Chantal Gadoury ~ an interview and her novel Allerleirauh

I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME AUTHOR

Chantal Gadoury

 

 Allerleirauh
Chantal Gadoury
Genre: YA Fantasy / Fairy Tale / Romance
Self Published © Chantal Gadoury
Date of Publication: December 21st 2015
ISBN: 1522880801
ISBN-13: 978-1522880806
ASIN: B019O4UAN4
Number of pages: 232
Word Count: 54,551
Cover Artist: Chantal Gadoury
Photography: Ivan Bliznetsov

BIO –Chantal Gadoury is a young author who is originally from Muncy, PA. Chantal enjoys to paint in her spare time, drink a good cup of coffee when she can and appreciates watching her favorite Disney classics with loved ones. When she’s not busy crafting or reading, Chantal is dedicated to her family at home: her mom, sister and a furry-puppy-brother (and her Dad, who has now lives in heaven.) As a 2011 college graduate from Susquehanna University, with a degree in Creative Writing, writing novels has become a dream come true!

BANTER – STUFF ABOUT YOU

Q: How would you describe yourself as a color? Think personality here. Are you a light and airy pastel person, or more of a deep, dark, sultry and mysterious color?

A: I’d describe myself as a shade of blue. There’s a blue that I often use in my paintings that at first glance, it’s soft – a complex blue. It’s a shade of blue one would imagine seeing in the ocean. As the paint is spread out over the canvas, it becomes softer, lighter – brighter. But as you put more, the darker it becomes. The color has more depth, more richness. I’d be that shade of ocean blue. Because on the surface, I can appear bright, welcoming – lovely even, but as you put more of my “color” together, there’s a rich complicity to me and my life. There’s a surprise of a deep, blue color – I’m more than just something soft and beautiful. I can be harsh and unyielding; just like the ocean. Dark, sultry and majestic.

Q: Are you a morning person, or a midnight candle burner?

A: I think I’m bit of both. I’m a morning person when I’m working – I have to be up by a certain point in the morning. (But getting a hello from me, or a good morning can be a bit too much.) I can be a midnight candle burner if I’m in the zone or if I’m doing something. I used to be able to stay up all night, but with age, comes the ultimate desire to sleep. Sleep is good!

Q: Tell me one thing about each of the four seasons you like. It can be anything.

A:        Winter = the soft sound as snowflakes hit the ground

            Spring            = the soft breeze with the scent of bloomed flowers or rain showers.

            Summer = how rich the green mountains become here.

            Fall = the slight chill in the air, the beautiful changing of the leaves.

Q: What is the sexiest thing on a man?

A: His jaw, hands and chest. It might be quite a list there, but there is nothing sexier than a clenched jaw with a defined jaw bone. And soft, gentle hands – hands that can hold you, comfort you – take all the pain you might experience, all away. In regards to his chest, somewhere safe to rest your head. Those are three places that I find the sexiest on a man.

 BOOKS – ABOUT THE CRAFT

Q: When did you start writing and why?

A: I started to write when I was in the second grade, for a school project. We all had to create a story, write it, type it and illustrate it. I wrote “A Trip to New Jersey.” My Father’s family lives there, and we’d go visit them often during the weekends. So naturally, I wrote about doing my favorite things, like playing legos with my cousin Adam and spending time with my Grandmama and Grandpapa. From that point on, I was hooked. I remember asking my mom for a diary for the longest time, and had to wait until I could actually hand-write well. It was a great day when I got my first journal!

Q: What do you think is the hardest part of writing a book?

A: The editing process. That is honestly the worst part for me. Sometimes, getting started can be challenging. Trying to figure out what to write about, but if it’s not getting started, it’s the editing process. I really really hate it!

Q: How do you handle a writer's block?

A: With music. Time. Patience. I try to watch things that might be related to what I’m trying to write about. Sometimes it’s just taking time off of writing and doing something fun. I love to write on Tumblr, so – I’ll do that! I have a few things that I try to get myself out of writer’s block.

Q: Do you always know how a story will end when you begin writing it?

