Claudette Melanson's Blog - Posts Tagged "vampire"
Rising Tide Giveaway
Hello Everyone!
I'm so excited about the publication of my first novel Rising Tide Dark Innocence! This is the first book in the Maura DeLuca Trilolgy. If you love paranormal romance, this book is right up your alley!
Currently, Rising Tide is being featured in a giveaway on one of the most popular health blogs on the internet, Maria Mind Body Health.
You can find the giveaway here
I'm also giving away a copy of Rising Tide on Goodreads.
I hope you all will pick up my book on Amazon.com :)
I'm so excited about the publication of my first novel Rising Tide Dark Innocence! This is the first book in the Maura DeLuca Trilolgy. If you love paranormal romance, this book is right up your alley!
Currently, Rising Tide is being featured in a giveaway on one of the most popular health blogs on the internet, Maria Mind Body Health.
You can find the giveaway here
I'm also giving away a copy of Rising Tide on Goodreads.
I hope you all will pick up my book on Amazon.com :)
The Writing Method
I’m sure every author, everywhere, has their own method to madness. Just like everyone has a preference for the way they clean their house or the food they eat, authors have a predilection for the elements of their own writing process.
I am no different, and I’ve found that the conditions must be exactly right for me to be my most productive.
Sleep is a big one. Like many other writers, I don’t have the luxury of staying home and writing full time. I work 40 hours, plus 4 of mandatory overtime, out in the real world. This makes for a very long day, and with the other necessary evils, such as preparing food, shopping and doing the minimal chores necessary for clean clothes, bunny cages and dishes, there is very little time left for writing. I’m usually dead tired during the week—like a vampire forced to live during the day time—and admittedly don’t get much writing done Monday - Friday. But, making sure I can squeeze in at least 7 hours sleep makes turning out maybe a half chapter…sometimes more… on a weekday evening a greater possibility.
Weekends are, most of the time, a much more productive time to write. Sleeping in refreshes the brain and usually the first thought on my mind when I open my eyes Saturday morning is grabbing my laptop and working on that next book. Lately, with the publication of my first novel, though, I find it very easy to get distracted. Since I decided to go the self-publishing route, I’m also my own publicist. Not only do I have books to write, but I have one I need to sell too—so that hopefully, one day soon I can make writing my full-time occupation.
I’m very particular about my space too. I am bunmom to four bunbabies and I need them around me when I write. Each of my rabbits is so gentle and full of love, it puts my mind in in the right place for optimal writing. Just to clarify, Bunnies = Zen.
Coffee. Now this is a big one! There’s just something about a warm, inviting cup of coffee that just makes me feel like a writer. We’re ketogenic eaters, so I add a tablespoon of MCT oil and grass-fed butter to mine, along with a raw egg yolk from pastured hens, found on a farm in our little Ontario town. Of course you have to make this concoction with a Magic Bullet, or other small blender, for the consistency to be right, just FYI. I find this drink really energizes and comforts, setting the stage for some quality writing!
Lastly—noise. I don’t know what it is about me, but I cannot stand quiet. I know that most other people crave quiet to be able to concentrate, but I’ve always been the opposite. In college, I could never study without the TV or radio on. While reading a book, even, there must be some background noise. I’m not sure exactly why this is, but I can’t even go to sleep in a quiet room, much less be able to write in one. Most of the time, I prefer music. All of my novels have a playlist, usually a song to match the tone of each chapter—I’ve discovered a lot of great, new music this way. But, I love having a good vampire or zombie movie on in the background while writing, too!
What’s your method to madness? What helps you create? I’d love to hear from other writers, artists and readers about your favorite creative atmosphere :)
I am no different, and I’ve found that the conditions must be exactly right for me to be my most productive.
Sleep is a big one. Like many other writers, I don’t have the luxury of staying home and writing full time. I work 40 hours, plus 4 of mandatory overtime, out in the real world. This makes for a very long day, and with the other necessary evils, such as preparing food, shopping and doing the minimal chores necessary for clean clothes, bunny cages and dishes, there is very little time left for writing. I’m usually dead tired during the week—like a vampire forced to live during the day time—and admittedly don’t get much writing done Monday - Friday. But, making sure I can squeeze in at least 7 hours sleep makes turning out maybe a half chapter…sometimes more… on a weekday evening a greater possibility.
