13 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day One!

I always seem to be on the conducting side of interviews, so I thought to myself, why not let someone *waves to my Mommy* help me come up with a few interview questions and I’ll answer them. This way you all get to learn a bit more about me, my upcoming debut novel and of course have a chance to win a great prize.
Today is day one of the 13 Days of Christmas Giveaways! Though I feel my giveaway doesn’t quite compare to what’s going to come after me, it’s still fun to come up with a post and shop for a prize.
Writers, though often times use computers as our main source of writing, I’m sure still carry around paper and pen wherever we go. It’s this thought that led me to choose my giveaway! Remember this is an international contest so all is welcome to drop a comment and enter to win.
Read the interview and at the bottom I will share with you today’s giveaway!

Describe yourself in 5 words of less!
Quirky mother, wife and writer.
Describe Stiff Kiss in 5 words or less J
Darker reverse sleeping beauty with a twist! Ah crap, that was seven, that’s all I got!
If you were craving a doughnut (and its okay if you are) what kind would it be?
Well, I’m not going to lie, here in Canada Tim Hortons really has the doughnut market covered. Sadly, I think their coffee is gross (I drink it black) however, I do like me a Canadian Maple. It’s got a nice maple glaze on the top and super tasty pastry cream in the center.
You are forced to head to the North Pole to help Santa at his workshop. Due to its remote location you only have room for two books in your suitcase. What are you going to bring and why?
The North Pole *scoff* figures that would be where I’m going... Some people get to backpack through the Amazon, or head into space, or get abducted by aliens, but oh yes, why not send me—the Canadian—to a place that has even more snow, and even colder weather just for further punishment J
My two books... Princess Bride by William Goldman. I used to watch this movie over and over and over again. Then I used to read the book over and over and over again. I’ve just always been a super huge fan. Come on, what girl wouldn’t go all gooey inside when a hot guy answers your every question with “As you wish.”
And though I think it might hit the weight restrictions of Santa’s sleigh, I think I’d bring The Collected Works of William Shakespeare. This book has it all from star-crossed lovers, to kings and queens, sonata’s that take your breath away and then some. I’d never be bored, there’s something in that book for ever kind of mood.
If you could choose a television show to guest star on, what show would it be and why?
I’d have to go with Castle. I think it’s a great show. I love the characters—I don’t care how old Nathan Fillion is, he’s still ruggedly handsome no matter what! But I think because Castle is a writer, and well, I’m a writer, I could totally be some psychotic YA author who goes on a killing spree. Or hell, I’d even take a chance to be his super young author love interest *wink* He’s also Canadian, and more importantly Albertan! So it’s like we are soul-mates already—just kidding.
You are a stay at home mom, when do you find time to write?
That’s a good question! Sometimes I don’t know how I find the time to write, but I do. I’m not going to lie I have a very bad sleep schedule. I stay up really late at night getting writing done and then get up when my little walking, talking alarm clock tells me to get up. I also do carry pen and paper most everywhere. I’ve been known to sit in the McDonald’s play-land penning some great scenes while my son, Andre get’s in some play time.
Do you have any advice you could give to other aspiring writers?
Firstly, I have to reiterate what is said time and time again when I ask other authors this question; don’t give up! If you want to write, write every day.
Follow your heart and your gut. It is usually never wrong.

Wow, that was fun! I wish I could have shared more with you about Stiff Kiss, but since it’s still in the editing phase I’m forced to keep pretty tight lipped about it. But have no fear, when I get the go ahead, I’ll be sure to come back (to my own blog lol) and dish out the good stuff!
Now, as I was saying for my giveaway I thought on the practical side. I picked a few things that every writer needs whether they think they do or not.
1 super cool black faux gator Journal
1 package of my favourite stylish and useful erasable pens
And 1 cool book mark.
I also will be contributing all of the above, plus a super cute mouse shaped 4GB Flash drive (because one should always, always back up their work)
So, feel free to leave a comment! Show me and this contest some love and on Christmas day I’ll be announcing the winners!
Tomorrow, we have the talented Dan Wright, so don't miss him and his giveaway!

32 Response to "13 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day One!"

  1. JeffO Says:

    Very nice to learn a little something about you. I had my first Tim Horton's in August (I grew up well outside the Tim Horton's range, and I live just a hair outside of it now) - I thought the donut was decent, and the coffee was better than Dunkin' Donuts, but not great. Then again, I am a coffee snob, so it's hard to impress me.

  2. Steven W Says:

    Great interview Avery! I can't wait for your book to be released. For what it's worth, I think you'd make a great psychotic YA author :P

  3. Brenda Demko Says:

    Great interview! Your book sounds intriguing.

  4. April Plummer Says:

    Only 2 books in the North Pole! That place is so cold, all I'd want to bring with me were books so I could spend the whole time by a fire inside, reading! Haha - I've never read The Princess Bride, but my goodness how I loved that movie as a child! I can't wait for your book to come out either! And some good friends are from Canada and LOVE Tim Horton's, though I'm not a huge fan myself (I'm not big on sweets).

    PS - the prizes sound great!