A:  Not all the time. I really just try to write and see what happens. Where the characters take me. It feels a bit more organic if I go that way. Sometimes I’ll make an outline, but I tend to find that I feel more restricted.

BOOKS - NOW LETS PROMOTE – STRUT YOUR STUFF

Q: What are you working on now? Would you like to share anything about it?

A: I’m working on two novels at the moment. One is a Fantasy YA (it might turn into a New Adult novel) and a Contemporary YA novel – based on some real life events and experiences.

I don’t have a title yet for the Fantasy novel, but it is going to be based on Mermaids! And granted, it’s still SUPER rough – so … a sneak peek into a very early excerpt!

“Jace held out his hand with a grin, as the band behind him played with a thunderous rhythm. His eyes challenged Lena to a dance and her smile accepted it. With a gentle hop as she pushed herself up onto her feet, she took his hand.

“You think you can keep up?” He asked teasingly and Lena replied with another dashing smile.
“I can try.”

“We’ll have to get a bit closer,” Jace’s hand fell upon her hips, pulling her closer against his warm body. Lena could feel her cheeks begin to burn from embarrassment as she looked up into his dark brown eyes. His had softened into playfulness as he pressed his hand against her back. “Ready?” He asked softly against her ear. Lena nodded, biting her bottom lip as his whisper made her body tingle. Quickly, Jace fell into step of the drums, pipes and violins as he led Lena across the main room of the Inn. The others staying at the Inn either fell into the step of the dance or stood nearby, clapping to the rhythm of the melody. Lena couldn’t stop herself from giggling as she did her best to keep up with Jace. He seemed to move so quickly and fluidly; he didn’t miss a beat.

“Hold on!” He said with laugh, twirling her in a circle – round and round. Lena wanted to close her eyes and allow her feet to do what they wished. Everyone was laughing and clapping, and Jace’s strong smile and gentle gaze kept her in place. Just as quickly, the melody came to an abrupt end and everyone applauded around the band. Lena did everything she could to keep her head from spinning. A softer, more gentle melody began to play and Lena started to stroll away with the others, when Jace’s hand caught her arm. She looked over her shoulder to see Jace smiling.

“Where are you going? Wouldn’t you like another dance? You can’t be finished already.” He pulled her back into his arms and rested his hand against the small of her back. Carefully, he moved her hand to his shoulder with a breathless chuckle. “You put your hand here on my shoulder, and with the other,” He clasped her hand gently. “ . . Like this.” Lena glanced at their joined hands and held her breath as she felt Jace begin to lead her again, this time more slowly. There were a few other couples that joined them. As Lena glanced around, she saw Mrs. Wyatt smiling in their direction as she cleared away desert plates. And just beyond Mrs. Wyatt was Lord Alastor, looming in the doorway.

“Jace!” He beckoned from where he stood, his hand on his waist. “Did we or did we not have an arranged meeting?” Jace broke from the dance, turning towards the sound of the Lord’s voice.

“Milord!” Jace said surprised, sliding his hand through his hair. “I . .. I . . uh, yeah. We did. I forgot.” He shrugged nonchalantly, keeping his gaze away from Lena’s.

“Forgot, eh boy? I suppose I can’t hold that against you with the little pearl on your arm.” Lena watched as Lord Alastor motioned towards her as he came closer to the place they all gathered.

“Perhaps now you could bear it to part from this merriment and come with me, to focus on your studies?”

“Now? But it’s so late!” Mrs. Wyatt said abruptly as she pushed her hands upon her waist with concern. “He’s just a boy, Alastor.”

“Hardly, Madame.” Lord Alastor said with a snark grin. “Perhaps in your eyes he always will be, but he is a man. And I, my dearest lady, shall make your son into a great man. But that does not happen with these silly dances with sweet-looking girls. It happens with books and lessons, and a great teacher.” He gestured towards himself.

Q: Do you have a new book coming out soon? Tell us about it.

A: I don’t have a new book coming out soon. “Allerleirauh” was just released in December, and I’ve actually only just begun my outlining process for my newest ideas! I hope to get more written soon, so that I can have a new book out by the new year!

