V is for Vacation #AtoZChallenge

This year my A to Z Challenge is all about wellbeing - something I'm particularly passionate about. Whether it's physical, emotional, mental, spiritual or even the wellbeing of my business, I want to lean more! Today it's all about Vacations :D

Ok, so I'm not American and I tend not to use the word vacation. In England we use the word holiday but it means the same thing so hey, who cares, right?

Beautiful Alberta!

Anyway, what would our wellbeing be like if we didn't take a vacation every now and again (even if it's two days to your nearest city)? Hubby and I LOVE to travel and one of our all-time favourite holidays took place in Canada back in 2009 where we visited Alberta and British Columbia. It was so beautiful - it literally took my breath away every single day that we were there. Then a couple of years later we returned, but this time we headed to Ontario and Quebec which was a really cool holiday too. Sadly, our friend broke her wrist whilst ice skating on Ottawa's frozen canal which wasn't so nice :(
We've also been to Vegas and New York - OMG talk about amazing! And more recently to the eastern side (but you've all seen my Universal Studios pics, right? lol).

New York, New York!

We regularly take vacations to our home country - the UK - where I always fall in love with the countryside (I love the greenness of it), the cute and quirky old villages, not to mention the amazing cathedrals, castles and general old world architecture. I just love it over there.

The famous Lello Bookstore in Oporto

I should also mention that where we live is a pretty hot holiday destination too. Portugal is beautiful in it's own right, known for its stunning golden beaches and multitude of golf courses. The weather is quite often gorgeous (although I'm snuggled up in my hubby's cozy fleece at the moment because it's on the chilly side). We spent 10 days in the Azores a few years ago and that was so beautiful too. Almost like we'd stepped back in time. But we often nip up to Lisbon for a long weekend, or across to Spain. Oporto was beautiful - we drove there for a wedding anniversary a few years ago. There's lots to see here, I can tell you!
What about you? Where do you like to go for a vacation?

YA Storytellers: stories of inspiration

Today the YA Storytellers are discussing stories about inspiration. It's something that all authors need - well, it's probably something that everyone needs regardless of what they're trying to achieve. As for myself, I am inspired by so many things...

Music

I love tunes that have an underlying haunting sound to them - anything that sounds spooky or magical totally inspires me, which is why I sometimes listen to soundtracks whilst writing (Harry Potter, Edward Scissorhands, Premonition, Practical Magic, for instance). Lana Del Rey's songs also have that edge that I love. Just listening to the first few seconds of her songs, makes the cogs of my brain go into overdrive!

Movies

If I'm feeling a little low and uninspired then I'll put on the TV and watch a movie. If I'm in the middle of writing YA urban fantasy, I'll watch Twilight, Harry Potter or something else that matches my mood. If I'm writing chick lit, then I'll pop in a romantic comedy - anything with Sandra Bullock will help re-charge my batteries and get me keen to write again!

Images

Pinterest is my favourite image site where I can easily wile away several hours just gazing at magnificent photography. One single image could lead to an entire series of books! Isn't that just awesome? Join me over at Pinterest and check out my boards (there are loads!).

Travel

Canada was the first place that inspired me to write. It's the most spectacularly wonderful place I've ever had the pleasure of visiting and I can't wait to return one day. My first visit took place back in 2009 and we visited Alberta and British Columbia and took in the mountains, snow, lakes, islands, forests, you name it - we saw it! But it was at the wonderful Powell River spot that images of vampires, werewolves and ravens danced in my mind. I wrote Raven less than a year later!
I'm also hugely inspired by England and all that it entails. Quaint little villages, stunning ancient castles and cathedrals and so much more. Every time I go back to the country of my birth, I am overwhelmed with inspiration. It's amazing!

People

Whether it's strangers in a  coffee shop or someone I've met - I can't help but imagine some aspect of their personality or looks in a character on the pages of my books. My Morgan Sisters series came from meeting just one man who would eventually become Declan Alexander - one of the coolest characters in the series.

But what about you? What inspires you?

Q&A with author Lorna Suzuki

A warm welcome to fantasy author Lorna Suzuki who has had her first three books optioned for a major motion picture trilogy! Congratulations, Lorna!!

