

I'd LOVE to hear your Irish stories, real or imagined...

For example,

·         What does St. Paddy’s Day mean to you?

·         What are your family traditions on Paddy’s Day?

·         What Irish food do you cook, if anything?

·         What are your favorite memories, or future plans to visit the Emerald Isle?

 

(Flash fiction is more than welcome for these or anything else you might want to share... I mean, seriously, we're only here for a pint of the dark stuff and a laugh.)

One big question I got a LOT this year: I did the O’hop last year, and have nothing new to share? Should I bother?

No worries. It’s O’k to repost last year’s effort – journalists don’t call these evergreen stories for nothing :)

The Linky Link (below) is O'pen until March 16, and everyone is invited to O’hop around on March 15 – the Friday before St. Patrick's Day, (Sunday, March 17)

So, go ahead... share some great "Oirish" memories – or just tell a tall tale or two about the wee Leprechauns that lived in the basement of your oul’ granny’s house.

The Word Count total is set at 333 (and if you think that's a weird number... say it in an "Oirish" accent, it makes more sense :)

Thanks to all those who have already helped promoted the O’hop and I appreciate everyone who joins in the fun.

Please feel free to grab the button here, or above the link.

(Many thanks to the fahbuhlouss Leigh Covington for her designing skills – yet again :)

 

 

 

 

I have a couple of prizes to give out to the best reads, including:

·         Grand prize: $25 Amazon/Visa Gift Card :)

·         First Runner-up: One three-chapter critique

·         Second Runner-up: One query critique

·         Thirty-third Runner-up: Family Size Box of Lucky Charms

Winners will be notified by March 24.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide in sharing the Got Green? Blog O’hop (v.2.0')

(P.S. If you stopped by for a W.R.I.T.E update, I'm moving them to Fridays... The poor things keep on getting bumped on Mondays :)