Author Antoinette Houston Interview and $50.00 in Gift Cards Contest LIVE Here!

BBB: What is the strangest thing you ever did to research something for a story? AH: Unfortunately nothing strange or wonderfully odd. I use the internet. When I was younger I used what was called an encyclopedia … do they count?
BBB: What character was the toughest for you to get onto the page, and why? How did you finally crack it?
AH: Ashley. She was a very annoying character to get out. I guess because I really didn’t know what was her connection to any of the other characters. A friend suggested that I take her out and when I did…everything just flowed so much better without her.
BBB: Have you ever had second thoughts or regrets after killing off a main character?
AH: Yes. But that’s a character in a different world and a different story for a different time.
BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?
AH: I don’t know. My mind works in strange ways. All the stories in my head are impeccably organized very unlike my life.
BBB: Please tell us more about Red Summer and the storyline that drives it.
AH: The pursuit of a normal life. Trying to leave behind a horrid past to have a normal life. As normal as they could get. To keep their ‘family’ safe and together as they believe themselves to be the only ones of their kind. No one else can or will understand them.
BBB: How many more books will there be in this series?
AH: Originally there was only to be one, but as soon as I ‘finished’ Red Summer the next night I had a dream about the sequel. I’m about halfway done with it. I’m kind of afraid of what’s going to happen after I finish it. lol.
BBB: What sets Red Summer apart from other books in the same genre?
AH: My friends. Most of the experiences and sayings and reactions are based on my friends in real life. Besides that, I like to think that my characters are not your run of the mill types. Blatant interracial couples, disregard for what a hero or heroine is supposed to be like. I know I got tired of the same ole’ main characters with their reluctant hero complex or the ‘Disney Princess’ syndrome for the chicks.
BBB: What types of creatures/characters can readers expect in your world?
AH: I like belligerence and contempt, give me irritation with the situation and acceptance of the fact that you’re all there is between total annihilation and salvation. Don’t whine about it for two or four chapters then halfway do it only to whine some more. I like to think that my characters are more decisive and direct and in touch with exactly how they feel and not afraid to let you know it.
BBB: Did you do any kind of research to determine the details of your characters lives / lifestyles?
AH: Yeah, but mostly on scenery and security. Some medical/scientific stuff to make it more realistic and sensible. The main parts of the story was all done while I was in middle school and high school and then technical. Watching people. Observing reactions to different situations. I catalogued it all and then recycled it.
BBB: Are you a plotser or a pantser? or a Planster (a combo of both)
AH: I really am new to this as I had to google these terms up to figure wth you were calling me. rofl. I’m a pantser though it seems. Sections or scenes; dialogue or quips come to me at different times. I’m never without pen or paper on me because of that. When I get the chance I puzzle it all together.
BBB: What’s the best thing that anyone said to you when you were in a writing low spot?
AH: Do something else. Ideas get blocked up go start a new project.
BBB: Do you set a daily word count goal, time limit goal, or just go with the flow?
AH: Majority of the time it’s just go with the flow, lately though I’ve been paying more attention to my word count. My chapters have to have more than a k (1000) of words now.
BBB: What’s coming up for you for the rest of 2014?
AH: I made a resolution to publish at least five more books. I’m determined to do this. besides I’m having too much fun now. I got the sequel, a children’s book I’m working on. there’s a sci-fi and another Urban Fantasy that I’m almost done with. I’m more than halfway done with my promise to myself.
BBB: What was the BEST book you read in 2013?
AH: …well series actually, Cassandra Claire’s Mortal Instruments series. They were yummy.

10 Quick Things About Antoinette

Favorite Food? Sushi
Favorite Color? royal purple
Favorite Movie or TV Show of all Time? Donnie Yen’s Flashpoint/Game of Thrones
Favorite Drink? Melon Ramune
Favorite Book? Ariel – Steven R. Boyett
Favorite Season? fall
Favorite Online Hangout? (think FB, Twitter, Goodreads) FB
Favorite Animal? Dog
Favorite Band or Musician? Linkin’ Park/Florence + the Machine
Mode of Travel? (Trains, Planes or Automobiles) car
Favorite Vacation Destination? What’s a vacation?

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About Antoinette Houston

Author Bio:

I am a happily married mother of one. I’m a gamer (very into Skyrim at the moment) I have almost all of the Sims, Sims2 and Sims3 games and expansions. I used to collect comic books and action figures now they’re collecting dust. Love experimenting in the kitchen and currently testing my ability in quilting. I’ve a very varied taste in music.

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