Interview with Patti Roberts (And Giveway)

  
Patti Roberts is the author of Paradox: The Angels are Here…the first in her series of books. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her over the past few weeks and thought you might like to find out a little about her…

You can find my review for Paradox: The Angels are Here HERE
















And…two lucky readers can win an e-book of Paradox: The Angels are Here in any format. All you have to do is leave a comment with the answer to the question I will post at the bottom of the interview and, of course, your email address!


Hi Patti, welcome to Better Read Than Dead. I can tell you that I loved your first book Paradox: The Angels are Here and I definitely cannot wait for Paradox: Progeny of Innocence. 
 
I would love for you to tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?
PR: I live in Cairns, In tropical FNQ Australia. Where the Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
 
What is the first book that really caught your attention?
PR: Many years ago – Kane & Able by Jeffrey Archer. I loved it. Lately I have started reading Game Of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. I watched the TV series and just had to read the books. On book 2 now but I have had to put it down to focus on finishing book 2 in the Paradox Series so I can start on book 3 
 
Did you read much as a teenager?
PR: No not really – I started to read more when I was in my 20’s. Lots of Sydney Sheldon and Daniel Steel.
 
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
PR: From what I don’t know. I am fascinated with the unknown… I love ancient history & lost civilizations. Myths & magic – the things that legends are made of.

*I love to learn about things I don’t know and trust me…I have a lot to learn.

What’s the name of your most recently published book?
PR: Paradox – The Angels Are Here, which is the introduction (a novella) into the series.
 
Who is your favorite character from this book and why?
PR: Impossible – too many for different reasons. I do however love telling the stories about Grace’s/Juliette’s past lives. I love writing for Abaddon - his evil personality and look forward to writing lots more about his evil consorts in books 2 and 3.
 
Independently published or commercially published?
PR: Independent all the way.
 
If independent…did you attempt to get commercially published?
PR: No, not at all.


Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?
PR: Only from what I have been told – keep reading, keep writing. It writing is what you want to do, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And grow a thick skin – you will get some bad reviews, but rather than let them get you down, learn from them. Good reviews are great. However, bad reviews are good too - they can be a wealth of information!

*Excellent Advice! Thanks!

Fun Stuff

The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?
PR: Call all my family and friends and tell them thank you for making my life wonderful! Then buy a generator so I can keep my laptop charged. Oh and petrol and food, water I suppose would be a good idea.
 
If you were stranded on an island, name the 5 things you could not live without?
PR: Hmmm… Power. Without power the five things I wouldn’t want to live without would not work. Laptop, kindle, phone – you get the picture!


What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?
PR: Laptop, phone, book, pen, bed! Which I should be in because it is 6am in the morning and I haven’t been to bed yet – yes, I’m a night owl.

*Goodness girl…get some sleep!

Ultimate bad boy crush?
PR: TV – Vampire Diaries - Damon Salvatore. Movies & books – you know off the top of my head I cannot think of one!

*We definitely have this in common.

Ultimate good guy crush?
PR: Movies – Usually any character played by Gerald Butler. TV – Spartacus blood and sand - Spartacus – Andy Whitfield (who sadly just recently died of cancer) A great loss.
 
Favorite food?
PR: Pasta and Seafood. Thai Green Curry. Slow cooked Lamb Shanks with mashed potato.
 
Favorite Movie?
PR: Old time classic would be Dr Zhivago. Girly: Under A Tuscan Sun. A Knights Tale. Practical Magic. French Kiss. Ghost. Sci-Fi: Star Wars, Close Encounters, Contact. The old and new Planet of the Apes…. Tons more!
Favorite TV show?
PR: The Big C – brilliant story line and acting. The Vampire Diaries – guilty pleasure. (TV show better than the books) I like the look of the new TV show Terra Nova. Weeds, Parenthood, Lost Girl, Awkward, Supernatural. Gotta love those lads!
 
Favorite singer or band?
PR: U2 – some others here - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/music/
 
One food you would never try?
PR: Grubs or Bugs and Rabbit – I had a pet rabbit when I was a kid called Bugsy. Swore I would never eat rabbit.

*I’m pretty sure I tried Rabbit one time, but that was enough. I’m definitely against any kind of bug – chocolate covered or not – just yuck!

The most exotic food you have ever eaten?
PR: Snails. Escargot.
 
Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?
PR: Beach, I grew up on the beach. Snow would make my brain freeze.
 
Campfire with smores or curled up in front of the fireplace?
PR: Either would do nicely.
 
If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?
PR: Nope, I’m pretty happy right here.
 
Health nut or junk food junkie?
PR: Depends on the mood but usually healthy.
 
Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)
PR: Well then, mine (and then) I could go on & on & on – there are so many great books that I have read over the years, so many …. 
 
Are there any blogs or websites you frequent?
Constantly working on mine! I also like Goodreads, Facebook. And I always go check out the blogs of my friends – blogger and Authors.
 
Places my readers can stalk you?
ebook from Smashwords - all formats
US - ebook from Amazon
UK - ebook from Amazon
Barnes & Noble - Nook
Createspace Here (paperback)
YouTube Paradox Book Trailer
Paradox Blog
Twitter
Facebook
 
Thank you so much for taking this time to let us get to know you. We have enjoyed having you today. I hope you have enjoyed yourself and will stop by to see us again soon.
Sincerely,
Kristin @ Better Read Than Dead
 
Thank you Kristin, it has been my pleasure. I’m sure once I send this off to you I will think of a ton more answers….

 


As I stated above…Patti has been kind enough to offer two of my readers an e-book, any format, of Paradox: The Angels are Here. I am  making this contest relatively simple. Leave a comment with the answer to this question: I will chose a winner on Saturday October 7th via random.org

Does Patti like The Vampire Diaries TV show or books better? (be sure to leave your email address so I can contact the winner.)

Also…Visit Patti’s Paradox Blog for a chance to win a free Paradox: The Angels are Here e-book each day until Paradox: Progeny of Innocence releases!

Paradox: The Angels Are Here by Patti Roberts

Title: Paradox: The Angels Are Here
Author: Patti Roberts
Published by Patti Roberts
Copyright 2010 by Patti Roberts
Patti Roberts Blog
Patti on Twitter
Patti at Goodreads

Synopsis:

Paradox Series: Spanning over centuries to the present day, this is a story about love, loss and betrayal. The horrifying discovery that nothing is as it seems. When there is nowhere left to run & letting go is your only choice. Nine hundred years ago, under the complete cover of darkness, the Grigorian army rose silently from their underground lair and attacked the Bulguardian Royal Palace. The bloody and violent battle between the two most legendary houses raged on. All but destroying the majestic Royal City of Altair. It was not the first war that Juliette had endured between good and evil. And it most certainly would not be her last. Today, A little girl's world is turned upside down by a visitor,the Angel of Death. She finds herself trapped in a nightmare, consumed by her paralyzing loss and overwhelming grief. The haunting visions and untimely deaths of others are a constant reminder that life and death are only a heartbeat away. She eventually befriends the unusual little girl who moves in next door with captivating violet eyes and a profound knowledge of things that far exceeds her tender years. A saga crossing over two worlds. Two souls being drawn precariously together over the centuries. When your destiny has been written in blood, and you are left with one burning question. Is your Guardian Angel from Heaven or Hell?

What do I like second to all things Vampire...all things Angel. Bad or Good. I think we all have one of each residing on our shoulders. Don't you?

Patti Roberts has written a stunning and shocking novella that delves into the age old question of what awaits us after we die. Or more importantly, what guides the events that spins the world. Paradox provides a unique view of Angels and those they protect?!?! As always...let's take a look at these captivating beings:

• Abbadon - is an important player in the on-going war between the House of the Bulguardians and the House of the Grigorians. Problem is...he plays for the bad guys, the rebellions...the Grigorians.
• Cerberus - is the leader of the House of the Grigorians.
• Thieria - is the younger sister of Abbadon and Cerberus. She is tired of being treated like a little girl and will seek to solve this problem.
• Pandora - is Cerberus's wife. She has few fans in the Grigorian family.
• Brian - is the father of a very special little girl. His duty is to protect her, before and after his life on Earth ends.
• Grace - has a special role to play on Earth. She is guarded...and wanted by many.
• Kate - is Grace's grieving mother. Kate spends much of this book trying to recover from a terrible loss and Grace is forced to take care of herself and her mom.

I am a sap for anything that brings me to tears...and this book did just that. Death of a loved one is always a difficult situation to address and Patti does it so beautifully. I don't think many of us stop to think about the fact that if good angels exist...that it is entirely possible for evil angels to exist. This novella definitely gives you something to think about.

While I truly enjoyed this book, I was left feeling a little confused. It was sometimes difficult to follow the back and forth between past and present. I am hoping that the next installment will include more insight. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of this series.