Book Blitz: Fun Facts about Changes Vol.1, (Family Portrait) by Gillian Felix - and a Giveaway too!

Welcome to my stop on the Changes Vol. 1, (Family Portrait) by Gillian Felix blog tour! Check out the book below and then read on for some fun facts!

About the book:

Title: Changes Vol. 1,(Family Portrait)

Author: Gillian Felix

Publication Date: July 25, 2013

Synopsis:

Adriana Banovic’s 15th birthday sucked! She got fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him—even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.

In this young adult novel, you’ll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana’s father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother’s disappearance. You’ll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack. You’ll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?

This novel is NOT for children, it contains strong language, reference to drug use and sexual situations, this novel is meant for mature teens and adults.

Fun facts about Changes Vol. 1, (Family Portrait):

Writing Adriana’s character was fun and challenging because she is such a minx. It’s tricky because she shares the leading role with Leighann, who is sweet, and kind—they are polar opposites of each other. They both grew up in the entertainment industry but that’s about all they have in common. Adriana makes no apologies for who she is, she is reckless and wild and I’m sure some readers will hate her. It is only later on in the series you get to really see why she is the way she is.

Even though Leighann was a bigger star than Adriana, she was more protected by her mother. Savi may have her ways, but she shielded Leighann from a lot of the outside world. So when Leighann defies her and ventures out into the ‘real world’, she begins to see how scary things can get.

Leighann’s fascination with the ‘real world’ is based on the fact that she has never had a ‘normal’ life. She sits in the tour bus and looks at the fans through the one way glass and thinks that their life is so easy, and she longs for that. She wants to meet a boy, go to the movies, and do things normal teenagers do.

Westwood Academy of Higher Learning is a super school on steroids as one reviewer described it: “we mustn't forget the whole larger-than-life high school scene on steroids in a world where appearances often mean more than substance”

The school is high tech and ridiculously over the top with chef catered lunches, marble floors, digital lockers, Jacuzzi. Seriously, I’d want to go to that school. How does any body get any studying done?

Astrid Wilson is the Kim Kardashian of Westwood Academy. She decks out in Prada and all the latest designs by the hottest designers. No body can throw a hissy fit like Astrid. When Adriana returns to Westwood Academy, Astrid’s status is threatened especially where her boyfriend Warren is concerned.

Family Portrait is based on a television series I had written. The script got lots of interest in Hollywood but nothing came of it, so I decided to turn it into a book series. I have two seasons, 24 episodes of the television series already written.

Book two combines a couple episodes from the script. Changes Vol. 1 is equivalent to the pilot episode—it introduces the audience to the characters. The script for television was meant for prime time so I had to tone it down—a lot. The book is the raw version—drug use, foul language, sexual situations. The characters can get away with a lot more in the book than they could on screen, which is good for Adriana and her brother, Kevin’s character, because later in the series they really get naughty.

Right now I am working on Vol. 2 called The Banovic Siblings. In this book the siblings mostly Adriana and Kevin’s past catches up with them and their secrets are getting too close to home. Love triangles and tangles start to form with some of the supporting characters. Leighann’s character starts evolving, her sister L’Wren has a very powerful and emotional storyline which took a lot out of me to write. It really made me ‘go there’ which stretches me as a writer. Book two is a bit darker than Changes.

I think Vol. 2 may be available in November or December, 2013. It still has the whole process to go through with the story editor, the proofreader and the cover still has to be designed. I usually write like a fiend at night—Sunday through Thursday sometimes Friday nights.

On the Facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels fans can rummage through the character’s closets. Right now there is an app on there called Adriana’s closet and coming soon: Leighann’s wardrobe, Astrid’s locker, the sound track to go with some of the scenes, Westwood Academy emblem reveal, Westwood Academy gear, fun trivia’s, first read of the novels before they are published. So sign up.

Thanks for having me. Purchase a copy of Changes Vol. 1 (Family Portrait) here (: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA)

Reviews for Changes Vol. 1, (Family Portrait):

“Each character has a story to tell, and I see their stories being entwined together, for better or worse as author Gillian Felix builds a strong and intriguing foundation for a new series with her novella, Changes, book 1 in the Family Portrait series.”

“Part soap opera, part teen struggle in a world where they are expected to “follow the crowd” and feed the frenzied tabloids fodder for the prying eyes of the masses, all while dealing with personal and family crises, I see a huge following for this new series! I know I’m going to watch for more!”

“So many drugs, schemes, and much more. One girl just wants to be normal. One girl just wants the limelight. Selfish motives abound and changes are coming for everyone. It's Hollywood....”

“This book has many interesting characters and I am looking forward to the next volume. I was sorry to see it end.”

About Gillian Felix:

Gillian Felix has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She enjoys creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.

Originally from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years.Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.

Miss Felix is an entrepreneur and advocate for children’s and women’s rights.

Author Links:

View book trailer: http://youtu.be/EiBdwhT74NA

Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels

Website: http://www.plaintalkbm.com/family-portrait-novel/ (Read the first chapter for free)

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gillianfx

Purchase:

Amazon

Review- Free Spirit: Growing Up on the Road and Off the Grid by Joshua Safran

Title: Free Spirit: growing up on the road and off the grid

Author: Joshua Safran

Publication Date: September 10, 2013

Synopsis:

When Joshua Safran was four years old, his mother--determined to protect him from the threats of nuclear war and Ronald Reagan--took to the open road with her young son, leaving the San Francisco countercultural scene behind. Together they embarked on a journey to find a utopia they could call home. In Free Spirit, Safran tells the harrowing, yet wryly funny, story of his childhood chasing this perfect life off the grid--and how they survived the imperfect one they found instead.

Encountering a cast of strange and humorous characters along the way, Joshua spends his early years living in a series of makeshift homes, including shacks, teepees, buses, and a lean-to on a stump. His colorful youth darkens, however, when his mother marries an abusive and alcoholic guerrilla/poet.

Throughout it all, Joshua yearns for a "normal" life, but when he finally reenters society through school, he finds "America" a difficult and confusing place. Years spent living in the wilderness have not prepared him for the Darwinian world of teenagers, and he finds himself bullied and beaten by classmates who don’t share his mother’s belief about reveling in one’s differences. 

Eventually, Joshua finds the strength to fight back against his tormentors, both in school and at home, and helps his mother find peace. But Free Spirit is more than just a coming-of-age story. It is also a journey of the spirit, as Joshua reconnects with his Jewish roots; a tale of overcoming adversity; and a captivating read about a childhood unlike any other.

My Thoughts:

Sometimes when I look back at my own crazy childhood, I have to wonder how I made it out a somewhat normal, functional adult. But then I read stories like this and all I can think is how I guess it could have been worse. 

Joshua's life story begins when he is born to Claudia, a single woman who has dropped out of college to help bring on the revolution. She is a feminist and believes strongly that New America is just around the corner. After a one night stand, Claudia finds herself pregnant with Joshua. For the first few years of his life, they spend their time traveling between communes where they live with other feminists or activists, some of which take on a helping role in taking care of Joshua. His father, Claude, is unreliable and rarely shows up when he says he will. 

I felt a connection with Joshua right away. His mother was clearly mentally unstable and this left him without a real home or family. He was constantly moved around to different homes and left with strangers. At even the young age of four, where most kids are only worrying about getting a swing during playtime at the park, Joshua is losing sleep at night worrying about nuclear bombs and war. I can't imagine how terrifying it must be to be that young and worrying about things so completely insane and having your own parent put those fears in your head.

I don't think it will come as a big shock to say that I absolutely despised Claudia. Even though it is clear that she has her own deep set of issues, I had a hard time finding and sympathy for her. She left her son with strangers, or even alone during the night because she just had to get out, and put her son in far too many inappropriate and violent situations that no person, especially a child, should ever have to live through. It was frustrating reading all the things that took place during Joshua's young life and not being able to reach through the pages and smack his mother around a bit.

Still, by the end of this story I couldn't help but find myself feeling uplifted and empowered. Even though his childhood was not ideal, Joshua still turns out to be a remarkable person to be proud of. Did he lay down and let life beat him? No way. Instead, he has used his experiences as a live a better life and he is thankful for the experiences he did have, even though they weren't always good ones.

Overall, Free Spirit is a truly amazing, although quite upsetting at times, story of a young boy coming of age in a far different world than the rest of us can even imagine. Joshua's feelings are honest, even at the hurt it may cause his mother at times, and his life story is one that will stay with me for a very long time. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who prefer deeper emotional reads and memoirs.

