Tag: Author interview

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Meet the Author: JD Estrada

Meet the Author JD Estrada

Hello Lovelies, 
I am so honored to introduce you to an icon that I’ve been following for some time, MR. JD Estrada. JD is a fantastic author and poet, as well as an indomitable force for good in the indie community and a great entertainer over on his youtube channel. I’m honored to have him over to meet you all and talk about his newest books Given to Fly. So let’s get this party started! 
Hello, JD. Tell my readers a bit more about you.

Greetings and salutations to the amazing Angell with two Ls 🙂 Firstly thank you for having me on your blog. As for yours truly, I’m your friendly neighborhood JD Estrada: a Puerto Rico indie author whose path in life currently has him living in Atlanta, Georgia but whose heart shall always reside in the Caribbean.
People will most certainly know me as 00 Bananas, a sock fiend, a tea lover, a bodyboarder, a gamer, and of course a writer. I’m all of those things and much more, because why limit yourself? Does that mean I also dabble in music? Well of course I do, even though that was a very telegraphed question and response if only to cling on to that rockstar dream a bit longer. But at the end of the day, I’m a writer… and I prefer the title writer to author, because I truly love the act of writing and get as much joy from writing a long handwritten letter as I do in Estrada Crates, as I do from crafting a punchy poem, writing a review on Yelp or Google, or diving headfirst into my soul well to see what stories I can fish.

For those who aren’t familiar with 00 Bananas and need a good laugh, go google it. We’ll wait, and you won’t regret it one bit! Also, I was so excited the day I saw JD playing guitar on Youtube. I’d known him almost a year at this point and had no idea he was musically gifted! Alright, sorry, little distracted fangirling.  Back to the professional interview *Ahem*
What is your favorite genre?
ALL of them. I shall never want to limit myself and shall always adore a good challenge. The way I see it, tackling different genres lets me get to know myself even further and I’ve never wanted to be an ace at anything and would much rather be a Joker card in the deck, fitting myself into whatever context I may find myself in to get the perfect hand.
That is a great reference. I think I will definitely start calling myself a joker instead of a Jack of all genres, lol. But I agree, it’s all about exploring new opportunities. I’ve watched too many great authors get pigeonholed by an industry and their stories become so formulaic. Gag. What is your favorite ice cream?
Such a desperately difficult question to answer though I think it is most likely mint chocolate chip, but from my ice cream choices in my last outings, you might guess otherwise. Here’s the thing, I LOVE trying different flavors and am all about expanding and exploring my palate as much as possible. Sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised and sometimes I get some GREAT material for stories.
Ah, yes! Mint Chocolate chip is my go-to when I’m not sure what to try, but I rarely meet and ice cream I don’t like! Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa?
I have one coffee a day, only drink Cocoa made with Chocolate Cortés (look it up, trust me), and drink as much tea as my body can handle (anywhere from 2-6 cuppas in a day.)
Who inspires your writing?
SO many people. From authors, to musicians, films I’ve seen, and life. Everything inspires my writing and I love basing characters off people I know. In terms of authors, the list is long and includes familiar names like Rowling, Pratchett, Poe, Lee, Lovecraft, Gaiman, Barrie, Wells, Moore, Herbert, Bukowski, and Adams but it also includes fellow indie authors who have my love and respect like Christie Stratos, Anaïs Chartschenko, Joe Compton, Joshua Robertson, LF Oake, AL Mabry, Rebekah Jonesy, Robert Cano, Christina Striggas, Maricel Jiménez, Francisco Muñiz, Michael J. Elliot, Jason Greensides, and even an angel with two Ls. There are several others, don’t get me wrong, but the list would even be longer and the point is that I admire my author friends not just because they’re good humans, but because damn can they write a good book 😀
Aw, blushing to be included on such a great list! Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what music inspires you?
I ALWAYS listen to music when I write and every book has the soul of several albums in its pages. For my latest novel, Given to Fly, the music playing included Pearl Jam, Elbow, Eels, Blind Melon, Tori Amos, Days of the New, Jackie Wilson, Karen O, Fleet Foxes, and some other bands, but main influences the first two 😀
What is your greatest influence as a writer?
My desire to create something different. I ALWAYS have as a huge mission to write something that’ll have people wondering where the hell that came from.
Ha, ha, or thinking, “damn, that was… just… wow. Need a minute.” I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s thought that while reading your work! If you could choose who would direct the movie of your book, who would you choose?

