Thursday, December 17, 2015

Today's Special - - Marnee Blake

I'm so excited to welcome debut author, Marnee Blake to the Dish today. I met Marnee online many years ago and it's been fun to watch her journey from reader to blogger to published author. She was a 2014 and 2015 Golden Heart ® finalist and I think we all knew it was just a matter of time before we would have the opportunity to read this talented author's stories. Her debut novel, Altered will be released December 28th. I highly recommend it! For more information about Marnee and her book, visit her website and follow her online at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads




Welcome, Marnee! Congratulations on the release of your debut novel, Altered. Please share with our readers what they can expect from this book.

Hi PJ! Thanks for having me here today! I hope that Altered is as much fun to read as it was to write! It’s full of fast-paced action and high-stakes. It has science fiction elements, but it’s set in our contemporary world, so I hope readers find it accessible. The book is the first in a series.

I loved this book! It had me riveted to the pages from beginning to end. What was the inspiration behind the story?

First, I’m so glad you liked it! The idea for the story evolved over time. I remember reading about the Blackwater scandals in the late 2000s, and the idea of military companies that believed themselves to be “above the law” intrigued me. Around that time, I read an article positing that healthy people should be able to use brain-boosting drugs, like Ritalin or the drugs used to help memory-impaired aging patients, to achieve higher brain function. These two things sort of melded together in my head, and Altered was born!

Altered is your first published novel. What’s been the most exciting part of your debut journey? The most challenging? The most surprising?

The most exciting part of my debut journey is knowing that people I don’t know are reading things that I wrote.  What a thrill! The most challenging? Well, people I don’t know are reading things that I wrote.  How scary! LOL!!  Surprising? I’m not certain. I have so many wonderful mentors and friends who have been willing to answer questions for me and have squired me along. I’m truly blessed. But, what I’ve found most gratifying and humbling are the readers who have already reached out to say they have read. I know that no one has to read my stories, but when they do—and when they say they like it!—it has really touched me. So, thank you to everyone who’s reading. It means so much to me.

After reading Altered, I'm confident that many people will be telling you how much they enjoyed the book! Altered is a New Adult, Sci-Fi Romantic Thriller. What is it about this sub-genre that speaks to you as an author? As a reader?

I love reading action-packed stories. I love feeling like I have to keep reading, that I need to know what happens next. Those nights when my eyes are droopy, but just one more chapter… They’re the best. When I started this story, I wanted to write something like that.

You succeeded! I stayed up way past my bedtime because I just had to know what happened next! 

As I read this book, I kept envisioning it playing out on the big screen. If Altered were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?

I love this question. Especially because when I was writing, it felt like it was playing out in my head like a movie. I think Carey Mulligan would make a great Blue. She’s petite, has a deceptively sweet face that I suspect hides a keen intellect, and I get the impression there’s a lot of spunk in her. For Seth, I think Scott Eastwood would do a great job.  Because…Scott Eastwood.

Oh man, I can so see them as Blue and Seth! 

Readers are left with quite a cliffhanger at the end of Altered. When will the next book in the series be published? How many books are planned?

Yes, while Blue and Seth find happiness together, some of the overarching storylines continue in the second book.  Currently, there are only the two books in the series planned, but I love the world, so we’ll have to see what the future holds! The second book is currently with my editor. I don’t have an exact release date yet, but as soon as I know something, I’ll let everyone know.
 
Blue and Seth are fascinating characters facing some mighty big challenges. What would you like readers to understand about these two?

Both Blue and Seth have been dealt some tough hands. Both of them have been left by people who should have been there for them, so they have trust issues. But, even though they’re very different, with different issues, they learn to lean on each other, that they don’t have to be islands in this world. Life can be complicated. Finding people to walk the journey with makes it a little easier, I think

Seth, Blue, and their friends are trying to adjust to their newly acquired super powers. If you could choose a super power for yourself, what would you choose and why?

Oh, this is a great question.  Because having any special power would undoubtedly come with pros and cons. I mean, being that different from everyone would be lonely. Hmmm… I’d love to be super strong, maybe. Then I would never have to have anyone open a pickle jar for me. Those things are tricky. J

Several years ago, when I was having trouble sleeping, I tuned into QVC and ended up ordering a set of three kitchen tools, one of which pops vacuum sealed jars with hardly any effort required. Best. Purchase. Ever. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not busy writing books?

I have two little boys, so they keep me pretty busy. When I’m not refereeing, er, I mean, overseeing my children, I love to crochet and knit. Something about keeping my hands busy clears my mind. And I love to bake. Cookies, cakes…anything with sugar.

