Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas Countdown: Day 3: Interview w/ Christy Raedake + Giveaway

Hi guys! Welcome to Day 3 of Christmas Countdown! Yesterday, Kai interviewed Adele Griffin and there is a signed, personalized copy of Picture of the Dead + a nice shirt up for grabs! Today, I have another feature and giveaway for you lovelies! 

Christy Raedake is the author of Prophecy of Days, Book One: The Day Keeper's Grimoire and the upcoming sequel, Book Two: The Serpent's Coil.

What is your purpose in writing Prophecy of Days, Book One: The Daykeeper’s Grimoire?

I set out to write the book that I wanted to read as a teen. I’ve always been fascinated by ancient mysteries, sacred sites, and symbols - and the minute I heard about the Mayan Calendar, I had to know more. Writing this book made me delve deeply into it and make connections that perhaps other people had not made.

Where did you get the idea about Mr. Papers?
 
I’ve always loved monkeys and I think it’s so interesting that Capuchin monkeys are trained to be helpers for quadriplegics. I’ve seen photos of them heating up food in the microwave, getting mail, and even feeding their owners. They’re incredibly smart and just plain cute! What’s not to love about a monkey? Especially one who can communicate with origami.

Can you tell us about the character of Caity?

Caity is inquisitive, secretive, and a little boy-shy. She’s a pretty normal teen, which makes it even more surprising when she finds herself in the middle of something monumental that has been going on for centuries. When it comes down to it, she’s pretty tough, tougher than she ever realized…

Was there a part of the novel that was hard to write?

Book Two! My agent sold the book series with Book One written and Book Two as a synopsis. But once I started writing it, Book Two did not want to follow the synopsis—it had a mind of its own. I really thought this was just a two-book series, but there is definitely room for Book Three. Not sure if my editor wants it or not – I need to wait for the edits on Book Two to see if he even liked it before going there…

How do you prepare for Christmas?

We put our white twinkly lights on the house right after Thanksgiving because I love how they look! It gets dark so early in December that it’s a treat to see the house bright and cheery.

As an author/writer, are you doing something special this Christmas?

This year I have the pleasure of giving many Tenners books. The Tenners are a group of first time authors whose books all came out in 2010. It’s so fun to give books by authors that I actually know!

Does your family have a Christmas tradition?

We do stockings, some presents, and a formal dinner on Christmas Eve and then on Christmas, after a day of opening gifts and playing with toys, we go out for Chinese food. This has become my favorite part of Christmas – unexpected and so tasty!

Do you take advantage of the Christmas vacation and write?

I’d actually rather ski than write on Christmas vacation. Getting outside in the winter really clears my head, and there’s nothing quite like skiing to feel alive.

As a writer, do you think it would be better to gift books for Christmas? Why? Have you ever done this before?

I have always, always given books and I’ll give even more this year. I love getting books as gifts as much as I love giving them.

If you were to gift one book to any person, what book would it be?

Oh, that’s tough. I try to get books that are very specific to the person I’m shopping for, so I’d need to know who’s receiving the gift. If it’s anyone who enjoys Young Adult books I think I’d give them What I Was by Meg Rosoff. I love, love, love that book.

Thanks Christy!
__________________________________________________________

Prophecy of Days Giveaway (Contest Closed!)

 For Day 3, Christy generously offered a signed copy of Prophecy of Days, Book 1: The Daykeeper's Grimoire to one lucky winner!




Contest Rules:

Must be a follower.
Comment with your email address!
Open Internationally!
Ends January 2, 2011!

Extra Entries (if you like):

Spread the word: 
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Check here for the line-up of posts for Christmas Countdown!


36 comments:

  1. I love that some of the questions are about Christmas!

    +2 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/ReadingLassie/status/14835212571648002

    +2 Sidebar link: http://readinglassie.blogspot.com

    +2 Amaterasu Reads follower

    +3 Sidebar button: http://readinglassie.blogspot.com

    Thanks so much Precious and Kai!

    ~ readinglassie(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am a GFC follower (Lexie@BookBug)
    Twitter follower: Lexie BookBug
    +2 Tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/LexieBookBug/status/14836514668158977
    +3 Posted button on my blog at
    +2 Follower of Amateurasu

    lexie.bookbug(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  3. I love Meg Rosoff, too! Thanks for the interview and the giveaway.

    I am a GFC follower (Mrs DeRaps)

    www.derapsreads.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am a follower, thanks for the giveaway!
    kristy [at] dreamingbyday [dot] com
    Kristy @ Dreaming By Day

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm a follower of you and Amaterasu reads +2
    Posted button on sidebar: +3 (http://friendlyreaderohyeah.blogspot.com/)
    Posted Contest on Sidebar: +2 (http://friendlyreaderohyeah.blogspot.com/)
    =7 entries.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    -Danna
    adannabanana@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks!!
    +2 sidebar http://fifteenaintsosweet.blogspot.com/
    +3 Christmas Countdown blog button on sidebar http://fifteenaintsosweet.blogspot.com/
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    sauvadeavelle at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so happy I'm not the only one who gives books for Christmas :).