For more about Joshua Safran and Free Spirit, visit his website here.

Purchase:

Amazon

B&N

The Book Depository

*I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all vies and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Speak Out Against Domestic Violence with BookSparksPR!

Speak out against domestic violence - FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid by Joshua Safran

Note from Joshua: “The award-winning documentary Crime After Crime told the story of my seven-year struggle to free Deborah Peagler, a battered woman who was wrongfully imprisoned for more than 20 years. I was inspired to help her because of the years of abuse my mother and I endured at the hands of my stepfather when I was a boy. My representation of Deborah grew into a deep friendship, and she gave me the courage to finally write about those experiences in my memoir, FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid. My biggest hope is that by telling my story, others will be inspired to speak up, and we can work together to end the wall of silence and finally break the cycle of violence.”






In recognition of October being National Domestic Violence Awareness month, we are proud to speak out with BookSparks, book lovers and author Joshua Safran against domestic violence.

Here's how you can speak out, too!

• Post it: Post the Speak Out badge on your blog on October 24th along with the book cover and info below on Joshua Safran's book FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid.  We understand you have other obligations/plans for your blog that day, however, whatever you can do on October 24th to stand up for victims of domestic violence everywhere would be much appreciated. 
• Tweet it:  Speak out with @BookSparksPR, book lovers and @JoshuaSafran today against domestic violence! #SpeakOut #DV http://bit.ly/1fEdISr
• Facebook it:  Share the badge, this campaign (http://bit.ly/1fEdISr), #SpeakOut #DV, and your words against domestic violence via Facebook and tag us (BookSparksPR) so we can share, too!  
• Rate it: Head over to Goodreads and rate Joshua Safran’s FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid (http://bit.ly/16IioTC). It’s a book about Joshua’s journey of the spirit; a tale of overcoming adversity; and a captivating read about a childhood unlike any other.
• Buy it:  If you buy Joshua Safran’s book, FREE SPIRIT: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid, let us know and we will match with a donation to a domestic violence awareness organization. On October 24th only, if you buy the book for you, a friend, a holiday gift or all of the above, send us your receipt(s) and we'll be donating up to 20% of book sales that day (based on emailed receipts) to Free From Abuse in support of BookSparks Speaks Out: Domestic Violence Awareness and victims everywhere.  Buy on Indie Bound; Buy on Amazon; or Buy on Barnes & Noble. Send receipts to erin@sparkpointstudio.com.  

Waiting On Wednesday (107)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Save the Enemy

Author: Arin Greenwood

Expected Publication Date: November 12, 2013

Synopsis:

Everything has been downhill since Zoey Trask’s mother was murdered in a random mugging. Her younger brother, Ben, is on the autistic spectrum and needs constant supervision. It’s senior year, and she’s the new girl at a weird private school in Old Town Alexandria, VA, full of kids who seem too nice to be true—including a very cute boy named Pete. Aside from half-forgotten martial arts and survivalist skills that her widowed father insisted on teaching her (because that is excellent for her social life), Zoey has nothing to offer Pete or anyone else.  
 
Then Dad is kidnapped. Zoey suddenly finds herself sole caretaker of a younger brother she barely understands. Worse, Ben seems to hold the key to their father’s disappearance in his Dream Diary, a bizarre journal of names and places Ben claims that their mother shares from beyond the grave. And as if Zoey doesn’t have enough on her plate, there’s Pete, who stubbornly refuses to leave her side.

Relying on the skills she never wanted to learn—Dad might have had his reasons after all—Zoey is plunged into a lethal battle to rescue her father, protect her brother, and determine the identity of her family’s true enemy.

I don't think this one needs much f an explanation as to why I want to read it. No. I need to read it. It looks pretty freaking awesome. Only a few more weeks!

Teaser Tuesday (107)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

Title: Free Spirit: Growing up on the Road and Off the Grid

Author: Joshua Safran

Publication Date: September 10, 2013

Synopsis:

An Unforgettable Journey Through an Unconventional Childhood
When Joshua Safran was four years old, his mother--determined to protect him from the threats of nuclear war and Ronald Reagan--took to the open road with her young son, leaving the San Francisco countercultural scene behind. Together they embarked on a journey to find a utopia they could call home. In Free Spirit, Safran tells the harrowing, yet wryly funny, story of his childhood chasing this perfect life off the grid--and how they survived the imperfect one they found instead.

