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Friday, January 17, 2014

Author Showcase: Jalpa Williby


   As promised, the first author I'd like to introduce you to is Jalpa Williby, author of Chaysing Dreams.
   I really enjoyed this story. The author has a great imagination, but more importantly, the ability to lay the story out in a solid way that never let's it get bogged down in descriptive text that doesn't add to the story. Tess, the main character, is a loveable young woman. She's bright and athletic, has a great family, and a good life. The author rounded her out so well, that you can literally see her as a real person. Her volunteer work at The Angels, and interactions there, are touching. Seeing her grow up before your eyes is also done so seamlessly, there was no jumping around, it flowed perfectly.
   The supporting characters are perfect here, they don't get in the way with unnecessary information. They carry out their supporting roles perfectly, but you know enough about them that you really like them, and appreciate the love they have for their friend, Tess, and each other. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say the main male character is a hottie, and very...energetic! As mysterious as he is, you get such a sense of him from the author so that you know him just as well. His motives, however, are suspect, and this gives you cause to keep a suspicious eye on him. For me, he was the whole source of the suspense.
   This book does exactly what a good book should: you smile a lot, all the while the suspense is building- delicately, at first, and you find yourself trying to second guess the story, but you wont figure it out, and that's what makes the ending even better, and all the more shocking!
   A good read for all ages, but I think it will be particularly loved by the YA crowd, they will be able to connect with Tess on an even more intimate level, and so much of her life will resonate soundly for them - Chameleon
Chaysing Dreams Book Trailer


Q. Jalpa, Chaysing Dreams is a great story, and it really took me by surprise a few times. Tell me what drew you to write this story.

   Thank you for the compliment. I’m glad that you enjoyed the story. Yes, there are a lot of unexpected surprises in there. As far as what drew me to write this story? Since I’ve always been a big reader, one day I decided to try to write a story- more for fun and as a personal accomplishment. I’ve always had an imagination out of this world, so I decided to challenge myself. Once the story developed and I started becoming attached to the characters, I knew I had to share it with the rest of the world. I felt that I’d be doing my characters a disservice if I didn’t at least try to get them out there. Luckily, many readers are becoming attached to the characters and the story as well.

Q. Is this part of a trilogy?
 
   Chaysing Dreams is the first of a trilogy. The sequel, Chaysing Memories, should be out in a few more months. I’m still going through all of the edits and making sure I’m completely satisfied with the final product.

Q. Care to give us a sneak peek at what we can expect in the next book?
 
   Sneak peek? Well, the colleagues who have read it have told me that it’s even better than the first one- and they loved Chaysing Dreams. So, I guess that’s a good sign. I would say it’s completely different than the first book. Tess is no longer an innocent young girl. She is now an adult, stronger and more confident. Although she doesn’t remember some critical events of her life, she rises to the challenges that are thrown at her. As far as Chayse goes? Well, he is a mystery isn’t he?

Q. It's said that everyone has at least one story they could write. Do you have any stories left in you after these?

   Oh, I’ve always been a storyteller. My brain is always on the go… I’d love to continue with other stories after the trilogy is done. But for now, I can only focus on the Chaysing Trilogy. I’m honestly incapable of thinking about any other stories- can only do one at a time. I become so invested in the characters that I’m working on- probably obsessively so. Not sure if that’s healthy, but I’ve always been like that. I’m that person who falls for fictional characters!

Q. You've traveled a long road getting Chaysing Dreams out. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
 
   You know, this entire experience has been a learning process for me. I literally jumped in it, completely blind. Even after all these months, I’m so naïve about so many aspects of this new world I’m discovering. But I do love to challenge myself, and it's never too late to learn. Would I do anything differently? Well, I hate the marketing that goes along with this. I probably don’t even do that right. So, I think it would probably be wise to research more regarding what’s available for indie authors. It would be nice to have more resources to utilize.

Q. Any parting comments you'd like to share?
 
   First of all, thank you so much for having me. Secondly, I’d like to say that as intimidating as this literary world may seem to be, I’ve met some pretty amazing people. I’ve met some great authors, bloggers, and reviewers. They’ve guided me and helped me along the way. It’s nice to meet people who are genuinely trying to help you. So, I want to send a shout out to them. (And you’re one of them, Chameleon!)
I also want to thank all of the readers who have read Chaysing Dreams. Honestly, it’s your support that keeps me going. I’m humbled by the kind words I’ve received.

   Thank you, Jalpa! And thanks to everyone who stopped by, I hope you'll join me next week as I showcase yet another great author, and excellent book. Until then, have a great week!

Chaysing Dreams (Chaysing Trilogy) Click Here to Purchase From Amazon
www.chameleon-author.com Chameleon Author

4 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks, Bryan. I love doing this and giving people the spotlight they deserve!

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  2. Thank you for having me. I enjoyed doing this interview. :)

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    Replies
    1. You're always fun to work with Jalpa! It's your spotlight, I hope you'll show it off :D

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