Talented indie author Mia Hoddell has just released a box set of her fabulous Seasons of Change novels. The Seasons of Change series includes four standalone novellas in the new adult/romance genre and includes Summer Demons, Winter Angel, Autumn Ghosts, and Spring Knight. On this stop of the Seasons of Change Blog Tour, Mia sits down for an interview to talk about her books and writing in general.
INTERVIEW
1. Tell everyone a little about yourself. What
are your hobbies and interests (outside of writing, of course)?
Outside of
writing I enjoy reading (obviously) and reviewing books. I also design book
covers, love graphic design, and photography. I used to play a lot of sport and
have competed at regional levels, but I’ve had to cut back on those for now.
I’d love to take up netball again, and I’m interested in learning martial arts.
2. When
did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
I don’t think I made the conscious
decision, I just fell into it. I’ve always loved writing—for as long as I can
remember—so I think it was a natural progression. Also, the development in
technology and self-publishing made it an easier or more realistic goal to
achieve so when I ended up writing my first novel (2009), it was the obvious
path to follow.
3. What is the hardest part about being a
writer?
I think the marketing because there
is so much out there nowadays. I also hate edits and formatting. When I’m
reading my book through countless times after my editor’s sent it me back just
to look for formatting errors, or any last minute typos, I find staying
motivated is hard as I just want the book to be released by that point.
4.
For anyone who hasn’t read the Seasons of
Change series, tell them a little about the books.
Seasons
of Change is a series of contemporary romance novellas that follow the seasons
(Summer Demons, Winter Angel, Autumn Ghosts, Spring Knight). I aimed to write
them as feel-good reads where characters change for the better, find
themselves, and overcome fears. All of the novellas are standalone reads and
follow different couples. However, they can be enjoyed as a series because
characters overlap.
5. How did you get the idea for this series?
Seasons of Change wasn’t meant to be
a long series. In fact when I started Summer Demons I only had two books in
mind (Summer Demons and Winter Angel) and they were going to be separate with
no links. However, when I started writing Summer Demons, I enjoyed writing
quick, light-hearted romances and I wanted to tell the story of other minor characters
so it grew from there.
The original idea for Summer
Demons/Winter Angel came from coming up with the titles. They were originally
going to be paranormal novels, but then I had the idea to play on the word
‘demons’ by using inner demons and confronting fears. I had the similar thought
with each book (e.g. Winter Angel’s theme is helping/saving someone), and as
the series grew in my mind I realized they all had a theme of change or
personal growth, which is where the series title came from.
6. What
authors have inspired you the most?
I have my
favourites, but I’m not sure they inspired me. Generally I read for pleasure,
but if I had to name one it would be Julia Golding, as without her books, I
doubt I’d have started reading when I did and therefore wouldn’t have been able
to develop my writing. I hated reading until I was 14, but I guess she inspired
me to buy more books.
7. Some
people take a walk, others bang their heads against a wall. How do you handle
writer’s block?
I don’t believe
in it and that seems to be working as I’ve never been stuck when writing a
book. Of course there are always struggles when planning but I find that’s a
natural part of the process when you’re piecing little ideas together.
Things I find
that help me when writing is having a detailed plan before I begin. I do
deviate from it as the story evolves, but it helps to know where I’m heading,
who the characters are, and any other necessary details. I also never stop
writing at the end of a chapter. I always continue to at least 500 words into
the next one as I find it maps my train of thought at the time and it’s easier
to pick up the next day.
8. Of all the characters you’ve written, which
one are you the most alike?
All of my characters have a little
bit of me in them, but I think Kayleigh from Spring Knight is most similar to
my personality. She faces a few problems with confidence and feels most
comfortable when performing on stage, which is something I relate to.
9. Tell
readers about your upcoming projects.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m
working on an urban fantasy thriller (is complete) and a NA romance for
NaNoWriMo. I’m not going to reveal too much about them though because I like to
be secretive about new works. However, I’m also thinking about Seasons of
Change Volume 2. I know who the first story is going to be about, but I’m
trying to figure out the rest of the books so I can hopefully write them next year.
