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Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Meet Andrea from Chicks of Characterization. You might just win a PRINT copy of The Pride of the Lions!!!

Welcome everyone! I’m thrilled to have a very special guest visiting this weekend. None other than my dear friend, Andrea, co-founder of a fantastic blog called, The Write Life of Andrea and Corrina-Chicks of Characterization. We were introduced years ago by our mutual friend, talented author, Skhye Moncrief. We shared the same mad obsession when it came to all things Scotland and of course, a great love for books!

Andrea is such a fabulous and kind person. Not to mention she bends over backwards to help authors promote their work. So, I say it’s way past time she gets a little recognition! My way of giving back? I’d like to host a contest. It’s pretty simple, all you have to do it head over to The Write Life of Andrea and Corrina-Chicks of Characterization and become a follower. Then swing back to this blog and leave a comment. The prize? A print copy of Andrea’s all time favorite Highlander novel, The Pride of Lions by Marsha Canham!


The Spotlight is on Andrea!

Let’s get to know her a little better…

Andrea Snider is an aspiring writer, author promoter, and an avid reader. Once she was old enough to grace the halls of a library she was hooked. By the time she reached her teen years she was whipping through every Sweet Valley High novel she could get her hands on. And as she got older she moved on to more adult romance novels. Though she reads many genres, Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Christian, chick-lit and contemporary, her heart belongs to Romance. Who can resist a happy ending? Andrea can’t. And if you add a sexy Medieval Highlander in the wilds of Scotland you’ve got a fan in her!

But it was only after her second child was born that she decided to try her hand at writing her own Happy Ending. So some years later, and one completed manuscript, she is still testing the waters of the publishing industry. And after seeing how tough the writing business is, she realized quickly that you cannot do it alone. Because of that she created her blog, The write life of Andrea & Corrina, to help other writers like herself promote their books. She hopes to be promoting her own one day!

And when she’s not reading, writing, promoting, or critiquing a writing partner’s manuscript, she is busy taking care of her husband and three sons and dreaming about her next trip to Scotland! Andrea is also a member of the RWA and the Membership Chair for the Celtic Hearts Romance writers.

Contact Andrea at:
chicksofcharacterization@hotmail.com

Andrea tells all. Interview time!

SKY: Andrea, great to have you over to my blog for the weekend! Gotta say, you and Corrina are incredible. You do SO much for writers! I have to ask, what inspired you to start such an informative and supportive site for authors?

ANDREA: Thank you so much for having me Sky! I have to say I was a little surprised that anyone wanted to interview lil ole’ me! To answer your question, in all honesty, and I know it sounds cliché, I love a good book, and I just enjoy helping other people. The writing business is tough, I believe most people think it’s so easy, but it’s not. A new author needs all the help they can get promoting their stories and so I thought, why not. If I could help someone out, maybe one day if I ever become published they would return the favor. Plus having an internet presence is crucial in this business.

SKY: Isn’t that the truth! I know when it comes to writing, reading, anything in the literature world, you’re all over the internet. Have you found a few sites that you feel are especially beneficial to our field? A ‘head’s up’ is always most appreciated!

ANDREA: There are so many wonderful sites out there! And it depends on what exactly you are looking for but if it’s about writing or promotion- Author Kris Tualla has a vast amount of great information on her Website; as does Joanna Waugh. History Undressed is a fabulous blog. 1st turning point is another great site for everything you would want to know about promotion-and for reference books you have to visit Skhye Moncrief; And if you are talking about my favorite subject, Scotland there are tons and tons of sites, here are a few of my favorites- Electric Scotland.com, Rampant Scotland.com; AND a must need for anyone who writes Scottish historicals - www.scots-online.org/dictionary/engscots.htm - I frequent many great blogs including this one! (Sky’s blog is awesome!) But I won’t post them all here! If you go to my Blog-they are all listed!

SKY: Super, there are a few in there I didn’t know about. Thanks! I have to ask, as you were a book reviewer in the past, what would be your advice to aspiring writers? Even published writers ‘en project’?

ANDREA: Write the best book that you can, write from your heart and tell your own story, with your own voice! It’s so hard for a new writer to find their voice. With all the rules that go along with writing, I know from personal experience that most new writers are trying to follow them all, rewriting and rewriting until the story is no longer their own. So, practice your craft, grow a thick skin, learn to take criticism, write, write, write and if you want it bad enough, with a few bumps in the road and allot of patience you’ll get there!

SKY: Wow, nicely said, Andrea. I’ve been down that road of writing and re-writing, following all the rules and indeed losing my ‘voice’ along the way. And as to the ‘thick skin’ definitely great advice, bloody crutial really! Getting personal. While I know you adore Scotland as much as me, what would you say is your all time favorite Highlander story of the past? Why?