Weekends are, most of the time, a much more productive time to write. Sleeping in refreshes the brain and usually the first thought on my mind when I open my eyes Saturday morning is grabbing my laptop and working on that next book. Lately, with the publication of my first novel, though, I find it very easy to get distracted. Since I decided to go the self-publishing route, I’m also my own publicist. Not only do I have books to write, but I have one I need to sell too—so that hopefully, one day soon I can make writing my full-time occupation.
I’m very particular about my space too. I am bunmom to four bunbabies and I need them around me when I write. Each of my rabbits is so gentle and full of love, it puts my mind in in the right place for optimal writing. Just to clarify, Bunnies = Zen.
Coffee. Now this is a big one! There’s just something about a warm, inviting cup of coffee that just makes me feel like a writer. We’re ketogenic eaters, so I add a tablespoon of MCT oil and grass-fed butter to mine, along with a raw egg yolk from pastured hens, found on a farm in our little Ontario town. Of course you have to make this concoction with a Magic Bullet, or other small blender, for the consistency to be right, just FYI. I find this drink really energizes and comforts, setting the stage for some quality writing!
Lastly—noise. I don’t know what it is about me, but I cannot stand quiet. I know that most other people crave quiet to be able to concentrate, but I’ve always been the opposite. In college, I could never study without the TV or radio on. While reading a book, even, there must be some background noise. I’m not sure exactly why this is, but I can’t even go to sleep in a quiet room, much less be able to write in one. Most of the time, I prefer music. All of my novels have a playlist, usually a song to match the tone of each chapter—I’ve discovered a lot of great, new music this way. But, I love having a good vampire or zombie movie on in the background while writing, too!
What’s your method to madness? What helps you create? I’d love to hear from other writers, artists and readers about your favorite creative atmosphere :)
Illustrator Interview–20 Questions with Daniel Chon
Tell us a bit about yourself and your family
My family and I live in Monterey, California. I have a super charged five year old daughter named Olivia and an amazingly supportive wife named Annie. As for myself, I work as a freelance art director and illustrator with an overly active imagination and need for challenge.
Did you always want to be an artist?
Ever since my cousin taught me how to draw a swan out of a number two, I’ve always loved to draw. I can’t say that I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I wanted to be a superhero when I was a kid, but always settled for telling stories through pictures. I owe the discovery of being an artist to my high school art teacher, Mrs. Weigel. She encouraged me to focus my passion for drawing into making it a career.
What inspires you?
Music and seeing how other artists and movie directors think. There’s something about watching how creativity inspires others that can be contagious. Listening to music (mostly without lyrics) can transport you through your imagination to all sorts of cool and interesting destinations if you just let the tempo carry you like a current.
What are your favorite things to draw?
I’ve always played at drawing my own comic some day. Drawing my own characters, plotting out scenes on scraps of paper. It’s always been a pet project of mine that I’ve had on my bucket list of things to accomplish. Who knows, maybe someday?
What inspired your cover for Rising Tide: Dark Innocence?
I knew that I wanted it to look intriguing. I wanted it to fit the novel. Playing off the heroine’s innocence and the darkness that surrounds her. But most of all I wanted her to feel like an apparition that you could not easily dismiss once you looked at her.
How long did it take you to create the book’s cover?
That cover… oh boy. It went through a lot of rounds of play. I can’t remember how long to be honest, but I can tell you it was a really fun puzzle to figure out.
What projects are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on a freelance gig, doing commissions and also working out stray ideas for my own “pet” projects. It’s a lot but it keeps me out of trouble.
Will you be designing more covers for other authors?
Good question. Do you know any authors who are looking for an illustrator?
Do you have any ideas for the cover of Claudette Melanson’s next book, Undertow?
