Thursday, February 25, 2016

Amanda S. Reaves ~ an interview and her novel ~ Exodus






I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME AUTHOR
Amanda S. Reaves


Bio:
Amanda S. Reaves is an artist, writer, choreographer and most importantly, a woman of God. She has been actively empowering others through her liturgical dance ministry. She is also active in multiple other ministries in her home church, Victory Outreach. Ms. Reaves has made it her goal to reach lives for God through her Christian novel series, Astria Legends: "the world of Living Breathing Color" which is geared towards teens and adults. Her company of the same name, takes the series to new levels through dance, poetry, music, motivational speaking and much more. She is a native of Louisiana, and an alumnus of Southern University, who now resides in Fort Worth TX. 

BANTER – STUFF ABOUT YOU

Q: How would you describe yourself as a color? Think personality here. Are you a light and airy pastel person, or more of a deep, dark, sultry and mysterious color?
A: Such an ironic question since my book’s main species, the Astrians, is based on colors. I am the passionate color red, I can be bold and daring but also loving and compassionate.

Q: If you could morph into any creature what would it be?
A: Oh that’s easy… a bunny!
            If you don’t mind me asking, why?   
A: That’s been my favorite animal ever since I was a kid. And of course growing up with Bugs Bunny only helped my love for rabbits.

Q: If your life were a movie would it be considered an action film, comedy, drama, romance, fantasy or a combination?
A: I personally don’t think my life would make a good movie, but ask my friends and they believe it would be perfect for a soap opera! I guess if I had to choose, probably some kind of weird romantic comedy.

Q: Did you like school when you were a child?
A: Yes I loved school, so much so that my mom had to force me to stay home when I was sick. She always said something was wrong with me, haha.

BOOKS – ABOUT THE CRAFT

Q: Would you ever consider a joint project?
A: I would LOVE to do a joint project. Maybe something where each person writes a chapter and just see where it goes. I also love to write crossovers.

Q: When crafting the story do you go from beginning to end, or do you jump around writing the scenes that are pushing themselves forward in your brain?
A: I tend to jump around writing the scenes that flow easiest at that moment. I find that the writing is better when you focus on the areas that are at the forefront of your mind rather than trying to force chronological events.

Q: Have your characters ever taken the story in a different direction than you had originally planned? Do you have a for instance, for us?
A: YES! It’s a strange phenomenon that only writers seem to understand! For instance, in my first novel, Ambrose, who spent most of the book trying to manipulate Eva, decides to go off and save her from his clan members. He was never supposed to do that, in fact, he was never supposed to show any signs of kindness or remorse. It also took me two weeks to figure out how to get him and her out of that battle alive!

Q: Which holiday celebrations do you like to incorporate into your stories and why?
A: Since my world is a fantasy world of my creation, they have their own holidays. One of my favorite is SoLunar, which happens within the Spectrums of Astria, is a celebration of the one time in the year when the Clandestine moon can be seen between the two suns. As part of the celebration, the Astrians (angels) Sun Yellow and Moon Grey would dance across the sky in honor of the suns’ and moon’s union. It is a very brief dance, as the Clandestine Moon is one of mystery and of dreams. Those who stare too long tend to fall asleep.

BOOKS - NOW LETS PROMOTE – STRUT YOUR STUFF

Q: What are you working on now? Would you like to share anything about it?
A: The main project I am working on now is a new story called Clandestine Dimension which takes place in the dream dimension of Astria, the same world where Exodus takes place. It is being made into both a comic book and Role-playing game. The prologue will be offered as a FREE comic as part of Free Comic Book Day 2016!

Q: Do you have a new book coming out soon? Tell us about it.
A: I’m taking a short break from my novel series, but there are new comic book issues coming out soon. The Dawn of Unity series is currently being made into a comic book, and issue #2 will be out very soon, as well as the prologue of Clandestine Dimension.

Q: How can we find you? Do you have a web page, FaceBook page or any buy links?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialastrialegends

Q: Are you currently participating in a blog tour? If you are let’s tell everyone where you’re going to be so they can catch up with you again.
A: Yes! Here are the next tour stops.
February 26 - Satin's Bookish Corner - Excerpt
February 27 - Just Us Book Blog - Excerpt
February 28 - Texas Book Nook - Review
February 29 - The Indie Express - Review
March 1 - A Life Through Books - Review
March 2 - Steamy Side - Review
March 3 - Jody's Book Reviews - Excerpt
March 4 - RABT Reviews - Wrap Up

I am also doing a giveaway for people who comment at each of the stops!



Excerpt from Exodus:
Alex thought about this for a while, as he kneeled there, staring far out across the ocean. He thought about his current situation, as well as Dymona’s. He thought about his wife, and how tired he was of being her doormat. He wanted to be free. He wanted to be himself. He no longer wanted to be defined by his ancestors. He felt strange; as his eyes scanned the horizon, he felt a silent urge, like a small, still voice, that wanted him to help her. He weighed his options, but the still voice touched his heart and a warmth filled his body. He wasn’t sure if it was The Exalted One or not, but decided to take a chance. He turned to Dymona and grinned. “How about we really stir things up then?”

“What do you mean?” Dymona raised a brow suspiciously.

Alex disappeared into the shadows and then reappeared right behind Dymona, whispering in her ear “Let’s break him out.”

Dymona screamed, jumping away from him and staring, “What are you doing?! Are you crazy?!”

Alex laughed more. “Crazy? Yes.” He showed his fangs, “Always have been.” He took a few steps closer to her, “Let’s be crazy together. What have you got to lose?”

Dymona still looked at him suspiciously. “Why do you want to help me all of a sudden?” Her hands hugged her hips. “Besides, you are in no condition to do anything.”

Alex shrugged with a maniacal grin. “Didn’t you say one becomes irrational once madness sets in?”

She pointed at him. “That’s only for zavi. Anger and rage tend to do that.”

“As a sentinel, we are taught not to let the wounds of the body prevent us from doing what needs to be done.” He glanced at her.

“What about the wounds in your brain?!” she flailed. “What do you really want?”



I’m happy you could join me on Books and Banter.  I hope you had fun with the Q & A’s
I did!!! It was a lot of fun.



A reminder to the reader ~ before you leave be sure to take a look at the 

Come back and visit again.



7 comments:

  1. "... book’s main species, the Astrians, is based on colors"

    Now I understand why I was told that my color is Yellow. But is it really? In terms of the book, what meaning does the color "yellow" hold?

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    Replies
    1. The colors I gave out were just in order of the rainbow so I can track participants along the tour. I have assigned colors in the past based on a quiz I developed to try and figure out which astrian would most fit a person.

      As for the Astrian Yellow, she represents the sun, light and warmth as well as happiness and music, though her optimism can be confused with naivete.
      Here is a picture of her http://angelicempyress.deviantart.com/art/Seasoned-Yellow-341572082

      What is your favorite color? I can tell you more about it :)

      Also you have earned the extra prize! A desktop wallpaper! Give me an email I can use to send it to you. :)

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    3. My favorite color when I was younger was red, but while I still love the color, I'm finding myself drawn to green now. (I find Astrian Yellow really describes my mother well)

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  2. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your blog!

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  3. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your blog!

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  4. Love the banter.

    I have always thought of myself as purple.

    Gold

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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