ANDREA: That’s an easy one! My all time Favorite Highlander story is The Pride of Lions by Marsha Canham. Oh my, this was soooooo good that I read it in one sitting. I had never heard of Marsha Canham and the only reason I picked it up was because of the plaid that was on the cover. As you mentioned I adore Scotland and so the cover drew me right in. AND, if you’re wondering if I will buy a book based on its cover? INDEED I will!

I loved this book because it provoked so much emotion from me. Ms. Canham does her homework and shares Scotland’s history in vivid detail! You feel like your there, fighting along side them at Culloden! And it doesn’t hurt to have a sexy Highlander willing to risk all for his clan and the woman he loves, and a beautiful heroine who gives him a run for his money!! This book has it all, and the best thing? It’s the first in a series!!!!

SKY: I haven’t read any of her work yet but you sold me on it. Marsha Canham’s, The Pride of Lions just went on my TBR list! It’s been a pleasure having you visit, my friend. Thanks for being here!

ANDREA: Thank you so much for having me! I appreciate you taking the time to interview me! Sky you are a great friend and I am honored that you think enough of me and my little blog to take the time to shine your light on us. I appreciate it more than you know! You help so many people promote their trades and that’s a wonderful thing! Keep up the good work!!!

*SKY: Please, lady! You're a boon to this trade and when you publish your first novel, I'm sure you'll have one heck of a backing!*

ANDREA: On a side note, if there are any published authors out there who would like a little extra help promoting their book- feel free to leave me your E-mail address and I’ll see what I can do!

Thanks again for having me!

Sky here. Isn’t Andrea great? Don’t forget, for a chance to win a print copy of The Pride of Lions by Marsha Canham, be sure to head over to The Write Life of Andrea and Corrina-Chicks of Characterization and become a follower, then swing back to this blog and leave a comment by Monday, August 2nd, 6 AM EST! NOTE: If you're already a follower of Andrea's blog, please say so in your comment. You're still eligible to win.

Thanks for joining us this weekend. See you Monday morning as my Sizzling Hot Heroes of Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales summer blog event continues.

~Sky

55 comments:

*yadkny* said...

I love those Chicks of Characterization:) I'm a follower! I love the cover on The Pride of Lions... since it's being recommended as an awesome read-it-in-one-sitting type of book, I'll have to check it out regardless.

yadkny@hotmail.com

Chicks of Characterization said...

Thank you so much for having me Sky!!!! I'm still shocked that anyone would want to interview lil ole' me but I so appreciate it!!!! And yes, you know I will definitely be over Monday morning! And for any other viewers, don't forget to check the CHICKS BLOG's line up of upcoming SPOTLIGHTS!!!

www.chicksofcharacterization.blogspot.com

Sky Purington said...

Awe, YW Andrea! Was my pleasure!

Sky Purington said...

Thanks for swinging in yadkny! Congrat's on winning last week's contest! :)

Kristy Bock said...

Andreaaa - I met her in the very beginning of my writing career, we exchanged our stories to critique and have been buds every since. I'm sooooo excited to see YOU in the spotlight, you deserve it doll!!

Denise said...

What a great interview, Andrea! Thanks for the book recommendation.

Sarah Hoss said...

I have been a follower of Andrea's site for a little while now. I was very excited to hear that she was being interviewed. She is a wonderful lady and is indeed helpful! She deserves a little time in the spotlight!!!

Sky, your site looks great!!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Thank you yadkny! I am so glad that you follow our blog! And you will love The Pride of Lions!!!

Eliza Knight said...

Hello darling Andrea!!! Can I just say how much I love you and am missing you this week???? You were the best roomie (you too Ca-rina, lol) that I've ever had! Wish you were here!!! You are such an amazing person with a vibrant personality and passion for romance and Scotland. I'm proud to know you!!!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Kristy! Hey girl *waving* madly! Yes we have been buds for quite awhile, though I have to say Kristy keeps trying to get me to submit my stories, and I keep saying- "Its just not good enough!" I think she probably about had it with my excuses!!! But thanks for being a friend and for commenting!!!! xoxo

Sarah, thank you so much for stopping by! awh, you're saying such nice things about me I'm actually blushing!!!Thank you so much for following the blog! Thank you!!

Hey Denise, glad to be of service!! Thanks again for stopping bye!

Hywela Lyn said...

Hi Andrea and Sky -

I've had the pleasure of being featured on your blog a couple of times myself, Andrea and would like to thank you for all the help you give to new (and not so new) authors. As you say, writing isn't easy and no-one can do it completely alone.