I’ve got a few ideas that I’m keeping close to the chest. We’ll both have to see the next book to see how it turns out. Haha!
What’s your favorite aspect of the cover you designed for Rising Tide?
Wow. That’s actually a tough question because there are elements I like for different reasons. Honestly, I think if I were truthful with myself…I would have to say that the visuals are not overly complicated. I think it says all that it needs to hopefully coax a reader into asking questions about what the book is about.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists reading this?
I’d say that for everyone (me most of all)…humility and a healthy fear are the two greatest tools any artist can have. Humility in that we’ve always got to a lot to learn. And a healthy fear, that if we’re not pushing our abilities enough, we won’t grow to be better. Talent only takes us part of the way. It’s the effort and willingness to put ourselves out there (win or lose) that officially tells us…you’ve started the journey.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not creating art?
I really enjoy watching speed drawing videos on YouTube (art nerd I know), watching movies and playing with my daughter. But truthfully, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting me without a pencil or stylus in my hand.
What’s your favorite drawing you’ve ever created?
I would have to say, a quick pencil sketch of my daughter Olivia. It might not mean that much to someone else. But it means the world to me.
How do you know Claudette?
Claudette and I have been friends for quite a while. We met over a website forum a few years ago and have been pen pals ever since.
What are some things you hope to accomplish from this novel’s cover design?
I think my intent was pretty basic. I hoped to demonstrate through visuals that the novel doesn’t mess around. That by treating the content with respect and attention to detail it represents the author’s heart and soul in this story.
How do you come up with the ideas for your artwork?
Drawing. Sketching. Note taking. Repeat.
Would you like to design more book covers for other authors in the future and if so, what kind of covers do you hope to illustrate?
If I had an opportunity presented again, absolutely. I’m a big fan of science fiction, so maybe having a go at that genre would be fun. I’ve received some really great feedback from people who’ve seen the “Rising Tide” cover and appreciated it. I can’t express how thankful I am to them for that. It’s definitely one of my top ten feelings.
What would your dream job be?
Ever since I was in high school I’ve always thought it would be cool to be a comic book illustrator but I’m also holding out for being a superhero too.
Do you read? If so, what are your favorite kinds of books?
I do! I read a lot of books on art, but I also really like super natural thrillers and science fiction.
What are you most passionate about?
Not to take a motto away from the army but being the best artist, dad and husband I can be.
Would you like to commission Daniel for your own project? You can find him here!
What a wonderful experience to work with Daniel! He's timely, creates beautiful work, listens to the ideas of those he works with and his one-of-a-kind designs are affordable with competitive pricing. I would recommend this talented illustrator to anyone! - Claudette Melanson, Author of Rising Tide
My family and I live in Monterey, California. I have a super charged five year old daughter named Olivia and an amazingly supportive wife named Annie. As for myself, I work as a freelance art director and illustrator with an overly active imagination and need for challenge.
Did you always want to be an artist?
Ever since my cousin taught me how to draw a swan out of a number two, I’ve always loved to draw. I can’t say that I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I wanted to be a superhero when I was a kid, but always settled for telling stories through pictures. I owe the discovery of being an artist to my high school art teacher, Mrs. Weigel. She encouraged me to focus my passion for drawing into making it a career.
What inspires you?
Music and seeing how other artists and movie directors think. There’s something about watching how creativity inspires others that can be contagious. Listening to music (mostly without lyrics) can transport you through your imagination to all sorts of cool and interesting destinations if you just let the tempo carry you like a current.
What are your favorite things to draw?
I’ve always played at drawing my own comic some day. Drawing my own characters, plotting out scenes on scraps of paper. It’s always been a pet project of mine that I’ve had on my bucket list of things to accomplish. Who knows, maybe someday?
What inspired your cover for Rising Tide: Dark Innocence?
I knew that I wanted it to look intriguing. I wanted it to fit the novel. Playing off the heroine’s innocence and the darkness that surrounds her. But most of all I wanted her to feel like an apparition that you could not easily dismiss once you looked at her.
How long did it take you to create the book’s cover?