Encountering a cast of strange and humorous characters along the way, Joshua spends his early years living in a series of makeshift homes, including shacks, teepees, buses, and a lean-to on a stump. His colorful youth darkens, however, when his mother marries an abusive and alcoholic guerrilla/poet.

Throughout it all, Joshua yearns for a "normal" life, but when he finally reenters society through school, he finds "America" a difficult and confusing place. Years spent living in the wilderness have not prepared him for the Darwinian world of teenagers, and he finds himself bullied and beaten by classmates who don’t share his mother’s belief about reveling in one’s differences. 

Eventually, Joshua finds the strength to fight back against his tormentors, both in school and at home, and helps his mother find peace. But Free Spirit is more than just a coming-of-age story. It is also a journey of the spirit, as Joshua reconnects with his Jewish roots; a tale of overcoming adversity; and a captivating read about a childhood unlike any other.

Teaser:

"I experienced what few have: freedom to the fullest. There can be, perhaps, no purer freedom than that of a boy loosely supervised by a free-spirited mother in the midst of the wilderness."

-page 108

Review: Once Upon a Road Trip by Angela N. Blount

Title: Once Upon a Road Trip

Author: Angela N. Blount

Publication Date: July 30, 2013

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Angeli doesn’t "fit in." She’s never been on a single date, and she lives vicariously through an online world of storytelling. With the pressures of choosing a practical future path bearing down, she needs a drastic change. Too old to run away from home, she opts instead to embark on a solo 2-month road trip. But her freedom is tempered by loneliness — and anxiety tests her resolve as she comes face-to-face with her quirky internet friends. 

Aside from contracting mono and repeatedly getting herself lost, Angeli's adventure is mired by more unforeseen glitches — like being detained by Canadian authorities, and a near-death experience at the hands of an overzealous amateur wrestler. Her odyssey is complicated further when she unwittingly earns the affections of two young men. One a privileged martial artist; the other a talented techie with a colorful past.

Bewildered by the emotions they stir, Angeli spurns the idea of a doomed long-distance relationship. But she is unprepared for the determination of her hopeful suitors. In the wake of her refusal, one man will betray her, and the other will prove himself worthy of a place in her future.

Angeli sets off in search of a better understanding of herself, the world, and her place in it. What she finds is an impractical love, with the potential to restore her faith in happy endings.

A true story with an unapologetically honest outlook on life, love, faith, and adventure -- Once Upon A Road Trip is a coming-of-age memoir.

My Thoughts:

When I was contacted by Angela N. Blount with the opportunity to read and review her memoir, Once Upon a Road Trip, I knew immediately that this was going to be a book for me. A memoir? Sign me up. Oh, there's a road trip involved? Heck yes. I love road trips (even though I get extremely car sick on them) and I love memoirs (I'm super nosy, I want to know everyone's business) so there was little doubt that I wouldn't enjoy this book. Guess what? I was right!

Even though Once Upon a Road Trip is a memoir, the author has written her story in a way I have yet to come across in others: she tells the story in third person. I wasn't sure at first how this would work but I found myself loving it. You get a real story from a fiction point of view. At times I had to step back and remind myself that yes, this actually happened (which wasn't always a good thing when some rather unfortunate events take place) and it added a special element to the story.

Angela, or Angeli as referred to in the book, got on my good side right away. She's funny, smart, and a little snarky. Unlike most teens who have just graduated college, Angela isn't just wondering aimlessly trying to figure out what to do with her life. She has been taking college courses on top of her high school work and is debating on several different careers. She also takes her personal life quite seriously, she isn't going to start a relationship with someone who she can't see herself having a serious future with and stays true to her word even when she shouldn't.

Angela's road trip consists of many different stops around the country, even stopping in Canada, to visit online friends. Each stop brings a new adventure, sometimes for good and sometimes for bad, and we meet a very vast collection of characters along the way. I loved being able to meet these people through Angela, especially those that she was meeting for the first time in person. I also loved the inclusion of journal entries from Angela's travels. What better way to know exactly what a person is thinking in a situation than to read their exact thoughts from that moment? 

The only issue I encountered along Angela's travels was that there is a lot of talk about religion and God. A lot. I wasn't sure how far it was going to go and if this was something that would cause me to put down the book since I am not one for religion and reading about it. Thankfully though, none of the conversations turned into a "You should believe this!" type conversation and Angela was very respectful to others about their views and feelings while still maintaining her own. This only made me like her more. 

