Werewolf Week wraps up with an Interview, a Review and a Giveaway!!!

Yes, it is a sad day....Werewolf Week has come to a close. But I still have a few goodies left before we say farewell to our furry friends (who might be gone but are NOT forgotten) so let's get this Werewolf Party started and go out with a bang I mean a howl!

So today I have an super fun interview with the author of Dirty Blood, Heather Hildenbrand. Check these questions out because they are laugh worthy!! Also, I will be posting my review for her book and I want to announce that Heather has been  generous enough to give us an e-copy of her book! Yay for free stuff!! All you have to do is follow this blog, leave a comment with your email address and your name and tell me who your favorite werewolf is! And yes, he can be your favorite even if its because you think he's hot. LOL. The contest ends Wednesday and I will post the winner Thursday. Then, Friday (22nd) I will be kicking off yet another giveaway!! (stick with me and get free stuff!)

And yes, at the end of this post I will add a few fun pics of the men you love to look at!

First up, the interview:

Thank you so much for agreeing to this impromptu interview and giveaway. Your book, Dirty Blood, fits in perfectly with Werewolf Week. As you know it is Werewolf Week here at The Unlocked Diary and inquiring minds want to know…

Who is your favorite werewolf from a book, movie or TV show? And why?

Oh my goodness. Okay, it would have to be Jacob. As much as I love some Shiver and Nightshade and whichever else book I’m forgetting, it’s definitely hands down Jacob. A close second is what’s-his-name from Underworld but Jacob is the werewolf I fell in love with first. And a girl never forgets her first. That series got me hooked on paranormal to begin with and because you always have a soft spot for your first, I also have a weakness for werewolves that actually become ALL wolf. (Sorry Teen Wolf, you’re just a big hairy man. Not my style.) And I love that they can talk to each other (psychically) while in wolf form. I love how freakin’ big they are and I love that they retain their humanity while they are changed. Plus… it’s Jacob. ‘Nuff said.

 You are currently working on the sequel to Dirty Blood and it is titled Cold Blood. What has been the most difficult aspect about this series to write and what has been the easiest?

Hmm. Lots of things are difficult about writing. Well, okay, not the writing itself but the distractions that don’t allow you to write when you want to. Like the entire rest of my life. In the writing, though, one of the most difficult things is a subject you’ve talked about, too. Rules. Not only sticking to the rules of “werewolfness” but also sticking to the rules of your own series/world. Once you create the parameters for your made up world, you have to stick to them or you look like an idiot and people won’t read it. So, remembering to stick to the rules, and still weave it all together, can be tricky.

Do you howl at the moon?

Hahahaha. Oh, seriously? No.

You and two friends formed Accendo Press and work together to publish each of your books. Do you find that working with others has made the process easier? What would you say the hardest aspect about Self Publishing is?

Oh yeah, I can definitely say that being a part of Accendo Press makes things easier. It’s really nice having a go-to person to help you edit and revise. Those are all things that we don’t normally have immediate access to, as self-published authors. And believe me, you can NOT edit your own work. Anyone who says they can needs a second opinion, or a really honest friend. You could be the greatest writer ever and still need another pair of eyes on your words. You, as the writer, are just way to close to it to see all the mistakes. With Accendo, we edit each other and proofread and whatever else we need. It’s such an awesome idea and I think more indies should do it.

For our readers, it’s a promise that if the novel has the Accendo Press logo, it will be a quality book, well-written and well-edited.

Hmm, and the hardest part of self publishing is probably different for everyone. Because here’s the thing: there is no magic formula for what works. There is no tried and true way to success. So, it’s a serious learning curve which, for me, makes it easy to get frustrated and burnt out when it comes to marketing myself and trying to get my name and my work out there. Oh and formatting for paperback. That’s my Achilles Heel.

Do you think men that wear glasses are sexy or nerdy?

I think it depends on the guy. My hubby wears glasses and he’s sexy. Some guys can pull it off. Like Clark Kent. Then again, sometimes nerdy IS sexy. Example: Johnny Depp with glasses on!

What is the last movie you saw in the theater? Did you like it?

Just got back from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 and WOW! It was awesome! The scene where Ron and Hermione destroy the Horcrux in the Chamber and all the water comes up. Amazing!  

Do you write from an outline or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

My first book, Across the Galaxy, I just wrote. It took me almost a year to write and edit it. Now I write with an outline and Dirty Blood took me about 5 months from beginning to published. Cold Blood will probably be about the same. Mainly because even though I make an outline, I can’t always stick to it. I’m working on it.

I have an irrational fear of chickens. Do you have any irrational fears? If yes, what are they?

Okay, first, a fear of chickens is not irrational. We had them when I was a kid and the roosters are effing crazy! I got attacked by one just for walking too close and my brother had to chase it off with a baseball bat. Stupid, freakin roosters!

But for me, that’s not the worst. For me, the worst is SLUGS! *shudder* Slugs are evil and gross and slimy and they have beady eyes that stare at you until you can see into their mind. And what you see is that they are plotting on you. They can travel wayyy faster when you’re not looking directly at them. That’s how they sneak up on you. It’s just evil.

Have you ever had writer’s block? If you have what do you do to power through?

Hmm, I guess you could say I’ve had writers block with Cold Blood. Really it was just me not loving the plotline I’d created in my outline, so I had to sit and dream up some new ideas that I could get excited about before I could go on.

Will there be more books in this series or will Cold Blood be the final book?

There will be at least one more after this one, probably two. Tara needs to learn a lot more about herself and her Hunter side before we’re done with her. Plus, she really needs to work on that temper of hers.

More information will be posted on my website at www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com as it comes available. Check me out there.