  5. MB Partlow Says:

    I read the Princess Bride so many times that the movie was a disappointment to me. Apparently, I was in the minority there. :)

  6. Christine Ashworth Says:

    I think I'd cheat, and bring my Kindle. That way I could have all the books I needed! Great post, Avery!

  7. Avery Olive Says:

    Thanks guys for entering!

    Yes, I would in all honesty bring my kindle too lol

    And I watched the movies before I ever read the book of Princess Bride, so in turn I have a fondess for both! However if I had read the book first and then seen the movie I think I'd have been disappointed too!

  8. Unknown Says:

    Hi Avery!

    The Princess Bride is a favorite of mine as well! And Mr. Shakespeare, can't go wrong there... along I didn't appreciate him as much in high school as I do now... I'd also have to include To Kill A Mockingbird, absolute favorite!!

    Thanks for a great contest!

    Dottie :)

  9. Erin Says:

    I can't wait to read A Stiff Kiss!! Thanks for the fun interview and great prizes!

  10. Lindsay K Says:

    Hello Avery. I made it. I figured out how to Join your blog and all. I am very new to this sort of stuff but I do enjoy reading. And I look forward to all that is to come. I as well am excited to read your book when it comes out. This is going to be a great contest!!

  11. tammy ramey Says:

    thank you for the chance at such a great giveaway. i am writing my first book and i still use pens and paper too. i love the little mouse, he is adorable.
    thanks again and i hope you and your family have a Happy Holiday Season.

    trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com

  12. Michelle Stockard Miller Says:

    Oooh, I love the idea of Sleeping Beauty with a twist. It's one of my favorite fairy tales. =O)

    Awesome prizes! Thanks for the chance!

    truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom

  13. Just Another Face Says:

    I can't wait to read your book! I loved The Princess Bride. It was one of the first movies I watched with my husband and he made a habit of telling me "As You Wish". Shakespeare, is one of my favorites too! The first Christmas gifts I got once I graduated his complete works. Thank you for the interview, very insightful!

  14. Lena M. Says:

    I love this: "Follow your heart and your gut", such a good advice for new authors. It is simple, but writing should really be like that!
    Thanks for the giveaway, it is so kind of you!

    Lena
    re(dot)komunikace(at)gmail(dot)com

  15. throuthehaze Says:

    Great interview! A Canadian Maple doughnut sounds sooo good. I wish I had one right now :)
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

  16. Jennifer Mathis Says:

    hey if santa can fit all those toys in the sled he better be packing a library for the return trip lol

    meandi09@yahoo.com

  17. Anne Says:

    I'm with you about Nathan Fillion!

    acm05atjuno.com

  18. Joni Says:

    Great interview. I agree with you about Tim Horton's. Please enter me in your generous giveaway.

    o2oole(at)verizon(dot)net

  19. Angela Drake Says:

    Okay, think I posted on the Day One -eve. LOL

    Still here. Still think mom did a great interview. Love the prize option and looking forward to the remaining 12 days. Christmas Blessings ~ Angela

  20. Carol Haller Says:

    Cheers to you for having such a great idea and spreading Christmas joy.
    Great interview, however, I do NOT like Maple!

  21. Michelle Brack Says:

    Sleeping beauty was my favorite! This might be a must read!:-)

  22. miki Says:

    thanks you for this international giveaway

    i loved your post ^^

    isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com

  23. Unknown Says:

    This is my contest love!!!!
    <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

  24. Dan Wright Says:

    Just to second what everyone else is saying, thank you for such a great contest. I always like reading authors inspirations for their works and how they came to write their novels. I'll be interested to see the interviews from other authors as well!

  25. Anonymous Says:

    nice contest

  26. Aik Says:

    If it's me in the North Pole, I'd bring How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm: And Other Adventures in Parenting!

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

  27. Krista Says:

    Cool interview and awesome prizes.. I'm totally loving the mouse shaped flash drive, that's just TOO cool!! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
    Krista405@gmail.com

  28. ArtemisG Says:

    Very beautiful interview! Castle, I love that show.
    Thank you for the great giveaway!

    artgiote at gmail dot com

  29. Tara Says:

    i love those pens! they are so amazing!!! did you know you can use them for marking fabric?? cuz they remove with heat, you just iron them away!!! so amazing!!!
    taterbeans85@gmail.com
    Tara

  30. Bleuette Says:

    Thanks so much for the giveaway! :)

    tirachii(at)yahoo(dot)com

  31. SJune Says:

    Loved learning a little about you. I LOVE those pens!! Our district specialist has given us those a couple time and they are AWESOME!

    Sarah
    sjune2721(@)gmail(.)com

  32. Linda Henderson Says:

    i always enjoy learning about authors because I think writing is fascinating. I have no idea how anyone takes an idea and spins it into hundreds of pages. As you can tell, I'm just a reader. I totally agree about Castle, I love that show. As soon as they were available to buy I purchased the seasons on dvd from Amazon so I can watch them whenever I want. Well except season 3, I don't have it yet because the price has been kind of high. I hope you have a joyous and safe holiday season.

    seriousreader at live dot com