Overall, I truly enjoyed Angela's story. Everything you love about fiction you will find between these pages. There's drama, a little action, and even a little romance (so happy about this part :) ). I highly recommend Once Upon a Road Trip to everyone, especially those who love memoirs and road trip stories!

About Angela N. Blount:

Angela N. Blount is a Minnesota native, transplanted to the deep South--where she currently resides with her understanding husband, their two children, and a set of identity-confused cats. A Registered Nurse by trade, she is also a freelance content editor, former book reviewer for RT Book Reviews, a memoirist (though, not much a fan of referring to herself in first-person *cough*), craft blogger, sporadic poet, and webcomic artist. 

Angela is a PRO member of the Romance Writers of America, and was named a finalist in the 2012 Sheila, Laurie, and Orange Rose contests. Her recent YA romance, The Agreement, took first place in the 2012 OKRWA Finally A Bride contest. It was also a finalist in the 2013 Southern Heat contest and double finalist in the Linda Howard Award of Excellence.

In her spare time, Angela enjoys reading, coffee shop loitering, and all things geeky. Her latest project is a YA sci-fi series.

Website - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook

Purchase Once Upon a Road Trip:

Amazon

*Be sure to stop by yesterday's interview with Angela N. Blount to hear more about her story!

*I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

An Interview with Angela N. Blount, author of Once Upon a Road Trip!

Today I am pleased to welcome Angela N. Blount, author of Once Upon a Road Trip. Angela has stopped by to tell us a little more about herself and her memoir!

About Once Upon a Road Trip:

Eighteen-year-old Angeli doesn’t "fit in." She’s never been on a single date, and she lives vicariously through an online world of storytelling. With the pressures of choosing a practical future path bearing down, she needs a drastic change. Too old to run away from home, she opts instead to embark on a solo 2-month road trip. But her freedom is tempered by loneliness — and anxiety tests her resolve as she comes face-to-face with her quirky internet friends. 

Aside from contracting mono and repeatedly getting herself lost, Angeli's adventure is mired by more unforeseen glitches — like being detained by Canadian authorities, and a near-death experience at the hands of an overzealous amateur wrestler. Her odyssey is complicated further when she unwittingly earns the affections of two young men. One a privileged martial artist; the other a talented techie with a colorful past.

Bewildered by the emotions they stir, Angeli spurns the idea of a doomed long-distance relationship. But she is unprepared for the determination of her hopeful suitors. In the wake of her refusal, one man will betray her, and the other will prove himself worthy of a place in her future.

Angeli sets off in search of a better understanding of herself, the world, and her place in it. What she finds is an impractical love, with the potential to restore her faith in happy endings.

A true story with an unapologetically honest outlook on life, love, faith, and adventure -- Once Upon A Road Trip is a coming-of-age memoir.

Welcome, Angela!

Q. Can you please tell us a little about yourself and about Once Upon a Road Trip?

Well, as you've probably already figured out from my bio, I'm Minnesota born and reared--now fully adjusted to life in the deep South. The somewhat odd and unlikely way in which I ended up down here is really what Once Upon A Road Trip is about. Sometimes what you think is just a temporary adventure can turn your whole life down a path you'd never anticipated. :)

Once Upon A Road Trip is an account of the 8-week solo road trip I decided to venture on just a few days after my high school graduation. Adding to my poor mother's collection of ulcers, I'd also decided I would use this trip to meet a number of online friends in person for the first time...

Q. When you started out on your road trip, did you have and plans or ideas to one day turn it into a book?

None whatsoever. Oh, I wanted to write stories, certainly. But I'd more envisioned post nuclear-holocaust dystopians or maybe a paranormal/fantasy epic. At the time, I wasn't entirely convinced that real life was interesting enough to merit anything more than the occasional essay. (Outside of the lives of heroes, celebrities, and other public figures, of course.)

I did have the impression that a little more life experience would better prepare me to become a writer--which was part of my justification for going on the trip in the first place. And while I did assume I'd share my journal entries with my family one day, it took several years after the fact before I realized I might be willing to put down and share the whole story.

Q. Part One : In part of your story, you talk about on of your friends being overweight and your concern for their health and future. Have they read the book? If so, how did they feel about your concerns and what you wrote about them?