They say we always remember our first. What book (or author) was your gateway into the world of romance fiction?

I started reading my mother’s Harlequins when I was in middle school. Which might be why I always answer, “Is this appropriate for my X-aged child?” with a shrug and a “maybe?”  But, the first author that I began to seek out myself was Jude Deveraux. I read through Mountain Laurel, the Twins…and by the time Sweet Liar came out I’d branched out to Judith McNaught and Nora, and there was no looking back.  

Great books! 

What’s next?

Right now I’m working on a speculative YA. Also fast-paced and full of action. Again, a lot of fun to write.

Thanks so much for visiting with us, Marnee! Would you like to ask our readers a question today?

Thank you so much for having me! It’s been so much fun to visit with you all. As I said, I think PJ's question about super powers is a great one. So, what about you, readers? If you could have a super power for yourself, what would you choose and why? And, I think that making laundry disappear and reappear in drawers—clean and folded, of course—is a completely valid choice. J


LOL! I totally agree! What say you, readers? Tell us about the super power you'd like to have. I'm giving away a Kindle copy of Marnee's debut, Altered to two people who leave a comment. I hope you love it as much as I did! 


When "normal" ends, survival begins...
The sickness came on suddenly and violently. When it was done, waitress Blue Michaels was different in a really strange way. And the entire town of Glory was dead...except for her.

Only that's not exactly true. A handful of people made it, including U.S. Army Specialist Seth Campbell, who was caught in the wrong town at the worst time. He's fierce and protective, and way too good-looking. As much as they need a leader—as much as Blue wants to trust him—there are too many questions and not enough time for answers. Now they are hunted. But what their pursuers don't know is each of them has strange new powers. And they'll use their "gifts" to survive...no matter who stands in their way.

57 comments:

  1. Total recall: "the ability to remember with clarity every detail of the events of one's life or of a particular event, object, or experience." Now wouldn't that be nice? I'm sorry. What did I just say? I can't remember....

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    1. Hi Laney4!

      Oh, this would be so nice. Especially when my kids quiz me on where they left something. I'd skim through the contents of every room I've passed and figure it out, further solidifying myself as SUPER MOM!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. I could definitely use this power! Just now, I walked into a room to get something but forgot what that something was by the time I reached the room. ::Sigh::

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  2. I'd like to be able to manipulate time. There are just not enough hours in the day.

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    1. Oh, good one Mary! Like Hermione's time turner. That'd be incredibly useful!

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  3. This book sounds intriguing. Since reading Anne McCaffrey's Rowan books many years ago, I have been fascinated by the possibility of enhanced mental powers. Using drugs to open up new pathways in the brain sounds plausible, if a little frightening, and plausibility gives the SciFi element of a story much greater impact I think. Definitely adding this one to the TBR!

    I would like a naturally evolved psychic power to see into the future and block particularly horrendous outcomes.

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    1. Hi Q!! It's so good to see you here! :) *waves from the old Revenge*

      Seeing into the future definitely sounds intriguing. But, you're right; I think it'd only be tolerable if we could change the potentially horrible things that might be there.

      Thanks so much for commenting! Good to "see" you!

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    2. I'd love to be able to tap into the unused powers in our brain. I believe they are significant.

      Q, I think you'd really enjoy this book!

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  4. I'm looking forward to chatting with everyone! I should be around for most of the day, and I can't wait to hear what superpowers everyone would choose. :)

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    1. Thanks for joining us, Marnee! As I told you in the Q&A, I loved this book so much. You've created a fascinating world and filled it with heart-stopping action, compelling characters, and a full range of emotions. I couldn't put it down!

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  5. Hi, Marnee! Congratulations on your debut release! I'm always especially excited when one of the writers whose journey I've watched from early days becomes a published author. Altered sounds fascinating.

    I could certainly use the laundry magic and the time turner, but if I truly could have a super power, I would choose the power to heal physically and emotionally. There is so much pain in our world.

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    1. *waves at Janga* Thank you so much.

      And I love this one. There is so much pain. The world could certainly use some healing.

      Thanks for stopping by!!

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    2. That's a wonderful super power, Janga. I'm totally on board.

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  6. Excited for this debut!! Way to go, Marnee!

    Super power? I just want to be Samantha from Bewitched. The "twinkle my nose" and stuff gets done power would be awesome.

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    1. Excellent choice! I used to practice twinkling my nose. Just in case... *grin*

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    2. PJ, me too!! LOL!!

