Rita Webb, author of Playing Hooky, Interview & Giveaway!

Today I have the lovely Rita Webb, author of Playing Hooky (which I reviewed earlier this week) on my blog for an interview...and at the end of this post, you'll also find a giveaway. :)

And here's the interview:

Hey Rita! Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog today! :D
Thank you for having me! *looks around* You have such pretty décor here—bright colors and glittering stars—mmmm, and I love this comfy chair.

While Playing Hooky is a novella, it’s definitely not a little story and leaves the reader wanting more. Did you plan the first book in your Paranormal Investigations series to be a novella, or is that just how it worked out?
Yes, I planned it to be a novella. I’m working on a longer story with my husband (not part of Paranormal Investigations), and while it is his turn to write, I want something to work on. Plus, I desperately need a short, fun project to keep me sane . . . though my husband would say sanity is overrated.

Playing Hooky was a great start to a series, so what we expect from the Paranormal Investigations series? Are you working on the next one already…and if you are, can you share any details with us?
STEALING HEARTS is the next book, in which a heart-shaped pendant gets stolen, and as Jason and Emma pursue the thief, I delve deeper into the world where Jason is from and his heritage.

Playing Hooky is written in alternating points of view between Emma and Jason, do you plan to continue writing the rest of the series that way?
Yes, I think it brings balance to the story. I originally wrote the story in Emma’s perspective, then went back to edit some scenes into Jason’s. But Jason was actually the easier one to write. Maybe that is because Jason is me, only as a man, and Emma is my hubby, only as a woman. Gave me plenty of material to draw from.
However, he greatly objects to being called Emma or being compared to her in any way. I’m sure she’d say the same thing.

Adding onto that last question, I’m kind of curious on the writing process for alternating point of views. How do you get into the mind frames of both characters? 
  When I was younger, I loved studying astrology personality traits, and now that I’m writing, I use that with my characters. Emma is Aquarian (since her birthday is Valentine’s Day), and Jason is Sagittarian (like me).

I absolutely loved Emma and Jason, and I really enjoyed the stories about their childhood. Would you ever consider writing prequels or short stories that shared some of the shenanigans they got into as children?
Absolutely! I’ve planned this series around the idea of frequent releases full of smaller stories that add up to a bigger one. The more we can get of Emma and Jason, the better.

You’ve managed to bring together a wide range of supernatural creatures in Playing Hooky, how did you pick and choose which ones you would focus on?
Before I wrote one word, I planned a whole world of paranormal creatures and interesting personalities. Since Playing Hooky has to do with a circus, I decided which characters and creatures were appropriate for this plot line.

I really want to ask some questions about Jason…but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read Playing Hooky yet…so can you maybe tell us a bit about what he’s either going through right now or has gone through while trying to find out more about his past?
Jason is half human, half . . . something else, and this something else wars with his human side. Every year, he has to visit Mama Maria’s (a crazy witch who lives in Anchorage) bookstore, where she brews him a potion to keep his two halves in balance. But if you know anything about crazy witches, you can’t be too certain that her brews are safe.

You had a few references to books in Playing Hooky, so I’m curious, what kinds of books do you like to read? And do you have any books you’d recommend?
So many great books out right now!
In Playing Hooky, I referenced Laini Taylor and her bright and beautiful pink hair, and I loved her book The Daughter of Smoke and Bone. But have you read The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater? I really can’t wait for the next book in that series!

Cinda Williams Chima, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, and Jim Butcher. Favorites. Paranormal, Urban-Fantasy, and Fantasy!!! Both adult and YA—just give me magic!

But I recently read Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill, a fun contemporary, and realized that there is magic in storytelling, no matter what the genre or setting.
A big fan of books. That’s me.

Thanks for answering my questions, Rita! :D
And thank you for having me and allowing me to sit in this comfy, cozy chair of yours!

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About Rita Webb:

Leaving the house to go to school, I had schoolbooks spilling out of one hand, the other holding my place in a Nancy Drew novel, and bunny slippers still on my feet. My mom was a wee bit upset.

I haven't changed much. Still always have a book (or two) in my hand or creating stories in my head, and although I don't have any bunny slippers, I love writing in my jammies and snuggly slipper socks.

When I grow up (maybe a hundred years from now), I'd like to be a superhero, but for now, saving the day, one page at a time, suits me just fine.

With my husband TJ (my own cuddly werewolf), I home-school our three girls, who keep us busy with art, science projects, books to read, dance classes, and walks about the park.

Connect with the author: Website | Goodreads | Twitter |Facebook

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About Playing Hooky:

Valentine’s Day.

And my 21st birthday.

Whoop-de-doo.

Just another college day full of classes and more homework than is humanly possible.

…until Jason, my best-friend-since-kindergarten, shows up to take me out for the day.

Like old times: the two of us on a wacky adventure, playing hooky from real life. With his lopsided grin and tickets to a circus full of misfits and monsters, he introduces me to a whole new world—one full of magic and mystery—and turns my reality upside down.

Except nothing goes as planned, and we end up running through the city to find a missing siren before someone brews a love potion with her blood.

Sirens and love potions, witches and elves, and Valentine kisses. Nothing will be the same for me again.

Purchase Links:

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And last, but certainly not least, I have a giveaway for you! One lucky winner will receive an ebook of Playing Hooky! :D

Here are the details:

- INTERNATIONAL

- 1 Winner will win an ebook of Playing Hooky!

- Ends March 15 at 11:59 PM (MST)

- Winner will be chosen with Rafflecopter and notified by email (winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize).

TO ENTER FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

So, what do you think??