Why I love Michelle Muto! (SuperMegaAwesomeGrandPrizeGiveawayWeek)

****CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SUPER MEGA AWESOME GRAND PRIZE WINNER, TIFFANY W.!!!! HOORAY! BTW YOU HAVE MAIL!!!****

Well, this is our last week honoring Michelle Muto, October's Indie Author of the Month!!!! While she will have this lovely award forever (see pic below) all good things must come to an end.

So, in order to give Michelle the proper send off it is time for my favorite segment of the month "Why I Love Michelle Muto." Also, don't forget is super mega awesome grand prize giveaway week which means its your final chance to enter to win Michelle's books, cool indie supporter swag, and a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card!

Why do I love Michelle Muto?

Well, first off she has an awesome name. ;) But seriously, Michelle is incredibly sweet, fun, and encouraging. To illustrate, let me tell you a story. Earlier this year I was a bit sad and completely exhausted which is typical for me since I was swimming in tax returns and homework (because clearly it was a good idea for me to enroll in two MBA courses on top of a 55 hour work week.) I’d just finished grocery shopping after getting off work late and was standing in line at Subway waiting to order dinner for me and the hubs. I was checking my phone, squeezing in a few tweets because I was having serious social withdrawals both in real life and cyber life (again expected considering my schedule.) I was so down in the dumps, burnt out, missing my family and friends,  and aching because I didn’t have time to work on my WIP Soul Survivor (a recurring theme in my life this year).  I'd been tweeting with Michelle about all of this when she sent me this,“Don’t worry. We'll leave the light on for you.” I’ve never told Michelle this nor have I told anyone but those words were all it took to raise me up from the dumps and help me push through. Just knowing that someone was thinking of me and believing in me…that is what that simple statement meant to me.

Michelle has also given me some of the best words of writerly wisdom…but of course I expect nothing less from a Michelle. ;) And those words, have helped me stomach not hitting my deadlines for SS. I wanted to release it this Spring…but tax season and classes killed that….then this summer but my Auditing class was so hardcore I was busting serious butt on that and now my fall deadline seems to be suffering the same fate. Some days I wonder if I will finish SS before the end of 2012, but I know that is okay because Michelle told me so. Because I will finish it, no question about that!

The other reasons I love Michelle...her books of course! I first read The Book of Lost Souls last year and loved it. It is such a fun read. I absolutely loved that book.  But truly it was Don't Fear the Reaper that has made me a dedicated fan through and through.Why? First of all, DFTR was nothing like I was expecting it to be and nothing like I had ever read. I was shocked at how enthralled I became in Keely's afterlife. The entire story is thought provoking, dark, twisted, beautiful, and oh so much more, but that is all that I can say without giving any spoilery details away. Her characters are so real and incredibly intriguing, Keely, Banning, and of course Daniel keep you guessing and analyzing situations up until the very end. Every time I see a blackbird I think of this story...and I see them A LOT! I really can't wait to spend more time with them and I'm anxiously awaiting a sequel.

So to recap, why do I love Michelle Muto? She is sweet, amazing, lovely, talented, and has touched my heart with her words, book words and personal words. I will forever be grateful for her encouragement and her beautiful literary worlds I've had the pleasure to visit.

So, why do YOU love Michelle Muto? See the rafflecopter for details on how/where to respond and earn your final entry for the SUPER MEGA AWESOME GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY! And be sure to always Share the Love for Michelle Muto all of the time, anytime, and every where in between.

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My Dangerous Interview with Daniel the Demon ;)

First off, congrats to the sweet Danielle Lee our week 2 winner! Yay! I hope you enjoy your spoils!


This week, in the spirit of all that is October and Halloween, Michelle Muto has arranged this dangerously awesome interview with me and who else, but the hottest demon around Daniel from Don't Fear the Reaper! Now, I cannot divulge the details of how this meeting has been arranged due to the danger involved. And remember not all demons are as good…bad word choice there…are as personable as the lovely Daniel. I can't be putting you lovelies at risk. But have no fear, I selfishly put my life on the line for you all to have a chance to get into the mind of Daniel. ~wide smile~ Let me set the scene for you.

<At a dangerously covert location, I wait in the shadows for Daniel to appear. I'm starting to second guess myself  about coming here when I hear a man clearing his throat.>

M: Daniel, it's so nice to see you in the flesh! Well, maybe flesh isn’t the appropriate term but you know?

D: It’s always good to know the old flesh and bone version never loses its appeal. By the way? Never second guess yourself. <grins best devastating grin> I’ve actually been here for a little while now. You’ve got the sweetest little worried look going on when you get nervous. It’s really quite endearing.

