Author Interview with Dale Ibitz

I am super excited to have author Dale Ibitz
on our blog today to talk about her books and her writing!

Fire in the Blood
Buy Now on Amazon
Global warming is playing havoc on Earth, and when 17 year-old Haley tumbles to a parallel world, she discovers that Earth’s issues stem from a war between the Eyids, the gods of nature. Because her necklace is a stone that holds the power of the Air Eyid, Haley is called upon to stop the war

But Haley has a problem. Actually, two problems. One named Tuggin, and one named Ian.

Both lie to her. Both have secrets. And neither are who they say they are. With her stone of power, Haley’s forced to make a choice that will decide the fate of all the worlds. But who should she trust, who should she fight, and who is the one with fire in his blood bent on betraying them all?

____________________

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
It's hard to really pin down the exact moment. I've always loved to write, even as a kid in grade school. Though I'm not a school-geek that did all of my homework--far from it, actually!--I always wrote beyond the assignments. Then in 5th grade, I came in 3rd in a writing contest. It was at that point that I thought that maybe there was something to this writing thing, and that thought carried on through high school, where I was encouraged by my English teacher to submit stories to magazines. I got discouraged quickly, and as I get older, I thought writing was just a dream and gave up. And then as I got *even* older, I realized I shouldn't be scared of my dreams, and went ahead and wrote my first book. I've never looked back.

Tell us a little bit about Haley.
Haley is a girl who's a bit of a loner with just one close friend. But as she turns 17, she's hoping to change things up and change her life. She's a little immature and sheltered, and a little selfish at times, but she has a lot of heart and is willing to make sacrifices to help others.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
I was a loner growing up myself! We moved *a lot* (in the 5th grade, I transferred schools 3 times). It's hard to make friends under those circumstances, and I think that kind of upbringing is what addicted me to books, and later to writing.

What kind of music do you listen to when you write?
I was a rocker girl in my younger days, and now I'm really feeling the alternative metal. I'm partial to Three Days Grace, Limp Bizkit, Breaking Benjamin, Puddle of Mudd and Linkin Park. That type of music inspires me, especially for writing young adult.

What do you do to unwind and relax?
Read. Especially sitting outside in a lawn chair in the sunshine and reading. Exercise is good, too, particularly hiking.

What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
The power of observation. You can learn a lot about people by watching them, especially body language, and that transfers to writing. Oh, and always listen to the voices in your head.

What are three things you wouldn't want to do without?
Chocolate, books, and my family. Funny, I have a love-hate relationship with all 3 of those things, but I couldn't live without them.

What book are you reading now?
Shadow Demons, by Sarra Cannon. It's great!


For more information, find Dale on Goodreads or visit her website!


And while you're there, check out Dale's other book:

Racing the Nightmares
 Buy Now on Amazon 
Twelve-year-old Blaine Weatherbee has lost everything: his dad, his home, his friends, and his edge for racing quarter midget racecars. Blaine doesn't want to be a quitter; he doesn't want to quit racing or his friends or his family. Will strapping back in to a racecar make the nightmares go away...or will Blaine's action-packed, competitive lifestyle only make the nightar...mo
Twelve-year-old Blaine Weatherbee has lost everything: his dad, his home, his friends, and his edge for racing quarter midget racecars. Blaine doesn't want to be a quitter; he doesn't want to quit racing or his friends or his family. Will strapping back in to a racecar make the nightmares go away...or will Blaine's action-packed, competitive lifestyle only make the nightares come true?