Interview with Julianne Mitchell from Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard!

1) Hello Ms. Julia Mitchell! I'm glad you grant me the opportunity to take you this interview. My first question is about your temporary stay in Italy, so can you please tell me what you have visited the first time you have got there and what would you recommend us to visit?

     Hello Simona. Thank you for inviting me. When I first visited Florence, I was a student studying at the university. I spent a lot of time in the library and taking classes, and also at the Uffizi.

2) From what I have been able to notice, it appears you have the same inclination towards art as Mr. Emerson, so can you please tell me what it’s your opinion about the representation of Dante's Hell by Sandro Botticelli?

     I like Botticelli’s illustrations very much. That’s why I persuaded Gabriel to lend them to the Uffizi Gallery.

3) What feeling you had after you have finished reading "The Divine Comedy"?

     Once I finished it, I wanted to read it again. There were so many historical and literary references that I missed. It’s the kind of work that takes a lifetime to study.

4) I learned something very important from you. Evil can be defeated by goodness, yet I wanted to ask you if it was hard to keep the goodness and not surrender to evil, after everything that has happened to you?

     Parts of my life were difficult. But why should my life be different from anyone else’s? I’m very blessed. I try to focus on the blessings and what I have rather than focusing on the bad things, because otherwise I’d be miserable and wasting my life.

5) You succeeded to remain beside Gabriel, despite his revelations, and I really liked what you have said to him at that time, but especially the fact that you have not left his side, and for me that mattered more that you could think, and it made me admire you much more. I was wondering though, do you think it will be hard to heal the wounds from Mr. Emerson past?

     Gabriel is the one who taught me that some scars never disappear. The question is whether you allow yourself to be crippled by your wounds or if you strive for healing and to overcome them.

6) I believe that the reading can greatly influence the personality of a young person, so my question for you is: has there been a book that has left its mark on you? For example for me it was La Bête humaine by Émile Zola.

     Sometimes it’s the simplest stories that are the most incredibly influential. For example, I find the story of Aslan’s sacrifice for Edmund in “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” to be incredibly moving and inspirational. It influenced a lot of what I think about forgiveness, love, and grace.

7) This will be a more personal kind of question and you do not need to answer me if you don’t want to. I know that due to your financial problems, you had to live in a place according to your budget, and unfortunately there are children who blame their parents for this reason, because they cannot provide them what they want, but to your father you have shown him kindness. What would you say to those children who do not have great financial resources and blame their parents for this?

    Well, I didn’t think my father owed me anything. I was an adult. I choose to go to graduate school. So I had to live in an apartment I could afford.

     I was well aware of the fact that I was lucky to be able to go to college. There are parts of the world where girls can’t even go to school, let alone go to college. So I’m grateful for the opportunities I had in my country. Even though my apartment was modest, I had food to eat and a warm place to sleep. Every day when I walked from my apartment to my classes at the University of Toronto, I passed homeless people. Some were young and some were old. And on rainy days or when winter came, I thanked God I had a home and food to eat when others didn’t.

8) Finally, can you tell me what do you think about this interview? And can you send me a few words to those in Romania who had learned so many lessons from you and from the Professor as much as I did ? (Thanks Gabriel and Julia for a valuable lesson about kindness!)

    It was generous of you to think of me and invited me to the interview. Thank you. Please say hello to the other Romanian readers. One of my mantras is “Kindness is never wasted.” I believe this. I practice this. And it changed my life. I think it will change other lives, too. Thank you. Julianne Emerson.

Versiunea în română:

1) Bună ziua Domnişoară Julia Mitchell mă bucur că mi-aţi oferit ocazia de a vă lua acest interviu. Prima mea întrebare este legată de şederea dumneavoastră temporară în Italia, îmi puteţi spune vă rog ce aţi vizitat prima dată când aţi ajuns acolo şi ce ne recomandaţi şi nouă să vizităm? 

    Bună Simona. Mulţumes pentru invitaţie. Prima dată când am vizitat Florenţa, eram studentă la universitate. Am petrecut foarte mult timp la bibliotecă şi la cursuri, dar şi la Uffizi.

2) Din câte am putut să ne dăm seama aveţi aceeaşi inclinaţie spre artă ca Domnul Emerson, îmi puteţi spune ce părere aveţi despre reprezentarea Infernului de către Sandro Botticelli? 

    Îmi plac ilustraţiile lui Botticelli foarte mult. De aceea l-am convins pe Gabriel să le împrumute Galeriei Uffizi.

3) Ce sentiment aţi avut după ce aţi terminat de citit „Divina Comedie”? 

    Odată ce am terminat de citit "Divina Comedie" am vrut să o recitesc. Am găsit foarte multe referinţe istorice şi literare, pe care le-am ratat. Această lucrare este una care îţi ia o viaţă să o studiezi.

4) Am învăţat un lucru de la dumneavoastră, că răutatea poate fi înfrântă de bunătate, cu toate astea voiam să vă întreb dacă va fost greu să vă păstraţi bunătatea şi să nu cădeţi pradă răutaţii după tot ceea ce vi s-a întâmplat? 

    Părţi din viaţa mea au fost dificile. Dar de ce viaţa mea ar trebui să fie diferită de a altora? Sunt foarte norocoasă. Încerc să mă concentrez pe binecuvântările din viaţa mea şi pe ceea ce am, în loc să mă concentrez pe lucrurile negative, pentru că altfel m-aş simţi mizerabil şi mi-aş irosi viaţa.

5) Aţi reuşit să rămâneţi alături de Gabriel, în ciuda dezvăluirilor făcute, mi-a plăcut foarte mult ceea ce i-aţi spus, dar mai ales faptul că aţi rămas, pentru mine să ştiţi că a contat şi m-a făcut să vă admir şi mai mult. Mă întrebam totuşi, credeţi că vă va fi greu să-i vindecaţi rănile trecutului Domnului Emerson? 

     Gabriel este cel care m-a învăţat că unele cicatrici nu dispar niciodată. Întrebarea este dacă tu îţi permiţi să te laşi mutilat de rănile tale sau dacă lupţi să le vindeci şi să le învingi.

6) Eu sunt de părere că cititul influenţează foarte mult personalitatea unui tânăr, există vreo carte care şi-a lăsat amprenta asupra dumneavoastră? Spre exemplu asupra mea şi-a lăsat amprenta Bestia umană de Émile Zola. 

    Câteodată cele mai simple poveşti au cea mai mare influenţă. De exemplu, găsesc povestea sacrificiului lui Aslan pentru Edmund din "Leul, Vrăjitoarea şi Dulapul", emoţionantă şi inspiraţională. A influenţat foarte mult ceea ce cred despre iertare, dragoste şi graţie.

7) Aceasta va fi o întrebare mai personală şi puteţi să nu-mi răspundeţi dacă nu doriţi. Ştiu că datorită problemelor financiare locuiţi într-un loc alocat bugetului dumneavoastră, din păcate sunt copii care îşi condamnă părinţii pentru că nu le pot oferi ce vor, dumneavoastră însă îi arătaţi tatălui bunătate nemărginită. Ce le puteţi spune acelor copii care nu au posibilităţi financiare extraordinare, dar îşi condamnă părinţii pentru asta? 

    Ei bine, nu cred că tatăl meu îmi datora ceva, eram un adult. Am ales să merg să absolv şcoala aşa că a trebuit să trăiesc într-un apartament, pe care să mi-l permit.

