Crossroads Saga Blog Tour & Giveaway!

CROSSROADS SAGA BY MARY TING

I started Crossroads from a dream I had in high school. It was one dream I never forgotten. It was also the same day my friend from church passed away. She had the same first and last name as me and we even looked alike…especially from behind, mostly because we were the same height and had the same color and length of hair. In my dream, I was walking on a dirt road. I knew it was a dream, and yet it felt so real. There was a light and I could clearly see ahead of me, but there was no sun. Suddenly, a lady appeared, but I could only see the back of her. As I struggled to catch up to her, I followed her path…into the tall green grass. Once I stepped inside, I saw a vast of white, fluffy clouds and I immediate knew I was someone special…sacred. The lady turned, but I could not see her face. I heard her voice, but the light surrounding her was too bright. She told me that it was not my turn and that I needed to go back. Then she disappeared, as if she was giving me a choice. Standing there, I thought about my options. I knew that if I had stayed, I would be leaving my life on Earth. Since I wasn’t ready to go, I went back. I landed with a jerk on my mattress that startled me to awaken. Then I got the phone call from my friend, Patty. She was the one who informed me that my friend passed away at 2 A.M. She was the prom queen and her date was the prom king. A drunk driver hit their car and she flew out the window because she didn’t have a seat belt on. There were no laws regarding seatbelts back then. I didn’t know what to make of my dream back then, but I knew for sure it wasn’t just a dream.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing Crossroads was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. It was inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl.

Ways to keep in touch with the author:

Facebook
Twitter
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Blog

Today I have pleasure in hosting Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga.  I love her books, so I was ecstatic when she consented to answer some questions.  Please give her a warm welcome!

 1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

The thought of being an author never crossed my mind. It just happened. I started writing to heal the loss of my grandmother. I never knew I could write a novel.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

Now that I stopped teaching and have become a full time author…depending on if I have writer’s block…lol! It can take me about 3 months or less. I like to walk away from the story for about a week or two, then go back to it. It helps to make the story better.

3. What do you think makes a great story?

 Likeable, connect-able characters and a unique plot.

4. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I usually write in the morning while my kids are at school, but when I'm on a roll and I can’t stop writing…I continue after they come home…between helping them with homework…between cooking and between everything else a mother needs to do.

5. How do you balance family and writing?

Family must come first, then writing comes after. Since I stopped teaching, I can write when they are at school.

6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Most of my ideas come from my dreams, especially the Crossroad Saga. Some just pops in my head while I'm in the shower, driving, or when I'm listening to music.

7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book/s?

That I can actually write a novel. I never wanted to or had the desire to become an author. It just happened.

8. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

Crossroads Saga, Crossroads, Between, Beyond, Eternity (coming soon) is my first. I've also written children’s chapter books (Zoey’s Adventures-Big Things Come in Small Packages and No Bullies Allowed) I'm currently working on a new series and a new adult story—blush!

9. Are your characters based on anyone you know?

Yes, Claudia is based from me. Gamma is based on my grandmother. Other characters, Davin and Patty are my friends, and there are more. It’s a long list…lol!

10. Do you have a favourite place you love to write?

I can write anywhere. When I get lost into the story…I get really lost. One time I wrote on the way to Las Vegas. My husband drove the car of course.

11. How hard is it to get published?

It can be difficult if you don’t have patience. It takes time to get an agent…and they can’t guarantee that your book will become published. Then it takes to find a publisher and it can take up to a year to have your book out.

12. What do your family and friends think about your books?

They are not only proud of me, they have been very supportive and encouraging, especially my husband. And I can’t thank my fans enough. They have been spreading the word as well. Their support has meant the world to me.

13. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

To tell you the truth, I'm either writing or reading. I've neglected my two hobbies I used to do...oil painting and making jewellery.

14. Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they?

Don’t think about it. Just do it. Sit down and start typing. Write from a dream or anything that inspired you to write. Ask friends to read it and give you feed back, but most importantly, believe that you can and don’t give up if that is your passion.

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I don’t think I really knew, but I believe a part of me wanted to be a teacher. I've taught for nineteen years, mostly to kinder students.

16. What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?

I have so many, but one author who inspired me was Stephenie Meyer. She started Twilight from a dream and that is what I did too. Besides, Twilight got me back to reading again.

17. For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don'ts for getting their material published?

Please do your research on which agent you are interested in. Some agents don’t represent the genre of your book. Do research regarding how to write a query letter and make sure your manuscript is completely finished.

18. What are you working on now?

I'm working on a new young adult series and a new adult series…blush!

Thank you, Mary for taking the time to answer my questions!

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If you would like to know more about Mary's books, check out the links and descriptions below:

Amazon US: Crossroads (Crossroads Saga)
Amazon UK: Crossroads (Crossroads Saga)

***Gold Medal READERS FAVOURITE AWARDS WINNER 2012 for Young Adult-General***

Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Where, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn't her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia. 

Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should?

US: Between (Crossroads Saga)
UK: Between (Crossroads Saga)

As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God's first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia's soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside-a place between Heaven and Earth-he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators-nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?

US: Beyond (Crossroads Saga)
UK: Beyond (Crossroads Saga)

Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn't ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?

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