You have through Friday, 8/14 to enter…
What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Hidden in the dark heart of Victorian London, the Romanesque school was dreadfully imposing, a veritable fortress, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met its powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadows, of the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She saw simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gift. This arched stone doorway was a portal to a new life, to an education far from what could be had at a convent—and it was an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death…
“Tender. Poignant. Exquisitely Written.“
– New York Times Bestelling Author C.L. Wilson
“A strangely beautiful tale indeed! An ethereal, lyrical story that combines myth, spiritualism and the gothic in lush prose and sweeping passion.“
– USA Today Bestselling Author Kathryn Smith
Preorder from Dorchester: http://tinyurl.com/sbdorch
Preorder from Barnes & Noble: www.tinyurl.com/strangelybeautifubn
Preorder Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/strangelybeautifulaz
Website: www.leannareneehieber.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/leannarenee
Mailing List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/L_R_Hieber_News/
Please help me welcome Leanna Renee Hieber to the blog!
1) What kind of books do you love to read and how do those stories impact your own writing?
– Historical novels, suspense and fantasy novels. My books are a blended breed of my favourite genres. I certainly had to immerse myself in Victorian literature to be able to think, create and write in the 19th century, however trimmed it may be for a modern audience. Blending Victorian vernacular with fantasy tradition feels natural and delightful to me.
2) What are you working on presently? What about upcoming releases?
– I’m working on the rough draft of Book III in the Strangely Beautiful series and edits for Book II in the series, The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker, which releases May 2010. I’m also working on a short story for an upcoming horror anthology and my agent is shopping out a Historical Paranormal YA series. I’m keeping busy.
3) What’s the best compliment you ever got on your writing or book(s)?
– I’ve had a continuous stream of readers/reviewers say they skipped meals and/or stayed up really late to finish The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. C.L. Wilson’s cover quote with the word “exquisite” nearly made me cry when I saw it for the first time. When I met her she told me how much she meant those words and loved the book. For that to come from one of my heroes felt incredible. I’ve had the delight of hearing several reviewers say I maintain a sense of fairy tale enchantment throughout my book.
4) What’s your writing schedule like?
– I write as often as I possibly can, in mad fits and starts, some weeks more productive than others. I need to have a chunk of uninterrupted hours to get significant work done and within that stretch I stay focused. My goal when I write is around 4 thousand words a session and I usually meet that.
5) If you could be one character from any book you’re read or written who would it be and why?
– Miss Percy Parker. Hers is the book of my heart, my love-letter to the world. Despite the myriad, terrible trials and unusual qualities I’ve given her, just to experience the magical waltz she has in the moonlit foyer of Athens Academy with Professor Rychman… Why that would be worth all the troubles in the world.
Thanks for having me here, Elisabeth! Can’t wait to dive into Stolen Heat!
Leanna has generously donated an advanced copy of THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER to one lucky commenter. To be entered into the drawing, simply answer this question…
What’s your favorite historical time period to read (or learn) about?
