Interview with Kimberly Norton and Giveaway of The Crystal Princess (Closed)

I’ve fallen in love with the little crystal bear that’s on the cover of The Crystal Princess. It’s just so cute. Anyway, I have a wonderful interview and giveaway to share with you. Kimberly Norton has very generously provided 5 paper back copies and 3 ebook copies to giveaway. Yes, you heard that right, 8 winners for this giveaway. So lots of chances to win.  Kimberly has also taken the time to answer some questions and provides some insights into her unique story. A big thank you to Kimberly for providing copies of her books and for sharing a few book details in an interview.

Bio

Kimberly Norton was born in California on September 1st 1973. Kimberly grew up in the town of Pinole, CA where she attended public school. She graduated from Pinole Valley High school in 1991. After high school Kimberly attended community college at Diablo Valley College, and also Solano College. Kimberly also attended cosmetology school where she graduated and became a Cosmetologist. Kimberly was married in 1999 to her wonderful husband Nicholas who works for the State of California. A few years later she had her first child in 2001 and her daughter in 2004. In Kimberly’s life span she’s held several jobs, and gained valuable experiences from each of them. In 2006 Kimberly and her family moved into the beautiful foothills of Northern California where they still lives today. Kimberly works part time at Shear Results salon in Sonora, and volunteers at the local elementary school. She finds time to write when ever she can, but writing is her passion, and not a day goes by where the story of Max and Kelly isn’t playing in her head. The official release date for her first book The Crystal Princess is February 8th 2011. It’s the first book in the series. She’s already received wonderful feedback about the book, and is working hard on book number two.

Interview

Can you tell us a little more about your book The Crystal Princess?  What was your inspiration for this original young adult fantasy?

The Crystal Princess is a journey into Kelly’s life.  She is the main character in the story and she is The Crystal Princess.  The book begins with Kelly begging her Senior year of high school, living life without a care in the world. On the first day of school she is abducted from history class by her sister. Her sister magically appears, covers her with a magic cloak and transports her home to be with her birth family. But Kelly didn’t know about this family. She was adopted as a infant and had no idea they existed. Sierra is Kelly’s dog and she was sent to live with Kelly since birth. She is Kelly’s protector. She has special powers and can transform into any animal under the sun.  Kelly meets her birth mother, and two sisters. (Lilly and Sara)  Kelly is in shock and must deal with these life changing blows all at once.To make things even crazier she learns she is a witch who comes from a long line of witches with powers.  She learns there is a evil witch who wants her dead, and that her old existence has been erased.

As for the story is just came to me on a camping trip with my family.  I felt so strongly about the story and characters that I needed to write this book. I want people to fall in love with the story and the characters like I have.  But this is my first book and its more an intro book into the series. I hope to make it a three book set. I’m working on book two right now.  I’m also looking for representation from a literary agent and a new publisher for the remainder of the books.

Can you tell us about the main characters in The Crystal Princess, Kelly and Max?

The underline story of Kelly and Max is one of  love. It’s the forbidden love between The witch and The Native American Indian. Kelly has special power that gives her extraordinary abilities, but don’t count our Max. He has spiritual power allowing him to transform into a White Bear with super human strength.

Are you working on any other books?

So there is lots of intrigue with this story. The second book gives more in-depth characters details then book one.  This was my first ever book and I’m still learning. I know I’ve made some mistakes, but I really believe in this project and I know other will love this story.

Besides reading and writing, what are some of your hobbies and/or things you do for fun?

Besides writing my first book, I am a Mom. I’m a hairdresser. I go to school and encourage writing as well as reading. I’m mentoring a Senior for his senior writing project. I volunteer at my kids school one day a week.  I try to meet new people on Twitter. I try to manage my Facebook fan, website and am doing interview when the opportunity comes around.

Do you have any funny or odd habits, writing related or other?

I love watching paranormal TV shows, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the OC. I love dogs. I try to exercise and stay in shape.  I have a very supportive family and I’m a strong determined person.  I take all criticism for the good or bad.  I’d love to have my books be made into movies one day.

Is there anything else you want to say to readers and fans?

So I think I answered all of your questions. Thank you so much for contacting me, and writing a review. I’m sure you have more than one job yourself. So thank you again for taking the time. I hope you enjoy my book. Please let me know if you need anything else.

Giveaway

The Prizes

• 5 winners will receive a paper back copy and 3 winners will receive an ebook copy of The Crystal Princess by Kimberly Norton.

The Rules

• The paper back giveaways are open to domestic residents only
• The ebook giveaways are open internationally
  
• Contest ends February 22nd.
• Fill out the form below to enter.
• Must 13 or older to enter.
• One entry form per person.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Winner must respond within 48 hours.

The Winners

SpadesHighReads, Misty B, Abby, Malvina B, Danny F, Jess G, Nora-Adrienne, and Jana