Kiki Hamilton Author Interview

Photo Content from Kiki Hamilton

Kiki Hamilton is the author of THE FAERIE RING fantasy series and a YA contemporary novel entitled THE LAST DANCE which will be released Spring 2013. She believes in magic and the idea of hidden worlds co-existing with our own. Kiki lives near Seattle, though she dreams of living in London one day.

        

Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 12, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1479391786
ISBN-13: 978-1479391783

Praise for THE LAST DANCE

"Funny, serious, sad and joyful, Kiki Hamilton will pull you in by the heart and never let you go." ― Amy Fellner Dominy, author of OyMG and Audition & Subtraction

Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer? 

I wish I could say that there was but I didn’t start writing until I was an adult. Though I did talk about writing a book when I was in my 20’s, I was in my 40’s when I actually started.

Why is storytelling so important for all of us? 

I think it’s because we can see bits of ourselves in the characters in a book. In some cases, it’s a way for us to relive the joys (and torture) of high school, (or just life) and enjoy different outcomes. It’s a way to experience emotions (love, fear, joy etc.) without any risk. And it’s a way to ‘live’ in someone else’s skin and have a different world-view than we might have the opportunity to have in life.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre? 

My all-time favorite book is the Harry Potter series, because in reality those seven books constitute one story. LOVE it. As for outside my genre—I loved THE DAVINCI CODE, which is more of a thriller. I loved how Dan Brown blended fact and fiction and made the Reader view history with a completely different perspective.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?

Actually, the best piece of advice I ever got in regard to writing was from an actor, Daniel Radcliffe, and I read it in an interview. He said he never reads reviews because “that way madness lies.” I totally agree and have made it a point to (mostly) not ever read reviews of my books.

In your new book; The Last Dance, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel? 

THE LAST DANCE is a story about having the strength to find your own way. Sometimes I think society (especially in high school) molds us into stereotypes (in this case for both main characters: Kellen and Ivy) with certain expectations based on choices we make (i.e. band, football, cheerleading, chess club) or how we look. This is a story about two people who didn’t know each other; who, on the surface, didn’t appear to have anything in common, but find over time that they are much more alike than different. There are, however, complications.

What part of Ivy did you enjoy writing the most? 

What I liked about writing Ivy’s perspective / story was watching her change from being so focused on her academic achievements and trying to please her parents, to considering and reaching for something that was important to her.

For those who are unfamiliar with Kellen, how would you introduce him? 

For me, Kellen wasn’t very likeable at first. He’s the star quarterback of the football team, good-looking with a pretty girlfriend—a stereotype—kindof stuck-up and thinks he’s all that, but as the story progresses, we get to see beneath the superficial layers and find the real Kellen as he struggles to find his way in life that is suddenly very different from what he’s known.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie? 

Officer I have no idea what you’re talking about – I wasn’t speeding!

What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had? 

I was a waitress one summer between college and I HATED it. I had to work a split lunch / dinner shift and it was awful! I quit early.

Who was your first boyfriend?

I believe it was Tim.

Tell me about your first kiss 

– It wasn’t memorable enough to talk about. However, I’ll tell you about my first concert. My boyfriend (Tim) took me to see Led Zeppelin in 1975, which was right after the Black Dog album came out (the one with Stairway to Heaven) and they were HUGE. One of the biggest bands in the world at the time. They were in Seattle and there were four hours of rushes in the line while we waited to get in. There were cops on horseback trying to control the crowd – it was crazy! I was 15 at the time and I LOVED it!! I was hooked and have forever been a music lover. I’ve gone to MANY concerts since then.

When was the last time you cried? 

I cried about a week ago when I was reading CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein. What an amazing book. It’s been a LONG time since a book made me cry.

Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a heart break or have never loved before? 

Hmmm…..that’s a tough one. I’m not fond of heartbreak…it’s so dang painful... I think I choose never loved before.

What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager? 

I was a teenager in the 70’s and I really liked my childhood. I had so much fun and LOTS of adventures so I’ll pick that era.

Two people couldn't be more opposite...

Kellen Peterson, the gorgeous star quarterback of the Griffin High football team, seems to have it all. Until the night of the Homecoming game, when Kellen gets tackled and suffers a traumatic brain injury — an injury that changes his life — including his ability to walk, talk and throw a football.

Ivy Ly is a senior and counting down the days until she can escape to college. Though her parents have big plans for her to be a doctor, Ivy is afraid to tell them she'd rather pursue music as a career.

Ivy's best friend, Mira, is obsessed with Kellen. When Ivy is asked to tutor the injured football player upon his return to school, she thinks it's the perfect opportunity for Mira to get to know him better — but sparks fly — in more ways than one...

