Regan Hastings, author of the awesome Visions of Magic,is here today to talk about her true identity, writing, and of course, magic! Please welcome her to the blog!
*Also up for grabs are 3 copies of Visions of Magic for 3 lucky winners! Please read the giveaway rules and details carefully at the bottom of this post!
My Bookish Ways: Well, the secret is out! You’ve written more than one hundred romance novels under the name Maureen Child (and 3 other pseudonyms) and are a USA Today Bestselling author, not to mention a six time nominee of the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America! What made you decide to start a new urban fantasy series under a different name?
Regan Hastings: The idea for The Awakening series was big and different – a coven of witches who called evil upon the world must live without magic and without memories for 800 years. Now, in present day, their powers begin to awaken in a world where witches are hunted and killed. My publisher and I wanted to make a splash, and we decided that publishing the series under a different name made sense. We launched VISIONS OF MAGIC with a “Who Is Regan Hastings?” contest and got a lot of great buzz going. (That rockin’ cover helped, too.)Can you tell us a bit about Visions of Magic?
Love to! Shea Jameson is a schoolteacher who wants nothing more than to live a quiet, normal life. Ever since her aunt was burned at the stake ten years ago, Shea has been watched by the Federal Bureau of Witchcraft for any sign of magic. When Shea’s powers awaken – very publicly and horrifically – she’s saved from an angry, terrified mob by a man who claims that, like it or not, he is her Eternal mate. On the run, Shea tries desperately to gain control of her newfound powers. If she doesn’t, the evil that she and her sister-witches called upon the world 800 years ago might just win, after all.You can read the first chapter of VISIONS OF MAGIC for free on my website, www.reganhastings.com.
Did you always want to be a writer? Did you find writing, or did writing find you?
I was a stay-at-home mom, and I started writing to save my sanity. I loved my kids, but my God, I needed an escape. Since I couldn’t escape in reality, I did so by writing and discovered I truly loved it. I always loved writing in school and as a hobby, but I don’t think I ever acknowledged it as a possible career path until those days when my kids were driving me nuts.
What the most stressful thing, for you, about being a fulltime writer?
The uncertainty that comes with each new book. Every time I come up with a new idea, I put a lot of heart into it and then present it to my editor. Not all my ideas are accepted. And then, with those that do make it to publication, there’s the uncertainty about whether they’ll find an audience. Will readers love the story and the characters as much as I do?
What were some of your favorite authors or novels growing up? Which ones would you say influenced you the most?
I always loved books with a hint of magic in them, like the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books. Does everyone remember those, or were they just a California thing? And of course, there was a hint of magic in almost every fairy tale… which is how I got turned onto romance, too. Is there anything more romantic than being woken from a 100-year slumber by a kiss?When I got older, I turned to romance novels for that romantic fix. Then I found Barbara Michaels’ ghost stories and loved them. Plus, only romance publishers could keep up with my voracious reading habit. Every month, a new round of stories to give me that satisfying “ahhhh!”
You are a writing machine! When you’re not writing, what do you like to do for fun?
Reading, of course. I will never get enough of stories. That “desert island” question that asks what one book you would want to be stranded with always gives me hives because I can’t imagine having to re-read the same story over and over again for the rest of my life. I want to be surprised and moved. I do enjoy rereading books, but one book forever? Torture!I also crochet for fun. I find it very relaxing.And I love to travel! Again, I think it has to do with my hunger for new experiences. I have itchy feet. My favorite places to visit, so far, are Ireland and Scotland. Love everything about them.
Any advice you would give to struggling writers that are trying to get noticed?
Keep writing. By that, I mean after you’ve finished a book and are shopping it around to editors, start working on the next one. Unless you’re Harper Lee, one book is not going to make a career anyway, so whether or not your book is published, you should be working on the next one. With each book, you will learn more, and you will become a better writer.
Is there any news you can share with us about upcoming books or projects? When can we expect another Shea Jameson adventure?
