Welcome to the Atonement Tour! Today I'm pleased to introduce to you author J.H. Cardwell, here for an interview, and a spotlight on ATONEMENT!
Tell me about yourself, and your
writing.
How long have you been writing? How
many published books do you have, and what genres? I
have been writing short stories and poems for years. I recently
decided to take on a full-length novel (recent as in earlier this
year). I have two Indie published books: Attainment and Atonement.
Both are listed in the New Adult/contemporary romance category. Since
they are based on characters in their late teens and early twenty’s,
there’s more of a light romance and lots of suspense.
Do you write in multiple genres or
just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your
genre? I feel the romance genre can be
sub-categorized into many other genres. I know my book fits into New
adult (not so much YA because I feel you need to be at least 15yo to
read it) and also in the Chick Lit as well as the romantic suspense.
One day I may venture over into fantasy/sci-fi. I have four children
(one already a teenager), and they are surely drawn to that genre.
Are you a plotter or do you write from
the seat of your pants?
I mainly plot out
my entire story outline on paper or on my virtual notes. Then I fly
by the seat of my pants to keep it interactive and fill in the blanks
of my outline.
What is a typical writing day like for
you?
My typical
writing day would be to spend the first hour or so handling email and
social media, then after a second cup of coffee, start in on the
story-line. Unfortunately, this is a dream world, and rarely happens
like this for me (only on a rainy weekend or on a vacation day).
Typically, in the real world, I wake up an hour or so before anyone
else and with a cup of coffee in hand I re-read my last few
paragraphs (always making changes) and try to add a few to the story.
Then, my real life of work, kids, carpooling, activities, etc…ensues
and I add another couple of paragraphs or chapters (on an especially
creative night) after I tuck the kids in the bed and spend a little
alone time with my hubby (of over sixteen years).
Who do you love to read? Favorite
authors, favorite books?
I have SO many
favorite authors now! I’m so thankful for e-books. I feel many
good, new authors have come to light. I love Nora Roberts, Nicholas
Sparks, Abbi Glines, Karen Kingsbury, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Scottoline,
Barbara Freethy, Kristin Hannah and many, many more! I love all books
from these authors and more. The first author I ever read was C. S.
Lewis when I fell in love with his series The Lion the Witch and the
Wardrobe in the 4th
grade. I’ve had a huge love for reading ever since!
What is something you'd like to
accomplish in your writing career next year?
So far, I have
enjoyed being an Indie author and self-publishing. There truly are
many positives to taking this route. I chose not to seek out an agent
with my first books/series. I will however, most likely pitch my
first stand-alone book of which I’ve already begun writing, to
specific agents and publishers. I am SO very excited about this
book!! It is Kristin Hannah meets Gillian Flynn. I wonderful romantic
suspense novel. So, that would be my goal and hopefully my
accomplishment. Releasing my first stand-alone in 2014 and having a
rep push it to a publisher.
If you could have one paranormal
ability, what would it be?
Hmmm, this has
been a party topic for years. It’s along the same lines of what you
would wish for if you only had one wish. This is a hard decision. I
might would say I would choose endless knowledge – to know how and
why and when to do or say anything, you know, superhuman-like.
Knowledge is power and could lead to being able to accomplish many
other tasks or abilities like discover time warps or how to become
more technically savvy!
If you could keep a mythical/
paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?
I would have a
flying, large dog (that could talk and see the future). I would want
it large enough for me to jump on its back for a quick escape and
also large enough for it to fight my physical battles for me. I would
still want him to be cuddly enough to be comforting. I love dogs -
sweet dogs! That seems very childish, but…you asked!
Tell us a little about your latest
release.
My
latest release, Atonement, is the second book in a three-part series
(not really a trilogy, because the third book has a different lead
character). It is much longer than the first book, Attainment, and
has just as many twists and turns. I love suspense in any genre, and
my favorite genre is Romance. I would encourage you to read the first
book to learn about Reese, Tate, John, and all of Reese’s best
friends. There is love, lust, even a murder following an intense date
rape prologue leading into the story. Atonement picks up right where
Attainment left off where they are most all in college. Betrayal
happens early in the story and leads Reese on a heartbreaking and
heart-mending adventure. Atonement answers the question: Does she
finally get her happily-ever-after?
What is something that you absolutely
can't live without? (Other than family members)
Another tough
one! I can’t live without my beverages! I am a coffee addict and I
crave it morning and mid-day. I also LOVE a nice glass of wine in the
evenings to unwind.
Could you ever co author a book with
someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?
