Author Interview: Laura Kreitzer on FORSAKEN HARBOR

Here I have Laura Kreitzerauthor of PHANTOM UNIVERSE! Here are some questions that I asked about her new novel FORSAKEN HARBOR!

1. Why did you decide to make the prologue in Julian's point of view?

Julian ended [i] Phantom Universe [/i], so I felt it was necessary for him to start Forsaken Harbor. Also, his story will unfold in this second book, and you’ll see many chapters in his point of view. He becomes a new person in Summer’s life, and her reactions to his introduction show her growth from the silent girl on the Cosmos to who she is now.

2. If you could describe Gage in one word what would it be? Summer? Why?

Gage: integrity, because he is honest and has valor when it comes to Summer and those he cares for. He tries to do what’s right even when others criticize him for it.

Summer: courageous, because in the face of all that she’s been through, she’s come out stronger and overcome many of the issues she’s faced with her PTSD.

3. Why did you choose to add the "Recording"? Is this super important to the book that your readers should keep it in the back of their mind while they're reading?

I added the recordings because they are vital and important to the novel. Readers will find out their meaning and significance at the end. They’ll have to read to find out.

4. Who would you say is the organization, the Society? A group of evil scientists trying to take over, or something more?

The Secret Clock Society is a group of scientists who have been creating and experimenting on projects for years, all in the hopes of one day traveling time and creating their own world sans government influence and interference. The Society doesn’t want to take over, exactly, they want Summer to travel forward in time to steal technology of the future, then send them back in the past to start their own civilization with their other creations. Would I call them mad scientists? Yes.

5. What made you decide to set a book in this futuristic world?

To be honest, I wanted a time traveler (Summer), but I didn’t want to do the research into historical aspects of earlier time periods. Actually, I enjoy creating my own worlds like the one with the Canadian Federation, including the technology of the future.

Thanks for having me on your blog!

Laura Kreitzer
http://laurakreitzer.com
---
This book was so amazing. I can't wait to read more by Laura Kreitzer! I'm glad I was included in this tour! :D
~M.A.Chase♥

Laura Kreitzer Guest Post: Human Trafficking

Hello Literary-Folk!

My name is Laura Kreitzer, and I’m the author of the Timeless Series and the Summer Chronicles. This week I would like to alert everyone on a colossal crisis that’s gone unnoticed in the world: human trafficking. That’s why I’ve asked hundreds of blogs to be involved with spreading the word on this issue that’s become close to my heart.

As an author, and someone whose life is put in the spotlight, I keep most people at a distance. Only a handful of my friends know the whole me and the events from my past. But this week I’d like to share with you a part of myself that the outside world doesn’t see (and a part of me I don’t like to share). I was emotionally abused for five years by someone I thought loved me, my mind beaten into submission. Though the turmoil I went through doesn’t penetrate as deep as someone forced into slavery on the worldwide market for human trafficking, I can sadly relate in some ways: imprisoned, my life dictated down to what I wore, ate, where I went, whom I spoke to, where I worked, when I slept, bending to his every whim. He did not sway, even when I cried through some of the more traumatic things he had me do. I was a slave in my own home. In my desperation for freedom, I held out a gun and asked him to just end my suffering. I was desperate.

I can’t even imagine how many women (and men) in the world are in a similar situation. What’s even worse, I had it mild compared to the children that are sold for labor or sex. Surprisingly, the good ol’ U.S.A. is reported to be the host to two million slaves. Did you know this? Because I certainly did not; not until I was preparing to write my newest novel: Phantom Universe. The main character, Summer Waverly, was stolen as a child and sold as a slave to the captain of a modern-day pirate ship. From a loved child who only knew “time-out” as punishment, to being whipped into silence was something I knew nothing about. So I researched deeply into human trafficking and the psychological effects of torture of various types that one would endure in these circumstances. I felt shaken at my findings and knew I had to tell Summer’s story. (Read a sneak peek here.)

A storm began to brew in my mind; transforming, morphing, twisting, and expanding into this massive, black cloud. I had to bring this tragic atrocity to the forefront. My own emotional experiences, mixed with the research I did on human trafficking, made me feel an intense connection with Summer, and to all women who’ve been through this kind of brutality. The cloud ruptured and rained all over my computer one day. It took one month to write Phantom Universe, the first in the Summer Chronicles. I was so consumed by the story that I wrote nearly nonstop, only breaking for necessary tasks like eating, showering, and occasionally—very occasionally—sleeping.

Though the book I’ve written would be classified as Science Fiction, or as I’d like to call it, Dystopian, the emotions and psychological aspects are not Science Fiction—they're real. Reviewers have said many amazing things about Summer, this character who is so real in my mind and who I cried along with as the words poured from my soul onto my screen.

“I admired Summer's strength and ability to adapt,” says CiCi’s Theories. “I felt tied to her emotions,” Jennifer Murgia, author or Angel Star admits. And Tahlia Newland, author of Lethal Inheritance, remarks, “Summer is strong and smart in mind [. . .]”

Through her overwhelmingly horrendous past, Summer goes on more than just a physical journey in Phantom Universe, she goes on a psychological one as well; growing beyond her mute state to persevere and survive in a new world beyond the whip she’s so frightened of.

Now that the release date is here, I’m excited and terrified to share this story with everyone. I’m emotionally tied in every way to the words I’ve written, because they’re more than words. More than just a story on a page. Beyond the fictional aspects, there’s a real issue that needs to be addressed: human trafficking must be stopped. We shouldn’t sit idly by while this continues to plague us. Our world’s children—our nation’s children—are being affected. It’s time we take action!

Earlier this month Phantom Universe hit Barnes and Noble’s top 100 Best Selling list. I’ve decided to donate 10% of my sales from Phantom Universe, until the end of February, to the DNA Foundation.

“DNA hopes to help abolish modern day slavery, deter perpetrators, and free the many innocent and exploited victims. We are committed to forcing sex slavery out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Freedom is a basic human right and slavery is one of the greatest threats to that freedom. No one has the right to enslave another person.”

—From DNA Foundation’s Website

I ask that you spread the word to everyone you know. Look around on the DNA Foundation website and find a way to get involved in ending human trafficking. Take action today. Everyone has a voice—you have a voice. Will you have the courage to use it?
___________________________________________________________________________

Thank you Laura for the encouraging and inspiring words that you've given us. Spreading awareness about human trafficking helps those two million people that are forced into slavery in the United States.

~M.A.Chase♥

Extension date for the Shadow of the Sun Giveaway

So, there is now an extension for the Shadow of the Sun giveaway!

I'm changing the date to March 1st because frankly I have VERY low entries. There is still so much room for you guys to enter.

http://www.tinyurl.com/SOTSgiveaway < That's the link to the giveaway post.

The form link is also on there!

Good luck and have fun!

~M.A.Chase♥

Phantom Universe

Title: Phantom Universe

Author: Laura Kreitzer

Release date: February 15, 2011
Rating: 5/5

Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing

Book Summary: (From Goodreads)

Sold into slavery to pirates at the young age of four, Summer learns to survive the rough seas of subterfuge and thieves through silence. When the boat she’s lived on most of her life is destroyed, Summer finds herself washed up on the shore of a new world, a phantom universe full of the bizarre and extraordinary. She meets Gage, the one boy who understands the girl with no speech. But when their lives are put on the line, will Summer finally call out? Or will all be lost in the fathomless depth of silence?

Review:
"I don't even know you and you've stolen a part of me. Why can't I treat you like the other Outlanders? Why does my heart insist I stay and fight for you?"
 
Ahh! Ahh! AHHHHHH!
 
Review done.
 
Not really *cough* Anyway, on with the real review.
 
Where do I start? The characters;
 
Summer; amazing. She's so strong and she has such a terrible back story making her even stronger. I give my props to her. After so long on a boat not speaking she's still able to keep her head on straight on her shoulders. I would have probably lost it and tried to escape, punishment out of my mind. I love her so much!! I would love to see more of her.
 
Gage; AHH! The ultimate YA lover! AHH! He's just so amazing. He's like Summer's little personal hot body guard that we all wish we had. ;P Like Summer, he's strong. Even though his past is never mentioned in the book (unless I missed it which I'm sure I didn't), I can tell that something is making him stronger. He's so adorable and the way I imagined him was like the hottest thing on the planet. (: I would LOVE to see more of him in next coming books.
 
Landon; he's so sweet and protective. While Summer was on the ship with the pirates he was always there protecting her which I thought was super cute (not as cute as Gage's awesomeness of course). XD
 
The book overall had a great plot and I wasn't expecting anything that happened. Originally, it was supposed to be my treat for when I write 2K or more. It was one or two chapters per 2K, but then that slowly escalated to five chapters per like hundred. It was so addicting I put down everything to find out what was going to happen to the characters.

There are so many twists and amazing parts (Gage is included in most of them). I love this book so much that words cannot explain how much I love it. AHH! I have been recommending this to like EVERYONE I know. I might even use it for a book talk in my English class because it's THAT amazing.

If you want to see why I'm so obsessed then READ IT. (:

~M.A.Chase♥

Stuff Concerning My Contest and My Birthday!

Ok, first, the contest.

