Interview with Author Jess Macallan and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome author Jess Macallan to RFTC. Jess is celebrating the release of Stone Cold Revenge, book 2 in her Set in Stone series, and has stopped by to answer a few questions. Please give Jess a warm welcome.

Jess Macallan lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband and three children. She thrives on creative chaos. Curiosity drives her to try new things as often as possible. When not writing or chasing trouble, she teaches yoga, reads, knits, runs a mini farm, watches Mixed Martial Arts, and gardens. The only things she takes seriously are chocolate, tea, and world domination. But mostly chocolate.

Places to find Jess:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter |

Thanks so much for having me at Ramblings From This Chick today! I'm excited to celebrate the release of Stone Cold Revenge, the second book in my Set in Stone series.

First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
Yes, in addition to being a writer, I'm a mom of 3, health coach, yoga teacher, reading addict, and volunteer. I have a TBR pile that multiples mysteriously at night, I love cooking and baking, and I'm lucky enough to be able to volunteer at an elementary school library a few times a week. I like to stay busy to stay out of trouble. At least in theory.

Did you always want to be a writer?
No, strangely enough I went to school to be a financial planner. I love working with numbers and investing fascinates me. But I quickly discovered that numbers weren't nearly as much fun as creating fictional worlds and playing with words. Writing had always come easily to me, but I took it for granted until I decided to write a book with two children under the age of 3. I still don't know how I survived that. *grins*

What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
My personality is pantser, but I've become more of a hybrid plotser. Outlining stories has always felt like a lot of work and way too much structure for me, but I do like to have an outline of my characters, and an idea of where the plot will go. As long as I can start the book in the middle or change things completely when I'm halfway done, I'm good to go. I try to keep my options open to keep my muse happy.

Where do your ideas come from?
Good question! I have no idea. My ideas tend to appear at random times in random ways. I got my idea for writing about gargoyles while researching gothic architecture for something completely unrelated. I get ideas from ghost stories, shows on the history channel (yes, I'm a geek), conversations with friends, you name it. It's part of my pantser personality.

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
Elle must choose the gargoyle or phoenix, learn to control her new abilities, avenge her mother, and end her father's evil reign.

What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
My reading tastes are very eclectic. I love books on nutrition, paranormal YA, brain science, law of attraction, fantasy, middle grade, and paranormal romance to name a few. I don't have a favorite genre, but love a well-told story.

Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
I don't have one favorite, but dozens of them. I recently finished a fantasy series by Maria Snyder I fell in love with. It starts with her Study series and continues with her Glass series. I highly recommend it. I also love anything by John Green, Julie Kagawa, and Kim Harrison.

What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
It depends on the day, the phase of the moon, and how much chocolate I've consumed. On a serious note, any time I need to break a character's heart—even if it's a secondary character—it's tough. I don't mind killing characters off when I have to, but writing about the aftermath for the remaining characters can be tough. Thinking about how a character will respond, depending on their personality and emotions, and then putting it into words is always a challenge.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Kim Harrison, Maria Snyder and Mark Twain. I'd want to talk characters and world building with Kim and Maria, as well as have a fan girl moment. I'd love to just hear Mark Twain speak. His witty, almost acerbic, sense of humor would keep me entertained for hours. It also helps that I'm easily entertained. *winks*

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Yes, I've switched my attention temporarily to a steamy contemporary I hope to have a contract and release date for soon, as well as a non-fiction book on wellness and how to live your best life. I'll get back to paranormal romance shortly thereafter.

I'd love to know what you think makes a character unforgettable?

Forced by her maniacal father, the king of the shadow elves, to live in his house and train to become his heir, newly minted princess of the paranormal Elleodora Fredricks doesn't think things could get much more complicated. On the outs with her gargoyle love interest, Jax, and confused about her relationship with her childhood sweetheart, MacLean the phoenix, Elle knows her fate decrees that her powers will manifest themselves in full on her twenty-eighth birthday, which is quickly approaching…

With help from two long-lost family members, some long-forgotten memories, and even her long-gone mother, Elle discovers there's more to being part shadow elf than she ever knew. But will she be able to harness her unique abilities in time to take revenge on her enemies? For Elle, it's all in a day's work…

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Check out the Set in Stone series: 

Click for info. 

Check out whats up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:

• 1 lucky winner will win an eBook copy of Stone Cold Revenge

To Enter:

• Please answer Jess's question: I'd love to know what you think makes a character unforgettable?
• Please fill out the Rafflecopter forms

Good Luck =)

a Rafflecopter giveaway