​​ 
Given to Fly is the first novel I’ve actually written with that in mind. Hayao Miyazaki. I honestly did everything I could to write something worthy of being drawn in 2-d animation by the legend himself or anyone from the amazing Studio Ghibli. I own most Miyazaki films and have been floored by the attention to detail and love in making each movie. This novel is a love letter to many things I hold dear in my life, including his work and if the book ever got to be translated to Japanese, I would love for him to read it and know what his work means to my life.
Aw, that is amazing. We all need to go tell @Miyazaki that on Twitter. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
I would want to go EVERYWHERE. Some people want fame and fortune for materialistic reasons. For me, I would love success to have money so my family is well taken care of and to visit and meet in person every wonderful person I’ve met through my writer journey.
I can’t wait for us to meet one day. Hopefully soon if I get to head back east next summer. *Fingers crossed* What is next in your career?
There are plenty of things on the plate as tends to be the case, but I’m most excited by two projects. One is the third and final installment of my Human Cycle series due out next year and the other is a collaboration with an amazing friend Cate Evans, an author from the UK whom I’m working with on a collab that’s the polar opposite of Given to Fly. For now though, I’m just happy to bring out book #13 into the world and hope people enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing 😀
I am sure we will. Thank you so much for joining us, JD! 

Want to learn more about JD Estrada? Don’t miss out on his website JDestradawriterWant to get to know him better and participate in the Sock Family Fun, 00 Bananas, and all his other awesomeness? then you have to follow him on Twitter, instagram or Facebook, just search for @JDEstradawriter. Want to see which one of those 13 books of his you should try? Find them at Libros 787 
Until next time, 

Keep Reading! 

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Meet the Author with Angelina Singer

Angelina Singer

Hello Lovelies, 

​​Today our guest is Angelina Singer, a YA author with a romantic comedy, “Just Like a Pill”, as well as book one of a dystopian science fiction series “The Sorting Room” available for purchase on Amazon. In addition to her writing career, Singer is a college undergrad studying English, Music, and of course, Creative Writing.  
In her spare time she enjoys crocheting (with a portfolio of work available for purchase on Instagram @asinger320), as well as mentoring younger music students at a local music store, where she has been studying guitar for nearly a decade. She views her writing as a way to simultaneously escape from and embrace reality. Follow her on Facebook @AngelinaSingerAuthor for exciting updates, exclusive content, and giveaways.

Thanks for joining us, Angelina. Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

​​That would have to be Maxx Howard, the incredibly attractive guitarist in Just Like a Pill. He’s a complex character, and has a lot of heart and talent (besides just being extremely hot). He treats Scarlett so well, and I never get tired of seeing him tell off his clingy girlfriend – it’s epic… and he may or may not be inspired by a real-life dude (scandalous, I KNOW). 

Lol, so scandalous! What inspired this book?

Well that’s a loaded question… but basically, just a good old fashioned crush. Makes for a great YA novel though 😉

Good old crushes and our imaginations make for many a great book, for sure. If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?

Easy – Maxx Howard would be played by Leo Howard (that cute guy who played Jack on that Disney XD show, “Kickin It”), and Scarlett Larson would be played by Hayley Williams of Paramore. It’s one of my favorite bands, and for a while Hayley rocked bright neon red hair, so she would fit the part of Scarlett perfectly!

What is your next project?

Currently, I am working on The Upperworld Series, a sci-fi fantasy trilogy questioning how people are assigned to their lives, and what would happen if there was a fluke in the system! Book 1, The Sorting Room, is available now, and book 2 is slated to be released sometime in early to mid 2018.

Ooh, can’t wait to learn more! Who is your favorite author?

Do I have to pick just one!?! I have a few, but the ones that have influenced my writing the most would be Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games), John Green (Paper Towns, The Fault in Our Stars), and Tony DiTerlizzi (The Search for WandLa). Each of these authors influenced me quite a bit through their unique and powerful writing styles, like the love stories in John Green’s books, the bravery and valor that Suzanne Collins writes about, and the magical worlds that Tony DiTerlizzi so effortlessly crafts. I actually got to meet Tony at a book signing event this past April, which was very cool (see attached image).

I can totally relate, Angelina. I have a hard time picking favorites too. Well, thank you so much for joining us on An Angell’s Life of bookish goodness. 

​Are you excited to learn more about Angelina?  Visit her blog and to learn more about her books and get notice when new books release, be sure to follow her Amazon Author Profile.
Until next time, 
Keep Reading!

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Meet the Author with Sondra Hicks

Meet Sondra Hicks

Hello lovelies, 

I am pleased to introduce you to one of the lovely authors I met during the 30 days, 30 authors event I did in September. Sondra Hicks was such a pleasure to work with and I knew you just needed to get to know her better too. Sondra Hicks is in her 30s, a mother of 4 wonderful children. She is an Independent Author of The Edge of Night Trilogy (Vampires), The Kloe & Gavin Adventures (Vampires, Werewolves and other Creatures) which she love to write.

​​Most would find her inviting, happy, and social. She loves to make people smile and even laugh. She was born in Portland, Oregon to two great parents. She lost her father over two years ago to COPD and she has been trying to kick the habit of smoking so she won’t follow in his footsteps. She grew up in Reno, Nevada. She tends to be online a lot and has her own Facebook Author page where she talks to her readers who enjoy her books, as well as a group called The Kloe & Gavin Adventures. She always enjoys communicating with readers and hearing what they have to say. She thinks communicating is key in any situation.