Anyway, pleased to meet you. Love the name.

M: <blushing> Why thank you, Daniel. <shakes head> I know our time is limited so if you are ready for my interrogation, let's get started. <pulls out notes> So, how long have you been in the demon game?

D: <raises eyebrow in thought> Before, or after I went coal-side? After? Maybe two or three years. But I’m a fast study.

M: <giggles> Imagine that. <refocuses on notes>Next question, when you first met Keely what was going through your mind?

D: That she was a total, self-centered diva who got a second chance because that pretty little face of hers reminded Banning of what his own daughter would have looked like. I’ve changed my tune since then. She’s got a real spark about her. I like that in a girl.

M: <raises eyebrow> Really? Well, I personally love the pet name of "Sunshine" you've given Keely. It is amazing how she can be a bright person involved in such a dark turn of events. What possessed you to call her that?

D: I always knew she had a soft spot inside. She just tries to cover it up. <laughs> Okay, the real reason? Don’t go telling her this, but she really is sunshine. A real bright spot in my existence.

M: Aww. That is so sweet. <sigh> Throughout Don't Fear the Reaper, it is apparent that you have had a bit of troubled history or at least you are hiding something, but even though you are a demon you still get caught showing you good guy side from time to time. Does that have anything to do with Keely's influence on you?

D: Between us? Yeah. The girl’s gotten under my skin. Too bad she has whole concept of how much of a prick I can be. Yeah, it’s true that I can make the best bad boy look like a prom date. I’m exactly her type. She just doesn’t know it. Yet. Hey, I’m patient. Sort of. Time is on my side, right? But that’ll be our secret. See? The perks about being a demon is that I do know what scares you.  

M: Your secret is safe with me. <winks> So you and Banning, I get the sense you've had some sort of history before Keely. Would you like to divulge any of those experiences?

D: <snort> The dude has issues. And Banning has a serious inability to play by the rules. I respect that. 

M: What is the one thing you miss most about being alive? I mean you were a human before you died and came to be in your current state, right?

D: Best part? You said it all in one word, Sweets. Being alive. I miss it all. Everything. Even the stuff I thought was bad. Well, except for the incident that landed me here. I’d take that as a do-over. I’d do it right the second time.

M: <nods> What's next for Daniel? Can we look forward to sharing in more adventures with you, Keely, and Banning?

D: The party is just getting started as far as I’m concerned. In fact, it’s time to crank up the heat, fan a few flames, you know? Purgatory needs a dose of bad-assery now and then. <best, most mischievous grin yet>

M: <wide grin followed by intense blushing> Bad-assery, huh? Sounds like a good time. <chuckles then reviews notes>  Now, Daniel I know you like speed so are you ready for the speed round? <raises eyebrow>

D: I’m not all speed, all the time. <wink> But I do like a challenge. Hit me. I can take it.

M: Alrighty, then. Answer with the first thing that comes to mind.

Color? Red

Song? The Devil Inside

Food? Can’t eat. But I’d pick Devil’s Food and I’m not talking about the cake.

Place? Anywhere topside will do.

Book? The Exorcist. Everyone loves a bedtime story.

Season? Summer.

Holiday? October 30^th. Devil’s Night.

Person? <laughs> Trickery will get you nowhere, Sweets. That’s my job. 

M: <chuckles> Oh Daniel, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I know there are a lot of demon loving gals out that are super excited you did.  Be sure to say hello to Keely and Banning for me. I can't wait to spend more time with you all…well in book form…I prefer to live a bit longer if possible.

D: Ah! Fans of the Flame, eh? Nice. I’ll pass along the word to Banning and Sunshine. About the time… you sure? If you ever change your mind, I can do a little arranging. Kidding. Stay topside, Sweets. <grin> Seriously, it’s been fun. Catch you later. <disappears in a burst of airborne flame and smoke>

M:<fans self with papers before racing away from dangerous location>

What did you think about that, you demon loving chicas? Pretty hot, huh? No doubt, in all senses of the word. In case you haven't already, be sure to check out Don't Fear the Reaper for some more quality time with Daniel. <sigh> A super huge THANK YOU to Michelle Muto for making that interview possible!!!

Dang that Daniel and his ability to bring out my inner thirteen year old girl. I may just be swooning and giddy all week long. And did you catch my new nickname, peeps? He called me Sweets. Sweets. That is just so sweet. <sigh> Well, before I get lost in demon daydreams (I'll save those for later) it's time to get back to the matter at hand, this week's giveaway which includes indie supporter swag and a Michelle Muto book! A valid entry earns you a chance at next week's SUPER MEGA AWESOME GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY which includes a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card, more cool indie supporter swag, and books by Michelle Muto!