      Man, that'd be helpful, wouldn't it? I'd be unstoppable if I could have my hands free all the time.

      Thanks for stopping by, Elle!!

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  7. So happy for you, Marnee! Congratulations on the new release. As for a super power? I'd like to fly.

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    1. I used to think flying was a great super power. Then I watched Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds and the flying nightmares began. lol

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    2. THE BIRDS was incredibly creepy.

      But, flying would definitely save on airfare. I could go to ALL the conferences then! (Priorities...)

      :)

      Thanks for stopping by!!

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  8. I wish I could fly! Since I am tall (36 inch in-seam,) flying is not fun. My knees touch the seat in front of me. When economy comfort class is sold out, I am miserable. We fly to Minnesota several times/year (from Tucson, AZ) visiting family. I would LOVE to avoid crowded planes.

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    1. I have long legs too (only 34 inseam though) and they certainly didn't invent airline seats for us, did they? :)

      Only nice thing about planes over flying would be the lack of bugs. I wonder if Superman ever gagged on a bug? Shocking they never include that in the comics... LOL!!

      Thanks for commenting!

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  9. I feel a bit like Buddy the Elf, because I want to scream and go, "MARNEE! I know her! I know her." Just so excited to read this blog. *LOL*

    Hmm, a superpower? I'm not sure. I don't want to be invisible (I can already do that); mind read (I really don't need to know what other people are thinking); or super strength (I already have to lug around my own luggage as it is--so it's really not that awesome.) I'd like to be able to zap people and make them do the right thing. *LOL* Would that count?

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    1. *tackle hugs Hellie* I'm at least as excited to be featured here as you are to read me here! LOL!! SOooo cool!!

      Zapping people? Like tazering people to do the right thing? I like where this is going... hahaha!!

      Thanks for stopping by, dear!

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  10. Dang, I think the laundry super power is pretty dang awesome (says the woman who did four loads yesterday.) But someday my kids will be gone and the laundry will be more manageable so looking long-term I think I'm going to invent a superpower other than go with the usual flying, strength, speed, invisibility or time-travel (though I think time travel would be my choice and first stop is going back in time to give shots of Depro-nova to the women who bore Hitler & a few other political nightmare leaders) and go with ability to make everyone happy.

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    1. Right?! Laundry is my arch-nemesis! However, you're completely correct; some day I'll have way less to do and I'll be sad about that too.

      I love the thought of just being able to make people happy. Happy would be the best gift to give anyone.

      Thanks for saying hi!! :)

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    2. I think I'd like to have the Midas touch. But I'd want an on/off switch. I want to turn enough random junk into gold so I can quit work and write full-time. Great interview, Marnee! I can't wait to read Altered!!

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    3. Oh, Seana! The Midas touch, just so I didn't have to worry about money. When I had enough, I'd stop. I swear!! :)

      Thanks for stopping by!!

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  11. Very excited for your debut, Marnee! And as long as we are handing out super powers, could I have mind-reading? How many times have I wondered, is he/she just saying that, or do they really mean it? If it were widespread, this superpower would either establish world peace, or create utter loss of faith in humanity--one or other. If it were just me, though, basic mom and wife tasks would be so much easier! Am I right?!?

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    1. Oh, my...how many times my offspring look at me and I suspect foulplay... I'd certainly be able to weed out the perpetrators in many a household crime. LOL!!

      Thanks for stopping by, Sara!! :)

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  12. Toss-up between teleportation (you could live anywhere, work anywhere, vacation anywhere...and no more getting stuck in traffic!) and flying (because, flying dreams are always awesome). Can't wait to read Altered, Marnee--congrats on your debut!

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    1. Ack! I thought I replied directly to you, but I replied below! :) Thanks for stopping by, Alexa!

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  13. Teleportation!! There's one that would be pretty awesome. I have family all over the country, and I miss them. It'd be nice to just pop in and be home seconds later too.

    Thank you, Alexa! I really appreciate the congrats and you stopping by!
    XO

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  14. Great interview, Marnee! I can't wait for Altered to appear on my Kindle on December 28. Super power? Hmmm. I think I'd like the power to stop time. It would be a great power to have on those days when you need to get ALL THE THINGS done but you find yourself drawn to cuty kitty memes on the internet instead!

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    1. A pause button!! That'd be incredibly helpful. When I was ready, I could resume. Like when I DVR stuff. And...GO! LOL!!

      Thank you for preordering! And thanks for stopping by! :)

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  15. "Because…Scott Eastwood."

