Spunky N Sassy: Valentine Countdown Blitz Day Twelve

Angela Carling was raised in Palm Springs California, but lives Arizona with her husband, three kids and five felines. She loves reading and writing for the young adult genre and has published Unbreakable Love, Shackled, Becoming Bryn and the first three books of the Secret Keeper series. In 2012 Shackled won the silver IPGA award and has since been optioned as a screenplay. She always eats the frosting off her cake and leaves the rest, and can be caught singing in public bathrooms. When she’s not creating stories, she’s mentoring teen writers, making pizza with her family or dreaming of taking a nap, not necessarily in that order.

Connect with the Author here:

~ Website ~ Twitter ~
~ Blog ~ Goodreads ~ Youtube ~

For months, Jesse has been envious of her twin sister Bryn and even has a crush on Bryn’s gorgeous, popular boyfriend, Quinton. When Jesse awakens from a coma to learn that everyone thinks she IS Bryn, the option of actually taking over her sister’s life is beyond tempting, but there’s a downside. She’d have to give up her relationship with Ethan, her best friend and the only person she trusts. Could she actually live s Bryn for the rest of her life? And if her family and friends found out, would they ever forgive her?

~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~

~ Smashwords ~ iBooks ~

Q & A with the Author:

Tell us about things you enjoy — what you do for fun or personal satisfaction besides writing?

I’m really lucky, my hubby and kids and I love being together. When I’m not writing, I’m most often hanging out with them, watching a movie or going on a night walk. When I want some alone time (as most of us introverts do) I wander the garden centers at Home Depot and Lowes looking for new plants to put in my garden.

When did you first realize you were an author?

I told myself stories to fall asleep and by high school, I’d accepted my authorly fate when I looked around my bedroom and saw hundreds of poems and stories that I’d written on pinned up butcher paper. Also, I make up words like authorly and feel completely fine with it.

Have you done anything writing-related, but besides actually writing your books, that seemed to get a lot of positive response? Something that encouraged you?

I’ve had a remarkable experience mentoring teen writers. I take on about ten teenage aspiring writers at a time and work with them monthly. Anna Carling, who has been part of my group for three years, actually helped me co-write my latest book in the Secret Keeper series. It is called Belakane, the Origin of the Secret Keeper series and she was so excited to see her name in print for the first time. She deserved it. She’s a very talented girl and I’m proud of our work!

What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it?

Like most people, I’m not good at balance. Writing is very immersive and marketing what you’ve written super time intensive. Somewhere in there, I’m raising a family and remodeling a large house. My solution, realize that you can’t do everything at the same time. For example, I’m taking the next couple of months off from marketing and going into my writing cave to finish the third book in The Secret Keeper series. After all, the story of Winter, Liam, and the enchantress Belakane must be told. Now!

What is the “message” of your writing? (For example, is your purpose to encourage old-fashioned values, encourage romance, or do you have different purposes in different books?)

My books really do vary. Shackled was written specifically to address and warn teen girls about the signs of relationship abuse but is tucked in a gripping story that won the book a national award and got it optioned as a screenplay. Unbreakable Love is hopeful and sweet while The Secret Keeper series is all about regret and the crazy unforeseen consequences that come from our choices with a paranormal aspect thrown in. As a person, I strongly believe each person can make the world a better place or be their best version of themselves. I do think that theme comes through in my writing, especially in Becoming Bryn. The main character Jesse faces her demons in a very unique way and comes out the other side with a very different perspective. Plus, my favorite kiss scene happens in Becoming Bryn. Who knew melting ice cream could bring on such a hot kiss.

What are your thoughts/feelings on ebook vs. print book?

I’m a hybrid girl. I’ve been known to drop my book in the tub while soaking, so you know, bringing the kindle in the bathroom probably wouldn’t be a good ideaJ

How many books do you have out? Are you planning a specific number altogether, either in this series or separately?

In October, Belakane, The Origin of the Secret Keeper Curse, my sixth published book was placed on my bookshelf. My writing goals have no end, for now. I’ve just begun a new sweet romance series with three best friends and each girl gets their own book. The first book is called Five Days, Five Kisses and is so fun! The Secret Keeper series(which does have an amazing romance in it) has one more book coming and then I’m calling it good. Also, Shackled, the book I mention earlier, will have a sequel. I wasn’t planning on it, but am so excited to tell the other half of the story so if you pick that one up, more is on its way!

Are your characters/stories/scenes, etc. based on anything in real life?

I think it is impossible to keep yourself out of your characters completely. That being said, Becoming Bryn was actually inspired by a true story of two college aged students that were in a series accident and their identities were switch for months. After reading the story, I started thinking, what if the girls were twins? How would that change the outcome and experiences each would have? The bittersweet story of Jesse and Bryn was born and honestly, it’s is one of my favorite books. Also, Ryan, one of the main characters in Shackled is based on my intolerable cousin, but my lips are sealed as to which one!

What are your future projects?

So I can’t keep a secret, so I’ve already mentioned them but here they are againJ

Five Days, Five Kisses –an awkward story of friendship, love and getting dumped over a microphone at high school graduation.

Under The Broken Sky- the final book in the paranormal Secret Keeper series. Finally Winter will face the creator of the terrifying curse that has changed her life forever.

And finally, Released, the companion book to Shackled. It’s Ryan’s turn to have his story told and in the lowest of places, he’ll have a chance to rise to greatness.