When you get that book published, I'd be delighted to return the favour and feature it on my own blog.

Good luck and it's great to see you in the spotlight yourself!

Beth Trissel said...

Very interesting and informative post. I will have to check out some of those sites. And yes, I agree with Sky that Andrea is a wonderful friend to new authors. I so appreciate all your support. Some day we will return the favor. So fun learning more about you.

Unknown said...

As Andrea knows, I am not much of a reader but I have been a friend of Andrea's for quite a few years. I have been fortunate to read some of her "work in progress" and I must admit, she draws me in. She has a lot of talent and a lot of passion for writing. I look forward to the day I sit down with Andrea's book and get lost in the world she created.

Skhye said...

Hi, ANDREA!!!

I can't wait for you to get one of your tales published... Have you been writing? ;) Yeah. Yeah. I'll shut up now. Here's hoping you have tons of time to yourself this weekend. :) ~Skhye

lainey bancroft said...

Hey, Chick! So nice to see the skilled interviewer in the interview hot-seat. Great job. Of course.

About time someone shone the spotlight on you. (WTG Sky) And as others have said, when your first book releases, I expect the promo posts from authors you have shown support to over the years will jam Romanceladia!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Eeeeeellllleeeeeeezzzaaaa!!!! I didn't think you would have time to come by and SAY HELLO!!! You have no idea how much I am missing hanging with you and CA-rina this week!!! Thank you for what you said, you brought a tear to my eye! I am proud to know you too! :O)

Chicks of Characterization said...

Nancy! Thank you soooooooo much for taking the time out to leave me a comment! You are one of the VERY first people that I ever let read my Works in progress! Thank you so much for being a friend and for your kind words!!hugs*

Brenna Ash said...

Great interview, Andrea! Love you!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Hi Lyn! Thank you so much! When I get published I will definitely be hitting you and Sky up for promo!!! I was honored to feature you on my blog and even more hononred to call you friend!

Thank you!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Hi Beth! Thank so much for the compliments! I hope the links will be of help to you!!! And I do hope that one day you can return the favor!!!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Awh, I can't wait either Skhye! Thanks so much for heading over here I appreciate it! Am I writing? Well yes, this little message to you!!! :O)

Hugs*

Nita Wick said...

{Waving} Hey, Andrea! I'm so glad someone has finally turned the spotlight on you for a change. :)

You unfailing support is appreciated more than you know. I sincerely hope that soon we will all have a chance to return the many, many favors you've done for us.

We love you, Andrea!

Pat McDermott said...

A while back, I had the pleasure of being a featured author on Chicks of Characterization. I'm tickled to see Andrea as a Guest Star here! All the best with your writing, Andrea.

Tamsyn said...

I often visit Andrea's blog, Chicks of Characterization. This is a great interview. Really enjoyed reading Andrea's responses. Thanks!
tamsyn5@yahoo.com

Chicks of Characterization said...

Lainey! Thank you so much for stopping by! Now I could only get something published! lol, one day, right??? I really want some romanceladia!!! xoxo

Nita, *waving back* I love you all too! Thanks so much for the kind words!

Brenna! Incognito again I see! Your secret is safe with me!! You know how much your support means!!! :O) Thanks for stopping by! :O)

Thank you for the well wishes Pat, you know if you ever need our services again- all you have to do is ask!! :O)

Tamsyn, thank you so much for stopping by the blog on a regular basis and for taking the time to comment it means more than you know!!! xoxo

Love to everyone!!!

Andrea

Brandy B aka Brandlwyne said...

Hi. I am already a follower... THe Pride of Lions sounds soooo good. I love this site. Great contest!!!

brandyzbooks@yahoo.com

Carol L. said...

Oh darn, my post didn't make it. my fault. :) Glad I came back to realize that.
I love The Chicks of Characterization. They have so many interesting things and # 1 is Scotland. Oh how I love those kilted highlanders. And I love the little video that shows the trip to Scotland.
I think it's wonderful that the object is to help others with their writing etc. Amazing. I'm now a new follower. That's the great thing Sky, you all help and publicize everyone and their works and/or charities. God Bless.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com

Sky Purington said...

Kristy, thanks for stopping by! I've read a little bit of Andrea's work but she's stalling...hmmm, looks like many of us want to see much MORE of her work!!! She's got talent for sure!

Sky Purington said...

Thanks for popping in Denise!

Sky Purington said...

Sarah, much agreed, Andrea deserves spotlight time! Thanks for swinging in!

Sky Purington said...

Eliza...what can I say? Thanks for loving Andrea like you do! You've great taste in friends!!!

