J.M. is here to share a bit about herself and her latest release. She's offered to give away a copy of the first book in the series, Spark (print copy - US ONLY or electronic copy - US or international). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends March 14, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.)
Q: What message do you hope your readers take away from your story?
A: Both Spark and Flare are about Brenna's adventures in an alternate reality. She has ADHD and because of this often feels like she doesn't fit in. That's her constant struggle— am I good enough? What do I do right? What makes me valuable?
I'd love for each reader to come away from The Firebrand Chronicles with the knowledge that they are valuable, that whatever they're most passionate about makes them special and irreplaceable, no matter what mistakes they make.
Q: What can you tell us about your next project?
A: There's one last book in The Firebrand Chronicles. It's written but needs revising. So I'll be working on that. But I have another project coming out. I'm part of a group called the Ever Afters. Sometime in April, the Ever Afters plan to release Encircled, an anthology of fairy tale retellings. My short story is titled "The Songbird's Citadel," and it's a sci-fi/fantasy twist on the tale "The Nightingale."
Q: What book do you wish you'd written?
A: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. It's magical realism. I love the plot, and the quirky characters, and the way the author can turn a beautiful phrase into pure poetry. It's fantastic.
Q: What's your favorite writing-related book?
A: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Although there are other books out there that talk more about the craft of writing, her hilarious stories helped me realize all authors deal with doubt and hubris in equal measures, but it's perfectly, reassuringly normal.
Q: Now, a few fun questions. What famous person would you like to meet and why?
A: Do they have to be alive? LOL! Because I think it would be fascinating to talk to Jesus or Madeline L'Engle. Hmm ... maybe Julie Andrews, mostly because I've loved her work and she seems like a lovely person.
Q: Oh, I love Julie Andrews! What's one things about you that would surprise your readers?
A: Despite my love of the speculative genre, before my children were born I wrote Christian romance. I currently have two finished romantic comedies buried in my filing cabinets. I keep waffling on whether to polish them up or leave them where they are.
Q: Ooh, that's interesting! Perhaps we'll see them one day. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you need to have with you?
A: I'd need Coke Zero, dark chocolate (preferably dark chocolate M&Ms), and my tablet since it's loaded with tons of e-books. (I can't have my family with me because someone needs to eventually miss me and call 911!)
Ha! I like that! I agree with the dark chocolate and e-books/tablet. Thanks for stopping by. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting to know you bit better.
Back cover copy for Flare (Book #2):
Brenna travels to Linneah via portal to visit her boyfriend Baldwin, only to find heartbreak. Betrayal. A serious case of never, ever wanting to see him again. Worst summer vacation ever.
So when her best friend Tiny invites her on a road trip to meet Tiny’s fiancé, Brenna jumps at the chance. Even if her mother disapproves. Even if it’s through a dangerous travel portal. Even if Tiny has never met this fiancé handpicked by her dad. Anything’s better than staying in Linneah.
But the trip disintegrates into disaster. The two friends are separated, Brenna is kidnapped, and not only are Brenna’s Firebrand skills tested to the limit, she must participate in the dangerous event, Starfall . . . or go home. Broke. Alone. With a shattered heart. So not fun.
And then as if that’s not bad enough? Brenna discovers a plot that could spell disaster for everyone she holds dear. And no one believes her.
Can she prevent a bloody government takeover? And what will become of Brenna’s broken heart?
J. M. Hackman loves thunderstorms, bookstores, and happy endings. She's never met a reading nook she didn't like and prefers soul talk to small talk. When she's not writing, she spends time with her two munchkins and her handsome husband who supports her in this crazy profession. Her days are filled with writing stories, consuming massive quantities of dark chocolate, and looking for portals to other worlds. You can find her at www.jmhackman.com
Where you can find her online...
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jm_hackman
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jmhackman
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jm_hackman
Thanks so much for having me--I had a great time chatting with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for being here! It was fun!
DeleteLeslie
This whole plot sounds unique and definitely interesting! I think I’d really enjoy reading this author’s books!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteSounds like an unique book and interesting read. Thanks for the opportunity
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Heather.
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog. Good luck!
What peaks my interest the most is how high the stakes are for these characters.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Danielle.
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!