Interview with author Airicka Phoenix

1.Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Airicka Phoenix. I’m the author of the best-selling Touch Saga and Games of Fire. I started off as an Young Adult author, but have extended to New Adult. I’m a believer of butt kicking females, strong, loving heroes and truly evil villains and like to have a little of all in every story I write. But the most important thing about me is that I love to laugh and make others laugh.

 2.What do you do when you are not writing?

If I’m not writing, I’m off on an adventure with my kids or reading.

 3.Do you have a day job as well?

I’m a graphic designer. I create covers, bookmarks, banners and so much more for authors under the name Airicka’s Mystical Creations (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airickas-Mystical-Creations/462373910480084)

 4.When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I wrote my first ‘novel’ in grade 3. It was a rewrite of Beauty and the Beast. The first real novel I finished was a story that will never see the light of day if I can help it, but I was in grade 6.

 5.How did you choose the genre you write in?

When I was younger, the Young Adult genre didn’t exist, but I had always wished it did. Now that the opportunity is available…

 6.Where do you get your ideas?

Everywhere! I am very easily inspired, which can becoming tiresome when I’m in the middle of a novel and need to finish and a new idea starts badgering me. But I would never give that up.

 7.Do you ever experience writer’s block?

I think every author does, but I try not to let it get in my way.

 8.Do you work with an outline, or just write?

Definitely an outline. My control issues won’t let me free write it. I’ll write an entire book just on the characters alone.

 9.Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Stephen King. I grew up reading everything of his I could get my hands on.

 10.Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

I think the biggest challenge was not knowing anything going in and learning everything through trial and error. I didn’t know nearly as many authors as I do know or people that could give me advice, which is why I am always happy to help a starting author. I know how it feels to feel like you’re lost at sea.

 11.Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Never give up. Don’t listen to people who tell you you can’t. Never forget why you write.

 13.Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Every one of you is such a blessing and I am so honored and grateful for you. Thank you!

I’ve now started some FUN and Wacky questions for those interviewed on my site.

1.Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

I have gone to grab the kids from school in my pajama pants, but I’ve noticed so many people doing this that I don’t think anyone noticed. Lol.

 2.Do you prefer fuzzy or tub socks?

There was a time I would say fuzzy, but I learned my lesson when I slipped on hardwood and nearly cracked my head open. Now I say tub.

 3.Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

Most of the time, my 5yrold has snuck into my room and passed out in my bed so I can’t make my bed, but if she’s not, I do make the bed.

 4.Be honest, how often do you wash your hair?

Four times a week, more if I’m going out somewhere important. But I take a shower every morning.

 5.Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

The ones that don’t use their blinkers or slow to a snails crawl to make a simple turn or when they go 10 on a 50… the list is very long. lol

 6.Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide?

I don’t. If I’m outside and there’s a bug, I’ll go around it, but if it’s in my house, all bets are off! That sucker needs to die!!! The only thing that can make me screech is a mouse or a snake. Thankfully, I have never had either in my house.

7.Coffee or Tea?

If I had to, tea. But I’m not much of a drinker of either.

 8.What is your biggest phobia?

Large bodies of water like lakes or oceans, even swimming pools. I can’t get into them.

 9.What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to social media? (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

I think Twitter holds my biggest pet peeve. It likes messing with my head and emotions. I’ll go on and have 3,000 followers. Two minutes later, I refresh and I have 200. Drives me nuts. Lol

Thank you so very much for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of your blog and meet your lovely readers. It was such a pleasure and I hope we can do it again.

*******COVER REVEAL********
Touching Fire (Book #2 in the Touch Saga)

Release date: June, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance.
Warnings: Strong language and mild sexual content
Formats: ebook & paperback

Add to your TBR list on GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15708516-touching-fire