What’s up Reader’s Edyn junkees? It’s a new year and I have a lot of plans for all of us. Seeing as how I got a very late start last year on the blog and all, I am totes looking forward to a full year of brilliant books, radical reviews, awesome authors, and incredible interviews, generous giveaways, and whatever else I can manage to post for your reading pleasure. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a new-to-me author. Her name is Lizzy Ford and she is definitely one to watch out for. I met Lizzy on Twitter through a mutual reviewer/friend and have truly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know a little more about her. The first book I read from Lizzy is Damian’s Oracle (war of Gods, Book 1). You can click here to see my review. I just finished the second book in the series, Damian’s Assassin and will have the review up for you all within the next few days. But enough of my babbling, let’s let Lizzy take the spotlight. It is my pleasure to introduce to you:
**LIZZY FORD**
Here is a little about Lizzy …
Lizzy Ford is the hyper-prolific author of the "Rhyn Trilogy" and "War of Gods" series, both launched in 2011, as well as multiple single title young adult fantasy and paranormal romances. Lizzy's books have reached into the bestseller lists on both Amazon US and Amazon UK in multiple categories. Through her unconventional online marketing strategies, Lizzy has gone from selling 20 books in January 2011 to around 5000 books in September 2011 and from over 7,000 free downloads of her work in January 2011 to over 40,000 downloads in September 2011.
The Lizzy Ford team consists of: Matt, IT and search engine optimization expert; Christine LePorte, freelance book editor; Dafeenah, graphics artist; and Toni, English-Spanish translator.
Lizzy is considered by most to be the ultimate writing freak of nature for her ability to write and epublish a new book every 30-45 days. She is also a regular contributor for the Curiosity Quills website and is an active member of a small guild of nine passionate, talented writers, the Indie Eclective. Lizzy's books are available from Amazon, BN, Smashwords, iBooks/iTunes, and all other eReader libraries.
And now for the moment you have all been waiting for!
*drum roll please*
Take it away Lizzy!
**INTERVIEW**
Thank you, Kendra! I’m so happy I’m able to appear on your blog!
Please tell us about Damian’s Oracle.
“Damian’s Oracle” is the first in the War of Gods series and depicts how the White God (who is the leader of good on earth) meets his match, the Oracle Sofi. It’s also depicts Sofi transforming from a normal human into an Oracle, and the struggles she faces trying to adapt to a new world and life.
I noticed that Damian’s Oracle is part of the War of Gods series. What can you tell us about the rest of the series?
There are four books in the series, and three books are out. Each book depicts how one of four brothers finds his mates, and the unusual magic powers each of their mates possesses. The romantic elements of the story are nestled within the larger good vs. evil battle, and each book furthers the plot of how this battle – which had been basically at a stalemate for thousands of years – is suddenly changing.
The three books already published are: “Damian’s Oracle,” “Damian’s Assassin” and “Damian’s Immortal.” The fourth book, “The Grey God,” will be out in May.
As a reader, I had trouble assimilating the beginning of Damian’s Oracle because there was so much information provided and introduced. Characters like Damian, Jake, Czerno, Sophia; types of beings like Guardians, Naturals, Oracles; and so much more. But once I grasped who the players were and what was happening, I was enthralled. As a writer, how do you manage to keep all of these details straight?
It’s funny you mentioned how the beginning is rough! The start to the “Rhyn Trilogy” is as well. It’s a stylistic technique that people either love or hate. Basically, what I try to do is throw the reader head first into a world that already exists. There are few introductions to this world. It’s like going to a foreign country for the first time, where you have to figure out how things work, why, who people are. But the one thing that is very clear is that your visit is part of a much larger world.
It’s the same with my books. The worlds exist, and readers start out peering through the window to watch. My goal is to kidnap readers into these new worlds. By the time they’ve followed enough breadcrumbs to figure out what’s going on, they’re in the middle of the forest.
As for how I keep things apart – I don’t know. I just do. Haha! Awful answer, but I don’t have trouble keeping my world straight, maybe because it’s essentially alive in my head? I’m not sure! I guess a better answer: the demons keep track of such things! I call my muses ‘demons’ because they never leave me alone. I dream in stories, and anything I can’t explain, I just blame on the demons!