That cover… oh boy. It went through a lot of rounds of play. I can’t remember how long to be honest, but I can tell you it was a really fun puzzle to figure out.
What projects are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on a freelance gig, doing commissions and also working out stray ideas for my own “pet” projects. It’s a lot but it keeps me out of trouble.
Will you be designing more covers for other authors?
Good question. Do you know any authors who are looking for an illustrator?
Do you have any ideas for the cover of Claudette Melanson’s next book, Undertow?
I’ve got a few ideas that I’m keeping close to the chest. We’ll both have to see the next book to see how it turns out. Haha!
What’s your favorite aspect of the cover you designed for Rising Tide?
Wow. That’s actually a tough question because there are elements I like for different reasons. Honestly, I think if I were truthful with myself…I would have to say that the visuals are not overly complicated. I think it says all that it needs to hopefully coax a reader into asking questions about what the book is about.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists reading this?
I’d say that for everyone (me most of all)…humility and a healthy fear are the two greatest tools any artist can have. Humility in that we’ve always got to a lot to learn. And a healthy fear, that if we’re not pushing our abilities enough, we won’t grow to be better. Talent only takes us part of the way. It’s the effort and willingness to put ourselves out there (win or lose) that officially tells us…you’ve started the journey.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not creating art?
I really enjoy watching speed drawing videos on YouTube (art nerd I know), watching movies and playing with my daughter. But truthfully, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting me without a pencil or stylus in my hand.
What’s your favorite drawing you’ve ever created?
I would have to say, a quick pencil sketch of my daughter Olivia. It might not mean that much to someone else. But it means the world to me.
How do you know Claudette?
Claudette and I have been friends for quite a while. We met over a website forum a few years ago and have been pen pals ever since.
What are some things you hope to accomplish from this novel’s cover design?
I think my intent was pretty basic. I hoped to demonstrate through visuals that the novel doesn’t mess around. That by treating the content with respect and attention to detail it represents the author’s heart and soul in this story.
How do you come up with the ideas for your artwork?
Drawing. Sketching. Note taking. Repeat.
Would you like to design more book covers for other authors in the future and if so, what kind of covers do you hope to illustrate?
If I had an opportunity presented again, absolutely. I’m a big fan of science fiction, so maybe having a go at that genre would be fun. I’ve received some really great feedback from people who’ve seen the “Rising Tide” cover and appreciated it. I can’t express how thankful I am to them for that. It’s definitely one of my top ten feelings.
What would your dream job be?
Ever since I was in high school I’ve always thought it would be cool to be a comic book illustrator but I’m also holding out for being a superhero too.
Do you read? If so, what are your favorite kinds of books?
I do! I read a lot of books on art, but I also really like super natural thrillers and science fiction.
What are you most passionate about?
Not to take a motto away from the army but being the best artist, dad and husband I can be.
Would you like to commission Daniel for your own project? You can find him here!
What a wonderful experience to work with Daniel! He's timely, creates beautiful work, listens to the ideas of those he works with and his one-of-a-kind designs are affordable with competitive pricing. I would recommend this talented illustrator to anyone! - Claudette Melanson, Author of Rising Tide
Rising Tide is Perma Free!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rgw2uH
Amazon Canada: http://buff.ly/2pD7wpK
Amazon UK: http://buff.ly/2pD7wGg
Amazon Australia: http://buff.ly/2pDmcWb
Amazon Japan: http://buff.ly/2pDa5rM
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1NysHcY
iBooks: http://apple.co/1PWXYwg
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1YzKAjr
Website: http://bit.ly/1DVaL7x
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2oJg8ah
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1XK3guq
Amazon Canada: http://buff.ly/2pD7wpK
Amazon UK: http://buff.ly/2pD7wGg
Amazon Australia: http://buff.ly/2pDmcWb
Amazon Japan: http://buff.ly/2pDa5rM
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1NysHcY
iBooks: http://apple.co/1PWXYwg
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1YzKAjr
Website: http://bit.ly/1DVaL7x
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2oJg8ah
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1XK3guq