    Always an acceptable answer. lol

    I'd love time manipulation powers. Imagine getting enough time in a day to read a whole book, do my job, take care of my kids, have a clean house, and cook 3 meals a day? Oh yeah, that's the fantasy right there! ;)

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    1. That's pretty much my fantasy too, Rhianna. So, either I need this time manipulation power...or I need a maid, a clone, a nanny, and a cook at my disposal. :)

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  16. Congratulations Marnee. Altered sounds like an intense and suspenseful read. It's going on my TRL. I'd love to have a super power for always staying healthy and immune to disease.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Hi Carol!

      While a lot of these super powers sound fun, this is one that I would hope for, for real...and I'd want it to be for my loved ones too. Because, really, my greatest wish is more time with all of them. I suspect even this life to love them won't be long enough. :)

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  17. Congratulations Marnee. Altered sounds like an intense and suspenseful read. It's going on my TRL. I'd love to have a super power for always staying healthy and immune to disease.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  18. Hey Marnee!!!! Twice in one week! Super congrats on the release of ALTERED. It is sooooo exciting that you are realizing your publishing dream. It is kind of surreal that I "know" so many published authors. I'm like Hellie now feeling kind of special.

    I think the older I get the more I want Janga's super powers. (We're usually pretty in sync, Janga, and you are spot on in this one thing.) I want to be healthy and make everyone I know healthy too! That would be amazing to me.

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    1. Irish!! *hugs* Good to see you too!! Thank you so much for the congrats! :) It is exciting to see it all coming together. :)

      Healing is an amazing super power. Spreading health and happiness, that'd be a real gift.

      Thanks for commenting!

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  19. Congratulations Marnee!! I saw earlier about Samantha from Bewitched. I want to be I Dream Of Jeannie. Cross my arms and blink. All the housework done.

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    1. Hi Pamela! I love both Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie! So much slapstick.

      And, crossing my arms to get housework done sounds amazing.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  20. Congrats Marnee on your debut!!! looks and sounds awesome!!! Definitely going to be checking this out :) I'd love to be Samantha from Bewitched and be able to do magic... otherwise, if I had to pick only one "power" it'd be teleportation. I hate driving!!! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I hate driving too!! We took my boys to a hockey game tonight (my younger son's first game!) but it required a half hour trip around Philadelphia. I wasn't even driving, but riding in city traffic is tedious too. LOL!

      Thanks for stopping by and I hope you like the book!

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  21. I'm so excited about ALTERED!!! So. Excited. And I'm in the same boat as others who want to yell, "I know her! I know her!"
    I love baking around Christmas, but this years seems to be a flop. I've made some fudge. That's it. Hopefully I'll get started tomorrow.
    As for a super power, I would love invisibility--because I'm nosy, not shy. Or, hey, maybe I would just like to know all the answers. To everything. I would LOVE that!!!
    World peace is a great idea, but I'm going to have to go with wanting to know everything. Past, present and future, to be specific. Because it's good to be specific. :-)
    Can't wait for your release day, Marnee! Congrats again.

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    1. KIM! *another tackle hug*

      My holiday baking is behind too. I feel ya. But, tomorrow is another day. (Channeling my Scarlet there.)

      "Nosy, not shy." LOL!! That made me giggle. And I thought you did know the answer to everything! You've been fooling me! And you're right; it's important to be specific when wishing. LOL!

      Thanks, dear, for stopping by! XOXO

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  22. Ooh looking forward to reading this over the holidays!! I love action packed stories.

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    1. Hi Brynn!! I hope you like it! I love some suspense and action too! *high fives*

      Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  23. Marnee, thanks so much for visiting with us today! Wishing you all the best with Altered!

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    1. Thank you so much for having me, PJ. It was so much fun! Thanks for all your support for ALTERED. It means the world to me! Big hugs to you! :)

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  24. Thank you again to everyone who commented, and thank you to everyone here at the Dish for having me! I had a blast with you all today!

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  25. Ooh, I love the sound of Altered - you had me at your heroine's name - Blue - love it! Being a mum, if I had a superpower it would be to heal. (If I wasn't a mum, it'd be to enjoy wine without getting a hangover.)

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    1. I'm a mum, and I still wish I could enjoy wine without a hangover. LOL!!

      I actually knew a girl named Blueberry in college. But, I nicknamed her Blue in my book, because she felt like a Blue to me. :)

      Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer!!

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  26. I would like to fly. It would make getting around easier and give a different perspective of what the Earth looks like.

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    1. I think the ability to see the world in a different way might overwhelm my fear of heights. :)

      Thanks for stopping by!

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