Blog Tour (Interview): Hidden Huntress by Danielle L. Jensen

Welcome to the Hidden Huntress blog tour!

I was supposed to have my post on June 4th but because I've been pre-occupied for the entire week,
I missed it. Apologies for that! But hey, that doesn't mean party's cancelled, aye?

Hidden Huntress 

by Danielle L. Jensen

Series: The Malediction Trilogy #2

Genre: YA, fantasy, romance

Published June 2nd 2015 by Angry Robot

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Local purchase: Fully Booked * National Bookstore

Blurb (Goodreads):

Sometimes, one must accomplish the impossible.

Beneath the mountain, the king’s reign of tyranny is absolute; the one troll with the capacity to challenge him is imprisoned for treason. Cécile has escaped the darkness of Trollus, but she learns all too quickly that she is not beyond the reach of the king’s power. Or his manipulation.

Recovered from her injuries, she now lives with her mother in Trianon and graces the opera stage every night. But by day she searches for the witch who has eluded the trolls for five hundred years. Whether she succeeds or fails, the costs to those she cares about will be high.

To find Anushka, she must delve into magic that is both dark and deadly. But the witch is a clever creature. And Cécile might not just be the hunter. She might also be the hunted…

1. What kind of alternative characters would they be, if Malediction trilogy characters weren’t trolls?

I can’t really imagine them being anything other than what they are at this point, but I think the heart of your question is whether I considered calling them something other than trolls. As I was drafting Stolen Songbird, I did consider giving them a made-up name, but eventually decided against it. The word troll has meaning to most people, and I was able to play with those preconceptions in a way I wouldn’t have been able to with a made-up word. How interested would you be in the book if the back cover had read like this:

For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the kermuffins to their city beneath the mountain…. the kermuffins are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong… the more time she spends with the kermuffins, the more she understands their plight. 

Kermuffin doesn’t mean anything to anyone, so I don’t think it would have done as good a job of catching the eyes of readers as troll did. As well, I did have the larger picture in mind as to the trolls’ origins, which many readers have already picked up on.  

2. Which is harder to write, the first of a series, or the sequel?

Hidden Huntress was much more challenging. 

3. Are there any unexpected reactions/happenings after Stolen Songbird?

I never dreamed of having such an enormously positive response to the novel, and it still seems surreal when people tell me how much they connected with my characters. Having Stolen Songbird make it into the finals of the Goodreads Choice awards blew my mind, because it was entirely driven by readers, which is much more meaningful to me than a judged award. 

4. Who's your favorite character to write?

In Hidden Huntress, I really enjoyed writing scenes with Tristan’s father, King Thibault. There is a lot of depth to his character that wasn’t revealed in Stolen Songbird, and it was really fun to unpack it for readers. 

5. Do you have any *secret* projects as of now?

I have a YA epic fantasy that I’ve been working on for many years, but I’m currently focused on Malediction 3. Hopefully someday I’ll be able to share my secret project with readers!

6. What are the differences between the journey to publishing of Stolen Songbird and Hidden Huntress?

When I was drafting Stolen Songbird, the only opinion influencing my work was my own. When I was drafting Hidden Huntress, I was very much aware of what readers did or didn’t like about Stolen Songbird, and for several months, I tried to factor in those opinions as I wrote. And encountered total writer’s block. What I realized was that I needed to write the book that I’d want to read, because trying to please thousands of people with diverse opinions was impossible. 

7. What should we expect from Hidden Huntress?

Hidden Huntress is a darker, broodier novel with a slower build than its predecessor. I think people looking for expanded world-building will be pleased, and those who liked the intrigue of Stolen Songbird will enjoy the chapters from Tristan’s point of view. And for those of you looking for romance, have no fear – I’d never neglect you!

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About the Author

Danielle was born and raised in Calgary, Canada. At the insistence of the left side of her brain, she graduated in 2003 from the University of Calgary with a bachelor’s degree in finance. But the right side of her brain has ever been mutinous; and in 2010, it sent her back to school to complete an entirely impractical English literature degree at Mount Royal University and to pursue publication. Much to her satisfaction, the right side shows no sign of relinquishing its domination.

Thank you so much Angry Robot Books for this opportunity and to Danielle L. Jensen for the Q&A!

You can also check out my review for the book one, Stolen Songbird.

Feb Feels presents The Lunar Chronicles 2015: Interview + Giveaway

Welcome to the third day of Feb Feels presents The Lunar Chronicles! Today is a very special day because I'm featuring some fun Q&A with the brilliant mind behind this magnificent series, Marissa Meyer, to fangirl with (all over again) PLUS a giveaway!

These set of questions were asked by readers from Goodreads and Marissa Meyer answered them personally. I cannot feature all but if you want to check it out, click here. Here are the questions and answers that caught my interest. From fangirling to the series, to Marissa's new series, and so much more!

Note: Careful on what you read if you haven't read the books. You might read some spoilers.

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If you were to change something in the previous books what would you change?