     Am fost foarte conştientă de faptul că am avut norocul de a putea merge la colegiu. Sunt părţi ale lumii unde fetele nici măcar nu pot merge la şcoală, sau nu sunt lăsate să meargă singure la colegiu. Aşa că sunt recunoscătoare pentru oportunităţile pe care ţara mea le oferă. Chiar dacă apartamentul meu era modest, am avut ce mânca şi un loc călduţ unde să pot dormi. În fiecare zi când mergeam de la apartamentul meu la cursurile de la Universitatea din Toronto, treceam pe lângă oameni fără adăpost. Unii tineri alţii bătrâni. În zilele ploioase, sau în cele friguroase îi mulţumesc lui Dumnezeu că am o casă şi mâncare, pe când alţii nu au.

8) În final îmi puteţi spune cum vi s-a părut acest interviu? Şi le puteţi transmite câteva cuvinte celor din România care au avut de învâţat de la voi la fel de mult cum am avut şi eu? (Mulţumim Gabriel şi Julia pentru o lecţie preţioasă despre bunătate!)

    A fost foarte generos din partea ta să te gândeşti la mine şi să mă inviţi la acest interviu. Mulţumesc! Te rog să-i saluţi şi pe ceilalţi cititori din România. Una dintre mantrele mele este "Bunătatea nu este niciodată o pierdere de vreme", cred asta. Practic asta şi mi-a schimbat viaţa. Cred că o să schimbe şi alte vieţii de asemenea. Mulţumesc, Julianne Emerson!

Interview with Gabriel O. Emerson from Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard!

1. Hello, Professor Emerson I'm glad you took the time to participate at this interview. As I noticed you have an inclination towards art, or as you say,for beautiful, but sad things. In the painting made by Holiday, Beatrice ignored Dante because of the gossip that she heard regarding that he would be attracted by another woman. What do you think about Dante's posture? With his left hand around his heart, do you think he wanted to speak to his muse? Or he mastered the impulse to not go and talk to her?

    Hello and thank you for these questions. I admire Holiday’s painting very much. If you read Dante’s words about Beatrice in “La Vita Nuova,” it’s clear he was distressed when Beatrice refused to greet him. He writes that his blessedness was denied him … what else could you do at that moment but ache for her?

http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Italian/TheNewLifeII.htm#_Toc88709991

2. Dante considers Beatrice more beautiful than any angel, and even though she was a little girl, Dante says that "from that time forward, love fully ruled my soul". Do you believe in soulmates? Why Dante and Beatrice failed to be together, I know you made some comments in the book about why they were not together and yet what if Beatrice wouldn’t have died at only 24 years old, maybe there would have been a chance so that the angel and the demon meet, not only in "Paradise"of the "Divine Comedy"?

    Yes, I believe in soulmates. Even if I hadn’t met Julianne, I saw my adoptive parents, Grace and Richard, and knew that they were meant to be together. Dante met Beatrice when she was young but then they didn’t meet again until they were adults and were both married to other people. At that point, it was too late for them to be together. Dante’s story is tragic in the sense that he missed his opportunity to marry Beatrice. But his admiration for her enabled them to forge a different kind of relationship. Would he have married her if they were both free? Or would he have continued adoring her from afar? I’m not sure …

3. How was your first visit to Florence? The first thing you have visited? I see you standing on the Ponte Santa Trinita remembering the meeting between Dante and Beatrice, maybe I am not mistaken?

    Florence has always been a special city to me. I visited it first as a student when I was an undergraduate. I was impressed immediately with the architecture and design of the city. And when I was younger, of course I was impressed by the beautiful women.

4 We know you had a tough time when you had a tendency for drugs because of some unpleasant events. I’m sorry for opening such a sensitive issue, but if you could address to the young people that are suffering from this addiction, what advice would you give to them? Since you successfully managed to escape the drug’s torment.

    I am still an addict. I will always be an addict, even though I am in recovery. So in that sense, I couldn’t escape addiction. But to those who are suffering, I would say that help is available. And the program for recovery works if you work with the recovery program. Please seek help.

5 While reading another interview, I was surprised to find out that among other writers you like, there is also Dostoevsky, with whom I am totally enchanted ever since I read "Crime and Punishment". If you read this book (and I think the answer is yes), can you please tell me how you see the relationship between Raskolnikov and Sonia? I still don’t know how to describe it better, because there was nothing sexual between them, but it still gave me the impression of a pure, platonic love. Your relationship with Julia reminded me somehow of them, especially the end of "Crime and Punishment".

    I like this novel very much and I especially like the relationship between Raskolnikov and Sonia. But I think their relationship is eventually sexual. (at least when she agrees to follow him when he goes to prison, it is implied they will be together as lovers after that).

    Perhaps Dostoyevky’s point is that Raskolnikov sees the beauty in Sonia (non-sexual beauty) that others do not see. And Sonia responds to that. But you could also say that same about her. She sees a beauty in Raskolnikov that he doesn’t see and that is why she follows him.

6 In the "Divine Comedy" there are nine circles of Hell so in what kind of circle you can fit the Gabriel from the past, before the meeting with Julia, and what kind of circle would you still see yourself now that you have found your angel to take you out of Hell?

    I don’t like to dwell on the past, but I think it’s clear I was ensnared in more than one circle at the same time – pride and lust were two of my cardinal vices.

    I know I’ve found redemption and so have escaped the Inferno.

7 Finally, can you tell me what do you think about this interview? And what message would you send to those in Romania who have fallen in love with your story?

    I am very grateful to Romanian readers for their support of the story. Thank you for taking the time to interview me and my Julianne.

All the best,

     Gabriel O. Emerson.

Versiunea în română:

1. Bună ziua Domnule Profesor Emerson, mă bucur că v-aţi făcut timp pentru a participa la acest interviu. După cum am observant aveţi o inclinaţie spre artă, sau precum spuneţi şi dumneavoastră spre lucrurile frumoase, dar triste. În pictura lui Holiday, Beatrice îl ignoră pe Dante datorită bârfei pe care a auzit-o despre el cum că ar fi atras de o altă femeie. Ce vă inspiră postura lui Dante? Mâna stângă în dreptul inimii, credeţi că ar fi vrut să-i vorbească muzei sale? Sau îşi stăpânea impulsul de a nu merge să discute cu ea? 

    Bună ziua şi vă mulţumesc pentru aceste întrebări. Admir picturile lui Holiday foarte mult. Dacă aţi citit cuvintele lui dante despre Beatrice în "La Vita Nuova", este foarte clar că acesta a fost tulburat când Beatrice a refuzat să-l salute. El scrie că binecuvântarea i-a fost refuzată...ce altceva ai putea face la momentul respectiv în afară de a suferi după ea? 

http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Italian/TheNewLifeII.htm#_Toc88709991

2. Dante o consideră pe Beatrice mai frumoasă decât orice înger şi cu toate că aceasta era un copil Dante afirmă „cu atâta dragoste i-a primit în inimă chipul, încât, din ziua aceea mai înainte, niciodată, cât timp a trăit, nu l-a mai părăsit…”. Credeţi în sufletele pereche? De ce oare Dante şi Beatrice nu au ajuns să fie împreună, aţi făcut câteva precizări în carte despre motivele pentru care ei nu ar fi fost împreună şi totuşi oare dacă Beatrice nu murea la doar 24 de ani, ar fi existat o şansă ca îngerul şi demonul să nu se întâlnească doar în „Paradisul” “Divine comedii”? 

    Da, cred în suflete pereche. Chiar dacă nu aş fi întâlnit-o pe Julianne, am văzut asta la părinţii mei adoptivi, Grace şi Richard şi am ştiut că ei au fost meniţi să fie împreună. Dante a cunoscut-o pe Beatrice când aceasta era foarte tânără, dar apoi ei nu s-au mai văzut vreodată până să fie adulţi şi să fie amândoi căsătoriţi. La acel moment, era prea târziu pentru ca ei să poată fi împreună. Povestea lui Dante este tragică în sensul că a ratat ocazia de a se căsători cu Beatrice. Dar admiraţia sa pentru ea au produs plăsmuirea unui alt tip de relaţie între cei doi. S-ar fi căsătorit cu ea dacă ambii erau liberi? Sau ar fi continuat să o adore de departe? Nu sunt sigur...

3. Cum a fost pentru dumneavoastră prima vizită la Florenţa? Ce aţi vizitat prima dată? Eu vă văd stând pe Ponte Santa Trinita rememorând întâlnirea dintre Dante şi Beatrice, mă înşel oare? 

    Florence a fost întodeauna un oraş special pentru mine. L-am vizitat prima dată ca student când încă nu-mi primisem bursa. Am fost impresionat instant de arhitectura şi designul oraşului. Şi când eram mai tânăr, sigur că am fot impresionat de femeile frumoase.

4. Ştim că aţi avut o perioadă mai grea în care datorită unor evenimente neplăcute aţi căzut în patima drogurilor. Îmi cer scuze pentru subiectul delicat, pe care-l abordez, car sunt mulţi tineri care suferă de această dependenţă, ce sfaturi le-aţi da? Dumneavoastră reuşind cu success să scăpaţi de sub supliciul drogurilor. 

    Încă sunt un dependent. Întodeauna voi fi, chiar dacă sunt în recuperare. Aşa că în acel sens, nu am putut scăpa de dependenţă. Dar celor care suferă, le-aş spune că au mijloace de ajutor disponibile. Programul de recuperare funcţionează, dacă lucrezi cu el. Vă rog să căutaţi ajutor.

5. Citind un alt interviu, am rămas surprinsă să aflu că printre alţi scriitori vă place şi Dostoievski, eu mă declar total fermecată de el încă de când am citit “Crimă şi pedeapsă”. Dacă aţi citit această carte (şi cred că răspunsul va fi afirmativ). Îmi puteţi spune cum vedeţi relaţia dintre Raskolnikov şi Sonia? Eu încă nu aş şti cum să o descriu, pentru că nu a fost nimic sexual între ei, dar cu toate astea îmi dădeau impresia unei iubiri pure, dar platonice. Relaţia dumneavoastră cu Julia mi-a amintit cumva de ei, mai ales de sfârşitul cărţii “Crimă şi pedeapsă”. 

     Îmi place această poveste foarte mult şi în special relaţia dintre Raskolnikov şi Sonia. Cred că relaţia lor devine într-un final sexuală. (cel puţin când aceasta decide să-l urmeze atunci când el ajunge la închisoare, se presupune că după aceea ei vor fi împreună ca îndrăgostiţi).

    Poate că punctul de vedere al lui Dostoyevsky, a fost acela că Raskolnikov vede în Sonia frumuseţea (frumuseţea non-sexuală) pe care alţii nu o văd. Aceasta răspunde la asta. Cu toate acestea poţi spune acelaşi lucru şi despre ea. Aceasta vede în Raskolnikov frumuseţea, pe care el nu o vede şi de aceea ea îl urmează.

6. În “Divina Comedie” sunt 9 cercuri ale infernului, în ce cerc îl puteţi încadra pe Gabriel de dinainte să o întâlnească pe Julia şi în ce cerc îl mai încadraţi acum că aţi găsit îngerul care să vă scoată din Infern? 

    Nu-mi place să mă opresc asupra trecutului, dar cred că este clar că am fost prins în mai mult de un cerc în acelaşi timp-mândria şi pofta trupească au fost două dintre viciile mele cardinale.

    Ştiu că am găsit izbăvirea şi astfel am reuşit să scap din Infern.

7. În final îmi puteţi spune cum vi s-a părut acest interviu? Şi ce mesaj transmiteţi celor din România care au rezonat cu dumneavoastră.

     Sunt foarte recunoscător cititorilor din România pentru suportul lor. Îţi mulţumesc că ţi-ai făcut timp pentru a-mi lua mie şi lui Julianne a mea un interviu.

Toate cele bune,

  

                 Gabriel O. Emerson

Interview with Penelope Douglas the author of the Fall Away series!

Thank you Ms. Douglas for this amazing answers! You are the best!

Facebook: Penelope Douglas Author

Playlists: http://www.penelopedouglasauthor.com/playlists.html

1) Hello Ms. Douglas thank you for granting me this interview. First of all I wanted to ask you why do you started to write? 

    I started writing, because I was reading a lot, and I loved the genre. I started daydreaming, and Jared and Tate popped in my head. After several months, I still couldn't forget about them, so I started writing. It was nice to feel like I was working toward something again. At a certain age, you start to feel like your life has stalled, and writing helped me continue to grow and broaden my horizons.

     I know that the writer job it’s really hard because you don’t know how your books will be received by the public and you don’t know if you will succeed or fail. 

    There will always be people who hate it. You can't please everyone. But yes, it is hard, because I write a piece of myself into every book, and when some don't like it, it's very difficult.

2) Who had the luck to read your first book? 

    My friend Bekke read it first, and she is awesome. She edited it, and had me change a lot.

And with what impression did he or she remained after that?

    I still rely on her input with my novels.

3) How did you get used to Bully success?

    It happened so fast! I had low expectations, so that helped me not be disappointed.

    Your family has supported you?

    Oh, yes. They're very interested in my career, and I need their support. My dad and stepmom, especially.

4) How do you came up with the idea of love and hate relationship between Tate and Jared? 

     Jared and Tate are the culmination of many influences, other books and personal bullying experiences. Personally, I love high school angst, and I love love-hate romances, so after a lot of brainstorming the story got clearer. 

Was the fault of your imagination or their story is inspired from real life? 

    Both.

5) I’m super excited about Rival! And I know I’m not the only one. Can you please tell us if it was hard for you to write Madoc's story?

    Not at all. Madoc is very fun, and it was a nice change to be in his head. Both he and Fallon have been through so much, but the love comes so easily for them. Without interferences, I would've liked to see how their high school relationship would have played out. 

  What inspired you the most in your creation process? 

    Music. My playlists are crucial. They inspire my scenes and put me in the moment. Falling Away is my favorite playlist.

6) We all know the torment that suffered Jax in his father house. What advice would you give to the children like him? 

    Talk. Tell people, an understand that you are not to blame and you are not alone. If it makes you feel badly, IT IS NOT OKAY! Unfortunately there are children in Jax’s skin who don’t know how to handle this sort of situation.

7) Jared and Tate are alike and this is just one reason that makes them reals to me, but I wanted to ask you what made Tate so brave to fight back? Why this change so sudden that surprised Jared too.

    After her time abroad, Tate realized how big the world really is and how small Jared Trent made her feel. He had no right and no say in what she did, who she talked to, and where she went. She came back ready to take her power back. Experience teaches us that.

8) Can you tell us what inspired you to write Corrupt? I think from the goodreads description that it will be amazing! 

    CORRUPT was inspired by actual events. It is NOT based on a true story, but it was inspired by one. I don't feel comfortable at this point giving away any more details. ;)

9) What was the hardest story to write Jared's, Madoc's or Jax's? 

