January 13, 2012

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

Image of Cidney Swanson
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!

81 comments:

  1. Wonderful interview Cidney! This is a great giveaway--I want to enter but the form isn't showing up! I'm a GFC follower--hopefully that counts as an entry!!

    kathyrygg at homtmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. The books sound amazing!!! The form isn't showing :(
    I am a new GFC follower - samantha james
    twitter- samantharjames
    Facebook like - samantha james
    and follow by email: samantha.r.james07@gmail.com

    can be contacted at that email also ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Samantha sounds like an interesting heroine.

    GFCAnne38
    acm05atjuno.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you so much for the giveaway Cidney.I've been dying to read The Ripple Series!

    GFC: Candace Hawkins
    lovemibooks@aol.com
    P.S. I tweeted this post :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. thanks so much for the giveaway!!

    i follow on twitter, GFC, and 'like' on FB

    yankeedragon4 at gmail dotcom

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for entering you guys! I'm sorry for the confusion, but just make sure to leave your name, email address, and anything else you did extra.

    Thanks for understanding and sorry again for the initial problem.

    ReplyDelete
  7. :( I'm in Canada but these books are awesome. Sad panda :(

    I'm an old follower :D (Jennifer Allen) and like you on FB

    Great giveaway!

    If you change your mind about US only ;)
    I'm at kittysneeze_88(at)hotmail(dot)com!

    Can you tell I'd really like to read these?..lol

    ReplyDelete
  8. GFC: R.

    cigam9(at)gmail(dot)com

    ~Irika

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the giveaway!

    GFC: Christina
    Facebook: Christina Bodden
    Twitter: @Caymanian_girl

    caymanian_girl(at)earthlink(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  10. gfc: rocksann
    rocksann@gmail.com
    Would love to win this series, I have Rippler on my to read list already. Thanks for the awesome giveaway =)

    ReplyDelete
  11. gfc follower- megan kyser

    AmethystDaydreams at zoho dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great giveaway.
    Follow on GFC as Jenn
    Like on FB as Jennifer H
    Follow on twitter as @jenhedger
    jenhedger at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the giveaway!

    GFC - Jessica Shover

    curledupwithbooks@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. They sound amazing :D
    Missie Jones
    GFC: missie25524
    fb : missie Jones

    email: missie25524 at netzero.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. These books sound incredible.
    GCF: Cherie Colyer
    fb: Cherie Colyer
    Twitter: @CherieColyer

    clcolyer at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  16. great giveaway,
    GFC Jeanz
    FB Sandra Keys
    Twitter @Sanz71
    also subscribed to newsletter

    jeanz at btinternet dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great interview & giveaway :D
    GFC: Kara DiDomizio
    FB: same as above
    twitter: @karasmannequin

    supersonic182@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. GFC tetewa Love blog hops! tWarner419@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Follow by email skovach717@gmail.com
    GFC Sara Kovach
    Twitter @sarakovach
    Facebook Sara Kovach

    http://sosimplesara.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
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  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Awesome giveaway! :)

    email: shorevalerie at yahoo dot com
    FB: Valerie Shore
    GFC: Valerie Shore
    twitter: @shorevalerie

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for your great giveaway!!

    GFC follower-judy
    Liked on FB-judy c.

    Judy
    magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for the giveaway!

    GFC: Veronica W.
    FB: Veronica Walker
    Twitter: @veronicawalker
    Email: roniwalker7(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thank you so much:) I waaaaaant:)

    GFC: Tina Anthony
    FB: Atheena C.
    Twitter: @MagickGirl15
    Email: tin8882007(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Follow via GFC: Simply Kayla
    Follow via Twitter: @KaylaShantee
    E-mail: kayla(dot)s(dot)graham(at)gmail(dot)com
    Facebook: Kayla Graham

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks so much for this giveaway!!! I hope I win (:

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you for the giveaway!! I'm a GFC follower - user name Val. I'm also following you on twitter now - @librarydweller1. My email address is redfearnv at gmail dot com. Thanks again. The Rippler series looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sounds like a fantastic read!

    elizabeth @ bookattict . com
    Twitter: @BookAttict
    GFC: BookAttict
    Facebook: Elizabeth Kotkiewicz Hyatt

    ReplyDelete
  30. GFC : Lisa Walker
    Facebook : Lisa Fisher Walker
    Twitter : Liese2
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Cidney; I really hope to win these! They sound great!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you Thank you!!
    GFC: wihockeycall
    Twitter: @wihockeycall
    email: wihockeycall@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you for the giveaway :)

    I follow you on GFC
    Jennifer Rote
    wildnmild4u (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you Cidney for writing these books! Thanks for participating in the blog hop. I follow by GFC and FB under Rachel Vessar and by email pefrw(at)yahoo(dot)com. Please enter me in the giveaway.

    Rachel V.
    pefrw(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Really awesome giveaway!
    GFC - rickimc
    rickimc[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I already have the series, so I am not entering, but I LOVE the books!
    Also I am a stop on the blog tour, so I think it is very awesome I found your blog! :)

    Happy Reading!

    ReplyDelete
  36. GFC Cricket
    FB:Latoya
    Twitter: @lilcrickit
    Thanks for the giveaway
    lilcrickit at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi! I'm just letting all the blogs I follow know about my giveaway today, please stop by if you can: http://authorjess.blogspot.com/2012/01/big-2012-birthday-giveaway-come-and-get.html

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you so much for participating in this hop and for this SUPER AWESOME giveaway!! I want these books in the worst way evah!

    GFC follower robertsongena
    Facebook like Gena Robertson
    Twitter follower mystchevia

    Gena Robertson
    robertsongena@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Sounds like a great book.
    GFC follower- Maritza Robinson
    FB- Maritza Robinson
    twitter- mara80cullen
    Thanks for this great giveaway!

    mararob80(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thanks for the giveaway!

    GFC: Kaity Wells
    Twitter:katiewatanabe
    Facebook:Kaitlynne Watanabe

    shadowkatt2011 [at] aim [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

    GFC: merikay noah
    Twitter:@PopcornReads
    FB: merikay noah
    mk@popcornreads.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Following you via GFC as ThePixieSprinkles

    Following you on twitter as PixieSprinkles3

    Following you on FB as Pixie Sprinkles

    pixiesprinkles@hotmail.com

    Thanks! =)

    ReplyDelete
  43. GFC: Karina Lopez
    Twitter: @L_A_Karina
    email: kalopez471 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Such a great series
    gfc=Helen
    fb= Helen Bush
    twitter=helldog3
    helldog3 at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for the fab giveaway!

    GFC follower = Juana Esparza

    FB = Juana Esparza

    Twitter = @jmesparza821

    jmesparza821(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I follow you on google, magic5905
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. What a treat of an interview and giveaway. This series sounds awesome and I always wished I could whistle really loudly with my fingers - oh what fun that would be LOL
    GFC / Facebook - Denise Zaky
    twitter @ZDz59001
    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Nice post/interview :)

    GFC Red
    I follow on twitter @annacade1
    acade29 @gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you so much for the excellent giveaway.

    GFC follow as seriousreader

    Twitter follow as @BookOwner

    Facebook like as Linda Henderson

    seriousreader at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thank you for the giveaway!

    GFC - kayswedeski
    Twitter - @kswederski

    kayswederski@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. thanks for the giveaway
    GFC elis t

    dancingG11@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love blog hops!! Thanks!
    GFC Follower - Tonya Dean

    tdlsfm(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks for the Giveaway!
    GFC: Krista R

    kmritchie02@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. ty!! GFC diannab
    diannaandpaul@yahoo.com...liked on fb

    ReplyDelete
  55. GFC Stacie Russell

    @lyciastorm

    niahflame at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. GFC Unabridged Bookshelf

    Twitter: @unabridgedshelf

    unabridgedbookshelf at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. GFC: Lexie@BookBug
    FB follower: Lexie May Hogan
    Twitter follower: @LexieBookBug
    lexie.bookbug at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks for the giveaway.
    GFC: Persephone
    Twitter: PersephoneWR

    wingedpersephone at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thank you for the aweseome giveaway! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom GFC Krystal Larson
    fb Lindsay Ann

    ReplyDelete
  60. following on GFC
    Ann m Heilman Parker

    truwinner@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thanks for the giveaway...
    Following GFC as aprilharvell
    Liked on FB as April Harvell
    ramblingsandadventures(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thank you 4 the very generous giveaway!
    I follow via GFC: Brenda Demko
    brendem7@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thanks Cidney!!
    GFC - Lolawid

    widsfam7 @ digis dot net

    ReplyDelete
  64. GFC-Gloria
    FB-Gloria Sell Schumann
    Twitter-GloriaSchumann
    Thanks for the giveaway! I love the covers!

    geschumann at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thanks for this awesome giveaway and interview. I totally agree with your answer to authors. BIC!

    GFC-Mary @SweepingMe
    FB-Mary Reiss
    Twitter @SweepingMe

    Mary
    mary_reiss @ hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thanks for the great giveaway, the books look so cool!!!

    GFC: red_tigergirl2
    twitter: @red_tigergirl2
    email: red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thank you very much great giveaway!
    GFC-latishajean
    Facebook-latisha D
    tishajean@ charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  68. Great giveaway!
    GFC- Krysta Banco
    FB- Krysta Banco
    Twitter- @YearofTiger86

    Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  69. Thanks for the giveaway.
    GFC: Tpulliam
    FB: Tiff Pull
    Twitter: tpulliam2

    tpulliam@crimson.ua.edu

    ReplyDelete
  70. Thank you for the chance to win your giveaway.
    I'm a GFC follower - Cindy Macbeth
    cindymacbeth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway and great interview.
    GFC: Janiera
    Twitter:lazenbeauty
    prettyhaydengurl at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. gfc=Meghan Page
    follow on twitter as @meghan_page
    like on FB as Meghan Page

    These books sound awesome, like a really fresh concept! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thanks so much! It's so cute that you started writing at like 7! :) I'm a GFC follower as Alex W! :) allicat0818[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Thanks so much!! I did all three :)

    FB and GFC- Michelle Adams

    twitter- bookbriefs

    chelle2006[@]aol.com

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  76. GFC follower. Thank you for your giveaway!

    Annette
    annettekz2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. GFC Follower as Robin Blankenship

    robinblankenshiP@Gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. GFC follower: nicolesender
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  79. liked you on fb: Nicole Sender
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  80. follow you on twitter @minibea
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete