Monday, October 20, 2014

#GGMMMU ~ Representing beings with unique abilities with an interview is Kelly Oram, author of Being Jamie Baker

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen—a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat named Mr. Darcy. 



Kelly has volunteered one of her characters to answer interview questions about beings with unique abilities.

Please join me in welcoming Jamie Baker. :D

Hi Jamie, thank you for talking with me!

What pray tell, what is it that makes you “special”? My astounding wit and sparkling personality, of course. They don’t call me the Ice Queen for nothing.  

…? 

What? Not what you meant? You were talking about my super powers? Newsflash, those don’t make me special, they make me a freak. So what, pray tell, is it that makes me a freak, you ask? Do you really want to know? Because there’s  a whole list and this could take a while…

…?

Ugh, fine, but being nosy is so not an attractive quality, just FYI.
I was in an accident involving a semi truck and some power lines that basically cooked a bunch of toxic waste into my body. It turned my hair green and my eyes yellow. Special enough for you? 

Okay, then how about the fact that I can now manipulate electricity. I can pull it into me, make it do what I want, and even shoot it from my hands in the form of lightning blots. It sucks when I accidentally blow stuff up or knock out the power in the house, but when I can control it, it’s an awesome power to have. Blowing stuff up on purpose is really fun, and it’s nice to have the ability to zap people when the piss me off. 

I also have enhanced senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, strength, and speed. Speed and strength go on the awesome list with the electricity. I use those all the time. Supersight’s not so bad. It’s useless most of the time but at least is doesn’t annoy me like the hearing. Superhearing gives me supermigraines and forces me to listen to my idiot classmates’ asinine conversations and overhear the gossip about me. (Which there is never a short supply of, and is usually bad.) Supertaste just makes me superpicky, which drives my parents supercrazy, and don’t even get me started on supersmell! 

Seriously, in werewolf books they act like having a supersniffer is a good thing, and they’re always talking about how the person they’re crushing on smells like sunshine or a forest after the rain or some other moronic impossible scent. What does “sunshine” even smell like? Idiots. You want to know what teenage boys really smell like? Sweat, body odor, cheap cologne, and whatever they had for lunch. And sometimes gas. True unfortunate story. I date a jock. Believe me when I say there have been multiple conversations about showering after workouts and acceptable brands and amounts of cologne. I think I’ve given the poor guy a complex, but I can’t help it. I smell everything! 

Ugh, most guys wear enough AXE body spray to burn out even a normal nose and girls are even worse. Imagine Sephora, mixed with Gold’s gym amplified by a million and then add the smell of the mystery meat in the cafeteria and see how often you can eat your lunch without wanting to vomit. Supersmell = worst superpower ever. Superkissing, however… Well, that’s a different story. 

…? 

Oh no. If you want to know more about that—and believe me you do, because superkissing is freaking awesome—you have to read the book. Carter didn’t make me spend hours and hours of agonizingly dull interview sessions spewing every excruciating detail of my story just for me to have to recap everything every time someone asks. No thanks. I have much better things to do with my time. Like superkissing. 

Would you consider yourself to be good or bad? Good or Bad? I suppose that depends on who you ask. My parents love me well enough, and Ryan Miller would tell you I’m a saint. But my parents are biased and Ryan is unnaturally optimistic and lives in a delusional world full of rainbows and butterflies where everyone is good. He’s also hopelessly in love with me so his opinion is completely partial as my parents’. All the rest of the kids at school will tell you I’m an evil, unfeeling, Ice Queen, and it’s true. Well not the unfeeling part, unfortunately. I feel everything, but I am cold as ice. And for a good reason. I’m dangerous, and I have just enough bad in me to like that I’m dangerous. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m evil, but I’m definitely a little gray. I’m not morally bankrupt or anything, but I have no qualms about making death threats when necessary and hurting people just enough that they believe the my threats to be true. There’ve even been a few occasions where I believed my threats.

What or who is your greatest enemy? *snort* You want another novel? I have as many enemies as I have abilities. We’ll start with the cliché ones. 

First there’s the Mean Girls. Every school has them. Mine is no different. (Of course, for me, it’s not just the mean girls, but also pretty much every person in school.) 

Then, since my story is the stuff of science fiction, I have to watch out for the Evil Mad Scientists who want to experiment on me. 

And also possibly The US Government, who doesn’t know I exist yet, but I’m pretty sure would have a plastic bubble with my name on it if they ever figure out what I can do. 

Which leads me to the last cliché villain on my list of enemies—The Reporters. Carter, specifically, since he’s totally on to me and determined to make my life a living hell. 

Then there’s The Man. Still a little cliché, but perhaps less so than Mad Scientists and the Paparazzi. The Man is basically any and all authority figures. My parents—who are also allies, but sometimes make things difficult—teachers, police, doctors, guidance counselors… Basically anyone who knows what I’ve been through, thinks they understand, and believes I can be “fixed” by talking about my problems or making friends. Please. I’m not stupid. If having friends would solve my problems, I’d have made some already. I’m not a loner because I like it. 

As for my two greatest enemies, those are a little more original. First, there’s Ryan Miller. That’s right, Ryan Miller—Mr. perfect, gorgeous, charming, happy, quarterback—is one of my greatest enemies. True, he is completely amazing, and loves me despite my long list of flaws, but don’t be fooled. He is TROUBLE. He’s too freaking irresistible! And I have to resist him. Falling in love and getting close to people is not only hazardous to my health, but can be deadly for those trying to get too close. And all Ryan ever does is try to get close! It wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t want him to get close. But I do. I want that more than anything. That’s why he’s so dangerous. The boy is trying to unravel everything about the bits of life I’ve managed to salvage since my accident. 

The only thing more dangerous to me than Ryan would be my emotions. Which, unfortunately, I have my fair share of. That’s right, enemy numero uno on my list would have to be PMS. Or maybe it’s a toss up now with my hormones thanks to Ryan Miller and his stupid amazing smile, perky infuriating optimism, unrelenting faith in me, and those damned irresistible superkisses. UGH! He’s impossible, really. You see, the problem is that my ability to control electricity is connected to my emotions. When I get out of control, so does my power. Not Cool. Makes it really hard to hide my secret, and not hurt people. I’m seriously a bi-polar nuclear disaster waiting to happen. 

Do you have any allies? Yeah. It’s not nearly as long as my list of enemies, but I do have some people looking out for me. My parents are the best, most supportive people in the world. They’re my greatest allies and I’d never survive being a superfreak without them. There’s also Ryan Miller. Oh, shut up, I’m not an idiot. I know I just said he’s my worst enemy. Because he is. But as much as he’s constantly trying to push my buttons, get into my pants, figure out my secret, melt my Ice Queen shell, and make me admit I have feelings for him, he’s also my only friend, and the one thing in my life that makes me happy. (Don’t tell him I said that.) He’d go to the ends of the earth for me if I asked him to, he never gives up on me, and he’s determined to solve my problems. Ryan is proof that a person can be both an enemy and an ally. (He’s also proof that perfection exists. But again, that’s between you and me.) 

What do you envision your greatest characteristic, ability or power to be? Your worst? I believe I’ve already covered this one, so lets just say my greatest attribute is my attitude. (Seriously, sarcasm is a highly under appreciated skill, and it’s my attitude that keeps me safe.) And of course, that whole superkissing thing I can do is pretty much awesome. 

My worst, we’ve already discussed my highly unstable emotions, but does my horrible temper count as an emotion? Most of the time when I lose control of my power it’s because I can’t keep a cool head on my shoulders. 

What two creatures would you love to see go toe to toe in a battle? You will be judged for creativity. ;-) Feel free to describe the battle. Well, to be honest, I’d love to personally go up against Batman. He’s freaking lame. If we battled, I’d so use my electricity to fry up all his rich-boy gadgets (which would render him totally useless) and then mock his “batman” voice until he cried. You know, that overly gravelly one that just makes you want to clear your throat every time you hear it? So annoying. I would definitely kick his butt in a fight. It’s not that I don’t like superheroes that don’t have physical abilities because, hello, Iron Man is awesome, but Bruce Wayne is a stuck up, emotionally constipated, broody, whiner baby. I’m sorry, but there’s only room for one drama queen in the superhero world and I believe I already corner that market, thank you very much. 

Also, watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (the cartoons, because the new live action movie sucked) go up against the Thundercats would be pretty awesome. Mad ninja skills versus sick alien cat powers? I’m not even sure who would win, but the battle would be epic. 

As would watching G.I. Joe beat the snot out of Ken. Okay, this battle would actually be pretty pathetic. I’d only want to see it because Barbie would eventually step in and kick G.I. Joe’s butt from here to next Tuesday. You know that saucy little minx has some secret inner witch just dying to lay the smack down. And she’d do it looking awesome in a skirt and some killer heels. I would love to see that fight. Is there a Ninja Barbie? I so need to get one of those if there is.

Choose three of the following and tell us what your creature would do with them, make out of them, use them for or what reaction they would have to them: an apple, a gemstone, a silver chain, a fish, a rat, a deer, a toad, a piece of pizza heavily dosed with garlic, a flower, treasure belonging to someone else, fire, a spider, a worm, a ball of string, a microphone and speakers, a wooden club, a mirror, a book, a cemetery, a boat, a moonlight bonfire, a sunny afternoon, a walk through the forest on an overcast day, a wooden stick, a Popsicle, a broom, a tree, a lost person, a baby, a body of water, a cross, a cage, wolfs bane, a rock, a rubber band, a chicken, a rabbit, a cave, rope, or a piece of candy. What am I supposed to do with any of that stuff? The book, I’d read. The apple, I’d eat, and the forest I’d definitely walk through, because I always need the quiet escape after struggling with my powers all the time. Though, I’d prefer to do it on a sunny afternoon instead of when it’s overcast. Sorry if that’s not too creative. I’m a teenage girl, not MacGyver.

Which type of "monster" do you think would make the best love interest for you and why? The worst? My feelings for Ryan Miller are proof that I have a weakness for amazing bodies and giant egos, so I suppose Hercules and I might work out. Or Adonis. I don’t think I’d mind dating a Greek God. Or a Norse God, for that matter. I’ve definitely got a thing for Loki. There’s something appealing about his dark nature. Or, is there a superhero that is immune to electricity, has the patience of Mother Teresa, and looks like Chris Evans? I could go for that too. 

The worst would have to be mermen. I mean that whole water and electricity thing would never work out, and the smell of fish all the time? With my supersmell? No, thank you. And werewolves or vampires would also be a hell no. They’re big on the possessive/controlling thing and I’d just love to see anyone try that crap on me. I’d fry them within minutes. I can’t even read werewolf/vampire books without setting the dumb things on fire half the time because they infuriate me so much. 

What scares you? That interviews like this one will never end. 

…?

 Ha Ha Ha! 

Kidding. Cafeteria food, babies, and Nicholas Sparks movies scare me. 

…? 

*groan* Okay fine. My future scares me. And letting people in. People finding out my secrets. Bugs. Bad hair days. (Shut up, you know you’re afraid of those too!) Losing control of my power and accidentally hurting someone I care about. Or worse, losing control of my temper and killing someone on purpose. And, of course, the Kardashians frighten me to no end. I hear you! They frighten me too. * shivers* 

What are you most afraid of? What makes you happy? The answer to both questions is my feelings for Ryan Miller.

What type of candy would you be apt to grab? Give out for Halloween? Grab: Anything chocolate. (You were there for the PMS-is-my-worst-enemy comment, right?) Give out: I guess Dum Dums. Because most people are idiots, so it’s appropriate. Kidding. I actually don’t know. My parents deal with trick-or-treaters. I usually leave for the night because having to listen to the stupid doorbells going off all night and all the squealing kids screaming for candy makes my brain want to explode. I don’t just hear the commotion at my house, you know. I hear everyone in the entire neighborhood. Halloween—while I love the concept—is not my favorite holiday.

What is your favorite meal? The thing about supertaste is that while most food is super nasty, when its good, it’s really good. I have a lot of favorite foods, they’re just really expensive and prepared by the world’s best chefs. I’m definitely a food snob. I love stuff with lots of (the right) flavor, so things like Indian and Thai tend to be my favorite. But a great lobster, and even a really good pizza are not to be under appreciated. 

What do you think is the most mis-construed idea about beings with special abilities? Oh, that’s easy. People assume that just because I have superpowers, I automatically know how to fight. I’m not a freaking martial arts expert people. I’ve never taken karate. Before my accident, I was a normal teenage girl. A girly girl even. I took dance and was a cheerleader and a beauty queen. I can’t fight my enemies with awesome fashion sense. And since gaining my abilities I have not found any desire to spend all my time “training” to fight evil or anything. I’m still me. I’d still rather go dancing all night and then watch cartoons all the next day. Having superpowers doesn’t make someone a superhero. I’m no one’s hero, and I don’t want to be.

What is a least known trait about you? We’re survivors. Being a superhero isn’t all fun and games. Whether we were born with our abilities, or gained them later, the fact is, we have hard lives. We have to learn to control or use our powers on our own. We have to hide what we’re going through from everyone, even those we love. And were forced to grow up a lot sooner than most. I know how cliché it is, but Spiderman’s aunt had it right. With great power comes great responsibility. Do you know the kind of damage I could do with my powers? And when people treat me as awful as they do, do you know how easy it would be to let loose on them? My entire life is a struggle. And it’s lonely. Ever since the moment I was changed I’ve had to learn to adapt, I’ve had to become a survivor.

Kelly, what is your favorite type of monster to write about? Read about? I love reading about all types. I, unlike Jamie, actually love reading shifter books. I love werewolves! A good werewolf book, or a good dragon-shifter book is probably my favorite. I’m even about to attempt writing my first shifter book next month for my NaNoWriMo project this year. I’m really excited about it. It should be a lot of fun. I also love reading about gods and demigods. Books with mythology lore are so fun. Oh, and witches and warlocks! I love magic. And fairies. The fey with their twisted, dangerous, magical, darkness are always a great read. Okay, really I love all fantastical creatures. 



Thank you Jamie for chatting with us. Your wit and snark are unparalleled! :D

Kelly, thank you for everything as well, especially for donating prizes for the giveaways!

Right now, Kelly has a great blog tour going on for her newest book, Cinder & Ella. It is not a paranormal but it is sure to be great. Please be sure to stop by and check it out. You can find the schedule and info about the book by clicking on the tour button on my sidebar. :-) 

Kelly has two series that are supernatural in addition to her numerous other books. Click on the covers to go to Goodreads for more info. I've reviewed Being Jamie Baker and Chameleon. Both series are well worth looking into. :D

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7238737-being-jamie-bakerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16162774-more-than-jamie-bakerhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18590095-remember-jamie-baker
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16047646-chameleon?ac=1https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18740852-ungifted


Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. It is a great chance to win a book you'd like to have! The link can be found at the top of the page.

12 comments:

  1. Fabulous interview i do like Jamie sarcasm^^
    and so many ennemies and potential one! I do agree on the supersmell being more an hindrance than anything^^ even with only slightly better one that most people it's still can be overwhelmming so i wouldn't want a super one^^

    thundercat? the first one or the new version because the first old ( old version) they did have some kind of martial art similars to ninja so them against the turtles i would be glad to watch ( not sure for who i would be cheering up though)

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    1. I'm not sure who I would cheer for either. And I agree we started the interviews with a live wire! Ha Ha, get it?

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    2. i did^^ you really picked well

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  2. Ha I love Jamie! And a battle between the teenage mutant turtles and thundercats would be epic! LOL And Barbie would kick anyones ass! She can do anything! ;)

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    1. ah dear you need to precise which one or it's no fun? Barbie vet? barbie cosmonaute? which one? ^^

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    2. I'm pretty sure there's a ninja Barbie out there. Or I have a Wonder Woman Barbie.

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    3. Oh, I never got Wonder Woman Barbie. :-( I think lawyer Barbie could be pretty scary though! Was there a G.I. Jane?

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    4. I'm sure there was a GI Jane Barbie. I also have a poisen ivy Barbie. They were releasing all these superhero ones years ago.

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    5. ^^ i never knew since it was probably only in teh Us but i can imagine what they looks^^

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    6. I have them somewhere. The wonder woman and poison ivy. Those were the only 2 I wanted. I'll try and find them and take a picture.

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