Author Interview and Giveaway: Entire Rippler Series by Cidney Swanson

Yes, it's the most wonderful time of the year: Giveaway! As part of the Unfurl Blog Tour, Cidney Swanson is giving away her ENTIRE Rippler series!

Now let's get on with the glorious interview and giveaway by the talented YA author Cidney Swanson.

Bio

Cidney Swanson grew p within spitting distance of the central California foothills and learned to drive on the crazy highways linking gold rush ghost towns. She began her first novel at age eight; it started with "Ouch," and she's enjoyed creating painful situations for her characters ever since. Cidney worked as a costume designer, clothing designer, and kitchen gadget salesperson prior to giving it all up for literature. Cidney lives in Oregon's Willamette Valley with her husband, three kids, a dog, and two cats and entirely too much rain.

                     Interview

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing stories as soon as I could hold a pencil and form words with it. I was about seven, and I have no real idea why I wrote other than for the pure thrill of it. I certainly can’t imagine my life without writing.

What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest?

The hardest part is revision. Especially, it’s tough to cut out huge parts I loved but which didn’t ultimately move the arc of the story forward. The easiest part is writing down conversations. I often feel as though I am transcribing actual dialogue as opposed to inventing imaginary dialogue.

What music do you listen to while you write?

I’m one of those strange ducks who can’t listen to music while she writes. I think the part of my brain that invents things is too close to the part of my brain that pays attention to music. If there are lyrics being sung, I can’t not pay attention to them. This is counter-productive if I’m trying to write.

What inspires you?

Words. Words. Words. (To quote my homeboy, Hamlet.) I love the flavor and texture of them in my mouth. Reading really gorgeous prose generally inspires me. Seeing a movie that brings out the tear-fairy also inspires me. However, the connection between inspiration and writing is tenuous, at best! (See my answer to question nine, below.)

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can whistle really, really loudly without using my fingers.

Also, I can sew pretty much anything.

And I make a wicked loaf of sourdough bread.

What are your current projects?

Incompletes: I have a satire in the deep freeze, and a fantasy based heavily on history on the front burner. First drafts done: I have book one in a projected sci-fi series and a stand-alone paranormal romance completed. Currently, I’m trying to decide which of these to attack next.

What book are you reading now?

I read several at once. On my nightstand right now are: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr, Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, and Glimpse by Stacey Wallace Benefiel.

Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why?

Shapeshifters. I mean, come on, how cool would it be to change your shape and appearance at will?

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read, read, read. Read the classics heavily. There’s a reason they’re classics. Read widely in the genre in which you would like to write, and keep up-to-date in this area. (I.e., read what is selling well today.)

AND

Write, write, write. The muse does not make visits with sufficient frequency to keep most of us writing. Write on a schedule whether you feel inspired or not. I find that inspiration follows B-I-C (butt-in-chair) pretty predictably.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I’m so very grateful to those of you who are helping my series climb the charts. It is an incredible privilege to be doing what I love full-time, and I don’t take it for granted!

Giveaway
Win the entire series of Rippler!

Samantha Ruiz has a freak gene that makes her turn invisible, or ripple. She can’t control it, and it’s getting worse. Afraid of becoming a lab-rat, Sam keeps her ability secret, until fellow runner Will Baker sees her vanish into thin air. Will promises secrecy and help, and Sam begins to fall in love. 

Together, the two discover there are worse things than being a scientific curiosity. Someone’s been killing people who possess Sam's gene. A mysterious man from France sends letters that offer hope for safety, but also reveal a sinister connection with Nazi experiments. The more time Sam spends with Will, the less she can imagine life without him. When Sam uncovers secrets from her past, she must choose between keeping Will in her life or keeping Will safe.

Curious about what I thought about these lovely books? Check out my review here and here. 

Hint: These books are great! :)

Want the books? Then follow these instructions:

1.In order to enter this giveaway you must be a follower of my blog.

2. Leave a comment with your name and email address to enter the giveaway.

3. To double your chances, then like my Facebook page and/or follow me on Twitter on the right hand side of the blog.

3. This giveaway ends January 18, 2011 at 11:59pm.

Please make sure to thank this awesome author, Cidney Swanson!