Interview & a giveaway w/author Elana Johnson!

So just for funsies (and because she truly rocks), I reached out to the fab Elana Johnson for a mini-interview and she graciously obliged--which translates to DOUBLE WIN for all of you! Why, you may ask? 

Because not only do you get to read the interview, but you also get a chance to win a copy of her newest book, SURRENDER!! (or the first in the series, Possession, if you've yet to read that one.)

Without further ado, here's the interview!

Thanks so much, Elana, for answering my questions--you're the best! I'll just jump right in, 'kay?

ABANDON, the final book in the Possession series, will be out next June. Is that a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach, or are you super excited for this story to finally be told in full? 

Bittersweet? Heck, no! I’m the kind of person that likes change every few years, and I can’t wait to lay this series to bed. Otherwise, I’d be bored to tears when I sat down to write. 

Now that your Possession series is all wrapped up in a nice little bow ;-) what can we expect in the future from your talented mind? 

Um… more science fiction? Yeah, I have one of those. It’s time travel, and it bends my mind. I’m also writing a little contemporary, and a novel in verse (also contemporary), and I want to publish a fantasy series too. Nothing is safe from me! 

Before you hit mega NYT/Harry Potter/Hunger Games success (hey, nothing wrong with positive thinking), you were (and still are) a teacher. Do you think being a teacher has helped you in your writing? And on that note, do you think that only people with degrees in the writing/education field will be successful at becoming a published author? 

I’m not sure my teaching has helped anything but push me closer to the edge of insanity. I’m a technology specialist, and nothing about that allows me to get training in writing (although I do get to go to writing conferences for re-licensure points! Bonus!).

I absolutely believe that anyone – no matter their education or background – can become a successfully published author. I believe writing is a craft that people can learn. Sure, some people have natural talent, just like someone is more inclined to paint or play the clarinet. But I can learn to do those things. Just like anyone can learn to write. Is it easy to learn? No. But those who want to, will. 

On that teaching note, you hold down a full-time job, run your own blog, co-author another blog (League of Extraordinary Writers) and put out some amazing books. Um, do you ever plan on sharing your Top-Secret Bacon-infused Mega-Metabolism Power Juice with the rest of us, or are you stockpiling it for an episode of Hoarders? 

I love Hoarders! And Survivor. And Lost. And Chopped. And…

LOL! I watch a lot of TV. Here’s the thing. I don’t write all the time. Just like I don’t teach all the time, or blog all the time. I have slots for all of those things, and when the slots are full, I’m done. There are seriously days where all I do is teach, make dinner, and spend an evening with my family watching, well, Hoarders. *gasp* 

But it’s true. When it’s time to write, I write. When it’s time to blog, I blog. When it’s time to sleep, I sleep. Oh, sleep. I like to sleep… 
But really, the truth is I’m good at time management, and I’m good at multi-tasking, and I have self-discipline to do what needs to be done. Except exercising. I’m not disciplined at that! 

And the question I like to ask all interviewees: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have ONE book to read (for, like, ever) which book would you choose and why? 

THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX, because I lovez it. The language of it is beautiful and sparse and it’s what made me fall in love with the usage of words.

Weren't those great answers! I just love Elana! Be sure to check her out on her blog, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads!

Okay, and as promised, a giveaway!!

Simply follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter to win either a copy of SURRENDER (book 2 in the Possession series) or POSSESSION (if you've yet to begin this series). 

Oh, and the best part? I'll be ordering this from Book Depository and shipping directly to you, so it's INTERNATIONAL!! (see international peeps, told you I wouldn't forget you!)

P.S. Contest ends next Thursday, so the winner will be announced Friday, October 19th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway