Hey fellow readers, today, I am happy to host an interview with author, Sabrina Sumsion and her latest book, Energy Book 1: Jasmine.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I'm a ninja disguised as a homeschooling mom, former literary publicist,
craft-aholic and all around reading diva. Really, I kick down doors -no,
wait, that was my husband when I locked us out of the house . . . Well, I
engage in combat on a regular basis -online when I play MMORPGs with my
children . . . OK, maybe I'm not a real ninja but my husband says I stole
his heart. Does that count? No?
Shoot. Well, I love reading and I love writing. I think imagination is the
biggest advantage a child can get in life and I try to allow my children
many opportunities to expand theirs every day.
I love teaching authors how to avoid publishing traps and scams as well as
how to market themselves and their works. There is nothing better in life
than giving someone information that helps them become successful.
I also take a few hours each week and create jewelry, make lotions or paint
something. I have little creation stations scattered through the house. My
daughter gets into it a lot and scatters things which drives my husband
crazy but remember how I mentioned that he says I stole his heart? Yeah.
I'm not giving it back. He's stuck with me forever. Tee hee hee!
Q: What genre do you write and why?
A: Energy Book 1: Jasmine is my first novel. I wrote it as Young Adult
Romance/ Science Fiction because it stemmed from a dream. In the dream I
was in one of my high schools thus earning the YA slant. It wasn't meant to
be romance but then Jasmine yelled at me for not letting her fall in love.
(Jasmine is the protagonist, btw.) It's science fiction because, well, if
you have aliens, everyone calls it science fiction.
My first book, Produce, Publish, Publicize is non-fiction. I wrote it while
working as a literary publicist because I met so many authors who were
scammed. I wanted to give beginners a guide book to publishing. I also
included publicity tips to help people find more coverage for themselves.
Q: Tell us about your book..
A: When Jasmine moves to Omaha, Nebraska with her Colonel father so he can
work on top secret projects at Offut Airforce Base, she anticipates a lonely
existence at yet another address. After meeting Yumi, the exotic and
mysterious girl in art class, Jasmine discovers an escape from her dreary
nomadic life.
The only obstacle to finding stability and bliss is convincing Yumi's
housemates to accept her. Jasmine is shocked by their response and
struggles to earn their approval until she figures out that they have a
secret. As Yumi weakens from an illness, Jasmine risks her safety to help
heal her and finally obtain the security and happiness she missed since her
mother's death.
Q: What was your inspiration for this book?
A: Like I mentioned before, I had a crazy dream where I walked in my high
school halls and saw a girl surrounded by a group of people that seemed to
be guarding her. As I watched this girl, I saw a flash of blue light. The
people around her tried to scare me off but I wouldn't leave. As I thought
about the dream, the story grew. I chatted with my family and a couple
friends and finally in April of last year I sat down and typed out the story
line.
Q: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?
A:I have a close attachment to Jasmine. While she and I had different high
school experiences, I can relate to the emotions she feels. I've felt
lonely, scared, bored, excited, and puppy-love.
Surprisingly, I developed a deep attachment to Malika as well even though
she's a protagonist in the story. I added a chapter that delved into her
back story and she became a fascinating thread to weave into the story.
Q: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?
A:Editing! Editing, Editing, Editing! I'm not saying it's evil *cough*
it's evil! *cough* but it's difficult for me. I'm very glad I did because I
realized I needed to change the point of view as well as add some
interesting elements like Malika's chapter.
Q: What project(s) are you currently working on?
A: I can't focus on one project at a time (writer's ADD?) so there are
several in the works. Of course I have the sequel to Jasmine in the works
but I also have a dark fantasy I will probably publish under a pen name as
well as an alternative future. Add to that several short stories I have
floating around and when I have time to type, I get a lot of typing done.
Q: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?
A:I love listening to Jon Schmidt when I write. He has a play list he
titled Study Mix that helps me flow as I'm writing. I can't write when a
song with lyrics plays or else I start typing the words to the song. It
makes for some interesting reading but it doesn't advance my plot line!
Q: Do you have any advice for writers out there?
A: If you love writing, keep writing. Hone your craft by taking writing
classes, join critique circles, attend writer's conferences, etc. When
you're ready to publish, make sure you get an amazing cover. Unfortunately,
people DO judge a book by its cover.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: I have a website at www.sabrinasumsion.com where I write about writing,
homeschooling, crafting, finding deals, and whatever else drifts across my
mind. My facebook is Sabrina Love Sumsion and my Twitter is sabrinasumsion.
I love making new friends so find me!
Q: Where is your book sold?
A: My book is available on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com and should be on
Barnes and Noble.com, iPad etc soon. You can find the links on my website
at www.sabrinasumsion.com.
Sabrina has also graciously agreed to host a giveaway. There will be two giveaways, and two winners. One lucky winner will receive an e-book copy in any format of this book. And Sabrina also makes her own lotions. You can have a chance to win a bottle of her lotion if you post a link of this interview to your own social media outlets. You can enter in both giveaways, or just one. If you are entering for the lotion, be sure to add your url links in the comments section.
Rules:
You do not have to be a follower, but as always, it is greatly appreciated. Be sure to leave a valid e-mail address so I can forward your e-mail if you are a winner.
Open internationally. Giveaways ends: January 23, 2012.
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