BLOG TOUR: Divine Destiny by JoAnna Grace INTERVIEW

Divine Destiny

The Divine Chronicles

By JoAnna Grace

Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press

Release Date: August 17, 2013

ASIN: B00EN0TV44

Print Length: 229 pages

Find it here:

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Blurb:

The gods work in mysterious ways…

Avery McClain is normal. Or so she thinks.

Until her life is shattered and she is rescued by a Thracian warrior. He takes her to the Haven, a realm of safety for the magical race of Olympians. There she discovers her life was meant for a higher calling as the mate of an Olympian Prince.

Her choice will change everything.

Ryse Castille has one job: convince Avery to step into her role as a Divine Grace. As with any mission, there are obstacles to overcome. Including the fact he is captivated by her. Of all the gifts the gods have given him, romance was not included. But Avery belongs to him and he will stop at nothing to protect her.

The enemy might be closer than they think.

Can Avery find the courage to embrace her destiny? Or will evil separate them for eternity?

Hello! Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure.

Can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I’m married to my best friend. I’m a stay at home mom of three; two girls and one little boy. My life is full of amazing friends and family. I love romantic comedies and anything that gives me that warm fuzzy feeling. Total sap- I know!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve been writing since I was young, but I didn’t consider it more than a hobby until about three years ago. I was really unhappy with the path I was on so I decided to take the one thing I loved and make a career out of it. I’ve been attending conferences, reading everything I can about publishing, and learning the craft ever since. It’s become an addiction. But now that it’s my career, I can’t see myself doing anything else.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Coffee! I start out by getting my daughters to school and taking some time at home with my son. While he is eating breakfast I’m checking emails and usually setting up a Facebook post or two. My writing revolves around nap times! While he is down I’m at the computer. Usually I have to stop once my older children get out of school and pick back up again after they go to bed. It’s all about balance for me. I have a tendency to bury myself in a story so I set boundaries. My family has to come first.

What would you say is the most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Challenging: Synopsis! I’m long winded so trying to get an entire story into two pages sucks! LOL! Rewarding: I L*O*V*E hearing from readers. I love your feedback, I love your questions, I love the way you challenge me to be a better writer. It’s a blessing! (Yes, even the negative comments. I think of them as sandpaper: it hurts for a while, but it smoothes me out into a stronger person.)

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Divine Destiny is a story about one woman’s journey of discovering her true identity. Avery is a small town girl who leads a simple life, but it’s not what she was born to do. When she uncovers the truth about her parents and her destiny and this man she was created to be with, she’s not too thrilled! But she learns and adjusts and ultimately embraces her birthright. There are a lot of people working to keep her from it. But it takes a lot to keep her from her destiny and from Ryse, my hunky hero. There are badass warriors, magical powers, and romance. What else do you need? J

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Ryse was created after a nightmare of sorts. His character came to me and I built the Olympian world around him. Then I needed to create a woman crazy and strong enough to love him. That’s when I met Avery. She did NOT fit in with his world at first yet I knew she was perfect for him. It grew from there!

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I’m working on a novella about the events leading up to Divine Destiny. I also have a shapeshifter series in the works and of course, the next Divine Chronicles book. I’m a busy girl!

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Nalini Singh is my hero. Had a fan girl moment when I met her! I also love Molly Harper. One day I want to sit down and have a drink and just hang out. Patricia Briggs when I need fantasy. J.R Ward when I’m feeling dark. There’s an endless list of indie authors I love too. It’s like picking a favorite child, I can’t decide! LOL! 

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

Absolutely! I can only hope and pray that I reflect my favorite authors. I’m a student at heart, I read not only for entertainment but to learn from the great authors out there. Being compared to them would be the highest compliment.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.

*Flips pages* Oh! I love this part…

Ryse watched Avery closely. She sat across from him in the living area of her room having no problem holding his stare. Not many people could do such a thing. He was a pro at intimidation, had spent centuries perfecting the art. But Avery sat there with her arms casually resting on the chair, her legs crossed, chin up and eyes glued to his. The confidence was turning him on. If they didn’t have something very important to discuss, he would have been all over her.

“Something you need to tell me?” He mirrored her body language.

“No, darlin’. What has you in such a mood?”

Damn he loved that sexy southern accent. And it distracted him for a moment. Which was probably what she intended. Ryse gave a growl. “You didn’t pull the term ‘farm girl’ randomly out of your vocabulary, Avery. Explain yourself.”

“Why are you angry with me? You were the one with One-Trick Barbie’s hands on your crotch.”

Ryse blew out a huff of air, let his head lean back against the chair. “Salina did not touch my crotch and what the hell were you doing there anyway?”

Explaining how she came across him and Salina, she told him what she had overheard. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but you can see why the conversation held my attention.”

