AUTHOR INTERVIEW with Jonaxx … ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED!

Hi, Readers! 

Before we delve into the interview proper, I would just love to share with you how this interview came to be. Actually, it was a few months back since I sent in the email which includes all of my interview questions for Queen J. Knowing that she’s a very busy person, what with her work and writing our favorite stories, sending it in didn’t mean I’ll really be able to snag an exclusive interview with her and that she’ll immediately be emailing me back with her answers. I took a chance. I was just happy with the thought that I have an email sitting pretty on her inbox. A message that hopefully she would be able to read and reply to once she has some free time.

Months have passed and on …

January 26, 2016.

10:44pm.

I was already lounging in my bed, relaxing and getting ready to continue reading the book that I picked out that afternoon. That’s how my usual night life goes. When a notification suddenly popped on the topmost part of my phone’s screen saying that I have an email coming from Jonahmae Pacala.

Me: ENTERS IN A DREAMLIKE STATE

I found myself abruptly standing up, opening and reading the content of her email. When I saw that she indeed answered all of my questions, I cannot help myself from constantly chanting, “What? Seryoso? Nagreply siya? Sinagutan niya?”.  I was shaking. I was fangirling so hard and I need people to talk to me. I ended up sending messages to some of my friends and sharing the news over the JSL main group and Bicol chapter about this blog interview.

I couldn’t believe it.

It may have taken her some time in replying to my email but it was definitely worth the wait. This surely is going down as one of my surreal blogger and fangirl moments: Interviewing one of my favorite authors. And it truly is a pleasure to share this interview with you, blog readers and Jonaxxstories Lovers.

Since I already formatted my interview questions in a conversation-type of way when I emailed it to Queen J, I won’t be editing it out (just a little tweak here and there) and I would really love to share it with you as it is. My questions, my thoughts and her answers – just out there for you to read. Let’s get started!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Amanda (A): Thank you so much for giving me and my blog this huge opportunity of having you here and at the same time interviewing you. If only I can squeal and be heard by my readers here in this blog just for them to know how I’m reacting to all this.  Seriously, I’m such a big fan of yours so this all seems to be so surreal for me. Enough of me and my fangirl ways, though.

I’ll start off this interview by asking you a little bit about yourself. You’re widely known as The Royal Writer, the Queen or Queen J by your royal readers, but what is it like just being Jonahmae Pacala? What are your favourite: songs, movies and books?  

Jonaxx (J): I have so many favourite songs and movies. Genres like EDM, slow love music, pop, and alternative. It’s difficult to mention it one by one. Haha! For movies, I like the Divergent, the Harry Potter Movies, and all movies with medievalish setting. And for books, I’ve read HP series and it was very nice. I am always amazed by how J.K. did it. She’s a legend. And then I also like Paulo Coehlo. I like books with deeeeeep messages.

A: When you aren’t writing, where would we most likely find you? What are your hobbies aside from writing?

J: Malling, sleeping, going out with friends, roadtrips, beaches… etc.

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Q&A with Moriah McStay, Author of Everything That Makes You

Author: Moriah McStay (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

SYNOPSIS

One girl. Two stories. Meet Fiona Doyle. The thick ridges of scar tissue on her face are from an accident twelve years ago. Fiona has notebooks full of songs she’s written about her frustrations, her dreams, and about her massive crush on beautiful uber-jock Trent McKinnon. If she can’t even find the courage to look Trent straight in his beautiful blue eyes, she sure isn’t brave enough to play or sing any of her songs in public. But something’s changing in Fiona. She can’t be defined by her scars anymore. 

And what if there hadn’t been an accident? Meet Fi Doyle. Fi is the top-rated female high school lacrosse player in the state, heading straight to Northwestern on a full ride. She’s got more important things to deal with than her best friend Trent McKinnon, who’s been different ever since the kiss. When her luck goes south, even lacrosse can’t define her anymore. When you’ve always been the best at something, one dumb move can screw everything up. Can Fi fight back?

Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.

Why is this book included on my list? Initially, the book cover caught my attention which lead me to check out the synopsis of it. Now, I am very curious how this book will be written and how the story will flow. 

GOODREADS 
Pre-order links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks

Q: Before I proceed, I shall ask you first a little bit something about yourself. What’s your favourite food? Favourite color? Favorite TV show? Pet peeve/s?

A: Fave food: Stuffed pizza from Bacino’s in Chicago—spinach, no mushrooms. Fave color: Orange. Pet peeve: Pointless quotation marks on billboard ads.

Q: Who’s your favorite author and what is your favorite book? How did this particular author and book influence you as a person and as a writer?

A: This changes all the time. Right now I love David Mitchell (Cloud Atlas, Bone Clocks) because he’s just a brilliant, awe-inspiring writer. Growing up I read lots of classics, and Jane Austen was probably my favorite. I’m a sucker for a love story.

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Interview with R.S. Grey, Author of The Design

Up until now, I still can't believe that I did this interview with her. I tell you, it's such a surreal experience when you get to interact with authors. Especially with your favorite ones. The feeling just never gets old. I still do the fist pump thing, squealing and fangirling. Oh I may or may not be fangirling really hard when I was emailing and replying to this author's emails. 

Today's a very special day for me and my blog because I'm going to share an interview that I did with R.S. Grey a few weeks ago. R.S. Grey is just one of my favorite authors. No big deal, right? If you've been following my posts in this blog, I'm quite sure you've seen her name appeared more than once. I did book reviews (gave her books such high ratings because I love them) and Waiting on Wednesday features. Should I stop rambling now? Oh okay, just be sure to check out her books because I really and truly recommend those! 

In this blog post, R.S. Grey talks about herself, her upcoming book, her inspiration for Cammie and Grayson (MY GOODNESS!!!) and her playlist when she was writing The Design. She also has a special message to her Filipino readers! Enjoy reading! <3

Title: THE DESIGN 

Author: R.S. Grey (Facebook Page | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 1, 2015

SYNOPSIS 

Five minutes until the interview begins. 

Fresh on the heels of her college graduation, Cameron Heart has landed an interview at a prestigious architecture firm.

Four minutes until the interview. 

She knows she’s only there because the owner, Grayson Cole, is her older sister’s friend.

Three minutes. 

For the last seven years, Grayson has been the most intimidating man Cammie has ever had the pleasure, or displeasure, of being around.

Two Minutes. 

But the job opportunity is too good to pass up. So, Cammie will have to ignore the fact that Grayson is handsome enough to have his own national holiday. 

One. 

After all, she shouldn’t feel that way about her new boss. And, he will be her new boss.

…

“I’m not scared of you,” I said with a confident smile.

“Perhaps we should fix that, Ms. Heart. Close the door.” 

Why is this book included on my list? I NEED THIS BOOK since that moment I've finished reading THE DUET, last year! During that book, I've been SUUUUUUPER TEASED about Cammie and Grayson's character and my eyes were itching to read this one already. It's that "need to know factor" on what'll next happen to these two! Gahhhd! The Duet basically built everything up for their characters; how the story will flow, how these two characters will be interacting, how they are towards each other and that frick frack chemistry between them! ///dying 

If you're curious about The Duet, better check out my review here. 

GOODREADS

Q: Before I proceed in asking questions about your upcoming book, The Design, I shall ask you first something about yourself. Who’s your favorite author and what is your favorite book? How did this particular author influenced you as a person and as a writer?

A: J.K. Rowling is my favorite author. I’m a huge Harry Potter nerd and I will always look to J.K. Rowling for inspiration. While our genres and styles are vastly different, I love to think I’m using my imagination as much as she did when writing my books.

Q: Have you really dreamed of becoming a writer? Who or what inspired you to become one?

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Q & A with CHRISTINE BRAE, Author of In This Life

I'm so excited for this post and interview that I have for you today! I have been introduced to this author last year and was easily hooked by her books. From then on, I've been chatting up with her and supporting her (and her books) in any way that I can. Even organizing a blog tour. *winks* She's also one of nicest and sweetest author that I've had the chance of interacting with. So, I'm really really excited to finally meet her this coming September!

I tell you, this interview has been a long time coming. I've been meaning to interview her for the previous blog tour but sadly I didn't have much time to come up with questions. So, when I organized this event ... I knew that I have to have her participate on this! I grabbed that opportunity and TADA. Here we are. 

I chatted up with Christine Brae a couple of days ago and asked her questions about herself, her upcoming book - In This Life and about the MIBF '15 book signing event! Read along now and know more about her and her book. Plus, she left a very special message to her Filipino readers! <3

Title: IN THIS LIFE 
Author: Christine Brae (Website | Twitter) 
Publication Date: February 1, 2015

SYNOPSIS

"Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere,

They’re in each other all along."

Rumi

They say that life is full of choices. When you’re young and idealistic, you believe that the path you choose is the road that will lead you to your destiny. 

But what if, along the way, fate decides to step in, and no amount of logic or rationality or even prayers can save you from your fortune? When the sacrifices you make, the love that you find, and the bright promise of the future are all snatched away from you, you’re left alone to pick up the pieces of your life.

This is a story about love, found in a faraway place by two very unlikely people. It is also a story about friendship and loyalty and fighting for what you have despite the illogical mystery of fate. It is a story of faith and acceptance, and learning that even the best-laid plans are powerless against the alignment of the universe.

From the beaches of Thailand to the streets of New York, three friends, Anna, Dante, and Jude will learn the hard way that once providence steps in, there is nothing in the world that can change what is truly meant to be.

Why is this book included on my list? It's a Christine Brae book, so it's a must read for me! I adore how she writes and how powerful her words can be. Plus, she's a Filipina and am fully supporting her! If you haven't read a single book coming from her, you might want to change that. Stat. I reviewed two of her books here on my blog recently and here are the links for that: The Light in the Wound and His Wounded Light. By the way, that's a duology and I really love the story of it. I haven't had the time yet to craft a book review for Insipid but I would also recommend that to you. 

