Today, I'm happy to welcome
Denise Jaden back to my blog (
CLICK HERE for Denise's first appearance) as a part of her book launch blog tour celebration for
LOSING FAITH. Just when I thought Denise couldn't get more awesome, she offered to donate a signed copy of her book to one lucky commenter. So now she isn't just sitting at the very top of the awesomesauce totem pole, she's hovering over it. Not only will you have a chance to win a signed copy of her amazing book by commenting below (details to follow the interview), you'll also be entered to win more celebratory prizes that she's giving away on her own blog. In fact, every time you comment at one of LOSING FAITH's blog tour stops (including this one), you'll be entered to win lots of fabulous prizes. To check out all the prize goodies in question,
CLICK HERE.
But enough about prizes, because now it's time to learn more about Denise and LOSING FAITH:
What inspired you to write LOSING FAITH?When I was sixteen, I lost a close friend in a car accident. After her death, I learned so much about her that I hadn’t known before from her parents and friends. I think that was the nugget that started the story of a girl losing her sister, and discovering her sister’s secrets after her death.
Which character do you relate to the most and why? I think I relate most to my main character, Brie. She has a real determination and tenacity that I think comes from me. And, like her, I was a little bit rebellious as a teen. Okay, sometimes I still am J.
What was your reaction to your gorgeous cover art?To be honest, the first look at my very white cover art on the white background of my computer screen was not love at first sight. But I printed it off, and once I could see it the way it was meant to be viewed, I immediately fell in love. It has so much going on in it, much of which many might not even notice. But I love that! And the butterflies are my favorite.
Do the butterflies on the cover have any relevance to the book's content?Okay, another moment of full disclosure here. Like I said, I really love the butterflies, but really, I think they were only added as a hopeful image. And there is a hopefulness to LOSING FAITH that goes well with this, especially with the black butterflies, since the book has some darker themes. But after seeing my cover art, I did add one very small paragraph about butterflies to a scene in the graveyard and asked my editor if we could add it in. I doubt anyone will even notice it, but I really wanted just a very slight reference to the butterflies in the text.
What's one thing you hope readers will take with them upon finishing LOSING FAITH? I hope readers will feel a renewed sense of inner strength and a confidence to look for answers life’s big questions for themselves.
What's your best advice for aspiring writers wanting to be published? Read a lot, write a lot. Don’t compare your experience to others’ as it really is apples and oranges, even with the same agent or publishing house. Write for yourself first. Sorry, I guess that’s a mishmash of many pieces of advice.
Thanks so much for the awesome interview, Denise! And thanks for letting me participate in the LOSING FAITH online book launch party!! For more information about Denise, please check out her WEBSITE & BLOG. *******************************************************
LOSING FAITH Signed Book Giveaway & Grand Prize Entry Details:1) Comment below for a chance to win a signed copy of LOSING FAITH.
2) Your comment will also enter you in the drawing to win one of Denise's grand prize packages (for full details on the grand prize giveaways and links to the other blog tour stops, go to
Denise's blog).
3) You will receive an extra entry to win the signed copy of LOSING FAITH with each online shout-out you give about this giveaway and/or Denise's blog tour (tweet on twitter, facebook status, and/or blog about it). Be sure to leave links to your shout-out(s) in the comment section of this post.
*Sorry, this giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only*
The winner of the signed copy of LOSING FAITH will be randomly selected and announced on September 15th here on my blog. Good luck! *******************************************************
Labels: Blog Tour, Book Launch, books, Contests, Debut authors, Denise Jaden, Giveaways, Interviews, Losing Faith
Thanks to all who joined me to celebrate Denise Jaden's book release, and for commenting to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of LOSING FAITH (donated by Denise herself)! Remember, if you commented on the launch celebration post below, even if you aren't selected to win this signed copy, you'll still have a chance to win the grand prize(s) on Denise's blog. She'll start announcing the winners of the grand prizes by Friday between 8 - 9 AM (PST)! 