Q: How can we find you? Do you have a web page, FaceBook page or any buy links?

A: Yes! I do! You can find me first here on my blog: http://chantalgadoury.blogspot.com/ . My blog actually has all of my links provided. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter! Just find me in the links!

Q: Are you currently participating in a blog tour? If you are let’s tell everyone where you’re going to be so they can catch up with you again.

A: You can find out everything in regards to my Tour Here: http://chantalgadoury.blogspot.com/2016/05/a-summer-book-tour-allerleirauh-june.htm

Blurb: 

Once Upon a Time…
In the Kingdom of Tränen, a King makes a promise to his dying wife to only remarry someone who has her golden hair. With time, the King finds his eyes are turned by his maturing daughter. Realizing her father’s intentions, Princess Aurelia tries to trick her Father by requesting impossible gifts: dresses created by the sun, moon and stars and a coat made of a thousand furs. When Aurelia discovers his success, she knows she must run away from her privileged life and escapes the kingdom disguised by the cloak and under a new name, “Allerleirauh.”

Aurelia enters the safe haven of the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht, where she is taken under the care of the handsome and gentle Prince Klaus. Hoping to not be discovered by her father’s courtiers, Aurelia tries to remain hidden under her new false identity. Unexpected love is found between Aurelia and Prince Klaus and is challenged with an approaching arranged marriage between the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht and a neighboring ruler. With the possibility of discovery hanging in the air, Aurelia must face the difficulties of her past with her father in her journey of self-discovery before the Prince and his entire Kingdom learns the truth of her real identity, and she looses him forever.

Excerpt:     The King and His Promise Excerpt: The Arrangement

"Have you forgotten your Mother's last wish? I promised her I would marry someone as beautiful as she. You're the only one who has the same golden hair, the same smile, the same beautiful eyes. You are the only one who will do, who I can love. The only one worthy of my love, my power, my body. You will be my bride." He declared as he ran a finger through my hair. My teeth clenched at his touch; the only thing keeping me in the room was the hope my arrangements would ultimately save me from this fate. I could not live this life with him.

"If I am to marry you," I began softly, letting out a deep breath. "I have four simple requests."

My Father grinned and nodded, "Go on...anything."

Perhaps he thought he was about to have everything he wanted. Perhaps in this moment, he was. I slowly uncurled my fingers from the fist I had created and licked my bottom lip.

"For my marriage, I will require new gowns. I request three gowns, one spun from the ray of sunbeams, the second, as silver as the moonbeams that dance along the night sky, and the third, woven from the star dust that falls from the heavens." My Father looked slightly surprised but continued to listen. I knew he would remember these from the night he had declared he would do anything for me to keep me happy and by his side.

"My last request," I continued, "A fur coat made of all the Kingdom's wild animals, so when the harsh winters come I can keep sickness and death at bay." I could feel my hands shake from trepidation; I couldn't believe I actually made these demands to him. What would the people think once they heard of him going to these lengths to marry me? Would they think I was a harlot? Would they think I encouraged my Father's inappropriate behavior towards me?

"And this is all you request from me?" he asked, surprised. I could see the amusement light up upon his face as I slowly nodded to him. Maybe this would actually work. Perhaps he would not see through the façade and agree to these. If he did, this would grant me more time to collect my things, arrange an escape from the palace, and more forward with my plans. I would never again be Princess Aurelia, but I would avoid the marriage between my own Father and myself.

"And if I agree to these things, you will marry me?" A smile crept upon his face as I gave a fast, curt nod as I swallowed my fear.

"Consider it done then, my love." My Father embraced me as he pressed a kiss upon the corner of my lips. I felt his finger lift my chin gently and I quickly took a step back away again. My eyes darted to the ground and I twisted a part of my dress around my finger nervously. I needed to play the part but protect myself.

A reminder to the reader ~ before you leave be sure to take a look at the 

Funny/Stupid and Interesting Tabs

Come back and visit again.