Interview & Giveaway with Fields of Elysium's Author A.B. Whelan!

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Please give a big Alleyway cheer for our next Wistful YA Wednesday featured author. And Thanks to Kathy over on I Am A Reader Not A Writer for helping to set this all up!

A.B. Whelan: A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California. While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

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Welcome A.B.! It's great to have you splatter your thoughts in the Alleyway. Were you a reader as a kid? 
Every time my priest uncle came to visit he brought a volume of an awesome Biblical series. It was a graphic-novel type book and the stories and images were so fascinating that I always looked forward to my uncle’s next visit.

Give your readers a peek into A.B. Describe yourself in 5 to 10 words.
Hard-worker. Outdoorsy. Adventurous. Outspoken. Soccer mom. Curious. Catholic.

What or who inspired you to write? 
I have always been a storyteller. People around me used to say that I should write a book, but to me writers were these old people with glasses, cigars, and deep thoughts, who either had four wives or had a very tough life and I didn’t fit any of these descriptions. But then one of my friends literally forced the Twilight series on me. Once I finished reading the books and looked the author up online I realized that being a writer only takes a good story and the determination to sit still in front of a computer for months. Well, being a ‘successful’ writer takes more than that, and I still have a lot to learn, but I’m on my way.

Normally I ask authors to describe their book. But I think this will explain it to the readers just fine. Check out the praise for this book, Alleywalkers.

 How can love mend a heart full of hate? 

 Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers.

While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings. Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

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PRAISE:  "The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews 

"I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers

"Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite

"I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga

"Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight

Wow. Just Wow!!

Two last questions: What are the three most important elements in writing a novel? 
a) The most important yet most difficult element is to write about characters that readers can relate to so their stories can touch their heart. Most novels fail to accomplish this, but if it were so easy, every book would be a bestseller.

b) Keep the suspense going in the novel.

c) Persistence.

And could you share one piece of writerly advice from your experience?
Don’t rush into publishing. (I wish I’d known two years ago what I know now.) Let yourself grow as a writer, polish your manuscripts, have beta readers, build your author platform, and write because you love it, not for the money. 

Thank you so much for spending this time with us!! Best of luck to you. And now, for your giveaway, A.B.

  $25 Tour Giveaway Ends 5/15/13 

 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. 

The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway
So. What'chya think???