Thursday, September 19, 2013

Book Tour: Divine Destiny by JoAnna Grace Interview


Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press
August 17, 2013
ASIN: B00EN0TV44
Print Length: 229 pages

Blurb:
The gods work in mysterious ways…

Avery McClain is normal. Or so she thinks.

Until her life is shattered and she is rescued by a Thracian warrior. He takes her to the Haven, a realm of safety for the magical race of Olympians. There she discovers her life was meant for a higher calling as the mate of an Olympian Prince.

Her choice will change everything.

Ryse Castille has one job: convince Avery to step into her role as a Divine Grace. As with any mission, there are obstacles to overcome. Including the fact he is captivated by her. Of all the gifts the gods have given him, romance was not included. But Avery belongs to him and he will stop at nothing to protect her.

The enemy might be closer than they think.

Can Avery find the courage to embrace her destiny? Or will evil separate them for eternity?

Amazon         Smashwords

Interview:
1.     Where did you get the idea for the novel? Ryse, my hero, actually came to me in a nightmare of sorts. He was this incredibly strong warrior that came to the rescue. I built him first, learned who he was, and then came up with the woman strong enough to take him on! Welcome, Avery. The story came from there and it evolved many times before the finished product. I’m so pleased with how it turned out. 
2.     Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title? Ha! Yes, I changed the name several times. I’m not good with titles. Usually the work in progress title is the lead character’s name. Divine Destiny was called ‘Avery’s book’ for a loooong time!

3.     Which came first, the title or the novel? Story. By far. I have a group of trusted friends I call my Council. When it was completed I came up with four names that I liked and the council voted. Divine Destiny won!
4.     Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you? Since this is my debut novel everything is exciting! LOL! But when I held the first copy of Divine Destiny in my hands, looked at my life long dream come to fruition… that was pretty spectacular. I cried, no lie. Now I’m getting emails from people who love the book and it’s incredible!
5.     What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read? Recently finished: Heart of Obsidian- Nalini Singh. Collision Force- C.A. Szarek and I’m currently reading The Weight of Night- C.L Stegall
6.     What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)? I’ve been writing my whole life. My first story was a series of pictures about one of my stuffed animals. It was an ever-changing story about a puppy princess. My first written story, which I still have, was about girls that changed into tigers. It was pretty epic… for a child! Unicorns, hidden portals, talking animals. I guess I’ve always lived in a fantasy realm!
7.     What is your writing process? I usually have more than one story going at once. I find that when I’m stuck with one book I can shift gears and focus on the other for a while. There is a good amount of planning and plotting; dry erase boards and Post-Its are my friends! But I L.O.V.E it when my characters surprise me and if the story arc allows, I run with it.
8.     Who are your favorite authors of all time? Nalini Singh is my hero. Had a fan girl moment when I met her! I also love Molly Harper. One day I want to sit down and have a drink and just hang out. Patricia Briggs when I need fantasy. J.R Ward when I’m feeling dark. There’s an endless list of indie authors I love too. It’s like picking a favorite child, I can’t decide! LOL! 
9.     At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? I have certain things that I like to say. Divine Destiny is all about personal discovery. So I like to sign ‘Embrace your destiny’ or ‘always have faith’. I like to make it special somehow, not just a name.
10.  What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I have a fear of going to unfamiliar places. Getting published and going to so many events in the last year has forced me to suck it up! But I still get sweaty palm when I’m traveling. LOL! I just don’t let that silly fear control me.
11.  How do you react to a bad review? I keep in mind that it is impossible to please 100% of the people 100% of the time. Everyone has opinions; everyone will state them. I totally respect that. I am not, however, required to agree or change because of them. I focus on the people who do like my work. They are the reason I write. I cherish my fans!
12.  How did you celebrate the sale of your first book? Went to a fabulous restaurant with some of my closest friends who have supported me since day one and sent up a prayer of thanks! 


About the Author
JoAnna Grace lives in a world of alpha males and strong females where true love conquers all—at least in her mind!

From the time she started holding a crayon she began to create magical worlds. Her first book was a series of pictures about a puppy princess. The story changed each time she told it, but there was always a happy ending! Her first written story was about girls who changed into tigers.

Hmmm… Guess some concepts stick around even into adulthood. Now those stories have become a bit more complex!

JoAnna’s tales are spun at her home in East Texas where she lives with her husband, three kids, a couple dogs and a few fish. When not hiding behind the computer screen you can find her camping, boating, and shopping. She is active in community ministry where she hopes to pass on the blessings she’s been given.

Member of the East Texas, North Texas, FFP, & PRO chapters of RWA, Texas Association of Authors.

JoAnna loves to hear from readers and fans! You can find her at the following places:






1 comment: