Monthly Archives: August 2013
Five Star Reviews Continue! Yay!
And yet, another five star review for Chaysing Dreams! I love it when a complete stranger just starts reading, more out of curiosity, and then becomes pleasantly surprised. Thank you so much. This one is from Bobbie Grob.
“Tessnia Sanoby may come off as just your average high school girl as Chaysing Dreams by Jalpa Williby gets going, but it soon becomes clear that there is far more going on inside of Tess than even she knows. As she excels through high school in both athletic and academic achievement and then moves on to college, bits and pieces of the mystery unravel, which kept me highly entertained. There have been quite a few YA fantasy novels to hit the shelves in the last several years, and I’ll admit to opening this one with a bit of a jaded mind. I had hopes that Ms. Williby had brought something new to the genre, but they were not high. As I slowly got sucked into Tess’s life and the life of her friends, her family, and even her dog, I was very pleasantly surprised. This book is familiar enough to be an easy read, and different enough that it kept me guessing.
Page one of Chaysing Dreams by Jalpa Williby dropped me straight into a nightmare. The shock of that was a nice entry into Tessnia Sanoby’s world. The only problem Tess has with having an extraordinary life is that she has no clue that her life is anything but slightly-better-than average, even when it is obvious that most everyone around her is in on the secret. The juxtaposition of the incredible with the every day is beautifully done; Ms. Williby definitely knows her stuff. Intrigue? Definitely. Mystery? More than I expected. Just another tweaked version of vampires, werewolves, and dragons? Absolutely not. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will be waiting impatiently for the next installment.”
It’s been a long day- got home all the way at 8:30pm from running around. Coming home and seeing that review, just made all the stress go away- smiling ear to ear. Thank you to my readers and my supporters! You guys keep me going! 🙂
Author Spotlight
I decided to feature a very special author today. James DiBenedetto was the first published author who reached out to me, and has guided me in numerous ways through this process of marketing/publishing. He has published the “Dream” series, with the newest, Waking Dream, coming out on 8/26! I’ve actually read the first one, “Dream Student”, and enjoyed it.
James DiBenedetto!
J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he’s not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
The “Dreams” series is James’ first published work.
A Brief Synopsis of “Dream Student”
What would you do if you could see other people’s dreams? If you could watch their hidden fantasies and uncover their deepest, darkest secrets…without them ever knowing?
Sara Barnes is about to find out. She thought that all she had to worry about was final exams, Christmas shopping and deciding whether she likes the cute freshman in the next dorm who’s got a crush on her.
But when she starts seeing dreams that aren’t hers, she learns more than she ever wanted to know about her friends, her classmates…and a strange, terrifying man whose dreams could get Sara killed.
Dream Student is the thrilling first installment of the Dreams series.
Mr. DiBenedetto’s most recent book, Waking Dreams, will be launched on 8/26!
I also was lucky enough to interview Mr. DiBenedetto. Thank you, James, for giving us the opportunity to get to know you better!
Briefly tell us about the books you have published. I’ve published five books so far in my Dream Series. They follow a young woman, Sara Barnes, who has the ability to see into other people’s dreams. Each book jumps ahead in Sara’s life; we first meet her in college, and by the fifth book she’s a doctor with her own medical practice (and also married, with kids).
I call the books Paranormal Romance/Suspense, but they really overlap into several genres: there is romance and suspense, but also mystery, humor, and plenty of heart.
What motivated you to write these books? I wrote the first draft of the book that would become “Dream Student” over 10 years ago, and then I put it aside. A year and a half ago, a good friend got her first novel published, and that made me think “why not me?” So I dusted off that old draft, rewrote it from the first page, and when I finished, I realized there was so much more story to tell, and now it’s expanded into five books (with more on the way in the next year)
What do you think your books offer to your readers? A likeable, sympathetic heroine to follow; a compelling story; good writing, hopefully; and a positive message as well.
Out of all your books, which is your favorite book, and why? Probably the third book, “Dream Child”. It was the most fun to write – I loved writing for Sara’s daughter Lizzie, and she brings a lot of energy to the story.
On the other hand, the fourth book, “Dream Family” is, I think, the best-written of the five. It was also the hardest to write, because I really put Sara through hell in that book and it kept me up nights.
Who is your favorite character from your book? Why? The obvious answer would be Sara – I’ve written nearly 500,000 words about her, and I couldn’t have done that if I didn’t like her! But I’ll say her father, Howard Barnes. He’s about the best father anyone could hope to have, and he’s a little bit quirky which makes him a lot of fun to write for.
Do you prefer pen/paper or the computer when you write? Computer! I can’t read my own handwriting, so that’s an easy choice.
What do you do to get yourself to focus when you’re writing a scene? (music, location, etc) Nothing special. I mostly listen to classical music or opera when I’m writing, and always something I’m familiar with. That way I’ve got the music to put me in a good mood, but since I’m used to the piece, it’s not a distraction.
What would you do if you saw other people’s dreams? I’d freak out. I really don’t want to know what the people around me are thinking, or fantasizing about! And I definitely wouldn’t want to get dragged into any of the things that happen to Sara in the books.
Do you prefer reality or fantasy? Fantasy, definitely! Now, if only I could figure out a way to actually live in fantasy instead of reality…
Who are your favorite authors? Stephen R. Donaldson, Mark Helprin, Nick Bantock, Terry Pratchett, Frank Herbert, Alastair Reynolds.
Out of all of the books you’ve read, which books have “stuck” with you? “Winter’s Tale” by Mark Helprin. Best book I’ve ever read, hands down. And even though I’ve reread it probably 25 times, I still see something new every time I come back to it.
What type of advice would you give other indie authors? Your job doesn’t end when the book is finished – it’s just starting! Marketing and selling the books is very, very hard work.
Have you had any regrets regarding this writing/publishing/marketing process? Is there anything you would do different? My biggest regret is not knowing more going into the process, so I could have avoided some pitfalls as far as promotions and marketing go. The main thing I’d do different is to avoid some of the promotions and websites I used, and concentrate on others that turned out to be more effective.
Since you started this journey in writing, what are some positives and some negatives you’ve encountered? The biggest positive has been the reaction of readers to the books – people have really liked them, which is just thrilling. I wanted to believe the books were good and that they had something to say that people would want to hear, but to get proof was an amazing experience.
There really hasn’t been much negative, except that I’m not a patient person by nature so the slow process of building up a presence and selling books has been difficult to wait through.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Spend time with my wife and my family. Go to the opera. Travel (if I can ever get the money together to go back to Europe!). Cook. Lots of things!
Tell us your most memorable or proudest moment. My most memorable moment was on an archaeological dig in Mallorca, Spain. It was a volunteer project, and I came up with the best find of anyone in my group (it was just luck, really!). That whole trip was one of the best experiences of my life.
Since your books are a Romance as well, what is your ideal romantic date? My first “official” date with my wife should have been. It was New Year’s Eve, and I took her to my favorite restaurant, which is a fondue restaurant. The atmosphere was perfect, and everything was wonderful…until she mentioned that she was a vegetarian, right after the entrée (a big plate of raw steak and chicken to be cooked in the fondue pot) was brought out!
Luckily, she didn’t hold it against me!
Tell us something interesting about you that your readers may not know. Back in college, I was a DJ on our school radio station (“WRUR, 91.1 FM, Cleveland). Every Friday morning, 5 to 7 AM. And I’ve still got my FCC Class III Radio Operator’s License. I think it’s even still valid.
If you had the power to change anything at all in this world, what would it be? I would want there to be less cruelty in the world. So much harm is done because we don’t recognize the humanity in others, and we lash out at them to make ourselves feel better. If I could wave a magic wand and change human nature to get rid of that, I’d do it in a second.
Finally, if you could say something to your readers, what would it be? Thank you!
