Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Interview and Giveaway Chasing the Sun by Sasha Abernathy



Tell us a little about your latest or upcoming release. 

Chasing the Sun is the first book in the Earth Relic Series. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Terran, a young windowed horticulturist, finds her life turned inside out when she meets the new local art gallery owner, Aiden. It’s a story of hope and mythology, dreams and nightmares.

Are you a mom? 

Yep! I’ve got the two best little boys on the planet! They are my inspiration, motivation, and the reason for my graying hair. J

If yes do you find it hard to juggle writing and parenting?

The hardest part of writing is taking the time to write and taking the time for my family. 

People sometimes call it a need for ‘balance.’ I say it’s a need to sacrifice. Either way, you are giving up something you love to do for something you love.  This is why the majority of my book was written on the commuter train, in the bathtub, or with a toddler on my lap.

Have you ever based your book or characters on actual events or people from your own life? 

I lived in Anchorage, Alaska where the book is set, so I used a lot of my time there to inspire me. Alaska is one place everyone should visit. It is amazing. Many of the characters are rooted in the people that I know or grew up with, so it was so easy to expand on them. I also took some of my worst fears, (like going crazy or being buried alive) and some of my greatest dreams, (like attending a masquerade gala) and used them to inspire me.

Is there a theme or message in your work that you would like readers to connect to? 

I didn’t write it with a message intended, but I think one developed. Terran, the main character has gone through some pretty tough things. But, the one thing she holds on to is hope. I guess I’d have to say that is the message: Never give up on hope.

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you? 

I’m a little bit more obsessed with Dr. Who than I should be. J

When you’re not writing what do you do? Do you have any hobbies or guilty pleasures? 

When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my mischievous and big-hearted sons. I just can’t get enough of them.

Which romance book or series (or other genre, if you don’t write romance) do you wish you had written? 

I love The Fever Series by Karen Moning. She took what would seem to be an ordinary girl from a small town and set her in this world of wonder, fear, and passion. It’s one of my favorite series, for sure.

Is there a genre(s) that you’d like to write that you haven’t tackled yet? 

Yes. I’d love to write a suspense novel. I actually have an idea outlined and I can’t wait to get started.

Of all the characters you’ve ever written, who is your favorite and why? 

In Chasing the Sun, Seth is my favorite character. I really focus on one side of him in this first novel, but my idea and outline of who he is complex and exciting.

If this book is part of a series…what is the next book? Any details you can share?

I’m currently working on the second book of The Earth Relic series, which is loads of fun. I’m having a blast with my established characters. I’ve also introduced a few characters fond of 80’s punk fashion. They are a blast to develop! It’s an amazing feeling to be so enamored by your story.

The Phoenix Rises takes place a few weeks after the end of Chasing the Sun. Terran’s eyes have now been opened to a new world, but she’s still trying to grasp the responsibility that has been bestowed upon her. And when a not so nice someone from her past shows up, she’s torn. Should she help him? Here’s the first couple paragraph’s (with a sentence or two of spoilers omitted.)

Fists ready, I danced on the balls of my bare feet, anticipating his next move. We had been at this for what felt like hours, and my body grew weary. The training room now felt muggy and twenty degrees warmer. Drops of sweat rolled down my face, pasting the black curls that had escaped from my ponytail to my cheeks. The tickle of the curling tips was distracting, but my determination was unwavering and the stakes high: cleaning duty for the next week.
With a quick snap, his fist came at me with the swiftness of a cobras strike. I dropped and rolled as taught, but the edge of his knuckles nicked the tip of my ear and stung like a thousand pissed off bees.

“Come on!” I yelled in irritation, shaking my head and willing myself to focus. I was better than this.

His half smile curled up the right side of his face and only fueled my anger. Marlo, in all his gangly glory, stood before me, amusement oozing out of every pore. His gloating wasn’t unwarranted since I had yet to best him, but it was annoying.

What is next for you? Do you have any scheduled upcoming releases or works in progress? 

I’m currently working on the second book of The Earth Relic series, which is loads of fun. I’m having a blast with my established characters. You get to see so much more of them. I’ve also introduced a few characters fond of 80’s punk fashion! It’s an amazing feeling to be so enamored by your story. I can’t wait to continue the story of Terran and share it with you in the near future.

What book are you reading now?  

Right now, I’m reading the Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner. It’s a suspense that a friend of mine told me was a must read. So far, I’m really enjoying it.

Chasing the Sun
An Earth Relic Novel
Book 1
Sasha Abernathy

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crimson Frost Books
Date of Publication: October 21, 2014

ISBN: TBD
ASIN: TBD

Cover Artist: Suzannah Safi

Book Description:

Hunted by Chaos. Protected by Death. Guided by Fire.

Terran is now the key to a world she never knew existed.

Normal was what Terran did best – house, job, dog, friends – rinse and repeat. She never knew demigods existed, or that you could journey to other realms, manipulate nature with your mind, or that the dead weren’t really gone at all, but instead existed in the Underworld. No, she lived the mundane life of any twenty-seven-year-old Alaskan girl…until she met Aiden, the complicated and gorgeous new local art gallery owner.

As their fiery relationship evolves into something more, Terran finds herself surrounded by a world of nightmares and gods, when the mysterious Aiden proves to be more than a simple man. Soon, Terran finds that she is not so simple herself. As an ancient evil threatens to escape and unleash all Hell, Terran must dive into a magical world she never knew existed to save them all…even if that means giving up her life to do it.



Excerpt 2:

"Looking for someone in particular, or just attempting to learn some new dance moves?" I turned to the side to find Seth, drink in hand, smiling at me. This man had all the confidence in the world and there was no doubt as to why.
"No one in particular, no." I smiled biting the edge of my lip in an attempt to appear flirty before going back to my empty drink. Damn. Do I really need another glass? My heart raced and stomach dropped. I was tipsy, and tipsy was dangerous.
Seth chuckled like he knew I was lying, but was too polite to say so. "I see," he replied, with a mock frown. "You see," he continued as he leaned in close enough to only have to whisper. "I secretly hoped you were looking for me."
I turned my face towards his, and now we were only inches apart. He smelled of fresh cloves and the sky right after a long rainfall. I didn't know how to respond, so I went with a breathy, nearly inaudible sound mimicking the word, "oh."
"May I have this dance?” he asked, a seriousness still on his face as he extended his hand. I didn't answer, but instead put my drink down and let him escort me to the floor. Seth walked me out towards the center and then held me close. The tempo of the music didn't matter. His intent was to hold me and he didn't seem like a man that heard no often.
A heat radiated from within me. From deep down, an energy pulsed. How could he have such an effect on me? He held me close and firm. It comforted and excited me at the same time.  I finally relaxed and nestled in closer. It was only a dance, I might as well enjoy it. Our lives were worlds apart. If I were honest, this would most likely be the last time I saw him unless I was tending to his yard.
"You look ravishing tonight, Terran." Seth’s slight British accent made his words even more enticing.
"Thank you,” I said, shyness crept over me as I bowed my head so I didn’t have to look him in the eyes.
"Your makeup and jewelry are remarkable. However this stone doesn't do your other necklace justice. Your father had impeccable taste."
I was sort of confused by the change in topic, but I didn't care. A gorgeous man held me and told me I was the beautiful one.
"You are special. Do you know that, Terran?" He stopped our dancing and moved his hand from the small of my back to the side of my face, cupping my cheek and placing the barest touch of his thumb on my lips. My mouth parted as the energy inside me grew and blossomed. His eyes bore into mine as we stared at one another.
Then, without warning, he withdrew his hand and placed it on my back again, motioning me to dance.
"Do you have plans for next Saturday?"
"I don't think so, no." A date?
"I have a dinner party to attend at Mr. and Mrs. Parker's home Saturday afternoon. Would you please be my guest? I promise to take you out somewhere pleasant afterward." He laughed. I guess he wasn't too fond of them either. "You would make it so much better. I'd love to spend more time with you."
My eyes widened and I didn't know what to say. This would be my first date since I lost the boys.
"Please?" he asked and placed his hand on my face again, only this time he leaned in closer. I was frozen and couldn’t move. Shock crept over me along with the glow of my skin. And as he reached in and placed the barest of kisses on my cheek whispering, "please" once again, I could feel a pulse of energy form around us. I looked to the other dancers and no one seemed to notice, so it must have been in my head. It was a small rush of power, but tasted as sweet as the power had tasted in the woods.



About the Author:

Born in Germany to a Puerto Rican mother and All-American Military father, who saw fit to give her a Russian name, Sasha Abernathy has always loved storytelling, traveling, and doing all things silly. Raised in Oklahoma, but eventually moving everywhere from Alaska to Spain, Sasha has finally settled in the beautiful state of Colorado. With her loving husband, two wild sons, and neurotic labradoodle, Sasha is surrounded by way too much testosterone and escapes through her mysteriously whimsical and romantic novels.




Twitter: @EarthRelic

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1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks for having me! :)