Thursday, June 30, 2022

FATAL CODE - Natalie Walters - One Free Book

Welcome, Natalie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Ooh, well, I think it depends on the character. In Silent Shadows, my character Pecca Gallegos’ past tied into my own. Often my characters are working through an internal question, issue, belief that I have as well, or someone close to me has, and I use that to really deepen their perspective.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Like ever? Hmm, I’m pretty notorious for breaking out into dance moves in public locations if there’s a great song playing—much to the embarrassment of my kids. I also convinced fourteen of my family members to dress up like pirates and go to Disney World for their Halloween party.

When did you first discover that you were a writer? I’ve always journaled. Writing my thoughts and feelings is great therapy and I’ve kept all of my journals and am still deciding whether to burn them before I die or pass them to my kids…

I first tried my hand at writing my senior year of high school, studying the craft of authors and then nearly two decades later, decided I would like to try writing stories and so, I did.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I love reading contemporary romance, romcom, political thrillers and espionage, mysteries, historicals, split time, and I have tried a few fantasy stories that were recommended to me and were fantastic. I’m a bit of a mood reader, or at least I’ve become one as my time is limited, but I’ll read pretty much anything that’s written well.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Am I the only one who wakes up on January 1st and already feels behind? Honestly, this is something I’m still working on. It’s so hard because there’s always pressure to keep up and I always feel so woefully behind on everything that it only compounds the pressure. My best attempt at this is to literally put my phone down, turn my computer off, and be 100% present in the world, with my family, living life. It’s not easy. I’m really bad at catching those really great shots of family time so I can share on social media but I don’t let the guilt get to me because I was living in the moment and that’s ultimately what matters and helps me stay sane.

How do you choose your characters’ names? This is the hardest part of my writing. Truly. Naming characters is the thing that will pull me out of a rough draft faster than a screaming child needing my help. There are times when I already know my character and their name, for example: Pecca Gallegos, Lane Kent, Kekoa Young. But for the most part I have some friends who are at the ready when I need a name, or (and this just happened this weekend) I’ll meet someone with a name that stands out and I’m like, “Yep, I’m going to use that one in a story one day.” Reuben Jones in Initium is one such example.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Raising my kids into decent adults. They are kind, compassionate, love each other, generous, hard-working, and just fantastic human beings to be around. There were many, many, many, times when I wasn’t so sure that was going to be the case! LOL

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? When I was kid I wanted to be a horse but I think that was because I wanted a horse. If I had to choose now, maybe a dolphin because I love the ocean, or a sea otter because they’re so cute and they hold hands with their favorite otter friends.

What is your favorite food? Mediterranean food. 

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Shutting off my inner critic and editor. There are days when I stare at my computer screen frustrated and overwhelmed that everything I’m typing (if I can even get words out) is just rubbish. I question everything! I literally have to take a breath and tell myself it’s okay that first (or fifth or seventeenth) attempts don’t need to be perfect. I still struggle with this but I find there are days when it’s easier to let myself enjoy the creativity of writing for the joy of story.

Tell us about the featured book. Fatal Code is about my Hawaiian cryptologist, Kekoa Young, who finds himself monitoring his cute, super smart, science loving neighbor, Elinor Mitchell, for fear she has the recipe for a nuclear weapon being sought by America’s enemies. I had a lot of fun incorporating some of my husband’s Hawaiian culture in this larger-than-life character and revealing a bit of my own inner nerd through Elinor. There are secret messages, ciphers, and just some really great banter that made this a fun story to write.

How can readers find you on the Internet? I LOVE connecting with readers through my Instagram and Facebook pages, and can sign up for my newsletter to stay up-to-date on my books, giveaways, and insider secrets at www.nataliewalterswriter.com

Thank you Natalie, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. It sounds like a wonderful read.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fatal+code+natalie+walters&i=stripbooks&crid=2FOD2UWW2H86B&sprefix=Fatal+Code%2Cstripbooks%2C624&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_10

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/06/fatal-code-natalie-walters-one-free-book.html

11 comments:

Caryl Kane said...

Natalie Walters is an exceptional author!
Caryl K in TX

Anonymous said...

She is a new author to me and I enjoy the genre it looks like she writes.

Natalie Walters said...

This was such a fun interview to do! It's always fun to share a bit about myself and my stories with readers!

traveler said...

Enjoyed the interview. The book sounds captivating and memorable. Anne in NM.

Alison Boss said...

Thanks for the fun interview, Natalie and Lena! I always enjoy getting to know more about an author. I am so enjoying reading the SNAP Agency series! I have already read INITIUM, and am currently reading LIGHTS OUT. I like getting to know each of the agents and delving into their personal stories. I am really looking forward to Kekoa's story, FATAL CODE!! The plot sounds so intriguing with ciphers and secret messages! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book!!!

Alison from MI
nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

Lucy Reynolds said...

Great author. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed 4th. Lucy from WV.

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Nichols SC.

Linda Kish said...

This sounds interesting. Count me in, please. Linda in SoCal
lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Melissa M. said...

Sounds like a fun book!

-Melissa from TN

Lourdes said...

Would love to win, seems very interesting.

Lourdes, Long Island, NY

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I'm a huge fan of Natalie. Thanks for sharing about this book giveaway.
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com