You can find his books at following links:
Dream Student
Amazon (Kindle or Paperback or Audiobook)
Dream Doctor
Dream Child
Dream Family
Waking Dream
All four books are also available at:
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/starkllr
Facebook: Dream Series page and personal page.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAav3NL_rkk&feature=youtu.be (book trailer)
http://www.writingdreams.net/?p=800 (10 minute audiobook sample)
Thank you, James, for being our guest today! We wish you lots of luck on your writing endeavors!
Five Star Reviews on Chaysing Dreams!
Hello everybody! Check out some great reviews about Chaysing Dreams. Reviews are posted by readers on the goodreads and the Amazon site! I’m so excited, yet humbled, that it’s been receiving five star reviews! So glad people are loving the story, and the characters! Thank you! It truly means a lot!
Review by Deb Dassie: (five stars)
“What a great debut for Ms. Williby, and how fortunate for avid readers of fiction to have such a refreshing new voice on the scene! It’s difficult to categorize “Chasying Dreams” as it gives us a little of everything. It’s not just a romance novel, there’s also an element of paranormal suspense, coming of age, friendship and tragedy, adventure, mystery and intrigue. The love scenes are romantic, yet steamy, the adventure is exciting, sometimes scary and definitely thrilling, the tragedies will make your cry, and the mystery keeps you guessing. You want to turn to the last page to see how it ends, yet can’t bring yourself to ruin the story line as it slowly builds and Tess(our heroine)continues to grow and mature. The characters are solid and likable, easily drawing you into their world. You can tell Ms. Williby writes from a personal, yet somewhat unique frame of reference I’ve not experienced before and needless to say, I loved it! Like others, I will wait impatiently for the sequel.”
Review by Maria Hoye: (five stars)
“When I read the Chaysing Dreams ARC, I read it straight through the day and night, from 9AM til 3AM I didnt want to stop reading even to go to the bathroom. After I finished it, I was dying for the sequel. DYING!!!!
My heart was racing the whole time I was reading it and I simply couldn’t put it down. I believe Jalpa Williby has masterfully written this book and has you wanting more. Every chapter ends with almost a cliffhanger feeling. It compels you to keep reading. It physically traps you into the book so that you just can’t put it down. The house could have been on fire and I doubt I would have noticed.
From the start of the book I was immediately intrigued by Tessnia as she encounters her life from a young girl to a woman. I was immendiately pulled into Tessnia life and her adventure. The story is full of anxious uncertainty about what may happen. I right away adored her best friends and family. There is also a male character in this book that is strong, mysterious, handsome and has so many other features that your captivated by his character as well. At many points in the book I literally sat up in bed and shouted “Oh NO! I can’t believe they are doing this to them!!!” Yes I was talking to my book.
One thing I have to say, I was deeply satisfied with the ending of this book. This book ended in such a way that I was bothered by it and itchy for the next book. But I’m still DYING for the next book !!”
Review by Cynthia: (five stars)
“Chaysing Dreams is a story about a girl named Tess who is your average girl with beyond ordinary gifts. The story takes you from Tess’s younger years in high school through her college years.
The author does a wonderful job of integrating normal high school teenage years with a story that is not so ordinary.
You meet her parents and aunt-instantly becoming a part of their family. You are drawn to Kylie, Tess’s best friend, who is her exact opposite, with her witty personality and out going ways.
You find yourself wondering about Jack, her other best friend, who is there for Tess from the beginning till the end. You try to imagine his good looks, sweet personality, and wonder if guys like that really exist!
You become curious about Tess’s encounters with Joe and Chris and try to imagine their eyes, face, voice, and charming personalities that are described so adequately throughout the pages.
And finally, you fall in love with Tess, as you see her growing up and facing real life challenges, while trying to find answers to all of her questions. As a reader, you are quickly drawn to Tess, and find yourself rooting for her through each page of the book!
There is a little bit for everyone in this story; the romantic, the tough guy, the young girl next door, the young boy next door, moms/dads, pet lovers, the mentor, and the athlete.
The book really has you guessing from the beginning until the end with all the surprises along the way! I couldn’t put it down, and had to finish it right away. Then, when I was done, I needed more pages to read…I just didn’t want it to end nor did I want to leave Tess! Remarkable.”
Review by Sami: (five stars)
“I really enjoyed reading this amazing book!! I couldn’t put the book down. Jalpa williby is an amazing writer. I can’t wait to read more. I was lucky enough to get the arc for an honest review:)
Tess Sanoby is a 16 year old girl that keeps having the same nightmares, where a girl is being chased. Tess doesn’t know who she is because she can never see her face, she just knows she is terrified and trying to run for her life. Is it her? Tess is a very smart and athletic and has a wonderful relationship with her parents and two amazing best friends in the world Kylie and Jack. I love that Tess volunteers at The Angels, she meets a handsome guy there named Joe and they have this great connection and he is singing You Are Beautiful. I love that we get to see Tess grow up from graduating high school then going to college.
You see Tess go through real life struggles and it’s horrible to see people in that situation.
Chaysing Dreams is a great book!!! You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book and see what happens to Tess. So if you love sexy, hot, romance, danger, and mystery, I strongly suggest you buy this book- 18 and up.”
Review by J.J. DiBenedetto (five stars):
“‘Chaysing Dreams’ by Jalpa Williby is a fantastic debut novel. It combines romance, adventure, a coming-of-age tale and a touch of science fiction into one well-written and engaging package.
The book tells the story of Tessnia, a smart, athletic and accomplished high school student. She gets straight A’s, stars on the basketball team and the track team and volunteers at a facility for handicapped children in her free time. She’s looking forward to college and eventually following in her parents’ footsteps and becoming a doctor. It looks like her life is set on a straight path.
But there are hints that all is not as it seems. She has strange, recurring dreams. An encounter with a charismatic older man while volunteering throws Tess off balance when she’s powerfully and unexplainably drawn to him. The same feelings pop up again in college, when she meets the assistant trainer on the school’s track team.
At the same time, there are signs that Tess herself isn’t exactly what she seems – questions her parents don’t quite answer, things that her new assistant trainer says, the behavior of the pet dog Tess is given as a graduation gift, among others.
The author skillfully brings everything together in a conclusion that’s satisfying but also sets up very nicely for a sequel.
The characters, especially Tess, are well-drawn and believable. The book is told in the first person, from Tess’ point of view, and her voice is likeable and engaging. Tess is relatable, as she goes through all the ups and downs readers would expect of a young woman coming into adulthood. The supporting characters, including Tess’ best friend Kylie, her parents, and the mysterious trainer Chris, are equally well-handled, and I was left wanting more.
All in all, this is a very good, very exciting novel, and I’d highly recommend it.”
Review by Julie (five stars):
“I was lucky enough to read the ARC for this novel. I have to say that right from the start, I was drawn into Tess’s life, her story. The story is so full of suspense, I found myself constantly wondering what was going to happen next. I loved Tess’s life, her family, her friends. The reader goes through the growing pains with Tess as she experiences life from a teenager to a young adult. I found myself laughing out loud on some parts, and crying on other parts. Oh, and all you pet owners out there, you will fall in love with this book because of the bond Tess shares with her her dog, Gem! And of course, the male character really blew me away. His character is described as a very handsome man, with many characteristics that keep you guessing about him – from his gorgeous looks to sensitive and dangerous sides! I can’t say enough about this book. I honestly couldn’t even fall asleep until I finished the book- I just had to know what was going to happen. And now that it’s over, I can’t wait for the sequel! I have a feeling that this book is going to be a big hit! I’m already envisioning all the characters on the big screen!”
Review by Gunjan: (five stars)
“I read the ARC of Chaysing Dreams! This book is an amazing read. It encompasses so much. It is intriguing, emotional, funny and I love the innocence of the main character Tess. I got into the book immediately and could not wait to wind down every night to this wonderful story. The author makes the main characters come alive. I feel like I know them and am routing for them in every way! The suspense and unknown kept me interested and wanting to figure out what was happening. I am waiting for the next book to come out and absolutely can’t wait to meet up with Tess again!”