The Last Dance by Kiki Hamilton is a poignant story about two people on opposite sides of the spectrum. Kellen Peterson is the high school football quarterback star whose life is changed after suffering a serious brain injury during a game that leaves him paralyzed. Ivy Ly is the quiet girl that cannot wait to graduate high school and move on to college. Going against her parents’ wishes, she wants to pursue a career in music. Agreeing to tutor Kellen in order for Ivy’s friend, Mira, to get to know him better, Ivy and Kellen discover that they have a lot of things in common and begin a long tenure of courtship.

The dual point of views that switches between Kellen and Ivy was the perfect delivery for a YA romance. Readers are given a full understanding what the two are feeling as their friendship develops. A great love story is told from the ground up and that is exactly what author Kiki was shooting for and it was excellently executed. Being able to get deep into their thoughts, it offered a channel to give them emotional depth that ultimately enhances their story.

Kiki’s writing style is very magnetic right from the start. It leaves the feeling that something magical will happen in spite of the Kellen’s horrible injury. The developmental romance is certainly full of heart-aches and uncertainties, but it reminds us that even when things are going wrong, there is always room for hope and love.

Another aspect of the book that readers will appreciate is the inclusion of Kellen’s sports injury. Although this is a love story, it also educates readers on the seriousness of the injuries sustained from high-impact sports. The Last Dance is a love story that is full of drama and action with memorable characters .

You can purchase The Last Dance at the following Retailers:

    

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you KIKI HAMILTON for making this giveaway possible.

3 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of The Last Dance+Bookmarks by Kiki Hamilton.

 

1 Winner will receive a Surprise ART Poster and Bookmark by James Vallesteros.
5 Winners will receive a Surprise ART Bookmark by James Vallesteros.

WEEK ONE
JULY 15th MONDAY JeanBookNerd REVIEW & INTERVIEW
JULY 16th TUESDAY Fiction Freak REVIEW
JULY 17th WEDNESDAY Gobs and Gobs of Books EXCERPT
JULY 18th THURSDAY Book Briefs REVIEW

JULY 19th FRIDAY Once Upon a Twilight REVIEW

JULY 20th SATURDAY A Dream Within a Dream EXCERPT

JULY 21st SUNDAY Beneath the Cover THIS OR THAT

JULY 22nd MONDAY Word to Dreams TENS LIST

JULY 23rd TUESDAY Book Freak EXCERPT

WEEK TWO

JULY 24th WEDNESDAY Stuck in Books REVIEW

JULY 25th THURSDAY Mom with a Kindle FAVORITE THINGS

JULY 26th FRIDAY Escaping One Book @ a Time REVIEW

JULY 27th SATURDAY Rose’s Book Corner MUSIC PLAYLIST

JULY 27th SATURDAY Best Books REVIEW

JULY 28th SUNDAY Two-Tall-Tales REVIEW

JULY 29th MONDAY The Reader Lines EXCERPT

JULY 30th TUESDAY The Best Book Ever REVIEW

JULY 30th TUESDAY James Vallesteros ARTWORK

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Kiki Hamilton Author Interview

Photo Content from Kiki Hamilton

Kiki Hamilton is the author of THE FAERIE RING fantasy series and a YA contemporary novel entitled THE LAST DANCE which will be released Spring 2013. She believes in magic and the idea of hidden worlds co-existing with our own. Kiki lives near Seattle, though she dreams of living in London one day.

        

Print Length: 319 pages
Publisher: Gaslamp Books; 1 edition (August 28, 2012)
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B0093H5YFW

Praise for the FAERIE RING 

"An entertaining magical-historical adventure." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Hamilton has created likeable and engagingcharacters. The plot-driven story immediately immerses readers into the underworld of old London." ―VOYA

"Hamilton's debut gracefully mixes fantasy, Dickensian London, and a dash of romance." ―Publishers Weekly

"In this Victorian orphan story with a twist, Hamiltonplaces the conflict between humanity and the Seelie and Unseelie courts in anew time period, neither medieval nor modern. Tiki is an engaging heroine and,while the novel concludes satisfyingly, the door is definitely left open forfurther tales." ―School Library Journal

Why is storytelling so important for all of us? 

 I think there are several purposes to storytelling – 1) to be entertained, 2) to experience events and situations that we otherwise might not ever be involved in and 3) as a means of developing understanding and empathy for people and situations that are different than we are.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you? 

LOL – I was wild in my youth. :)

What was the greatest thing you learned at school? 

Well, I learned different things at different levels of school, but probably the thing I learned that was most important was acceptance and enjoyment of diversity. People are so interesting – I love the opportunity to meet new folks and hear what they’re thinking.

For those who are unfamiliar with Tiki, how would you introduce her? 

A 16 year-old pickpocket who is a risk-taker, but also loyal and loving and unpredictable.

Do you have a favorite quote that you keep visible in your work environment to help inspire you?

