Blog Tour: The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier (Giveaway too!)

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!
(one commenter will win an ecopy of this great story!)

Please welcome Hope Collier!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t know that I ever had a moment of, “Wow, this is what I want to do with my life.” I started writing at the age of six and just never stopped. I’ve always enjoyed it.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

A lot less time than it takes to revise one! The Willows: Haven is my first novel, and it developed in an odd way. I started it when I was fourteen, wrote forty pages longhand, and then laid it down for twelve or so years. In 2009, I found it in a drawer and began working again. Hopefully, the sequel comes about a little more quickly.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

I have two, small kidlets at home, so my routine typically revolves around their schedules. The one thing I can always count on is music! Music is more important and influential than anything else when it comes to writing. Depending on the story, scene, or character, I have to find the right song or genre to set the mood.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

My characters pretty much like to write themselves. Their favorite place to assault me is while I shower. I think it’s because that’s the only time of the day when I don’t have little tykes demanding my attention. Typically, a story setting comes into play first followed by the people who would naturally fit into it.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

I love writing about things that haven’t been covered before or finding new ways to tweak already existing stories or beings. Oftentimes something random will come on the radio or the TV, and my mind automatically goes to, “How can I work this into a novel?”

  

? What books have most influenced your life?

I’m going to say the single most influential book I’ve ever read is The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs. I’ve never experienced a character like I did with her female lead. Where some novels invite you to watch the story unfold, few invite you to be a part of it.

? What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?

Song of Fire by Joseph Bentz.

? What are you reading right now?

I’m currently writing, but I recently finished The Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love spending time with my family, doing anything outdoors, and trying to relax. Reading typically fills much of that time as well.

? What do you think makes a good story?

A good story for me is a balance of relatable characters, an intriguing plotline, and good writing, though characters are the big selling point.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

The more I read, the more difficult this question becomes. I would say overall, my favorite author is Janet Evanovich. Her novels (the Plum series in particular) are so hilarious and true to life. The characters are real and distinct. Evanovich makes you feel like you’re not the only one with crazy relatives! Not that my family isn’t amazing, of course. ;-)

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

I almost never read a book only once. If I find it remotely interesting, I’ll read it till the spine falls apart. Again, Evanovich’s Plum series springs to mind for the most reads. I like to laugh.

Fun random questions: 

·        Dogs or cats? Love the devotion of dogs. Have the personality of a cat.

·        Coffee or tea? Sweet tea, extra sugar.

·        Dark or milk chocolate? Prefer the taste of milk chocolate, but I’ll eat less of dark.

·        Rocks or flowers? Trees!

·        Night or day? I love the moon and the stars, so night.

·        Favorite color? Purple.

·        Crayons or markers? Sharpies all the way.

·        Pens or pencils? Pens with funky-colored ink.

You can read my review by clicking HERE.

You can buy a copy of this wonderful story by clicking HERE.

The next stop on the tour is: Me My Shelf and I

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!
Giveaway!!! One commenter will win an ecopy - random.org chooses the winner on 9/10/11 - must be 13 or older and a follower! Good luck!

Happy Reading!