Blog Tour-Interview with Angela Henry and 2 Giveaways!

Today I'd like to welcome to the blog Angela Henry, the author of the Paris Secret, an adult mystery novel set in Paris.  As her Kizmet blog tour is coming to end end, she has done an interview with me and has some big prizes to giveaway!

The publishing process can be long and arduous, from writing the initial draft of a book to selecting cover art to waiting for those first reviews to roll in.  What's the most exciting part of the process for you?


The most exciting part of the writing process for me in when I'm writing that first draft and an idea hits me out of the blue that takes the story to another level.  Sometimes it's a new subplot other times it's a change in a character's motivation.  The coll part is that I never know exactly where the idea will take me until I start writing.

How much sway did you have in the process of creating the cover of the book?


Of all my books, I've had the most input on the cover for the Paris Secret.  My publisher, Carina Press, had me fill out a cover art fact sheet where I answered questions about my characters looks, setting, what other covers and images I liked.  I was able to make suggestions on what I wanted it to look like.  When I saw it I was so surprised and happy because they gave me exactly the over I asked for.  The Paris Secret is so cross genre and I think the cover really conveys that well.

Are you ever surprised how a scene works out when you're writing it or how a character winds up acting in a scene?


Always.  I usually have a vague idea of how things are going to work when I start writing.  By the time I'm finished, it's never exactly how I envisioned it.  My characters don't always do what I want them to.

What is your favorite scene and character in the book?


My favorite character is actually Simon's smart and sassy 13 year-old goddaughter, Francoise.  I just think she's a hoot.  My favorite scene is when Maya and Simon have to go to a hair salon to try and retrieve a dress.  Maya is furious with Simon because of something she finds out from Francoise and he can't figure out what's wrong with her.

I read in your book that you got the idea for the Paris Secret while on vacation?  Is vacation where most of your inspiration comes from or other places as well?


The Paris Secret is actually the only book inspired by a vacation.  My inspiration comes from lots of places: dreams, new stories, and personal experiences just to name a few.

When in your life did you decide to become a writer?


I decided I wanted to be a writer when I was in my teens.  But I didn't attempt to write my first novel until I was in my late twenties.  Up until then I'd only ever written short stories.

It must be hard to find time to relax when you're so busy writing, but everyone needs a break.  Is there a particular genre or author you enjoy reading when you're not writing?


I love "time slip" novels where character either travel back in time like in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series or featuring two heroines who are connected through time by an object, like in Kate Mosse's Labyrinth and Christi Phillips's The Devlin Diary.  I also love dark, edgy YA and middle grade mystery and adventure novels.

I would like to thank Angela for conducting this interview! It has been a great pleasure and it was really fun doing my first ever interview!


The Grand Prize Giveaway!



Angela has a huge grand prize that she is giving away on her blog on Tuesday, July 26, 2011!  The grand prize consists of a beautiful Eiffel Tower pendant, delicious lip gloss, a signed poster, The Paris Secret music playlist and an Audible gift card good for two audio book downloads! WOW! That's a huge prize pack!  For your chance to win, you answer to the following question in my comments section will be valid for one entry!

Every good story must come to an end.  But not every story ends happily ever after.  Do you prefer endings that are tempered with loss or unfulfilled wishes?  Or are you someone who reads a good story FOR the happily ever after?


Rules:

1. In order to win the grand prize pack, you must answer at least one question in the comments of any of the tour stops. You may answer as many of the questions as you like, for up to 15 entries in the tour.  Only one answer per tour stop will be considered valid.
2. No purchase, affiliation, status as follower to a certain blog or any other association is required to enter.
3. Full rules for the contest can be found at The Paris Secret's tour home page.
4. Winner of the Grand Prize pack giveaway will be announced on Angela's homepage on Tuesday, July 26.

For your chance to enter the giveaway 14 more times, please visit The Paris Secret's tour home page for a complete list of all the participating blogs! GOOD LUCK!!

As part of the Kizmet blog tour, each participating blog gives away an e-copy of The Paris Secret!  Fill out the form below for your chance to win! The giveaway is open until midnight of Saturday, July 23, 2011. One entry per person.