Saturday Stories, Elizabeth Mueller

Today my special guest isn't really a guest at all. Today's guest is our very own Elizabeth Mueller!

I was so sad to see Elizabeth leave our blog but she has been super busy with her upcoming novel and all of us at MMW are so excited to see Elizabeth's success. We can't wait to see her book in print. CONGRATULATIONS, Elizabeth! You go girl!

Elizabeth is here today as part of her book blog tour. As a special treat at the end of this interview Elizabeth has included an excerpt from her upcoming debut novel, Darkspell. After you've finished reading the interview and the excerpt I'm sure you'll want to learn more about Elizabeth. So, go here to check out her blog and here to check out her author website.

Q–Tell us about yourself.

It is important to me that I live according to Heavenly Father’s standards and let my light shine as brightly as it can. I haven’t really thought about this until recently, but since growing up in an abusive home, I’ve always invented stories of characters who struggle, fail, and then come out victorious. I would have to say that’s how my life has been, and I seem to thrive on barren ground; the Lord knows me best.

Q–You're debut Novel Darkspell is coming out soon. Would you tell us about it?

“Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . . until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.

“As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her.  Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

“ Will love prove thicker than magic?”

I’m having an Interview Blog Tour in July. My book releases fall of 2011, but I will most definitely hold a Book Tour as soon as the details of its release is finalized!

I have the option to “reserve” your signed copy as well!  (Click here if you'd like to reserve your signed copy today.)

Q–You have an amazing blog following! How do you do it? How do you connect with so many people?

Thank you, Lisa! First off, I follow as many people as I can so as to get myself out there. Bloggers are nice friends who normally follow you back. I also make it a point to always leave comments, but not just any kind of comment, but something that is from my heart. Something that I would share with a friend in reference to the post.

Another thing is I’ve made it a point to join bloghops, blogfests, and hold my own contests as well as host blogger’s contests and/or review their books for them. I enjoy helping others and don’t mind using my blog as a means to their success!

Q–How do stories come to you? Where do you get your inspiration?

My stories can come from anywhere—from a sunset, a phrase, a rock, a tree, an emotion, a song . . .

Darkspell, for example, came from Gail Carson Levine’s Writing Magic. You can find the writing prompt on page 4, 5^th one down. And in my novel, you can find it within the first 30 pages!

Rock Star was inspired by a piece of heavy metal music as my hubby and I were driving home—sorry, I can no longer remember which one it was. But as I listened, I wondered how a rock star would handle an untimely death and an unlikely love.

Eros was inspired by the silly little cupids from Night at the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian. Hm, I thought, Cupid in modern times?

I have an active imagination that runs wild with me—especially when I pray and do what the Lord wants me to do!

Q–Where is the one place in this world you plan to visit after you’ve become rich and famous from your books?

I’m hoping that I do become rich and famous; it is my entire goal to help others with my success because without Heavenly Father, I couldn’t get anywhere. What better way than to help others with the gifts He’s so generously blessed me with?

One thing for sure is that I would love to visit all the temples in the world.

Q–If you could create any magical mythical world in a book where creatures and people could look and act like anything you want, what would they look and act like?

There would be elves, centaurs, mermaids, vampires along with their foes. They would be graceful beings with talents ranging from natural elements to the unearthly. They would be just like you and me, fighting for what they believe—not always succeeding, but always striving.

Q–If you could have any magical ability what would it be and why?

That’s a great question. To be bluntly honest with you, I wouldn’t because it would interfere with God’s plans.

Q–Finish this sentence:  “The hardest part about writing is...”

…finding the time to do it! I get so caught up in it I wish I could clone myself to carry out all my other duties.

Q–If you were at an all you can eat desert buffet where every sweet creation known to your palate was available, what would be your weakness? What desert would call to you for seconds and thirds?

Ooh, you had to ask, and I’m hungry right now! Yikes! I LOVE a hot brownie at the bottom of a bowl and vanilla ice cream melting on top. I also love practically anything with cherries…

Q–Are you a cat or a dog person?

Definitely cat. Dogs are too clumsy and boisterous for my tastes! :P

Q–What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve received?

It was from my husband who loathes writing, but it came straight from a blessing he gave me when I was struggling:

“Don’t worry what others think or say about what I do. The only ones I should care about is my Father in Heaven, my husband and my children.”

It is SO freeing!

Ultimately, Heavenly Father is the only one who really matters.

Q–If you could be any character in any book you’ve ever read, who would it be and why?

It would be Aud, from Giants of the Frost by Kim Wilkins. Aud endures such agonizing tragedy, but her reward at the end is so elating, it gave my heart wings!

Q–Of all the characters you’ve ever written, who reminds you most of yourself? Were you shocked to discover the similarity?

Pentulla from my high fantasy novel, Tragic Innocence reminds me of myself—she struggles through her trials, then figures out who she is and decides to stand up to fight for what she believes in no matter the consequences.  It doesn’t shock me because I felt such kinship as I wrote her story. She is an elf.

Q–How can we learn more about you and about your debut novel Darkspell?

Please join me in my celebration for Darkspell’s fall release all July long! A pre-book launch party if you will. Click here for details.

Thanks for the interview, Elizabeth! I can't wait.


Excerpt from Darkspell....

Alex reached out and took my hands. A spark of magic passed between us. I didn’t resist and his gaze deepened. Another wave tore through me and I felt his powerful drive to protect me and the desire to share the rest of his life with me. I could see forever, eternity was wide and deep.

I would never be alone again.

Having tasted Alex so strongly, so close, so dear, left me empty; a starving sensation that could only be filled by him. I had no idea he felt so intensely for me. His love washed away all doubt from me.

I leaned into Alex as my world spun fast on a crooked axis. I breathed him in. I was intoxicated with his burning hold, I was so alive. Every sound was louder, the wind richer as it flowed through me. I was so free, so alive, so untainted by any wicked thing. I closed my eyes, shivering with desire, and imagined the breeze encircling us; bringing us to our feet and drawing us closer like a child’s ribbon.

Just as I opened my eyes, he whispered, “Listen, Winter. Listen to me.”

He brought me to him and gently pressed my face to his heart. It was a wild thing, trapped and yearning to be free. My blood sang and my eyes drifted closed. It felt as if my feet lifted from the ground. One hand was soft in my hair as he caressed my back with the other.

“How have you come by such magic? Such power to control? Can I come into your world? Can you teach me?” I trembled, savoring every sensation.