Friday 24 July 2015

Author Interview & Giveaway: Isabelle Saint-Michael


About the Author:

Isabelle Saint-Michael is a cupcake enthusiast, shoe addict, and globetrotter. She is known for her sense of adventure and geeky hobbies. She is frequently seen haunting coffee shops and pubs into the wee hours of the morning. No matter where she goes, shenanigans and mirth are never far behind.


Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

I outline all my stories before I write them, but I let magic happen within the guidelines I set for myself. A lot of times I won’t know if a scene is going to be funny or serious until I write it.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story? 

My characters do nothing but take over the story. It’s a large part of why I write in the first person. I want people to feel like they are experiencing the story first-hand because my characters often have a louder voice than I do.

What is your favourite food?

Coffee. All right, my editor is looking over my shoulder and insisting that coffee is not a real food so I should choose another one. Probably sushi.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

A night owl.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

So I’ve traveled quite a bit in my life already, but my assistant Kenzi and I are going to Scotland for a month next year for research. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Europe and Asia. I think I would like to see more of South America next.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Totally. I live in Seoul, South Korea right now, but my publisher is based in the UK and I’m American. The UK, China, Korea, Australia, and the North Pole all show up in my books and blog.

Do you listen to music while writing?

I do. I love singing along loudly and out of key while I write.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

Dragon’s Guide to Slaying Virgins is much more of a fantasy with a love story and sexy scenes in it than it is a romance with fantasy elements. It’s not about the Hero and Heroine overcoming something so they can be together. It’s about being together despite everything that is going on. The romance is totally there, but it’s mixed nicely together with daring sword fights, mysteries, and heartbreak. Through it all, I do promise a happy ending.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

1.) You can’t please everybody. 2.) It’s never easy writing something that challenges the common perception of a genre. 3.) If you aren’t writing a story you love, why are you writing it?

Is there anything you would do differently?

Write more diversity into my cast of characters.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

I have had some amazing mentors during my life. I have an over-the-top unbelievable mom who proudly tells people her daughter writes “Elf Smut”. AND my fans. Honestly, I may not have tens of thousands, but the fans I have are the world’s most amazing.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Don’t be afraid to write something that isn’t mainstream. Don’t feel like you have to tell a story a certain way because that’s what is popular in the genre right now. Write a book you can be proud of and that you would want to read. Twenty years from now you won’t want to look back and hate your early work because you sold out or weren’t true to yourself. It may be a quiet and lonely road sometimes, but at least you know it is your own.

What are three words that describe you?

Shenanigans, Kindness, Workaholic

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

To date my favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

My favorite writer, though, is something entirely different. I would not be the writer or the reader that I am without the works of Robert Lynn Asprin or Anne Rice.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book


Dragon’s Guide to Slaying Virgins
Otherworld Realms 
Book Three
Isabelle Saint-Michael
Genre: PNR/Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Otherworld Romance, LLC
Date of Publication: June 26th, 2015
Word Count: 104K
Cover Artist: CL Smith

Book Description: 

Lady Morgan is a Knight of Queen Mab’s court. She’s earned it too – while most other Fae were playing tricks and using come-hither glamours on the unsuspecting, she was out saving the day – and finding true love.  But when fate steals her one shot at happiness, Morgan decides to find out if there really is no job, too big to handle alone.  Armed with a strong sword arm, a never-ending supply of wit, and very little magic, she is willing to take on the most dangerous of enemies…

Vallen is what most knights would consider their mortal enemy: a Dragon.  He’s also Sir Vallen, a member of an ancient order, and the years since he joined have made him as hard and grumpy on the inside as he is scaly on the outside.  His honor would never allow him to take the easy path, though, only the right one… which leaves him in something of a predicament when he first meets Lady Morgan…

When the strings of fate cross, Knight and Dragon set aside their differences to fight a common foe – and find the second chance at love they never knew they were looking for.

Amazon | BN | Smashwords | Kobo

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List of previous books if any

Practical Uses for Princes with Pointed Ears
Holiday Spirit for Hire
And of course the epic blog “Elven Life” that started it all.


Any websites/places readers can find you on the web

Website: ElvenLife.com
Twitter: @IsabelleStMike
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsabelleStMichael
Personal Blog: https://isabellesaintmichael.wordpress.com/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/IsabelleStMichael

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/
Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Isabelle-Saint-Michael/e/B00OV2XRR6/


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Tour giveaway

$25 Amazon US, Kobo, or BN  Gift card Winner’s Choice

4 ebook copies in Kindle, Nook, Kobo or Smashword format. Winner’s choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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