These are just some of the reviews that are coming in! See for yourself why Chaysing Dreams is worth the read! Amazon: Chaysing Dreams and Barnes & Noble: Chaysing Dream
My Second Interview :)
Q/A Session
Hello everybody! I was lucky enough to have Tiffany Marie feature me on her “Author Spotlight!” Thank you, Tiffany! Here’s her direct link: http://everythingmarie.com/author-spotlight-jalpa-williby/
This is the interview:
Author Spotlight: Jalpa Williby
Posted by Tiffany Marie on August 22, 2013 in Interviews | 0 comments
Interview with Jalpa Williby author of Chaysing Dreams
Introducing Ms. Jalpa Williby, author of Chaysing Dreams. Chaysing Dreams is her debut novel, only released a few weeks ago and has already rocketed through the world of romance novels. I encourage everyone who loves a good romance to check out her book today. It is getting rave reviews!!
About the Author:
Jalpa Williby was born in India and immigrated to the United States at the tender age of eight. A voracious reader, Williby’s adolescence was marked by a promising academic career. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science from the University of Illinois, Williby went on to earn Masters in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. Her passion for helping her patients led her to a specialty in neuroscience, focusing on children and adults with neurological impairments. Juggling her time as a wife, a mother, and working full-time, her love for books never subsided. Williby introduces her debut novel, Chaysing Dreams, as she writes with her heart and soul, her passion flowing through every page.
Chaysing Dreams is available now
Amazon: Chaysing Dreams
Barnes and Noble: Chaysing Dreams
Q. What was your inspiration for “Chaysing Dreams”?
A. I wanted to write something that I could be proud of- you know, something that’s completely created from my head. I just wanted to run with my imagination, and write this unforgettable story. Hopefully, the readers also find it unforgettable.
Q. How long did it take to write the novel?
A. I’ve been writing Chaysing Dreams for a year and a half. But literally, I’d come home from my day job every single evening, and spend hours on the book- until about midnight. Every weekend was pretty much dedicated to Chaysing Dreams. I feel sorry for my family- they were definitely put on the back burner.
Q. What books have most influenced your life?
A. Oh my gosh, I love A Thousand Splendid Suns. I also love the Twilight Saga! Yeah, I know they are complete opposites, but I can get into any story as long it touches me.
Q. What music were you listening to while writing the novel?
A. Actually there are three separate scenes in the novel, where I needed three different songs. I love music, and it was crucial that I got the songs right for these significant scenes. So, I ended up using Beautiful by Christina Aguilera, Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park, and A Drop In The Ocean by Ron Pope. To get myself really “there” for these scenes, I’d listen to these songs over and over.
Q. Are the characters derived from anyone you know or may have known personally?
A. I would say that probably most of the characters have a little bit of myself or somebody I know.
Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. Actually, I’ve probably written my whole life. I’ve always been very expressive, and writing (poems, songs, or short stories) has always been therapeutic for me. At first, I started to write Chaysing Dreams just for me- I had no intention on publishing it. It’s just that when the story developed so nicely, and I really fell for the characters, I decided to pursue it further.
Q. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
A. I’m also a full time physical therapist- so I love working with my patients. Otherwise, I love “family time.” This could be watching movies, going for walks, going out to eat, riding bikes, or just hanging out.
Q. What do you think makes a good story?
A. I’ve always been drawn to stories when I’ve gotten attached to the characters. For me, if the characters are well-developed, and the writer really makes you feel what the characters feel, I’m hooked. I have to be able to smile when the characters are happy, and cry when they’re in pain. These are the stories I remember.
Q. What books are you reading now?
A. Since Chaysing Dreams just got released, I’ve been busy trying to market right now. I’ve also been writing the sequel. But the last book I read a few months ago, was Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks.
Q. Do you have any advice for other writers?
I think it’s important to really search within yourself and not hold back when you’re expressing through your writing. I think when you write, it’s got to be something you believe in- something you’re passionate about.
Q. Who designed the cover?
A. That’s actually very interesting. I had an idea of what I wanted the cover to look like. I even drew some sketches of my ideas. The model had read the book so she knew she had to “become” Tess. I told the photographer my vision for the cover. He took hundreds of shots and I picked the pose I liked. He did his magic, and then I had a graphic designer enhance it a bit more. The end results? We got the cover for Chaysing Dreams!