Sky Purington said...

Lyn & Skhye, mega hugs ladies (and dear, dear friends), TY for swinging in to support and appreciate Andrea as much as I do! You both rock big time!

Sky Purington said...

Sarah, thanks for popping by to support Andrea. She SO deserves it! And thanks also for the compiments about my site!

Sky Purington said...

Nancy, thanks so much for supporting Andrea! Sky glances at Andrea...I'd say it's WELL past time a few of us read more of your work girl! :)

Sky Purington said...

Lainey, it was my pleasure to promote Andrea! And, you bet, we'll all be supporting her when she publishes her first story!

Sky Purington said...

Brenna, Pat & Tamsyn, thanks for popping in ladies! Your support means the world!

Sky Purington said...

Nita!!! Thanks for swinging in girl! TY for supporting Andrea. You rock woman!

Sky Purington said...

Beth, you're the best. TY for swinging in!

Sky Purington said...

Brandlywne, thanks for stopping in!

Sky Purington said...

*Waves madly to Carol* So glad you made it, sweetie.

Sharon Donovan said...

Hi Sky and Andrea. How fascinating to learn about you, Andrea. I agree about the writing world being very competitive and thank you for all the help you give authors. I love everything Celtic, being a wee Irish myself. I've never had the pleasure of visiting Scotland but would love to. You are a wonderful person, Andrea, for helping authors. I would love to be on your blog some time and return the favor, of course! And Sky, looking forward to my post with you. You're fabulous, too!
Hugs to both,
Sharon
sharonad@comcast.net

Debby said...

I am now a follower. I love Scotland myself but mydaughter wanted to go to IReland and so we did. Beautiful there. Just got back. debby236 at att dot net but I follow with the gmail addy, sam beginning

Chicks of Characterization said...

Brandlwyne, thank you so much for following the blog! The Pride of Lions is a great book, and so are all Marsha Canham's books!!!

Carol, thank you so much for becoming a follower of the blog!

And Sky, thanks again for all your kind words and support!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Hi Sharon, its nice to meet you!!! Thank you so much for the nice comments! Oh, if you ever have the opportunity to go to Scotland you have to go!!!! Its amazing! I have a slide show on my blog of my recent trip! I'm homesick for it now!!! And, I have your E-mail address and will contact you about having you on the blog! :O)

Deby,I am sooooooooooo JEALOUS of your trip to Ireland! Even though I have family in the UK, I have not had the pleasure of actually going to the EMERALD ISLE! I had a wonderful friend who was from Cork, and I loved her with all my heart- unfortunately she passed away last year! I want to go one day just to see her homeland!

I hope that I haven't missed anyone! I must say I am DEFINITELY FEELIN THE LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS SO MUCH! xoxo

Tami Dee said...

Oh, Andrea, what a lovely interview! I am sure that you will be publishied in no time at all, you have such a fresh, fun 'voice', and your passion for the craft shines though.
Good job!
Tami Dee

jellybelly82158 said...

I am already a follower of Andrea's site

Chicks of Characterization said...

Thank you Tami!!! I appreciate you stopping by!

:O)

jellybelly82158 said...

Thanks for the great interview!!!

Nicole North said...

Wonderful interview, Andrea! You deserve a spotlight! You are truly a wonderful, generous and giving person! Hugs!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Hi Tami! Awh, thank you!!! I appreciate you stopping by!!

Chicks of Characterization said...

Thank you so much Nicole! You know how much your support means to me!!! xoxo

Hi Jelly Belly! I am so glad your a follower, thank you!
:O)

Renee Vincent said...

Ok, Andrea and Sky...I know I am late for this party, but I am not commenting for the contest. I just wanted to extend my gratitude for what Andrea does for us newbie authors out there. It was so nice to meet the person behind the promo!

Thanks for a great interview post, Andrea, and thanks to Sky for featuring her!

Best of luck on selling your first book, Andrea! And when you do, you know you can come to my blog for a spotlight! I'll have the lights burning all week for ye!

Sky Purington said...

TY for swinging in Renee! *cyberhugs*

Chicks of Characterization said...

Thank you Renee, I appreciate your kind words!!! xoxo

Indian T.v Serials said...

Lynne used to worry she had a serious problem with daydreaming, then she discovered she was supposed to write the stories in her head. A late bloomer, Lynne came to fiction writing after her children were nearly grown. Now she battles the empty nest by writing stories which always include a romance, sometimes medicine, a dose of mirth, or both, but always stories from her heart. She is a Southern California native, married for almost thirty years, has two adult children she is super proud of, is a dog lover, cat admirer, a power walker, and fellow traveler on this wild road called life!