Guest Blogger: Constance Phillips (and Paperback Giveaway!)

Today I'm thrilled to have Constance Phillips as my guest. She's the author of FAIRYPROOF, which I reviewed and gushed about back in September. (Read my review from September 21st here.) I'm also giving away a paperback copy of her book, so read on and don't forget to leave a comment!

*UPDATE*  In addition to the paperback, Constance will also be giving away an ebook version of FAIRYPROOF ! Another great reason to leave a comment and be entered to win this fun book!

Take it away, Constance!

 Books: The Door to a New World

Katie, thank you so much for inviting me your blog, today.

I know that reading is a very important element of being a good writer. However, because I am a wife and mother who has to hold down a full time job in addition to working on the writing career, that favorite past time can get ignored for weeks on end.

The last several weeks have seen me stretched pretty thin. I’ve been caught up in the day job, promoting the release of Fairyproof, writing a sequel to that book, and working with my editor on Resurrecting Harry (coming next year). Needless to say, spare minutes to read have been few and far between.

What was surprising was that in those moments I didn’t actually miss it. Not on a conscious level anyway. On an unconscious level, however, my soul was screaming to be told a story. Countless times in the last month or two I’d suggested to the husband or the kids that we go see a movie, of course finding the moments to do that were difficult too and that movie never happened.

Last night was just such a night.

We’d made plans to go to a movie, but after a mutually long and frustrating day, the hubby, the daughter, and I just didn’t have the gumption to make it to the car. Instead, I changed into my comfortable jammies, and grabbed a blanket (It’s getting cold here in the Midwest) and my Kindle. I scrolled through my to-be-read and while I had two started novels, I was a bit worried about my level of exhaustion and dwindling attention span. I zeroed in on a novella from a fellow RWA chapter member.

A little over two hours later, I reached the warm, satisfying ending and realized that the joy I derive from creating a whole new world for readers to get lost in when I write a story, is the same thing the reader side of me was missing. The story wasn’t a paranormal. It was, in fact, our local community, but the world – the characters the author created and their story of attraction and falling in love – was the escape from the stress and complications of my day-to-day.

My friend’s story certainly entertained me, but it also reminded me that books are an escape hatch into another world. It doesn’t matter if it’s literal – as with fantasy and paranormal books – or just a world that is not our own like in contemporary stories.

As a writer, I hope Fairyproof serves as an enjoyable escape for those who read it. As a reader, I will make a special effort to put reading back toward the top of my daily to-do list. 

 * * * * *

Thanks, Constance, for a great post - and a great reminder of why we read! Now, for a reminder of why we blog - and read other people's blogs! I have in my hands a paperback copy of FAIRYPROOF - which I bought, read and absolutely ENJOYED... and I will send it out to via snail mail to one lucky commenter!

SO, leave a comment for Constance, tell us why YOU like to read and what books have helped you escape lately. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday - Good luck!

 Book blurb:

When Monique finds out her brother, Kieran, is planning her future with the one fairy she wants nothing to do with, she seeks refuge in the human world. Now Kieran fears she will be the next victim in a string of murdered fairies and is determined to bring her home.

Hiding should be a breeze. She can control any human with a flirtatious smile and an attraction spell. Until she meets Daniel Elliot, the only human who's immune to both.

A year ago, Daniel's fiancée disappeared with the engagement ring, an Elliot family heirloom. He's ready to move forward with his life, but his mother's obsession with retrieving the ring makes that impossible. Then Monique walks into his office to apply for a job.

Daniel and Monique can't deny their attraction, but will the reason he's Fairyproof be too much to overcome?

About the Author:

Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, two ready-to-leave-the-nest children, and four canine kids. Her perfect fantasy vacation would involve hunting Dracula across Europe with her daughter, who also digs that kind of stuff. When she's not writing about fairies, shifters, vamps, and guardian angels, she's working side-by-side with her husband in their hardwood flooring business.

Constance is actively involved in her local Romance Writers of America chapter (MVRWA) and the Southeast Michigan chapter of the United States Pony Club. When not writing or enjoying the outdoors, she loves reality television or can be found at a Rick Springfield concert (just look for the pink Converse high tops).

Constance blogs regularly at www.constancephillips.com. You can also follow her on Twitter or Goodreads, or friend her on Facebook.

FAIRYPROOF is available in paperback on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.