With so many books and ongoing projects, do you ever forget character names or details within your stories?
For the series, I need a refresher, just to make sure I didn’t leave myself clues in the first book that I need to exploit in the second book (which I do often.) So I’ll usually reread the preceding books in a series before I start writing the next book. Otherwise, the demons track things for me! Ha!
What’s next for Lizzy Ford?
More writing! I have a goal of ten more books in 2012, so I’ll be holed up writing most of the year. In March, I’ll release the third book in my other series, the Rhyn Trilogy. My readers are beating down my door for that one. I’m also entering a couple of contests this year for indie authors, too, and working on a marketing plan to take over the world. I’m no longer traditionally employed, so I’ve gotta make this writing thing work!
Let’s dish! Waffles. Care to expand?
I believe this is how we met, Ms. Kendra, over a Twitter discussion of just how good waffles are! Waffles are perfect in every way except one – they get cold too soon. I think someday, someone should invent a genetically altered waffle that’ll stay warm longer than a minute after it’s been out on your plate.
That said, waffles are comfort food for the body, just like books are comfort food for the soul. Someone else thought I was crazy for carrying on so many Twitter discussions about waffles, but that’s the secret waffle-book connection: they’re both a type of soul food. Waffles can be cheap and chewy, like a free Kindle book originally written on toilet paper then published as a sugary overload of porous plots and cardboard characters. Or waffles can be textured and slightly sweet, like a well-written novel that leaves you satisfied yet anticipating your next encounter.
And now, you and your readers are the first to know about this secret connection between words and waffles. Guard this secret well. (Or tweet me about waffles and know you are now some of the few who know the secret!)
How do you keep in contact with your readers?
Anyway I can. I receive tons of comments on my website, email, Facebook and some through Twitter Goodreads, G+, etc. My goal last year was to set up an online presence in as many places as I could, so people could find me. Then, when someone contacted me, I just tried to respond back soon. I welcome feedback (good and bad), and readers have helped me improve my writing quite a bit over a very short time period.
When did you begin your journey as an author and what pulled you in the direction of writing?
I’ve always felt drawn to writing. I think some people are born with a pull in a certain direction, and this is the direction I was pulled in. I’ve written since I was in the third grade, though I never understood my calling until a couple of years later. I finished my first novel in the seventh grade. It was awful! I wish I could find it, though, because I bet it would make me laugh!
I’ve always known I was meant to be a writer. I floundered on my path in life until 2011, when everything on the personal side of my life came to a head, and I had to make some really hard choices. I chose to leave the path I was on to do what I’d dreamed of doing.
What are you reading now? Any favorites you tend to go back to?
Right now, I’m getting ready to read a book on dieting, because the downside to waffles is um, weight gain. Haha! My all time favorite book, though, is “Pride and Prejudice,” and I make a point to reread it at least once a year. I always find something new with that book, and it fascinates me to continue discovering a nuance I missed the first few million times I read it!
Was there something in particular that gave you the idea for this book (series)?
I get a lot of my ideas from dreams. People, places, bizarre events – I dream about them, then I let the demons do what they will and put some sense behind the dreamland-type of occurrences. Eventually, I find either a new story in those dreams or I develop scenes that can be added to one of my stories.
Any advice you’d like to share for aspiring writers?
It takes both talent and will to make a living at this, but it can be done. One of the things I tell people (that’s not to popular!) is not to listen to Those Who Think They Know Better. There are a lot of people who will tell you what success is in the industry, and they’ll tell you what they think you’re doing wrong at the drop of a hat. Ignore these people. Surround yourself with people who are positive and supportive. The people with the most to say are often the ones who don’t say much of anything in the public forums with all the other preachers.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known when you first started writing?
I guess this is a twofold answer: I wish I had known not to waste 10+ years trying to get an agent or publisher AND I wish the capability to electronically publish (to Amazon et al) had been around while I was wasting my time trying to find an agent or publisher. I’ve been told I’m fortunate that I was never given the time of day by anyone in the industry for 10+ years, because I might’ve lost my desire to keep writing if I had realized too soon I could never become a fulltime writer, which has always been my dream. So, I’ve learned to look upon even the 10+ years in a more positive light. Some things in life happen for a reason, and I’m ecstatic to be a fulltime writer now!
