Synopsis:
I grew up in a world of magic. By the time I was ten I understood nature, talked to the trees, and listened to the wind. When the kingdom of men conquered my town, I was murdered by one of my own—the betrayer of my kind. But I didn’t stay dead.
I woke to find myself in a strange new world called Los Angeles. The only keys to the life I remembered were my father’s ring, my unique abilities, and the onslaught of demons that seemed hell-bent on finding me. Now I must find out who I really am, protect my friends, and get back to my beloved hometown of Orenda.
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Meet Rick Chiantaretto
Exclusive Interview:
Author Bio:
I’ve often been accused of having done more in my life than the average person my age, but if I were completely honest I’d have to tell you my secret: I’m really 392.
So after all this time, I’m a pretty crappy writer.
I have one book published but out of print, one coming out soon, and a bunch half written (when you have eternity, where’s the reason to rush?). I’ve been favorably reviewed by horror greats like Nancy Kilpatrick, and my how-to-write-horror articles have been quoted in scholarly (aka community college freshmen’s) papers.
I enjoy the occasional Bloody Mary, although a Bloody Kathy or Susan will suffice.
Mostly, I just try to keep a low profile so people don’t figure out who I REALLY am.
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Snarky Bloggers had the pleasure and sitting down with Rick and chatting. And. Of course…..shenanigans ensued. …
Snarky: So Rick, where were you born and where do you call home?
Rick: I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and call Salt Lake City home… until next week. Next week I’m moving to Florida. Take THAT window ice scraper.
SB: Damn. Lucky duck you. Florida….that means no snow *pouts*
Snarky: Kids? Pets? Let’s seem ‘em if you don’t mind!
Rick: I have two furry children, Bailey and Bozwell. The pictures attached are from Christmas. They weren’t too happy when there daddies tried to make them pretty and sparkly for the day.
Snarky: What gives you inspiration to write?
Rick: I’m having a hard time answering this question! Oddly enough, I don’t really feel like I write when I’m inspired to write: I write because I’m a writer… and that’s what writers do. I gather story ideas from many places… the other day I got one while standing at the urinal at work… I saw a greasy hand print on the wall and BAM, story time!
I also get story ideas from my dreams quite often, which is where Death of the Body (and the whole Crossing Death series) came from.
But inspiration? I’m not really sure… I think that comes from within.
SB: Huh….that story idea sounds kind of gross Rick…..
Snarky: Are you truly a starving artist? Or do you actually have a day job? What is it?
Rick: I have a day job, unfortunately. I wouldn’t do so well as a starving artist (I’d literally end up starving). I’m a computer guy by day. This is my desk though… so I guess I’m not your typical computer guy.
Snarky: Do you have plans for a new book? If so, when are you planning to release it?
Rick: I think if I didn’t finish the Crossing Death series, I may literally be hunted down by some of my readers. We’re talking Misery style. So I’m working on Death of the Spirit, Crossing Death #2.
I made the stupid mistake of committing to the end of this year for a release date on the radio. I guess now I’m on record. So I’ll hope that’s still the case…
Snarky: If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Rick: “That Rick guy is the most amazing psychic ever. He always knows what’s going to happen to me.”
SB: You know…..that Rick guy is always in our head as well. It like…he knows. He knows everything. Like someone is telling him…everything.
Snarky: Do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Why?
Rick: There is nothing like holding a book in your hand, and smelling the pages. Yes seriously. Don’t pretend like you don’t smell a new book…
But it is wonderful to be able to take an e-reader on the road, and have my whole library in one portable device.
I’m a techy by nature, so I admit I’m a convert to the e-book. It also helps that they’re usually cheaper!
Snarky: Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? And why?
Rick: While I definitely enjoy watching books come to life on the big screen, watching the visuals and special effects, I can’t think of a single movie that I liked better than the book!
Snarky: If you could pick a celebrity to play you in your life, who would you choose?
Rick: Someone hotter than me, and bigger than me (however you want to take that), and smarter than me. So… huh… still thinking… hmmm… weird… no one comes to mind ;).
SB: You know….we are thinking Ryan Reynolds.
Snarky: What are your pet peeves?
Rick: People who put their hands in their mouth and then touch my stuff… or people who just rummage through my things regardless. I have personal space issues a little bit (I think it’s a respect issue). I hereby give permission to my husband, Taylor Lautner, Ryan Reynolds, or those equally hot to invade my space.
I have this guy at work who’s been hard for me to get along with. The other day I brought in some cookies and tucked them away into my work cabinet. This guy came over to ask me a question, with his hands in his mouth, and then started rubbing his spitty hands all over my stuff. Suddenly, he stopped and said “I smell fresh baked cookies.”
He then proceeded to OPEN my cabinet and SNIFF OUT the cookies! I was just disgusted… and shocked…
True story.
I didn’t give him any cookies.
SB: Wow…I thought we were all friends here? Where’s our cookies Rick? Not cool…..
Snarky: What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
Rick: Socks to cover my feet: feet should always be covered.
Shoes to cover my socks: so the socks can’t fall off (this is kinda like double baggin’ it).
A coffee if it’s the morning.
A goodbye kiss from my husband.
SB: We are totally
Snarky: Your thoughts on receiving book reviews – the good and the bad…
Rick: Is it weird that I appreciate the negative reviews? I think they help me become a better writer. I understand that my writing style and subject matter isn’t for everyone.
I do hope reviewers are careful… hating a story isn’t the same as hating the writing, and often reviewers get this mixed up. There are plenty of books I don’t like, but that doesn’t make the writer a bad writer (Twilight is one of those examples for me. I have actually learned a lot from the way Stephenie Meyers writes. She is one of the reasons I wrote Death of the Body in first person, but I wouldn’t be able to rate her book very highly because I hate Bella. Is the writing okay? Who cares? She made bazillions of dollars).
I like knowing WHY people have issues with my book. If it’s over grammar, then I’ll feel bad and hire another editor. If it’s a character, that’s probably the most hurtful, since they are family to me. If it’s because of… oh… say… religious controversy (hahaha), I’m okay with that, and don’t mind hearing it.
I want to hear feedback regardless. Of course, positive reviews just make me giddy. When someone “gets” my writing (and therefore gets me) it’s very validating.
Snarky: If your house was on fire, what 3 things would you grab and save before running out?
Rick: My husband, my doggy children, and my laptop! Heaven forbid I lose a manuscript!
SB: Awwwww…that’s so sweet….I bet you let your husband put his hands in his mouth and touch your stuff. I mean….your cookies. Geez Rick. Get your head out of the gutter
Snarky: List 3 of your favorite movies?
Rick: The Strangers (If you like horror and haven’t seen this, it’s fantastic. But I don’t now if I’ll ever watch it again)
Cry Wolf (Never heard of it? Not surprised. Loved it though. The ending is brilliant!)
Life is Beautiful (Life changing – watch it in Italian with subtitles).
Snarky: Coffee or tea?
Rick: Coffee. Without it, I’d die. I’m that addicted.
Snarky: *swoons* A man after my own heart. Now…how do we get your husband out of the picture……..tee hee hee
Snarky: Is it Pop or is it Soda?
Rick: I was raised in Utah, which uses “pop” more than “soda.” I don’t usually say either. I call it what it is: “Do you want a Dr. Pepper or a Pepsi? Shall we buy some Coke?”
Snarky: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Rick: I would want mind control like Professor X. What can’t you do with mind control? Wanna be invisible? Ok, make people not see you. Wanna fly? Telekinesis is usually part of it anyway ;). So yeah, in other words I want the superpower that will most closely get me all superpowers… I’m greedy like that.
Snarky: Why do you hate feet?
Rick: Why do you hate the word “moist?” Moist feet? That’s the stuff nightmares are made of.
SB: *Shudders* Touche Rick….well played. “While vision of moist feet danced through my head…..” The Night Before Christmas will never be the same.
Snarky: Alright, to close it out…hit us with it…one of your favorite quotes –
Rick: I sat down and tried to write a story.
“Ian MacArthur is a wonderful sweet fellow who wears glasses and peers out of them with delight.”
That was the first sentence. The problem was that I just couldn’t think of the next one. After cleaning my room three times, I decided to leave Ian alone for a while because I was starting to get mad at him.
~The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Rick….thank you for being such a good sport. *Takes fingers of out mouth and reaches to shake hands* What? Oh. Right. *takes off sock and wipes hand on said sock that was just covering her foot* WHAT?! Oh whatever. Just give us a hug. I’m sure your husband won’t mind much.
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Social Media Links:
Buy Links:
Death of the Body is now also available on Audio.com….how cool is that?
www.audible.com/pd/B00I5N552W/
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Giveaway
Check out these amazing prizes for the giveaway! Tons of cool stuff to win….including…yes you read that right….5 TAROT READINGS from Rick.
Rick is indeed a certified Tarot card reader…and most like certifiable.
Snarky Bloggers can attest to his abilities. Just….WOW! This is something you DON’T want to pass up getting the chance to win. Plus….look at all of the other amazing prizes!
Prizes are:
- 1 $25 Amazon, B&N or Paypal gift card
- 3 Amazon or B&N $5 gift cards
- 5 Signed Print Copies of Death Of The Body ( US Only – Ebook & Amazon gift card for price difference for international winners)
- 3 Audible audio copies of Death of the Body
- 5 Tarot Readings via email by Rick Chiantaretto
- 25 Mother Tree bracelets
Here is the teaser that helps to explain the Mother Tree bracelets. Beautiful isn’t it?
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This tour proudly brought to you by:
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~Snarky Bloggers~ 
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