Interview And Giveaway With Mary Ting Author Of Crossroads

I just want to thank you so much for being here. I am more than excited to have you. This is your second visit to After The Book and I am grateful to be able to have you back again.

How important would you say that being a reader is to being a writer? 


I am a teacher so I have to say reading makes you a better writer. For me, it helps me get my creative juice going.

Do you listen to music while writing?

I like to write without any distractions. I love to listen to music, but if I do it while I’m writing, it gets me distracted. Though, some songs pumps me up…hehe!!!

Has writing gotten easier for you now that you are published?

I think I’m more confident. Having readers ask when the sequel will come out makes me work harder.

Do you believe that the setting of your book was as vital in the telling of your story as the characters themselves were?

Very much so! I wanted to make sure to describe my dream as accurately and vividly as possible. I like to provide just enough details of the settings so that the readers can get an idea and create their own image in their minds.

How can readers relate to your characters?

I think the readers can relate to the characters in various levels. Claudia is down to earth average teenager. Though the alkins are angels, they act very much like teenagers, more so when they are on Earth.

What personality trait did you want to make sure that Michael possessed?

Romantic, protective, a bit arrogant…not too much, intelligent, someone who has a genuine good heart.

Did you model the relationship between Michael and Claudia after any real life or fictional couple?

Though I don’t like to admit it, Claudia’s character is almost just like me. I was very sheltered, didn’t know much about fashion or boys. Claudia’s first job, first car, camping and many of her experiences in the story was based on things that I did. And Michael’s character is based on my husband…hehe!!!

What if anything do you want readers to take away from Crossroads after having read it?

Claudia’s mom says, be good to those who are alive because what good is it when they are dead. I believe this to be so true. I regret not making more of an effort to visit my grandmother while she was alive. I told her that since I wasn’t working in the summer, we would have that time together. But we didn’t. She passed away the last day of school. I was devastated. Also, I’m going to sound like a parent, but… don’t forget to call and visit your parents and grandparents. Sometimes we get so busy with our lives that we tend to forget to call or visit. You may one day wish you had done it more often. Another underlying message is that life is precious so don’t take it for granted. Also, I believe we all have a destiny, a purpose in life. Embrace your destiny and let fate take its place.

If Crossroads were to ever hit the big screen, who would be your dream cast?

**Click on the character names to see more of the actors (=

Ben Barnes as Michael

Nina Debrov as Claudia

Alex Pettyfer as Davin

Megan Fox as Vivian

Chace Crawford as Caleb

Courtney Cox as Mom

Betty White as Gamma

Amanda Seyfried as Patty

Hugh Jackman as Philip

Angelina Jolie as Margaret

Catherine Zeta-Jones as Agnes

Mark Wahlberg as Aden

How much input do you have in the cover art of your book?

The cover was my idea and design. I didn’t want a face on my cover because I wanted the readers to create their own image of how the characters looked like in their minds. Also, the wings needed to be in a shape of a heart, representing Michael’s love for Claudia.

Do you think that there will ever be an audio book version of Crossroads?

I sure hope so!!!

I own a copy of Crossroads from the Xlibris publisher.  What is the difference between my copy and the World Castle copies?  

World Castle is a traditionally publisher so that version has been professionally edited. It also has some short reviews from various blogs. I also got to add my favorite quote that Davin says: Love knows no boundaries.

Readers are always looking for signed swag. Do you have any bookplates or bookmarks that they can inquire about?

I have been giving away the Swarovski heart necklace and a few hand beaded butterfly necklace that Michael gives to Claudia. You can purchase them at www.inspiredbytwilight.com

Where can readers purchase a copy of Crossroads?

Barnesand Noble, Amazon, and many others internet book stores.

What format are your books sold in?

Softcover and eBooks for Nook and Kindle

Where can readers get in touch with or follow you?

Blog: www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/crossroadsbook
Twitter: @maryting
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11283685-crossroads

email: thetings888@msn.com
Website: www.marytingcrossroads.com

Thank you for being with us and sharing a little bit about Crossroads and your writing.

Thank you so much for having me again!

Mary is offering an eBook copy of Crossroads to be given away here. 

Good luck!