To my knowledge, he hasn't read the book. We actually fell out of touch very shortly after my trip ended. At one point, I lost a lot of my contact information. (This was all before the advent of Facebook and affordable cell phone services, please understand. I actually had a physical address book at the time. :) ) I was able to reconnect with a lot of people years later, but he wasn't one of those I was able to locate. I hope that, wherever he is, he's healthy and happy.

Q. Part Two: I think one of the hardest parts about writing a memoir is having to be more honest about your feelings towards friends and loved ones where you might not be in person in fear of hurting them. Have you had any negative responses from people that you wrote about or did they accept your writing about them?

How very right you are! I agonized over this aspect more than any other while writing the book. I knew it had to be completely honest, but I didn't want to hurt anyone. (I'm generally of a blunt and tactless nature--I hurt feelings enough as it is without ever intending to. >.<) I didn't actually start writing it until 5 years post-road trip. And in a way, I'm glad it took over a decade after the fact before the book was released. A lot changes in 10 years--people themselves can do a lot of changing in 10 years.

While about half of the people featured in the book have now read it, I've been pleasantly surprised--and relieved--by how it's been received. (It may help that I've always prefaced it as being the perspective and perception of my off kilter 18-year-old self, with all of the nativity and insecurity one might expect.) It's been an open door for a lot of "You really thought that?" and "What do you think now?" sorts of questions.

Q. A few of the friends you visited seemed to have strong feelings for you. Did this change anything between you and them once you were back home or were you able to move past it?

I suppose it would depend on which ones you're referring to. A lot of things changed quite rapidly after I got back home. I had a serious boyfriend, and after not too long, a fiance'. Most of my friends, both online and those I'd grown up with, became busy with college, jobs, and other relational pursuits. Once I was more officially "off the market," it seemed as though the majority of my guy-friends found it awkward to maintain the friendship. Most just quietly faded away.

Q. A very disturbing incident took place with one of the people you visited who also happens to be close with your best friend Elsie. When you finally told Elsie what happened, how did this affect your relationship? Are you and Elsie still friends to this day?

When I finally worked up the courage to tell her, Elsie took it better than I'd anticipated. That is...she didn't question my memory or reliability on the matter--didn't disbelieve me. She was obviously uncomfortable and regretful, but not defensive or even surprised. But I also don't know if she ever did anything with the knowledge. It was one of the only meaningful conversations I think I ever recall us having--as odd as that probably sounds. It was around that time I started to realize it takes more than a little history and a few semi-obsessive common interests to maintain a friendship--especially across long distances.

Elsie and I grew apart some years ago, though I'd say it was on amicable terms. Our lives and priorities simply went in very different directions. No hard feelings.

Q. You met most of the friends you visited on your trip in an online writing community. Are you still a part of this community?

No. The community shut down less than a year after my road trip took place. Most of it's members and administrators were moving on into another stage of life--me included. I do miss it sometimes, but I'm grateful for the time I had with it. ^_^ 

Q. You did a lot of sightseeing on your trip. Of all the places you visited, which was your favorite? Why?

Ottawa. (Yes, Canada. I know, I was surprised, too. ;) ) I loved that city. The landscape, the variety, the sights and architecture, the pace of life... As nebulous as this might sound, I loved the 'feel' of the place. It was as if it had a distinct personality, and for whatever reason, we got along. :)

Q. If your children come to you after high school and tell you they want to do a road trip like yours, what will you tell them? What advice would you give them, or any teenager making a trip like this?

Hoo boy...I deserve this question. As a parent now, I have all the more appreciation for my mother's sense of horror when she realized I meant to go through with it.

If one of my kids were to tell me they wanted to do an homage to my road trip, I would ask them not to. If they were still insistent, I would make sure they'd read the memoir cover-to-cover, and then begin some intensive preparations. Self-defense classes, background checks, intermediate car maintenance classes, budgeting, course plotting... I would then thank God for recent technological advances--like Google Maps and GPS tracking. (All I had was a road atlas, and a cell phone that only worked for calling 911!)

As far as advice for any teenagers considering a trip like this:

1. Don't.
2. If you absolutely MUST, start prepping months ahead of time. Figure out where you're going to stop, for how long, and how much money you'll need to have saved up. (Treat it like urban camping, and you can cut a lot of cost by bringing/preparing your own food.) 
3. Research every city you'll be visiting--figure out what parts you most want to see, and what you'd hate to miss. (Wiki it!)
4. Know how to defend yourself, and stay vigilant. ( A little paranoia is healthy when you're out of your element. >.> Just because not everyone is an ax-murderer doesn't mean you'll never meet one.)
5. Avoid gas station hotdogs at all costs.
6. Bring Wet Wipes.

About Angela N. Blount:

Angela N. Blount is a Minnesota native, transplanted to the deep South--where she currently resides with her understanding husband, their two children, and a set of identity-confused cats. A Registered Nurse by trade, she is also a freelance content editor, former book reviewer for RT Book Reviews, a memoirist (though, not much a fan of referring to herself in first-person *cough*), craft blogger, sporadic poet, and webcomic artist. 

Angela is a PRO member of the Romance Writers of America, and was named a finalist in the 2012 Sheila, Laurie, and Orange Rose contests. Her recent YA romance, The Agreement, took first place in the 2012 OKRWA Finally A Bride contest. It was also a finalist in the 2013 Southern Heat contest and double finalist in the Linda Howard Award of Excellence.

In her spare time, Angela enjoys reading, coffee shop loitering, and all things geeky. Her latest project is a YA sci-fi series.

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*I want to say a huge thank you to Angela for stopping by the blog today! Be sure to come back tomorrow for my review of Once Upon a Road Trip!

Starchild: The City of Souls Book Blast - Win $100 Amazon or Paypal!

 

Starchild: The City of Souls

In The Age of Akra, a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts brings together four children as an ancient prophecy is set in motion. Having triumphed against dangerous adversaries, Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib are now pursued by the melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. In the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, they are confronted with the challenge to find the Singing Soul.

But the underworld has other plans, and a beast so fierce is conjured to stop the children from finding anything that will add to the power to the prophecy of the seven nations.

Praise for Starchild:

"Strong and riveting start to what is sure to be an engrossing series for young readers keen on fantasy, mythology and sci fi.”

“Following in the footsteps of shamanic storytellers, the wizardess Vacen Taylor has delivered a winner! Mystical and magical, it’s a thoroughly engaging adventure that will delight both children and adults.”

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*** Starchild: The Age of Akra (Book One) is only $0.99 in the Kindle Store for October ***

Excerpt:

The children were unaware of the dark forces that had gathered in the south. A force far greater than any seen before had grown into a power of unconquerable strength. From the very first night of Mai and Long’s journey, the eyes from which this force had grown had been searching for them. The search would not stop until the prophecy, its foreknowledge and the children were extinguished.

The four children had travelled a long way. The mountain had disappeared behind them and so had the crumbled Castle of Stone. Akra had been attentive throughout the whole journey, listening to Sahib talk about the City of Beams. Behind them Long listened in, but Mai sensed a twinge of jealousy was beginning to twist his thoughts. Sahib and Akra were friends now. Long’s ‘buddy for life’ had been yanked away from him—by a sealer of all things. Mai noticed the frown on Long’s face, pushing his eyebrows closer together as he watched Sahib and Akra talk. Every so often he stopped to rub his ankles. Mai knew the burns around them would not heal quickly. The wound left from the searing grasp of the invisible hands of the underworld, which had almost pulled him to his death, would soon blister. What she didn’t know was that two nasty red streaks were beginning to snake their way up Long’s legs, and with them came an unusual meddling in his thoughts.

When it was clear to Mai they had walked as far as possible for that day they found a place to rest. Long collected some dead wood, and with Akra’s fireruling skills a crackling fire soon spread its warmth as the darkness of the night settled over them. It was a clear night. A starlit blanket twinkled above them. Each of the children, too tired to eat, curled up around the fire and soon they were all asleep. Mai was happy to be back on her journey to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts. But as she slept her flickering eyelids told a different story. Her mind replayed memories of the last few days that had passed. It was a skill only thoughtbankers possessed: the ability to replay a memory as if it were a dream.  

Author Vacen Taylor

Vacen Taylor is an author, writer, storyteller, occasional artist and amateur photographer. She describes her writing as a basic prose style with the occasional splash of creative penning. She collects comics and loves superheroes, anime and science.  



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BookBlast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Open Internationally

Ends 11/4/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway