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Friday, October 07, 2011

Interview with Linda Poitevin and Giveaway - October 7, 2011

Please welcome Linda Poitevin to The Qwillery as part of the 2011 Debut Author Challenge interviews and Linda's Angels Gather Here Blog Tour. Sins of the Angels, Linda's debut, was published on September 27, 2011.

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

Linda:  I cannot write at home. Seriously. Over the last couple of years, between hiding from home renovations and kids, I’ve become so accustomed to writing in my local coffee shop that I just can’t get into the creative mindset at home. I have no problem doing my freelance/corporate stuff there, but when it comes to getting into the story and doing the whole world-building thing, I need my ‘usual’ little corner table. It’s so bad that if I don’t turn up for a few days, the staff wonders what’s wrong with me. I’m trying to change (paying for coffee out every day is expensive!) but it’s tough!

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

Linda:  I have somewhat eclectic tastes and read widely outside my own genre. While I love Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Patricia Briggs, and Charlaine Harris, I’m also a huge fan of J.R. Tolkien, Alexandre Dumas, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Kathy Reichs, Bill Bryson, and many others. I’m a fickle reader, though (should I be admitting that?) – I won’t necessarily buy a book just because I like the author…the story needs to appeal, too.

As for who has influenced my writing, I would have to say I’ve been influenced by just about everything I’ve ever read. I’m not a literary take-it-apart-and-examine-it-to-death kind of girl, so I haven’t purposefully studied any particular writer. It’s been more a matter of just enjoying (or not) a novel and letting my subconscious take notes. :-)

TQ:  Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Linda:  A bit of both, so I guess that makes me a proud plantser. :-) I plot out a lot of scenes inside my head in advance, but I won’t necessarily know how they fit together until I start writing them. II’m always happy to have a story take an unexpected twist—that’s what makes it exciting for me.

TQ:  Describe Sins of the Angels in 140 characters or less.

Linda:  Fallen Angel turns serial killer. Twin brother sent to hunt him. Cop comes between them. Blood spills. Chaos ensues. Apocalypse threatens. (138 characters)

TQ:  What inspired you to write Sins of the Angels?

Linda:  Short answer: A song sparked the idea, and a friend made it grow into a series. Long answer: when the song Angel came out from Sarah McLachlan, a line in it, “You’re in the arms of the angel, may you find some comfort here,” got the whole “what if?” questions flowing. Specifically, what if you didn’t find comfort in the arms of an angel, but something else entirely? I originally intended the story to be a paranormal romance, but then a friend of mine started telling me about Lucifer and the fallen angels and the ideas really started. Next thing I knew, I had ideas for an entire series and, while a love element still existed, the story was definitely no romance.

TQ:  What sort of research did you do to create the mythology in Sins of the Angels?

Linda:  I did a tremendous amount of research into angel mythology, both through books and on the Internet. Interestingly, however, I don’t think I found any two sources that agreed with one another. I had expected differences between the mythologies of various religions, of course—between Christian and Jewish, for example—but what surprised me were the discrepancies I found within the traditions of single religions. In the end, the variations actually made my job easier because I just borrowed bits and pieces of whatever worked best in order to construct my own world. Then, of course, I added my own twist on things. :-)

TQ:  Why did you set the novel in Toronto?

Linda:  Naiveté to begin with, lol, and also because it just made sense. When I started writing Sins of the Angels, I didn’t realized that Canadian settings could be an issue for American publishers. I wanted a big-city setting and it made sense for me to set it in Canada because my husband, a cop, is my built-in reference for Canadian police procedures. As Toronto is the largest city here, it kind of won by default. I was thrilled when my editor decided to leave the story there.

TQ:  Who was the easiest character to write and why? Hardest and why?

Linda:  Easiest was Alex. I’ve known so many cops over the years that writing a police character just felt really natural to me. Hardest was Aramael. He was so reactive…controlling him was kind of like juggling nitroglycerine at times, I swear.

TQ:  Without giving anything away, what is/are your favorite scene(s) in the novel?

Linda:  One of my favorite scenes is when Alex is facing down Aramael, whom she still knows only as her annoying new partner, Jacob Trent. Because she’s the senior detective, she gets to give the orders, and we can really see Aramael struggling with the idea that a mere human—and a Nephilim descendent, at that—dares tell him what to do. In that one standoff, we so much of both of them: his resentment, her determination and bravado, all edged with an awareness of one another that neither wants. I just love how they react to one another.

TQ:  How many books are planned for the Grigori Legacy series?

Linda:  The series story arc stretches over four books, but at the moment I’m contracted for just the two, Sins of the Angels and Sins of the Son. Whether or not my publisher will pick up the option for the remaining books will depend on sales (hint, hint, lol!).

