Ravens Cove by Mary Ann Poll
Please welcome Mary Ann Poll author of Ravens Cove
Mary Ann Poll will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Ravens Cove
byMary Ann Poll
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GENRE: Supernatural Thriller
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INTERVIEW:
- What or who inspired you to start writing?I was inspired to write more by a change in my life than a goal to become a published author. In 1998, a disc in my neck ruptured without warning. In a matter of hours, I went from happily pursuing a career in administration to being unable to do anything. It took almost two years for my neck to stabilize and for me to be free of excruciating, debilitating pain. I went through a season of feeling worthless, confused and lost. It was a dark time. A friend suggested I write. After I finished laughing, I thought about it. One day, I sat at my computer and the words flowed—so quickly I could barely type as fast as they came out. This began my journey to being a published author.
2. How did you come up with ideas for your books?I am inspired by objects and nature. As an example, a tree started the whole idea of Ravens Cove. A rock shaped like a skull inspired Ingress. In both instances, the object is in the books, but it is not the main character.
3. What expertise did you bring to your writing?This is an interesting question. I never see myself as an expert in any area. However, I do have 25 years of writing experience from my previous career. In those years, I formed the ability to write a logical, well-thought out paper. I love the English language. Even as a small child, I’d play a game with my mom. I’d throw out several vowels and consonants from the alphabet and ask what I’d spelled. At that age, it was mostly gibberish. However, my love for spelling and words never died. I am a good researcher and enjoy research. Most of all, imagination is my best writing quality. And, that’s really not expertise. It’s a gift I’ve had since childhood.
4. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?There is much I would love to tell my readers. Since we are limited in space here, I’ll try and keep it to a minimum. Moving to Alaska in 1972 began an adventure and love for the location that will never leave me. Coming home to Texas in 2014 is a dream fulfilled. Unfortunately, events didn’t allow us to move home before my father passed away in 2011, who I still grieve. I am blessed to be with my sisters, brother, nieces and nephews. I am an avid animal lover. Presently we have two dogs and two cats. My books always have an animal—dog, cat, wolf—in them. These characters show the loyalty, antics and intuition of our fur pals. I relax by spending time gardening, swimming, reading and playing PC games.
5. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? To write my fifth novel. I have finished the Iconoclastseries so, for a time, I didn’t know what to do next. I had to let go of my characters—who I have grown to love over the years. I am now in the process of beginning a new book. Possibly a new series. I am excited to meet and get to know all the new characters—and some of the old ones will be visiting, too.
6. If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why?This is a difficult question because I love most of my characters. It is a toss up between Kat, the protagonist, and Grandma Bricken. I would be Kat because she is feisty, independent, fiercely loyal, funny and full of life. Grandma Bricken because she is an older version of Kat and is wise, grounded, and full of courage.
7. If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your leading roles?I have no clue. Sadly, I am not one to watch many films or follow the Hollywood stars. I’m too busy writing and reading. That said, I imagine the cast of Twilightwould work well in most of the roles.
8. Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?I do not belong to a critique group. I am a charter member of Author Masterminds. We are a group of like-minded authors from several different genres. We support each other, discuss marketing ideas, share our successes and obstacles. I am blessed to be in this positive, supportive group of talented individuals.
9. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?I first decided to submit first novel, Ravens Cove, An Iconoclast Thriller,in 2010. My father-in-law, who has his PhD in Education, asked to read my draft. It is because of his comments and encouragement that I sought out a publisher.
10. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing) The best advice I ever received, be it for writing or publishing or just living life, was from my father. I can still hear him saying, “You can do anything you put your mind to.” I would not have written one word without this loving, and true, encouragement.
11. Do you outline your books or just start writing?I do not complete a formal outline for any book. I envision I am talking to a friend and tell an abridged version of the story I’m about to write. All the time, I am putting those thoughts on paper.
12. Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you’ve gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books?Although not hobbies, my past involved many New Age experiences. I have had some close encounters with the supernatural. None that I wish to repeat. Haha. These carry over into my books. My love of God is throughout each story. My interest in animal welfare is woven into each novel.
13. Do you have an all-time favorite book?I have several. But, if I need to choose, it is Insomniaby Stephen King
14. Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book?I have started my next project. It is set in an abandoned amusement park. And, of course, there are definitely some spooky creatures to be confronted and dealt with.
15. Who is your favorite actor and actress? I’m old school so my favorite actor was Cary Grant and my favorite actress was Audrey Hepburn.
16. Can you tell us a little about the black moment in your book?My books are supernatural thrillers. So, there are filled with black moments. These instances create the tension, highlight the story problem, and reveal the characters’ true natures.
17. What is your favorite reality show?The Dead Files
18. Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like to write a series.Writing a series is both easy and hard. All of the characters are formed and carried through to each new storyline. Adding new characters was relatively simple (for me). It can be a challenge because the characters must grow in each story and do so in a believable, interesting way for the readers’ enjoyment.
19. Anything else you might want to add?
BLURB:
Welcome to Ravens Cove, Alaska, a tiny town nestled in a small hollow on the majestic Cook Inlet. A town familiar with storytelling—after all, Alaska abounds in rich legends. In Ravens Cove, though, legends have a tendency to come to life.
Meet Josiah Williams, the peculiar stranger whose warning to lifetime residents Kat Tovslosky and her cousin, Sheriff Bart Andersen, raises more questions than answers; a man whose dark past and knowledge of the murders make him a suspect more than an ally. Join Kat and Bart as an unlikely troop forms (including a very unwelcome FBI agent) to discover the identity of a killer. The unearthing of which will throw the reluctant warriors into a battle for their very lives and the lives of all who call Ravens Cove home.
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EXCERPT:
Josiah marched to the back of the church, lifting his hand, waving it back and forth to part the black mist covering the door.
It shot to one side before he walked through, a dark curtain blown by an invisible wind.
The dark mist, Atramentous by name, vibrated with hatred, then fear at what he saw. An angel of God stood beside this man.
“Uriel!”
The angel turned and nodded. “Atramentous.”
Atramentous bent his head to avoid the blinding light. After they passed, he raised his head, formed an invisible mouth, a deep red chasm where the black mist had been. A guttural, gurgling roar spewed out to sound the alarm, sending sleeping birds flying into the sky crying in terror.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
I’m Mary Ann Poll, America’s Lady of Supernatural Thrillers and charter member of Author Masterminds. The first question most people ask is, “What is an Iconoclast?” Iconoclast means, “The destroyer of religious beliefs or symbols.” I took this definition and applied it to the supernatural realm, which is how the Iconoclast Thriller series was born. My books revolve around the battle between good and evil. They also revolve around the heroic acts of ordinary people who must face extraordinary, even unbelievable, circumstances.
I draw from real-life experiences, as well as my imagination, to create these supernatural thrillers. My love for a creepy, goosebump-creating ghost story and my love for Christ come together in these books.
I am a proud pet lover, which is also reflected in my writing. In my off time, I enjoy gardening, swimming and spending time with beloved family.
I pray you enjoy reading Ravens Cove as much as I enjoyed writing it. Blessings in Christ!
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4465445.Mary_Ann_Poll
https://www.facebook.com/maryann.poll
https://www.facebook.com/ravenscoveiconoclast/
https://twitter.com/MaryAnnPoll
BUY LINKS
https://authormasterminds.com/purchase/35Pay
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:
Mary Ann Poll will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
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