FAMILY MAGIC by Patti Larsen {Interview/Giveaway}

 

Family Magic by Patti Larsen is a young adult paranormal novel that won 1st place in  World's Best Story contest and is published by Premiere. The tour runs August 3-31 with mostly reviews as well as author interviews and guest posts. Check out the tour page for more information.

Her mom’s a witch, her dad’s a demon and she just wants to be ordinary. But, when an insidious evil comes after her family, Sydlynn Hayle has to choose to be the normal girl she craves or step up, embrace her magic and save her coven from disaster.

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*What would you be doing right now if you were not an author?

I have a variety of interests, most creative, but recently rediscovered my love of horses. I think I’d either be working in film and television as I meant to before writing my first YA book or training magnificent equines. Maybe both.

*5 years ago: what were you doing?

Writing full time! I’m happy to say I was lucky enough to sell my business and commit myself to this amazing life the beginning of 2010 and haven’t looked back even for an instant.

*Do you have a certain writing ritual?

I do. As a hard-core outliner and teacher, I follow a certain method constantly evolving from my training in traditional literature fed by journalism and screenwriting. The process allows me to flesh out ideas quickly and thoroughly and frees me to write at the speed the voices demand. I love it and am grateful for it.

*What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

It’s old criticism, actually. Heard years ago, that I wasn’t good enough. And, honestly, I wasn’t. My skills were still developing, though I understand now my storytelling gift was already firmly in place. It’s taken a long time for all the pieces to come together, which is why I tell writers starting out to never, ever quit. The skills can be learned—the spark of creativity can’t.

*Ever fangirled over another author? Who was it?

JK Rowling. I adore her. She is not only amazing as a writer and storyteller, but as a businesswoman. I can’t say enough about how in awe I am of her. That being said, I’d love to sit and have coffee (tea!) with her and ask her questions, hopefully coherently and without losing my decorum in the process.

*Is there an author you'd like to meet?

JK, absolutely. Stephen King—his horror writing and absolute understanding of human nature has shaped me as a writer. And, though he’s gone now, David Eddings. I’d love to tell him how much his work saved me as a teen.

*Biggest writing pet peeve?

Being told as writers we suck if we like our own work. You know what? Doctors aren’t told that. Business people. Anyone else but creators. I think you have to love your own work. Why else are we doing it?

* Do you read other's reviews of your books?

Occasionally, but mostly for marketing purposes, like if I’m looking for quotes and things. Honestly, I honor every review, because that person took the time to think about and then write about their experience in the world I created. But their opinion is theirs—and intended for other readers, not for me. So I try to leave them to their audience. However, if I stumble on one that makes me laugh or touches me, I’ll read and comment, often with a thank you, even if it’s a low star, because that person’s words reached me in a way that means a great deal.

Fav Color

Family Magic blue. I have a dress and jewelry in that color, a tattoo with that blue. I’m a fanatic over it.

Fictional Character you'd like to spend the day with?

Syd from Family Magic. Oh. My. Swearword. I’d hug her and hug her and never, ever let her go. Now I’m crying.

Fav food

I was recently at the UtopYA convention in Nashville and stumbled on chocolate caramel popcorn. Now I’m drooling and dying for more. Thank goodness they don’t make it here!

Fav song and/or singer

P!nk. I adore her. Right now, her fave of mine is Crystal Ball, though anything of hers makes me sing along. And Taylor Swift. Because T-Swizzle. All the feels for that woman.

Guilty pleasure

Coffee. I spent most of my life not liking it. Just started drinking it recently and now I’m a two cup a day fanatic.

Patti is an award-winning author with a passion for the paranormal. Now with multiple series in happy publication, she lives in Canada with her patient husband and six demanding cats.

www.pattilarsen.com |  Twitter @PattiLarsen

5 paperback copies of Family Magic (US/CA) and a $25 Amazon gift card (INT)

Ends Aug. 6th

Hosts are not responsible for prizing, prizing is provided by the publisher.

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