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Author Bio
Linda Poitevin lives just outside Canada’s capital, Ottawa, with her husband, three daughters, one very large husky/shepherd/Great Dane-cross dog, two cats, three rabbits, and a bearded dragon lizard. Turned down in her pursuit of a police career after a faulty height measurement, Linda vicariously lives out her dream of being a cop through her characters. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found in her garden in the summer, hugging the fireplace in the winter, or walking her dog along the river in any season. |
Interview
You mentioned at the launch how Sins of the Angels started off as a PNR; what made you stray from that path?
At the time I started writing the book, I was writing romance, so it made sense that I’d write a PNR. Unfortunately, lol, the characters didn’t agree. The longer I worked on the story, the clearer it became to me that it wasn’t going to have the necessary HEA ending that a romance required. I made the decision to let the characters tell their own story and see where it led…several drafts later, I had the kick-ass heroine, gritty urban setting, and supernatural element required for an urban fantasy. 🙂
Why did you decide to make your angels bad-ass instead of the customary happy fluffy kind?
I’ve always been a bit of a nonconformist, I’m afraid. It drives my husband nuts. I like to do things differently–not for the sake of being different despite what hubby might say) but because I want to see what’s outside the box. When I started thinking about the world-building in SINS OF THE ANGELS, I really wanted to take my angels in a different direction, and to have people see them in a whole new light.
Why did you choose to draw attention to the obstacles that living with schizophrenia brings? Did it just fit with your plot line or do you have a more personal attachment to the disorder?
I did use schizophrenia to fit with the plot line, but yes, I also have a more personal attachment. The illness isn’t an easy thing to live with for anyone involved…either the sufferer or the family & friends.
Not that I’m complaining about the minimal sizzle factor in book one but can we expect something naughtier out of Sins of the Son?
Mmm…not really, lol. So far, I’m really sticking with the UF elements rather than the romantic ones…should I apologize? 😉
Would you say that being a Canadian author is more of an advantage or a disadvantage? Why?
I really haven’t found it to be an issue as far as finding or working with an agent and editor. With regard to communication, everything is being done electronically these days, so there’s no waiting for edits to get through the border and I can reach my agent and editor at any time via cell phone. Publicity is a little more challenging, however. Because my publisher is based in NY, they really only focus on the US market, so any promotion on our side of the border falls to me. The upside of that is that I’m getting much more confident about the whole marketing end of things, lol.
What type of research did you do before writing Sins of the Angels?
Before? Pretty much none. It wasn’t until I hit about the half-way point that I started wanting to fill in the gaps. I tend to launch myself head-first into most projects, get as far as I can, and then decide I may need more information…which also drives my husband nuts. 🙂 I am trying to change that, however, and am already doing some research for a new series I have in mind.
The blurb for Sins of the Son isn’t available yet; can you give us any hints as to what we expect in the spring?
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| March 2012 |
I was hoping to have the back copy from my editor so I could give you an “exclusive,” but unfortunately it hasn’t been finalized yet. To give you a quick rundown:
When Detective Alexandra Jarvis sees the photo of Seth Benjamin on a police poster, underscored by the words do you know this man, she knows Heaven’s contingency plan for stopping the Apocalypse has gone terribly wrong. As the only human who knows of Seth’s existence, she’s also the only one who stands a chance of putting things right. Aramael, former hunter of Fallen Angels, has been exiled from Heaven because of a traitor. Stripped of his powers and all but a faint memory of his mortal soulmate, Alex, he will stop at nothing to redeem himself. Even if it means murdering Seth in the name of his Creator. With Alex convinced she can save Seth—and through him, the world—and Aramael equally determined to carry out the assassination order he’s been given, the conflict between them could tip the world into the very chaos they’re trying to prevent.
How do you measure your success as a writer? At what point will you feel like you’ve “made it as an author”?
I always thought “making it” would be having a book in stores, on shelves. Now that I’ve attained that goal, however, I must admit that I’ve reevaluated my idea of success. I think I’m like most authors in wanting to see the New York Times Bestseller caption on my books (or even better, International Bestseller, lol). That would definitely make for a “made it” moment. 🙂 On a more practical note, I would really like to have my books generate enough income that I could make them my career, without having to divide my time and attention between stories and freelance work. Oh, and if I could earn enough to pay for a housekeeper, that would be beyond cool… 😀
Who’s responsible for the fab cover art?
Mike Heath at Magnus Creative…he’s amazing, isn’t he?
I have to ask… from one francophone to another… With a name like Poitevin are you French? Ever thought about writing a book in your mother tongue?
Confession time: you’re talking to an Anglophone…sorry! 🙁 Poitevin is my married name, and yes, my husband is Francophone. I do speak French, but only enough to hold down a basic conversation (though all my children are bilingual). So, no French books coming, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for translation if foreign rights are sold. 🙂
Okay, be honest (I won’t tell!), was your husband really the inspiration behind Aramael’s character (as he’d like to believe)?
I haven’t told him this, but sadly…no. Aramael is purely a creature of fiction, lol!
You’re originally from BC and now living in the Ottawa region so why’d you pick Toronto as the location for Sins of the Angels?
I wanted Sins of the Angels to take place in a very large city, and because of the police procedural aspect, also wanted to keep the setting in Canada so that I could make sure I had my details right. Because Toronto is Canada’s largest city, it kind of won by default.
Carmel, thank you so much for hosting me on your blog! I loved your questions, and if your readers have anything they’d like to ask as well, I’d be happy to answer. 🙂
Giveaway Time!
Penguin USA has offered two physical copies of the book to readers in the US/Canada. International readers are welcome to enter, but must be willing to accept an e-book from NetGalley instead.
If International readers would prefer a physical book, they can indicate so in their comments Linda will collect names for a post-tour International-only draw for three copies.
Please read my Giveaway Policy before entering. Ends November 18th at 11:59 PM.
To Enter: Leave a comment with your e-mail address.
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Book Launch in Ottawa
Review: Sins of the Angels
Thanks Linda for stopping by! I hope to see you again in the spring for the release of Sins of the Son! Good Luck to those entering the giveaway!
About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I’d love to win a copy. I love books set in Canada! Great interview!
aharel4 at gmail dot com
I’d love to win a copy! I’ve not really read any urban fantasy yet!!
melissaseclecticbookshelf at gmail dot com
Great interview!
I’m more of a PNR gal myself (HEA and heat — these are a few of my fa-vor-ite things… lol) but I do enjoy a good UF when PNR gets old 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
Jess
romanceaholic at gmail dot com
(btw tried to RSVP on Goodreads but it appears I broke the interwebz this morning :P)
Great interview! This sounds amazing, and I agree, the cover is fantastic!
I’d love to win a copy.
mbwest_writes (at) yahoo (dot) com
Really enjoyed the interview. I enjoy urban fantasy and angels so a book that combines both sounds great.
crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com
Thanks for the giveaway:) This sound like a great urban fantasy! I don’t have an e-reader, though, and I’m international, so I’d like to be entered in the running at the end of the tour to be one of three lucky international winners to get a physical copy. Thank you:)
sarah.setar@gmail.com
Awesome interview. I added Sins of the Angels to my wishlist last month after seeing it on some many blogs. It looks like a great read.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
thebooknympho AT gmail DOT com
I have wanted to read these books for a long time, USA here-thank you so much! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
I remember Carmel’s review of the first book, Sins of the Angels, was amazing. Combine that with the amazing story encased within a phenomenal cover and you’ve got one heckuva good book on your hands. I’ve been wanting to get back into Urban Fantasy, and this is an excellent choice for it. USA here, and thank you for the giveaway!
~DJL
djlibrarian3(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway! This series is sounding really interesting.
USA
juliecookies(at)gmail.com
I’ve heard great things about Sins of the Angel and the start to a great series. Thanks for giving away copies!
Leslie
workingforthemandroid at gmail dot com
@ahz1 – Me too! I was so happy to come across a book based out of Ottawa!
@Melissa – This one’s borderline UF. It’s darker and more thriller-esque but still a good read!
@The Romanceaholic – It’s good to switch things up every now and then. I switch back-and-forth between UF & PNR with the occasional YA thrown in the mix.
@Melissa West – Yay for awesome covers!
@Crystal – I always struggle with interview Q’s so glad to hear that you enjoyed the post! 🙂
@IdentitySeeker – Good Luck!
@Jennifer@The Book Nympho – I’ll be interested it hear your thoughts on it.
@Blogger Name: Krystal Larson – Thanks for stopping by and Good Luck!
@DJL – Good to know that my review made an impression on you. Thanks for the luv! 🙂
@Julie S – Good Luck!
@Mandroid – I’m happy to promote a fellow canuck! Good Luck!
FANTASTIC interview, Carmel. I swear I didn’t even know the novel took place in Toronto. Thank makes me squee and want to read this ASAP!
Enter me away, cupcake!
venturinhawendy(at)gmail(dot)com
Good morning, everyone, and thanks so much for stopping by to visit me! 🙂 Glad you’ve enjoyed the interview — and thank you again, Carmel, for such great questions.
@ahz1, I was thrilled when my publisher decided to keep the setting in Canada, and the tremendous support from readers tells me we made the right decision. 🙂
@Melissa, Carmel is right about this being borderline UF…I like to call it a supernatural thriller, but bookstores don’t have a shelf for those, so UF won by default. 😉
@Romanceaholic, I read across several genres myself…keeps life interesting! 😀
@MelissaWest, so glad you like the cover!! 🙂
@Crystal, I agree…Carmel did an excellent job with the questions. 🙂
@IdentitySeeker, consider yourself entered!
@Jennifer@The Book Nympho – what, and you haven’t read it yet?!? Kidding!!! I’m happy it caught your eye so early on…and hope you enjoy it when you find time to read! 🙂
@Krystal Larson, best of luck! 🙂
@DJL — It was a great review, wasn’t it? I was so thrilled to receive it! 🙂
@JulieS — Thanks! I hope you’ll give it a try. 🙂
@Mandroid — So glad you’ve heard good things about SINS!
Thanks again for the comments, everyone, and have a fabulous day!
Linda
@Mocha Latte — and book 2, SINS OF THE SON, takes place in Vancouver! 🙂
@Mocha ღ Latte(Cupcake and a Latte) – Yay! Another canuck jumping on the bandwagon. 🙂
@lindapoitevin – OMG, Vancouver you say!? SWEET!
Thanks for the giveaway! Great interview. I’ve been wanting to read Sins of the Angel for a while now.
shadowhunters_jace_clary@hotmail.com
@Christina @ Twin Dragons – I hope you enjoy it and good luck in the giveaway!
Fantastic interview! One of the best I’ve read in a while :). Great job Carmel and nice to meet you Linda. The books sound awesome and I’ve definitely added to my TBR, I do have a question though. Can these books be read out of order or is it a must read in order to know what’s going on?
Covers are great too :).
BK
bkwalkerbooks at comcast dot net
I am so looking forward to this newest book of yours.
Choose one or both!
You are reincarnated as a tennis shoe, describe yourself.
or
You woke up this morning and you had been reincarnated as a fabulous pair of Jimmy Choos. Wow us!
(\___/)
(=’.’=)
(“)_(“)
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
You are a new author for me, and I love the cover. I would love to read this book, it sounds like one I would really enjoy.
miztik_rose@yahoo.com
@Nightly Cafe – Aaww… *blushes* thanks. You just made my day! 🙂 I’ll let Linda answer your question as I have no idea having not read the 2nd installment yet.
@Lisa Richards/alterlisa – I’m not sure if I’d want to be reincarnated as shoes. As cool as Jimmy Choos are you still have to deal with someone’s stinky feet!
@Mary – Good Luck!
Great interview. Linda’s book sounds good. I love urban fantasy. I like the cover.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
What a great interview and another author I haven’t heard of but based on the blurb and the great looking covers it definitely has peeked my interest.
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
I don’t participate, I’ve already the book. But thanks for the interview it was really interesting
An interesting interview.
Linda certainly sounds a very impulsive lady !
Thanks for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.
I don’t want to seem grabby but I am not really into 3-books so would like to take advantage of Linda’s offer and be considered for one of the 3 International print copies.
Thanks.
Carol T
I follow via GFC – buddyt
budddytho {at} gmail DOT com
I like books like this! Thanks for the giveaway!
email: cruz042 at csusm dot edu
Thanks so much for the giveaway!! I’ve been following this tour around trying to win a copy, and hopefully I’ll get lucky here 🙂
jwitt33 at live dot com
I’ve been seeing this book around lately and have been really intrigued. Everyone is really loving it. I’m excited to read it.
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
@CrystalGB – Good Luck!
@BLHmistress – Happy to have been able to share something new!
@Melliane – What you read the book yet?
@buddyt – No worries. That’s what they’re there for!
@Arianne Cruz – Good Luck!
@Julie – What a trooper! I hope so too.
@Vivien – Good Luck!
@Christina, thanks for stopping in…and good luck! 🙂
@Nightly Cafe, thank you so much for your kind words! To answer your question, I’ve done my best to make book 2 a standalone (and will do the same with 3 & 4), but in all honesty, I’d say it was best to read them in order. Fortunately for you, SINS OF THE ANGELS is the first in the series. 😉
@Lisa…um, yeah, siding with Carmel on this question, lol!
@Mary, so glad you’ve discovered me! 🙂
@CrystalGB, happy you like the cover…I thought Mike did a wonderful job of it!
@BHLMistress, catching your interest is definitely a Good Thing. 😉
@Melliane, so…? Have you read it yet? 🙂
@Buddyt — you don’t seem grabby at all…and consider yourself entered! 🙂
@Arianne, best of luck! 🙂
@Julie, thank you so much for following the tour! I hope your perseverance pays off!
@Vivien, I’m excited that I’ve intrigued you…and that you’re hearing such good things! Thank you!! 🙂
Fallen angels plus cop drama, sounds like my kind of read! Thanks for the interview, I love getting to meet new-to-me authors! Book Savvy Babe
booksavvybabe at gmail dot com
PNR detective book?! Sounds good especially if it comes with a kick ass heroine.
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com (Intl)
SINS OF THE ANGELS looks wonderful. I like bad angels.
INTERNATIONAL: I’d love a physical copy.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
The only other series I’ve read set in Canada I completely adored!
Thanks for the giveaway!
rieconley@missiontoread.com
@Book Savvy Babe – It’s a neat combo for sure!
@Linda – Well said! Good Luck! 🙂
@marybelle – The bad angels is what did it for me too.
@Rie Conley – I’ll have to DM you and ask which series it was!
OMG! (Fallen) Angels! *-* I would love a physical copy of the book, please enter me for the post-tour International-only draw for three copies. :))
kah_cherub at hotmail dot com
@Kah_cherub – Will do! Thanks for participating!
I have been trying to follow this tour and am so looking forward to reading Sins of the Angels. I appreciate your taking the time to sharing this interview with us today and thank you for the awesome giveaway opportunity.
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
this is such an awesome giveaway! 😀 and im in canada! yay lol :p
penelope.plessas@hotmail.com
I would love to win this book!
kaylalovesandrew09@yahoo.com
This sounds so very good! I would love to read more..*S*
thank you for the giveaway, and I’ve put this book on my gotta have list.
Darcy
pommawolf@hotmail.com
Book sounds great! The cover alone would make me oick it up if I walked by. Thank you so much for the giveaway, I’m in Canada and would love a chance at a physical copy !!
t.mahaffy25@gamil.com
The book sounds really awesome. I’ve been looking for books on angels so this has been on my list for awhile.
Thanks for the giveawway!
thenarcissuslibrary at gmail dot com
So exciting to see another story set in Canada – I’d want to read this one anyway, though, looks fantastic! 🙂
bj (at) darksideofthecovers.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sounds really good! Im International! Thanks for the chance.
natcleary(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds very interesting. I’m on a fallen angel kick right now 🙂
maryann@chapter-by-chapter.com
MaryAnn @ Chapter by Chapter
I would absolutely love to win a copy, count me in!
cwilliams127 at gmail dot com
Good Interview. I have had this one on my TBR list and with all the great reviews and comments about it, I need to push it up on the pile.
Thanks for the giveaway.
melissagrantcpacfe at gmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway. Nice looking blog too!
charissajackson@yahoo.com
Thanks for the giveaway.
Lizzi0915 at aol dot com