Thursday, August 23, 2012

Steena Holmes is "choc" full of talent and has a book to give away

Introduction and interview 
by Tracey Meyers

**Giveaway is now closed**
Once upon a time, I was a chocoholic.  To say I LOVED chocolate is an understatement.  However, about a year and a half ago I stopped eating it.  (Shudder...I know!) 

I only bring this up because when I ventured over to Steena Holmes' website, the first thing I saw was an image of two chocolate candy hearts next to a cup of coffee.  As I poked around more, and looked at some of her favorite recipes the first item listed was "Chocolate Mousse - from The Mask." (If I ate chocolate, I'd totally try this!) The temptation was definitely a challenge to resist!

The fact that Steena is a chocoholic wasn't the only thing I learned about this dynamic author during my visit to her website; I was also pleasantly surprised to see that she also designs book covers, and is a book reviewer, as well.

With so many diverse talents, it's no wonder her latest novel, "Finding Emma" won the 2012 National Indie Excellence Award for Fiction. 

Thanks to SparkPoint Studio, we have some copies of  "Finding Emma" to give away to TWO lucky CLC readers located in the US or Canada. If you can't wait until the end of the giveaway to read it, good news...it's only $2.99 for Kindle.

To learn more about Steena, visit her at Facebook, Twitter and her website!

Which of your characters have you connected with the most, and why? 
I love Jack. He reminds me of my grandfather and father rolled into one. I think it's his gruff exterior but teddy bear heart that drew me in as I uncovered who he really was and how important he was to the story. 

In your opinion, what makes a book (fiction or non-fiction) truly great? 
A great book is one that has the heart involved. When I walk away emotionally invested and the story stays with me - that's when the book goes from good to great (for me). 

Besides being a writer, you also design book covers.  Do these two talents influence one another?  If so, how? 
One thing I've learned in this journey is how crucial a cover is when it comes to marketing! From a writers point of view - I can understand what the author is wanting and with my designer eye - I can help them to create a cover they need. It's a fine line - what we want for our story and what is needed to sell.  

What author has had the greatest influence on your writing style?
I have a few. Ted Dekker who writes thrillers is one. Diane Chamberlain who writes contemporary fiction is another. They both have unique writing styles that draw me.  

You are self-professed chocoholic, what is your favorite chocolate treat? 
Please don't tell me I have to pick only one! I have a decadent chocolate caramel cake that I LOVE to make -it's my go-to cake for celebrations, 'just because' moods and anything else. But then ... I love to make a chocolate chip cheesecake as well. Oh - and don't forget chocolate dipped strawberries .... you know, I think I'm in the mood to do some baking now! 

What is your favorite summertime memory? 
This is easy! Summer time as a kid growing up by the beach. The sound of seagulls, the smell of french fries and the taste of ice cream. The feel of sand between my toes and being surrounded by laughter. In my home town they have a 'scottish band' that walks down the main street every Saturday night during the summer - people would line the streets and then join in behind the band as they walked through downtown - so much fun! 

Three words that sum-up my personality are:
Quiet. Stubborn. Friend. 

Three things I must have with me at all times: 
Chocolate. My cell phone. Lipgloss.

Special thanks to Steena for a wonderful interview and to SparkPoint Studio for sharing "Finding Emma" with our readers. 

How to win a copy of "Finding Emma":
Please comment below with your e-mail address. (Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite chocolate treat?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.


US/Canada only. Giveaway ends August 28th at midnight EST.

32 comments:

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

My favorite chocolate treat is s'mores. I have been known to make them in the microwave because I crave them so much!!

I follow this blog through GFC, Twitter and FB.

missamberljohnson at gmail dot com

susieqlaw said...

Chocolate fudge brownies. Yummy!

sendsusanmail AT gmail DOTcom

I follow the CLC blog, Facebook, and twitter.

I tweeted about the contest on twitter @susieqlaw

EFC Chrissy said...

My favorite chocolate treat (although there are too many to choose from) is a frozen Hershey bar right from the freezer! yum.

i follow this blog and love it!

everyfreechance@gmail.com

Jessica said...

1. How can I name one chocolate treat? haha. Ummm I love godiva dark chocolate truffles!
2. I am a follower of this blog on GFC.
3. I posted this on twitter. https://twitter.com/xxpaperhearts/status/238726853374902273
4. I'm a member of Chick Lit Central on facebook.

Thanks!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

Na said...

My favorite chocolate treat is chocolate cake with lots of mousse.

GFC: Na
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

Marthalynn said...

Oh, I just love chocolate in pretty much any form. Right now I'm craving Skor bars or turtles...

follower :)

marthalynn16 at gmail

Nova said...

I love ALL chocolate! Especially love Godiva gems!
I liked and follow CLC on facebook ...
I subscribe to CLC by email.
sparkle40175@hotmail.com

karenk said...

my favourite choc. treat is a plain ol' hershey bar.

thanks for the chance to read this novel.

i'm a follower, too.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Michelle Beattie said...

I like chocolate lava cake! Great interview and since I know Steena, I can say great friend too!

Linda Kish said...

I'm not much of a chocolate eater. Maybe a Milky Way candy bar. Even that can be too much chocolate for me. Or 1 piece of See's candy...a dark cherry. That's more like it.

I am a GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Shannon said...

Shannon
cool_beans2000 at hotmail.com

My favourite chocolate is M&M's - love them.

Follow the blog via GFC, Facebook and Twitter

Cyndee said...

I love a flourless Chocolate Cake. It is so light and yummy...
I follow:RSS Feed,Pinterest,CLC Group on Facebook,Goodreads.
I shared the contest on Fb page
Cyndee Thomas
cyndee dot thomas0 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

If I had to pick one it would be creamy chocolate peanut butter fudge.
email follower
Sandy
westwindsoftx@yahoo.com

StereoQueenBee said...

1. Please tell us: What is your favorite chocolate treat?

Brownies!

2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).

Am already a follower.

3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.

Facebook - Sabrina-Kate Eryou
Twitter - stereoqueenbee

4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

Am already a member.

queenofcrunk@gmail.com

Margie said...

This sounds like an intriguing book about a mother's love. Thanks for the giveaway.
-I like Hershey bars with almonds!
-email subscriber
-Facebook fan
-GFC follower

mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

bn100 said...

I like chocolate chip cookies.

I follow the blog.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

BRN2SHOP9 said...

I love peanut M&M's.

I follow via GFC, twitter and Facebook.

Brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

Dolly said...

My favorite chocolate treat is a coke float with chocolate ice cream!

I'm a FB/blog follower

jcsites2002 at hotmail dot com

Kim W. said...

My favorite is Reese's peanut butter cups!!!

I follow the CLC blog

I belong to CLC on FB

kewalker1972@gmail.com



Diane Russom Harrison said...

My all time favorite is Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels.

I follow this blog via FB.

I will repost on FB.

dharrison63038@aol.com

Lori Verni-Fogarsi said...

I'd love to win "Finding Emma!"

1. My favorite chocolate treat is Godiva truffles... so very smooth!

2. I am a follower.

3. Shared on FB on my page @LoriTheAuthor

4. I am already of member of CLC group.

Thanks!

Bonnie K. said...

My most favorite is dark chocolate. Once in awhile I crave chocolate mousse using dark chocolate and stout.

bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

I'm a follower of your blog.

shared on twitter: https://twitter.com/grobiemum/status/239809448862957568 and facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.karoly/posts/371977022874158

I've joined Chick Lit Central on Facebook.

Elizabeth said...

Very nice blog...NEW FOLLOWER.

Stopping by from the Linky List on Carole's Chatter.

Stop by my blog if you like to have a look around and also sign up for the giveaway if you like.

Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
http://silversolara.blogspot.com

Sharon said...

This looks like a great read. I'd love to win a copy.

sharn3960 AT comcast DOT net

My favorite chocolate treat is anything that's dark chocolate.

I'm a GFC follower of the blog.

I'm going to tweet this as soon as I finish with my comment here.

I'm a member of Chick Lit Central on Facebook.

I'm going to add Amy Beckham.

Bridget O'Neill said...

My grandma's fudge. Best. Chocolate. EVER!

I follow the blog.

I'm a member of CLC on facebook.

bjoneill@hotmail.com

Tara Cunnane Niland said...

It has to be Ben & Gerrys chocolate fudge brownie ice-cream with loads of chocolate sauce.... totally delish x

Kristen said...

I love chocolate chip cookie dough. :)

I follow on FB and email.

kly(dot)327(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Malted Milk Balls :)

xx, Lauren

laurenclarkbooks at gmail dot com

Jeryl M. said...

I love all kinds of chocolate except dark chocolate, chocolate with fruit or chocolate with coconut. However, some of my favorite chocolate treats are Twix and Milk Ways.

I am a subscriber.

I am a Facebook follower.

jeryl.marcus@gmail.com

Maureen said...

My favorite chocolate treat is fudge.
I follow on GFC
tweet: https://twitter.com/MaureenCE/status/240489118080069632
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

krystal lynn said...

I love chocolate! Brownies, s'mores, Almond Joy, Mexican chocolate cupcakes, hot cocoa, I love it all. Also really like the Lindor Truffles when I'm reading chick lit!

miss_kris_11(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

Anything that Sees makes! I especially love their milk chocolate bordeaux.

I follow on Facebook, Twitter and GFC (mamie316)

mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com