10. If any of the books in the
Seasons of Change series were made into movies (I’m personally voting for Summer Demons), who do you envision
playing the main characters?
This question
always stumps me. I never create characters with an actor or actress in mind
and therefore I can never find someone who looks like who I have in my head.
Can I take the easy option and let the readers decide?
11. Do you find that you base
your characters on real life people, or are they entirely fictional?
My characters are mostly fictional and if I do base them on real people,
it’s never just one. Generally I pick out things from a few people—normally
small quirks, habits etc.—and shape them into one character. Of course, I may
use experiences with real people to help me create them, but I’m never going to
reveal who anyone is, if I have. It’s surprisingly a question I get asked a lot
“am I in your book?” but I doubt anyone would be able to tell if a character
was them because they grow into their own while writing.
12. Do
you have any writing essentials (i.e. music, silence, coffee)?
I can write just
about anywhere because I write on my iPod, so I’d need that. I find music helps
when it fits the tone of the book, but it isn’t necessary. Also, I do like to
be somewhere with no clutter. I don’t know why, but I can’t focus if there’s a
pile of stuff around me.
13. What made you decide to write in the young adult/new
adult genre?
It’s the age bracket I fall into so I write for people my own age. They are
also the genres I read and enjoy most so it felt natural writing in them.
14. What is one of the first things you remember writing? Do
you still have it?
It was a poem about a giraffe named Jack. I think it was written as a task
for school when I was six and everything had to rhyme with Jack. I’m pretty
sure I still have it as well.
15. Do you have any advice for those wanting to take the
plunge and begin writing?
I’d say just go for it. The thing I hear most is that people don’t know how
to get into writing, and the only answer I can give is to actually sit down and
write. You can think and think about it, but the only way you’re going to move
forward is to put pen to paper/fingers to keyboard. I’d also say keep your
expectations and goals realistic, and find what works for you. Writing is
something you grow into and are constantly learning—I still am—and there’s a
lot of details on what other authors do out there, but I think it’s best to
find how you like to work and do that instead. It has to be enjoyable is the
main thing.
16. Who are your favorite authors and what are your favorite
books?
I have a lot. I’d say my top five are: Julia Golding/Joss Stirling
with all of her books, Derek Landy – Skulduggery
Pleasant, Rachel Vincent for all of her books, J. Lynn – Wait For You Series, and J. A. Redmerski
– The Edge of Never (which is one of
the rare books that’s made me cry).
17. If you could be any character in any book, who would you
be and why?
Um … Valkyrie Cain from the Skulduggery Pleasant books because she’s
amazing. She’s witty, strong, gets funny lines, has a reflection that does all
of the boring stuff in her life, and above all she uses many types of magic and
gets to solve magical mysteries.
Favorite
color: Purple
Dogs or Cats: Cats all the time.
Dogs scare me.
Favorite Food: That changes with the
season. In the summer I like fruit, in the winter anything that is chocolate or
cake.
Day or Night: I get more work done
in the night because there are less distractions and it’s quiet. I prefer the
day though, if it’s sunny.
Favorite Season: Summer, I need the
sun.
Favorite Movie: Moulin Rouge
Laptop or Pen and Paper: Laptop. I tried writing a book by hand once … never happening again.
SEASONS OF CHANGE BOX SET AND GIVEAWAY
Seasons of Change Box Set
Books 1-4 + Exclusive Bonus Stories
by Mia
Hoddell
Genre: YA
Romance
Release
date: November
27th 2014
Blurb:
You can
now get all four Amazon best-selling novellas in the Seasons of Change series,
plus two exclusive short stories, in one box set.
These feel-good contemporary romances follow the seasons as characters change for the better, find themselves, and overcome fears.
These feel-good contemporary romances follow the seasons as characters change for the better, find themselves, and overcome fears.