She has been known to dabble in different genres of writing such as Fantasy, Paranormal Thrillers, Fiction, Jokes, Poetry and soon sci-fi. Honestly, she doesn’t limit herself to one category of writing because she loves to branch out and poke her toes in the water of other genres. She hopes others enjoy her books as much as she did writing them. She currently has a German Shepard named Clara and two cats named Wil.e & Sebastian. Sondra Hicks is currently living in Olympia, Washington Let’s get to the interview!

Hello Sondra, welcome to An Angell’s Life. How are you?

I am doing great thank you for asking.

What is the current book you are promoting?

Currently my latest release is The Kloe & Gavin Adventures: London Moon

Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

I have to admit I am partial to Team Kloe.  She has many of my own traits like her heart leading her into trouble, kind, doesn’t like to hurt other people, she stands up for herself and she loves deeply. Most of all she protects her friends and family. She is also loyal to the core.

Kloe sounds awesome! Who is your least favorite character and why?

Well there are a few mostly I think it’s anyone who treated Kloe or Gavin with disrespect or intent to harm. Now if we were looking at num nuts then Peter would get the prize.

Num-nuts. Love it! What inspired this book?

I wrote Paris Moon before it and London Moon seemed logical since in Paris Moon Gavin mentioned he liked London.


That does seem logical. Love it when a book plays out so nicely. If you could have your book made into a movie, who would you want to direct it?

​​Honestly, I think I would want the directors from The Vampire Diaries & The Originals on board. They made that series amazing and I think they could do amazing things with my series whether it be a movie or two or even a TV series.

They did do a great job. Good choice. If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?

I guess this is where I am different from some people. I don’t need huge names I just need eager talent that look the part and got the right acting chops. I mean who knows your movie could make the beginning of their career.

And that they have good chemistry, am I right? What is your next project?

I am working on The Kloe & Gavin Adventures: Family Moon. I am about half through it I think. You never know when you are writing where you are at. All I know is I am having fun writing it.

What is one place you would like to visit and why?

I would love to visit Paris or London actually. Probably more so Paris if it’s for research for the series. Those two locations have always been on my wish list so it’s no surprise I write about them. They have always held a certain fascination for me. London started with Torchwood and the Doctor Who television series. I fell in love with the sights and Paris well who wouldn’t fall in love with those amazing places.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

Actually my first favorite was before Kloe Rice it was her adopted mother Jessica Rice. I adored writing about her. The journey’s I had with her and her attitude towards her Jonathan was funny. I see some of her in Kloe and some of me in Jessica.

What one person from history would you like to meet and why?

I’ve never been a fan of history honestly but I guess Shakespeare would be interesting but the language would be a barrier a bit. He wrote some of the most famous plays and would love to know his thought process and about his play that never was published or performed. We have so many freedoms now compared to his time period. It would be interesting to compare and contrast things.


If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?

​​There are many things in the world that need fixing but if there was thing I had the power to fix it would be the ozone layer with the global warming so we could maybe have more time on this earth for future generations.

How do you write your books?

I actually just sit down and start writing. I let the characters tell me their story and if there is a huge event then I sit down an​​d break it up into a list and work through it but otherwise I fly by the seat of my pants.\

Who inspires your writing?

Well when I was young I was inspired by R.L. Stine (Fear Street), Christopher Pike and now that I am older its many indie authors

Where do you come up with your stories?

Sometimes my readers ask me to write about certain things and sometimes I just get random ideas. Sometimes I have read so many stories I look at what those stories left out and think that’s what I want to write about.

Who is your favorite author?

I have many actually some paranormal, urban fantasy and some well erotica. Alana Sapphire, R.L. Stine, Christopher Pike, John Patrick Kennedy, Amy Cecil, and so many others.

What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?

Show don’t tell, so many have said this important and others have said its not but I find it is. I know you said one but another great one is research, research, research. I read other books and take in how they write using show don’t tell and it is amazing how this improves your writing.

What is one thing you hate about being a writer?

​​The only thing that bugs me is when your lying in bed all comfy at night and almost asleep and out of nowhere you get an idea or several for your book and there’s no notebook next to your bed and you have to get up to go write them down and then you cant get back to sleep and end up being up all night.

If you could never write again, what would you do?

I guess I would continue reading and beta reading

Tell us something unique about you:

I have a huge love for Doctor Who and accents.

What is your favorite word?

Favorite word wow umm I guess it would be “love” because it’s a greeting, a form of affection, and a way to describe something you like.


That is a great word. Well, thanks so much for joining us and sharing a bit about yourself. Readers can learn more about Sondra.

Or take a peek inside Paris Moon or London Moon.

Until next time, 

Keep Reading!