Interview and Giveaway with author Lizzy Ford

What’s up Reader’s Edyn junkees? 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 finished the second book in the series, Damian’s Assassin and, ironically, just finished the review to post, then the stupid cotton pickin computer crashed and I lost everything! ARGH! Needless to say, I have to write the review again! *cries* But I WILL get the review posted. Dumb PC won’t get the best of me! But enough of my babbling, let’s let Lizzy take the spotlight right after I tell you about Damian’s Oracle!

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:

Barnes & Noble          iTunes           Goodreads            Amazon

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**

I’d like to thank Kendra for taking the time to review my War of Gods books!  It’s been a fun series to write, and Kendra will always be my PIW (partner-in-waffles.) J  This month, I’m also promoting my Rhyn Trilogy, another paranormal romance series I started mid-2011.  The third Rhyn book will be released this next weekend, and I have to say, I’m really excited! I’ll be releasing a special edition trilogy set along with the third book.

Hell to the yeah! PIW, baby! You know everybody be jealous! *wink* 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.  

I need to read that one still. 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!

LOL. 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. This month, I 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!

Here is the Rhyn Blurb:

The Rhyn Trilogy details the journey of the half-demon, Rhyn, and Katie, the human destined to be his mate.  Flawed, unapologetic and unable to control his power, Rhyn has long been considered the black sheep of his family who can do nothing right.  When forced to care for someone else for once, he struggles with his inherent weakness and his duty.  If he can’t learn to fight alongside his brothers, he’ll lose his mate. 

      Katie is immune to the magic of immortals and finds herself being pursued by demons and immortals alike, both of which want to use her.  She’s got one ally: Rhyn, whose half-demon nature impedes his ability to help her.  Together, they must carve their own paths in immortal society in the midst of a war with demons, while learning to care for one another.  

      The Rhyn Trilogy is the prequel to the Rhyn Eternal series, which launches this fall.

Ten books! Good lawd! That is an amazing goal, but if anyone can pull it off, you can. *nods* And Rhyn? I am so there! 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!) 

Secret connections involving waffles … Who knew? You all should feel privileged that Ms. Ford let us in on this awesomesauce 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.
                   Facebook
                   Website
                   Twitter
                   Goodreads
                   Amazon

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.

Well, it seems to have been a good choice if the War of Gods series is any indication. 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.

Even working when you are sleeping. Do you even know the meaning of the word rest? 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.

Great advice! 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!

I think that everything in life happens for a reason. Good and bad. You just have to be willing to “see” it. 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. 

Good choice! Salty or Sweet?
Sweet!

What is your favorite drink?
Right now, it’s a caramel brulee latte from Starbucks. 

YUM! 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. 

Right? What’s up with taking advantage!?!?!? Just saw the worst case of it the last couple of weeks. I was livid. Not cool! 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.

Absofrickinloutely! Do you have any hidden talents?
I make a mean batch of caramels.

I must try these caramels you speak of! 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.

Me too! I could hole up in my house and read and never leave and love life. DH – complete opposite! He doesn’t get this part of me. But you would! Random Thought:
I need to find more fleurons for my other books. 

Favorite meal?
Breakfast! I love quiche!

I should have seen the breakfast answer coming. But, 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 ALL of our commenters, Lizzy Ford is offering both Damian’s Oracle AND Katie’s Hellion for FREE! Yes, both of the first books in both series for FREE! Weeeeee! That’s right, your own copy to read on your Kindle or Nook or whatever. *loud applause* I know, you are all thrilled and humbled by her awesomeness! *keep the applause coming* So here are the rules:

**DA RULZ**

Simply fill out the rafflecopter form below. Once you complete the few required entries, you will have 2 more entries with the links to download the books for free. Easy peasy! Just click on the link and download the books!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 The Rhyn Trilogy and an excerpt.

**EXCERPT**

(adult content)

       Rhyn went straight to the castle’s basement, where the body of his father had been kept. He pushed off his hood as he entered what had been the most sacred chamber of the immortals.

       The coffin was gone, but the mutilated body of his demoness mother remained on display on the far wall. He stood before it, just as he had less than a week before. This time, he felt something towards the decapitated creature: hatred. She’d made him what he was, a disaster no one could fix except for a dead human.

       “The preferred fate for any demon,” a woman’s voice said.

       Rhyn tensed, guessing who it was without turning. He felt Death’s cool presence, the same coolness that preceded Gabriel’s visits.

       “And half-demon,” Death added.

       “I welcome it,” Rhyn replied, facing the small woman with flowing white hair and gown. “What the fuck do you want?”

       “I came to see what was worthy of the attention of my best assassin,” Death said and looked him over. “I see nothing but Gabriel’s human weakness for a creature he should’ve let die-dead.”

       “Funny – he was right about you. You’re the cold bitch he said you were.”

       She frowned, a ripple of something else crossing her pale features.

       “Don’t like that, do you,” Rhyn said. “I’ll ask you again. What do you want?”

       “I came to warn you. You cannot destroy this place before four days have passed.”

       “Why not?”

       “You simply cannot.”

       “I don’t give a shit about your agenda. Tell me why it matters to me.”

       “I can make you dead-dead right now,” she reminded him.

       “I won’t fight you,” Rhyn replied and flung open his arms, giving her his whole body as a target. “Kill me. Do me, you, and everyone else a favor!”

       She stared at him.

       “I got nothing to lose.”

       “There’s Toby,” she said.

       “He means more to you than me.”

       “Gabe.”

       “You mean the assassin you sent to kill my mate?” he asked with a snort. ”Not sure we can be friends after that.”

       “Katie.”

       “Already dead. And you can have my brothers right now. I’ll give you the order I prefer you to kill them in,” Rhyn said.

       “There are factors at play I cannot share with you,” Death said. “You would risk destroying this world and every human in it?”

       Rhyn smiled.

       “Of course. You’re a half-demon. It is not in your nature to care for anything beyond you,” she said, frown deepening.

       “You took everything I cared about,” he growled. “If I can destroy everything to spite you, I will.”

       “I am not your enemy!”

       “I don’t care.” His anger growing at the petite woman who’d taken Andre, Katie and Gabe from him, Rhyn stalked towards the door.

       “Then I will grant you a favor.”

       He stopped at her words, surprised.

       “One favor from a deity of unimaginable power,” she said. “In exchange for four days.”

       “Katie,” he said instantly.

       “Done,” she replied just as fast.

       Rhyn turned to face her. “Alive, not her body or pieces of her or anything twisted.”

       “She will be as she was before she walked into the ocean.”

       Speechless, Rhyn’s heart flip-flopped at the prospect of seeing his mate again.

       “Do we have a deal?” Death asked.

       “Yes,” he forced himself to say. “But if you trick me, if the fourth day comes and Katie isn’t alive, I’ll wipe out everything and hunt you down.”

Until next time readers …

HAPPY READING!!!