All of
the novellas are standalone reads, but can be enjoyed as a series because
characters overlap. This box set includes:
Summer Demons: Jenna Shaw jumped on a plane and flew to Portugal to try and forget her past. However, forced to deal with her memories due to an ill-timed joke, Jenna’s holiday is derailed by the charismatic Ethan Brooks. She sees him as an annoyance; he sees her as a challenge. And when all of his usual tricks only serve to push her away, Ethan has to work harder than ever if he wants to win over and help his mysterious girl.
Winter Angel: When Amy’s suggestion of a
beach holiday is overruled in favour of skiing she couldn’t have predicted it
might make her break the one, and only, rule she has: not to commit to a
serious relationship again. The minute she sees Luke, she knows something’s
wrong, and her desire to fix people means she wants to be the one to help him.
However, she didn’t go on holiday to fall for someone, and whether or not she
can move past her insecurities will depend on whether Luke can face his biggest
fear.
Autumn Ghosts: Only one person knows what
truly lies in Ellie Jeffords’ heart, and that’s herself. Hating the course she
is studying, Ellie is failing and when a friend’s cousin, Justin, offers to
tutor her, she jumps at the chance. However, as the pressure of exams starts to
break Ellie, Justin wants her to confide in him. The only problem is that he
can’t persuade her to talk without revealing his own dark secret, and forcing
Ellie to choose between her parents’ dreams and her own will cost her something
she loves.
Spring Knight: Kayleigh Barrow is most
comfortable on stage where she can pretend she’s someone else, but when
auditions for the latest production are opened up to the entire university, the
lines between fantasy and reality start to blur. Thrown together with renowned
player, Aiden Hanson, she can’t longer hide her feelings for him. However, he’s
never had a serious relationship and Kayleigh refuses to be another conquest.
When her acting starts to become real and she can no longer hide behind her
character, Kayleigh must decide whether Aiden’s worth the risk, or if he will
end up breaking her heart.
Plus 2
exclusive short stories:
Summer Revenge: Jenna promised she’d get Ethan back for his prank, and it’s time to cash in. Read about what happened after the couple left Portugal.
Season of
Love: There’s beach fun, flirting, and mischief as all of the Seasons of
Change couples take part in a beach competition.
Buy it now, save
20% and get more content than if purchased separately.
About the Author
Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends
most of her time writing or reading, loves anything paranormal and has an
overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.
With three poems published before the age of sixteen, Mia moved on to
short stories but finding she had too much to tell with too little space, Mia
progressed to novels. She started her first series (The Wanderer Trilogy)
at the age of fourteen and since then hasn’t stopped writing. Seasons
of Change is her third series and with an ever growing list of ideas,
Mia is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates
them.
Connect with Mia:
or subscribe to Mia's Newsletter for information
on:
ARCs, giveaways and new releases
**Giveaway**
3x copies of Summer Demons and Winter Angel (ebooks)
CODE:
LINK
Excerpts
Spring Knight Excerpt
Black. It was the only colour she could
see as she stood on top of the platform. Her vision had tunnelled with the
waves of vertigo that hit her body, allowing only the dark colour into her eye
line. With the strength of a gale force wind, it pounded on her chest, causing
her to stumble back as its icy hold sent a shiver along her spine. The break
from seeing the ground wasn’t enough, though. She couldn’t go far enough to
feel safe. If she moved more than one step in any direction she would fall.
She felt dizzy
... lightheaded.
It was the
worst possible time to find out she was scared of heights, but maybe it was the
thought of jumping rather than the actual distance. Not only did she feel
faint, but also sick. Kayleigh didn’t even know how those two actions could
combine, but she let out a nervous giggle and hoped another type of blackness
would capture her mind before she made a complete fool of herself. It probably
made her sound insane, but she couldn’t stop the sound.
No longer could
she find the answer to why she was on a platform, willing herself to fall. It
had seemed logical and easy on the climb up, but now she suddenly felt as if
she was standing on top of a building, rather than a few metres in the air. Her
heart was pounding in her chest; the rhythm frantic as she urged herself to
peer over the edge once more. Palms slick with sweat, her fingers slipping over
each other, she twitched nervously as she strained her neck to catch a glimpse
of the floor.
“I can do this.
