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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Interview with Stephanie Chong and Giveaway - August 25, 2011

Please welcome Stephanie Chong to the The Qwillery as part of the 2011 Debut Author Challenge interviews.

TQ:  What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Stephanie:  My most creative thoughts are usually handwritten.

I write best on scraps of paper. The more disposable, the better. Index cards. Torn-up bits of post-it notes. Napkins. Backs of receipts and the like. I have bought and received as gifts numerous beautiful journals over the years – leatherbound, embossed, gorgeously covered journals – but find that the writing that happens in them is too “precious” and nothing meaningful ever gets set down in those beautiful journals.

TQ:  Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Stephanie:  On the literary side, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Atwood. In commercial fiction, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and YA author Suzanne Collins. My favorite paranormal authors are Anne Rice, Maggie Shayne and Kerrelyn Sparks.

TQ:  Are you a plotter or a panster?



Stephanie:  The road to hell is paved with good outlines.

Just kidding. There is some truth in that statement for me. But some of the best writers outline extensively. In truth, I’m both a plotter and a pantser. For me, writing a novel is a complicated process that involves elements of both. I’m definitely not a linear writer. However, I think a strong sense of structure is necessary, especially in commercial fiction.

TQ:  Describe Where Demons Fear to Tread in 140 characters or less.

Stephanie:  Fledgling Guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair must battle nightclub owner Archdemon Julian Ascher over a young actor's soul.

TQ:  What inspired you to write Where Demons Fear to Tread?

Stephanie:  A world-renowned Ashtanga teacher called John Scott came to Vancouver to teach a workshop in 2008. He recommended a book called How Yoga Works by Geshe Michael Roach. In that book was a single line about angels. Angels don’t come up in yoga that often. In ten years of practice, that was the first time I had ever encountered the idea. When I started writing the novel in January of 2009, there was no such thing as an “angel trend.”

TQ:  Why did you set Where Demons Fear to Tread in Los Angeles, the City of Angels?

Stephanie:  LA is the most obvious city to set an angels-and-demons series in. The reason I set it there is that I know it best of any American city (I’m Canadian). My sister lives in LA, and I’ve spent a lot of time there. I have practiced at some of the “famous” yoga studios there. Even though there isn’t a lot about Serena’s daily life in the book, LA seemed to be where she wanted to live. And yet LA is still unfamiliar enough to me that I have a sense of fantasy about it.

I love to travel, so setting my novels in unfamiliar places is a chance for me to “travel” every single day. The second book takes place largely in Venice.

TQ:  Without giving anything away, what is/are your favorite scene(s) in Where Demons Fear to Tread?

Stephanie:  There’s a scene in the Grand Canyon that I love because I struggled the hardest with it. It’s smack in the middle of the novel. Which is quite a challenging place, because it can sag. It’s by no means a perfect scene, but sometimes my favorite scenes are not perfect and not popular. I felt like my connection to the canyon came from a really deep place, but I had to push to get there.

TQ:  In Where Demons Fear to Tread, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?

Stephanie:  Most difficult – Serena. She’s good, and it’s tough to make good characters appealing to everybody. But I believe in good people. They inspire me, and I wanted to write about one. The world is full of enough selfishness, greed, poverty and suffering. I wanted to create a character who is trying to combat all those things.

Easiest – Luciana. She’s bad, and it’s easy to make bad people interesting. She’s beautiful, but her life is a train wreck. Who wouldn’t want to stop and stare?

TQ:  What sort of research did you do to create the world of the Company of Angels series?

Stephanie:  The kind you do in dreams!

That’s a coy answer. The truth is that I wrote what I knew – built a fictional world around things and places I knew.

TQ:  How many books are planned for the Company of Angels series?

Stephanie:  Three so far. ;)



TQ:  What's next?

Stephanie:  The second book is Luciana’s story, The Demoness of Waking Dreams.

TQ:  Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.

Stephanie:  Thank YOU! It was my pleasure entirely – this was my very first interview, and I loved doing it!


About Where Demons Fear to Tread

Where Demons Fear to Tread
The Company of Angels 1
(MIRA, August 23, 2011)
Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure-seeking humans. He won't release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager...
After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again. Yet this sexy-sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries-old feelings. Now, their high-stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell...or a deliciously hot heaven.
Amazon : Barnes & Noble : Book Depository : Books-A-Million


About Stephanie


Stephanie worked as a lawyer at a top-tier Canadian firm and completed five university degrees before landing her dream job: romance novelist.  Her degrees include a J.D. and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, and a Master’s in Creative Writing from Oxford University.

When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys yoga, traveling and outdoor adventures.  She lives in Vancouver with her husband and their pug, Dexter.

Stephanie's Links

Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter


The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win a Mass Market paperback copy of Where Demons Fear to Tread from The Qwillery.

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:

Angels or Demons? 