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you?
I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never read J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, but because his LoTR trilogy was made into movies and it continues to be read all around the world, it proved just how ageless and timeless the fantasy genre is. The fact his novels are still so popular after all these years inspired me to make my first attempt at fiction writing in the epic fantasy genre, creating the Imago series for my daughter when she grows up. One day, when time allows it, I hope to read Tolkien’s novels as I’ve had some fans make a comparison of our works.

Who is your favourite author and why?
One of my favourite contemporary authors is the fabulous, multi-talented Kim Falconer of the Quantum Enchantment series. She has so much wisdom and knowledge on so many levels and in so many areas. All this shines through in her works, making her stories very fascinating, intelligent fantasies well worth the read.

What is your all-time favourite book cover?
There are so many, I can’t decide! Surprisingly, some of my faves are book covers were written & published by indie authors or small publishing houses! Check out Angeline Kace’s ‘Descended by Blood’, Hope Collier’s ‘The Willows: Haven’ and Dean Lappi’s ‘Black Numbers’. To me, these covers are as good, if not better, than those put out by the big traditional publishing companies!

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
J.K. Rowling! It would be fascinating to chat with her to understand her creative process and to find out what she would change now, if she could.

Who, or what, inspires you?
My daughter is a huge source of inspiration and there are also my fans that keep asking for the next adventure. They keep me writing, but after I finish this 12th novel, I plan to retire my fiction-writing career. (Mind you, I did tell myself I’d only write three novels in the Imago series, until the fans kept demanding more…)

Where is your favourite place to write?
My favourite place to write is on a white sandy, tropical beach, but for now, I like writing in my bright, sunny (whenever the sun comes out) kitchen.

What is your latest book about? 

My latest book is a new YA Fantasy, The Magic Crystal. It is Book One of The Dream Merchant Saga and reviewers have said it’s like Ella Enchanted meets the Princess Bride. This is the description on the book cover:
Be careful what you wish for
takes on a whole new meaning…
When a good wish goes bad, a beautiful princess despised by all, a lowly court jester who was meant to be a great knight and a village idiot with a mysterious past are thrust together by fate. Made to embark on a perilous and unorthodox quest, they set off to break a dreaded curse.
Along the way, a series of trials await them in strange lands far from home. From a powerful Wizard and a shape-shifting Sprite to the flamboyant Elves and an army of mimes, they encounter an array of unforgettable friends and foes as they set off to recover a silver locket to destroy the curse.
In a race against time, pursued by a Sorcerer on the hunt for this same locket, an epic journey becomes a trying, humorous adventure of self-discovery and a test of true loyalty and friendship for this unlikely trio as they fight to survive this quest and ultimately, each other.
It’s sequel, Book Two The Silver Sword will be released on Oct. 22nd, 2011 during the Book Fair hosted by the Surrey International Writers Conference.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the main characters? 

Strangely enough, the first three novels in my epic adult fantasy have been optioned for a major motion picture trilogy. It’s in the pre-production stage at the moment and the producer had already asked me to submit a list of the principles characters and the actors I envision in the various roles. This is not so much that the producer will be hiring them, but more so the casting director can narrow down the look, age, etc. of the actors for the roles. Plus, she’s trying to keep with my vision of the story and characters.

What is your favourite film that was based on a book?
One of my favourite films is Peter Jackson’s telling of Tolkien’s LoTR trilogy. I loved the movies, but because I never read the books, a friend who is an avid Tolkien fan laughed at me when we discussed the movies/books. Apparently, Jackson took certain artistic license I wasn’t aware of! I didn’t know Arwen had brothers who came to the rescue at Helm’s Deep, nor did I know Jackson merely created the Elf character Haldir, who marched the legion of Elves for this big confrontation!

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I used to teach martial arts in an all male dojo, some of my students included members of the RCMP! So yes, I’m so vertically challenged it’s laughable, but in the dojo, I can hold my own. After over 25 years of training/teaching, I’ve pretty much retired now and my daughter is my only pupil.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
It’s often referred to as Hollywood North as TV series like ‘Supernatural’, ‘Sanctuary’, ‘Stargate’ series to name a few and major motion pictures like the ‘X-Men’, ‘Twilight’ series, ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’, the newest Superman movie and more are filmed in my neck of the woods. This comes in handy, as most of my book/movie trilogy will be filmed here, too!

