Today help me welcome S.P. Cervantes, author of the Secrets of Shadow Hill series as she talks to us about being an author. Make sure you read all the way to the end, where you can find out about her latest book and enter to win your own copy!
The Tour Giveaway will be: Signed paperback of The Prophecy (Secrets of Shadow Hill, #2)
A GUEST POST FROM AUTHOR S.P. CERVANTES, AUTHOR OF THE YA PARANORMAL SERIES THE SECRETS OF SHADOW HILL:
Why do you write?
I write because it is a creative outlet that allows me to challenge myself to accomplish something great.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
I have always loved to write, but was discouraged early on by a teacher in elementary school. It took me until adulthood to actually pen my first novel.
Who is your favorite author?
I don’t think that I could ever choose just one author, but Cassandra Clare and Jessica Sorenson are two in my genre that I absolutely love!
What book genre of books do you adore?
I love YA Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance…let’s just say I like romanceJ
What book should everybody read at least once?
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Amazing writing and storytelling.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from everything and anything…people watching, friends, teaching, my kids, other books, family.
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
The hardest part for me is definitely marketing. I am a somewhat shy person and new to the writing world. I am still trying to figure out what works, and also find the time to figure everything out on my own.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
It is very hard for me to step out of my comfort zone and share my work. I have been lucky to have a lot of positive support and reviews of Always and Forever, but am constantly self-conscious about what people think of my writing. As an author, I always appreciate positive feedback, and feel with each book I have written, that I am becoming better and better. With each release, the nerves definitely get to me.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
My family and friends are extremely supportive of me. My husband lets me lock myself away and write endlessly on weekends while he hangs with the kids. And my family and friends are my biggest fans and are great about spreading the word about my books.
Do you plan to publish more books?
I’ve just completed the first draft of the third book in the Secrets of Shadow Hill series. There are four books planned for this series, so stay tuned! I am also at the final stages of completing my first Contemporary Romance novel and am very excited to enter a new genre.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
My “day job” is as a 3rd grade teacher. I feel like I have two dream jobs. I have the blessed opportunity to work with kids to see their potential and to find confidence in learning. The best part too is that I get to teach these young kids how to write, and watching them find their inner author is a gift.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Mantoloking, NJ. I love the shore and have so many amazing memories there. I’m a sap.
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I write on my laptop, wither at a desk or in bed. There have many times, either on a run or right before falling asleep, where a great scene comes to me, and I take out my phone and type it all.
Where do you get support from? Do you have friends in the industry?
I get support from my family and some authors who I have met over the past year. Ashley Chappell has easily been my biggest support in the writing world, and someone who I respect a lot. She’s an amazing writer!
How much sleep do you need to be your best?
If I get a solid six hours, I’m good to go. I’m a morning person. Unless I had wine the night before.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words
make them feel?
I hope when people read my books they feel like they were able be swept away into another world for a while and relax, fall in love, and have fun.
What’s your favorite meal?
Linguini with clam sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and wine.
What color represents your personality the most?
Purple. I love it. It makes me happy, and looks good on everyone.
What movie do you love to watch?
I love romance movies, but I could watch Lord of the Rings, Return of the King a thousand times.
Who do you admire?
My mom. She raised my brother, who is only ten months older than me, my twin sister and me all on her own. She never once said a bad word about our father, worked hard, I never felt like I went without anything, even though we didn’t have much. She is an amazingly strong person.
EXCERPTS FROM THE PROPHECY:
PATRICK:
I instantly felt guilty when Ava brought up Erin. I assumed it was because of last night at the water tower, but I was not going to let it bother me. That was Ava, never knowing exactly what she wanted. The hardest part in all of this is I know she loves me. I know it. I feel it. It just isn’t enough, and never will be. She and Dalton are fated. After seeing them together in the battle, I knew that the Prophecy was true. You could see how much more powerful they were than any other. And when Ava and Hannah combined their powers with Dalton’s, they were unstoppable. I believe they have the power to stop anything together.
I still wasn’t sure of my place in Ava’s life, but was certain that something inside me pulled me to her when she was in danger, and I will always be there to protect her. I left Shadow Hill to try and move on; because Ava Fox is not someone you get over. You just have to move on with that hole in your heart forever.
DALTON:
Ava danced at a gracious distance seemingly chatting casually with Christian. I cringed as he laughed along at her story, his eyes dancing as they searched her up and down. I was glad when I noticed Patrick had made his way onto the dance floor with Erin so that he was positioned next to Ava and Christian. Patrick the Protector. I smiled at my nickname for him knowing it is the perfect fit. He is the one person I know in the world would keep Ava just as safe as I would.
PATRICK:
“I have spent the past year trying to get over you. I can’t let myself go to that place again with you Ava. Sergio sees that. But know that whatever happens here, I expect nothing from you when we do get back. I swore to protect you forever Ava, and that’s what I’m doing.”
AVA:
“Ava, open your eyes and look outside,” Patrick whispered sweetly in my ear.
I wiped my tears away unsure of what I was seeing. Little white specks began to drift down from the sky slowly descending to the ground below. A swift wind brought more snowflakes falling gracefully to the earth, some being swept up against our window. The wind swirled the glistening snowflakes in a floating dance back and forth outside my window.
“The first snow,” I said somberly wishing I could be running outside to make a snow angel.
“Your favorite time of year is the first snow. Perhaps Sergio will give us permission sometime after the party tomorrow to go up and have some fun if it sticks,” Patrick said aloud making his intentions known so Sergio could pretend it was his idea tomorrow, falling right into Patrick’s trap.
“That would be a dream come true,” I hesitantly played along. If we have to put our plan into action I prayed we could all escape.
I should be happier knowing this could be coming to an end, but I don’t want it to end if it means I have to leave without you, I sent my thoughts to Patrick.
I’ll always find my way back to you Ava. Patrick wrapped me closer as we sat silently watching the peaceful snow fall
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
S.P. Cervantes released her debut novel from the Secrets of Shadow Hill Series, Always and Forever in November, 2012. The second book of the series, The Prophecy was released November 19, 2013. She lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children, where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and reading, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel.
S.P. Cervantes graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University Fullerton, and has a Master’s Degree in Education.
S.P. Cervantes continues to work on the Secrets of Shadow Hills series while also writing her first contemporary romance novel.
Contact Links
The Prophecy (Secrets of Shadow Hill, #2) by S.P. Cervantes
ISBN: 9781939985033
Book Length: pages
Publisher: Center One Books
DESCRIPTION
Ava Fox has spent the past year acclimating to her new life as a wizard of Shadow Hill. Over the past year, her connection with Dalton has only grown stronger. They share a bond she has never known and can’t explain.
The danger is still there, even after the Sabatino coven was defeated, and Ava’s future is anything but sure. Her powerful relationship with Dalton continues to make others wonder about the Prophecy, and their place in it. Time and again Ava’s loyalty and strength will be put to the test as she fights for those she loves. There are many more secrets of Shadow Hill that will be revealed in The Prophecy.
BUY LINKS:
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