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Thursday, September 1, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

54 comments:

  1. Thanks Q for sharing this book... I have been eyeing the cover for a while... Adding to the list...

    Okay answer to question would have to be Angels...

    I follow you all over the place...(no not in a stalker kind of way silly)

    shared on FB & Twitter for you too...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great question. I have read books about Angels and Demons. I would choose Angels. They may seem fragile but I think they can kick some serious butt and I rather have them on my side.

    I am a follower
    Tweeted post: https://twitter.com/#!/Vamper_Fan/status/106733949811822592

    truebloodfan AT rock.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm this is a tricky one. I like angels but I do have kind of a bad streak in me sometimes. I guess I could pick demons, Hey why go for the easy road right?

    flaca798 at hotmail dot com

    I am a follower =0

    ReplyDelete
  4. Angels or Demons?

    I've read books about both and with both in them. Both can be naughty ;). It's hard to decide. I would say Angels if it was an angel acting badly.

    Great interview and thanks for the giveaway. I've been eyeing this book for a while.

    thebooknympho AT gmail DOT com

    shared on FB and Twitter.

    http://twitter.com/#!/TheBookNympho/status/106741948009820163

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Book-Nympho/116675375082057

    ReplyDelete
  5. OMG! Angel or Demons? I have to pick just one? I guess angels, but I'm a fan of both.
    I'm A new Follower:)
    I Tweeted:http://twitter.com/#!/BendingTheSpine/status/106746217165365249
    Rebecca
    bendingthespine(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ohh that is hard. Well I think either, why is there one at my door? I might have to say that it is underneath what counts. What id he was a awesome demon, while the angel was a jer? Or the demon was an ahole but the angel was a lover? I would have to meet them first ;)
    +GFC
    terilhack at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Angels most days! Though, there are some HOT demons *winks*.

    I am a follower.

    robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Angels or Demons hmmm I'd pick Angels

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/temarasheppard/status/106755190715195392

    My blog: http://temara-anythingandeverything.blogspot.com/2011/08/interview-and-giveaway.html

    Followed

    And you can contact me by email temarasheppard@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. angels!! i really havent read all that many books about demons to be honest.. but i do love angels
    and i am a follower!!!

    alainala AT hotmail.ca

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

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  11. The cover for this book is beautiful! I'm going with angels, and more specifically fallen angels as I do like the heroes to be dark and tormented. I haven't come across too many demons and wouldn't mind seeing more of them.

    I am a gfc follower.
    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

    August 25, 2011 1:20:00 PM EDT

    ReplyDelete
  12. Demons! Angels are usually too Goody Two-Shoes for me. Give me a story about a sneaky, seducing Demon over a story about an Angel doing good any day!

    sullivanmcpig(at)gmail(dot)com
    (follower + tweeted about this giveaway)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Difficult choice! Man I'm divided.. there is just something about wings on an angel and the badboyness of demons.

    Okay demons. LOL.. I sent a picture and book synposis to my friend and she wants the book.

    Follower
    Shared on FB & and Twitter (T: @RaonaidLuckwell)http://www.facebook.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell

    Steph it was fun seeing you on Caridad's video chats!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think I would have to go with angels. I am a follower.

    sariahwalters at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ah...Where Demons Fear to Tread was a good read. Looking forward to the next book.

    Good interview!

    Indy didn't want fighting the closed sidewalk so they let me get the book early last Friday.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Angels or Demons? It's so hard to pick! Angels can be really interesting and peaceful but Demons can be really wild and not boring at all! Hmm.. I would pick... Angels just because where they live, it has more good stuff than demons :)

    GFC: Arianne Cruz
    email: cruz042@csusm.edu
    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/ariannecruz07/status/106793201192538112

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm going to go with angels because there is a certain level of innocence with them. I think it can be very endearing as well as hot at the same time. LOL

    This books sounds awesome btw.

    hangingwithbells@gmail.com
    Link of Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/bellie7/status/106795618625785856

    ReplyDelete
  18. facebooked: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000547840483
    GFC Krystal Larson
    edysicecreamlover18ATgmailDOTcom (subscribed)
    I would choose angels, I know it is a popular subject at the moment, but I have always enjoyed reading about them-both nonfiction and fiction. There is so much you can do with them in regards to powers and skills, I love to read about them. Thank you for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lovely book! The summary makes me want to read it, not to mention the cover. And...demons. Too many angels around here and they're becoming predictable, a demos instead...

    Follower ;)

    aliasgirl at libero dot it

    ReplyDelete
  20. Demon, it would be too hard to live up to an angel's expectation. And, come on, bad boys rule!

    acm05atjuno.com
    GFC Anne38

    ReplyDelete
  21. I haven't read any books featuring demons, yet; so I must choose angels.

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower (booklover0226)

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. demons
    angels
    demons
    angels

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great interview, Stephanie! Your first? You did a great job and I loved hearing about your writing process. Fascinating plot. Best of luck with your debut!

