I’m thrilled to have young adult author, Heather McCorkle join me today. Heather is an inspiration to many authors, modelling the very best of “authors-helping-authors” – a motto to live by. She shares her knowledge, the spotlight, and isn’t resistant to sharing the lessons she’s learning along the way. Her blog is wealth of info. Anyway, I’ve picked her brain today for your enjoyment.

The first book in the Channeler series, The Secret of Spruce Knoll, is being re-released as a fundraising promotion. Can you tell us more?

I’m very passionate about saving endangered species so it only made sense to have a portion of the proceeds from Spruce Knoll go toward that passion. I’m dreaming big an hoping to raise $10k by the end of this year. The goal is off to slow start as the sales of a debut novel are often slow, but I’m hoping they pick up with the release of my second book.

Your work blends history, mythology, prophecies, and a lore of your own making. How do you approach researching each book?

I use Google a lot but I always double check what I learn online with information from a library or published literary source of merit. I love to work in cultural things because it adds such depth.

What can we expect in Eren’s continuing discovery of Spruce Knoll’s secrets in the sequel, Channeler’s Choice?

You can expect a lot of new challenges, complications, and a deepening of the danger that first plagued Eren. Relationships will be forged, others will be challenged, and Eren will have a huge choice to make.

As a member of the Class of 2k10, I’m a big fan of author collectives. They’re great ways to network (from a writer’s viewpoint), but are also fantastic for introducing readers to new authors and new tales. Can you tell us about the Indie Elite and the Indelibles?

The Indie Elite is a group that I formed to recognize independent authors who are a cut above the rest. These are authors that you would swear were published traditionally if you didn’t know otherwise. The Indelibles are a fantastic group of indie and traditional small press authors who have come together to help support one another. I consider myself tremendously lucky to be a part of them.

The main theme of my sequel novel, Second Skin, is fear. Come on, fess up…what scares you? Do your characters share this fear?

I know and I’m dying to read it! I’ve been chomping at the bit since I finished book 1! What scares me, hmm, that’s tough. On a personal level, losing those I love and yes my characters definitely share this fear!

Scary movie or romantic comedy?

Can I have a combination of both?

Where can readers follow you and learn more about your wicked-cool stories?

Ah, you’re so sweet. I can be found several days a week on my blog, almost always on Twitter (and I host a weekly chat there every Monday night), and occasionally on Facebook.

Giveaway blurb: At the end of the Channeler’s Choice tour I’ll be giving away a hardback of Channeler’s Choice, and a paperback of Born Of Fire & Dies Irae to one winner and an eBook of Channeler’s Choice to a second winner (of PDF is they don’t have an ereader). The first place winner will be able to substitute for eBook editions if they would prefer.

Hope you’ll hike over to Heather’s blog where I’ve answered a few of her questions. And remember comments on ANY of the SS tour posts = entry for the GRAND PRIZE!