Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Gina Rosati Author Interview


Photo Content from Gina Rosati

GINA ROSATI grew up in Boston suburbia and now lives with her husband, two teenagers and two chubby guinea pigs in Merrimack, NH. Gina is a long time volunteer at her local middle school library, and a member of SCBWI, the Apocalypsies and the Class of 2k12 debut author groups. Her debut YA paranormal romance,AURACLE, is available on August 7, 2012 from Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan. Visit her website at www.ginarosati.com.

      



Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596437103
ISBN-13: 978-1596437104


Praise for AURACLE

“A captivating first novel.” ―Booklist

“Readers who like their mysteries supernaturally tinged and their romantic heroes sweet and protective will enjoy this debut novel.” ―BCCB

“...deeply engaging.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Readers who enjoy more than a dash of the paranormal in their romance novels won't be disappointed…” ―Kirkus

“Rosati sticks to the rules she's created, blending the supernatural and ordinary in unexpected, sometimes humorous, ways.” ―Horn Book

“Teens who enjoy more complex plotlines and are tired of the usual fare should enjoy this new approach to paranormal fiction.” ―School Library Journal




Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
No. I loved to read but writing/publishing a book seemed like an unattainable dream to me when I was a kid. I was encouraged to go to secretarial school because, “I’ll always be able to find a job as a secretary”. By the time I was in my mid-20’s, I had so many characters chattering away in my head, I started scribbling bits and pieces of stories down. I’m not one who can walk and chew gum at the same time, so I had to have babies, get them off to school and spend some time with aging parents before I could get serious about writing.

Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
I think from the beginning of time, the main goal in life was to eat and not be eaten = survival. Life was hard, but I bet after the tribe was sitting around the fire with their stomachs full, stories were a way to teach, to entertain, to distract. A good story still does all those things. Plus stories give us a chance to do anything and be anyone!! And it’s something to talk about besides each other.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
I don’t even know who I heard it from, but the best advice I ever got was to just write. Get the first draft down on paper. Don’t go back and second guess yourself - there’ll be time to edit later.

In your new book; Auracle, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
16 year old Anna can astrally project at will. The ability to leave her body and cruise all over the universe is not only a cool form of entertainment, but she is the proverbial fly on the wall when her friend, Seth, meets a blackmailing classmate, Taylor, at the local waterfalls. When Taylor accidentally slips over the edge and dies, Anna is the only eyewitness, but when she returns home, she discovers Taylor has taken over her body, leaving Anna stranded in the astral realm. Her best friend, Rei, is the only one who might be able to help her get her body back and clear Seth of murder charges.

If you’re interested in the metaphysical side of paranormal, the power of positive energy, and you don’t mind a few kissing scenes, then yes, you should absolutely read Auracle!

What part of Anna did you enjoy writing the most?
I love how fearless and adventurous Anna is. These are two traits I don’t share with Anna, so it was fun to experience the world through her eyes.

If you could introduce Rei to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
Arthur Dent. Rei’s favorite books are the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. Even though Rei has his serious and responsible side, he appreciates the cheeky humor in HHGTTG.

What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
Auracle is a stand-alone novel. I had thought about a companion novel written from Callie’s POV to explore her relationship with Seth, but that’s up in the air. Right now, I’m researching crystal energy, Stonehenge and the middle ages, and working up an outline for a fantasy/historical/speculative fiction/romance story.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
“Do you want cake?” I always want cake, but cake makes my stomach ache so I usually say, “No, thank you.”

What’s the best advice you can give writers to help them develop their own unique voice and style?
Go buy Story Engineering by Larry Brooks and a highlighter. Read it, cover to cover, and highlight what resonates with you. This is the most helpful and comprehensive writing book I’ve found, and he covers “voice” as one of the big six main things you need to know about writing.

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
My friend Wendy Thomas is also a writer – so she understands when the words won’t cooperate, and even though she has six kids and 36 chickens (plus one dog and a very patient husband) she still finds time to listen to me https://twitter.com/WendyENThomas

What's the worst summer job you've ever had?
Oh, definitely babysitting for The Swingers! This was right after I got out of high school, and I didn’t know the family well at all. I showed up to watch the kids one afternoon while they were having a pool party only to discover that all the guests were skinnydipping! And walking into the house naked to use the bathroom!! Bwah!! I quit! 

When was the last time you cried?
I don’t cry much (although there are some books that can squeeze a few tears out of me) but a couple of summers ago, there were two fawns who took up residence in my yard. I never saw the mother, so I called Fish & Game, and was told they’d be fine – they were eating, they were together, they were snoozing under my lawn chairs, they were adorable!

As August rolled around, they ventured off into the neighbor’s yards and beyond and then I didn’t see them for weeks. Late in the fall, I was tossing weeds into the woods, and I noticed an odd stick on the ground. When I looked closer, I saw that the ‘stick’ had dried blood, teeth marks, bits of brown fur clinging to it, and a little hoof at the end. I had a complete meltdown – I was devastated. It looked like coyotes must have attacked the poor little thing.

What is the one, single food that you would never give up?
Movie theater popcorn without butter. Nobody makes it as good as movie theaters. I can sit through pretty much anything as long as I have a bag of movie theater popcorn.