Just lean back and it will all be over,” she muttered to herself, only adding
to the crazy image she had going on.
People were
shuffling anxiously on the ground, unsettled by her actions. “Block them out,
Kayleigh. You can do this,” she chanted ritually under her breath before she
inhaled sharply. Slowly counting, she exhaled with a deep sigh when she reached
twenty. Her whole body relaxed with the action and Kayleigh closed her eyes,
trying to find a sense of peace and stillness. Unfortunately, all it did was
make her knees weaker. Reopening her eyes, Kayleigh kept her head up and her
chin parallel with the floor. If she didn’t look down, what she was about to do
couldn’t scare her … at least that’s what she told herself.
Block it out. Everything. Focus on your breathing. It’ll be over in
seconds.
Taking one last
deep breath, her gaze hardened and she picked a spot across the room to focus
on. She shuffled to the edge, her bare toes skimming the lip of the platform.
She was just
about to turn around when something interrupted her focus. A door slammed hard,
and into the room walked the last person she expected to see. His cool, blue
eyes found hers instantly, holding multiple questions as to why she was doing
what she was. Yet Kayleigh didn’t stop to think any further. The last thing she
needed was to appear weak in front of him, and she’d only just calmed herself
down.
Turning,
Kayleigh edged back so that only her toes were balanced on the edge, her heels
hanging off. She felt like a diver, but with worse balance since her legs had
started to shake.
She couldn’t
hold the position long.
“Ready!” she
shouted, loud enough to silence the room. Normally she hated being the centre
of attention, and wanted to shrink into the darkest corner possible. However,
today she would kill anyone who wasn’t focused on her. Today she needed all
eyes to be on her or everything was going to end badly.
She heard
counting below. “Three ... Two ... One ...” As they reached the final number
Kayleigh pushed all thoughts from her mind and leaned back, her arms crossed
over her chest tightly.
Displacing her
weight, her body fell.
Autumn Ghosts Excerpt
Ellie’s plan to wallow in self-pity alone didn’t
last as long as she’d wished for. She had gotten through two beers and was
halfway through a third when Aiden marched over to her.
“Don’t you think you’ve had enough, Elles?” he
asked, looking pointedly at her bottle, which caused her to let out an
exaggerated breath. The flirting from Aiden was annoying, but it irritated her
more when he took on a brotherly role in Luke’s absence.
“I’m fine,” she huffed. “You’ve probably had more
than me anyway.”
“But I can handle it better.” She could hear the
smile in his words, but she refused to look up at him. Her hair had fallen
forward, creating a physical wall between them, and she was thankful that it
obscured her face from view.
“What’s up, Elles? You’re not yourself.”
“I’m fine, why do people keep asking me that?”
Aiden reached forward, pulling her hair back and
tucking it behind her ear. It gained him a glare, but he was persistent. “Come
on, Elles. It’s obvious you’re not. I’ve known you over twenty years."
Ellie sighed, not wanting to reveal anything,
especially to Aiden. “I’m fine.”
“Then why are you over here by yourself?”
“She’s not by herself. We’re here,” Jess called,
and the tightness in Ellie’s chest eased at her friend’s rescue. “You are being
no fun, though.”
Ellie wanted to head-butt the bar as she groaned.
Instead, she downed the rest of her beer and turned to signal the bartender.
“No, she’s good. She’s had enough,” Aiden stated,
interrupting before she could place her order.
“Seriously? You’re cutting me off? I’ve only had
three.”
“That’s enough. I’m not getting my ass kicked by
Luke because you came home drunk and miserable.”
I’m not drunk,” Ellie protested, not bothering to
deny his other accusation.
“Really?”
“Yup”
“Prove it then,” Aiden challenged, a sly smile and
silent laugh shining in his eyes.
“How?” Ellie couldn’t help but be drawn in. She
never backed down from a bet.
“Beat me in a game of pool.”
“You don’t think I can?”
“No, I know you can normally. You’re
one of the few people who are better than me. But … I don’t think you will
today.”