TQ:  What's next?

Linda:  At the moment I’m in the copyedit/proofreading stage of Sins of the Son, which comes out March 27th, and doing my very best to share my excitement with readers about the release of Sins of the Angels on this blog tour. Also, because I’m an optimist, I’ve started working on book 3, Sins of the Righteous, and I’m doing some early research for a new series idea that’s brewing. :-)

TQ:  Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.

Linda:  Thank you for having me, Sally! I can’t tell you how honored I was to be here today. And if any of your readers have questions they’d like to ask, I would be thrilled to answer.


About Sins of the Angels

Sins of the Angels
The Grigori Legacy 1
(Ace, September 27, 2011)

When homicide detective Alexandra Jarvis is assigned a new partner in Aramael, a Guardian Angel who doubles as a hit man, they have only one thing in common: a fallen angel hell-bent on triggering the apocalypse. Now they have no choice but to work together-relentlessly, fearlessly, intimately. Because only they can stop the rogue angel from ushering in the end of days.




Read an excerpt of Sins of the Angelshttp://www.lindapoitevin.com/excerpt.html
Read The Qwillery's Review of Sins of the Angels here.

About Linda

Linda Poitevin was born and raised in B.C., Canada’s westernmost province. Growing up in an era when writing was “a nice hobby, dear, but what are you going to do for a living?”, Linda worked at a variety of secretarial jobs before applying to be a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Due to an error in measurement, however, she was turned down when she didn’t meet the height requirement of that time. Undeterred, Linda became a civilian member in the force and was a dispatcher for two and a half years, during which time she met her husband, a police officer.

Following their transfer to Ottawa, Linda went on to become a real estate agent and then a human resources consultant before starting a family. She has been a stay-at-home mom ever since and has homeschooled her youngest daughter for the last nine years. Now that she has realized writing can be more than a nice hobby, she continues to live her dream of being a cop vicariously through her characters.

Linda currently lives near Ottawa with her husband, three daughters, one very large husky/shepherd/Great Dane-cross dog, two cats, three rabbits, and a bearded dragon lizard. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found in her garden or walking her dog along the river or through the woods.
Linda is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Quebec Writers' Federation, Romance Writers of America, RWA Futuristic Fantasy Paranormal Chapter, and Ottawa Romance Writers' Association.

Linda's Links

Website
Facebook
Twitter

Linda's Blog Tour Schedule


The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  Two commenters will each win a Mass Market Paperback copy of Sins of the Angels generously provided by Ace Books.

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:  Angels or Fallen Angels? 

          or  You may ask Linda a question.

Please remember - if you don't answer the question or ask Linda a 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 Friday, October 14, 2011. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

62 comments:

  1. Here's a question for Linda, in her angel research, what was the scariest stuff she found out which the angels ever did?

    Seema

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fallen angels! They keep things interesting :) I like imperfections in my characters.

    I am a follower

    ssosborn atgmail dotcom

    ReplyDelete
  3. It depends if the angels are the really religious kind or not, but usually fallen angels are more interesting.

    (follower, comment, tweet http://twitter.com/#!/SullivanMcPig/status/122303400409968640)
    +3

    sullivanmcpig(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. @Seema -- I didn't read much in the way of who did what, to be honest. I was more interested in the whole hierarchy--the "who's who" part.

    @Sabrina -- I like flawed characters, too...I think you'll find many of those (both fallen and otherwise) in SINS OF THE ANGELS.

    @Sullivan -- I suspect you'll find it interesting that even the 'good' angels are far from perfect in SINS OF THE ANGELS! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for your reply Linda :)

    Seema
    Seemasmilz(at)Gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great interview, Linda. It stirred vague memories of Paradise Lost and Wings of Desire, and made me want to know more about fallen angels. I can't wait to get my copy at your launch.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you so much, Catherine! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, Linda.

    I love that book cover. Did you work closely with the artist to create it?

    +1 comment
    +1 follower (booklover0226)

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks so much, TracyD! I love the cover, too. I did have some input into it, though I didn't work directly with the artist. He's a pretty good mind-reader, though. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  10. thats a tough one.. angels are awesome (like in nalini singhs books) but fallen angels have a certain air about them.. im going with Fallen!!
    thanks for the interview and contest!!

    alainala @ hotmail DOT ca

    (+1 for being a follower!!)

    ReplyDelete
  11. When reading about angels- I like just Angels, not fallen. I think of John Travolta in Michael- he made a good Angel. I look forward to your book Linda. What do you prefer if you are reading- Angels or Fallen Angels? Thanks.

    GFC- Christine A.
    your1chef at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Fallen angels for me as they have struggled and have more depth into their feelings.Angels are too goody-goody I think.