Trapped outside her body, Anna sees and hears but cannot touch the one she longs to hold.

Anna has a secret: she can astrally project out of her body. But when there's an accident and her classmate Taylor gets into Anna's body, what was an exhilarating gift threatens to become a terrifying reality. Anna and her best friend Rei form a plan to set things right, but they don't anticipate the feelings that are beginning to grow between them. Auracleby Gina Rosati is an exciting, sensual novel that explores the relationship between body and soul and the power of a single touch.



The highly addicting Auracle by Gina Rosati is an interesting story about a teenage girl, Anna, who can astrally project from her body. It was amazing how she is able to go to places, but without her body. She is only able to do it while sleeping. One night while her spirit freely moves about, she returns to her body only to find out it has been occupied. Things get super complicated for Anna as she is in a world where no one can hear or even see her.

Anna’s best friend, Rei, knows about her ability/gift and immediately senses something wrong. The way the two tried to communicate to one another is quite charming. With each attempt to get in contact, readers cannot help but root for them to succeed.

The concept of not being able to have your body is quite fearful. I can only imagine what Anna was going through the moment she found out. Gina’s masterful writing style provided all the emotions and creepiness that comes with this sort of predicament. I thought it was brilliant how Gina explains all the benefits of astral projection and then suddenly hits you with the reality that something so magical has astronomical consequences.

Auracle is very captivating and a wonderful debut for Gina. The plot is fascinating backed by brilliant storytelling. The characters are carefully crafted and felt very real. The dynamic relationship between Anna and Rei is endearing and readers will root for them to thrive. The story, characters, and even the antagonist are mesmerizing. I can only hope that there will be a continuation to this book as Anna’s story is so entrancing. Auracle is a powerful story about the relationship between our body and soul and Gina as an author, has proven to be a powerhouse player to look out for.


You can purchase Auracle at the following Retailers:
    

And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you GINA ROSATI for making this giveaway possible.
3 Winners will receive one Signed Copy of Auracle by Gina Rosati.
10 Winners will receive one Swag Bags 
(each contains an embellished bookmark, button, magnet, silicone bracelet & sticker)
2 Winners will receive one Swarovski Crystal Bracelets by Gina Rosati.
1 Winner will receive one Hill Tribe Silver/3 Muses Bead Bookmark
Winner will receive a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card by Gina Rosati
WEEK ONE
AUGUST 1st WEDNESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
AUGUST 2nd THURSDAY Best Books REVIEW
AUGUST 3rd FRIDAY Paranormal Reads REVIEW & EXCERPT
AUGUST 4th SATURDAY Anne Brewer REVIEW & FAVORITE THINGS
AUGUST 5th SUNDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW & EXCERPT
AUGUST 6th MONDAY Paranormal Book Club REVIEW & INTERVIEW
AUGUST 7th TUESDAY Ellen Trieu MUSIC PLAYLIST 


WEEK TWO
AUGUST 8th WEDNESDAY Sweet Southern Home REVIEW & GUEST POST
AUGUST 9th THURSDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
AUGUST 10th FRIDAY Rose's Book Corner REVIEW
AUGUST 11th SATURDAY Beneath the Cover REVIEW
AUGUST 12th SUNDAY Tsk Tsk What to Read REVIEW & GUEST POST
AUGUST 13th MONDAY Sassy Book Lovers REVIEW & THIS OR THAT
AUGUST 14th TUESDAY Bookville SPOTLIGHT
AUGUST 15th WEDNESDAY James Vallesteros ART WORK
jbnpastinterviews

27 comments:

  1. What a fantastic giveaway. I am so excited to read this. I cannot wait it sounds so fantastic!
    I had to reword the tweet btw coz it wouldn't let me tweet as it was too long.

    ~ Kayleigh

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Thank you for the giveaway! It's great. I like the book, can't wait to read it!

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  4. I am really looking forward to reading this.

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  5. And and I also love your picture from Fallen by Lauren Kate here on the blog. I'm just rereading this book :D

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  6. The cover alone is swoon worthy! Thank you for an amazing & GENEROUS give away! I would love to win this book!

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  7. thanks for the awesome giveaway katieshelby19@gmail.com

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  8. Wow! This giveaway is amazing. Thank you! ♥

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  9. Simply awesome!!! Thank you!

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  10. I thanked Gina Rosati for her donation. :)

    Facebook: Katie Robertson

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  11. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. My fingers, toes and eye's are crossed that I win!

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  12. thanks for the awesome giveaway :)

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  13. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :)

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  14. Thanks for the giveaways! it's awesome....:)

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  15. thank you for the giveaway! stunning cover :)

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  16. Thank you for the giveaway it greatn

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  17. Excited for the giveaway!! LOVE the cover!

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  18. I love this book so much! Thanks for such an awesome giveaway!

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  19. Thanks so much for this Giveaway :D I have been wanting to read this book so bad!

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  20. Thanks for an amazing review and giveaway.

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  21. Thanks for this amazing giveaway!

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  22. no winner listed :( wander who won.. ;)

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