Good Morning, Bloggers!  Please give a warm welcome to Cameo Renae, who's introducing the first book in her new series, Hidden Wings.

Hidden Wings
YA Paranormal Romance


Cameo agreed to sit down and answer some questions -- here's what she had to say!


Briefly take us on the journey with you – when did you start writing, did you start in the genre you’re published in now, what hurdles did you have to overcome, etc.

Cameo: I always had a love of writing. Growing up, I enjoyed writing poems and short stories, but it wasn’t until about ten years ago that I joined an online writing community and began posting short stories. I had such wonderful feedback from others that I decided to attempt a full-length novel. I had NO idea what I was doing, and didn’t have a clue what “social networking” was. Google Search became my best friend, and I scoured the internet to see what word counts were, what genre my story would be considered, submit or self-publish? It was a total “learn from scratch” experience, but I don’t regret any of it. Because of it, I learned and grew so much and am able to help others now.

When I first started writing a full-length novel, I started with a fantasy. Halfway through, I had a dream which sparked In My Dream. A year later, I self-published In My Dreams, which became my debut novel. It was recently picked up, given a fresh coat of paint and some sparkles, and republished in December 2012 with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. My second novel, Hidden Wings, took about 6 months to write, and was also picked up by the same awesome publisher.  

Obviously you write in the YA Paranormal Romance genre.  Is that your favorite genre to read?  Do you write in any other genres, or under any other pen names you’d like to share?

Cameo: I like to read YA Paranormal, horror, romance, mystery, fantasy, magical. Actually, as long as it can hold my attention, I’ll read it. Right now, I am stuck in the YA Paranormal genre, but I do have a fantasy and a post-apocalyptic coming up soon.

Right up my alley -- fantasy!  Holler at me for a Fantasy Friday spot when you're ready!  

Of the books you have published, do you have a favorite?  If so, which one and why?

Cameo: I love both of my published books, but I have to say that Hidden Wings was a lot more fun to write. I completely fell in love with the characters, and the whole story in general. I guess it was also easier to write because I already knew what to expect.

What are your published titles and please tell us about anything coming down the pipe next.

Cameo:  In My Dreams was published December 2012.
Hidden Wings (Book 1 in the Hidden Wings Series) will be published January 2013. Broken Wings (Book 2 in the Hidden Wings Series) will hopefully be published in the Summer of 2013. I’ve also got a few other things on the back burner, but not sure which ones will make it this year. Depends on which characters are talking to me the most.

Okay, so let's talk about Hidden Wings specifically!  Tell me about your plot development?  How did the idea spur, did you have to do much research, any interesting tidbits that we should know?

Cameo: Hidden Wings was sparked from my debut novel In My Dreams. *SPOILER* lol At the end of the story there were Guardians, and I loved them sooooo much, that I decided to write a story based on them. As I started plotting out the story, I did do a little research. I research things like locations, and other simple details, but I don’t like to do much more than that because I like to create my own worlds. It’s easier for me to create something from scratch.

Let’s talk heroes – What’s one thing about your hero that we wouldn’t necessarily learn in the book?  A secret dream, an embarrassing habit, an episode from childhood.

Cameo:  There are many heroes in my book, but one particular one (who comes off being very proud, snarky, and into himself) secretly dreams of finding his match. His soul mate.

All heroes are unforgettable in one way or another. What’s one thing about your hero that makes your heart go pitter-pat?

Cameo: First of all, my main hero is gorgeous. He is a skilled warrior, a Guardian, and always seems to be there for the ones he protects.  

If your hero doesn’t have a pet in your novel, what kind of pet would best suit his personality? 

Cameo:  I would say a hawk. Those he guards, don’t know he’s watching them. (Most of them) He watches and protects them from afar.

Moving on to heroines – Everybody has flaws.  Sometimes they are endearing, other times they are annoying.  What is your heroine’s greatest fault?

Cameo:  She can be sassy at times, but she’s also been through so much that her emotions tend to get the best of her.

Without giving away details that might spoil the story for those who have not read it, could you tell us the one strength your heroine provides to your hero?

Cameo: The power of a mere ~ touch.
 
If your heroine was your daughter – what advice would you give her upon meeting your hero? 

Cameo:  If it was the hero in Hidden Wings, my advice would be… “Girl, don’t mess this up!” Lol

If we peek in on your hero and heroine’s lives ten years from now, can you give us a glimpse of what we’d see?

Cameo:  That’s really hard to say, because I still have to write the story for their upcoming year, and can’t give anything away. LOL BUT, let’s say that things get complicated for them, and they will have to make some major decisions.  

Hee -- I know how that goes!  Just a couple more, and you can get back to writing that next story.  Laugh!

What has surprised you the most about being a published author?

Cameo:  The thing that surprised me the most were the reactions and comments of the readers. I’m absolutely and completely humbled by them. To know that my books have actually made some readers cry, think, or even take them on a wild adventure and have them message me and say…Hurry, we want more! It’s been a very wild, wonderful, emotional ride, and I love every single moment of it.

Many writers describe themselves as "character" or "plot" writers. Which are you?

Cameo:  I am definitely a character writer. I don’t have papers of my plot all written out, and most times I don’t even know what’s going to happen next. In my mind, I have the beginning and end. Everything in between just comes to me as I write. My characters dictate the direction of the story, and I am just the vehicle who writes it. Just a few weeks ago, something within the story happened and it had me in tears because I didn’t see it coming. I know is sounds crazy, but it’s true.

What would you like to say to writers who are reading this interview and wondering if they can keep creating, if they are good enough, if their voices and visions matter enough to share?

Cameo:  Every person has a unique story to tell. If you want to become a writer, then write. I constantly questioned my writing ability while writing In My Dreams, wondering if it was good enough, and if I should hit that publish button or not. But, I’m glad that I pushed through the doubt. Since it’s been published, I’ve had so many messages and emails from the lives that it touched. My story actually gave some readers hope. That is BEYOND what I could have ever asked for.

To new writers…keep writing. Write what’s in your heart and stay true to yourself and your style. You will always have lovers and haters, but just remember that everyone has a preference. Don’t give up. Follow your dream and one day you will be living it.

Very sound advice, and I agree whole-heartedly.  Thanks for stopping by today, Cameo.  Best of luck with Hidden Wings!

Thank you, Claire for having me on your awesome blog!!! It was a blast!!!

You're welcome!

About the Author:

I love reading great books that whisk me away from reality, even if for a little while. :)

I love a great love story, anything paranormal, supernatural, magical, things with vampires, angels, mysteries, thrilling, suspenseful, and fantasy (yes...unicorns, elves, and dragons :))

I recently released my debut novel, In My Dreams, and am thrilled at how well it is doing! Writing is an escape, and I enjoy every minute of it. I hope you'll join me in one of my adventures!

We'll see what the future holds. Until then... :) HAPPY READING!


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A Sizzling PR Tour Guest

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

Labels: Cameo Renae , new fiction , New Release , Paranormal , Paranormal Romance , Sizzling Hot Book Promos , Young Adult