Sassy Book Lovers: Fate Fixed Blog Tour: Interview & Giveaway

Hey Book Lovers we are the next stop on the Fate Fixed Blog Tour. I was lucky to be able to interview author Bonnie Wheeler. So sit back, relax and enjoy!

What or who inspired you to become a writer?

My daughter inspired me to become a writer. In 2010 she became suddenly ill and almost passed away. It was devastating for our family. Those kinds of experiences make you examine who and what is important in your life. When I was young, I wanted to be a writer but I remember my mom telling me it was a “pipe dream,” so I gave it up. I began to realize that life is short and if there is something we really want to do, we should try. In May, Miranda was back in the hospital for an extensive surgery. Since we shared a love for paranormal romances, and I wanted to begin writing, I decided to write a novel for her. I didn’t think anyone else would even see it – I just wanted to write one for her that would give her an escape from what she was going through. Once we were back home and I was half way done, I spent the next few weeks finishing it. She loved it and begged me to publish it and so I did. That is how Fate Fixed came into being. When I told her what the other books would be about, she insisted I write a series. She’s why I am a writer. 

Who is your favorite Author & what is it that really strikes you about their work?

One of my favorite authors is Christopher Pike. I love his narrative drive and when I get to the end of his novels, I feel lost for a while because it’s done! I love that feeling with a book – especially when the characters stay with you.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

The hardest part was believing I had a story anyone would want to read. Our inner critics can be brutal and mine was/ is no exception. Knowing it was for my daughter helped. I thought to myself, even if she was the only to read it, it was worth doing for her.

What was the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?

It surprised me to learn that in Romania (Where the Serovs are from) – about 80% of rural farmers still believe in werewolves and that is why they hunt the timber wolves who are in great danger of extinction. That inspired me when crafting the novel – and why Alik talked about Dire Wolves failing to evolve.

Do you ever experience writers block?

I haven’t yet, but I’m sure it will come eventually. My writing teacher told the class, “if you ever get stuck, open a door or a window and let a new character walk in and it helps.” I’m keeping that in mind in case I ever need it!

What is the last book you read?

I just read Burning Autumn from young adult author Elizabeth Waldie. She is only 15 and lives in PA. Impressive first book, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the future. Plus, it had werewolves – which I am a fan of.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

I would have to pick someone fictional! And – keeping in mind that I am a total dork – I would want to be someone who could spend time with vampires. Maybe Bella Swann so I could smooch Edward or Sookie Stackhouse so I could read people’s minds and go to Fangtasia!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love chasing my family around. I have three children: Miranda is 15, Justin is 14 and my little man, Bobby, is 6. I have so much fun with them. I also love when my husband takes me for rides on his motorcycle. If I need a quiet day and don’t want to write, I love going to the movies or curling up on the couch with a soft blanket, cup of tea, and an amazing book.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

I would say 99.9% is imagination, but Lexie’s grief over her father’s loss touched home with me. I lost my mom when I was 25 and I don’t think it is ever easy to lose a parent. I mourned for her and Ella when I created the story line. I remembered how painful a sudden loss is when you don’t get a chance to say good-bye, it is a terrible experience.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

It’s cliché, but I wanted to be a mommy. I loved my dolls and was a romantic, even then. I had a lot of Barbie and Ken weddings happening.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

I’m not sure, but I would hope the casting director would be generous and try not to capture my insane hair!

What project are you working on now?

I’m writing Blood Twist, The Erris Coven Series, Book 2. I am also writing a contemporary woman’s fiction novel about a family that unravels when their teen daughter runs away. I am super excited about my series though. I just love all of the characters and cannot wait to see how my readers react to the future books. We will see more Torin and Lexie and the werewolf situation, but also Brooke and Cian’s love put to the test, Teagan will finally meet a lady he cannot charm, and what secret Braden has been hiding from his family. Lot of fun things!

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Yes! Write as often as possible. Even if you don’t think you have anything to say. It helps to stay in your story world. Give yourself permission to write junk, you can go back and toss out what you don’t like later. Also, if you really want to write, go ahead and do it. I always thought I had to wait until I was at a better time in my life: older, smarter, retired. I wish I had started years ago when I first dreamed of doing it.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

Sure! First – thank you so much for taking the time to read my book! Also, I would like to tell them that it makes me so very happy to hear from them. I’m on Facebook and Goodreads, even Twitter. Please add me as a friend and let me know what you think! I love to talk and meet new people! Plus, my blog has a page dedicated to guest posts from authors and I love fan-fiction, so if anyone wants to write a fan-fiction piece for The Erris Coven, I will publish it on my blog! 

Light or Dark chocolate?

Light chocolate. I'm a plain Hershey's girl.

Tea or Coffee?

Both, but coffee is a must.

Dogs or Cats?

Both – They’re happy company!

Favorite Color?

Red. It’s warm and spicy!

George Clooney, Brad Pitt or Aussie Hugh Jackman?

Hugh {{{giggles}}}

Favorite Disney movie?

Monsters, Inc. I love Boo!

Thank you Bonnie for answering my questions, it's been a pleasure having you on our blog today.

BUY LINKS: SMASHWORDS , BARNES & NOBLE , KINDLE OR AMAZON PB

AUTHOR BIO

Bonnie Wheeler lives in Torrington, Connecticut with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing or spending time with her family, she is attending classes at the University of Connecticut. Bonnie loves cooking, writing, reading, and shopping. Fate Fixed was released in July and is the first novel in The Erris Coven Series. She is hoping to release the sequel later this Fall.