Interview with Kimmel Tippets (& GIVE-AWAY)

Hello readers!

Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing new Indie Author, and my close friend, Kimmel Tippets.

Kimmel recently finished her debut novel, Transformation.  Now she is self-published, and letting her writing make its way out into the world.  But, before I dive into her book, and the waiting Give-Away (at the bottom of the post! Oh yes!), let's get to know Kimmel a bit more!

Ready?
Ok, let's go!


* Hello Kimmel! How is your day?

     Hey Jenni! My day is going great, thanks for asking.

* Well, I'm sure excited to have you here!
Tell my readers a little about yourself:

     I'm a self published author, getting out of the gate a little late at the age of 29. But hey, better late then never right? I enjoy books better the second time around because I can sit back and just enjoy the story rather than sit and worry about the problems the characters are facing. I'm a mother of two little girls who keep me on my toes and who inspire me every day and I have a very supportive husband who believes I can do anything I set my mind to. (He's enjoyed me proving that he's right.)

* How long have you been writing? 

     I started writing poetry in high school and I took a few writing classes in college but I didn't really start actively writing until November of last year.

* So, what pulled Transformation into being? What made you decide to “just do it”? 

     Ultimately, it was you and my husband. When you invited me to join you in NaNoWriMo last year I felt that twinge to start writing. When my husband told me to go for it, I couldn't resist!

* I bet you are happy that you went for it!
What sparked the idea for Transformation? 

     Transformation was basically born from a couple of dreams that I had last year that I combined. When I only had two weeks to come up with an idea, I turned to my trusty dream journal. Alone, they were each run of the mill and kind of typical, but together they created something original.

* Transformation is a book about werewolves and magic. Of all the paranormal genres out there, which is your favorite? 

     That is such a tough decision because my ever-changing moods will always play a part in what I enjoy reading, however at the moment I'd say my favorite are the shape-shifters, basically things aren't what they seem.

* Emily goes through quite a change in your book. Tell me, is there a trait in her that you see in yourself? Is there a trait of hers you wish you could steal? 

     The biggest trait that I see in myself isn't necessarily a great one to have. Emily craves to be accepted by her peers, but she finds herself socially awkward and unable to reach out to them in a way that they can understand. But, on a more positive note, Emily is also focused on staying true to herself and I think that is something that I manage to do, not to toot my own horn.

* Would you say there is an overall message that Transformation will pass along to its readers? 

     If nothing else, I hope readers will walk away from Transformation feeling satisfied with what life has given them. Sometimes we get stuck saying, 'we'll be happy when,' but then that change comes and it's not what we thought it would be. 

* So true.  I love that message.
What has been the most rewarding part of writing Transformation? 

     Most definitely finally seeing a project through. I tend to start things without actually finishing them. When I took a creative writing class in college I told my parents I wanted to write a book, but a few weeks into it I put it down and never picked it up again. It was amazing to finally write, edit, and finish something I said I would do years ago.

* Are you addicted? 

     Most definitely! A few months ago I had planned on taking a week off of writing to distance myself from the project and I didn't even last a full 24 hours. Writing is amazing and I can't wait to get started on my next projects.

* Speaking of next project, do you have plans for another novel on the horizon? Any hints as to what they might be? 

     I have a few plans actually, but my next NaNoWriMo project is titled "KLEOs." It's also a YA novel that follows the life of a teenage superhero as she loses her powers. I'm really excited about it.

For a teaser snippet of Transformation, click here.

________________

Isn't she just great?
I am very proud of Kimmel for accomplishing this goal.  I watched her shine as she went through this entire process, and I can see a bright future in store for this new author.  And yes, I am just as giddy as can be to hold her book in my hands and say: "Kimmel wrote this!"

Want to read the synopsis?  Here you go!

Nothing is magical about leaving. Every time Emily thinks she might finally be able to settle down, her mother announces they are moving again. She is sick of it, and ready to do anything to finally find stability. Desperation can do strange things to a person. Little does Emily know that moving in with her estranged grandmother will not only be magical, but potentially deadly as well. Cursed by her grandmother’s own hand, Emily finds something about her very being has been changed for good. She has fallen prey to the full moon. There is nothing Emily can do about the cursed physical transformation. But can she learn to be true to who she is inside before the change transforms her soul as well?

CreateSpace - Amazon - Kindle - B&N

Here is where even more of the fun begins.

Today I am giving away one 

SIGNED copy of Transformation!

Sadly, this means that the contest can only be US/Canada.  I just don't have the money for all of you amazing international folk... yet.  Don't let that hold you back from checking the book out though!  Go do it!

You know you want to read it.
To enter, just use the Rafflecopter below. 
(This is my first time using it!  Exciting!)

The Winner will be announced Monday, August 8.
So, spread the word, enter away, and get to loving Kimmel!

And thank you again Kimmel, for a great interview and even greater book.  Remember... Happy Writing!