Theresa McClinton Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Today, we're thrilled to host Theresa McClinton for an interview and giveaway!

A long time enthusiast of things that go bump in the night, Theresa started her writing career as a journalism intern—possibly the least creative writing field out there. After her first semester at a local newspaper, she washed her hands of press releases and features articles to delve into the whimsical world of young adult paranormal romance. 

Since then, Theresa has gotten married, had three terrific kids, moved to central Ohio, and was repeatedly guilt tripped into adopting a menagerie of animals that are now members of the family. But don’t be fooled by her domesticated appearance. Her greatest love is travel. Having stepped foot on the soil of over a dozen countries, traveled to sixteen U.S. states—including an extended seven-year stay in Kodiak, Alaska—she is anything but settled down. But wherever life brings her, she will continue to weave tales of adventure and love with the hope her stories will bring joy and inspiration to her readers.

YAtopia: How many books did you write (or start writing) before you wrote the first published one? 

Theresa: The Stone Guardian is my first novel ever written, and my first ever published. I don't know what kind of debt I owe to God for such a miracle, or how He aligned the stars to make this happen, but I figure I must have done something really, really nice, and this was my payback. lol. Also, I'm really passionate about the story. I've always loved the Mayan civilization, and my characters are so near and dear to my heart. I believe this had a big something to do with getting my first novel published. 

YAtopia: Which one of your characters has the most of you in him/her? 

Theresa: I believe I am most like Ashley, with a little Jayden mixed in. Ashley is my heroine. Although she's much braver than I am, I feel we share the same 'motherly' instincts to protect our friends from harm. In only seventeen years, Ashley was born, abandoned, raised in an orphanage for the insane, told she was crazy and broken and just not good enough, fell in love, had her heart broken, and formed a friendship that she would forever be loyal to. Now, you tell me she hasn't had a hard life. If I was her, I would probably have melted into a puddle. But Ashley has loads of tenacity, and the willingness to let go of her fears to fulfill her destiny. Jayden, well, he's just a smart ass with a lot of heart. I wish I were more like my hero, Arwan, but he's much too...well, I'll leave the spoilers out of this one. ;)

YAtopia: What is the one tip you would give to aspiring authors? 

Theresa: Work really, really hard. Self teach. There's no wrong way. Don't let anything stand in your way. And if you want to write, do it because you love it, not because you want to get published. Readers can feel emotion on the page, and if you're not in love with your story and your character, the readers can tell, and your book won't be the best it can be. Also, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. I got my contract with Etopia Press by participating in a pitch contest, and then having a really good story to back it up. You have to be willing to be rejected (which I got plenty of before the one "Yes") in order to find a home for your book. I know that's more than one tip, but they're all really important, so I cheated. ;)

YAtopia: What has been your biggest challenge in writing/publishing so far? 

Theresa: I think my biggest issue was decided where I wanted to go with my writing. Did I want an agent, be published with a smaller press, or to self publish? I went with the smaller press because I realized I needed the mentoring, and wanted a more personable experience. Thanks to my amazing editor and press, I have just that. I've learned so much just from working with them.

When myth becomes reality, reality becomes a nightmare.

Like any other teenager in America, Ashley just wants a normal life. But growing up in an orphanage for the insane is anything but normal. After endless therapy and increasing medication, her nightmares have only gotten worse. 

Probably because they’re not nightmares.

When Ashley’s mysteriously abducted, she finds a reality even less normal than the orphanage. And she discovers something else—she’s no ordinary orphan. Faced with enemies thought to only exist in fairy tales, Ashley discovers she possesses a powerful Maya bloodline. She’s the daughter of an ancient Maya Guardian, whose duty is to protect the Stone of Muuk’ich, an enchanted relic blessed by the gods. But first she must get it back from Sarian, a power-hungry demigod who slaughtered the last guardian—Ashley’s mother. Without the stone, all will be lost. 

When she meets Arwan, a hot Belizean time bender, his delicious olive skin and dark eyes make her feel a little less alone. But his gentle whispers and reassuring touch might not be all they seem. How can she balance love and duty when it’s up to her to prevent the rising of the underworld? Especially when the guy she loves might be its crown prince…

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