Guest post and Giveaway with author Jen Wylie and her latest: Sweet Light



Hello and Welcome!  First I would like to thank Jen for taking the time to do this interview.  Writers usually have a packed schedule.  Enough said.  Please enjoy the interview and review!  I did!

How old were you when you realized you wanted to write?

I started writing in public school and really got into it in high school. There was never really a “I want to write!” moment, it's always just been something I really enjoyed doing. I always have these stories in my head—getting them out on paper is fun and helps clear out the chaos somewhat :D

What was your biggest influence that steered you towards fantasy?

My mom. She has always been a very avid reader and I follow in her footsteps. By the time I was a pre-teen she was giving me books by Mercedes Lakey, Anne McCaffrey and David Eddings to devour :)

How do you come up with your ideas for books?

I don't really know. They just pop into my head and become little movies there. I write what I see and hear and feel. Music is a big influence- either the mood it puts me in or sometimes a few words in a lyric will set off an idea. I get a lot of ideas while driving too...though I always have music on when I do so that's probably why :)

Do you see yourself writing in another genre?

I have no idea. So far I'm having fun exploring all the different aspects of fantasy: urban fantasy, paranormal, romantic fantasy and writing for both adults and young adults. My YA short story series, Tales of Ever, has even been classed as horror by some. I write what comes into my head...so I'll keep putting down whatever my imagination comes up with next!

Has your family been supportive?

I have the most awesome parents :) I think they might be my biggest fans :) My kids don't really get it yet, but they are rather young- of course they're a bit put out they are too young to read any of my stories LOL

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Read. :)  I dabble at other crafts occasionally, like painting, scrapbooking, needle felting etc.

Who is your favourite book heroine?

I don't really have a super favourite favourite. I LOVE kick ass heroines though. Stupid, whiny, weak ones rather annoy me.

If you could choose a super power, what would it be and why?

Teleportation. There are so many places I want to go, and I can get there immediately! (I don't travel well LOL)

What were some of your biggest challenges at the beginning of your career?

The first was deciding I wanted to try to get published. Then there was the trying to find an agent (I never did) Eventually I went straight to a small publisher and am very happy with that choice! Next came learning to edit with actual editors. This wasn't really hard- but the first time you see your work all full of lines and red etc. Ya, that was a bit difficult. I learned sooo much from the various editors I've worked with, and now I’m not afraid of edits or the red- they are a way for me to learn and to make my writing better :)

How do you feel about reader comments?

Oooh! I LOVE them! I love all my readers. (((Sun shiny hugs!))) I love to hear from you, so comment away, or feel free to say hi on twitter, fb, etc :)

Do you have any advice for new authors?

DON'T GIVE UP! Seriously, everything takes a while. There will be a lot of not so fun times. Keep trying and plugging along and for goodness sake DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Google is your friend, find out everything you need to know about writing, publishing, marketing, editing. It will only help you!

Where are your books available?

For my debut novel Sweet Light:

EBook Available at:

Omnilit:  http://www.omnilit.com/product-sweetlight-550231-143.html

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/62461

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Light-ebook/dp/B0052ZB0O8

B&N: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sweet-Light/Jen-Wylie/e/2940012590046/

Available in Print at:

Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/3623402

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Light-Jen-Wylie/dp/1590808495

My short stories are all in ebook form. They are 0.99 each and available pretty much anywhere you can buy an ebook online and in all formats. (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, OmniLit etc)

What can we expect from you in the future?

Lots of awesomeness? :D I've a lot of projects on the go. My Tales of Ever short story series is still going (#'s 4-6 should be out this summer). I also have a sequel to Jump coming out and another Immortal Echoes short story. Writing-wise I recently finished a YA fantasy. I also have the sequel to Sweet Light written-I just need to clean it up some more :) Of course it's quite possible I'll become distracted by a shiny new project too :D

Where can we reach you and become informed of updates?

I'm pretty much everywhere I can be online :)

My website: www.jenniferwylie.ca

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4499919.Jen_Wylie           

Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Wylie/151266004895266

Smashwords author page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jenwylie twitter: @jen_wylie

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Jen-Wylie/e/B004HQ9XD8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

My blog: http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/
Twitter is  @jen_wylie

When fate conspires against you and gives you three loves to choose from, what do you do? What if you make the wrong choice?

Shara is a healer, raised and trained from childhood until her unique gift manifests itself. When she gains the rank Journeyman she is hired to serve as the court healer for the barbaric kingdom of Glendor.

Untrained for war, she is thrust unmercifully into its bloody arms when the kingdom is invaded. Ordered by her king to the front lines to tend the wounded, she is forced to flee when their camp is attacked. Happening upon a wounded soldier in the forest, every mile back to the capital is a struggle, and breaking the healer's code, she falls in love with her charge.


My Review

For a sheltered healer who had yet to tap into her gift, Shara found herself in the worse possible circumstances.  She had not signed up for this.  She was not a battle healer and she was sure that nightmares of these horrific scenes would haunt her for years to come. But what could she do? King Darren had ordered her to stay behind and help heal those who had been wounded.  If only her gift had been activated!  She was sure she could have done more.  But it was too late.  They had been forced to retreat back towards camp with the enemy right behind them.  Shara barely escapes the battle and the horse takes off in the wrong direction!  In her mad dash for safety she almost runs over a wounded solder.  Frightened, but determined to help this solider, she jumps off the horse to check for the worst of his injuries.  She binds what she can and is shocked when the solider regains consciousness. She explains to him who she is and that they need to get out of here and fast.  They were still so close to the battle.  The solider is completely covered in blood and gore and passes out not long after she gets him on the horse.  She gets a safe distance away and finds a water source to help clean and care for most of his wounds.  After bathing his face, she is shocked to feel a jolt pass through her.  He was very handsome.  She has been taught to be non responsive to her patients but she knows that this one is going to be different.

This story takes you through Sharas adventures and mishaps as she comes into her gift.  She discovers she has other talents besides just healing and ends up teaching her masters a few things.  But where there is light there is also dark.  There must always be two sides to every coin.  Shara’s light burns bright and as so she draws the darkness towards her.  Will she prevail?  Can she defeat the evil that has become a part of her and face her worst fear? 

Shara is a delightfully innocent and lovable character.  The men in her life are all complicated and are all very different, seemingly to form a triangle. My favorite character would have to be Dric.  He is a loyal friend and fierce warrior.  Not to mention exciting.  The story itself is very surprising.  Just when you feel like you know what’s going to happen, the story takes a surprising twist.  I enjoy stories that aren’t predictable and this one leaves you guessing all the way to the very end! This is a delightful read! This product was provided to me free of charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review. This review is in compliance with the FTC guidelines.

Giveaway Time!!! Your chance to win a copy of Sweet Light.  Let's make winning easy.

1.  You have to be a follower of my blog.

2.  You have to follow Jens Blog.  (just click on Jens blog)

3.  Leave a comment with your email address.

4.  Enjoy the hop and check out everyone else's blog!!

I hope you have enjoyed this!!