    +2 Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/YearofTiger86/status/15143967704223744
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    +2 I am a follower of Amaterasu Reads

    Morganlafey86@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fabulous!
    +2 follower of amaterasu reads

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great giveaway! I am a follower
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the interview - interesting that it may turn out to be a trilogy. I hope so.
    I am a follower
    d.septer at insightbb.com
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads
    +2 Tweeted here:
    http://twitter.com/lulilut/status/15195142327640064

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  11. Looks like an interesting book!!
    +3 button on blog: http://homebetweenpages.blogspot.com
    +2 follow Amaterasu Reads

    soccer_pam[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  12. +2 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/15320322894991360

    +2 follow Amaterasu Reads
    I follow on GFC-Lisa Richards
    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I SO want to read this book! Great interview with Christy, I love the plot for Prophecy of Days. Bu sadly I haven't been able to find it in any local bookstores!

    +2 Tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/peacelovebooksx/status/15348371212468224
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Thanks!
    hanging.by.a.moment_@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello, Im a follower.

    Stacy
    Chllybrd(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ooh, I want to read this:D Thanks for the giveaway. Yes, books are definitely the best presents!

    +2 sidebar http://kayaloves.blogspot.com/

    +4 blog post http://kayaloves.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-countdown-13-books-to-gift.html

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    http://kayaloves.blogspot.com/

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

    ReplyDelete
  16. +2 Amaterasu Reads follower
    Thanks so much!
    texas_gal45(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Xmas Countdown Day 7 - extra entry
    twitter:
    http://twitter.com/lulilut/status/16536639971004418
    Thanks!
    d.septer at insightbb.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. +2 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/16691521537445888

    +2 Amaterasu Reads follower

    I follow on GFC.
    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I've always wanted to read this book! Please enter me!

    +2 Twitter
    http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/17136557139955712

    +2 sidebar
    http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com/

    +4 blog post
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    aikychien at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Xmas Countdown Day 9 - extra entry
    twitter:
    http://twitter.com/lulilut/status/17322141347221504
    Thanks!
    d.septer at insightbb.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I would love to read this book.
    I'm a follower
    +2 follows Amaterasu Reads

    jlynettes @ hotmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I wanna read this:)

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    karol_ina08(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Interesting book! Thanks for you and the author ^^

    I'm GFC follower and I also Follow Amaterasu Reads(+2).

    Lynossa(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Would love to read this book.

    I'm a GFC follower and i also follow Amaterasu Reads (+2)

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/khyla_rahchelle/status/17731602880667648 (+2)

    khyla_808ATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  25. The local publisher is going to bring out the book. But I am not sure when. I hope we dont need to wait longer.

    GFC Follower : Aleetha

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    GFC Gollower: Aleetha

    aleetha.ally @ gmail dot com

    Thanks for the chance, have a great hiliday

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love the cover! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    +2 Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/girlaboutbooks/status/17870375660552193
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    +2 Amaterasu Reads follower

    Happy Holidays! :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for the giveaway!

    +2 Amaterasu Reads follower

    jessica b
    jecca.0104[at]gmail[dot]com

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  28. Looks like a good book! Thanks for the giveaway!

    +3 button on blog: http://homebetweenpages.blogspot.com
    +2 follow Amaterasu Reads: Pamela

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  29. Thanks for the great giveaway, the book looks good!

    +3 button on blog: homebetweenpages.blogspot.com
    +2 follow Amaterasu Reads

    soccer_pam[at]hotmail[dot]com
    (my other comment can be deleted)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh wow, I love that there is still room for a third book, although I haven't even read book 1. But I love it when ppl get the chance to make their dreams come true and always bigger and bigger. Caity sounds like a character I could be good friends with. I recently read some bks with plain protags, so I should try this one,too!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Great interview. Prophecy of Days Book 1 was great. Really looking forward to book 2.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I so want to read this book, it sounds so good! Thank you for the giveaway!

    Hummm... Chinese food after Christmas huge dinner ?! I'm not sure I'll be able to do that ^^

    +3 Post the Christmas Countdown blog button on your sidebar http://pisisbook.blogspot.com
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    pisisbook[at]hotmail[dot]fr

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  33. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads on GFC
    marcie.turner@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. The ancient South American cultures the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans and others, have always fascinated me especially as we are so unsure what actually lead to their decline.

    So I would really be interested in reading this.

    Thanks for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads
    Iam a Follower via GFC.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I wasn't interested in this book until I read the interview, I don't like the cover, but now I will be adding it to my wishlist.

    natalie23{at}hotmail[dot]co[dot}uk

    ReplyDelete