Ellie’s face hardened in concentration, studying
the table. “You’re on, but if I win I get all of your winnings from tonight.”
“That’s my girl. If I win, you go home.”
“I’m not your girl,” Ellie stated, her voice devoid
of all emotion as she took the cue he offered and walked past him.
Summer Demons Excerpt
She saw red. Seeping into the crystal clear water
it spread, bleeding and merging as the ripples around her pushed it closer
towards her feet. The deep crimson only grew darker as it surrounded her.
She could feel her breathing quicken, coming in
short, sharp rasps as she started to panic. Her chest constricted, an
unbearable pressure tightening like a boa constrictor refusing to release her
from its clutches. Her throat felt dry, her increased breathing doing nothing
to help the situation as she forced herself to swallow in the hope of
dislodging the lump that had formed there.
This isn’t happening. This isn’t real. I came here
to escape this, she told herself
repeatedly as she laid there, her turquoise bikini embellished with golden
sequins shining in the sun as her back tanned slowly. Bringing up an arm to
adjust her chestnut-brown hair that was dangling in the water, she tried to
pull away before the colour reached her and tainted the beautiful locks. The
damage done would be irreparable if it touched her.
Moving it just in time, she threw it over her
shoulder so it rested between her shoulder blades, the damp tips feeling nice
as they cooled her back by trailing droplets of water down either side. She
tried not to flinch as her gaze returned to the bloodied water that lapped at
the li-lo beneath her chin. With every wave it seemed to grow closer, making its
way further up the yellow plastic to try and touch her. The tapping that was
normally so soothing tormented her now, like a crowd clapping and cheering her
sanity on as it fled for safety.
Rather than listen to the logical side of her
brain, her body had other ideas. Shuffling back, she put a bigger distance
between her face and the abnormal pool beneath her. As her toes dipped into the
cool water behind her though, she flinched, automatically drawing herself up so
that no part of her body was near the edge. No matter how disgusted she was,
she couldn’t stop staring; her eyes were hypnotised by the gentle movements
that swirled the colour into the water even more. The red had become so thick
that not one tile beneath the surface was visible.
The more she stared, the more she remembered.
The more she remembered, the more she was pulled
into her memory.
It might not have been real at that moment in time,
but it had been, and Jenna was once again pulled into the unbearable
memory.
Winter Angel Excerpt
Taking Liam’s silence as it was meant—an end to the conversation—Amy
turned back to Jenna, whose head was leaning on Ethan’s shoulder, their hands
linked on his lap. They were never not touching.
“So what do you think?”
“About what?” Jenna replied. Her eyes flicked over to Amy, but her head
did not move.
“Bus guy. What did you think of him?”
“He’s okay I guess. I wasn’t really paying attention. He didn’t look
that pleased to be here, though.”
“He was hot, right?”
Jenna lifted her head to look at Ethan, who was watching and waiting for
her response. Smiling mischievously at him, Jenna replied, “Yeah, I wouldn’t
mind hooking up with him.”
She glanced at Ethan to see his reaction, but he just rolled his eyes.
“Nice try, but I’m not biting.”
Jenna sighed, but returned her attention back to Amy. “Just don’t do
anything stupid, yeah? You don’t know anything about him.”
“Yeah, yeah, I hear you … nothing stupid.” Amy brushed off the comment.
Jenna had always been a worrier, but Amy preferred to just throw herself into
things head first, the consequences be damned.
“Amy ...” Jenna’s tone was low in warning, knowing that the callous way
in which she was brushed off did not bode well.
“I’m not going to go knocking on his door or anything, don’t worry. I
just might happen to bump into him a few times around here. You know I don’t do
serious relationships anymore. I’m not stupid enough to fall for that trick
again.”
Jenna shook her head in despair, knowing it was futile to argue.
“Whatever, just don’t cause trouble.”
“Me? Trouble? I’m an angel.”
Everyone on the minibus rolled their eyes.
“Sure you are, Amy, and I’m the tooth fairy.”
They laughed at her disgruntled face as the driver
pulled up in front of their home for the week.
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Thanks for hosting me!
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