Absolutely! My
brother is a writer and has co-authored many articles and novels
together with other authors. I myself have co-authored articles, but
never novels. I would choose a Romance novel with ANY of my favorite
authors! While I am a true fiction girl, I also hope to one day
co-author with my pastor, a fiction story centered around teen girls
and bullying. Although I am a mother and a nurse, I’m not sure I
could ever mentor anyone by writing a non-fiction, self-help book. I
could however, bring a story to life with make-believe characters and
hopefully save or change a life, a teenage girl’s life to be exact.
If you could spend a day with anyone
from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do?
What would you ask them?
Not to sound
cliché, but I would of course spend as long as possible taking a
walk and absorbing all there is to hear and know from Jesus. I would
ask Him to guide me to make the best possible decisions in raising my
children and in nurturing my marriage as well as caring for our
parents. I would also ask him ultimate ways to help change the world
for the better right up front; instead of so much trial and error.
What are some of your other hobbies
outside of writing?
I have many
dreams of hobbies and activities - such as traveling the world in
search of the best wine and food possible. Realistically, as real as
four kids and life will allow, I try to squeeze in time at the beach,
movies, shopping, hiking, reading, and of course writing (although I
know you said outside of writing – sorry)!!
What is something you've always wanted
to do, but haven't done yet. Why not?
I’ve always
wanted to visit my brother in London. He has been there for over 15
years and I have never been. He comes home at least twice a year, but
I haven’t been able to go there due to timing. I want to allow a
good three weeks to go, and it seems I was either pregnant, or in
training with my job, etc... to be able to produce the time necessary
to enjoy the trip.
If you were on the staff to have a
book adapted to movie, what would you pick?
Okay, don’t
think of me as too vain, but I would choose this Attainment series.
There is so much going on in these books, it would make for great
scenes – action and love.
What is a talent you wish you had, but
don't?
I wish I was
super athletic, but I’m not! I did play tennis and cheer growing
up, but I was too much of a wimp to play other real sports. My
husband is VERY athletic, so now when any of our four kids has a
wimpy moment he says “They got that from you” with a wink. I
laugh because I know it’s true. Sorry kids.
Favorite color?
Turquoise. I
always think tropical when I see it.
Weather: Hot or cold?
Definitely hot. I
love the beach and a warm sea breeze. While I love the look of snow,
I hate the wind and frigid temperatures.
Favorite place to read?
Outside on my
patio - in my glider.
Favorite meal
Ooh, maybe the
toughest question yet! I love a good fillet mignon and salad with
tasty bread! I also love Italian, Mexican, and Hibachi! The list goes
on. Reminiscently, I love any meal my Grandma used to make.
Favorite non-alcoholic drink.
Coffee. But if
you mean with a meal, water, hands down. I have it with everything.
Not only is it free at most restaurants, it goes with everything!
If you could travel anywhere and do
anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?
My ultimate dream
would be to travel the United States first on a private jet with my
family and a couple of babysitters/nannies/tutors of course. Then I
would go global. London would be my first stop, then Paris, then the
list goes on! If money was no object, I would travel to lower income,
less privileged areas and provide them clothing, non-generic foods
and cosmetics, and the chance for education, all the while watching
the look of peace and hope fill their faces!! What a dream!
Attainment
Series Book Two
By:
J.H. Cardwell
Blurb
Reese
Stanford is off to college at Wake Forest with her loving boyfriend,
Tate Justice…or is she? When trust issues arise regarding Tate’s
behavior, she turns to none other than her beautiful past - the beach
god, John Rider who is conveniently available and still waiting. Will
it be enough drama for John to finally have her forever, or will
other shocking revelations and dark discoveries keep Reese from
becoming his life-long dream? Will Tate ever be able to win her love
back?
Betrayal,
anger, lust, and love fuel the future of Reese causing unexpected
twists and turns on her long-awaited road to happiness. Will undying
love conquer after all? Can Reese remain true to herself?
Buy
Links
Link
to Follow Tour:
http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/11/now-booking-tasty-virtual-book-tour-for_12.html
Author
Info
Julie
has spent years in the medical field. The first few as a Cardiac
Specialty Nurse, and over the last decade as a Pharmaceutical and
Medical Sales Representative. She has gathered mounds of experience
both personally and professionally to pour into her long time
passion…writing. After years of power points in the corporate
world, she is finally pursuing literary fiction/New
Adult/Contemporary romance with her first novel, Attainment, and
the now released sequel Atonement. The third book in the series,
Chloe, will be released in 2014. Julie resides in a small town in NC
with her husband and four children. She continues working full time
in sales, exploring her writing late at night and in the wee hours of
the morning when her children are tucked safely in bed.
Author
Links
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ATTAINMENT SERIES)
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