Protector by Vanna Smythe Review, Interview, & Giveaway

Title: Protector
Author: Vanna Smythe
Series: Anniversary of the Veil ( Book 1)
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 2012
Edition: Kindle
Source: Author in return for honest review and part of book blog tour.
Genre:

Rating:



Goodreads Synopsis

Kiyarran just wanted to become a Protector of the Realm, a member of an elite order of fighters. Strange and powerful magical abilities awaken inside him once his wish comes true. The Priesthood that secretly controls the realm see his skill as a threat, and Kiyarran begins to learn that little about life as a Protector is what he thought it would be. To top it off, Kiyarran is falling in love with Princess Issiyanna, his friend of many years.
Issiyanna faces and arranged marriage, but she has been dreaming of another man, her one true love. Now her long gone mother is calling to her, promising she will return and take Issiyanna to meet the man from her dreams.
The world is split in half by a barrier called the Veil. A terrible sacrifice was made to put it in place and now, as the 1000th Anniversary of the Veil draws near, a second sacrifice is called for to keep it in place.
Both Kiyarran and Issiyanna are needed for the Anniversary. Even though they only just learned of the Veil and neither know the role they must play …
 

 
 
MY Thoughts
Our journey in this story his with Princess Issiyanna and her Warrior and Protector Kiyarran (Kae). They both have a destiny that they are unsure about.  When learning about the veil and knowing that they must protect it. Things take a turn and you are in for the journey of your life. I will admit at first I had trouble getting in to the story but by the time I was finished I really enjoyed it. The world building was fantastic and I think the secondary characters gave just as much to this story as our main characters. The love that builds between Issy and Kae is beautiful and well written.
 
Interview

I would like to thank you for allowing me to be apart of your blog tour.

Thank you for having me, Anna.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sure thing, ask away.

1. How was Protector born so to speak?

About four years ago I did some research into the phenomenon of so-called twin souls, or twin flames. The idea is that everyone has a spiritual soul mate, and that when two such twin souls find each other, energy is released to make the world better in some way. I was so fascinated with this idea that I wanted to write a book about it, and that is how Protector came to be. However, the book is much more than just a love story. Though the notion of love energy being used for various ends plays a prominent part in the story.

2. Is there anything in your book based on real life or is all of it purely imagination?

All my characters have a little bit of me in them, as are the main themes of the story ones that are also near and dear to me. Or ones that I struggle with, or have struggled with. Unrequited love, responsibility and diligence vs. following your heart, doing the right thing even when it is not easy, are all things that play a large part in the story, as well as things that I have had to deal with in my life.

3. Do you have any rituals or writing quirks?

I have a thing for pens. I can only write with black ink and my favorite pen is the Pilot ballpoint pen in Fine. Not the gel one, it smudges.

4. Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you'd love to work with?

I’d originally planned to only write two books in the Anniversary of the Veil series, but my main character Kiyarran has grown on me so much that I just might have to continue his story later on.

5. What do you think the pros and cons of traditional publishing to self publishing?

I decided to self-publish without first trying to get published traditionally. I think that this is a great time for indie publishers and I love the freedom it gives me. Plus, I was just not willing to wait for years before seeing my book in print. I’ve already spent two years writing it, and wasn’t about to wait two more to see it published.

6. Is there a certain time or place you find writing easier?

I need to do all my work, and all my chores for the day before I can sit down and write. This is why I generally write in the evenings, sometimes long into the night. I just need the peace and quiet of knowing that there is nothing else I must do.

7. Do you write with an outline or just write?

I will make a general outline, listing points I want to hit, but on the whole I tend to just write. I’m pretty good at outlining as I write, so veering off track in my story is not much of a problem for me.

8. Did you have a playlist while writing Protector as many authors do?

Music is a huge part of my life, but I find I lose concentration, if I listen to music while I write. I will listen to songs to relax and explore the feelings and emotions that I later give to my characters, though. I also like to imagine that the flow, or pace of my stories and novels follows a rhythm, much the same as a song has a rhythm. It’s a very intangible aspect of writing, but I do think it makes the story flow better.

9. Can you give us a glimpse into a typical day in your day starting with when you wake up until you lie down again?

I work from home as a freelance journalist and copywriter. So after breakfast and coffee I sit down at my computer and first complete my work tasks for the day. This takes me until about 2PM, depending on my workload. Quite a bit of this time also goes into surfing the web and tweeting. Only after I do all that, will I sit down to write. When I’m writing in earnest, I set daily goals. I find these really help me get done what I want to get done. Of course I have to fit family time in, and the mandatory 2 hour phone conversation with my BFF. Hey, we have to keep in touch.
Since publishing Protector about a month ago I have been in promo mode. This includes tweeting like mad, engaging in conversations on Twitter and Facebook, and checking and rechecking my sales and rankings page. I’m trying to wean myself off the latter, since it really does not fall into the category of “being productive”.

10. Have you ever written a character who resembles your personality or the personality of someone close to you?

Honestly, all of my characters have a little bit of me in them. In Protector, it is Protector Kiyarran who is most like me, though Issiyanna and the rest of them also originated as a part of me. My friends and family are also represented, though none could actually say that any one of the characters is them exactly. I think most writers base their characters on themselves, since we are, after all the only person we will ever know wholly and completely. If we want to be honest about it.

JUST FOR FUN

PC or MAC?

Mac, definitely Mac.

Night Owl or Early Bird?

I tend to alternate. Sometime I will stay up until 5AM and sleep until noon, and other times I am up at 5AM and crash by nine. I just need variety to keep me sharp.

Beach or Mountains?

I love both, but I’m going to say beach. There’s just something so timeless about waves licking the shore.

Give or Receive?

Give.

Favorite Beverage?

Coffee, followed closely by Coke Zero.

Favorite Snack?

Cookies. Anything with chocolate.

Pet Peeves?

Can’t think of anything off-hand. I’m a pretty tolerant person.

 

Places to find Vanna

Her Website

Facebook

Google +

Twitter

Bloglovin

Places to find Protector

Amazon

 

 

 

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