Today I’m thrilled to host fellow lovehappyending.com author Lauren Howell. Before I put Lauren on the hotseat, I thought I would share the cover and brief synopsis of her debut YA fantasy novel.

Rowan

Jake, a dragon wearing orange chucks, shows up in Kelly Foster’s living room disguised as a human.  When he starts going on about a lost sword, a magical pendant and Stonehenge being the gatekeeper to the lost city of Atlantis, Kelly feels a little more than skeptical.  But when Jake tells her it could all be the key to finding her father, Kelly doesn’t hesitate to jump on board.  Swept away to the world of Rowan, she picks up a band of followers along the way, Henry, Tyler, Sky, and Caesius.  Will they help her find her father or will someone more sinister cause their paths to go in opposite directions.  Will Kelly do what she came to do then go home?  Because the fate of Rowan is up to her.

Now for the fun bit…

What prompted you to write Rowan?

I actually started Rowan when I was a kid, though, it was very VERY different from what it is now.  In fact, I don’t think there’s a trace left of the original story except for Jacinth and Henry.  I always wrote stories when I was a kid and I always wanted to be a writer.  I couldn’t get enough of what books did for me and I always wanted to write stories that would do that for other people.  Provide an escape, a comfortable, fun place to go on a cozy afternoon.

Why did you choose Stonehenge for the cover (other than it features in the book)?

There’s a really easy explanation for this.  It was free.  Being as this was my first book and all, I ended up getting the cover for free.  I had wanted to put the sword from the book on the front but the person doing the cover needed to use a photo and wasn’t able to design it themselves.  So I chose something that at least had something to do with the book.

Before self-publishing it, did you try the traditional route?

No, I didn’t try the traditional route before self-publishing.  I wanted to have the freedom of self-publishing would give me.  However, I discovered that I am horrible at marketing so I may be looking to see if I can’t find a publisher.

Are you currently working on another book?

Yes!  Not only the sequel to Rowan but several others as well that I’m really excited about.  They aren’t all young adult fantasy like Rowan is but they do all have some sort of supernatural element to them.

Where to buy Rowan:

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 207 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004Y0AWFK
Lending: Enabled
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 184 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (May 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1461134315
ISBN-13: 978-1461134312
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces
Sold By: Barnes & Noble

Format: NOOK Book (eBook)
Age Range: Young Adult
Series: Kelly Foster #1
File Size: 758 KB
BN ID: 2940012483034

Amazon (buy): http://amzn.to/k5OfSr
Amazon (buy paperback): http://amzn.to/iLA4S0
Barnes and Noble (buy): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rowan/1031139951?ean=9781461134312&itm=1&usri=rowan+lauren+howell

What are readers saying about Rowan?

Kimberly Hoye: What a great adventure! I finished it in 2 days! From the beginning to the end, I didn’t want to put it down. It kept my attention and made me want to read more.  Humor, sarcasm, suspense, friendship, it’s all there! A great read for anyone who enjoyed Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Neverending Story!

Jay “Dizzle”: This book was a real page-turner.  I finished it in one sitting.  It has great suspense and drama.  The character interactions are fantastic and its very well written.  I can’t really describe how much I enjoyed this read but please take my advice if you like young adult fiction like Harry Potter or Twilight then pick up Rowan.  More please Ms. Howell!!!

SBM: A great adventure story for readers of all ages! This creative storyline is filled with fantastic characters that make it a truly fun read.

MarksLadyJane: I read alot of werewolf and vampire books but the DRAGON in the story surprised me…I love it!

About the author…

Lauren likes reading, writing, gaming, camping, hiking, horseback riding, sports and just about anything else that makes life fun. She’s currently in school studying anthropology and when she’s gets through that program, Lauren will continue her education to get her masters in forensic anthropology and archaeology.

She has many obsessions, some of which are anything to do with fantasy, tigers, cryptozoology, the paranormal and just all around mysteries of the world, post apocalyptic books, shows, and movies, moleskine notebooks, sharpie, and the color orange.

Facebook laurenhowellwriter: http://on.fb.me/m4qtwL
Twitter @lm_howell: http://bit.ly/kA9iSQ