    I lean toward Angels but I never ignore the Demons.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for sharing such incredible new comers. I am a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Shadowhunters! :D

    frederikker.jb@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh this ones easy angels. They can kick but and are super humans. (going from the guild Hunter series view on angels. :3


    bookluver1997 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am a follower and email subscriber. I would pick Angels. I love reading about them. I think they are beautiful and very strong. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I always go for the bad boys, so demon would be my choice.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Demons. It's hard being good all the time, take a walk on the wild side.

    GFC: ML

    mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  30. ANGELS: a fallen Angel makes for wonderful reading.

    GFC: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Demons :)
    +1 comment
    +1 follower

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Great interview.This sounds like a really great book.

    I would say Demon over Angels.

    GFC follower

    tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/elaing8/status/106919146700283905

    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  33. My vote for the Angels!

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
    GFC follower

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sounds like a great new author.

    I was torn about which to select but in the end I would come down on the side of the Demons especially if they are of the good/bad type. Just find them more interesting usually.

    THanks for the giveaway.

    +1 for comment
    +1 I Follow via GFC

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Absolutely angels. I have nothing against demons but if I have to choose, I prefer angels. I love the whole idea of fallen or guardian angels :)
    Thank you for the post and the giveaway! :)

    +1 comment
    +1 follower as mikki-mano
    +1 tweet: http://twitter.com/mikkimano/status/106677917433610240

    mikki-mano@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks for the interview and the giveaway!

    Its a hard choice for me but I'm gonna go with demons because each one of us has to fight with our inner demons and they're more interesting.

    +1 I tweeted-http://twitter.com/#!/justjanhvi/status/107035804517412865
    +1 comment
    +1 I'm a GFC follower-Janhvi Jagtap

    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. It's difficult i really love both... But i think i will take Angels, they're beautiful, strong, and the wings are amazing !

    I'm a follower (Melliane)

    ellana_(at)hotmail(dot)fr

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

    ReplyDelete
  39. My pick is Angels, I.m always looking for new authors to read! tWarner419@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I have to go with Angels! Something about the wings, I think! Also, the thought of something innately good being naughty is a real turn on!!

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower

    jwitt33 at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Angels make more interesting books!

    I follow you on GFC and on Twitter (@tjotjoc)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Demons hands down!

    Thanks for the great interview.

    GFC follower

    m.ceschini@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I think demons generally make for more interesting reading.
    I'm a gfc follower

    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. It's hard to choose between angels and demons because I've enjoyed books about either or both. Since I've recently read about angels, then I'll probably choose angels at this point in time :)

    +1 GFC follower

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I {heart} angels. Demons fear me.
    follower
    thebookish96(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. (+1) Demons. I like being wicked! :)

    (+1) Follower. My GFC name is Cherry.

    (+1) Twitted about your giveaway at: http://twitter.com/#!/cherrymischivus/status/107869001987788802

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cherrymischievous/posts/194475123950847

    Buzzed: https://profiles.google.com/cherrymischievous/posts/UHuPvsKjhAM

    (+1) Got a link to your giveaway at my sidebar at: http://www.cherrymischievous.com/

    Cherry Mischievous
    cherrymischif-darkward [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Definitely Demons! I love bad boys and Demons are soooo bad!
    GFC follower: TinaBuriedUnderBooks
    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/TiDubb/status/107934063171612672

    kamwh1207(at)att(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  48. Demons. I would love to say Angels but I just haven't found any Angel romances that I just love. Maybe this will be the one.
    +1 follower
    jepebATverizonDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  49. Demons. Too often paranormal novels that include angels also include religion, which just isn't my cup of tea. When I'm reading UF/PNR, I like my angels to be like any other paranormal creature.

    +1 blog follower

    Sara M
    sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I have a particular fondness for warrior angels. Such a great combo of hero and fierce protector.

    gfc follower
    cathy m
    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I don't really like any of them but if I have to choose I think I would choose the Angels.
    GFC follower as Diana
    I shared it on FB: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1522821560

    artgiote at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Demons. They usually have more fun than angels.

    +1 Follower
    +1 Tweet: http://twitter.com/Sparima/status/109070624315551744

    spav05(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Looks really good. Thanks for sharing!!

    Angels

    -comment
    -follower
    -tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/109127855715262464
    -blog link - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2011/08/qwillery-interview-with-stephanie-chong.html

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. OMG!!!! I so want to get my hands on this book, it sounds amazing!!

    What a tough question. I've always been drawn to vamps because they were my bad boys that I loved so much and then demons burst onto the scene and I've been focusing on them and then all of a sudden here comes angels and I'm just starting to get into these books and I'm loving them. It's so hard to choose, but I gotta say demons hold a special place in my heart :)

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower
    +1 tweeted- http://twitter.com/#!/joleneallcock/status/109427874045501440

    june111(at)att(dot)net

    ReplyDelete