Each book in The Awakening series will feature a different witch from the cursed coven. Next up is VISIONS OF SKYFIRE, which will be released in October. The heroine is Teresa Santiago, who among other things, has the power to call down lightning. You gotta love that.I hope everyone will Like me on Facebook – When I hit 600 likes, I’m giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a book!
**GIVEAWAY RULES AND DETAILS**
Please read carefully!
*Giveaway is for 3 copies of Visions of Magic by Regan Hastings to 3 winners!
*Giveaway is for 3 copies of Visions of Magic by Regan Hastings to 3 winners!
* Please leave a comment on this post with your email address
*If you’d like to share this post via Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc, you may do so for ONE extra entry. Please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT with the direct link to your post/tweet/etc.
* Contest is open to US and Canadian residents only.
* Contest closes at 11:59 PM CST on Monday, April 18th.
* Winners will be chosen by Random.org. Winners will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to claim their prizes. If I don’t hear from the winner during that time, another winner will be selected.
*Must be at least 18 yrs old to enter
*Giveaway books kindly provided by Penguin
americangirlie1991 AT yahoo DOT com
thanks!!! =]
This one has been on my TBR List for a while 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
thatbookishgirl@gmail.com
I'm in! Sounds good. Thanks for the giveaway.
annettesspot@gmail.com
Thank you so much for hosting me here today, Kristin! That was a fun Q&A. And wow, do I love how the cover of VISIONS OF MAGIC looks on your blog! I looooove that cover!
One quick correction to my Facebook contest: I gave away the Federal Bureau of Witchcraft jacket when I hit 500 likes on my Facebook page. When I hit 600 likes – which should be any minute now – I'll give away a $20 Amazon gift card, and a book. I hope you'll come like me!
http://www.facebook.com/reganhastings
Thank you for stopping by, Lindsay!
Sarah, I *love* being on your TBR list! I hope VISIONS OF MAGIC rocks your world.
Hi, Annette! Great attitude. "I'm in!" is always the right answer. Grab hold of life and don't let go.
I would love to be entered!
Jen
Lratrandom@gmail.com
http://lratrandom.blogspot.com/
would love a hard copy of this book!
jdjgould612@yahoo.com
I have been looking at this cover for days!!! I love it….TBR/bought list is GROWLING at me now because I'm adding another author/book. Wooohoooo!!!! I mean really…WTH? It's only 10 pages long….right? ha ha ha
blazesandbubbles AT gmail DOT com
readingwithbakingoddess.blogspot.com
Thanks for the giveaway. Always looking for a new series!
Candice
candicerjames (at) gmail (dot) com
I tweeted about this contest! It's an awesome blog page — everybody should see it & read about this book!!!
https://twitter.com/#!/Bakin_Goddess/status/57479832153505793
blazesandbubbles AT gmail DOT com
readingwithbakingoddess.blogspot.com
Visions of Magic sounds like an interesting story and an exciting read. I look forward to learning more about Shea's mysterious Eternal Mate. Thank you for this great giveaway.
I'm a fan of Regan's on FB.
rjofus AT gmail DOT com
Sounds super awesome! Great interview by the way. Regan Hastings, you sound super awesome, i'll be adding your book to my TBR list!
venturinhawendy(at)gmail(dot)com
-Mocha from A Cupcake and A Latte.
I can't wait to read this book! I have enjoyed interacting on your FB page! phantzy554 @ gmail dot come.
i like the new name and love the sound of the book~seems going to be very insteresting
i already LIKE your fb page and been stalking 🙂
Really looking forward to reading this book. I keep hearing such good things about it and it's been on my wishlist for sometime now.
iqb99@yahoo.com
I love it when one of my favorite authors starts a new series. And this one is about witches…another favorite subject of mine. Congrats on the new series and on hitting 600 on FB. Crossing my fingers in hopes of winning one of these copies.
e-mail- smurfette525(at)gmail(dot)com
I haven't read your work yet Regan, I was just turned on to your website. I'm hoping to get busy reading them all soon! lol Have a wonderful day and love the blog!
