Angels Of The Fallen, The Watchers

Friday, February 20, 2015

What makes C. A. Tibbitts Tick?

First and foremost, it is a pleasure to have you here. 
So, can you tell us what makes C.A. Tibbitts tick?  What got you started on the path to becoming an author?
Growing up, English and Literature were my favorite subjects in school and college. After I got married (almost 18 years ago!), the internet and instant messaging were getting pretty popular. I created a "fan fic" writing group based on the first television version of La Femme Nikita (Peta Wilson version).  It is still active at present!
When I quit my last 'outside of home' job (a paralegal for a District Attorney), I decided to write a short story and publish it, just to see if anybody besides me would read it.  That short story is Shifted For Love, and it is the first book in my current series Pepper Valley Shifters!
This current book, Shifter Under Cover, uses my 'sweet spot' for writing, as it has a lot of elements I use in my writing group.  It is my favorite book I've written so far!

What are you currently working on?  Would you care to share a snippet?
Currently working on a short story for the next Mystical Box Set Babes anthology that will publish May 1, 2015.  Tentatively titled "Ghost Of A Chance", here is a small excerpt:

On her way to the front desk, she tried in vain to shift away the strand of hair that kept falling over her left eye.  A large shadow fell over the desk.  "Hello, and welcome to the…"  She finally looked up.  Oh, this day just keeps getting better and better!  Sarcasm, her dearest friend.
Grant Harrison flashed that hundred-watt grin at her, and though it had been almost fifteen years since she'd last saw him, her panties dampened and her nipples hardened to the point of cutting glass.
"Hi, Ness."
"What are you doing here?"  Harsh, maybe, but he was the one that left.  She often daydreamed about what might have been if her high school sweetheart, her first for everything, hadn't left to play football at the University of Oklahoma.  Never mind that he had begged her to come with him.  Missouri was her home, and she was content to live her life in the only home she'd ever known.
His smile faltered and a sadness crept into his features.  "Momma died last night."

Tell us a little more about yourself?
Born, raised, and still live in Oklahoma, USA.  Married almost 18 years now.  We have one parakeet, and were previously foster parents (with one failed adoption).  I used to be a travel agent, and also a paralegal.  My husband and I have traveled the USA extensively, with only a few remaining states left to visit.  I have also been to Canada, Mexico, and several Caribbean islands.  Our favorite place to go is Alaska, and we love to go on cruises!

Quickly, tell us about your upcoming releases?
Shifter Under Cover is my latest book.  I have numerous anthologies upcoming with Mystical Box Set Babes, and at least one more anthology with Full Moon Series in April.  And, of course, I will begin a new Pepper Valley Shifters very soon!

Do you have any specific inspiring incident that turned you out as an author?
Yes, a very by-chance happening!  I had been thinking on writing a book.  I attended a Facebook party in Summer 2014, and somehow (I don't remember entering for this!) won a guest hosting at this event for 1 hour!  Extremely nervous, I plotted out the entire hosting hour and used it to plot out names and the genre I would write!  I left it all to chance, using random.org to choose from the list of names - turned out to be Jace (which is the romantic lead of book 1), and specifically 'shifters' as the genre. Voila!  How's that for a strange beginning?!

Who designed your cover art? How did you choose the image?
My first two books were designed by Shaded Gems & Designs.  I provided her with pictures of the people I had in mind as my characters, and she did a fantastic job of finding images, etc. to make the covers.
With Shifter Under Cover , I wanted to go a different direction.  I found an image of a couple, but for various reasons, I decided not to use it.  So, I wound up designing the current cover myself.  I think it represents the danger and location well, and I love it!

Do you outline your work before you write?
No!  With my second book, Healing A Shifter, I did make an outline (or tried to).  I found that I just can't stick to it.  I write by the seat of my pants and go where the story takes me.

How do you like spending your leisure hours?
Reading, tv, social media, some cooking, swimming, traveling.

Which genre is far more appealing to you as a reader?
Paranormal is the first thing I look for, then cowboys. J

What inspires you to write? Is there any level of similarity with the events or characters in your book and real life?
I am visual, so I find pics to represent my characters, and I will watch quick interviews online or movies/shows.
No, the events or characters are made up - though I do tend to make stubborn and sarcastic females (which somewhat resemble me).

Which is your current read?
For my book blog (Romance Readers Book Blog), I am reading and reviewing The Sweet Taste Of Whiskey by Charlene M. Martin.  I will say it is something I would probably not have picked up on my own, but I am really enjoying it!  It never hurts to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!

What, in your opinion is the toughest part while carving your book?
I tend to struggle with the length the most.  I know where the story goes, and try to pace it appropriately, and sometimes wish I was as long-winded as some other authors.  My stories wind up novella length (35k-45k words). 

Share a word of advice with our readers and authors, if any?
Authors:  find a critique partner.  One that will tell it to you honestly without hurt feelings.  I have the MOST awesome one (You can't have her! Lol), that edits, and comments, and tells her favorite parts, and says when she hates certain parts. You NEED honesty, because readers/reviewers are going to sometimes be brutal!
Readers:  I, and other authors, BEG of you to leave reviews!  It is the most important way that a story gets noticed.  It does not have to be an essay, and certainly don't spoil the plot points - just honesty.

Share one of your favorites from your music band collection, if any?
I honestly don't listen to a lot of music now.  I can sing you almost every song from my childhood/teen years though.

If you’re a foodie, tell us about your favorite dish?
I could eat Mexican food any/all day!  Chinese, Italian…….okay, anything!

List any giveaways or surprises in near future?
I frequently run giveaways and rafflecopters on my Facebook page.  In fact, there is one associated with this blog tour!  Check it out!

Where can we find your books?
Currently, I am exclusively on Amazon.  I am slowly making headway for printed books as well.  Shifter Under Cover will be the first in print, and should be available during this blog tour!
The Mystical Box Set Babes anthologies are everywhere online!

We would love to reach out to you, please share your social media active platform.

Romance Readers Book Blog
https://twitter.com/RomanceRBB

Thank you so much for joining me here today. Good luck on all your future books. 

Where can we find your books?
Currently, I am exclusively on Amazon.  I am slowly making headway for printed books as well.  Shifter Under Cover will be the first in print, and should be available during this blog tour!
The Mystical Box Set Babes anthologies are everywhere online!

We would love to reach out to you, please share your social media active platform.

Romance Readers Book Blog




C.A. Tibbitts
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