Author Ann T. Bugg
Ann T. Bugg is the Queen of her castle in southern Minnesota where she lives with her Knight in shining armor (who has come to her rescue more than once) and her own little Princess Valerie. The pets in her magical kingdom come in all shapes and sizes, as do all the critters that make their way out of the enchanted forest. Horseback riding, long walks with her dogs (Otter & Dottie pictured above) and embroidering are on her list of hobbies, but writing will always be her first love.
Ann also writes Women's Fiction under the name June Kramin
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui when I was 4. I currently live in Minnesota, but I always refer to Maui as home. "You can take the girl out of the island, but you can't take the island out of the girl." ~ Me :)
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Currently there are 9 books in this series. 8 that follow the girls as the girls get a year older. #9 I did as a prequel... but it's in the perfecting stages. Now that the books are bring published, I'm toying with adding more.
What or who inspired you to write? And how long have you been writing?
That one is easy. My daughter. She was encouragement through the first book for sure. As I wrote a chapter, I let her read it. She always nagged for the next chapter, even offering to do the outside chores so I would sit & write. This series started about seven years ago. It was shortly before that when I completed my 1st women's fiction. Although I had been told since the 3rd grade that I would be a writer, it took years for me to settle down and actually do it.
How did you come up with the title and cover design?
My daughter is my cover artist. I let her run with her vision of them. I got the okay from the publisher to let her have a stab at the cover for #1 - we were all floored. She was 14 at the time. The titles just happened. I try to keep a similar theme with them. As far as the series name, I was surprised when I searched for the domain & it was available. I bought it right away, not when knowing if there would be a book 2 - let a lone dream of being published someday.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
Hubby laughs at me because in my books, there is the standard disclaimer in the books about the characters being fictional, then you go to my website & I have "Meet the real Val & Sam!" LOL. The girls were my inspiration for the books, as well as the critters. Even the possum in #1 is what started it all. I have to admit, most of my women's fiction are inspired by things that really happen. I take a lot of liberties with my colorful life! "Be careful or you'll end up in my novel" has never rang more true.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
I fought the whole e-book thing for a long time. I was on a computer all day working, writing or editing. The last thing I wanted was a computer device in bed. When I finally got my hands on one I was shocked. "Wow! It is like reading paper." I am hours from a Barnes & Noble. I loved getting things right now & way cheaper. I'm also a recycle freak so the saving a tree thing is what won me over.
Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?
All I read are new authors. I am not self published, I have 3 smaller presses that I work with. We have all become a family & support each other. I have found incredible reads & ventured into some genres that I wouldn't have found otherwise. Being a part of a writer's forum, I find great reads there as well. (Note - these are not middle grade reads!!) Kelly Meding has an amazing urban fiction series, I loved a surprise find by Rhea Rhordan - Finding Grace, a wonderful story my Mary Cote - Cabochon, and a new YA series coming up by a friend - Flicker by Melanie Hooyenga, another YA -Fool Me Once by Honey Boudreaux. I could go on & on. I'm going to dedicate a page at both of my site to all these amazing reads. I never get in on the discussions of all the books that make the NY bestsellers. All I can say is, a lot of these finds should have been on that list.
Do you write under a pen name?
Ann T Bugg is a pen name. I publish women's fiction under my real name - June Kramin. I never wanted an 8 year old to pick one up & say, "Oh! I know her!" and be in for a biiig surprise :) I have been called "Bug" most of my adult life. "Auntybug" became a nickname when friends & family started having kids. I ran with it :)
List 3 of your all time favorite movies.
The mini-series 10th Kingdom
Princess Bride
Ever After
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui when I was 4. I currently live in Minnesota, but I always refer to Maui as home. "You can take the girl out of the island, but you can't take the island out of the girl." ~ Me :)
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Currently there are 9 books in this series. 8 that follow the girls as the girls get a year older. #9 I did as a prequel... but it's in the perfecting stages. Now that the books are bring published, I'm toying with adding more.
What or who inspired you to write? And how long have you been writing?
That one is easy. My daughter. She was encouragement through the first book for sure. As I wrote a chapter, I let her read it. She always nagged for the next chapter, even offering to do the outside chores so I would sit & write. This series started about seven years ago. It was shortly before that when I completed my 1st women's fiction. Although I had been told since the 3rd grade that I would be a writer, it took years for me to settle down and actually do it.
How did you come up with the title and cover design?
