Straight Chatting from the Library: H.A. Somerled

H.A. Somerled, author of Angel's Betrayal, has stopped by The Library to chat with us as part of her virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a digital copy of the book (winner's choice of format) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

READ THE INTERVIEW

What is the favorite book you remember as a child?

There are many books that have stuck with me growing up, Little House in the Woods, Velveteen Rabbit, Watership Down (I was really into rabbits ). But the one series I have never forgotten was Olga da Polga written by Michael Bond. It was about a precocious guinea pig. I had a guinea pig as a child, my very first pet. I loved the books about Olga and her adventures outside the hutch.

What is your favorite book today?

It’s hard to pick just one. I will never turn down a Stephanie Plum book written by Janet Evanovich. I adore her characters and can’t wait to see what trouble she creates for them. I’ve also been working my way through George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones). I have found I have to take a break between books, they are exhausting.

Tell us about your current book in 10 words.

An exciting, explosive, poignant story full of intrigue and twists.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore. I enjoyed his version on how and why certain paintings from the late 19th century came to be. It was mysterious, hilarious, real and a little bit of magic thrown into one novel.

What books do you have on hold at the library?

I was told I MUST read the Divergent series. So I have those on hold. I’ll read the first one, and if it turns out to be a bunch of hype, I may release the other two.

Do you have any bad book habits?

I sometimes eat and drink while reading, so if there is a small buffalo chicken wing finger smudge on a book, it probably was me. Sorry, I tried to wipe it off, but it just made it worse.

E-Reader or print? and why?

Since I got my first e-reader, I didn’t think I would use it that much. However, I have found that I can get more titles of books I want to read from the library, than going into the actual library. I’ve been reading a lot more since I got it. However, on the flip side, my first book became available in paperback and came to my door, and it was the first time I felt that I actually published a real book.

One book at a time or multiples?

Right now, I barely have time to read one, but I’ve been known to read several books at a time.

Dog-ear or bookmark? (don't worry—Librarian Judith won't hold it against you—much)

I take good care of my books - besides the occasional food stain. I always use a book mark, envelope, card, photograph, a torn scrap sheet of paper, chicken wing, anything within reach to mark my place.

Least favorite book you've read this year?

Tell All by Chuck Palahnuik. I usually enjoy his books, but this one had me saying, “WTF am I reading?”

Favorite book you've read this year?

I really enjoyed Game of Thrones. It really got me invested in the characters and their struggles. I hope they all survive. (ha ha.)

When do you do most of your reading?

Mostly, I do my reading at night. Occasionally, I have time to read in the afternoon or in the morning, after the dogs have been fed, and everyone else in the household is still asleep.

Favorite place to read?

I read in my bed, it’s usually the quietest and comfiest place to be.

Favorite genre?

I always find myself in the humor section of a book store. My favorite genre is mystery/thriller, but I become disappointed when I can solve the mystery before I reach the end of the book.

Do you loan your books?

I always lend books. The author may not profit from it at first, but if I can hook a person onto a certain author, I think it all works out in the end.

Favorite book to recommend?

One for the Money. It’s where the Stephanie Plum saga all got started. Don’t watch the movie, just read the book.

How do you keep your books organized?

They each have their own shelf. Novels, Self-help/spiritual, writer’s guides, cookbooks, health, photography/art, magazines.

Re-reader or not?

It takes a very special story for me to re-read a book. I think the only one I’ve read over and over is One for the Money. I really love that book.

What would make you not finish a book?

It has to be so convoluted, or too sappy for me not to finish the book. If it hasn’t captured my interest in 20 pages, it’s gone. If I solved the mystery too soon, done.

Keep books or give them away?

I give books to charity and to friends/family all the time.

READ THE BLURB

It's summertime and insects are not the only things flying in the London skies.

Oliver and Danny Murray return in this explosive second-in-the-series novel.

When two CIA agents appear in Oliver Murray's office, he knows nothing good could come from it. An American drone has gone missing and the agents believe that one of their own may have taken it. The agent in question is Sara Parsons, also known as Fallen Angel.

Maintaining her innocence, Angel tries to find the real culprit, but when one of the agents sent to apprehend her turns up dead in her flat, Oliver has a hard time believing her. With the help from his brother, Danny, Oliver betrays his own instincts and decides to help Angel find the true murderer and drone thief.

MEET THE AUTHOR

H. A. Somerled lives in the Missoula, Montana area. After an uneventful tour in the U.S. Navy, she followed her passions and enrolled in Culinary School. She graduated from the Colorado Institute of Art and has also completed a writing course from the Long Ridge Writer's Group.

She has two dogs, a puggle named Fritter and a pug named Flapjack. She considers herself lucky to be single and claims she's half the age she really is.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog

Buy the book at Amazon.