Steena Holmes is "choc" full of talent and has a book to give away

Introduction and interview 
by Tracey Meyers

**Giveaway is now closed**
Once upon a time, I was a chocoholic.  To say I LOVED chocolate is an understatement.  However, about a year and a half ago I stopped eating it.  (Shudder...I know!) 

I only bring this up because when I ventured over to Steena Holmes' website, the first thing I saw was an image of two chocolate candy hearts next to a cup of coffee.  As I poked around more, and looked at some of her favorite recipes the first item listed was "Chocolate Mousse - from The Mask." (If I ate chocolate, I'd totally try this!) The temptation was definitely a challenge to resist!

The fact that Steena is a chocoholic wasn't the only thing I learned about this dynamic author during my visit to her website; I was also pleasantly surprised to see that she also designs book covers, and is a book reviewer, as well.

With so many diverse talents, it's no wonder her latest novel, "Finding Emma" won the 2012 National Indie Excellence Award for Fiction. 

Thanks to SparkPoint Studio, we have some copies of  "Finding Emma" to give away to TWO lucky CLC readers located in the US or Canada. If you can't wait until the end of the giveaway to read it, good news...it's only $2.99 for Kindle.

To learn more about Steena, visit her at Facebook, Twitter and her website!

Which of your characters have you connected with the most, and why? 
I love Jack. He reminds me of my grandfather and father rolled into one. I think it's his gruff exterior but teddy bear heart that drew me in as I uncovered who he really was and how important he was to the story. 

In your opinion, what makes a book (fiction or non-fiction) truly great? 
A great book is one that has the heart involved. When I walk away emotionally invested and the story stays with me - that's when the book goes from good to great (for me). 

Besides being a writer, you also design book covers.  Do these two talents influence one another?  If so, how? 
One thing I've learned in this journey is how crucial a cover is when it comes to marketing! From a writers point of view - I can understand what the author is wanting and with my designer eye - I can help them to create a cover they need. It's a fine line - what we want for our story and what is needed to sell.  

What author has had the greatest influence on your writing style?
I have a few. Ted Dekker who writes thrillers is one. Diane Chamberlain who writes contemporary fiction is another. They both have unique writing styles that draw me.  

You are self-professed chocoholic, what is your favorite chocolate treat? 
Please don't tell me I have to pick only one! I have a decadent chocolate caramel cake that I LOVE to make -it's my go-to cake for celebrations, 'just because' moods and anything else. But then ... I love to make a chocolate chip cheesecake as well. Oh - and don't forget chocolate dipped strawberries .... you know, I think I'm in the mood to do some baking now! 

What is your favorite summertime memory? 
This is easy! Summer time as a kid growing up by the beach. The sound of seagulls, the smell of french fries and the taste of ice cream. The feel of sand between my toes and being surrounded by laughter. In my home town they have a 'scottish band' that walks down the main street every Saturday night during the summer - people would line the streets and then join in behind the band as they walked through downtown - so much fun! 

Three words that sum-up my personality are:
Quiet. Stubborn. Friend. 

Three things I must have with me at all times: 
Chocolate. My cell phone. Lipgloss.

Special thanks to Steena for a wonderful interview and to SparkPoint Studio for sharing "Finding Emma" with our readers. 

How to win a copy of "Finding Emma":
Please comment below with your e-mail address. (Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite chocolate treat?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends August 28th at midnight EST.