Not Your Average Interview

Here celebrating the release of her debut YA book, My Dad’s a Paranormal investigator: Seeking Shapeshifters, is Rebekah L Purdy.

Now, I say this isn’t your average interview because not only is Rebekah one of my favorite authors, she’s also my sister.

So Bec, first off, let me say I loved My Dad’s a Paranormal Investigator and can’t wait for the fan mail (e-mails) to start pouring in. What would you say was the driving force behind this story?

RLP: Can it be my husband? (lol) Really, he’s the one who inspired me to write the dad in the book. Every year he (my hubby) arranges trips and nights out in search of Big Foot, ghosts, and hauntings. As something fun for the family. Plus, I’m a HUGE fan of the shows Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth.

~How long did it take for you to write My Dad’s?

RLP: Probably 3 months. (I fast tracked it during the mentor program, hosted by Romance Diva’s–an on-line romance writers group I belong to.) 

~And how long from the time of completion to publication?

RLP: This book sat on the shelf for some time, so almost two years.

~What inspired you to begin writing?

RLP: I’ve always loved reading, which branched into writing. But I’d have to say my fourth grade teacher Mr. McGrath was the person who introduced me to books, where I fell in love with the stories and wanted to write my own.

~What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

RLP: I like it all. But probably coming up with a new idea and the excitement of creating new characters–and stalking my character look-a-likes on IMBD (Internet Movie Data Base–at least I think that’s what it means) And yes, Taylor Lautner’s available to play the character part in my next book.

~(lol) If he can’t maybe Ian Somerhalder can.

RLP: No, I’m saving him for myself because he’s spicy like a meatball. (She says in an italian accent)

~I’m allowed to say you’re a dork because we’re sisters, right?! Anyway, is there anything you must have when you’re writing?

RLP: A damn good playlist, lots of water, chocolate, my dog on the back of the chair, a notebook-for character sketches, IMBD-again to stalk my “characters”, and a theasuarus . Oh, and a computer.

~Yeah, a computer helps. (lol) Next is a question I know you’ll enjoy. Does your love of Star Wars influence you as an author?

RLP: Are you kidding me, I have the force in my blood. I am one with Yoda, ye-es. Seriously though, I think Star Wars is the first thing to help me connect with the whole good-vs-evil vibe. My crush on Luke Skywalker aside, I believe Star Wars embodies everything you’d look for in a good story. Because it has the light and dark sides, romance, action…

~What is one bit of advice you’d like to impart to a beginning writer?

RLP: Don’t eat yellow snow. (ha!) Not don’t put that…

~It’s already there.

RLP: Let’s see, one bit of advice. Don’t quit writing. Even when you think a story may not go anywhere. Basically, every story you write is a stepping stone and helps you to improve your craft.

~From one writer to another that is excellent advice. Now, I know you’ve been writing seriously for 7 years, what are some things you think have helped you improve your craft?

RLP: Anytime I finish one book I immediatley begin working on the next. I also have a fab crit group, which includes my darling, beautiful sister. *wink*wink* Also, I think not taking rejection too personal helps.

~Speaking of the dreaded “R”, any thoughts on dealing with agent/publisher rejection?

RLP: Again, don’t take it personal. And make sure EVERYTHING is ready to go before you send it. As in, edit your work and/or have someone else critique or read it.

~Great advice. And one final question, what’s next?

RLP: I’m working on a story now and awaiting a contract on book I submitted last fall.

~Be sure to let me know when your next contract comes rolling in. (I know you will).

To find out more about Rebekah click HERE and enter for a chance to win her YA Paranormal Romance, My Dad’s a Paranormal Investigator: Seeking Shapeshifters.

Congratulations again Bec, I look forwad to celebrating many more releases with you!

(Read the blurb for My Dad’s below)

My Dad’s a Paranormal Investigator: Seeking Shapeshifters

Sixteen year old Ima Berry (pronounced I’m a) leads anything but a normal life. For starters, the ridiculous name her eccentric dad gave her is always the opening for a good joke. Not to mention the fact he makes his living as a supernatural investigator, which has them moving around every few months. It’s hard to hang out with new friends when she spends all her time trying to prove the existence of Bigfoot, ghosts, fairies and any other number of paranormal creatures. Unfortunately, the cases always end in disaster. That is until now.

On a whim, Ima’s father decides to move them to Point Hope, Alaska. Here, he plans to investigate the possibility of shifters amongst the Inuit tribes. Ima isn’t thrilled with the move, until she meets an Inuit guy named Carsen. Not only is he hot, but he’s also a star basketball player, and he’s interested in her. Too bad his best friend, Talon, doesn’t like her and takes every opportunity he can to discourage the relationship. Ima has no idea what she’s done to make him mad, but there’s no denying the strange connection between them.

As things grow more serious with Carsen, Ima uncovers a secret about him and some of the residents of Point Hope. A secret that will force her to choose between her father’s already dwindling career and her new found love. And with the knowledge of this secret comes danger…a danger that could cost them their lives.