GOODREADS

Hi Christine! Thank you so much for granting my request and giving me this opportunity of interviewing you in such a short notice. I’m so excited to finally have you on my blog. I know that it’s been a long time coming! Before I proceed in asking questions about your upcoming book,  In This Life, I must ask you first something about yourself. Who’s your favourite author/s and what are your favourite books? How did this particular author/s and these books influence you as a person and as a writer?

A:  Hi! Thank you so much for having me today. Before anything else, I would like to say how great it is to be here with you.

I have so many favourite authors, too many to name. I grew up reading all kinds of books from Enid Blyton to Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew) and then I became obsessed with Stephen King.  I have always been a fan of Anita Shreve, Colleen McCollough and many other romance writers. I also have many favourite authors who started out in Indie, most of whom are my good friends - Tarryn Fisher, Colleen Hoover (not Indie), Calia Read, Melissa Brown, Andrea Randall, Karina Halle, Willow Aster, CJ Roberts, Tiffany DeBartolo and so many more.

I don’t believe that books have really influenced my life that much but I know that I have admired specific writing styles over the years.

BOOK REVIEW & AUTHOR INTERVIEW: LOVING MR. DANIELS by Brittainy Cherry!

Title: LOVING MR. DANIELS

Author: Brittainy Cherry (Facebook | Twitter)

Publication Date: May 11, 2014
My Rating: 5 out 5 stars

BLURB

To Whom it May Concern, 

It was easy to call us forbidden and harder to call us soulmates. Yet I believed we were both. Forbidden soulmates. 

When I arrived to Edgewood, Wisconsin I didn’t plan to find him. I didn't plan to stumble into Joe's bar and have Daniel's music stir up my emotions. I had no clue that his voice would make my hurts forget their own sorrow. I had no idea that my happiness would remember its own bliss. 

When I started senior year at my new school, I wasn’t prepared to call him Mr. Daniels, but sometimes life happens at the wrong time for all the right reasons. 

Our love story wasn’t only about the physical connection.

It was about family. It was about loss. It was about being alive. It was silly. It was painful. It was mourning. It was laughter.

It was ours. 

And for those reasons alone, I would never apologize for loving Mr. Daniels. 

-Ashlyn Jennings

Amazon US | B&N | Mark this book on Goodreads

Ramblings. I think it was Sunday last week when Loving Mr. Daniels quite flooded my Goodreads feed. I’m following a number of book bloggers/reviewers and they were really showing some deep love towards this book. Several reviews and ratings popped out and it was really consistent. Most of them rated this book around 4.5 or 5 stars. I was like “what’s with the hype?” So, with me being the ever curious-book-blog-stalking-gal, I checked the synopsis of the book. And it started off like this:

“To Whom it May Concern, It was easy to call us forbidden and harder to call us soulmates. Yet I believed we were both. Forbidden soulmates.” O M G OMG It already screams that a FORBIDDEN something something is bound to happen in the story.

Then I saw this part of the synopsis, “When I started senior year at my new school, I wasn’t prepared to call him Mr. Daniels, but sometimes life happens at the wrong time for all the right reasons.” AAAH a STUDENT-TEACHER relationship! 

From that point, I just knew it that I really need to read Loving Mr. Daniels as soon as it goes live.  I was curious how it was able to tear off itself from the boundaries of being just another story with that forbidden relationship involved and how the author will be able to tackle a certain taboo topic such as that. Plus, I’m really curious as to why it received high ratings from those book bloggers. Bring it on!

Immediate thought after reading this book. OH THE TEARS. Yep, I can’t bring myself to create a book review for this book as soon as possible because my ‘Loving Mr. Daniels’ emotions are still coursing through me. My eyes are all puffy and blurry too because of the tears, happy and sad tears combined. My feels are still fresh and raw from the emotional roller coaster ride that I went through while reading this book.

My thoughts. Loving Mr. Daniels is a beautiful, emotionally packed and character driven book.  I tell you, this book is so much more than the forbidden relationship involved in the story. So, don’t be thrown off with that aspect of the book. In actuality this book speaks about life, loss, love and relationships. The book speaks about relationships with parents, sisters, brothers and friends. It was very easy to love and instantly became a part of my ‘favourite books’ list. I’m in love with the way the book was presented and the prose was just perfect for the storyline.

This book is told from both Ashlyn and Daniel’s POV and its always great hearing both of our main characters’ sentiments and take on things. Loving Mr. Daniels will immediately suck you in with its prologue and from that point you’ll totally lose yourself within the story. Everything that happened felt so real with all the angst, raw emotions coming off of our characters and the journey that they’re going through. There are a couple of twists and turns in the story that will pretty much shock the hell out of you. But another thing that I love about this book is the fact that there’s not much drama in it where you’ll feel like strangling yourself already. It only tends to get emotional because of the heartfelt words used and the situation where the characters are in.