Author Interview: J.A. Garland, Author of Instinct (Giveaway)

Let's welcome the lovely J.A. Garland, author of the urban fantasy book Instinct. There is a lot more than meets the eye with this one. She is not only a writer, but a firefighter as well. I think you will be surprised by some of the things she revealed during our interview together. She is an interesting and amazing woman who has written one hell of an exciting book.

Also, J.A. is holding an epic giveaway. Information about what you can win is at the last question/answer of the interview. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post.

Jennifer: How did you come up with the world in Instinct?

 J.A.: The world is an exciting place, but it wouldn't it be more exciting if 'Otherkind' creatures existed? Like demons, werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters, etc? Instinct is book one in a series where Shadow creatures--paranormal beings who refuse to fly under the humans radar--come out to play. The National Otherkind Administration (NOA) is responsible for overseeing human/Otherkind interactions. Utilizing Analysts, they collect information on the Shadows. If they believe an infraction of the Otherkind Agreements exists, they send in the Trackers. At the top of the food chain is the Otherkind Council. They act as judge and jury, and have become celebrities of sorts in the eyes of the Otherkind. My series follows several key players on both sides of the table. My books all share this common theme, or 'world.'

Jennifer: If you could live in your book’s world and be any creature, which would you chose to be?

J.A.: Demon. Definitely a demon. They are able to move between two worlds-- theirs and Earth. Plus, they have a whole slew of magical things up their sleeves.

Jennifer: Who or what has influenced you the most in writing Instinct?

J.A.: My family--by blood and by work. I am very lucky to have both surrounding and supporting me.

Jennifer: Can you tell us three surprising facts about yourself?

J.A.: I am a fire captain.

I am a disaster preparedness freak. Under my bed you will find a pair of shoes for everyone in the family. (You never know in California when an earthquake will hit, and I want everyone to be ready to get out). I also have a small 'go kit' with flashlights, am/fm radio, water, food bars, blanket, spare car keys, etc.

I rode my horse to school until I was in 7th grade.

Jennifer: If you were going to come up with a theme song for your book, what song would it be?

J.A.: Hmm, that's a hard one since my book covers all sorts of scenes. Some romantic, some fighting...it would be impossible to pick just one song that encompasses all the emotions.

Jennifer: Is there any writing wisdom/tips you have learned along your writing journey that you can share with us first-time writers?

J.A.: Don't stop writing. Sure, we all get hit by the naysayers, but you have to believe in yourself, and keep honing your words and plot. Eventually, even your toughest critic, yourself, will be pleased.

Jennifer: Has a particular book you've read influenced your life?

J.A.: My writing style has been described as Twilight meets T.J. Hooker. Thriller, action, a little romance, any author in those genres influences me.

Jennifer: What project are you currently working on?

J.A.: I just submitted and received a contract for The Dysus Dreamer, Book Two of the Halfling Chronicles. I am enjoying being between books, since I am getting ready to leave to a six month training academy. Right now I am cherishing my family and spending as much time with them as possible!

Jennifer: I can't thank you enough for taking the time out to answer a few of my questions. I hope you had as much fun as I did. Is there anything else you would like to mention to my readers before we part ways?

J.A.: Thanks so much for hosting me here today, Jennifer. I really appreciate your support and getting to know all your followers! As well, I'm doing an epic giveaway. Please leave a comment for a chance to win this bag of goodies! Includes: a gift certificate for the ebook INSTINCT (Kindle, PDF or ePub formats), monogrammed jelly belly tins, coffee mug, tote bag, Ana Banana zombie soap, magnets, chip clip, keychain flashlight, pens...and more!

Author Bio:
J.A. is a full time firefighter in the state of California, an addicted trail runner, a connoisseur of all things cheese puff, and an author for BURST Books. When she isn't slogging through the obstacles at a mud run, you can find her hunched over her computer unleashing demons, vampires and werewolves upon the world.

Book Summary
Lone wolf, Rory Archer, never failed a single mission. Now the hunted instead of the hunter, Rory unwinds a twisted trail leading back to Amber Arlington, a spirited Halfling tied to a world of Shadows. Bound to vows initially forged out of necessity, Rory and Amber's relationship surges into more than either of them bargained on. Scrambling to identify their attacker before joining the casualty list, Rory is faced with doing the unthinkable, or watching Amber become a slave for his species.

In the battle against Shadows, demons and all variety of monsters come out to fight. Can one wolf learn to trust in time to save them all?

Links:

Author’s Website: http://www.jagarland.com/

Email Address: ja.garland@yahoo.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jagarlandurbanfantasyauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/J_A_Garland

Add on Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon