April Debut Author Interview + Giveaway

Today on the blog I have the honor of hosting the lovely Elizabeth Norris, who's debut novel Unraveling comes out on April 24th. You can see my review here and now let's get onto the interview.  Elizabeth's answers are bold.

First, thank you so much for taking time to do this interview with me.  Your book was truly amazing.

Thank you so much. It’s wonderful to hear that people have read the book and liked it.

Now, first things first, if your book was the “answer” in a Jeopardy tournament what would the “question” be?

A romantic YA thriller featuring Janelle Tenner, a seventeen year old girl, who briefly dies, uncovers a mysterious countdown to the end of the world, and finds to save her family, her world and the boy who brought her back from the dead.

What about you, if you were on Jeopardy how would Alec introduce you?

Elizabeth Norris moved from southern California where she taught high school. Now she lives in Manhattan. She loves used books, sunny days, nice guys, and her apartment. She harbors dangerous addictions to guacamole, red velvet cupcakes, sushi, and Argo Tea. Fortunately not all together.

Now for the fun questions.  First, just by reading the front of the book you know that the world is going to end, and the book has a count-down in it, what day does it end?  Like, a specific date, or did you not think about that?

When I was writing, I actually opened up a google calendar and logged the major events in the novel. That was the only way I could keep the countdown numbers straight. The countdown “ends” on 9/22/2012.

 *Now we all know who to blame if the world ends this September!

If you were to die and be brought back to life, like Janelle, how would you die and who would bring you back? 

If I was going to die, I’d want it to be quick like it is for Janelle. I definitely wouldn’t it want to be drowning or burning—that seems awful. In terms of being brought back by someone, I’d have to say my boyfriend. I didn’t do this on purpose, but when I read Unraveling now, I can see a lot of him in Ben. The way that he’s smart and courageous, and that he’d do anything for me.

I was very pleased when I saw that there was talk of Ebola in the book.  What do you think is the best disease out there? (No, I don’t mean to contract, I just mean the one that you find the most interesting).

I find diseases in general interesting, especially the ones that are really rare. I’ve always like watching medical shows like House because you can learn so much from them. Hypertrichosis is a disease that causes abnormal hair growth on the body. It’s also referred to as Werewolf Syndrome. I think it’s interesting that there’s a scientific explanation for the legends that spawned bad horror movies about wolfmen.

There’s also a great amount of nerd in the book, which made me very happy as well.  I know that The X Files play a pretty big role in the book, and I assume you’ve seen all the episodes, do you have a favorite?  What about a favorite sci-fi show?

I always loved The X-Files. Two of my friends and I used to watch it every week. I even had all the seasons on VHS. My favorite episodes our “Our Town” (season 2) where Mulder and Scully investigate a disappearance in a small town and find cannibals and “Home” (season 4) where Mulder and Scully investigate a baby that died from terrible birth defects. My favorite episodes were the “monster of the week” episodes because some of them were so scary yet also realistic.

I’ve always been really into science fiction shows. I loved Sliders and the first season of Roswell. Right now, I’d have to say that Fringe is one of my favorite sci-fi shows. The acting is brilliant, the writing is awesome, and it always manages to surprise me.

There were a few parts of your book that really caught me off guard, which is very hard to do (or at least I like to think so), did you plan the whole book out before you wrote it, or did some things surprise you as well?

I did. I outlined almost the whole book before I really started writing. I have a lot of manuscripts on my computer that I started, but I would get a hundred pages or so in and realize I didn’t know where the plot was going or that I didn’t have enough of a plot for a full book. By writing the whole plot out first, writing my first drafts was easier—and they came out better.

The ending was also very action packed and I can’t help but ask, will there be a sequel?  If so does it have a title/release date yet?

There will be sequel. It’s written and going through edits right now. The title is still to be decided (though I have a couple ideas), and I’m not sure about the release date. Probably spring 2013, but I can’t say for sure.

Could you tell us anything about book two?  Share a snippet? Just a tiny one!?

There’s another countdown, human trafficking, and more Janelle and Ben.

 *YES!

In your book there are three…four…five(!) rather appealing guys, not all of which have romantic involvements in the book.  Which one would you fall for if you were in Janelle’s place?  Is one of them most like a teenage boyfriend you had?

I’d definitely go for Ben. Like I mentioned he’s a lot like my current boyfriend who is wonderful. My high boyfriend was more like Kevin, which is probably while we’re not still together. He was cute and funny, but also kind of immature and a little bit of a jerk.

Did you have a favorite scene to write in the book?  Or maybe a scene that you really didn’t like having to write?  What about a favorite character?

One of my favorite scenes to write was the opening. I actually thought of it when I was sitting on the subway, and I opened up a notebook and wrote the first fifty pages or so in purple ink on the A train. One thing I love about the opening is that I can picture it so clearly—Torrey Pines beach is the beach I went to all the time when I lived in San Diego, and that road where Janelle dies. I’ve walked that same road before.

I love Janelle and Ben, but my favorite character is probably Elijah. He’s just that guy that doesn’t seem to care about anything and can be such a jerk, but underneath he’s messed up, sensitive, and misunderstood.

Despite your book being fiction there are some parts of the book that make you think about the science of our world.  Did you have to do research at all, or did you make it up? 

Most of it is made up. But I do have a subscription to Scientific American and a lot of information that I absorbed from their articles either made it into the book or influenced the things I made up.

Your book shows when the world is falling apart, which is something not many books do, why did you decide to write a book where you showed the world ending?  Would you ever think about a writing a novel about what happens a long time after the world ended?

I wrote Unraveling because it was really the story I wanted to read at the time—a story that could take place today or tomorrow, not thousands of years in the future. It’s about a girl who’s a normal junior in high school and she’s going through a lot of the same problems that other juniors in high school have. I think the world ending can be a lot scarier and more intense if it feels like it could happen tomorrow.

I’m not sure if I’ll ever write a more post apocalyptic or futuristic story. I think an author really has to have a strong vision of what that future might look like, and I’m not sure how I would do it in a new and different way.

You’re part of a group of 2012 YA debuts called The Apocalypsies, what books would you recommend we look out for in the coming year (no, you can’t pick your own)?

I read and loved Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood, which came out in February. It’s an alternate history about three sisters who are witches.

I also just finished reading Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard which is awesome. It takes place in historical Philadelphia and the main character is trying to save her brother from a necromancer who is raising zombies and murdering people. It comes out in July.

And I’m super excited for Defiance by CJ Redwine, which comes out in September. I haven’t read it yet, but the cover is beautiful, the story, which is a YA fantasy sounds fantastic, and CJ writes a great blog.

It’s amazing how many wonderful debut books are coming out in 2012—I’m hoping to try to read them all!

And last, but not least (and possibly most importantly), are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

So when I read the books I was totally Team Edward. I even got really mad at Bella when she was telling Jacob in Eclipse that she loved him too. I might have even yelled, “No you don’t!” when I was reading.

When I saw New Moon though, I may have been won over a little to the Jacob side. Edward seemed so romantic in the book, but he is significantly creepier on screen.

I think I might be Team Ben, but that’s neither here nor there.  Thank you so much for answering my questions, even though some of them were kind of crazy, and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to read your book! 

Elizabeth has graciously donated a finished copy of Unraveling for me to give away. Since my computer is broken and I've been using my mom's all you have to do is fill out the form HERE, no questions to answer. The contest will run until April 30th at 12:00 midnight and the winner will be notified...hopefully soon after that.

March Debut Author Interview + Giveaway

Today on the blog I have the honor of hosting the lovely Jill Hathaway, who's debut novel Slide comes out on March 27th. You can see my review here and now let's get onto the interview.  Jill's answers are in purple, to celebrate her book.

 

 

Describe your book in three words, GO!

mysterious, thrilling, sexy

Now that we know about your book, describe yourself in…five words.

curious, silly, impulsive, fun-loving, outgoing

What would you do if you had Vee’s power?  Would you tell someone about it?  Would you use it for good or for evil?  Or maybe just for fun?

I'd slide into Jared Leto's girlfriend and make out with him. Is that good? Or evil? Definitely fun!

I feel like Vee really finds herself in the novel, can you tell us a little about that? 

Vee goes from a place of being very cautious about trusting anyone to being able to open up a little more. She also finds that she is more powerful than she ever knew.

If you could slide into one person who would it be and why?

 Jared Leto's girlfriend. Um, because, JARED LETO.

You’ve said that there IS going to be a book two, can you tell us anything about it?  Will there be dead people in it?  Or will we just learn more about Vee and her relationships?

Yes, it's called IMPOSTOR. Vee starts to black out and suspects that someone has been sliding into her. In one instance, she finds herself at the edge of a cliff with a broken body on the rocks below. Who has been using her for their own purposes, and why? But, yes, there will also be more about Vee and her relationships.

There were some very exciting parts in the first book, what was your favorite part to write and why?  Do you have any favorite scenes in book two?  If so could you give us a sneak peek?

I loved writing the part where Vee is trying on her purple Homecoming dress (in a flashback). I don't know why. It was just fun. My favorite part to write in book 2 takes place in a cemetery. And that's all I'm saying about that. ;)

It seems like lately there are so many books that are rather long, over 300 pages and such, how do you feel that your book is under 300 pages?  Does it worry you people might look at it and go “hmm, this looks like it’s a little to short for my taste”?

 Yes, it does worry me. I'd actually write longer books if I could, but it seems like the stories in my head are usually only about 250 pages. If I added more, I'd just be padding. I think it has something to do with the thriller genre; you have to keep things moving, pages turning, hearts pounding. 

Vee has pink hair, if you could dye your hair any color (or maybe it’s already dyed) what color would you choose?  Do you think you would end up dying it back to your original color or would you keep it?

I've always wanted to try pink but was too chicken in college. And now I'm a teacher, and I don't think pink hair would fly with my principal.

There are so many different characters in your book, some big and some small, who was your favorite to write?

Rollins. Always Rollins.

Do you have any other projects in the works?  Any that you can tell us about that is?

Right now, I'm working on a book that's unrelated to SLIDE. It's another thriller, but I don't want to give away any details.

You’re part of a group of 2012 YA debuts called The Apocalypsies, what books would you recommend we look out for in the coming year (no, you can’t pick your own)?

FRACTURE by Megan Miranda, which is already out. I also loved UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi!

And last, the most important question, are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

 Um... I don't know? Jacob is pretty hot. 

Thank you so much for answering my questions with your busy schedule, and I hope your book sells many copies.

Thanks for having me!!

Harper has graciously donated a finished copy of Slide for me to give away, but it's only open to those of you who live inside the US or have a US mailing address.  Since my computer is broken and I've been using my mom's all you have to do is fill out the form HERE, no questions to answer.  The contest will run until March 31st at 12:00 midnight and the winner will be notified...hopefully soon after that.

The winner of the previous giveaway will be decided on later this week. Thank you for your patience in the absence of my computer.

February Debut Author Interview + Giveaway

Today on the blog I have the honor of hosting the lovely Jessica Spotswood, who's debut novel Born Wicked comes out on February 7th.  You can see my review here and now let's get onto the interview.  Jessica's answers are not bold.

Hi Jessica, I know that it’s been really busy with your book being released and all but thank you for taking time out of your crazy schedule to do a few interview questions for the blog!  In the effort of saving you time I’ll skip all of the major questions about you and your book. So as a quick introduction tell us one thing about you and one thing about your book that no one knows?

About me: well, I am randomly, ridiculously scared of vines – like afraid they will tangle me up and eat me, maybe?  I don’t know! They just freak me out. About BW: in my very early notes, Cate’s name was Kate, Maura was Moira, and Tess was Tez. That didn’t last very long.

Now, I’ve read your book, and I’m curious to know, are the two other books going to be from Cate’s POV or from Tess and Maura’s?

The next two books will also be from Cate’s POV. I’m hoping that at some point I might get to do a story from another POV, though (Maura’s or maybe Sachi’s?).

Speaking of Cate, Maura, and Tess, I assume that’s Cate on the cover.  Do you think Tess and Maura will be on the next two covers? Do you think they did Cate justice?  If they end up putting Tess and Maura on the next covers do you think they will be done justice?

I actually think the cover looks like Maura, with her red hair and bright blue eyes and her intensity. I love the BW cover – the colors and composition are so lush; I hope it will really stand out on the shelf!  I have no idea who the next covers will feature, although I think Penguin will be working with the same photographer, Alexandra Sophie. 

If you were a woman in New London would you be a witch? Or would you be a cabbagehead? Or maybe you would be part of the Sisterhood?  Where would you place yourself in your own world?

I’d probably be a bluestocking like Marianne and Clara Belastra, reading and peddling forbidden books and trying not to get caught by the Brotherhood! I just can’t imagine giving up reading! 

In the time that you’re writing about women are supposed to be chaste but Cate, she has some interesting adventures with various lips attached to various attractive men.  Which man would you rather kiss?

Finn, definitely! I’d go for the dorky-cute, witty booklover every time. And my husband happens to have freckles himself. J

You have also created a world where woman are oppressed, did you do this on purpose or was it just because you were sticking with the times?

When I was brainstorming, I came up with the idea of the witches vs the Brotherhood before I realized when the book was taking place. I wanted to write about a society where educated, independent girls weren’t valued but without making it seem preachy.

The title is such a huge part of the book, do you have a title picked out for books two and three or are they still untitled?  Will the second and third titles have as much meaning as the first one did (if you can’t tell us what the titles are)?

Oh, this question made me laugh because I was just in NYC last week and my editor and agent and I were brainstorming titles for the second book. We haven’t figured it out yet! I hope it will fit as well as BORN WICKED does.

There were so many surprises in the book, did any of them surprise you or did you have it all planned out?  Is the whole trilogy planned out or do you write randomly with no outline?

I can’t remember being surprised by any of the twists in BW, although I was very surprised by one in Book 2! I have the major milestones plotted out for the trilogy, but how I get there changes quite a bit as I write. I wrote BW with a very spare outline, and my editor and I hammered out an outline for Book 2 together, but I still deviate sometimes. 

Do you have a favorite scene or line from Born Wicked?  If so what is it?  Any snippet you can share from Born Wicked 2?

My favorite scene is Cate and Finn’s first kiss in the hidden room. I was so excited that Penguin featured it in the book trailer. As for book 2– I will promise more kissing scenes. And right now I’m writing about a book burning!

You’re part of a group of 2012 YA debuts called The Apocalypsies, what books would you recommend we look out for in the coming year (no, you can’t pick your own)?

My very favorite so far has been UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi. I was fascinated by the world-building, and I loved the way that Perry and Aria grew together past their original misconceptions about each other. I just read and loved GILT by Katherine Longshore, which is a sexy historical set at the court of Henry VIII, but is at its heart about female friendships.

And last but not least, in fact, it’s the most important question, Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Team Jacob, actually. He makes her laugh.

Thanks so much for agreeing to do the interview with me even though I know how busy you are!  Team Finn all the way here, sorry Paul, but Finn, so much hotter.

Thank you so much for the wonderful interview!

Now, I have an extra ARC copy of Born Wicked and I've decided to give it away to one of you in honor of Jessica's interview!  All you have to do is fill out the form and answer a few questions based on the interview.  The form is HERE.  The contest will run until February 29th at 12:00 midnight and winnners will be anounced the next day.

The winner of the previous giveaway is April X and she has been notified.

January Debut Author Interview + Giveaway

Today on the blog I have the honor of hosting the lovely Veronica Rossi, who's debut novel Under the Never Sky came out on January 3rd.  You can see my review here and now let's get onto the interview.  Veronica's answers are in bold.

First off, thank you so much to agreeing to do this interview, I loved your book and I’m sure that it will be a big hit!

Thank you, Anna, for all your enthusiasm!

I think it’s customary to start off with a little about your book, so pitch your book in 140 characters, twitter style.

UNDER THE NEVER SKY is a post-apocalyptic adventure story about teens from radically different societies, who are thrown together by circumstance. They embark on a quest that forces them to overcome their differences in order to survive. There might also be a romance in there.

I think that's slightly more then 140 characters but that's okay!

Now that we know your book what about you, how would you describe yourself in 140 characters?

I’m a mother, daughter, wife, writer, painter, reader, sometimes-cook, vegetarian, always animal-lover. I was born in Rio de Janeiro, but I’ve been the US most of my life. I love rainy days, but not Mondays.

Again, more then 140 chracters, but I'm not gonna count them all. 

You’re part of a group of 2012 YA debuts called The Apocalypsies, what books would you recommend we look out for in the coming year (no, you can’t pick your own Rossi, I’m watching you)?

This is so tough, Anna! Well, I’m going to make this easy and list the ones I’ve read, or that I have in my hands: BORN WICKED, by Jessica Spotswood, SLIDE, by Jill Hathaway, INCARNATE, by Jodi Meadows, EVERNEATH, by Brodi Ashton, GILT by Katy Longshore, SILVER by Talia Vance, SKINNY by Donna Cooner, SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL, by Trish Doller, TIME BETWEEN US, by Tamara Ireland Stone, IF I STAY, by Corinne Jackson… ok… this is getting ridiculous. I have to make myself stop. But you know what? You’ve just made me realize how amazing this group is. So much talent! It’s such an honor to be part of it.

You’re book, at its heart, is really a dystopian novel.  What happened to make the Earth the way it is in your book?

That will be explained in the second book, THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT, so I’ll have to just pass on this one?

Do you think that dystopian is the new vampire?

Ummm…. No? I don’t think we need a new vampire J

There are also what I would call two worlds, inside and outside of the Pods.  If you were dropped into the world you created which place would you most likely fit in?

Inside! As much as I think I’m “tough,” I’d prefer the safety and fun of the Dweller world.

If you happened to be a Dweller what would your favorite Realm to be in and why?  What about if you were an Outsider, what Sense would you have, if any?

If I were a Dweller, I’d want to live in a Realm of Rome. It’s one of my favorite cities. I love everything about it. If I were an Outsider, I think I’d want to be an Audile.

In the Pods quite a few things have been eliminated, which we happen to learn in…oh I’d say the middle of the book (although not all of those things that are eliminated I would mind), can you name a few for us (maybe even some that aren’t in the book) and why you decided they weren’t needed in the Pods?

In the Pods, humans have been genetically modified for greater efficiency. Certain traits, like nail growth, facial hair, etc., have been eliminated. I didn’t so much decide they weren’t needed… It just made sense that, if you don’t need long nails, the Dwellers would have come up with a way to do away with that, as well as anything else that’s unnecessary.

In my mind there are really three parts of this book, and no, I don’t just mean the beginning, middle, and end.  I would say the three parts are “Into the Death Shop”, “Surviving the Death Shop” and “Thriving in the Death Shop” (those are my words though, not yours, I could be wrong).  If you had to pick a few songs that reminded you of Under the Never Sky what would they be?

I love the names you’ve given the three parts! There’s a playlist somewhere… Let me see if I can find a link.

Do you listen to music while writing or revising?  Were there any songs that you played over and over again?

Here's a link to the playlist, it's on the Facebook page for the book.  There are also some other cool features on the page for you to check out!

The title, Under the Never Sky, is, in my mind, the prefect title for this book, as is the tag line.  Did you come up with the title and tag line or was that someone else’s idea entirely? 

I came up with both, and thank you!

And speaking of titles and tag lines are there any ideas for book two?  And the cover, do you think the cover will have Perry on it this time or do you think it will still be Aria (I assume that’s who it’s supposed to be)?

I’m going to have to take the fifth here, unfortunately. I think we’ll be announcing some of this in the coming months.  (This just in, Veronica posted today that the title of book two will be, at this time, THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT!)

Perry and Aria have some hot scenes in this book; did anyone at the publishing agency suggest that you get rid of them?  Was there something they insisted that you get rid of even though you loved it dearly?  Did you fight to keep anything in the book?

I actually expected some of this, but no! My editor was fully supportive from the beginning. We just worked to hone things, sharpen them.

I’m sure you get this question ALL the time, but what was the inspiration for writing UTNS?  Was there inspiration or was it all of sudden you were just like “That’s it!”?  Were there any authors who inspired you?

The story grew out of a number of different inspirational sources. Non-fiction books, journaling, and just staring at the walls, imagining. I admire Kristin Cashore and MT Anderson’s books a great deal.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer (because WOW you’re good) or was it one of those things that just hit you?

Thank you J I didn’t always know, but I’ve always been a creative person. I came to writing by way of painting.

There were several parts in your book that hit me like whoa, did you have a favorite scene to write or a quote you just loved?

There are many favorite scenes, but one of my favorites is the rooftop scene, where Aria sings to Perry. I feel like it’s their moment… like something really magical, and almost inexplicable happens between them.

I love that scene, it's great! 

What about characters, your characters were so rich and developed (they also developed over the course of the book), did you have a favorite character to write?

No, not a favorite. Roar is lots of fun, but I also adore writing Marron and Cinder. And, of course, Perry and Aria.

I loved Roar too! 

It’s been announced that your book has been optioned for film by Warner Brothers (whose movies don’t usually suck), do you have an idea who you would want to play Aria, Perry, and Roar? Or any other characters for that matter? (Actually, not Aria, cause I call her) ;).

J I don’t have any idea… I’d just like to see real artists take the roles. I appreciate that—when someone has a clear vision. When someone takes risks. And I’d love to see an actor take what I’ve written and really go for it, and make it theirs.

I think that’s it. One last question though, Team Jacob or Team Edward? We all know that this is the most important question, which is why we had to save it for last.

Team Finnick. Hah!

Thank you Veronica for answering all of my silly questions!  I myself might be switching over to Team Perry, because, whoa, he’s got some moves!

Anna, thank you for having me, and for being absolutely wonderful!

Now, I have an extra copy of Under the Never Sky and I've decided to give it away to one of you in honor of Veronica's interview!  All you have to do is fill out the form and answer a few questions based on the interview.  The form is HERE.  The contest will run until January 31st at 12:00 midnight and winnners will be anounced the next day.  This contest is now over. Thank you everyone who entered.