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC-Janhvi Jagtap
    +1 tweet-http://twitter.com/#!/justjanhvi/status/122353941190164480

    Janhvi
    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would say Fallen Angels as they would make a more intriguing read!

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fallen Angels, I love my bad boys :)

    +1 commented
    +1 GFC follower
    +1 tweeted- http://twitter.com/#!/joleneallcock/status/122360694329970689

    june111(at)att(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  15. @alainala @Christine @janhvi @Winnie and @Jolene -- well, then...you should all love the darker side of angels that I reveal in SINS OF THE ANGELS, lol. They may not be fallen, but they're certainly not goody-goody! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fallen angels. I like to see them in all their imperfections. Even more so I like seeing them learn, grow andperhaps even redeem themselves.

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fallen Angels, they tend to have more personality in books.

    GFC Anne38
    acm05atjuno.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Fallen angels for me. A bad boy with potential to be good!
    GFC follow - irgl7
    irgl7(at)bonzo15(dot)plus(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Angels! I am getting tired of reading about fallen angels...though I admit they hold an appeal.
    GFC Krystal Larson edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
    tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/Icecream1891/status/122376723227607040

    ReplyDelete
  20. I like the idea of Guardian Angels better than fallen angels- they just seem like they'd be more powerful to me.
    This series looks interesting- can't wait to check into it!

    (comment and follower, +2)

    debbie@burdeen.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Fallen angels, easily. Who else is going to help me corrupt Qwill into helping me win this giveaway?

    Also a question for Linda, what's your favorite type of food?

    +1 Comment
    +1 Follower
    +1 Twitter

    (wearing my lucky briefs until I win)

    ReplyDelete
  22. +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower


    I love fallen angels, this is an awesome giveaway!

    What would you do if you weren't writing?
    Would the story ever take place in a different city or country?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wonderful interview. :) Thank you!

    I have to say Fallen Angels. :) There is that ting of bad angel there, and it's always fun and adventurous, and a little dangerous. he he.

    Thank you for the great chance to win!

    Follower of the Qwillery.
    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/MelLHay/status/122380898577563648
    I have on my side bar, not sure if that qualifies. :)

    MyWorldinwordsandpages(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hmm tough call. From a personal/romantic stand point, can't really fall in love with an Angel because they can fall if they fall in love with you too, but a Fallen Angel becomes a demon so I guess that would be the safer choice. So I choose Fallen Angel. ;)

    Valerie Long (Scorpio1974 on GFC)
    just.val.1974@gmail.com
    https://www.facebook.com/just.val.1974
    Jewelry Creations by V.S. Long https://www.facebook.com/vsl1974

    ReplyDelete
  25. Fallen angels!

    Follower

    https://www.facebook.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell

    http://twitter.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell/status/122387969180053505

    +3

    You have a bearded dragon! We had a male named Drakko. He was fun. When he got mad he'd turn a dark black color. I use to type and play on the computer with him.

    We have a leopard gecko now. I've been calling her Miss Lady.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Linda. Loved the book trailer very nicely done. As far as angels depends on the personality of the Angel or Fallen Angel as to which I'd choose at any given moment.

    GFC follower - Michelle Thomas
    retweeted about the contest and blog post user @michelle31071 (though I had retweeted before coming to the blog)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Forgot to ask what program you used to make the trailer?

    ReplyDelete
  28. I say BOTH! I believe you can't have one without the other, they give both sides of the story.

    ReplyDelete
  29. If Fallen Angels mean Vampires, I would choose them :)
    GFC: Arianne Cruz
    email: cruz042 at csusm dot edu
    tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/ariannecruz07/status/122396189034418176

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am hankering for a Fallen Angel myself. I like a good rule broken now and again. This looks like a great new debut!

    GFC Teril
    Twitter@TeriCrusley

    terilhack at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow, I wasn't expecting so many votes in favor of fallen angels! Perhaps I'll change some minds with SINS OF THE ANGELS, where the angels display a darker side that may surprise you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. @Bastard -- Are we talking healthy stuff, or FAVORITE? Oh, wait, didn't they decide chocolate IS healthy?!? :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. @Wade2121 -- Not write?!? Bite your tongue! lol I would seriously consider going back to police dispatch, to be honest. I loved that job! :)

    2nd question: The story could take place in any large city, I think. I chose Toronto because I'm relatively familiar with it, and because my husband (a cop) is able to give me all kinds of help with the police procedural aspects.

    ReplyDelete
  34. @Raonaid -- we had a gecko at one time, too, but my daughter lost interest in reptiles and found him a new home. Hubby and I had fallen in love with the beardie, though, so we kept him. His name is Steve. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  35. @lindapoitevin - In all fairness, when I asked the question I was fairly certain that no one would know how fallen your fallen angels are.

