Interview with Author Claire Banschbach + Giveaway + Rise of Aredor/Wildcat of Braeton Relaunch!

The Rise of Aredor: Kindle Sale 9/28 – 9/30

Today I’m joining in on Claire Banschbach’s relaunch blogtour with a double book spotlight, giveaway, and an interview with the author herself! 🙂

Check out the tour schedule on Claire’s blog!

Some time ago, the publisher of The Rise of Aredor and The Wildcat of Braeton went under, so Claire has been hard at work getting both novels back out and published under her own label, Campitor Press. They’re now available again! (And The Rise of Aredor is 99 cents on Amazon during the blogtour, September 28-30!) I haven’t read them yet, but I’ve heard they’re quite good and feelsy. 😉 (And also that they’re not actually about animals, but people, despite the covers. XD) I look forward to trying them out someday! 😀

Also, if you’d like a taste of the Aredor universe, Claire has some short stories (she might even post one during the tour) on her blog; you can find and read them here.

Claire herself is an absolutely delightful person, both online and in person (I got to meet her and she’s awesome!) so I’m excited to have her over to my blog for an interview! 🙂

Author Bio

Claire M. Banschbach is a native West Texan. She discovered a deep and abiding love for fantasy and science fiction at a young age, prompting her to begin exploring worlds armed only with an overactive imagination and a pen while obtaining degrees in Kinesiology from Texas A&M and Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University.

She talks to fictional characters more than she should while struggling to find time for all their stories. She currently resides in Arlington, TX where she works as a Pediatric Physical Therapist.

You can connect with her on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog | Instagram

Interview with Author Claire M. Banschbach

Find the other Random Facts scattered through the other spotlight posts on the tour!

1. Deborah: Pen, pencil, or keyboard — and why?

Claire: I actually will go back and forth between pen and keyboard, depending on the project. Both the Aredor books were written by hand and I recently found the giant stack of notebooks when I moved. (Visit my Facebook page to see me with The Rise of Aredor ;)) I do type faster than I write, so I’m on the computer for most projects these days, but I do love to pull out a notebook and pen and go old school for anything from a short story to a full length novel!

2. Deborah: Do you have a character who was your favorite to write in these books?

Claire: It’s kind of a toss up between Aiden and Trey as far as favorite to write. Aiden is obviously in there more, being the main character of book 2. I definitely enjoyed writing any scene with him in it. Trey was another fun one as a minor character, just because he’s kind of intense, snarky, and will do just about anything as long as it’s dangerous, so yeah… 😛

3. Deborah: I look forward to meeting both characters! Top five favorite authors?

Brian Jacques, JRR Tolkien, Andre Norton, KM Shea, and recently discovered HL Burke. I will pretty much read any of her books.

4. (Apparently I need to try Norton and Shea, since the other three are fabulous. XD) Do you have a favorite food?

All food? Lol! My friends and family know they can bribe me with anything remotely resembling pizza and tacos.

5. Zoo or museum, and why?

Ooh, tough one! I think it would depend on what exhibit I’m going to see at a museum. But I also like hanging out by the big cats at a zoo and swooning over otters. Zoo probably.

6. Otterssss! ❤ You are my kind of person. 😉 Do you listen to music while writing, and if so, what music do you enjoy most?

Oh yes! I listen to music all the time. Typically for writing I have an epic instrumental soundtrack playlist going, but I have one WIP right now that I usually put on my random playlist which contains anything from rock to Christian, pop to Celtic rock, oldies to acoustic covers. But usually I have some sort of instrumental/epic going.

7. What’s your current writing project, and what can readers expect next from you?

I have two I’m working on right now. One is the WIPs mentioned above – The Mountain Baron, is a N/A fantasy with a healthy dose of angst, stabby outlaws, and brothers. I have too much fun with it. The other is a fantasy/western Snow White retelling for a contest. As far as the next publishing project? My fantasy/adventure story, The Wolf Prince, about brothers, curses, and faeries is with the editor right now and I’m hoping to publish by the end of the year.

8. Exciting! I can’t wait. 🙂 And lastly: any words of wisdom for fellow writers/authors?

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Don’t compare yourself to other writers, as in don’t measure your skill or success by other people. Don’t be afraid to take a break from writing! And remember, we’re all writers just trying to get our worlds out on paper – we’re all in this together.

Thanks so much for joining us, Claire!

Book Spotlight: The Rise of Aredor

The Rise of Aredor

Lost in a foreign land and separated from his family, Corin does his best to survive as a slave in the household of a Calorin lord. With newfound friends he fights for survival in ambushes and wars. For one act of bravery, he is awarded his freedom and returns to a home that has been invaded and ravaged by the Calorin armies. When Corin sets foot on Aredor’s shores, he has one goal in mind: find his family. He is driven into the forest, where he is reunited with childhood friends. From the shelter of the woods, they begin a spirited rebellion against Corin’s former cruel master, who now holds sway over Aredor. Follow Corin’s path in his quest to free his imprisoned brother, find a father who has vanished, and ultimately free his country in The Rise of Aredor.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: The Wildcat of Braeton

The Wildcat of Braeton

His term of service to Lord Rishdah now complete, Aiden returns to his home in Braeton. As he travels he hears rumors that trouble plagues Braeton. Clan Canich is being attacked from within. He arrives, determined to save his father, his brothers, and his Clan from the treachery of one man.

A year has passed since the Calorins were driven from Aredor and Corin is struggling to rebuild his country. Despite the peace, a fear haunts him that the Calorins aren’t far away. The Hawk Flight takes to the forest again to defend the borders against a possible attack from the neighboring country of Durna and its Calorin ally. 

As Aiden and Corin struggle to adapt to their new lives they know one thing for certain – war is coming to the North! 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Giveaway

Claire is giving away ebooks of The Rise of Aredor and The Wildcat of Braeton, a set of 4 notecards of the series artwork, and the grand prize is a paperback set of the books + 1 notecard of choice!

The giveaway will run from 9/28 – 10/4

Enter via the Rafflecopter HERE!

Have you read any of Claire’s books? Or do you want to? 😉 Thanks for reading! 🙂