My daughter is my cover artist. I let her run with her vision of them. I got the okay from the publisher to let her have a stab at the cover for #1 - we were all floored. She was 14 at the time. The titles just happened. I try to keep a similar theme with them. As far as the series name, I was surprised when I searched for the domain & it was available. I bought it right away, not when knowing if there would be a book 2 - let a lone dream of being published someday.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
Hubby laughs at me because in my books, there is the standard disclaimer in the books about the characters being fictional, then you go to my website & I have "Meet the real Val & Sam!" LOL. The girls were my inspiration for the books, as well as the critters. Even the possum in #1 is what started it all. I have to admit, most of my women's fiction are inspired by things that really happen. I take a lot of liberties with my colorful life! "Be careful or you'll end up in my novel" has never rang more true.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
I fought the whole e-book thing for a long time. I was on a computer all day working, writing or editing. The last thing I wanted was a computer device in bed. When I finally got my hands on one I was shocked. "Wow! It is like reading paper." I am hours from a Barnes & Noble. I loved getting things right now & way cheaper. I'm also a recycle freak so the saving a tree thing is what won me over.
Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?
All I read are new authors. I am not self published, I have 3 smaller presses that I work with. We have all become a family & support each other. I have found incredible reads & ventured into some genres that I wouldn't have found otherwise. Being a part of a writer's forum, I find great reads there as well. (Note - these are not middle grade reads!!) Kelly Meding has an amazing urban fiction series, I loved a surprise find by Rhea Rhordan - Finding Grace, a wonderful story my Mary Cote - Cabochon, and a new YA series coming up by a friend - Flicker by Melanie Hooyenga, another YA -Fool Me Once by Honey Boudreaux. I could go on & on. I'm going to dedicate a page at both of my site to all these amazing reads. I never get in on the discussions of all the books that make the NY bestsellers. All I can say is, a lot of these finds should have been on that list.
Do you write under a pen name?
Ann T Bugg is a pen name. I publish women's fiction under my real name - June Kramin. I never wanted an 8 year old to pick one up & say, "Oh! I know her!" and be in for a biiig surprise :) I have been called "Bug" most of my adult life. "Auntybug" became a nickname when friends & family started having kids. I ran with it :)
List 3 of your all time favorite movies.
The mini-series 10th Kingdom
Princess Bride
Ever After
Links
Book 1
Book 1: Through the Mirror and into Snow (Snow White)
When best friends Valerie and Samantha discover a magic mirror in Val’s 100-year-old barn in southern Minnesota, they eagerly go through it. Immediately they run into the young Snow White, who has just escaped the huntsman. The girls vow to help her find her father, knowing the dangers that await. On their journey, the fun-loving double-trouble duo quickly discover they are caught up in the middle of their favorite fairy tales.
Having the knowledge of the stories as their only weapon, Val and Sam help two other princesses, make a surprising friend and discover they have a fairy godmother of their very own.
Book 2
Book 2: Into the Forest and Down the Tower (Rapunzel)
It’s time for Samantha’s summer visit again. Both she and Val are anxious to see if they will take another magical journey through the mirror. After learning of a problem with one of the horses, Odette makes her appearance and tells the girls it’s up to them to help him.
What Charlie needs is something that can only be found in their magical land. It can’t be given to them; they have to solves riddles and discover the answers themselves. A family of elves guides them, but even elf powers are limited when it comes to what stands between the girls and what they seek.
Trolls and unicorns were everything they imagined and more, but rescuing Rapunzel from her tower was an added bonus they never saw coming.
Book 3
Book 3: Off to Camp and Discovering Art (King Arthur)
Valerie and Samantha are disappointed that their schedules were not allowing them to spend a week together this summer like they have done every year since they were young. Their parents are able to plan a weekend camping trip towards the end of summer. The girls are happy for the visit, but sad to think they can’t go through the mirror this year on another adventure. They discover the magic is not only within the mirror, but within themselves when they are together. Merlin the magician shows up to take them on their quest to help Arthur find his true identity and his place in Camelot.
Purchase
Tour Giveaway
All 3 Books
Print available to US only, Ebooks available Internationally
Ends 12/12/12
Open to anyone who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Print available to US only, Ebooks available Internationally
Ends 12/12/12
Open to anyone who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
2 comments:
Thanks so much for the share on your blog!
Ann T Bugg
Thanks for the plug, Ann. You're right, Finding Grace is for the mothers, definately not kids. How cool that your daughter is your cover artist! Good luck with the series. BTW, mothers June Kramin (aka Ann T. Budd)'s "Double Mocha, Heavy On Your Phone Number" is a great read!
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