Q. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
A. I really enjoy Khaled Hosseini’s work. I love how he develops his characters, and it’s tough not to fall in love with them. I love how his stories are about unimaginable struggles, but ultimately, perseverance.
Q. Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
A. I love going to Barnes & Noble with my laptop. Being surrounded by books really puts me in the right frame of mind.
Q. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
A. Thank you! Thank you for reading Chaysing Dreams, and I hope you enjoyed the story.
Q. If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
A. That’s tough because six years pass in the first book. Tess, my main character, is almost 16 when the book starts, and is 22 at the end of the book. So the actors would have to be able to look like they’re teens as well as young adults.
Q. What is your favorite genre of books and why?
A. I’ve always been a sucker for a good love story. So I probably go for Romance. But I don’t mean the “trashy” romances- well, I do enjoy those on occasion as well! 🙂 I guess I like unique stories with obstacles and perseverance.
Q. Are you planning on releasing a sequel to “Chaysing Dreams”? If so, when will it be released?
A. Yes, I am currently working on the sequel. It’ll probably be released some time in 2014.
Q. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
A. Actually, I have to admit, the whole process was pretty hard. I have the utmost respect for all the authors out there. Every scene, every paragraph, every line, and every word matter. It’s not easy.
Q. Are you having a book signings and/or special events coming soon? If so, when and where?
A. I’m thinking of having a Book Launching party. And I’ll probably be signing books there. As far as other special events, I still have to research to see what my options are. Like I say, I’m completely new to the literary world, and I’m learning everything from scratch. But I love that- I love challenging myself.
Q. Are you currently working on any new projects/novels? If so, can you provide a little info about them?
A. I’m working on the sequel to Chaysing Dreams. The first book is basically a cliffhanger, so the second book picks up where it ended.
Book Description:
Publication Date: August 9, 2013
Life…secrecy, deceit, danger…No, no! Run, escape!
“Run!” Her inner voice is shouting. She has to run faster! She’s about to get caught! No, no! She has to get away. Please, she must escape! “Run faster!”
As long as Tess Sanoby can remember, she has always had the same nightmares, where the girl in her dreams is running for her life with an unknown force chasing her. Each time, right before the girl is caught, Tess awakens, shaken with fear and confusion. Who is the girl? What do these dreams mean?
Getting through the growing pains of high school with her best friends Jack and Kylie, and then being accepted into her dream college, Tess is excited to start her life of independence. There, she meets the mysterious trainer and mentor, Chris, and she instantly feels a strong connection with him. Unfortunately, Chris wants nothing to do with her. Although Chris continues to give her the cold shoulder, his overprotectiveness and the occasional slips of sensitivity confuse Tess. Not understanding Chris or their relationship, she is on a constant emotional roller coaster with him. Could her best friends be the stable force that she desperately needs?
Unfortunately for Tess, the more she tries to connect the missing pieces of her life, the more obscure her past and future appear to her. To make matters worse, she realizes she has fallen hard for a man who may be her worst enemy. As passion ignites between the two, she can’t help but surrender her heart and soul to him. Tess is unexpectedly exposed to a world of secrecy, deceit, and danger, causing her to be running for her life, chased by the unknown. Can Tess escape and save not only herself, but also her loved ones? Or, will she be caught, leaving her no choice but to face her worst nightmare?
Chaysing Dreams is the ultimate love story, full of suspense, friendship, betrayal, tragedy, and sacrifice. In this epic tale, you will laugh and cry with Tess–a story full of twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the end.
And there you have it! Thank you, Tiffany Marie! 🙂
My First Interview As An Author!
Ok, so I can’t contain my excitement! This is my first interview as an author. James DiBenedetto (a paranormal, romance author of the Dream Series books) was kind enough to feature me in the “Indie Author Spotlight” on his website. Here’s the direct link: http://writingdreams.net/?p=921
But here you go! This is directly from James! Thank you for featuring me, James!
“I’ve got a great new author to introduce to you today – Jalpa Williby.
Jalpa Williby was born in India and immigrated to the United States at the tender age of eight. A voracious reader, Williby’s adolescence was marked by a promising academic career. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science from the University of Illinois, Williby went on to earn Masters in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. Her passion for helping her patients led her to a specialty in neuroscience, focusing on children and adults with neurological impairments. Juggling her time as a wife, a mother, and working full-time, her love for books never subsided. Williby introduces her debut novel, Chaysing Dreams, as she writes with her heart and soul, her passion flowing through every page.
You can follow Jalpa on Facebook and at her website.
Her brand new debut novel is “Chaysing Dreams”
Life…secrecy, deceit, danger…No, no! Run, escape!
“Run!” Her inner voice is shouting. She has to run faster! She’s about to get caught! No, no! She has to get away. Please, she must escape!
“Run faster!”
As long as Tess Sanoby can remember, she has always had the same nightmares, where the girl in her dreams is running for her life with an unknown force chasing her. Each time, right before the girl is caught, Tess awakens, shaken with fear and confusion. Who is the girl? What do these dreams mean?
Getting through the growing pains of high school with her best friends Jack and Kylie, and then being accepted into her dream college, Tess is excited to start her life of independence. There, she meets the mysterious trainer and mentor, Chris, and she instantly feels a strong connection with him. Unfortunately, Chris wants nothing to do with her. Although Chris continues to give her the cold shoulder, his overprotectiveness and the occasional slips of sensitivity confuse Tess. Not understanding Chris or their relationship, she is on a constant emotional roller coaster with him. Could her best friends be the stable force that she desperately needs?
Unfortunately for Tess, the more she tries to connect the missing pieces of her life, the more obscure her past and future appear to her. To make matters worse, she realizes she has fallen hard for a man who may be her worst enemy. As passion ignites between the two, she can’t help but surrender her heart and soul to him.
Tess is unexpectedly exposed to a world of secrecy, deceit, and danger, causing her to be running for her life, chased by the unknown. Can Tess escape and save not only herself, but also her loved ones? Or, will she be caught, leaving her no choice but to face her worst nightmare?
Chaysing Dreams is the ultimate love story, full of suspense, friendship, betrayal, tragedy, and sacrifice. In this epic tale, you will laugh and cry with Tess–a story full of twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the end.
I’ve already read it, and loved it. You can see my review here. And you can buy the book, right now, on Amazon.
I’ve also got an interview with Jalpa…
Who is your favorite author? I have so many! I have to say, I love Khaled Hosseini- A Thousand Splendid Suns is my all-time favorite. But, I’m a sucker for a good love story. So, I love Stephanie Meyers, Richelle Mead, and Suzanne Collins .
How do you describe your writing style? Chaysing Dreams is written in first person narrative style. I like to get inside the head of my character to really feel what they’re feeling, and go through the same experiences. It just seemed easier for me to express this when I was inside Tess’s (the main character’s) head.
Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book? I think many readers like to get lost in their “book world” – and Chaysing Dreams definitely gets the readers hooked. It’s got something for everyone: growing pains, real life problems, friendship, family, suspense, action, and that ultimate love that everybody craves.
Have any of your characters been modeled after yourself? I think each of the characters probably has a little piece of me, or somebody I know/ encountered.
If you could exchange lives with any of your characters for a day which character would you choose and why? I’d probably choose Tess, the main character. For one, she’s got a lot of depth to her character. And, the main male character who she has passionate encounters with, is pretty hot! Yes, I do fall in love with fictional characters! 🙂
What books have most influenced your life? Growing up, I’ve loved novels such as A Separate Peace, Billy Budd, Crime and Punishment. As an adult, the books that I’ve really enjoyed are The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Water For Elephants, Vampire Academy, the Outlander Series, the Twilight Series, and the Hunger Games. So, really my interests are all over the place. If a story touches my heart, then it has influenced me in some shape or form.
