Weather Witch Blog Tour - Interview with Shannon Delany & Giveaway

Hi everyone! Today we have a stop on the Weather Witch blog tour. This book sounds wonderful! I have an interview with the author Shannon Delany, info on the book and two giveaways for you to enter.

Blurb

In a vastly different and darker Philadelphia of 1844, steam power has been repressed, war threatens from deep, dark waters, and one young lady of high social standing is expecting a surprise at her seventeenth birthday party–but certainly not the one she gets!

Jordan Astraea, who has lived out all of her life in Philadelphia’s most exclusive neighborhood, is preparing to celebrate her birthday with friends, family and all the extravagance they might muster. The young man who is most often her dashing companion, Rowen Burchette, has told her a surprise awaits her and her best friend, Catrina Hollindale, wouldn’t miss this night for all the world!

But storm clouds are gathering and threatening to do far more than dampen her party plans because someone in the Astraea household has committed the greatest of social sins by Harboring a Weather Witch.

Interview

Where did the inspiration for Weather Witch come from?

Weather Witch came about in part because of my love of storms, ships and history.

Which character would you want by your side in a battle?

I need to answer this as if I've only written one of the books so far... My answer changes by book 3! I'll say Jonathan. If he's good enough for Rowen to take on an illegal adventure, he's good enough for me!

 How is this book different from others in this genre?

In short, it's not really steampunk as much as stormpunk. Steam is repressed and storm power is the way things get done.

 Can you describe this book in just 10 words?

A gritty and dangerous story with a revolutionary heart.

How do you balance writing, with family time, farming and your music love? 

Oh, I'm an unbalanced hot mess, truth be told! I just try to prioritize. Deadlines mean writing takes priority, but school or my son's sports' games or the birth of lambs or planting or harvest take their turns, too. My love of music is backburnered right now--there's just no time to get out with the girls and discover cool new acts (but that will change, too!).

 How long did it take to write Weather Witch?

It took me about 2 months from start to finish, I think. I only keep track during the process and merrily forget the exact timing afterwards.

 Anything you wish to say to your readers? 

Just to keep an open mind when it comes to this series. Yes, it's different--that's the idea. Life would be horrendously dull if writers only delivered the same type of books they were originally contracted for. And remember that I love my characters and aim to leave them better off than when I found them.

What is the first book you remember reading?

I'm sure it was something by Seuss--or The Giving Tree--or Ferdinand...but I really remember reading The Velveteen Rabbit first. It was powerful.

Author Bio

Shannon Delany has been writing fiction since she was a child. Inspired by a teacher in 4th grade and the creative endeavors of her parents, she was frequently encouraged to find her voice. First published in 8th grade in a short story anthology, she caught the writing bug for good and used her teen friends as beta readers but it wasn't until after being a middle school teacher that she pursued writing seriously. She freelanced for magazines and newspapers and then won the first-ever cell phone novel contest in the western world with 13 TO LIFE. An agent and a press release followed quickly and she was snapped up by St. Martin's Press where she has happily remained through 5 novels in the 13 TO LIFE series and three novels in the WEATHER WITCH series. She also contributes to charity anthologies, has a small heritage farm and a blog talk radio show called BOOKED! with Shannon Delany.

Giveaways!!

For your chance to win a signed mini poster, a signed postcard plus more story related goodies simply comment below and let us know if you have ever read steampunk or in this case storm punk. Leave a way for us to contact you in case you win!!

For the tour wide giveaway simply enter the easy rafflecopter below for these great prizes!!

a signed copy of Weather Witch

a Weather Witch coffee mug with special goodies (all connected to the story)

signed copies of 13 to Life and Secrets and Shadows

a handcrafted mask

a special metal and crystal bookmark

a mini top hat

a silhouette of their own profile cut and matted by me (it'll take a few weeks after getting their profile before I can get it to them, of course).

a Rafflecopter giveaway