Author Interview: Raine Thomas

Hey Guys,

I'd love to welcome you all to read my interview with author Raine Thomas as today is the launch of her new book Defy - Book One of the Firstborn trilogy.

 Thank you, Raine, for taking the time to answer our questions here at Dream Reads.

Goodreads Summary of Defy:

Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.

Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.

Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.

As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.

 Raine Thomas

Brief bio: Raine Thomas is the author of a bestselling series of YA fantasy romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy and the upcoming Firstborn trilogy. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer's Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

And now for some Q&A/interview awesomeness with Raine Thomas:

 1. Who or what inspired you to become a writer?

I’ve always loved writing! Many teachers encouraged me along the way, and my mom has always been a great cheerleader. Probably the biggest inspiration was my cousin, though. Every summer, I’d stay with her and her family, and she’d ask me to write stories. Thanks to her, I learned how to write in a way that keeps the reader turning the pages.

2. What do you love the most about writing young adult novels?

There’s a lot to enjoy about writing YA. I think my favorite thing about it is that the characters have the bulk of their lives ahead of them. There is such promise, even for characters facing incredible challenges. That suits my love of happy endings just right!

3. Do you have a favorite young adult genre?

My favorite YA genre is paranormal romance. Love it!

4. Do you have any writers or books that inspire your work?

I love Nora Roberts’ writing. If there’s one author I aspire to be like, she’s the one! In particular, I love the way she portrays her male characters. I’ve learned a lot about character voice from reading her books.

5. What has been the biggest lesson that you have learned as a self-published/indie author?

You must, must, must have a strong social media platform. Any indie author who isn’t willing to invest their time and effort into social media is missing out on connecting with millions of potential readers…not to mention making connections with other people in the writing community!

6. What advice would you like to give to aspiring writers?

Don’t ever give up! I’ve chatted with many writers who get discouraged, and some of them have bestsellers. The key is to work through your struggles and have faith in your abilities. Write a little every day, even if it’s only a sentence. You’d be surprised how quickly those small efforts come together into a complete work.

7. You often hear that a lot of authors have writing soundtracks for each of their books. Is there any music that inspired the writing of Defy?

Yes! There were a number of songs that inspired me as I wrote Defy. A few of them were “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry, “What Doesn’t Kill You” by Kelly Clarkson, “I Run to You” by Lady Antebellum and “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper.

8. Which reading format do you prefer: Paperbacks, Hardcovers or E-books?

I’ve become addicted to my Kindle. For that reason, I have to go with E-books. I love that I can store a library of books on one device!

9. How was the book cover for Defy conceptualized?

First, I have to give huge props to Devan Edwards of Nimbi Design, who has designed all of my book covers. We both agreed that the Firstborn trilogy covers needed to have a similar feel as my Daughters of Saraqael covers, since they’re companion trilogies. Thus, I found some models that I thought resembled the main female characters as I picture them and turned them over to Devan to work her magic. However…I think I made her want to run screaming into the night when I described Tate’s hair! Fortunately, Devan is an absolute genius and made it work. ☺


10. Do you have a motto that you like to live by?

I have several, but one of the top quotes I love is, “How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live” by Henry David Thoreau. Life is too short. Live it to the fullest!

11. Are you reading anything at the moment?

I’m always reading something. lol Right now, I’m reading Tiffany King’s Meant to Be as well as conducting a beta read of another author’s high fantasy novel. I’m enjoying both!

Thanks so much for having me by for the interview, Jennifer, and for checking out Defy!

 

 

 

Defy by Raine Thomas will be released April 30th 2012 by Iambe Books. Be sure to add it to your To-Be-Read pile on Goodreads!

 Want to know more about Raine Thomas and Defy (Firstborn #1)?

Contact her @

 http://www.RaineThomas.com | http://twitter.com/Raine_Thomas
http://facebook.com/RaineThomas | http://pinterest.com/RaineThomas

http://RaineThomas.com/blog/

 

 

 

 

 

Read my book review for Defy here

 

 

Thanks for reading :)