Amber (dreamwalker1@charter.net)
P.S
I also run a facebook page for an independently owned book store here in Michigan. The owner is Darlene Krogol and she just recently won at the RT Convention last week for book seller of the year! If you have a chance come check out our page, she's a wonderful lady.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Another-Look-Books/144946095379
Can't wait to read this book. BTW I wubbs ya:))
amymelendez51@yahoo.com
I've been wanting to read this book!! Please enter me 🙂
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
+1 spread here
http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/115353-interview-and-giveaway-with-regan-hastings
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
This looks like a great paranormal!
rickimc[at]aol[dot]com
I love stories of magic. And I *love the idea of Eternal mates 😉
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/sharon.stogner
posted to my FB page!
Something that I love about this series is that watch book will focus on one witch. The story of Visions sounds amazing. The interview was awesome I cannot wait to check it out.
terilhack at yahoo dot com
Oops forgot to add my e-mail!
moon_princess111@msn.com
Would love to read this! Regan is a new author for me, but I do love books about magic and witches, so I'm sure I'd like her stories.
angeldream3[at]gmail[dot]com
HI! I love everything I have read that you have written. My first real romance was one of your Desire Bachlor Battalion books. You are also one of the writers who has inspired me to try my hand at writing. I can't wait to read this book!
Have a wonderful day!
alinaduffer AT hotmail.com
Hi, Jen! Thanks for stopping by! Good luck in the contest. 🙂
jdjgould612, Good luck! When you say you'd love to have a hard copy, does that mean you already have the ebook? I hope you loved VISIONS OF MAGIC!
Bakin_Goddess, I want to be your friend. I love people who bake… not self-serving at all, is it?! Cookies, pastries, pies… bring them on!
Thanks for your comment, Candice. I hope you enjoy VISIONS OF MAGIC and the other books in the Awakening series.
thanks for the giveaway…i really ejoy your book. reading them takes me to another place.awesome interview as well.
babydoll82959307@aol.om
Great interview. Your book sounds wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.
Crystal816[at}hotmail[dot}com
Hi, Chris! Thanks for being my fan on Facebook! Later today, I'll give away the $20 Amazon gift card and a free book… and I'll announce a bigger contest that's coming. 😀
Thank you, Mocha Latte! I appreciate you adding VISIONS OF MAGIC to your TBR list. 😉
Thank you, Angie! Yes, we have a lot of fun on my Facebook page, don't we? Did you vote in the man-off yesterday? The sexy cowboy was the clear winner, but all the men were yummy.
Blackroze, you can stalk me any time! 😀
Thank you, Danielle. I hope you love it! VISIONS OF MAGIC is the first book in the Awakening series, and it sets up the books to come. It's a dark and dangerous, magical world. So much fun to write!
Hi, Kimberly! Aw, thank you for describing me as one of your favorite authors. That means so much. Enjoy!
Great interview. This one sounds interesting. Thanks for the chance at this one.
dreamingofwdw@shaw.ca
Amber, woo hoo!!!! Tell Darlene congratulations from me. Bookseller of the year is fantastic! Thanks for posting her page, too. 🙂
LOL! Thanks, Amy. I wubb being wubbed.
Hi, Vivien! Thanks for stopping by and for helping to spread the word about my visit. 🙂 Good luck in the contest. Hope you love VISIONS OF MAGIC.
Thank you, Ricki! I love writing paranormal, a world where I create all the rules. It's exciting!
I'd love the chance to read this!
mk261274 at gmail dot com
Sharon, thanks! Torin is definitely the kind of man I wouldn't mind spending eternity with. Sigh!
Thank you, Teril! <3
Amy…. oooh, a new-to-me reader. Love it! I hope you'll check out VISIONS OF MAGIC. You can read the first chapter for free at http://www.reganhastings.com. Lots of witchy fun!
Alina, THANK YOU! That's so sweet. I owe a lot to the writers who have inspired me over the years, and it means the world to know that I've inspired you.
Thank you for stopping by, Linds!