    Jared's. He was so angry and indecisive that it was very wearing on me and my mood. Most of you read his book in a few hours, but being inside his head for months as I wrote was not fun.

10) And finally can you say some words for your Romanian fans? 

    Can I come meet you?? If you ever have a book signing, please invite me! I love seeing the beauty of Eastern Europe in books and on TV, but I would love to experience it and its people first hand. Thank you so much for reading!

Versiunea în română:

1) Bună ziua Doamnă Douglas şi vă mulţumesc pentru că aţi acceptat să-mi acordaţi acest interviu. În primul rând voiam să vă întreb cum aţi început să scrieţi?

    Am început să scriu pentru că citeam mult şi iubeam genul acesta. Am început să visez cu ochii deschişi, iar Jared şi Tate şi-au făcut apariţia în capul meu. După câteva luni tot nu reuşisem să-i uit aşa că m-am apucat să scriu. Era plăcut să lucrez la ceva din nou. La o anumită vârstă, începi să simţi că viaţa ta stagnează, iar scrisul m-a ajutat să-mi dezvolt şi să-mi extind orizonturile.

    Ştiu că munca de autor este foarte dificilă deoarece niciodată nu ştii cum vor fi primate de către public cărţile dumneavoastră şi nici dacă acestea for fi un success sau un eşec.

    Întodeauna vor fi persoane care o vor urî. Nu poţi mulţumi pe toată lumea. Dar da, este foarte greu, pentru că pun în fiecare carte scrisă câte o parte din mine, iar când cuiva nu-i este pe plac, este foarte dificil.

2) Cine a avut norocul să citească prima ta carte?

    Prietena mea Bekke care este extraordinară. Ea a editat-o şi m-a făcut să schimb multe.

    Cu ce impresie a rămas el sau ea după citirea cărţii?

    Încă mă bazez pe ea în privinţa cărţilor mele.

3) Cum te-ai obişnuit cu succesul cărţii Bully/Intimidare?

    S-a întâmplat foarte repede! Aveam aşteptări mici, iar succesul cărţii m-a ajutat să nu fiu dezamăgită.

    Familia ta te-a susţinut?

    Da. Sunt foarte interesaţi de cariera mea şi aveam nevoie de susţinerea lor. Din partea tatălui şi a mamei mele vitrege în special.

4) Cum ai venit cu ideea relaţiei de iubire şi ură dintre Tate şi Jared?

    Jared şi Tate sunt culminaţia a mai multor influenţe, a altor cărţi şi experienţe personale în ceea ce priveşte intimidarea. În ceea ce mă priveşte, iubesc anxietatea liceului şi relaţiile de iubire şi ură, aşa că după ce mi-am pus ordine în gânduri povestea a început să devină mai clară.

    A fost vina imaginaţiei tale sau povestea lor este inspirată din viaţa reală?

    Ambele.

5) Sunt foarte entuziasmată în legătură cu Rival! Ştiu că nu sunt singura. Ne puteţi spune dacă a fost greu de scris povestea lui Madoc?

    Chiar deloc. Madoc este foarte amuzant şi a fost o schimbare binevenită să fiu în mintea sa. Atât el cât şi Fallon au trecut prin atât de multe lucruri, dar dragostea vine foarte uşor în cazul lor. Fără intervenţii, mi-ar fi plăcut să văd cum ar fi decurs relaţia lor începând din liceu.

    Ce v-a inspirat cel mai mult în procesul creativ?

    Muzica. Playlistul meu este crucial. Acesta îmi oferă inspiraţie pentru scene şi îmi induce starea necesară. Falling Away este playlistul meu preferat.

6) Cu toţii ştim drama prin care a trecut Jax în casa tatălui său. Ce sfat oferiţi celor care se găsesc în situaţia lui? Din păcate sunt tineri se regăsesc în postura lui Jax, dar nu ştiu cum să procedeze în situaţia respectivă.

    Vorbiţi. Spuneţi-le celorlalţi, trebuie să înţelegeţi că nu este vina voastră şi că nu sunteţi singuri. Dacă lucrurile de acolo vă fac să vă simţiţi rău, NU ESTE BINE!

7) Jared şi Tate sunt foarte asemănători, acesta este doar unul dintre motivele care îi face să pară reali pentru mine, dar voiam să vă întreb ce a făcut-o pe Tate să fie atât de curajoasă încât să riposteze? De ce această schimbare bruscă care l-a surprins până şi pe Jared.

    După timpul petrecut în altă ţară, Tate a realizat cât de mare poate fi lumea şi cât de mică a făcut-o să se simtă Jared Trent. El nu avea nici un drept şi nici un cuvânt de spus în ceea ce ea face, sau cu cine vorbeşte, sau unde merge. S-a întors hotărâtă să-şi ia putearea înapoi. Experienţa ne învaţă asta.

8) Ne puteţi spune ce v-a inspirat să scrieţi Corrupt? După descrierea de pe Goodreads cred că o să fie extraordinară.
    Corrupt a fost inspirată de evenimente reale. NU SE BAZEAZĂ pe o poveste reală, dar a fost inspirată de una. Nu mă simt în largul meu în acest moment să dau mai multe detalii. ;)

9) Care dintre poveşti a fost scrisă cel mai greu cea a lui Jared, Madoc sau Jax?

    Cea a lui Jared. Acesta era atât de supărat şi indecis, aşa că a depins foarte mult de starea mea. Mulţi dintre voi aţi citit cartea din perspectiva lui în câteva ore, dar să fii în mintea lui timp de luni până am scris povestea, nu a fost foarte distractiv.

10) În final poţi spune câteva cuvinte fanilor tăi din România?

    Pot veni să vă întâlnesc? Dacă veţi avea vreodată un eveniment pentru semnarea cărţilor, vă rog să mă invitaţi! Iubesc să văd frumuseţea Europei în cărţi şi la televizor, dar mi-ar plăcea să experimentez asta şi să cunosc oamenii care locuiesc acolo. Vă mulţumesc foarte mult pentru că aţi citit!

Interview with K.A. Robinson, author of 'The Torn' series

                               Interview with K.A. Robinson, author of 'The Torn' series


First, I would like to apologize for the delay to the author and here's my review of 'Tainted'. So let's start, shall we?

Drake's voice is very distinct and memorable when you read Tainted. How did you find Drake's voice? Was he a hard character to write?
All of my characters have a completely different voice. I really have no say in how they present themselves, as silly as that sounds. I just write what they want me to write. I will say that writing Part 1 of Tainted was extremely hard because of everything he was going through.

2.Were any of the events inspired by real life experiences? If not, how in the world were you able to come up with these things?
There were several events in all of my books that were inspired by real life events. Either my own or close friends of mine. But 99% of my writing is fictional. :)

3.What was the hardest scene you had to write?
Probably the hospital scene. Trying to get hard headed Drake to listen to anything. *shakes head*
4.What was your favorite scene to write?
Probably when he came back for Chloe.

5.Will we see more from Drake and Chloe in other future books? Other future projects?
Most definitely. :) They will be in several of the future Torn Series books!

Thank you so much for this chance !



Author Bio:
K.A. Robinson is the New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author of The Torn Series and Shattered Ties. She lives in West Virginia with her husband and toddler son. When she isn't writing, she loves to read dystopian, zombie, and New Adult books. She has an addiction to Caribou and Starbucks coffee.

Author Links:

www.facebook.com/karobinson13

@karobinsonautho

authorkarobinson.blogspot.com

Novelisting: http://bit.ly/1fThlls

Buy Links

iTunes

Smashwords

Kobo

Amazon & Nook

Other books by K.A Robinson

Torn

Twisted

The Ties Series:

Shattered Ties

Interviu cu mine

Sună destul de egoist şi destul de ciudat titlul, dar chiar este vorba despre un interviu cu mine. Dar, cel puţin nu mi-am pus singură întrebările! Întrebările au venit din partea Biancăi pe care o găsiti AICI şi a ieşit ceva drăguţ şi frumos pot spune!

Găsiţi interviul la adresa de mai jos, şi câteva întrebări care mi-au făcut enormă plăcere să le respund tot mai jos! Nu uitaţi să urmăriţi şi blogul ei şi să staţi pe aproape, fiinţa aceasta ştie să vă facă să citiţi şi să vă bucuraţi de lucruri de calitate!

Interviu>>

2. Spune-ne cate ceva despre blogul tau – de ce si cum ai început.

A fost greu la început pentru că blogosfera a luat o amploare uneori epuizantă şi este foarte greu să te faci remarcat, dar mereu am mers pe principiul că dacă pun o parte din mine în ceea ce fac atunci am să găsesc alţi rătăcitori ca mine care să îmi împărtăşească ideile. Am început Shattering Words din cauza pasiunii mele pentru citit. Da, citeam de mult, dar niciodată nu avusesem curajul să spun şi altora cât de bună este o carte, dar apoi mi-am luat având şi am reuşit să mă strecor în inimile celor care mă urmăresc.

Am fost de părere că dacă mă aştern pe mine pe foaie, atunci poate am să atrag atenţia şi culmea a şi funcţionat. Îmi plac cititorii şi îmi place să îmi împărtăşesc ideile. Şi poate că dacă nu ar fi fost o anumită persoană care să creadă în mine atunci poate că nu aş mai fi scris niciodată!

3. Care e cartea ta preferata?

Vaaai.. doar una singură? OK.. gândeşte repede… *mie îmi miroase a creier încins, vouă nu? * Păi, o să aleg « Divergent ». A fost prima carte care m-a prins atât de tare încât pur şi simplu am stat nemâncată, nebăută, nemişcată până nu am terminat-o. Apoi au urmat altele poate mai bune, poate mai rele, dar asta mi-a rămas în suflet. (Împreună cu celelalte sute de cărţi preferate – am stat doar 10 minute să mă gândesc!)

14. Idolul tau e…?

Aş fi spus clasicul « femeia cu mustaţă », dar nu! Idolul meu este tatăl meu. Este cel mai puternic om pe care l-aş putea întâlni vreodată. Gândire logică, mereu cu un pas înaintea oricui, calculat, carismatic şi mereu cu un sfat chiar dacă uneori pun şi întrebări de genul: ”bluza asta merge cu blugii aia?”. Dacă aş face o statuie ar fi părinţilor mei.

Interview with Bryony Pearce the author of Angel's Fury

In the tradition of The Book Thief and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, a tale of sleepless nights and present day haunting, giving voice to the horrors of the Holocaust and the nature of persecution I've started to have dreams while I'm awake. I remember music I've never heard. . . . I've got all this extra stuff in my head, but I'm forgetting things from my own life. I feel like I'm being taken over. One fallen angel walks the earth to bring mankind to its destruction, turning love into hate, forgiveness into blame, and hope into despair. Through the fires of hell he will come to torment one girl's dreams. Every time Cassie Farrier tries to sleep, she is plagued by visions of a death: A little girl called Zillah. A victim of the holocaust. In desperation Cassie is sent for treatment in an old manor house. There she meets other children just like her. Including Seth, who looks so familiar. Her dream becomes a nightmare—and then reality. This stunning debut from a talented young author contains controversial and thoughtful themes that teenagers can relate to, including bullying and victimization in a contemporary and historical context. With its mix of mythology, fantasy, and real-life terror, this is a book unlike any other.

Ms. Pearce I'm really glad that you granted me this interview!

1) How and why have you started to write? Were there something or someone that gave you an impulse?

     I've always wanted to be a writer. For as long as I can remember I have loved books, made up stories of my own and dreamed of having my name on a book spine. I started to write seriously in 2004, that is when I had my idea for my first novel and decided to really do something about it. My husband's support enabled me to spend time writing, when I suppose I should have been doing other things.

2) Tell me something about your book Angel's Fury.

     Angel's Fury was my first published novel, which came out in 2011. It won two awards: the Leeds Book Award and the Cheshire Schools Book Award. It is about a teenaged girl who suffers from terrible nightmares, who discovers that she has lived before (and that she is dreaming about her past life) and that all of her lives are being manipulated by a fallen angel who is trying to destroy mankind.

     My second book, titled The Weight of Souls, is out on the 1st August. This is about a teenage girl who can see ghosts. If a ghost touches her she is compelled to avenge its death. It is about bullying and all the terrible things we will do to fit in ... and also Egyptian Gods.

3) While youre writing, have you discovered a character that you where developing feelings of love for? And was there a character that gave you headaches?

     I love all my characters, to be honest, even the really evil ones. They have all lived with me for so long and I know them so well. The character that gave me the most headaches is in a book that has not been published yet, he would not follow the plan I had laid out for him and eventually I had to kill him off to stop him misbehaving!

4) How have you done your research for this novel?

     I always do an awful lot of research for my novels, I like to write contemporary fiction and set my work in real places, but with a supernatural twist and I firmly believe that the more realistic the backdrop, the more creepy the supernatural elements become. For Angel's Fury I did a great amount of research into the second world war, the KKK, psychological techniques, reincarnation and Christian mythologies (and more). For The Weight of Souls I researched Egyptian mythology, archaeology and deindividuation theory. I visited London to make sure I remembered it clearly and I researched genetics to make sure I had Taylor's curse passed down correctly. I used libraries, the Internet, my own books and spoke to experts. I wanted people to believe in my worlds.

5) Is there a book that inspired your writings?

     I have always been very inspired by the writing style of Anne Macaffrey. I am a big fan and always wanted to write like her. Her characters are so vivid, her worlds so fully realised and she covers some very important issues in her fiction.

6) In the end, would you like say some words to your fans from Romania?

     Hi there, its a real pleasure to meet you, please do come and say hi, I can be found on Twitter as @BryonyPearce or visit my website www.bryonypearce.co.uk.
Thank you very much for all of your support.
Much love

Interview with Dawn Metcalf the author of Indelible

Some things are permanent.

Indelible.

And they cannot be changed back.

Joy Malone learns this the night she sees a stranger with all-black eyes across a crowded room—right before the mystery boy tries to cut out her eye. Instead, the wound accidentally marks her as property of Indelible Ink, and this dangerous mistake thrusts Joy into an incomprehensible world—a world of monsters at the window, glowing girls on the doorstep, and a life that will never be the same.

Now, Joy must pretend to be Ink’s chosen one—his helper, his love, his something for the foreseeable future...and failure to be convincing means a painful death for them both. Swept into a world of monsters, illusion, immortal honor and revenge, Joy discovers that sometimes, there are no mistakes.

Somewhere between reality and myth lies…

THE TWIXT

Thank you Ms.Metcalf  for this interview!

1) How and why have you started to write? Were there something or someone that gave you an impulse?
      I started writing when I could hold a pencil and scribble notes to my parents, so I guess the want to express myself to them was a motivation, but really, it became more about getting all those crazy ideas in my head down on paper!

2) Tell me something about your book Indelible.
     Indelible is my answer to the immortal hottie swooping in to show the 16 year old human the way to her heart as well as having a love interest who isn't a sexually-experienced, arrogant, aloof bad boy. Innocence and exploration can be sexy! Girls can know something about themselves and the world! Basically, it's another one of my books that began with a rant and inspired me with a story all its own.

3) While you're writing, have you discovered a character that you where developing feelings of love for? And was there a character that gave you headaches?
      HAHAHA! Well, I adore Graus Claude, but not in the romantic sense aside from the fact that he is a romanticized character from a bygone era. And Inq--as much as I love her--drove me CRAZY because she clearly wants a book or two all of her own. I spent a lot of time and edits trying to stop her from hogging the spotlight!

4) How have you done your research for this novel?

     I am already a big fan of classic fairy tales from Brothers Grimm to Hans Christian Andersen to Oscar Wilde and the collections of Andrew Lang which included various fairy tales from around the world. Borrowing a lot of old lore as well as my personal favorite myths from my background studies in cultural anthropology made a mish-mash of things that sounded like they could have been true, or an old legend from our world. I think the best fiction often has at least a toehold in fact.

5) Is there a book that inspired your writings?

     Just one? Honestly, I couldn't name *one*...although I have a particular spot in my heart for GNOMES by Rien Poortvliet and Wil Huygen, which I stumbled upon as a kid and I think sparked a lot of my fascination with fairies, art and anthropology.

6) In the end, would you like say some words to your fans from Romania?
     *waves* Do what you love, love what you do & remember: there is no timeline for awesome!

Interview with Ruth Silver the author of Aberrant

In the future Dystopian society of Cabal, the government instills equality for all and offers its citizens the perfect system. There is food, shelter and jobs for everyone. The one requirement is to follow the rules without question, including the government's match in marriage and "The Day of the Chosen", a lottery that randomly selects families to conceive children as natural means hasn't existed in generations. Following her eighteenth birthday, Olivia Parker accepts her requirement to marry her childhood best friend, Joshua Warren, and is eager to start her work assignment and new life when it all comes abruptly to an end as she's arrested and thrown in prison. The only crime committed, her existence. Olivia is unlike the rest of the world born not from "The Day of the Chosen." The truth haunts the government and puts her life in grave danger as one simple fact would destroy the perfect system.

With Joshua's help, Olivia breaks free of prison and is forced on the run. Together they set out to find the promised rebel town in search of a new home and new life together. Their situation seems less than promising as they reach the town of Haven. New rules and customs must be adhered to in order to stay. Leaving would mean most certain death in the large expanse of the Gravelands. Time is running out as the government mounts an attack to destroy Olivia and bury her secret with her. Thrown into a world unlike their own, they must quickly adapt to survive.

Thank you Ms. Silver for the opportunity of having you on our blog today!

1) How and why have you started to write? Were there something or someone that gave you an impulse?

I’ve been writing since I was about fifteen. I’ve always loved to write and to tell stories. Over the past few years, I’ve been reading more Young Adult novels and found myself driven towards writing for that genre.

2) Tell me something about your book Aberrant.

Aberrant is the story of a young girl, Olivia, that finds her existence illegal. Forced on the run from the oppressive government, she seeks out the rebel alliance in hope of survival.

3) While youre writing, have you discovered a character that you where developing feelings of love for? And was there a character that gave you headaches?

I find I have a special place in my heart for all the characters I’ve written – especially Joshua and Olivia.

4) How have you done your research for this novel?

There was a lot of scientific research involved in creating Mindonsiphan, as well as the world that Olivia is born into. Since Aberrant is a series, a lot of that research is focused more in the second and third novel as we uncover more answers.

5) Is there a book that inspired your writings?

I love The Hunger Games. It definitely inspired me to read a lot more Young Adult novels, which helped focus my writing towards the genre.

6) In the end, would you like say some words to your fans from Romania?

Thank you so much for reading and supporting my writing.

Interview with Kasie West the author of Pivot Point

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

Thank you Ms. West for this interview!

1) How and why have you started to write? Were there something or someone that gave you an impulse?

I was a reader first. I never thought about writing until I got older. I just knew I loved books and I loved to read them. But one day, I thought of an idea for a book and told my husband about it. He said, that's a great idea, you should try and write it. That book was not Pivot Point. But I did write it and finish it and I loved it so much that I kept writing.


2) Tell me something about you and your book Pivot Point.

Pivot Point is about a girl who when faced with a choice has the power to see two futures. So the book is essentially that: a choice, followed by the two paths she has to pick from. As for something about me....hmmm....well, I'm the mother of four--3 daughters and 1 son--and a very big dog.


3) While youre writing, have you discovered a character that you where developing feelings of love for? And was there a character that gave you headaches?

When I am writing, I feel like my characters are like my kids. I have to get inside their heads. I spend a lot of time with them. And all my characters at some point or another give me headaches (kind of like my real children). :) It usually comes from not knowing what they need to do next or trying to figure out how they would deal with a situation. We usually work it out and I love them again. My characters, that is. I always love my real kids (even when they give me headaches).


4) How have you done your research for this novel?

I spent some time researching technological advancements. And of course, I researched Texas. But since a lot of it came from my mind since it's really a fictional place, I just spent a lot of time thinking about my characters and what kind of place they would live in if they had advanced minds.


5) Is there a book that inspired your writings?

There isn't a specific book that inspired me as a writer. Like I said in question one, I love so many books. Books in general inspire me. As for Pivot Point, specifically, it was inspired by the movie Sliding Doors.


6) In the end, would you like say some words to your fans from Romania?

Yes! I'm so grateful for my fans all over the world. I love that books bring us together. Thank you so much for your support. It would be so amazing to visit Romania some day.

Interview with Victoria H. Smith the author of The Space Between

When Drake started the night at his father’s campaign fundraiser, he never imagined he’d end it being conned into buying drugs on the West Side. Losing high-stakes poker has its consequences, but he’d repeatedly face them just to hear Lacey Douglas sing. Drake sees Lacey light up the stage, and he has to have her. But his intentions for being on her side of town turn out to be the reason he can’t.

Chicago native Lacey has dreams of the opera, but life has its obstacles. Lacey has come to know her hardships as part of living in the real world and accepts them fully. When Lacey meets the intense and invigorating Drake, a fire is lit inside her, unleashing those dreams again.

Two paths that should have never crossed prove to create the exact pairing the other needs. But when their worlds take time to catch up, everything they have is tested. Finding the space between the two sides that challenge them will be hard, but it’s the only place that will keep them together.

The Space Between is a new adult contemporary romance.

Thank you Ms. Smith for this interview!

1) How and why have you started to write? Were there something or someone that gave you an impulse?

I wanted to read novels that related to people like me. I was in grad school and wanted something to read other than my boring textbooks. When I went in search for those types of books at my local bookstores, I literally couldn’t find anything. Searching online, I found one book about college students: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. I enjoyed that book so I looked for more, but couldn’t find any. That was when I realized books like this didn’t really exist. So I sat down, thought about what I was looking for in a book, and went to work. Three weeks later I had a novel. While I was in the process of publishing it, new adult literally evolved around me. Now, it’s everywhere, and I’m so grateful for that.

2) Tell me something about you and your book The Space Between.

Something about me, well, I enjoy extreme couponing when I’m not writing. I have a mini stock pile and everything. Something about The Space Between is it’s a story about differences, and how those can sometimes bring us closer together in the best possible ways!

3) While youre writing, have you discovered a character that you where developing feelings of love for? And was there a character that gave you headaches?

I actually got really close to Adele while writing for her. She’s not very nice to Lacey at first, but as I pulled apart the layers of her character I realized she has many of the same issues as her brother (Drake), but just deals with them in different ways. She’s very misunderstood, and I enjoyed getting to know her. There weren’t really any characters that gave me headaches, but Drake was definitely the hardest to write for. He’s an Asian adoptee into a rich, white family. I had to do lots of research to discover how he would deal with that and what he needed to be a more fulfilled individual.

4) How have you done your research for this novel?

I’m from the Midwest so the setting wasn’t too hard to research. For character research, I did a lot of article reading and studying. Mostly about international adoptions. I had to figure out what countries allowed Americans to adopt from them, and then I had to research adoptees themselves. I watched a lot of videos, read blogs, and stalked Facebook “like” pages about international adoptions. I really wanted to do Drake justice :)

5) Is there a book that inspired your writings?

There are no books that really inspired my writing, but my steamy writing style is influenced by some of my favorite authors. I enjoy Jennifer Echols, Simone Elkeles, Tiffany Ashley, and SC Stephens.

6) In the end, would you like say some words to your fans from Romania?

Hi, everyone, out there in Romania! I hope you enjoy The Space Between. It’s a novel that’s very close to my heart. Though it deals with some tough issues, it’s also very witty and full of steamy steam! I hope everyone can get something out of it :-)

Interview with Jessica Therrien

1) How and why did you begin writing? Was there something or someone that inspired you?

I began writing for myself. I was looking for another book to suck me in the way Twilight and The Hunger Games did. I couldn’t find anything I liked as much so I started writing. Next thing you know, I’m writing a series and it’s being published!

2) Tell me something about your book Uprising.

Uprising is the second book in my Children of the Gods series. It follows Elyse as she moves forward to fulfill a prophecy that she will free her people from oppression. Her people call themselves Descendants. They live long lives, have supernatural abilities, and were once mistaken for gods in ancient Greece. Now they are ready to join human society once again. “The Descendants have waited long enough for freedom.”

3) While you were writing, did you discover a character that you where developing feelings of love for? And was there a character that gave you headaches?

Aside from the obvious (Elyse and William) there always seems to be a character that nags me into loving them. In book one it was Kara. In Uprising there were a few. Some of my favorites to write were Mac, Alex, and Luther. My biggest headache was surprisingly William. I can’t tell you why without spoiling what happens, but his character gets a little more complex later in the book.

4) How did you do your research for this novel?

Most of my research is done through Google. Since I’m writing fiction, I don’t have to worry too much about whether or not what I use is fact. I get ideas from reading about the different Greek gods and goddesses. It’s a lot of fun.

5) Is there a book that inspired your writing?

Of course! My writing is always inspired by the favorite YA books out there that touch us all. Uprising in particular is inspired a lot by The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

6) In the end, would you like say something to your fans from Romania?

I have been SO unbelievably surprised by the amount of support I continue to receive from my Romanian fans. I must get at least an email a day from someone in Romania. I’m so grateful and amazed. THANK YOU!!

Uprising Blog Tour - June 12th

The first book in the series of Children of the Gods it's Oppression

Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She's been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than average people, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she's well over eighty. Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don't make her special. They make life dangerous. After the death of her parents, she's been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability. Or so she thinks. Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her for a long time. Some are waiting for her to put an end to centuries of traditions that have oppressed their people under the guise of safeguarding them. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning-and she's not entirely willing to play by their rules.

....................................................................................................................................................

Title: Uprising (Children of the Gods #2)

Publisher: ZOVA Books

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 384

Synopsis:

Jessica Therrien follows up her bestselling novel OPPRESSION with UPRISING, the second book in the Children of the Gods series.

OPPRESSION, translated and sold around the world, was one of the best selling YA novels of 2012. UPRISING continues the story of Elyse, William and the Descendants.

Elyse has been in hiding for most of her life. Only now she’s hiding with William, and she knows who she’s hiding from. The Council wants a child Elyse and William have yet to conceive, a child who will be the next oracle, and who will provide the final piece to a plan Christoph has been organizing for years. Charged with leading the rebellion against Christoph and his Council, Elyse feels well out of her depth. But she has good friends and strong allies who are willing to fight with her to the end, regardless of how far they have to go, and how many lives will be lost in the process. They have one goal: to live freely and openly with the rest of humanity, out from under The Council’s oppressive rule. The stakes could not be higher for Elyse and the Descendants longing for freedom. They'll have to learn to fight if they want to stand up against The Council, and to find allies in a world ruled by their enemies. The hardest part of waging a war is knowing who to trust. Elyse knows their uprising will change the world. She doesn’t realize it will change her, too.

Bio:

Jessica Therrien is the author of the young adult paranormal fiction series Children of the Gods. Book one in the series, Oppression, was published by ZOVA Books in February of 2012 and became a Barnes & Noble best-seller shortly after its release. The second book in the series, Uprising, will be available in May of 2013.

Aside from her Children of the Gods series, Jessica’s work can also be found in a published collection of flash fiction stories called Campaigner Challenges 2011. Out of over 350 submissions her story, The Soulless, won first place for people’s choice and fourth place in the judging round of Rachael Harrie’s Writing Campaign Challenge. Her story, Saved, is also available as part of the anthology.

Jessica currently lives in Chula Vista with her husband and is working on book three in her Children of the Gods series.

Jerry S. Eicher and his beautiful books! + interview

Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.

1) How and why have you started to write? Were there something or someone that gave you an impulse?

Yes, one of the national distribution companies here in the US wanted Amish roamance books.

2) I noticed that your books are based on faith, love and tradition. Why have you chosen this three moral codes?

One writes from one's belief, I suppose. But that is also what the current Christian market wants her in the US.

3) While youre writing, have you discovered a character that you where developing feelings of

love for? And was there a character that gave you headaches?

I used to write compleltely by plot line, but I've begun to follow characters more. And then, yes, they surprise and frustrate you.

4) How have you done your research for your novels?

I usually visit the Amish community in which the book is based.

5) Is there a book/(s) that inspired your writings?

Not really. I've always loved fiction reading.

6) In the end, would you like say some words to your fans from Romania?

Thanks for the interest.

  

Adam's Country Trilogy-2009

Rebecca's Promise (Adams County #1)

Rebecca Keim has just declared her love to John Miller and agreed to become his wife.?But she's haunted by her schoolgirl memories of a long ago love--and a promise made and a ring given. Is that memory just a fantasy come back to destroy the beautiful present...or was it real?

When Rebecca's mother sends her back to the old home community in Milroy to be with her aunt during and after her childbirth, Rebecca determines to find answers that will resolve her conflicted feelings.

Faith, love, and tradition all play a part in Rebecca's divine destiny.

Rebecca's Return (Adams County #2)

Rebecca Keim returns to Wheat Ridge full of resolve to make herrelationship with John Miller work. But in her absence, John has become suspicious of the woman he loves. Before their conflict can be resolved, John is badly injured and Rebecca is sent back to Milroy to aid her seriously ill Aunt Leona.


In Milroy, Rebecca once again visits the old covered bridge over the Flatrock River, the source of her past memories and of her promise made so long ago.

Where will Rebecca find happiness? In Wheat Ridge with John, the man she has agreed to marry...or should she stake her future on the memory that persists...and the ring she has never forgotten? Does God have a perfect will for Rebecca and if so how can she know that will?

Rebecca's Choice (Adams County #3)

Rebecca Keim is now engaged to John Miller, and they are looking forward to life together. When Rebecca goes to Milroy to attend her beloved teacher's funeral, John receives a mysterious letter accusing Rebecca of scheming to marry him for money. Determined to forsake his past jealousies and suspicions, John tries hard to push the accusations from his mind.

Upon Rebecca's return, disturbing news quickly follows. She is named as the sole heir to her teacher's three farms. But there's a condition--she must marry an Amish man. When John confronts Rebecca, she claims to know nothing. Soon Rachel Byler, the vengeful but rightful heir to the property, arrives and reveals secrets from the past. Now the whole community is reeling!

Hannah's Heart series 2010

Hannah's Dream (Hannah's Heart #1) 

Set in the Amish communities of northern Indiana and Montana, Hannah Miller has just found a poem about love that stirs her dreams. Checking her past experiences with boys, no one seems to fit, especially not Sam. She had chosen him in the eighth grade only because everyone back then just had to have someone.
With his mouth that always fell open when astonished, Hannah now looks for someone else. Feel the agony of mistakes, the burden of guilt, and one girl's attempt to make sense out of love. In this end, will Hannah go the whole way with the logic of her conclusions?

 

A Hope for Hannah (Hannah's Heart #2)

Hannah Byler is now married. She and Jake live in a small Amish community near Montana's Cabinet Mountains, and the rough log cabin is far from everything Hannah holds dear. Anxious about her new role as wife and soon-to-be mother, Hannah understands she must learn to control her anxious heart if her marriage is to survive.


Just as the young couple settles into their new routine, Jake loses his timber job and answers the call to ministry. With winter pressing in and money scarce, Jake and Hannah discover hardships can either drive them apart or draw them closer. Determined to find hope despite fearful conditions, they struggle to survive in this harsh land and bear their responsibilities with grace.

A Baby for Hannah (Hannah's Heart #3)

When word of the Mennonite tent revival spreads and worry about losing church members mounts, Hannah's sister arrives and quickly catches the eye of the young bachelor whose brother left the church during the last revival. At the same time, Jake and Hannah's neighbor--an Englisha--announces his interest in one of the Amish widows.


Drawing from his own Amish experiences, Eicher tells this rich story of colliding cultures and gives his growing readership one last glimpse at Jake and Hannah's determination to stay faithful to God and the traditions of their church.

 

Little Valley series 2011 

A Wedding Quilt for Ella (Little Valley #1)

 

Ella Yoder's wedding with Aden Wengerd and the building of their dream house is set for June. But when Aden is suddenly taken from her, Ella begins to doubt God's love.

When her family pressures her to marry the new young bishop, Ella asks for six months to heal from Aden's death. Meanwhile, Aden's brother, Daniel, helps Ella build her dream house based on a drawing by Ella's sister, Clara and now incorporated into Ella's wedding quilt.

Can healing come through a house...a quilt....a community?


About this series: Readers of Amish fiction will delight in this first book in a new series about young Ella Yoder as she copes with the loss of her true love.

Ella's Wish (Little Valley #2)

Ella Yoder has moved into her dream house. In the stillness of the great house, Ella ponders her options. How is she to survive on her own? How will she ever forget Aden? What is to become of her?

Two would-be suitors soon make their intentions known, but Ella is unsure of her own feelings. As she agrees to take care of Preacher Stutzman's three motherless girls, Ella's heart is touched by their love for her. Could their affection be the answer to Ella's quest? Can God speak through the love of a child?


Readers of Amish fiction will fall in love themselves with Ella Yoder and hope with her that she finds the love and happiness she seeks.

Ella Finds Love Again (Little Valley #3)

She loves the widower Ivan Stutzman's children and enjoys caring for them. Although she is genuinely devoted to Preacher Stutzman and keenly aware of his desire to propose, her feelings for him stop short of romantic love. Yet Ella yearns for marriage and wonders if what she and Ivan have is enough.


When the handsome Englisha stops by and asks about converting to the Amish faith, Ella is intrigued and warily agrees to meet with him. Soon Ella realizes she's torn between her devotion to Ivan and his children and her growing feelings for the Englisha. With dire consequences at stake, Ella must determine what the truth is, if her feelings are dependable, and how to stay faithful to the will of God.

The Fields Of Home series 2012

                 Missing Your Smile (Fields Of Home #1)

 

When Susan Hostetler has a falling out with her boyfriend, she leaves her Amish community and moves to Asbury Park to experiment in English life. There she learns to drive a car, takes her GED test, and falls in love with young and handsome Duane Bower. Just as Susan is enjoying her new life, her plans are interrupted.

 

Following Your Heart (Fields Of Home #2)

Deacon Ray gets wind of the situation and forbids the unwed mother from attending the church services, fearing she will pollute the young people of the community.

Susan's estranged boyfriend, Thomas Stoll, who still has hopes of winning her back, fears the trouble with Teresa will drive Susan back into the English world.


Outraged at this turn of events, Susan is unable to persuade Teresa from her plans to marry Yost. Yet throughout it all, Deacon Ray's son, James, notices the depth of Teresa's devotion to the faith and to her son, and finds himself drawn to her.With two Amish men interested in her, Teresa has a decision to make...and so does Susan. Will Susan stay in the community she loves....or venture back to the freedom she enjoyed in the English world?

Where Love Grows (Fields Of Home #3)

 

But Teresa is not the only young woman to find romance in these pages. Susan, long estranged from Thomas Stoll, the young man she had intended to marry from her childhood, reunites with him....just as another man appears on the scene with designs on her heart. Which man is the one Da Hah has chosen for her?


Amidst the happiness, there is also turmoil as Menno Hostetler, Susan's father, must face church discipline for a past sinful transgression he's hidden for many years. At his age, can he endure the humiliation and the path to restitution?

Emma Rabers Daughter 2013

Katie Opens Her Heart (Emma Raber’s Daughter)

 

Emma has refused to remarry since Katie's daett died soon after she was born. And in an effort to keep Katie home, Emma has forbidden her from participating in the rumspringa tradition.

When widower Jesse Mast calls for Mamm's hand in marriage, Katie hopes to move into a new phase of life and leave the old "Emma Raber's daughter" behind. But Emma is having none of it, and Katie must consider abandoning all hope of ever changing her mamm's bitterness or of ever having popular Ben Yoder notice her. Out of sheer frustration, she begins attending nearby Mennonite youth gatherings.

Sparks fly when Jesse's children object fiercely to the attentions their daett is paying to Emma Raber. And widowed Ruth Hochstetler makes her own move for Jesse Mast's hand.

Book one in the Emma Raber's Daughter series.

Katie's Journey to Love (Emma Raber’s Daughter)

Jesse's oldest daughter, Mabel, refuses to accept Katie, creating conflict at home. Ben Yoder, the most popular boy in the community, also begins to attend the Mennonite youth gatherings in his attempt to run away from personal problems.

Overjoyed at the attention Ben pays her, Katie pursues the relationship willingly. When an opportunity comes to travel with her Mennonite friends to Europe to explore the roots of the faith, Katie can't believe how much she is being blessed. Especially after a secret donor pays for the trip.

While in Europe, Katie learns the truth about Ben when he is arrested. As her world comes crashing down, she finds healing in her visit to the Alps and the land where her forefathers suffered so much. She returns home determined to mend the bad feelings with Jesse's daughter, Mabel, and to continue on the path to healing without Ben.