And finally, you have a choice…would you rather shave your head or wear mittens for a year?

Okay here’s the thing, I know mittens are worse because it’s a much longer torture; not being able to touch anything for a year would probably make me crazy. But I’m a lot vainer than I let on. I would probably wear the mittens so I could keep my hair. I don’t think I could go out in public if I didn’t have hair. Oh crap, I just thought of something! I couldn’t type very well if I had to wear mittens. Damn!!! *sigh* Go get the razor.

Thank you so much for dropping by and answering my silly but informative questions. If you have anything else that you would like to share with us please do it here:

Accendo Press has a new title coming out August 26th, called Descended by Blood, by Angeline Kace. You can find more info at http://www.descendedbyblood.com/ or her blog at www.angelinekace.blogspot.com.

Thank you again for giving us an Ebook of Dirty Blood to give away and I would like to invite you back when Cold Blood comes out. See you then!

Thanks for having me and see you then!

Places you can find Heather:

Blog: www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Twitter: @HeatherHildenbr

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Heather.L.Hildenbrand

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4607856.Heather_Hildenbrand

Places you can buy Dirty Blood:

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/51287

Amazon/ebook http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Blood-ebook/dp/B004V08RS2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1302443545&sr=8-4

Paperback https://www.createspace.com/3592148

Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dirty-blood-heather-hildenbrand/1030863679?ean=9781461065715&itm=1&usri=dirty%2bblood

I would just like to say, SEE, I TOLD YOU THAT CHICKENS ARE NUTS!!!! And also, now I am afraid of slugs too. 

Here's my review:

Title: Dirty Blood

Author: Heather Hildenbrand

Format: Paperback, E-Book

ISBN: 1461065712

Published: April 2011 by Accendo Press

Tara is a typical teenager making her way through high school, dealing with a not so nice girl and coming to terms with the fact that the guy she’s dating isn’t the guy meant for her. Her father died when she was a toddler, and she lives with her mother who practically smothers her with over-protectiveness.

While on a date with the guy who’s better off her friend, she decides she’s had enough of his football playing, no date showing, agent having ways. She tells him exactly what she thinks of him and then tells him to hit the road. Too bad that left her without a ride.

On her way to the bus stop she passes an alley where she finds a girl she thinks might need her help. When she gets closer the girl completely morphs into a snarling werewolf and attacks. Tara surprises herself by fighting back-and winning.

Once the shock wears off she finds herself looking down at the body of a dead girl-no longer a wolf. What just happened, and where does she go from here? A mysterious boy shows up and offers her answers and a ride. Little does Tara know that the minute she accepts his help her life will change forever.

I feel it is only fair to disclose that I am a werewolf loving woman. That’s right, I’m obsessed. When there’s a full moon I run out into my dark yard and wait for a furry hottie to come get me. Sadly, he hasn’t arrived yet, but when he does…I’ll be waiting.

Now that you know about my little obsession we can continue.

I consider myself a werewolf connoisseur (hey, if people who love wine can be wine connoisseurs then I can be one of werewolves). There are some very strict guidelines that one must follow when writing a werewolf book. What are said guidelines? That’s for another time, people. I can tell you that Heather Hildenbrand followed these rules very well.

Dirty Blood has a really great plot. It was simple yet complex. There were layers to the story that unfolded as you read. When I got to the middle of the book I could not put it down, I was hooked. It is not your run of the mill werewolf story, but it still held firm to all the things we love about werewolves. What are those things you ask? I’ll tell you. One: they are badass fighters. Two: They can kill you-but won’t unless you deserve it. Three: deep down they are big puppy dogs. Four: They run in packs. Five: They like to eat meat. Now of course, there are exceptions…some werewolves are not very nice at all. This book has those guys too. Which, in my opinion, makes the good werewolves look even better.

Tara was a great character. She was strong and independent and never backed down from what she wanted. Curve balls came at her, and she faced them head on-even when everyone else tried to make her duck. She even stood up to those she loved when she thought they weren’t treating her the way she deserved. But you know what else? She was really likable. She had a good head on her shoulders, and she was nice.

Now, let’s discuss my favorite character in the book: Wes. This was one hottie of a werewolf. He was stubborn, pig-headed, over-bearing and his emotions ran hot and cold. What’s not to love? He needed a strong woman to tell him how it is. Too bad that Tara was up to the task cause I would volunteer for that job any day. Did I mention that he was hot? And that he drove a cool car? But seriously, he was a really well developed character, his life had not been easy and instead of being angry and hateful he was driven and focused. He had a sense of duty and honor that he adhered to even when that meant that he couldn’t have what he wanted.

The ending was satisfying, but still left enough for you to anticipate the next book, Cold Blood. And I am anticipating it. I can’t wait to read it. Also I would like to add, that the book was put together really well. At the back of the book you are given an excerpt and a short story to read. It was a nice bonus in the back of an already good book.

And let me also disclose that the second book will be having a character by the name of Cambria. That’s right, it’s me. I won the grand prize in a blog contest and now the author will be using my name in the second book. Very appropriate wouldn’t you say? Maybe just maybe….this girl might finally get her werewolf after all…..

And now what you all have been waiting for....the guys. LOL



Yes, Jacob is an oldie but a goodie!

And Here is a new guy on the blog:

 I don't know who this is but I like the pic. LOL

And here are a few of our resident hotties:

Here's a little question....Who is hotter?

Him.....

                                                  Or him?

Like there's a contset there. LOL

And in conclusion to WW week I will bring you back to where it all began (at least for me anyway...)

Have a great week and don't forget to enter the contest....it ends Wednesday!!