If you could select one book that you could rewrite and add your own unique twist on, which book would that be and why? Oh, definitely Mockingjay. That’s the last book of the Hunger Games trilogy. I loved the series so much, but when I read the last one, I was so upset with the way it ended, that it disturbed me for months! I just got no closure. I finally had to come up with a different ending in my head so that I can have my own closure! Yes, I can be a nerd that way.
Beatles or Monkees? Why? That’s tough. The Beatles are a legend. But I grew up watching the Monkees on TV. Plus, I had a huge crush on Davy Jones back then!
Who should play you in a film of your life? Of course, a beautiful, feisty young actress! Just kidding- couldn’t resist. My life has been so complex, it would have to be somebody who can play off all the different phases of my life.”
Well, there you have it! Oh, by the way, you can also get the eBook version of the books on Kindle and Nook. Here are the links:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EMMQSO4
Let’s Talk About Sex
I have to confess that in my novel, Chaysing Dreams, there are some sections that have explicit sexual content. The reason I’m even writing this is because I don’t want my readers to be surprised in any way because they didn’t expect it.
Ok, let me start at the beginning. This novel initially was geared for young adults. So really, the sexual encounters were supposed to be very vague and brief. However, as I was writing the story, it was very difficult for me to not write the details. You see, I wanted the audience to go through what Tess (my main character) was going through. So needless to say, I would suggest this book for 18 and over.
It’s just that so many times, I’ve read books where all of a sudden, it’s morning! What? Wait, what happened at night? I remember feeling very disappointed, because the characters were so building up for that big moment and then, as a reader, I got nothing!
What I’m trying to say is that sex between two people can be very beautiful. I don’t think it should be frowned upon. But I do understand people have their own opinions/views on the topic.
Well, in any case, I’m not here to lecture anybody on their views. I just felt that it was important that I write this blog. Chaysing Dreams does have some beautiful sex scenes in some chapters. Hope you guys enjoy reading them!
Anybody have any thoughts on this? We could probably have a great discussion!
Another Great Review for Chaysing Dreams!
To see the review on Nerd Girl official website, please use the following link: http://nerdgirlofficial.com/chaysing-dreams-arc-by-jalpa-williby-review-by-sami/
My First Official Review on Chaysing Dreams
Here is the first official review on my debut novel, Chaysing Dreams. This review is especially exciting because it is done by James DiBenedetto, a published author. Although I’ve had my friends and family give me much positive feedback on this book, it makes a difference when it’s from an objective person, who is also in the literary world. Thank you James for taking the time to read Chaysing Dreams, and writing up the review. I’m excited to share his review:
“Chaysing Dreams” by Jalpa Williby is a fantastic debut novel. It combines romance, adventure, a coming-of-age tale and a touch of science fiction into one well-written and engaging package.
The book tells the story of Tessnia, a smart, athletic and accomplished high school student. She gets straight A’s, stars on the basketball team and the track team and volunteers at a facility for handicapped children in her free time. She’s looking forward to college and eventually following in her parents’ footsteps and becoming a doctor. It looks like her life is set on a straight path.
But there are hints that all is not as it seems. She has strange, recurring dreams. An encounter with a charismatic older man while volunteering throws Tess off balance when she’s powerfully and unexplainably drawn to him. The same feelings pop up again in college, when she meets the assistant trainer on the school’s track team. At the same time, there are signs that Tess herself isn’t exactly what she seems – questions her parents don’t quite answer, things that her new assistant trainer says, the behavior of the pet dog Tess is given as a graduation gift, among others.
The author skillfully brings everything together in a conclusion that’s satisfying but also sets up very nicely for a sequel. The characters, especially Tess, are well-drawn and believable. The book is told in the first person, from Tess’ point of view, and her voice is likeable and engaging. Tess is relatable, as she goes through all the ups and downs readers would expect of a young woman coming into adulthood. The supporting characters, including Tess’ best friend Kylie, her parents, and the mysterious trainer Chris, are equally well-handled, and I was left wanting more. All in all, this is a very good, very exciting novel, and I’d highly recommend it.
Jalpa Williby 