New Author Monday: Cidney Swanson and a Giveaway!!

This is where I share with you a new author that I have come across, in passing or by reading one of their books.   The only requirement to be considered is that the author cannot have more than 5 published books. Why 5? Sometimes I come across an author that amazes me with their talent, and that makes me want to get my hands on even more of their work. For me walking out of a bookstore with 4 books in hand is not strange at all.

This week, our special guest is a little different. In celebration of the awesomeness of Rippler by Cidney Swanson, I have been given the opportunity to interview a character from the book. There are some amazing characters to interview, but I decided to go back to the beginning. Sam’s mom is interviewed! Now for those of you who have not read Rippler yet, I won’t spoil anything but I will let you know that Sam’s mother died sometime before Rippler begins. But her mother and the event of her mother’s death plays a huge part in Sam’s life that I couldn’t pass up this unique opportunity.

Without further ado . . . find book info and giveaway details below interview).

What do you think Sam will be when she grows up?

Maybe a soccer player? She’s got the energy. My goodness, that girl can just go, go, go without getting tired.

What are her strengths, as you see them?

Sammy is kind. She seems to have “radar” for when someone is sad. It’s uncanny how you’ll be feeling upset about something, and next thing you know, she’s slipping her tiny hand into yours. She doesn’t try to use words to comfort you, but her presence is very calming. I’ve felt this many times, most often when a painting is making me want to pull out my hair by the roots. Also, she’s a very loyal friend.

What strengths would you predict she’ll have as a young woman?

I don’t think loyalty is the kind of thing that goes away. In fact, I think it gets stronger as you grow older. I expect she’ll be deeply devoted to anyone she befriends or falls in love with. I would also expect that she’ll find causes to devote herself to, someday. She feels things very strongly, and I think she’ll want to act on that, whether it’s joining Greenpeace, or volunteering at a soup kitchen, or maybe serving in Peace Corps someday.

What kind of person would you like to see her spend her life with?

Well, obviously he’ll have to be perfect! No, all joking aside, she’s going to need someone with a sense of humor. Someone who knows how to laugh and shrug things off. Sammy can be very intense at times, and she’ll need someone who can be light-hearted. Also, she needs to find someone capable of the same level of loyalty and devotion she displays. I don’t think she’d handle being with someone who wasn’t 100% committed to her alone.

What’s her favorite food?

French fries with ketchup. That child can put her father to shame in that department. Also, she’s very fond of some of her Abuelita Ruiz’s traditional Mexican dishes. Probably molé is her favorite. Or anything with chocolate, really. And she hasn’t met a spicy food she didn’t like.

Has she inherited any skills from you or your husband that you can identify?

Hmmm . . . definitely not Dave’s green thumb. Sammy takes after me in being able to kill just about any plant left to her care. And she doesn’t seem to be very interested in painting. I’ve tried to teach her a few things, but she’d rather watch what I’m doing than play with the paints herself. She might have the sort of perception we usually associate with artists, now that I think about it. By which I mean, she looks at things carefully and sees deeply into the nature of shapes and colors. I’ve seen her stare at things outside for hours. Especially if there’s water involved. You know, like a lake or waterfall for sure, but also things like this big puddle we had in the backyard last winter. She loved staring into that thing. Yeah, I’d say she’s got an artist’s eye.

Thank you Cidney Swanson for participating in this interview and giving this unique perspective.

Rippler (From Goodreads) Samantha Ruiz has a freak gene that makes her turn invisible, or ripple. She can’t control it, and it’s getting worse. Afraid of becoming a lab-rat, Sam keeps her ability secret, until fellow runner Will Baker sees her vanish into thin air. Will promises secrecy and help, and Sam begins to fall in love. Together, the two discover there are worse things than being a scientific curiosity. Someone’s been killing people who possess Sam's gene. A mysterious man from France sends letters that offer hope for safety, but also reveal a sinister connection with Nazi experiments. The more time Sam spends with Will, the less she can imagine life without him. When Sam uncovers secrets from her past, she must choose between keeping Will in her life or keeping Will safe.

Also check out Ripple #2, Chameleon. (From Goodreads) Sixteen-year-old Samantha Ruiz has a lot on her mind. The crush who kissed her but changed his mind. The BFF who thinks Sam is in an abusive relationship. The geneticist who wanted Sam dead but now wants her ALIVE. And of course, Sam’s still dealing with a tendency to disappear into thin air.
When Sam learns of her nemesis Helmann’s Nazi-like plan to establish a Thousand-Year Reign, she’s determined to fight him. Along with Will and Mickie, Sam flees to France to meet Sir Walter—their best hope for stopping Helmann’s brave new world.
But Sam isn’t any safer in France. Someone is following her. Someone invisible. Sam will have to figure out how to hide from an enemy she can’t even see.

Giveaway time!!!!

Cidney, being the amazing person that she is, has given a copy of Rippler away to one lucky person!

It’s simple two ways to enter.  Leave a comment here. Leave a comment on Facebook post.

Do you have to be a follower? No, but if you’d like to follow you can click the button on the side and follow.

**Please enter me comments do not count and will be deleted.**

Author Links –places you can go to get more information.

Cidney's blog

Find Cidney on Facebook

Cidney on Twitter

Cidney on Goodreads

Cidney on Librarything

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on B & N

Still not sure if this is worth the read? Desperately waiting for my review of this book full of awesomesauce? Fine, wait, it will be posted tomorrow. But the review is just my opinion, it won't hurt to enter. 

 Winner will be announced next week!

Always Shine, 

Starr K