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!!

The Huge Summer Giveaway!! This Giveaway is for The Magic Attic...The Link is on the right.. Good Luck!!

How does the giveaway work? Well, it's pretty much like any other giveaway. There are thirty known prizes, and ten more 'mystery' prizes to choose from, giving you a total of forty books. There will be six winners.

1st winner Will get to choose his/her choice of SEVEN books from the thirty eBooks, and will also pick THREE numbers between one to ten. The number picking is for the mystery prizes.

2nd winner will get his/her choice of SIX books from the thirty eBooks, and will get his/her pick of TWO numbers between one and ten. Both are to be chosen after the first winner.

3rd winner will get his/her choice of FIVE books from the thirty eBooks, and his/her pick of TWO number between one and ten. Both are to be chosen after the first and second winner has recieved their prizes.

4th winner will get his/her choice of FOUR books from the thirty eBooks, and his/her pick of ONE number between one and ten. The same goes to the fifth and sixth winners in consecutive order.


Also, I'll pick a random entry via Random.org and that person will get a copy of City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare.

These eBooks are either donated, sent to me as review copies, or purchased by myself.


All you have to do is enter in the form (link is below). Comments are more then welcome. As they're eBooks, this is an international giveaway.

Me, being the lazy person I am, didn't write down the titles for all thirty eBooks. For the full list, please look in the form. However, a few of these titles include:

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Hereafter by Tare Hudson

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Passion by Lauren Kate

Stay by Deb Caletti

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Do they sound good? Enter the giveaway! Please spread the world, and good luck to everyone!


The form can be found here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEkwekt1N0NIcldqeDVNSlJoWmlQbmc6MQ 

Welcome to: Man Candy Monday!!

Everyone hates Monday. You say goodbye to your weekend break and start your boring old routine over again.  Whatever it may be.  So here is a little something to put the wiggle in your step as you go off into your daily grind.  Today's hottie has to be Alexander or better known as Eric Northman from True Blood.  Ladies did you note the hair change again?  Its just not right that he looks just as hot with short brown hair.  So here he is and yes...I would LOOOVE a chance to do bad things to him!! Happy Monday!

BOOK BLOG HOP!!

I think this is a wonderful idea.  Give-aways tend to stress out new bloggers and I'm still feeling out my second week:).  Welcome!!  Thank you for stopping by!  I welcome any comments or ideas so please feel free to leave your opinions with me! Again thanks for stopping by and I hope you found it enjoyable!  So on to our question for the week:
When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?
I have always loved reading.  I can remember my mother and grandfather reading to me before I was able to and being captivated by their stories.  When I was old enough to read alone I was hooked.  I was probably the only eight year old that couldn't wait for the book fair at school every year.  Books have always been a vital part of my life.  They have the ability to allow you to escape, like a mini vacation, and get lost in an imaginary world that someone else created.  So my answer would have to be 4 years old!

Check Out Hollyweird Trivia

Check out E's Blog Think you know movies? Win a free Amazon gift card just by answering the movie trivia question.  http://vanlowe.blogspot.com/

Lord of the Fading Lands Written by: C.L. Wilson

Once he had scorched the world..
Once he had driven back overwhelming darkness..
Once he had loved with such passion his name was legend..
Tairen Soul
Now a thousand years later, a new threat calls him from the Fading Lands, back into a world that had cost him so dearly.  Now an ancient, familiar evil is regaining its strength, and a new voice beckons him--more compelling, more seductive, more maddening then ever before.
As the power of his most bitter enemy grows and ancient alliances crumbles, the wildness in his blood will not be denied.  The tairen must claim his truemate and embrace the destiny woven for him in the mists of time.

My Review

Our story begins in the Fading Lands, home of the Fey.  Their leader, known as the tairen soul or Rain, is desperately searching for a way to save his people and the tairens.  The tairens are winged cats who live in a pride in the Fading Lands.  The souls of the Fey leaders are joined with a tairen soul enabling them to switch forms.  A terrible sickness has plagued the tairens and has slowly wiped them out.  There is now only one fertile female left and she is slowly losing her life force in an effort to save her six unhatched kits.  But her efforts are being wasted as the kits are growing weaker by the day.  If the tairen die, so do the Fey. Rain seeks out the oracle of his people for possibilities in hopes there is some answer they have overlooked.  A faint picture of a woman is given to him, a woman who resides in a human kingdom on the outskirts of the Fading Lands.  Though the image isn't clear, Rain prepares a small number of soldiers to go with him to seek out this mystery girl.
Elle is the oldest daughter of a simple family.  She has grown up in a small town on the outskirts of the kingdom with fairytale stories of the Fey.  She has twin sisters who are always in and out of trouble.  But her life is forever changed when Rain happens upon her.  Together they must unlock the secrets of Elles birth and warn the humans of the danger of the Eld.
This book was very creative.  It is filled with vivid descriptions that paint a beautiful picture of the Fading Lands and the human kingdoms.  The details are exquisite.  The adventures and twists and turns of the story captivate you.  The tairen provide some comic relief with their simple ancient humor and playfulness.  It also has some sweet love scenes and super hot sex ones as well.  Having an animal soul would have its advantages!  Especially one that could fly!

Dragon Actually Written By: G.A. Aiken

It's not always easy being a female warrior with a nickname like Annwyl the Bloody.  Men tend to either cower in fear--a lot--or else salute.  It's true that Annwyl has a knack for decapitating legions of her ruthless brother's soldiers without pausing for breath.  But just once it would be nice to be able to really talk to a man, the way she can talk to Fearghus the Destroyer.

Too bad that Fearghus is a dragon, of the large, scaly, and deadly type.  With him Annwyl feels safe--a far cry from the feelings aroused by the hard-bodied, arrogant knight Fearghus has arranged to help train her for battle.  With her days spent fighting a man who fills her with fierce, heady desire, and her nights spent in the company of a magical creature who could smite a village just by exhaling, Annwyl is sure life couldn't get any stranger.  She's wrong....

My Review

It begins with a battle. That is always promising.  Fearghus is sleeping inside his cave when he hears sounds of battle coming from outside.  He usually ignores the noise because the goings on of men matter little to him.  This time, however, it was different.  This time the sound was coming from the entrance of his cave?  Seriously?  Now that is very disturbing to him.   He uncurls his tail from around his body to investigate and surely have a quick snack.  Little does he realize that his life is about to be forever altered.  Outside of his cave he watches as a band of men surround a young woman who is obviously a huge threat.  Fearhus shakes his head.  Men.  One man gets a lucky slice in right before he goes down.  Fearghus knows it was a mortal wound but watches in astonishment as she beheads the next guy.  He decides to step in.
Annwyl is oblivious to what is going on behind her.  She knows her time is at an end but refuses to make it easy for these bastards to kill her.  She notices that the attention is no longer centered on her but on something behind her.  She watches in astonishment as they turn one by one, and run screaming like little girls right before they burst into flames.  She turns and faces what she now knows is a dragon.  She salutes him and says a sarcastic comment right before she collapses.  Fearghus scopes her up in his claw all the while wondering why he is bothering with this human, no matter how beautiful she is.
This is a delightful tale of a brooding dragon that prefers his own company and his own space, and a human warrior woman.  After he allows Annwyl to heal, Fearghus arranges a trainer for her so she can home in on her skills.  Her biggest enemy is her half brother but her fear and rage blind her and make her careless in battle. Even though it has worked for her so far, Fearghus realizes she needs his help...even if she doesn't.  The characters are perfectly matched, but I love Annwyll.  She is the very example of just how lonely life can be when your at the top.  In Fearghus she finds a friend.  In her trainer she finds desire.  But will she betray their friendship to feel a Mans arms for the first time?  This was a great book and wait til you meet the rest of his family!