Author Spotlight and Giveaway with J. R. Pearse Nelson

It's been awhile since I've done an Author Spotlight - I'm determined I will be doing this more often. Today I'm featuring author J.R. Pearse Nelson. Keep reading for an interview with this author and a couple of giveaways!!!

********************************

When did you begin writing?
First of all, I’d like to thank Paranormal Opinion for having me on the blog today! I started plotting stories and naming whole casts of characters when I was a kid. I don’t know if I so much started writing, as it had me from the beginning. In 2004, I got serious – mostly because my muse had me in her grip. I worked on the same book for almost three years, but with my lack of experience, I didn’t do the story justice. I still hope to return to that book eventually, but I also come up with way more ideas than I’ll ever have time to write….so we’ll just have to see.

What's the biggest challenge of being an author?
Balancing all that goes into writing a book with all that goes into selling a book. To me, that’s the span I jumped when I became an author. I’ve been a writer for years, but I never had so many demands on my time. The writer part is far more natural for me.

About how long does it take for you to write a book?
These days, I write a first draft in anywhere from a month to four months. But it’ll be anywhere from six months to a year or more from when I start writing a book to publication. That doesn’t include plotting and world building, which I work on bit by bit for years before I begin a storyline.

How many books do you currently have published?
I’ve published two novellas in my Children of the Sidhe paranormal romance series, centered on modern-day descendants of old Irish deities. In 2012, I’ll publish the next two Children of the Sidhe books. I’ll also publish my first fantasy novel – Queen Witch – about a witch serving an immortal that does not have her best interest in mind.

Which of your characters is your favorite?
I’d have to say Alise, the female lead in my second book, Vessel. She’s a witch, and she’s pretty bad ass. (Excuse my language.)

What are some of your favorite books/authors?
The Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This is the book that got me hooked on the King Arthur legend. The Kushiel’s Legacy series by Jacqueline Carey. The world is amazing – lush with detail. Daughter of the Forest, by Juliet Marillier. I felt like I was inside a new fairy tale; this book made the real world disappear. The Harry Potter books. What can I say? They’re practically perfect in every way. Inspired.

What do you do in your spare time?
I have two little girls, ages three and one, so I don’t really have “spare time.” Ha! But I make time to write, blog, and get out around town with my family. I’m trying to make more time for reading.

What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?
I’m lucky to have my ideal career, in addition to being an author! I’m in economic research…which sounds kind of funny when you pair it up with paranormal romance, but I’ve actually worked out quite a niche for myself by capitalizing on my writing and editing skills in my day job.

What are you currently working on?
I’m writing the third book in my Chidlren of the Sidhe series, and outlining the fourth book. As soon as I finish this draft I’m going to start editing Queen Witch, the fantasy novel I wrote last fall. All three of those books will come out in 2012.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Just to keep writing through the pain of developing their craft. It takes a while to feel like a good writer, and you really have to push past any issues with pride and keep your nose to the grindstone. In my opinion, that’s true even after publication. The best use of your time is in writing your next book, and making it even better than the last – because that’s what you hope readers will be waiting for!




More About This Author
J.R. Pearse Nelson is an indie author of fantasy and paranormal romance. Her work is fast-paced, adventurous, and sometimes dark. Her novellas, Tribute and Vessel, are the first two books in the Children of the Sidhe series. While the genre of these novellas is paranormal romance, J.R. doesn't limit her reading or writing to one type of fantasy. She loves it all, from the epics to the dark beasties to the mythological, sociological side. An urban fantasy novel and two more Children of the Sidhe novellas are in the works for 2012.

J.R. is a native Oregonian, living in the beautiful Portland area. She lives with her husband, two small daughters and the family dog. Self-publishing is the realization of J.R.'s life-long dream to write fiction for an audience. You can connect with J.R. online at her blog, Twitter, and Goodreads. Visit www.jrpearsenelson.com.

********************************


The first novella in the Children of the Sidhe series.

Hazel Fintan is the reluctant daughter of the Irish love god, Aengus. As much as she loves the Sidhe lifestyle, with baubles and leisure galore, she’s never cared for her father’s world. So who could expect her to be happy when she’s drawn into a conflict with a legendary race over an impossible tribute?

The tribute may be what brought them together, but Ian MacIlroy knows destiny when it stares him in the face with stunning green eyes and a gorgeous smile. Now he has a new mission. Hazel will be his, at any cost.

Find this e-book at the following places:
Amazon
Smashwords
B&N
All Romance

********************************

Now for the giveaways!

I recently started making bottle cap necklaces, and made one with the cover of Tribute. Now, the lighting isn't the best but here is the necklace:


The author is also giving away an e-copy of Tribute!

To enter: All you need to do is leave a question or comment for the author. In your comment, let us know if you want to be entered in the necklace giveaway, the ebook giveaway, or both! The necklace giveaway is only open to U.S. residents - sorry! Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you in case you're a winner!