If you could travel back in time, where would you go and who would you meet?
I’ve been watching the “Ancient Aliens” series on the History Channel. This answer will probably change for me, but I think I’d go back to the time of the Sumerians, just to see what life was like 5,000+ years ago. I’m not sure who I’d want to meet, but I think it would be a fascinating time to be alive and to see exactly how advanced those types of civilizations really were.
Salty or Sweet?
Sweet!
What is your favorite drink?
Right now, it’s a caramel brulee latte from Starbucks.
Opposites: 1 thing that never fails to make you happy and one thing that never fails to make you see red.
Happy: my bulldog
Seeing red: people who take advantage of others.
E-reader or Paperback?
Although I write books for Kindles and other ereaders, I still love the feel of a paperback! My husband has a Kindle, and I have my collection of paperbacks.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I make a mean batch of caramels.
Who is your favorite fictional character ever?
Elizabeth from “Pride and Prejudice”
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Extreme introvert! People are surprised to learn that after talking to me via my website or other online medium, but I try not to leave my little cave at home, if I can, and I’m shy and tend to fumble around verbally in person.
Random Thought:
I need to find more fleurons for my other books.
Favorite meal?
Breakfast! I love quiche!
OMG! Seriously, I have tears running down my face right now. Waffles! ROFLMAO! Is she fantabulous, or what? How can you not want to read work from an author as awesome as Lizzy? At the very least, how can you not want to just give her a try and see if you click with her unique writing style? Well, I am here to give you the opportunity! To one of my lucky commenters, I am offering a digital copy of Damian’s Oracle. That’s right, your own copy to read on your Kindle or Nook. Weeee! *loud applause* I know, you are all thrilled and humbled by my awesomeness! *keep the applause coming* So here are the rules:
**DA RULZ**
1) Follow Reader’s Edyn
2) Leave an e-mail address so that I can contact the winner (Required)
3) Follow Lizzy at one of her social networking sites (Required) Be sure to tell us where you followed her and your username.
4) Answer Lizzy’s question: What is your favorite topping for waffles and/or your favorite book?
Fine Print: One commenter will be drawn at random to receive a digital copy of the book. Must be 18 or older to enter. Reader’s Edyn and participating author are NOT responsible for lost or damaged items. Only one entry per person. Any duplicate entries will be deleted. Anyone may be disqualified at any time so be sure to follow directions to avoid disqualification. No substitutions allowed. Contest ends January 17th at midnight MST. Winner will be contacted by e-mail. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. Odds of wining depend on the number of entries received.
That’s it! So go forth and comment! You know you want to talk waffles and books! It’s WIN! I leave you now with the details of Damian’s Oracle. And for those of you who don’t win, stop by one of the links included below to pick up your own copy of Damian’s Oracle. The digital version is currently only 99 cents! Until next time readers …
Inspired by Slavic mythology, Damian’s Oracle is the entree into the ongoing battle between good and evil over the fate of humanity. The White God, Damian, and his Guardians protect the world from the Black God and his monsters while rescuing Naturals – humans with extraordinary paranormal gifts – from the Black God, who would kill or convert them.
Caught in the middle is cool-headed Sofia, a Natural whose gift will tip the scales in the war. Sofia begins her transformation from human into oracle, the first in thousands of years. Damian rescues her from the Black God in time to complete a ceremony that will bind her to him for eternity. Sofia struggles with her new world and her role as an oracle and Damian’s mate while haunted by a mysterious man from Damian’s past who’s supposed to be dead. Unbeknownst to her, her link to the dead man may be all that saves Damian, his Guardians, and the fate of humanity.
While he wants nothing more than for the petite beauty to take her place at his side like the oracles of legend did his White God forefathers, Damian can’t quite rationalize having to win her over instead of command her. Further complicating his life is the sobering realization that there are spies in his organization who are helping the Black God take out his Guardians. Damian must help Sofia reach her potential fast, especially when a threat from his past returns.
Buy Damian’s Oracle here:
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