I'm getting this blog ready in preparation for the three books I will be self-publishing. They are not yet published, so please don't ask where you can find them. As soon as I know, you'll know. I started this blog, not only to promote my books, but also to record my triumphs and failures as I struggle through the ebook world. Feel free to join me on my quest.
ABOUT MY WRITING & BOOKS:
I am a writer of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Whether or not I'll be able to call myself a published author one day is still up for debate. My first novel, Secrets Inside Us, the first novel in the Secrets Series, is complete and the next two installments are currently in the works. I have yet to set any of their release dates.
Rather than add a touch of reality to the paranormal, I try to add a touch of the paranormal to reality. The supernatural characters I write about are just as vulnerable and defenseless as the normal characters around them. When they are hit, they bruise. If they are cut, they bleed. If you shatter their hearts (metaphorically speaking), they break down. Their humanity is never in question. Yes, they are given an edge, but no more. They will never run at superhuman speeds or have superhuman strength. In those respects, they will never be more than average. Where many authors try to exploit the possible, I try to numb it down with the impossible, because if you have no fear for the lives of my characters, you can never truly appreciate them.
ABOUT ME:
I could tell you that I am a member of Romance Writer’s of America and an English Literature graduate, but I’m not. What I am is the daughter of an alcoholic, the faithful love of my high school sweetheart, ruthless friend to those I care about and avid storyteller.
I live in New York with my amazing boyfriend, Doug, and our two cats and dog—one of which may be making an appearance in the Secrets Series. I enjoy many things: reading, writing, kickball, walking, hard labor, gummies, Scooby-doo... but most importantly, I enjoy good people, good fun, and believe that a laugh is worth more than money, time and even image.
I love to feel feminine and girlie, but have always considered myself to be somewhat of a tomboy. You’re just as likely to see me curled up next to a fire with a good book as you are to see me chopping wood for it.When asked who I am, I will always reply: a protector. It’s why I always walk between my friends and the street, why I never let anyone walk off alone in the dark and why I tried to confront a guy sporting a two foot long samurai sword with a kitchen knife. (Don't worry, it was just a dream ;) ) It’s not just who I am, it’s who I’ve always been. I know it sounds lame, but it’s true.
When asked what I am, I will always reply a walking contradiction. Let me explain through example. I am terrified of heights, but love roller coasters. I am self-conscious, but not modest. I have a name that everyone compliments, but no one can pronounce. I am a believer, but also a harsh skeptic. At any given time, you can find me wearing a cute frilly top with torn, grass-stained jeans. I have an affinity for spiders, but might scream if a fly lands on me. The idea of heaven terrifies me.
I consider living life a full time occupation and writing urban fantasy and paranormal romance something I do on the side.
MY NAME:
I go by my initials E.B. on my websites and in my books, but it’s not for the reason you think. While many authors have chosen to go by their initials to avoid gender prejudice, I have done it for a much simpler and somewhat comical reason: no one can pronounce my real name.
My full name is Elia Beth Mazza. As you can imagine, not very many people know how to pronounce my first name correctly, and I can guarantee that whatever you’re thinking is a far cry from the correct pronunciation.
It is pronounced Eh-lee-uh (It helps if you say it with an Italian accent). It’s not pronounced like Elias or like the singer—although that’s how most of my family, my friends and even my boyfriend pronounce it. I think my mother and father are the only ones who say it correctly, and as you can see, that doesn’t bother me at all.
In fact, I would rather have someone mispronounce my name for years rather than take the time to correct their pronunciation. It's far too tedious and repetitive. I have been called everything from Olivia to Ella to Elijah, and that’s okay with me.
Also, to stick with the whole walking contradiction theme… My name is actually a boy’s name. Although, it ends in an “a” rather than an “o,” it’s considered masculine over in Italy. It’s also my father’s middle name.
And if you’re wondering, yes, I love my name, mispronunciations, gender confusion and all.
RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:
I LOVE Canadians! My grandmother is Canadian, born and raised on Bell Island and now living in Ontario. She married my grandfather, the American soldier at age 18, I believe, and had three kids. One of them being my mom. For me to be granted dual citizenship, I would simply have to live and work in Canada for two years. That already makes me damn near close to being Canadian myself. Pretty fancy, eh?
I have a crazy obsession with Claussen pickles from the refrigerated section.
I can't read a book one chapter at a time. Once I start reading, I don't stop--even if the book stinks.
I have over sixty pairs of underwear (Yes, I counted) Over twenty of those still have the tags. Some girls like shoes. I like underwear!
My grandmother calls me her ducky. I'm not sure if that's a Canadian thing or a grandmother thing.
In high school, a friend and I hopped on our bikes in the middle of the night and took off on a 100 mile bike ride. No training, no planning, no one knew. And we made the trip in less than half a day.
I once had a pet rat named Greg.
Everything I write always ends up much longer than I intend.
HOW TO CONTACT ME:
If you have a review blog and would like to review my book or would like me to do a guest post or interview, or just want to say hi, please contact me at ebmbooks88(at)yahoo(dot)com. I am up for almost anything, including giveaways.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please include the word request in the subject line of the e-mail. Otherwise, I will write it off as spam.
Ex: Requesting Interview, Review Request, Requesting Answer to Important Question Regarding (insert book here)... well, you get it.
MY WEBSITES:
BLOG: ebmbooks.blogspot.com
TWITTER: twitter.com/ebmazza
GOODREADS: goodreads.com/ebmbooks
FACEBOOK:
