Interview with Lori Brighton & Giveaway!

I have an awesome guest on my blog today! Lori Brighton the author of The Mind Readers, which I reviewed a couple weeks ago HERE.Now, without further ado, here is our interview:

Ambur: Hi Lori! Thanks for stopping by my blog for this interview, I’m so glad to have you here. :)

Lori: Thank you for having me!

I’m curious, what gave you the idea for The Mind Readers?

It was in one of those moments when I wondered, ‘wouldn’t it be nice to know what he/she was thinking?’ And I paused and realized, actually, maybe it wouldn’t be so great. You’d know when people thought you looked like crap, or if you looked fat in your jeans. It would be horrible for your self-confidence!

How did you come up with your different characters? Are they based on people you know, or did they reveal themselves to you while you wrote their story? And just so you know, I absolutely loved Cam’s character, she’s a fantastic heroine!

As for my characters, no, none are based on anyone in particular, although I do take bits and pieces from reality. In the beginning of the book you have a bunch of teens who want to be popular. Let’s face, that’s completely true. Deep down we all want to be liked. Even adults. I also touch on the subject of older men seducing young girls, which, unfortunately, happens way too often in society.

First of all, I’m so glad you liked Cam! People seem to either get her or not. I’ve read reviews in which people have complained that she wasn’t strong enough. The thing is I try to give my characters some sort of weakness. A lot of readers, especially in the paranormal genre, want characters to be these strong, kick-butt heroines. And that’s great, but not exactly realistic. I try to give my characters a touch of realism; I like to see them grow. I’ve had readers write to me and say they loved how realistic my heroine, Cameron, is. They loved the fact that she grew in the story. Other’s didn’t care for her and wanted her to be kick-butt right from the beginning. As I said, I like to have a little realism.

I’ve already asked you this, but I’ll ask again so everyone can know the answer. :)

Do you have any plans for a sequel to The Mind Readers?

Yes! There will be three books in all. I’m working on the second one now, although I’m not positive when it will be out.

This is definitely a favourite question among interviews with authors, but I figured it’s always worth hearing the answer to, sorry if you get it a lot. Have you always wanted to be a writer?

No, I haven’t. lol. I’ve always had a huge imagination and I’ve always made up stories, but my grades in English weren’t great. I wasn’t flunking (had about a B average in High School), but I wasn’t at the top of my class either. The rules that went along with English class bored me and took the fun out of writing. Because I wasn’t some advanced student in English class, I figured it wasn’t in me to be a writer. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I decided to give it a try.

Being an author, I’m guessing that you love to read. So, do you have any suggestions?

                                                   

Actually, I don’t read nearly as much as I used to before I started writing. I’m so busy now, that I rarely have time. But… when I was young my favorite YA stories were The Chronicles of Narnia, Anne of Green Gables and Cynthia Voigt books.

I love the Harry Potter books! Just recently I read the Ally Carter Spy books and loved them!

I know authors aren’t supposed to play favourites with their characters, but do you have one? Or even one that you just relate better to than the others?

Well, I also write romances, but those are a little more… more intimacy, more cursing…  so for 18 years and up. But as for characters from my adult books or YA, I really don’t have a favorite. My favorite is usually the character I’m writing at the moment. I’m a little shallow like that, lol.

Did you have a playlist or a certain song that you listened to while writing The Mind Readers? I’m a big fan of author and book playlists. :)

I wish I did! But honestly, I am addicted to T.V. so if I have something on, it’s the television. I try to write in my office, where it’s quiet so I can concentrate. When I do listen to music, it’s mostly Indie bands.

Now onto a couple of random questions:

Paperback or Hardcover? Paperbacks are easier to handle. But actually, I just recently got an Ereader and that’s my new love!

Reptile or Rodent?  Both. Neither bothers me. I was a natural science interpreter and we had to handle mice and snakes.

Plane or Train? Car. When my husband drives, I can spend the trip writing on my laptopJ If I a long trip, then Plane, although they do make me a little nervous.

Slushie or Iced Coffee? Slushie. I’m not a big coffee drinker. If I drink coffee, it has to have a lot of milk and sugar. 

Cash or Cheque?  Cash or credit card.

Online or In-Store Shopping? In store! Because I work at home, when I go to the store it’s often the only time I can interact with people. Plus, with clothing, I have to try it on first.

Mind Reading or Teleporting? Or would you rather have something else?

Definitely teleporting! I love to travel. Mind reading would suck! To know when someone thought you looked fat. And even if you were able to hear the thoughts of some criminal, what could you possibly do about it? If you went to the police they wouldn’t believe you! They’d probably put you in a mental ward.

Thank you so much for this interview Lori, and thanks for sharing your amazing story with us. :)

Thanks so much for having me! 

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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!! :D

Lori has generously offered to giveaway 3 ebook copies of her book, The Mind Readers!
This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and it will run from January 24th until February 1st (ends @ midnight MST).
There are no requirements for entry, just make sure that you have written down the correct email and that you check my blog to see if you're a winner.
One entry per person, and the three winners will be chosen using random.org. They will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.


To enter this giveaway all you have to do is fill out this FORM.

****This giveaway is now closed****

Please do not leave your entries in the comments, only entries in the form will be counted. You don't have to be a follower to enter this giveaway, and there will be 3 winners! :D

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I loved having Lori on my blog! I hope you all enjoyed our interview and that you plan on entering this awesome giveaway! This story was amazing, and it's definitely one to add to your to-read lists! I'd love to here your comments on the interview, and if anyone wants to answer my random questions, I'd love to hear them! ;)

Happy Reading!!!