Winter or summer? Neither! More like Fall & spring!
Ebook or paperback? Though my ebooks outsell my print books, I personally enjoy the feel of a book in my hands.
Favourite food? Fave food is medium-rare steak served with rice pilaf & grilled veggies, but favorite indulges is chocolate truffles.
Sporty or couch potato? I teach martial arts so I’m not a couch potato, but I’m certainly not sporty.
Cook or be cooked for? Depends on who is cooking!

Link to your website, blog or both: http://web.me.com/imagobooks
There is also the Imago Fantasy Series FB Fan Page where movie updates will be posted.

My compulsion to write by Eileen Schuh

As a Canadian author interested in breaking into the European market, I was intrigued to discover that Suzy Turner’s novel RAVEN takes place in Canada yet Suzy was born in the U.K. and lives in Portugal.
As silly as it may seem to those overseas, Canadians seldom think of their country as exotic and interesting. Although our authors and artists often use Canada as their canvas, we usually don’t promote our work beyond the North American market.
However, when creating the location for my novel THE TRAZ, I kept in mind the astounding beauty of my home province of Alberta—the prairies, the Rockies, the autumn colours, the long, long summer days. Chinooks and blizzards and harvested fields. This unique Canadian geography is the stage for my characters as they live out their adventure.
Sharing my country with others, however, is only a small part of why I wrote THE TRAZ. What really drove me, was that bleak, helpless feeling that overcame me each time I heard about the very young ruining their lives. When I finally could no longer sit idly by, I called on both my compulsion to write and my talent with words, to do what I could to help prevent such tragedies.
THE TRAZ highlights that it’s usually not an innate evilness driving teens into risky lifestyles, but rather a lack of information, support, and experience. Alone, afraid, and (many times) angry they make decisions that will leave them scarred for life.
As I was readying THE TRAZ for publication, Canadian law enforcement officials and youth workers issued several public pleas for community help in stemming the increasing incidents of criminal gangs recruiting youngsters into their ranks.
THE TRAZ became my literary response to those pleas for help, a gift to both at-risk-teens and the adults in their lives.
Rather than weaving life lessons into the plot, I wrote a Discussion Guide to encourage readers to take a close look at the decisions, actions, and motives of the characters. By separating the moral issues from the story this way, the plot unfolds quickly and forcefully without didactic interruption, while the appended Guide dampens the allure of the criminal adventure.
I intend THE TRAZ to influence readers of all ages and both genres, long after they finish the book; that will likely happen. THE TRAZ is only the first of many novels in The BackTracker series.
Eileen Schuh Author of THE TRAZ, Schrödinger's Cat
Sample/purchase THE TRAZ:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/THE-TRAZ-BackTracker-Series-ebook http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005199RFE
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/60190
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-traz
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/the-traz/id443187987?mt=11
Web site: http://www.eileenschuh.com
Blog: http://eileenschuh.blogspot.com

Sample/purchase Schrödinger's Cat:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80124
http://www.amazon.com/Schr%C3%B6dingers-Cat-ebook/dp/B005GLJET6/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1312927682&sr=1-6