    ReplyDelete
  36. @Michelle -- I didn't make this trailer myself, so I can't tell you what program was used, sorry. It was done by a group of graphic arts students as their end-of-year project, along with my website. I was thrilled with both!

    ReplyDelete
  37. @QQwill -- or how dark my angels can be, lol! Still, an interesting response...I'm glad you asked. :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Fallen angels sound much more fun. And complicated. And interesting. And they may talk about the 'above'.
    I've read reeeeeally good things about the book, can't wait to read it.

    alisagirl at libero dot it

    GFC follower

    ReplyDelete
  39. @Reading mind: Thanks so much! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Definitely fallen angels. i've always wanted to save one of those!
    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower as MJB

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    MJB
    msmjb65 AT gmail DOT

    ReplyDelete
  41. I like fallen angels over angels, they're ever so much more fun. I'm looking forward to reading Sins of the Angels, it sounds fantastic.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com
    GFC follower

    ReplyDelete
  42. Good luck with that, @MJB! ;)

    @Barbara -- thank you! Let me know what you think of it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love reading about both angels and fallen angels. I enjoy those books. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Fallen angels for sure!
    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Why not both? Alright I'm going with fallen angels.
    Thank you.
    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    thebookish96(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Got to love a fallen angel. All that angst.

    GFC: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I like all books about angels, but my favorites are the ones about fallen angels trying to redeem themselves. :)

    GFC - Lieder Madchen
    http://twitter.com/#!/LiederMadchen/status/122598926468648960

    liedermadchen(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I prefer a fallen angel who has returned to the "light" much like Angel (yes, I know he was a vamp) from the Buffy TV series...
    I enjoyed reading your interview...
    Just curious... Have you always written in a coffee shop? Or did another writer (J. K. Rowling) give you the idea of writing there ages ago?
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    lindalou(at)cfl(dot)rr(dot)com
    GFC Follower

    ReplyDelete
  49. @lindalou -- I started writing there out of desperation, to be honest. No one there wants to know where her bus pass is, when I'm getting groceries, what's for dinner, or if I've seen his/her (fill in the blank). Maybe Rowling wrote in a coffee shop for the same reasons! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Fall angels, I think they are more flawed and more 'human' and that allows for you to relate to them more.

    mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com

    +1GFC: ML
    +1Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Rogue237/status/122685491089915904

    ReplyDelete
  51. Fallen angels - they seem to be more fun. But maybe I'll change my mind after reading your book!

    ReplyDelete
  52. For the record- fallen angels. But I do have a question. Is there any way possible I'm the first person to say the cover for your book totally makes me think of Fringe?
    I'm a gfc follower.

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

    ReplyDelete
  53. Lol, Bethany...no, you're not the first, and yes, I think so too! Might have something to do with me suggesting the actress to the artist as inspiration... :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. (+1) Fallen angels... I like bad boys :)

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

    (+1) Twitted about your giveaway at: https://twitter.com/#!/cherrymischivus/status/122930553514237952

    Shared at Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/cherrymischievous/posts/281963235162013

    Thank you for the chance to win! :)

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

    ReplyDelete
  55. I think I would choose fallen angels, reformed of course LOL Thank you for the fun and lovely giveaway opportunity. I have been following the tour and would love to read Sins of the Angels.

    +1 comment
    +1 follwer
    +1 tweeted - http://qwillery.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-linda-poitevin-and.html?spref=tw

    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  56. My vote would be for fallen angels in books. But in real life give me a regular angel. And my opinions could change after I get a chance to read your book. Thanks so much for the chance to win your book. Congrats on its release!

    LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I say BOTH also! I believe you can't have one without the other, they give both sides of the story.
    follower, comment, tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/rocapri/status/123171350692110336
    +3

    rogcaprino at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Fallen Angel. More entertaining and keeping you guessing. But Angels for friendship and help.

    -comment
    -follower
    -blog - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2011/10/qwillery-interview-with-linda-poitevin.html
    -tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/123560162073116672

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Fallen of course :) since I think they are much closer to humans than proper Angels (whom I envision more as cold, aloof beings of light and order :P)

    +1 comment
    +1 follower

    vinsarama[at]gmail[dot]com

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

    ReplyDelete
  61. Fallen angels sound much more interesting and I love my bad boys :p

    +1 comment
    +1 follower - blackwolf
    +1 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/PandoraSWolf/status/123926164065624066

    darksiry(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I have to say im a fallen angels gal myself..something about them that makes me smile!
    +1follower
    +1 comment
    +1 tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/harley_chick883/status/124172995966144512

    kristinaparmenter51(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete