Sunday 30 March 2014

BOOK PROMOTION - FULL MOON - TRILOGY OF THE WOLF BY J.A.J. HUTCHISSON & J.L. HUTCHISSON

Title: Full Moon Rising
Series: Trilogy Of The Wolf
Author: JAJ Hutchisson & JL Hutchisson

BLURB from Goodreads
After receiving a terrifying prophecy, Constin Sal Tamind, an Elder Priest in the Heartfield Church, gathers his daughter and those close to him in an attempt to outrun destiny. From the moment he decides to run, trouble seems to follow him, starting with the army at his city's gates.

As they desperately flee from the werewolf destined to protect his daughter, Olesa Tamind, who will one day save the known world, their resolve will be tested, their faith will be challenged, and their freedom will be in jeopardy.

During the journey, they will come across an unexpected companion and in the end, fight a danger worse than what they had originally fled from.

AUTHOR'S INTERVIEW

What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?
Our names are Jeffrey Jenn-Hutchisson and Jessica Hutchisson. Jeff was born in Palmer, AK and Jessica was born in Casper, WY. We both live in Casper, WY, but are currently thinking about relocating somewhere warmer and less windy.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
Jessica: I have always wanted to write. Even when I was in second grade, I entered a writing contest and won first place. It has always been my dream to share what rattles on inside my brain and often distracts me from the real world.
Jeff: I didn’t always want to be a writer. It only came to me as a possibility around the time I turned 12. Before that I went through the normal kid stuff of wanting to be something different every few months, though most of the time I wanted to be either a cop or a basketball star.

When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"?
Jessica: I have always considered myself a writer. I have been writing since a very young age and have always enjoyed it. For me, writing is definitely a passion.
Jeff: Early on writing for me was more of a hobby or pastime. Somewhere around turning 16 I began to consider myself a writer.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
Jessica and Jeff: It took about four years for us to finish Full Moon Rising and the countless edits until we were satisfied that we could publish it and share it with everyone.

Do you work another job as well as your writing work?
Jessica and Jeff: Yes. We both have full time jobs that we often feel get in the way of our writing, so, sometimes we’re a little resentful of our jobs but feel that we are fortunate to have them.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Trilogy of the Wolf: Book 1: Full Moon Rising
A young girl is destined to save the world and a werewolf is destined to protect her.

Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?
We have chosen to self-publish for a number of reasons; some of which include: being able to control certain aspects of the book, and the fact that even if our book was picked up by one of the “big” publishers, since we are unknown, we would most likely be in charge of our own marketing and receive a smaller portion of the royalties.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
Jeff and Jess: It really depends on the book. Sometimes it doesn’t take very long. Other times, it takes a few years.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
Jeff and Jess: Most likely books from the same genre as we are definitely fantasy nerds. Although, we do have a few science fiction books planned and have thought about trying our hand at romance.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Jeff and Jess: We have several plans for new books. We’re hoping to get Book 2 of the Trilogy of the Wolf out this year, as well as the first book in a new series, named Anarchy.

What genre would you place your books into?
Jeff and Jess: Definitely fantasy.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?
Jeff and Jess: We have always been big fans of fantasy because it helps stretch the imagination and helps both the reader and writer to delve into a new world that is unlike our own.

If you had to choose to be one of your characters in your book/books which would you be? and why?
Jess: I would most likely be a sorcerer of some type. I cannot pinpoint a specific at this time, but since I was a young girl, I have always wished I was magical.
Jeff: It would be difficult to choose because every character has their good and bad about them.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
Jess: I have been writing for 22 years, starting at a very young age. I’m not sure if anyone inspired me to write. The desire has always been there.
Jeff: I have been writing for 17 years. My inspiration for writing came from David Eddings.

Where do you get your book plot ideas from? What/Who is your inspiration?
Jeff and Jess: Hmmmm…… I’m not sure if we should tell as it might make us sound crazy. Anything throughout the day, even if it is the silliest thing, can make us go “Ooohhh! That would be a cool idea for a story or a character, or an event… etc.” We even make up lives for random people we come across, like when we’re driving down the road.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
Jeff and Jess: No routines. We were blessed with the ability of being able to write pretty much anywhere.

Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you know?
Jess: My dad has pretty much become our unofficial editor. He’s very honest and will tell us if he thinks something isn’t good.

Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?
Jess and Jeff: We most certainly do.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
Jess and Jeff: So far, yes.

Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about your book/books?
Jess and Jeff: Whereas we would most likely be devastated, we would never ask them to change their review. That is their opinion, no matter what we think.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
Jeff and Jess: It mostly depends on the story. Sometimes an idea will demand to be written, but the perfect title for it won’t come to light until the middle of the story. Sometimes the title will show itself as I’m writing the first few lines. Sometimes, the story is finished without a name and then a few days or weeks are spent brainstorming for an awesome title.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
Jeff and Jess: We actually have a very large list of names saved in our computer that we can go to when we create a new character. If we don’t find something that feels right for that character we usually just come up with something on the spot. Sometimes, we’ll be at work and a name just comes to us and then it is a scramble to find a piece of paper and pen before the name is lost.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
Jeff and Jess: The basics are decided beforehand, but as we go along, the character develops more and more. Sometimes the characters develop a trait that we didn’t expect.

Do you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story?
Jess: I always plan on the basic book plot, but it changes as I go along. Most of the time I just let the writing flow and see where it takes the story.
Jeff: Years ago I would outline everything, from beginning to end. But I could never get very far with that. Now I just have a vague idea of where the story is going and I just see where it takes me.

How do you market/promote your books?
Jeff: Since this is the first book we’ve published, it has been an interesting learning process. We have tried a few different things, but the thing that seems to work the best is to just reach out to book review bloggers.
Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?
Jess: I have rarely suffered from writer’s block and it usually only lasts about an hour or two. Jeff says I’m one of the lucky ones.
Jeff: She is one of the lucky ones. I do get writer’s block. I wouldn’t say that I get it often, but often enough to be annoying at times. I usually spend a couple days just thinking through the scene I’m stuck on, trying to look at it from different angles and see if I can come up with something I hadn’t seen before.

What do you do to unwind and relax? Do you have a hobby?
Jess: My hobby is writing and that helps me unwind and relax, especially after a long work day.
Jeff: Writing is a good way to unwind, but I mostly use video games to unwind.
Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you?
Jess and Jeff: We have definitely based characters on real life people and events on things that have happened to us. It helps make the story feel real.

Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?
Jess: For me, Anne McCaffrey influenced me on writing and later on Marion Zimmer Bradley and several others.
Jeff: Robert Jordan and David Eddings have influenced my writing over the years.

Which format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback, or paperback?
Jess: Paperback is my preference. They are easier to read.
Jeff: It is very convenient to be able to have several hundred books in one device, but paperback will always be my favorite.

What is your favourite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?
Jess: It is very difficult to decide which is my favorite book. I have several! And yes, I have read them more than once. To name a few: The Pern series by Anne McCaffrey, the Darkover books by Marion Zimmer Bradly, David Eddings’ books. There are so many more!!!
Jeff: I wouldn’t be able to pick just one as my favorite. There are many I’ve enjoyed and read more than once. The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan is the foremost in my mind right now, probably because I’m in the process of rereading it.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst  book to movie transfer?
Jess: Worst book to movie transfer was Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. They left out so much. They should have made it a two parter like they did for the last book.
Jeff: I think that depends on the writer of the book and the director of the movie. I agree with Jess about the worst. I think the best book to movie transfer was Congo. The book, written by Michael Crichton, was not very good, but the movie was actually interesting.

What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)
Jess: I am currently reading three books right now. They are Event by David Lynn Goleman, House by Ted Dekker and Frank Perreti, and the third book I’m reading is Happy Ever After, the 4th book of the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts. All of them are paperback.
Jeff: I’m reading The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan at the moment. It is a paperback copy that is so old it is falling apart.

Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books?
Jess: It’s hard to say as there are several of us who prefer a real book to a ebook reader, but maybe eventually which will leave us to being book hoarders!
Jeff: I really hope eBooks never fully replace print books. There has always been something amazing about stepping into a room and seeing a wall of bookshelves full of books.

Do you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read? and/or do Imaginative writing?
Jess: Definitely not. The schools are more focused on tests and the results. Schools kind of stifle imaginative thought.
Jeff: Unfortunately not. The more I learn about public schools these days the more it seems like original thought is trying to be suppressed. Everyone is so focused on Math that History and Reading take a hit. When you encounter a college-age person who thinks the US won the battle of the Alamo and needs to use a picture menu to order food, you begin to lose faith in the education system.

Did you read a lot at school and write lots of stories or is being a writer something newer in your life?
Jess: I have always been an avid reader and a writer. Sometimes instead of paying attention in class, I was writing my stories. Fortunately, I was a good student so my teachers thought I was taking notes when in fact, if asked a question about something I wouldn’t have been able to answer it.
Jeff: I did read quite a bit in school. Being able to escape into another world has always been a big draw for me. I did not write in the traditional sense while in school. I actually hated being given writing assignments. But when I was ten I did write a short 20 minute play and when I was 12, about a month before I became homeschooled, I wrote a page long poem about school.

Did you have a favourite author as a child?
Jess: Believe it or not, I was reading the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien in second grade. My teacher had even called my parents in saying that the book was too advanced for a child of my age. My parents basically told them that I could read what I wanted to read as long as they deemed it appropriate. After a lot of testing, I was moved up to the sixth grade advanced reading level.

Do you have a treasured book from your childhood? If yes, what is it?
Jess: Again, that would be the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. They helped my imagination and boredom at school. I have always been gifted with being able to learn quickly.

Do you have a favourite genre of book?
Jess: At one time it was hardcore fantasy, but now that I’m older I’ve branched out into other genres and have been enjoying them quite a bit.
Jeff: Fantasy and Sci-Fi have always been my favorite genres. I do branch out occasionally though.

Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read but just couldn't finish?
Jess and Jeff: Yes. The entire Twilight series. The movies were bad enough! Bella isn’t a likeable main character and Edward is a wimp, not at all like a vampire!

Is there anything in your book/books you would change now if you could and what would it be?
Jess and Jeff: We would not change our book Full Moon Rising as we are very satisfied with the outcome.

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Jess and Jeff: Do not get discouraged at finding a publisher and do not give up writing and working on your dream. With effort and hard work, you can make anything happen. It just might take a while.

Do you or would you ever use a pen name?
Jess and Jeff: We haven’t given it much thought. The only way we would use a pen name was if we wrote something that we didn’t want our family and friends to know that it was us.

If you could invite three favourite writers to dinner, who would you invite and enjoy chatting with?
Jess: For me they would be; Anne McCaffrey, Brent Weeks, and Janet Evanovich.
Jeff: Michael J. Stackpole, William C. Dietz and Michael Crichton

I also asked some extra questions about being Co-Authors

How does the writing process work with two authors?
Jeff is the idea guy and Jess is the person who flushes it out and rounds off the rough edges.    

Do you ever disagree on the direction of a character or the plot?
In certain areas, but usually we can work it out to get what we both want.

Do you market the book any differently with it having two authors?
No.

Do you write alone as a sole author of a book too? If so which do you enjoy most?
We both have individual books we’re working on.
Jess and Jeff: We actually enjoy working as a team better than writing solo. For one, it’s more fun and for two, it helps bring both of our talents, since one of us is always better at something than the other, to light.

How do you decide who writes which part of the book?
It just kind of happens, but most often we both work on the same parts.

If there's a disagreement, say about plot, title, cover etc how do you solve it?
We solve these things by discussion upon discussion until we both get what we want. I guess we compromise with one another.

Do you enjoy writing with another author more than writing alone?
Yes. We love sharing our work together.

How do you find your perfect author partner to write with?
For us, it just kind of happened. It is how our friendship began when we found out that we both were writers and then one thing led to another and we realized that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. Writing together only came about a few years ago.

Who decides which name goes first on the book?
There was no decision. It is what it is.

Do you get together in the same room to do the writing or is it all done via computers? 
Since we live together, it is generally done in the same room. Sometimes even when we’re playing an online game together.

Where can readers follow you?
Your Blog Details: thehutchissonauthors.wordpress.com
Your Website: thehutchissonauthors.webstarts.com
Your Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thehutchissons
Your Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7458693.J_A_J_Hutchisson
Your Twitter Details: https://twitter.com/TheHutchissons

And any other information you wish to supply:

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