I'm so excited to welcome Heather Ostler to The Book Bug today! Heather is a debut author, whose book, The Shapeshifter's Secret is currently on tour. (Click here for the schedule.)
Keep reading to find out more about Heather and her writing, and for your chance to win a copy of The Shapeshifter's Secret!
Heather Ostler grew up near the mountains with a rambunctiously entertaining family. She majored in English at Utah Valley University, and soon began composing stories about masquerades, water nymphs, and shapeshifters. She and her husband, Kellen, reside in Highland, Utah with two remarkably pleasant pugs.
Website | Blog | Twitter
Interview
Book Bug: So, Heather, tell us a little about yourself.
Heather: I like fortune cookies, lucky pennies, shooting stars, and implausible coincidences. I’m always cold and have at least 5 different flavors of hot cocoa on hand at all times. I’m a sucker for happy endings and like to eat dessert first. I think Muppet's Christmas Carol is one of the best movies ever, along with The Parent Trap. English accents, cloudy days, and family inside jokes make me smile. I am a writer, and I love finding inspiration in art, music, nature, seasons, and relationships.
Book Bug: So cute! I love it!
Now, tell us more about your writing. When and why did you begin writing?
Heather: I began writing at the age of 13 when I had become obsessed with fantasy novels. I realized that I wanted to create that same kind of magic—I wanted to become a writer.
Book Bug: What book(s)/author(s) have influenced your life and writing?
Heather: There have been so many! The Chronicles of Narnia, The Series of Unfortunate Events, Pride and Prejudice, and The Count of Monte Cristo are just a few.
Book Bug: Those are some of my all-time favorites!!
What is your favorite genre to read/write?
Heather: I love YA, but fantasy will always be my favorite.
Book Bug: And The Shapeshifter's Secret is both!
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
Heather: When I experience writer’s block I try to front-load my brain with inspiration. I’ll watch movies, read new books, and listen to my favorite music artists.
Book Bug: That is a very good idea! I should try it when I have a hard time writing blog posts!
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Heather: Writing Julia’s relationship with Alexis. It’s extremely complicated, and I wanted to correctly portray the emotions between them.
Book Bug: What do you think are the most important elements of good writing?
Heather: Dialogue, pacing, plot, and characterization are all really important to me.
Book Bug: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Heather: I love doing ballet, reading (of course!), making chocolate desserts, and spending time with my family.
Book Bug: Ballet, wow! You are multi-talented!
What book are you reading now?
Heather: A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall.
Book Bug: What are your current/future projects?
Heather: Right now I’m actually working on the sequel to The Shapeshifter’s Secret.
Book Bug: I was hoping you would say that!
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Heather: If you have a love for writing and if it’s something you want to do, start now!
Book Bug: Thanks for the advice and for being here on The Book Bug!
Watch for my review of The Shapeshifter's Secret coming soon!
About the Book
Title: The Shapeshifter's SecretAuthor: Heather Ostler
Release Date: June 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy
Received ARC from publisher for review.
Julia is finally discovering what-not who-she is.
Like any sixteen-year-old, Julia's used to dealing with problems. From her overprotective father to her absent mother to a teach who definitely has it in for her. But everything changes when Julia's reactions become oddly vicious and angry -- more animal than human. This action-packed adventure has it all: humor, romance, and a plot that will keep you guessing to the very last page.
Giveaway
The good folks at Cedar Fort have generously allowed me to give away a copy of The Shapeshifter's Secret. (International winner will receive an ebook; US winner will receive hard copy.)
To enter to win this book, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
- Open from May 19 to May 31.
- Must be 13+ years of age to enter.
- International entrants welcome
Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:
- Follow The Book Bug via GFC, Networked Blogs, Linky, Twitter, or Facebook
- Follow Heather's blog via GFC
- Follow Heather on Twitter
- Like The Shapeshifter's Secret on Facebook
- Like Cedar Fort on Facebook
- Tweet about the giveaway
Purchase the Book
awesome giveaway and interview!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lexie for being a part of The Shapeshifter's Secret blog tour :)
ReplyDeleteThe Shapeshifter's Secret sounds like a great book! I real enjoyed the interview. The Muppet's Christmas Carol is one of my all time favorite movies. It was nice to learn about this author.
ReplyDelete~Jess
http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/
Wow! This book sounds awesome and love the cover! Shapeshifters are a favorite of mine so definitely wanna add this to my wishlist! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
ReplyDelete