Q&A Interview and Giveaway with Laura Burks

Hello Book Monsters and Literal Addicts, Book Monster Reviews and LITERAL ADDICTION are very pleased to welcome up-coming author Laura Burks to our sites today.

Laura writes young adult/paranormal romance novels.  Her first book, "Altered", was just released on September 1, 2011.  Laura has an amazing bio on her website, and we figured we’d leave it as is and post it here so you all can get to know her a little bit better….

"If you're wondering how I became a novel writer, well, sometimes I wonder that myself. As a child, reading was only good if I enjoyed the book. But like I said, I was a child. Thanks to the subject of English, reading and writing stories sparked a creative side, but remained just that ... a small spark. I had no idea what was brewing below the surface.

As I grew, I kept a diary (or in my case, notebook) where I would write my deepest thoughts, reading more like a short story rather than an outline. To me, those words spread across the page looked like a masterpiece ... refrigerator material. But it was a diary, so closed it stayed.

I always thought my Real Job would be in decorating, which I still love to do, but I've learned in my years that you can be interested in more than one thing, and be successful. You see, to me, success is not when everyone else knows it; it's when you know it. When you really feel it deep down inside that you've accomplished what you set out to do. Then, and only then, are you successful. Maybe that word should be changed to 'happy.'

My first real writing began as the creator of a monthly business newsletter. With the start of public speaking and being in charge of those speeches, the spark soon turned into a flame. Not long after, freelance writing as well as poetry tagged along for the ride.

Writing my first young adult novel and becoming a published author is not who I am, but something I did. I don't believe a person should be defined strictly by what you "do." You are more than that. Every talent and opportunity you've been given is bigger than just yourself. I can honestly tell you that the journey of writing my first book has been fun, scary, and at times left me wondering what the heck I was doing, but most of all, it's been a blessing. I've met and become friends with the most humble, caring, and talented people in the world. I've walked a mile in someone else's shoes and knew that she walked in mine. I've learned how to dig into my patience box and find I still had some left. And ... I've learned how to trust more. Trust the path I've been put on and the people that tell me "you can do it."

So, when asked, "Will you continue to write?" You bet I am. Not because I have to, but because I love the journey. In fact, two more works are in progress. One of which, I'm so excited to say, is a shared project with my daughter.  

I began Altered in March, 2009. Like most writers, I had an idea that wouldn't let me go. Two years later, and a lot of "keep your chin up" moments during revisions, editing, shopping the agent market, learning how to pursue the agent market (and the list goes on!) I saw those precious words from Wings ePress offering me a contract for both print and electronic publishing. Quite simply, it was a WOW moment. 

What do I do when I'm not reading or writing? First, and most importantly, I'm a wife and mother, which is a full-time job by itself. During the school year, I teach "Get Real About Violence" through the Boys & Girls Club in our local elementary schools. There's nothing like the feeling of giving back to my community and know I'm making a difference. Two months out of the year, I work with middle school students in our Youth Legislature program. Yes, politics. I never thought I'd be involved in that area, but it's interesting to see the children learn the process and still want more. 

My southern roots run deep and keep me grounded in the same town I was born and raised in. I live each day with my husband, Dean, and our two teenagers, Michael and Michelle. Of course the house wouldn't be complete without our two dogs and a cat that reminds us everyday how this is his home. Being an only child, I'm blessed to still have both my parents, Johnny and Mary Ann. They've carried me more times than I can count.

I'm surrounded by people I call my friend and who call me theirs. The shoulder of my friend and amazing critique partner, Beth, must have a dent by now.  And I'm a member of a talented writers group, HeartLa. They allow me to soak up all their knowledge like a sponge."

Like we mentioned earlier, Laura's first book, "Altered" -- a young adult/paranormal romance novel --was just released on September 1, 2011.  Let's take a look at the synopsis to see what the book is all about….

"Altered"  synopsis-

All eighteen-year-old Jenna wants to do is have a slow paced and predictable summer in the small town of New Roads with her grandfather. But on Friday the thirteenth, the unpredictable occurs when she mysteriously hears a voice leading her to a buried book. Jenna is unaware that a secret curse lies within and she's just unleashed its hold.
As writings appear in the book strangely matching her vivid dreams, Jenna's curious nature takes over pulling her deeper into the mystery and the connection to her family. What she didn't expect to find was a forbidden love and a choice to save a life.
Will Jenna's choice remain a secret? Or did the secret choose her? 

DON'T FORGET:  Laura will be chatting with us Live over on the LITERAL ADDICTION Website's (Contact Us Page) http://www.literaladdiction.com/contact-us.php#/general/ from 8-9pm EST.

Sounds great, right!?  Let's get started with the interview so we can learn more about Laura and her book…

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION:  Hi Laura!  We’re happy to have you with us today!  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to drop by and spend some time with us!

Laura:  Thanks for having me. I’m very excited to be here.

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION:  We’d like to start out by getting to know you a little bit better.

Q1):   Can you tell us 3 things about yourself that we can't find out on the internet, in your bio, etc?

Laura: Hmm … three things.

1.    If you play “Pirates of the Caribbean Scene It” against me, you’ll probably loose. I’m a big fan of the movies, and an even bigger fan of Johnny Depp.

2.    I married my high school sweetheart at the age of 21 and we have two children. One age 16 and one age 20. We’ve been told our family should have our own reality TV show. It seems our house is very comical and fun – never a dull moment.

3.    I have a sweet tooth, especially for dark chocolate.

2)  What do you love to do when you're not writing?  Do you have any special hobbies or interests?

Laura:  I love spending time with my family just hanging out or watching movies. We own a boat, and as of this summer, we learned how to wakeboard. Well, some of us did. I think I have a new hobby now! I also love to decorate, play with our two dogs and our cat who thinks he’s human. One of my favorite things to look forward to is vacation. We’re all Disney nuts, so every summer that’s one of the places we go. Walking the parks always puts me in my “happy” place.

3)  Who are some of your favorite authors and what books are in your TBR list?

Laura: One of my all-time favorite authors is Mitch Albom. He has such a way with tugging at your heart. But my list wouldn’t be complete without adding Nicholas Sparks, Sarah Dessen, Gayle Forman, Amy Efaw, Stephenie Meyer, and so many more. On my TBR list, I have three Sarah Dessen books waiting on my nightstand.

4)  What inspired you to start writing in the young adult/paranormal romance genre?

Laura: My favorite genre to read is young adult romance and any sub-genre of young adult, so it was a no-brainer to write what I love to read. I’d say in today’s market, there are more adults reading young adult books that ever before. It’s relatable and has an edge that draws you in.

When I came up with the idea of Altered, the paranormal element just fit. Most people think paranormal is only vampires or witches, but it’s so much more than that. In Altered, Jenna, the eighteen-year-old main character, finds a cursed book that mysteriously writes on foggy nights. Not only are the writings haunting her from the pages of the book, but her dreams are like messengers matching the writings. There are cursed people in Altered as well, so all of this gives the paranormal element. She also falls in love and struggles with listening to her heart, and her grandfather. The romance and feeling of first love begins in chapter one all the way to the end. Then you have the mystery element. Altered is a young adult paranormal romance mystery. I know its mouth full, but the mystery of the curse is just as solid as the paranormal.

4)  Who or what has influenced your writing and why?

Laura:  My family has always encouraged me to write. They saw something in me I didn’t see in myself. For me, I enjoyed writing short stories, poems, and freelance articles, but the idea of writing a book, well, that was for other people. Then, an idea of a story seemed just as real to me as if I were already reading the book. Of course, I’ve never written a manuscript, so learning the process was so much more than just writing an idea. I had to learn how to show emotion and make the reader feel a connection to the characters. I love books written in first person. That’s why I chose to write Altered in first person. I wanted the reader to get inside her head instead of being an outsider looking in.

I can also tell you that a certain song inspired me in many ways – Nickelback’s “Far Away.” The more I listened to that song, the more I could feel and even see the relationship and how it fit two of my main characters. When you write, inspiration comes from many different places such as, people, songs, your own memories or personal experiences. Writing is very much a self discovery in so many ways.

5)  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Laura: For Altered, keeping up with the mystery element and making sure the time-line all matched. With the book being cursed and Jenna’s dreams acting as messages, I had to make sure everything fit. Even with the dialogue, I paid very close attention not to give too much away too soon. Still, the most challenging part of writing for me had to be the editing and trying to figure out what stays and what gets wiped out.

6)  Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Laura: Yes. The main guts of the story are about second chances, trust and love.

7)  Can you please give us a little more detail about "Altered"?

Laura:  Of course. Altered is set in a small town in Louisiana, but that’s the only element of southern in the book. Sorry, no southern slang in this one. The main character, Jenna, is spending the summer with her grandfather in his hometown when she mysteriously hears someone call her name. It’s in that moment she’s led to discover a cursed book. Only Jenna doesn’t know it’s cursed. She not even sure she believes in curses - at least not until she lives one. Here’s what’s written on the book trailer video. I think it sums up Altered perfectly:

 Hearing her name started it all…

For eighteen year old Jenna Larson, spending the summer falling in love should be normal. But when she finds a cursed book capable of secret writings and a hidden message, finding a way to alter the curse to save a life changed everything. Only Jenna’s choice may have already chosen her.

8)  What are some other projects you have in the works?

Laura:  I have two more young adult books in the works. As of now, neither is paranormal, but that could change. I’m also considering writing the screenplay for Altered.

9)  What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

Laura:  Don’t give up and don’t let anyone discourage you. If you have the dream, then go for it. You’ll never know just what you can accomplish unless you try.

10)  Is there anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

Laura:  Absolutely! There are literally thousands of books to choose from, whether new or old, so to choose my work is truly a humbling moment. To pick up a book from a new and unknown author is where it all begins. If it weren’t for those that make that choice, Altered would still be sitting in my computer for my eyes only. Thanks for sharing my dream with me.

Laura , again, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk with us.  We hope to have you on Book Monster and LITERAL ADDICTION again in the future.

Laura:  Thank you for having me on your blogs. It’s been a blast and I’d love to come back again. I’d also like to give an imaginary high-five for both blogs. Great job and keep up the good work!

If you would like to find out more about Laura and her books, you can visit her at any of the sites below.

Laura's Website:  http://lauraburks.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Burks-author-of-Altered/239915156042141

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CONTEST:  Laura is giving away an eBook copy of her new book "Altered".

To Enter, Post a comment on the interview and make sure you leave a valid email address. Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing. You must also be a follower of the BMR blog. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!