Yes! I actually have a series of quotes on my website under the heading “Inspiration” because they resonate with me. Here’s one of my favorites: “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” – Anonymous. Here’s another one: (sorry but I love it!):

Chongquing China
The Riverbank
Fan Ming
Translated by Andrea Lingenfelter

Red roses bloom
In the woods
On the other shore

There is no bridge over the river
I linger
linger on this shore

Golden apples ripen
On the branches
On the opposite shore

There are no boats on the river
I linger
linger on this bank

The red roses have withered
The golden apples have fallen
And I discover
The river
Is very shallow after all

If you could introduce Rieker to any character from another book, who would it be and why? 
I’d like to introduce Rieker to Elizabeth from Pirates of the Caribbean, though I don’t think Tiki would like that too much. Wait – that’s a movie, not a book! Let’s see……I’d like to introduce Rieker to …I can’t think of anyone – I want to introduce him to a girl who’s a rule-breaker – can you think of someone? Hmmm….I might need to write a new book….

Where is the best place in the world you’ve been? 
London. I am in love with London, though I wrote THE FAERIE RING before I ever visited. I feel like I’m home in London.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie? 
Uhhh…I never lie. ;-)

What’s your most missed memory? 
There are moments from when my daughter was very little that I dearly miss.

Who was the last person you hugged? 
My mother.

What's the worst summer job you've ever had? 
I was a waitress one summer during college. I worked a split shift so I’d work the lunch crowd, have a couple hours off and then come back and work from 4:00 – 9:00 – MISERY. I quit two weeks early because I hated it so much.

When was the last time you cried? 
I don’t remember. Okay, I got a little drippy when my daughter drove off to school this morning because it won’t be long before she leaves for college, but that doesn’t count, right?

London 1872 -

A bloody escape, a deadly threat, a shocking revelation...

As an orphan who stole the Queen's ring - only to find the ring was a reservoir that held a truce between the world of Faerie and the British Court - Tiki’s greatest fear suddenly becomes all too real: the fey have returned to London seeking revenge. As war escalates in the Otherworld, Queen Victoria’s youngest son, Prince Leopold, is attacked. In order to protect her family and those she loves, Tiki needs to know the meaning of an fáinne sí, the birthmark that winds around her wrist. But will she be brave enough to face the truth?

Kiki Hamilton’s second book in The Faerie Ring Series, The Torn Wing, the backdrop of 1872 London sets up again for a story full of plot and a murder mystery that leaks the truth about the Faeries and Queen Victoria’s England. When a war is sparked between the human world and the Faerie world, the story goes on full throttle and delivers one hell of a ride of action, suspense, and romance. The story of Tiki & Reiker’s relationship goes to new levels. Tiki goes through a self-discovery phase as she faces her past to truly understand who she is with Reiker at her side lending any help she may need.

Kiki’s writing style is able to transport its readers into Victorian London with vivid details. The magical world that was created is such an immensely beautiful place that readers will find it a rush getting to live in it within the pages. The mix of magic, history, and secrets were the perfect blend to deliver such a wonderful story. From the beginning, a drama unfolds and more will follow to maintain its intrigue throughout. Kiki beautiful writing is able to refresh your memory from the first book or get caught up if you have missed it (shame on you!). Even with a killer cliffhanger, The Torn Wing will not disappoint. It only feeds readers’ hunger for the next book in this wonderful series.

You can purchase The Torn Wing at the following Retailers:
          

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you KIKI HAMILTON for making this giveaway possible.

2 Winners will receive One Copy of The Torn Wing & Bookmark by Kiki Hamilton.

4 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmark of The Torn Wing by Kiki Hamilton.

1 Winner will receive One poster, One Bookmark, and One button of Tiki Art by James Vallesteros

10 winners will receive One bookmark of Tiki Art by James Vallesteros.

WEEK ONE

OCTOBER 6th SATURDAY JeanBookNerd REVIEW & INTERVIEW
OCTOBER 7th SUNDAY A World of Words SPOTLIGHT
OCTOBER 8th MONDAY Paranormal Reads REVIEW
OCTOBER 9th TUESDAY Me, My Shelf & I SPOTLIGHT
OCTOBER 10th WEDNESDAY Chapter by Chapter REVIEW & FAVORITE THINGS
OCTOBER 11th THURSDAY Tsk Task What to Read REVIEW & EXCERPT

WEEK TWO
OCTOBER 12th FRIDAY Paranormal Book Club REVIEW & THIS OR THAT
OCTOBER 13th SATURDAY Two Chicks on Books GUEST POST
OCTOBER 14th SUNDAY Annie Brewer Writes REVIEW & DREAM CAST
OCTOBER 15th MONDAY Beneath the Cover REVIEW & EXCERPT
OCTOBER 16th TUESDAY Fiktshun GUEST POST
OCTOBER 17th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW

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