I'm a bit partial to cats ... and cats who own authors. Please join me in welcoming cat lover and debut author Bonnie Rae! From her bio,
Bonnie Rae spent her early childhood in the sunny state of California. At the time, she was an only child with a very large imagination. Thanks to her Grandmother, the love of reading books started at a very young age. Every walk to the grocery store meant an ice cream cone and a new Little Golden Book. Through books, Bonnie learned you could be transported into other worlds. The addiction was instant.
Kim: In Hawaii, we see those star studded commercials for California. What is your favorite sight, sound, and smell?
Bonnie: First, I want to thank you for having me be a part of your blog today. This is a great honor! And thank you to your readers for taking the time to read this post. You are all very kind.
In our area we are in a valley with the ocean a little west from us and often have very foggy mornings. My favorite sight is to witness the marine layer of fog inching its way across our town and covering some of the peaks of our mountains. I love writing during that time, it is very inspiring for me. My favorite sound, the waves crashing on the shore, I love the beach. Smell, hands down, the ocean.
Kim: Who or what helped you write a book and self-publish it?
Bonnie: Many things help me write a book. I am inspired everyday by all kinds of things and people. But, when it comes to the self-publishing part, my husband has helped tremendously. He is the kindest, most patient, and loving man. I can say that he took this journey with me and helps me learn new things every day. When I am frustrated or waver in having faith in myself, he is always there to calm me down and keep me sane.
Kim: Why YA? Why YA paranormal?
Bonnie: I think I was always a closet YA writer. I would write all these books and try to convince myself that I was heading in the direction of adult science fiction. My best friend kindly pointed out one day that all of my characters in all of my books were seventeen or under. From that day forward I have embraced writing YA, and proudly. I really love writing about kids growing into their own person and finding out just how strong they can really be. As for paranormal, I have always been sweet on vampires, ghosts, angels, and demons. Basically, if it goes “bump” in the night, I write it! I love the suspense and the possibility that there are other realms out there we just can’t see with the human eye.
Kim: Tell us about the Nether Series and Book 1, NETHER BOUND?
Bonnie: What it all comes down to with the Nether Series is the bond of sisterly love. One character makes a very irrevocable sacrifice in order to save her younger sister. Throughout the books readers get to see these sisters grow very far apart and have very different beliefs. The war between Heaven and Hell force them to rage war on one another, and in the end will the undying bond of family love keep them safe and help them find a way back to one another or tear them apart even further? Both female characters are very strong in their own right, and that is exactly what I wanted. I have read too many YA novels in the last few years with really weak female main characters. They can’t seem to function without a boy in their life, and have frail voices when it comes to taking control of their lives. I wanted to show teenage girls that it’s okay to be strong on your own. Yes, life can be rough, but with determination and faith they can overcome all hardships. And with Nether Bound, the first book in the series, you see that right away with my main character. This poor girl goes through a lot. I mean I really put her through the ringer. She has to make some really hard decisions, and some of them aren’t always right. Of course, we can only learn from our mistakes, and sometimes we learn some very hard and valuable lessons that help us to become stronger individuals in the end.
Bonnie: What it all comes down to with the Nether Series is the bond of sisterly love. One character makes a very irrevocable sacrifice in order to save her younger sister. Throughout the books readers get to see these sisters grow very far apart and have very different beliefs. The war between Heaven and Hell force them to rage war on one another, and in the end will the undying bond of family love keep them safe and help them find a way back to one another or tear them apart even further? Both female characters are very strong in their own right, and that is exactly what I wanted. I have read too many YA novels in the last few years with really weak female main characters. They can’t seem to function without a boy in their life, and have frail voices when it comes to taking control of their lives. I wanted to show teenage girls that it’s okay to be strong on your own. Yes, life can be rough, but with determination and faith they can overcome all hardships. And with Nether Bound, the first book in the series, you see that right away with my main character. This poor girl goes through a lot. I mean I really put her through the ringer. She has to make some really hard decisions, and some of them aren’t always right. Of course, we can only learn from our mistakes, and sometimes we learn some very hard and valuable lessons that help us to become stronger individuals in the end.
Kim: What's next for Bonnie Rae?
Bonnie: Right now I am currently finishing up the first draft of the second book in the Nether Trilogy, Nether Soul. I am planning its e-book release in the beginning of August. I am also working on putting Nether Bound in print. And while I am doing all of that I am trying to finish up an adult contemporary romance I started two years ago. I guess you could say my plate is pretty full!
Bonnie: Right now I am currently finishing up the first draft of the second book in the Nether Trilogy, Nether Soul. I am planning its e-book release in the beginning of August. I am also working on putting Nether Bound in print. And while I am doing all of that I am trying to finish up an adult contemporary romance I started two years ago. I guess you could say my plate is pretty full!
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| Fiery lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean |
Mahalo, Bonnie, for joining us at SOS Aloha! My son "reviewed" NETHER BOUND at this link. I am giving away an electronic copy of NETHER BOUND to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about your "first" book - as a child, teen, or even adult. I don't recall my first book, but I do remember that I was instantly attracted to Nancy Drew!
2. This giveaway is open to all readers.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, June 23, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 24.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
I do not remember my first book but I do enjoy The Little Engine that Could
ReplyDeleteI don't remember my first book as a child, however, I do have some favorite books that have stuck with me through the years. My absolute favorite was a book called, "Mr. Willoughby's Christmas Tree." I still love it. I also have my original copy. I don't think it can be found today. I also loved the Sweet Pickles series of books from Weekly Reader. I hope I didn't just date myself!
ReplyDeleteMel
I know we had some golden books but later I had Trixie Beldon books. Most books we got at the library.
ReplyDeleteI loved Nancy Drew, too! The cover is gorgeous for Nether Bound!
ReplyDeleteSue
Congrats to Bonnie on her new book! I loved those Golden books!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
That was a great interview. I appreciate Bonnie's perspective of a strong heroine.
ReplyDeleteTina
Congratulations on the book! I liked Peter Rabbit.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Nancy Drew books. They were my favorites!
ReplyDelete