Book Tour: Parallel by Claudia Lefeve

Today, Claudia Lefeve is stopping by the blog as part of her blog tour. I’m very excited about this because I loved Parallel, her debut YA novel -- so excited that I probably asked way too many questions! (Sorry, Claudia!)

I’d like to give *huge* thanks to Claudia and Kismet Book Touring for this opportunity! I should also mention that there are two different covers for Parallel: one for the e-book, and a newer one that came out more recently that will be used for the print edition. That’s why you’re seeing a couple different versions here. :) 

Keep reading to get to know the delightful Claudia Lefeve, and to enter the giveaways at the end of this post.

Hi Claudia! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. I devoured Parallel in a single sitting and I'm so excited to interview you! 

Thank you so much for having me and I’m thrilled that you enjoyed reading Parallel!

First of all, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Ugh! Definitely not one of my favorite questions! Let’s see, I’m a native Texan (I actually say ya’ll and howdy) and I’ve lived in Northern Virginia for the last eleven years. Ten of those years I lived in Alexandria, where Parallel takes place. I studied Political Science in college and have a master’s in Forensic Psychology and a master’s in Criminal Justice. You’d think that my writing would lean towards mysteries or police procedurals, but I love YA!

How did you come up with the world for Parallel and the Travelers Series? Why alternate realities? 

I’m love learning about anything related to alternate realities and even though I generally don’t read sci-fi, I wanted to write something dealing with paranormal elements within a parallel universe. There are lots of YA paranormal books out there, but very few that depict paranormal abilities from a scientific angle. At the same time, I wanted the series to be a fun read. 

You listed some similarities and differences between you and Etta on your blog a little while ago. Do you see bits of yourself in other characters?

I don’t think there’s any character that shares any of my quirks or traits. I still maintain that I’m not like Etta at all, aside from being brunette and watching a lot of TV! 

What was the most challenging part of writing Parallel?

The hardest part was making sure all the alternate realities will follow future timelines throughout the series. I had to question every scene because it could affect all the other realities, not to mention subsequent books.

If you could have a psionic ability, what would you choose? Telekinesis like Etta? Telepathy like Cooper?

I think I’d like to have the power of Precognition. Sometimes, I really believe I can foresee future events. A few months back, the hubby and I were in Vegas and I wanted the band (who’d been playing nothing but Dean Martin and Sinatra) to play Footloose so I could dance. The hubby was like, “there’s no way they’re playing Footloose.” And wouldn’t you know? Two songs later, out of the blue, they played it! That happens a lot. Weird huh?

You end Parallel in a way that's left me dying for the next book in the series. Can you give us a hint of what's to come in Paradox, and when it will be released?

Obviously, I don’t want to give to much away, but I can say that Etta will learn more about her role on the Council, as well as her relationship with Cooper. Readers will be introduced to some new travelers, as well as the alternate reality counterparts of some of the characters found in Parallel. I hope to have Paradox released by December at the latest, but don’t quote me on that!

I'd like to wrap up with a quick round of Favourites:

Favourite supernatural?

That’s a very broad question! So I’m just going to assume that includes fiction in general and not just books. In that case, I’d have to go with Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). He’s a bad-ass on the outside and a softy on the inside.

Favourite vacation destination?

I haven’t traveled much, but I’m the happiest when at the beach. Any beach...I’m not picky!

Favourite Doctor Who companion? (I ask because I am obsessed with Doctor Who and assume the rest of the world is, too.)

I’m ashamed to say I don’t watch Doctor Who. And while I don’t generally read science fiction, I watch a lot of sci-fi TV shows. I’m a big Fringe fan and loved The X-Files, The Outer Limits, and Star Trek.

Favourite author?

I don’t have a favorite author (I read way too much), so I’ll have to go with the one most read and admired: Stephen King.

Favourite character on True Blood?

Pam. I love her wry sense of humor and fashion sense. If I could speak without social repercussions, I’d say exactly what was on my mind and end up sounding a lot like her.

Destiny has a way of catching up.

Saddled with powers she doesn't understand, Etta Fleming's world is turned upside-down the day she meets Cooper Everett, the man who transports her to an alternate reality. A reality she was meant to be a part of.

One minute, she's an orphan living at Dominion House for Girls, an institution for delinquent foster kids, then finds herself attending the exclusive Dominion Hall Academy.

Plucked from the only world she's ever known, Etta now has to deal with an aunt she never knew, a boyfriend she doesn't know, and a best friend who can't know.

If that wasn’t enough Claudia for you, you can follow her on Twitter (@claudialefeve) or visit her website. Thanks again to Claudia for stopping by the blog!

Without further ado, here are the giveaways.

Commenting on this post enters you in both giveaways!

Don’t forget to leave your email address so that we can get in touch with you.

Giveaway #1:

Each tour stop (including this one) is giving away one e-copy of Parallel.

    

This giveway is open internationally.

Giveaway #2:

A grand prize pack of a bracelet, travel mug and more!

 

Open US/Canada only.

The prize pack is not exclusive to Tynga’s Reviews. Instead, it’s for one lucky commenter from the whole tour. The winner will be chosen by Kismet Book Touring.

Both contests close Friday, October 21, 2011 (this Friday, to coincide with the end of Claudia’s tour).

For more chances to win, and to learn more about Claudia and Parallel, visit the other stops on tour:

Monday, October 3rd - Alice Marvels
Tuesday, October 4th - Librarian Mouse
Wednesday, October 5th - Smitten with Books
Thursday, October 6th - My Shelf Confessions
Friday, October 7th - Bewitched Bookworms

Monday, October 10th - Kindle Fever
Tuesday, October 11st - Ravishing Reads
Wednesday, October 12nd - The Book Faery
Thursday, October 13th- I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read
Friday, October 14th - Chick Loves Lit

Monday, October 17th - Tynga's Reviews
Tuesday, October 18th - That Bookish Girl
Wednesday,October 19th - Books Complete Me
Thursday, October 20th - Belle Books
Friday, October 21st - Books With Bite

Posted by jenn at 05:37

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Born and raised in the Toronto area, Jenn moved to St. John's, Newfoundland, eight years ago for school. She's still in school (thankfully on another degree!), now trapped in her dissertation. When she's not dissertating, which happens more often than it should, Jenn spends her time reading, watching movies, playing volleyball, travelling, and enjoying the local music scene. Her latest addictions: yoga and Almond Crunch cereal.