(Skips this part because it’s a spoiler)

“Avery, love, I think you are blowing this all greatly out of proportion.” Ryse rubbed the bridge of his nose. He wasn’t used to dealing with people arguing with him. How did his father get anything done? “I apologize for assuming you knew about me—“

“That sounds so sincere, thank you very much.” Sarcasm dripped off her words. She rolled her eyes and turned to the fireplace. What the hell did she want if not an apology?

When she looked back, the moisture in her eyes nearly killed him. “You know what I really don’t understand?” Avery crossed her arms over her chest. “The rules ‘round here are sexist sh@#. Your laws state that I have to be pure, having never willingly had sex with another man, but you get to run around screwing at will?”

“That’s not what it says.” Ryse leaned over to rest his elbows on his knees.

“And how would you explain it then? I’m pretty sure that you and the blonde bomb shell did more than have afternoon tea while talkin’ politics and yet no one’s accused you of being defiled.”

Damn. That was a fair point. And yet he didn’t have a good answer. Rubbing the bridge of his nose again, Ryse closed his eyes and tried to figure out what to say. “Avery, I understand your confusion. You have a valid point.” He spoke slowly and that only earned him dirty look. “But I will not attempt to explain my entire past to you. There is far too much of it. Salina and I had a one-time thing many decades ago. It was a mistake and it meant nothing. Do not make it more than it was.”

Avery’s eyes widened, her nostrils flared and her mouth dropped open. Sh@#.

“Get out,” she ordered as she picked up a couch cushion and threw it at him.

Ryse gawked at her. “What is wrong with you?”

Her shocked expression and passionate anger were beautiful. How could he be thinking how amazing she was when they were fighting? “What’s wrong with me? Are you serious? For a demi-god, you sure are dumb. Leave. I’d prefer to be alone.” She turned her back and looked at the fire. He could see the tension in her shoulders, feel the anger radiating off her.

In a blink he was behind her, hands on her shoulders, lips to her ears. “Avery, baby.”

“Oh no, you don’t,” she said, brushing him off. “Don’t try to order me around like some dog and then get all sweet on me now. I’m not one of your soldiers.”

“I realize that, Avery. But you can’t possibly be jealous of that—that troll.”

 “I’m not blind, deaf or dumb. That woman is no troll. Why are you trying to make light of this?”

“Why are you trying to make it more than it was? I detest her. She’s nothing.”

Avery rounded on him and he tried to keep his hands on her body. “Any more ‘nothings’ you want to tell me about?”

With an exasperated sigh, Ryse stepped away. “Believe it or not, Avery, no. By the gods, you women are so damned maddening. Why waste the energy?”

Avery glared at him. “You should really stick to bein’ the strong silent type.”

Ryse knew he’d royally screwed up, though he wasn’t precisely sure how. Avery was pissed. There was no bother trying to argue with her when her accent was this heavy. He didn’t want to leave, but she made the decision for him.

“Good bye, Ryse. I’m sure you can make your way out the door.” Avery went out to the balcony, effectively dismissing him.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

It’s as tall my house. So sad! I’m reading CL Stagall’s The Weight of Night right now. I need to catch up on my Christine Feehan books. Man, I’m really behind… next question?

Have you ever used anyone from your real life encounters in any of your books?

I see characters in everyone I meet. There are stories I want to write inspired by real life events. But I wouldn’t base a character entirely on someone in my life. I might steal traits or certain phrases from them, but I like to keep a bit of distance between reality and fiction. Most of my friends don’t use swords or shift into tigers, so it’s easy. LOL!

What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself while you were writing?

My mind is a weird place. Ha! It was either write or get on medication! LOL! Why not go for the one that could be profitable? I love the way characters introduce themselves to me. They show me their lives and I get the pleasure of putting it on paper. I think being a writer is a gift that most people wouldn’t understand. I wouldn’t trade the voices in my head for anything!

Thank you so much! This was fun! I hope to visit with you again soon!

JoAnna Grace lives in a world of alpha males and strong females where true love conquers all—at least in her mind!

From the time she started holding a crayon she began to create magical worlds. Her first book was a series of pictures about a puppy princess. The story changed each time she told it, but there was always a happy ending! Her first written story was about girls who changed into tigers.

Hmmm… Guess some concepts stick around even into adulthood. Now those stories have become a bit more complex!

JoAnna’s tales are spun at her home in East Texas where she lives with her husband, three kids, a couple dogs and a few fish. When not hiding behind the computer screen you can find her camping, boating, and shopping. She is active in community ministry where she hopes to pass on the blessings she’s been given.

Member of the East Texas, North Texas, FFP, & PRO chapters of RWA, Texas Association of Authors.

JoAnna loves to hear from readers and fans! You can find her at the following places:

[Website][Blog][Twitter][Facebook]