How Powell River changed my life

The exact spot in Powell River that changed my life 

Have you ever visited a place and just been blown away by it? I mean, totally and utterly awe-struck by its beauty? That happened to me a couple of years ago when my husband and I first visited Canada. We were immediately struck by how friendly the people were... genuinely friendly, you know? It wasn't just that of course, it was the natural surroundings that just took my breath away.
One particular spot had such a profound effect on me, in fact, that it inspired me to begin writing a whole series of books. That spot was located in Powell River, British Columbia.
We'd driven all the way across from Banff (not all in one go, mind you!) so we'd seen our share of gorgeous locations, but when we stopped and got out of the car, we decided we'd have a picnic. So we carried our food down to the shore and sat on these massive pieces of driftwood that were scattered all over the beach. I'm pretty sure I barely ate anything because I was too busy falling in love.
It was breathtaking... but it was also so inspirational. There was an air of mystery to it too which made me imagine all kinds of weird and wonderful possibilities. After reading, watching and falling in love with the Twilight series, I could imagine supernatural events happening right there in Powell River.
I wanted changelings, witches, vampires, werewolves, ghosts and more, all to have a place in what would later be known as The Raven Saga. It would centre around a young girl who moves to Powell River after her parents disappear and discovers she is part of a supernatural world. The first book, Raven, is out now. You can buy it here, and the second, December Moon will be out in September.
It was that little beach in Powell River that inspired me to write The Raven Saga. In fact, it changed my life. It made me realise my dream. The dream that I can write books that excite people, books that people want to read. I've already had messages from readers desperate to read the sequel! I'd like to thank Powell River for that.

Q&A with author Adelle Laudan & GIVEAWAY

Have you ever read a book that made you think 'wow'? If so, what book was it and why did it have such an effect on you?
Actually it’s the book I’m reading now. “The heartwrenchingly honest, hysterically funny, and brutally truthful life and times of biker author Amy White.” I am blown away by the similarities between this author and my own life. The biggest difference is, she grew up deep in the South and I am a Canadian.
A must read – Only $3 for the ebook (buy from amazon)


Who is your favourite author and why?
Jean M Auel is a master at painting a vivid picture through words. I fell in love with the Earth Children’s Series and like to think I’ve learned a thing or two from this amazing author.


Who, or what, inspires you?
There are so many things that inspire me. My children inspire me to persevere and keep writing. Movies that touch my heart...the sound of a Harley in the distance...the scent of fresh cut grass...my past...music...


Where is your favourite place to write?

At my desk. I have my desk in a cozy corner in my dining area with a window overlooking the parking lot LOL Luckily there is a nice park on the other side of it.


What is your book about?

Mystified is a love story. It takes place on Manitoulin Island here in Ontario, Canada. The setting is an Ojibwa village. Nara embraces her heritage and dreams of opening a School of the Arts to ensure her forefathers traditions, music and handcrafted artistry is not lost for the next generation.
Tokoda has rock n roll and Harley’s in his blood. He loves his family, and is proud to be an Ojibwa, but couldn’t leave the Island fast enough when he came of age, to pursue his dream of being in a band.
Five years later, Tokoda is pulled away from his band; Colt Harley after a boating accident claims both parents’ lives and leaves his three sisters to fend for themselves. He returns to the Island to make sure his sisters’ are situated, fully intending to return to his life on the mainland.
Nara is thrilled to see her teenage crush return home. There is an undeniable chemistry between the two, when the Princess of the Underwater rises up from the lake and a series of incidents throws them both back in time, at opposite sides of the Island...

You’ll have to buy the book to find out what happens next...*wink


What is your favourite film that was based on a book?
The Notebook. It has to be one of the greatest love stories of our generation. No matter how many times I watch this movie, it always makes me tear up at the end.


If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the main characters?

I’ve used the band, Colt Harley in my book.
Steven Van Trans is my vision of Tokoda.

I would like to see Tinsel Korey, who played Emily Young in Twilight, New Moon, as Nara.



Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I have a 90% hearing loss. I do use two hearing aids, but there are some things I simply cannot hear. People with accents are very difficult for me to understand. The plus side, when I hear something I’d rather not...I simply turn them off *wink


Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
I moved to the big city three years ago after spending most of my life in very small, rural towns. Hamilton, Ontario offers Ghost Walks through many historical buildings believed to be haunted. All have recorded sightings throughout history. http://www.hauntedhamilton.com/ghostwalks/


Thanks for having me Suzy. I’d like to offer an ecopy of my upcoming release, Mystified by Elle Laudan with Passion In Print. Chime in and say hello, Suzy will draw a name to be fair. Good Luck!
My Website: http://adellelaudan.com Elle Laudan Blog: Rated R: http://ellelaudan.blogspot.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/AdelleLaudan Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/AdelleLaudan Twitter: http://twitter.com/AdelleLaudan

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN ADELLE'S BOOK!