Enter your response to the following question using Rafflecopter to earn your entries for this week and the SUPER MEGA AWESOME GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY . Good luck and don't forget to Share the Love (Daniel style)! ;)

***According to the speed round, what is Daniel's favorite color?***

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October's Indie Author of the Month Is...

Well, folks September has come and gone which can only mean one thing…it's time to officially announce October's Indie Author of the Month!

Are you excited? I know I am. This month we will be honoring the lovely and talented…wait for it…wait for it…

*Michelle Muto*

~and the crowd goes wild~

So, who is Michelle Muto exactly? She's penned two of my favorite books, Don't Fear the Reaper and The Book of Lost Souls. If you haven't read them, you must do so right away!

                

Here's a little bit more about Michelle….

Writer of urban fantasy, the paranormal, and all things eerie and curious. 

Michelle has always loved storytelling. When she was a child, her favorite stories were of monsters and things that lurked in the dark. Telling stories often frightened her classmates and got her into a lot of trouble with her teachers. They had no sense of humor.

As an adult, Michelle traded her love of writing for the corporate life where she was an IT professional. Today, she’s doing what she loves best – writing and storytelling.
Michelle grew up in Chicago, but currently lives in NE Georgia with her husband and their two dogs, one of which is a Beezlepup. She loves scary books, funny movies, sports cars, dogs, chocolate, old cemeteries, and changes of season. Michelle even loves photography. 

Michelle writes on a Mac and is a true geek at heart. She agrees with her dogs who think cheese and bacon should be in their own food group. But most of all, she believes everyone should trust their imagination, have a kind heart, and should definitely have a sense of humor.

October will be all about Michelle Muto. Just like before, we will be kicking off Week 1 with an interview with lovely Michelle! Week 2 we will get a peek inside one of Michelle's super amazing books so be sure to tune in for that! If I'm lucky enough Week 3 we will get some one on one time with a super hot demon by the name of Daniel! And finally, Week 4 is Why I Love Michelle Muto week where we all can participate in Sharing the Love with Michelle!

Oh and don't forget each week there will be giveaways consisting of cool swag, Michelle Muto books, and such! And come week 4 one of you lucky ducks will be the recipient of the Super Mega Awesome Grand Prize Giveaway consisting of a $10 B&N/Amazon gift card, more swag, and books by Michelle Muto!!!! Remember you can get your name in the pot for the grand prize giveaway up to four times (must have a valid entry each week) increasing your chances to win. You can find more details under the "Giveaway Rules & Details" tab or shoot me an email.

Now back to the matter at hand! Michelle took the time out of her super busy schedule to answer a few interview questions for me. Are you ready? I am! Let's go!

MN: Michelle, what made you decide to take the self-publishing leap?

MM: When a top agent told me they’d decided they couldn’t rep me because another, more established author turned in a proposal for a similar book after they’d had my manuscript for over a year.

MN: How long have you been a full time writer?

MM: For about almost two years.

MN: What is the last book you read?

MM: M. Leighton’s Down to You.

MN: Amazing book! Loved it! So far what has been your favorite 2012 moment/memory so far?

MM: When The Book of Lost Souls was voted Best YA for 2012 by eFestival of Words.

 

MN: That is so exciting! Major congrats! You definitely deserve it! I can't wait to see Don't Fear the Reaper rake in some awards, too! Looking forward what's next for Michelle Muto? You have a new book on the horizon?

MM:The Haunting Season, late October or early November.

MN: Ahh, I can't wait! So I have do know, who would be your dream fictional character that you’d like to have as a real life bestie?

MM: Hmmm. Probably Hermoine Grainger. Or maybe Ginny Weasley. Of course, they’d have to be a bit older.

MN: How about your dream fictional character love interest?

MM: He’d be a little Damon, a little Dean, a dash of Sam, and another dash of Castiel rolled into one. Maybe I’ll create him for one of my characters one day.

MN: Yes, please do! ;) What would you say is your most prized possession?

MM: My family. But that’s not a possession, is it? So, without getting all weird & writer-like, I’ll choose my dogs.

 

Tasha & Ronan

MN: Look at those puppies! Aren't they the cutest?! Alright, Michelle. It's time for the speed round…respond with the first thing that comes to mind:

Color? Black

Song? Daughtry’s No Surprise

Food? Cheese

Place?  Asheville

Book? The Shining

Season?  Autumn

Holiday? Halloween

Animal? Dog

See, isn't Michelle the perfect pick for October?! Michelle, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions and hang out a bit! It was a blast!

Now, for this week's giveaway….

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