Thank you, Crystal! I hope you enjoy diving into VISIONS OF MAGIC.
Tracy, thank you for stopping by. Good luck in the contest!
I could use some Magic in my life, lol.
space-aged at live dot com
I love the cover of Visions of Magic, it's fantastic. I enjoyed the interview and I'm looking forward to reading The Awakening series.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
I tried to figure out "who" Regas was but I was way off! Thanks for the chance to win! Totally sounds like "my" kind of series!
mleger0546 AT rogers (dot) com
Also, shared on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/YzhaBellas.BookShelf/posts/208240555872165
mleger0546 AT rogers DOT com
thanks for the giveaway!
katie_tp(at)yahoo(dot)com
great giveaway…loved you man off the other day…sigh
ktalley28@gmail.com
Read your review of this one and I think it's a PNR I would like, please enter me!
willowwind@gmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thegirlonfire27
thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
Spread here http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/115402-http-www-mybookishways-com-2011-04-interview-and-giveaway-with-regan-h
thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
Loving the cover.
frellathon(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/frellathon/status/57720044611837952
frellathon(at)gmail(Dot)com
space-aged, ah yes, we could all use some magic in our lives! For example, I would like the power to magically convince the IRS that they've received my tax paperwork. And payment, for that matter. 😉
Barbara, Isn't it a wonderful cover? I truly owe the cover artist a debt of gratitude. This cover is so attention grabbing. I adore it! Plus, I have mad envy of the heroine's body.
YzhaBella, oh, the guesses about my true identity were hysterical! There were some people who guessed ten times before they figured me out. My favorite guess had to be Nora Roberts/JD Robb.
Thank you for stopping by, Katie! Good luck in the contest! 🙂
Keisha, wasn't that FUN?!!! I was surprised, though. I thought the voting would be closer. In each case, I thought the men were smokin' hot, so I was surprised that the vote was almost unanimous every time.
We'll do it again, I promise! That was too much fun!
Vampires and Tofu, good luck!
TheGirlonFire and Jessica, thank you so much for spreading the word about my visit! <3
Please enter me.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Can't wait to read this! Thanks for the giveaway!
whitewolfreads AT gmail DOT com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/whitewolfreads/status/57807870808440832
whitewolfreads AT gmail DOT com
I am a follower. Tore923@aol.com
Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
Thanks! I'm so excited to read this book!
faefever25 at hotmail dot com
Great giveaway! I would love to win a copy.
marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/marieimy/status/57969573600821248
marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com
Great interview. This was a good read. I am so jealous of all you get finished. I can barely get through a chapter of the one I am working on LOL! I could only pray for a Harper Lee moment myself. I honestly think you have six other hands hiding somewhere because it just seems impossible LOL! Nonetheless, thank you guys for this amazing interview and giveaway again.
Email:
drharleyquinn87 (at) gmail (dot) com
Extra entry:
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/harleyquinn0887/status/57998930629246976
Blog:
http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/
(on the right hand sidebar)
Email:
drharleyquinn87 (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
aliciacald(at)gmail(dot)com
I also tweeted about the contest here http://twitter.com/#!/aliciacald/status/58211495460343808
aliciacald(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like another great one for my TBR pile!
gildardc10@hotmail.com
Sounds really good. Thanks for the chance!
bacchus76 at myself dot com
tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/58354640672145408
bacchus76 at myself dot ocm
This looks like a good read. I really like the cover. Thanks for the giveaway.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tweeted. http://twitter.com/#!/mbreakfield/status/58711065965498368
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a great read cant wait to get my hands on a copy .
flanagan@mebtel.net
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/lilblupixie
flanagan@mebtel.net
Thanks for the BOSS giveaway
Sounds like a great read cant wait to get my hands on a copy!
lexus_delorme@hotmail.com
Thanks for the great giveaway!
katklaw777 at yahoo dot com
tweeted…
http://twitter.com/#!/katklaw777/status/59884900056182785
Thanks!
butterflyboo123(at)hotmail(dot)com