I have some sneak extra entries to anyone who follows my twitter. (: They'll happen at random during the whole month of January from now, on.  (Hint: Following me/Laura Krietzer on twitter is one of the EXTRA ENTRIES in the form)

Anyway, things concerning my birthday.

My birthday is in 11 days! I'm so excited! I'm finally turning fifteen and I'm just jumping up and down. (Yes, fifteen is a big number for me.) I'll be doing all kinds of extra entry things on my blog, twitter and on my facebook page. (: Just make sure to keep tabs and you'll be alright. XD

Have a nice day everyone! Phantom Universe review soon!

~M.A.Chase♥

Bookish things(kind of)

I'm reading Laura Kreitzer's Phantom Universe and I'm LOVING it. I think she'll be one of the authors that I read all there books. (: Wait up for my review on it.

In other news, I've gotten over 77K in my WIP and I'm soooo happy! I'm 3K from 80K and after that 10K count down to 90K my big goal! If one day I come on here and the post is all jibberish and all you can understand is 90K then you know I've finally reached my goal! After that I'll finish my book freak out some more then start editing. (:

In other news, I have City of Bones by Cassandra Clare here. It's staring at me to read, but I need to finish Laura Kreitzer's Phantom Universe (which is addicting, btw) before I start any other books, though I will be forced to start reading it as it's the only book on my bookshelf that I haven't already read (though I need to finish Linger and Mockingjay, but THAT'S NOT THE POINT) and I need a book for English "Independant Reading".

I'm also thinking about starting to do some of my book review through video so I can literally TALK about the book and it's not a whole bunch of written words on a internet blog. (: I've never done a Vlog before in my life so I warn you I'm still getting the hang of talking to no one in particular in front of a camera (as I already do that anyway while I'm writing, but THAT IS ALSO NOT THE POINT).

I auditioned for a part in another play for drama and I'm freaking out about the part cause I don't know WHO got it. I hope I did, but I don't want to crush my friend's chances either. They've had experience since they did a last year, but I actually had the experience of performing in front of a live audience and performing in front of judges for competition (BTW we're going to STATE competition!) and stuff. It's not my fault if I get the part and she doesn't right?

On a lighter note, my contest is going swimmingly! If you haven't checked out the contest you should click here to see the post. It's a *signed* copy of Laura Kreitzer's Shadow of the Sun and the first in her Timeless series (which I reccommend you read). The contest ends February 1st, 2011 in which I will use Random.org to choose a winner.

If there happen to be any authors or publishers that took the time to actually read this rambling post (which is probably one to none) I want to hold a big promotional giveaway in late March, early April for a big blogiversary! It will be my one year anniversay and I want to make it as big as possible. (: If you are interested please e-mail me with the email I've provided int the Contact Me page.

That is all for my really random post. Hope you enjoyed. (:

~M.A.Chase♥

New Year Giveaway!

Since it's the New Year I thought I'd kick it off with a nice giveaway of one of the books that I enjoyed the most during 2010. Laura Kreitzer's Shadow of the Sun! Click here for my review of Shadow of the Sun. Start the New Year off with a great book!

Here are the rules for this giveaway:
1. It is open to US and Canada and UK! Sorry for anyone outside of that.
2. You must fill out THIS FORM to enter. I will not accept any entries in the comments.
3.Please leave a comment on this post. It could be of anything. It's just to let me know you've read all the way through.

Shadow of the Sun

Title: Shadow of the Sun

Author: Laura Kreitzer
Release date: January 2010
Rating: 5/5
Publisher: iUniverse/Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Book Summary: Review:

Gabriella's past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and sould into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn't given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her.

As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won't see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact that she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.

Wow.

Right from the cover I was swept away with the mystery and wonder that is Shadow of the Sun. From it's first paragraph I was in wonder. I was taken away. I was hooked.

"It's too late, a voice echoed in my head. I gasped and knelt beside the angel. There was no puddle of golden blood, no marks-just a lifeless body. It was in that moment that I realized I'd never be able to speak to my beloved angel again."

After that it all just escalates and becomes amazing. When I reach Chapter 3 I know that this is the book for me and after that I couldn't put it down. I was with it where ever I went and snuck a few words when ever I could. I was counting the pages to the end, not because it was boring, but because I wanted to know how it ended and what plot twist Laura Kreitzer was planning.

Her characters are strong and know what they want and how to get to it. That determination is great. It makes the characters come alive, it made them feel. This isn't like the other supernatural books out there. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from page one.

I know I'll be recommending it for months to come just as I did-and still do!- Tyger, Tyger, and Iron King. I'm excited to read her next book in her Timeless Series; Soul Stalker which is out now. Thank you, Obsidian Mountain Publishing, for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. I hope to hear from you soon!

~M.A.Chase♥