Get Fired Up about Debut Author: J.A. Garland

Win a Swag Bag  & meet our newest 

Featured Author, J.A. Garland 

today at the Book Boost!

TBB:  Welcome, J.A. to the blog.  Tell us how and when did you become a professional author?

JA:  On May 27, 2011, I signed my first contract for an urban fantasy novel, The Mutatio Project. (Mutatio means to mutate, in latin. So, you can guess what kind of creatures are in it, lol). Shortly after that, I signed with the same company, BURST Books, a subsidiary of Champagne Book Group, for the urban fantasy novel, Instinct. My editor was basically thrown two manuscripts at the same time to begin editing, and she started on Instinct, so it ended up being released first.

TBB:  Well, congrats on two back to back sales.  What do you find to be the most difficult aspect of writing a book (the creation/concept, writing, achieving publication, sales/promotion, etc…)?

JA:  Finding time. As a fulltime firefighter, I work two 24 hour shifts, then two twelve hour shifts. I cannot write on shift, so at least two days are out, and I'm too exhausted after the two twelve hour shifts to be very creative. If I don't work mandatory overtime on my days off, then I can squeeze in some time here and there around family commitments.

TBB: That's amazing.  What an honorable profession.  Glad you found the time.  Which of your books is your favorite and why?

JA: I love them all for different reasons. I love The Mutatio Project because it is my baby, it was the first book I wrote as an adult. I love Instinct, because with that book I felt like I really found my voice. I am currently working on book two of the Halfling Chronicles.

TBB: If you had to describe that book using ONLY ONE word what would it be?

JA:  Evolution.

TBB:  Is there a message imbedded into your stories you hope readers will get?  If so, what is it?

JA:  The world is an exciting place, but it wouldn't it be even more exciting if 'Otherkind' creatures existed? I want people to forget about the worries of reality, and enjoy the fun of fantasy. That's probably why I chose the catch phrase, "Where fantasy becomes reality."

TBB:  Give me one quote (from yourself/by yourself) about being a writer.

 "Don't stop. The great American novel won't write itself." --J.A. Garland

TBB:  What other author would you most like to meet & have lunch with?

JA:  I think I've read just about every one of Sherrilyn Kenyon's books. Which is quite an accomplishment since she is quite the prolific writer! No, I have never stalked, er, met her. I would love to talk to her, but not at a stuffy, automated book signing. I'm thinking it would be fun to chat about life and writing over coffee and beignets in a New Orleans cafe. What do you think, Sherrilyn? Are you up for it?

TBB:  All you have to do to meet Sherrilyn is come to my neck of the woods--Alabama!  No joke, she attends reader functions here quite often.  I've met her many times.  Lovely person.  How bout a fun question now?  What is your fave breakfast food?

JA: Steel cut oatmeal, soymilk, fresh fruit and honey powder. Yeah, honey powder? It's a disaster supply kit food item that shouldn't be locked up. It's that damn good.

TBB:  That sounds mega healthy.  If someone wrote a biography about you, what should the title be?

JA:  Stubborn! I must be the shortest firefighter in the state. New firefighters are always looking at me like, 'Really?' But then we do the manipulative testing and I show them.

TBB:  I love your attitude!  Now, if you were a t-shirt, what slogan would appear on you?

T-Shirt Quote by: J.A. Garland

JA:  It means, stay ten feet back. So, yeah, I can be a whirlwind of activity, best to give me room to do my thing.

TBB:  Favorite time of year (or fave holiday)?

JA:  I love the fall. The turning leaves, the chill in the air--wonderful.

TBB:  Wow, we really have a lot in common!  Now, in all seriousness...if you were a cartoon character, which one would you be and why?

JA:  Ha, at the fire station they used to call me Dee Dee from Dexter's laboratory. I'm like the annoying little sister.

TBB:  Thanks for joining us, J.A. and best of luck on that big release today!  Please tell us a little more before you go.

 
Blurb:

Lone wolf, Rory Archer, never failed a single mission. Now the hunted instead of the hunter, Rory unwinds a twisted trail leading back to Amber Arlington, a spirited Halfling tied to a world of Shadows.

Bound to vows initially forged out of necessity, Rory and Amber's relationship surges into more than either of them had bargained on. Scrambling to identify their attacker before joining the casualty list, Rory is forced to do the unthinkable, or watch Amber become a slave for his species.

In the battle against Shadows, demons and all variety of monsters come out to fight. Can one wolf learn to trust in time to save them all?

Want More JA?

Visit her on the web here:  

http://www.jagarland.blogspot.com/

Pick up a copy of her book today! Click here.

Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment for J.A. and be entered to win this awesome SWAG BAG!

 **Winners for Book Boost prizes are drawn the first week of the following month and posted in the Recent Winners box in the right hand side of the blog. Check back to see if you are a winner and to claim your prize! Please leave your contact information in your blog post!**