If I could go back and change something, I would make the Lunar gift less powerful. Winter is mostly set on Luna, so we're in a society surrounded by people with the ability to manipulate and control, and it's really complicated parts of the plot for me! I've been able to make it work just fine, but I could have saved myself a lot of heartache by putting more restrictions on Lunars from the start.


Hi Marissa! I just wanted to tell you that I got really excited when I first heard about Cinder, since I love books which are based on other stories... Sooo I was wondering if you had thought about writing more books like this, maybe based on The Little Mermaid or something like that?? :)

Marissa Meyer Thank you! I actually did write a short story retelling of The Little Mermaid (the Andersen story, not Disney in this case). The story is called The Little Android and can be read for free on my WattPad page.

In addition to fairy tales I'm also writing a book called Heartless, based on Alice in Wonderland. Beyond that, I don't have any more plans for retellings (my next series will be superhero based), but I do love fairy tales and wouldn't be surprised if I get inspired for more retellings in the future. We'll see!


Can you share any details about your superhero series?

Marissa Meyer Ooh, good question! Everything is subject to change, but right now I'm calling it the Gatlon series, and it's essentially about a group of kids who go to a school for superheroes, and have to stand up to kids from a rival school who are walking the thin line between heroics and villainy. Plus, you know... action, romance, comedy... all that good stuff.


Is there anything you could share with us about Winter? :D Any teasers or such?  ❤ Would love to know just about anything. Especially about Kai :D Will we see lots more of him in Winter?

Marissa Meyer I can't tell too much about Winter yet, but all of our main characters have plenty of page time in it (yes, including Kai!), plus there's just a whole lot of everything in this book, from fights to kissing...


Who would you date? Kai, Thorne, Wolf or Jacin???

Marissa Meyer Ha! Who WOULDN'T I date?? ;)


What is your biggest tip for writing a bad guy?

Marissa Meyer I would say it's so important to know WHY they're bad. It can be tempting to make a villain evil-for-the-sake-of-evil, but that's not very interesting. Ask yourself what happened in their past to make them the way that they are, and what are their motivations for doing the things that they do? Some famous writer (I don't know who...) once said that the villain believes they are the hero of the story, and I think it's important to keep that in mind.


Is it hard for you to keep track of characters (such as location, or keeping in character) at times when writing?

Marissa Meyer YES! I am constantly making lists of which characters are in a particular place and what it is they're doing there. 

I also get confused all the time about weapons and injuries. I keep an ongoing file about who's been injured and what weapons or tools they have with them. Also - if a character has a gun, I try to keep track of how many times they've shot it so we don't get the Hollywood "neverending ammunition" syndrome. It can get really complicated.


Hello! After WINTER, will there be any more short stories or novellas after the final book has been released like your book, Fairest? Thanks!

Marissa Meyer There will be one more short story, currently titled "The Princess and the Guard" - it's obviously based on Winter and Jacin. :) I expect that will be released this summer sometime.

After that, I have some ideas of potential stories to add a bit more depth to the world, but nothing is cemented yet, and I am excited to move on to my other series. We'll see!


Can you estimate the page length of Winter? (I know it will be AMAZING!!! regardless) Additionally, what was the hardest obstacle when writing Cress?

Marissa Meyer Yes! The estimated (not-final) page count is posted on GoodReads at 800 pages, and that's going to be darn close!

Sidenote: 800 pretty pages! I cannot wait!


Who is your favorite character from the series of books "Lunar Chronicles"?

Marissa Meyer I don't think I have a favorite character (I adore them all for different reasons... even the bad guys!). That said, I enjoy writing the funny characters the most because they always make me laugh. I really enjoy writing Iko and Thorne. They're both just so ridiculous at times, but really heartfelt at others. They both knew who they were from the beginning, too, which makes my job a lot easier.


Whats it like to have books that so many people love?

Marissa Meyer It never stops being bizarre! I find that a lot of times when people compliment my books I feel like they're talking about someone else's books. It's really hard to connect the success of them to something that I wrote myself. Then you see the numbers - # of books sold, GoodReads ratings, etc. - and it just seems even stranger, like these things I concocted in my head have gone on to have a life completely separate from me. 

I don't know if that makes sense. It's a weird thing to describe. :)


Will you write more books in The Lunar Chronicles universe after Winter?

Marissa Meyer Winter will conclude this series, but I do have some ideas for potential spin-offs set in this world. I'm talking to my publisher now. We'll see...


Have you cried at all while writing Winter?

Marissa Meyer Yes. Yes, I did. Though to be fair, sometimes I was crying from joy. ^_^


What was your inspiration for writing about the queen in your latest book? You had so many characters to choose from to write about. Why her?

Marissa Meyer Levana was one of the first characters I thought of when I decided to write a series of sci-fi fairy tale retellings, and I've long been fascinated by the evil queen from Snow White. I always wanted to know what would make a woman place so much value on her beauty that she would do horrible, unspeakable things just to stay the "Fairest of them all." So Levana's story has really been building in my head from the very beginning when I started writing this series. 

Then as I was working on Winter, I found myself getting stuck on scenes that involved Levana and her relationships to Winter and Selene, so I decided to pause and write Levana's story. Once I gave it a chance, her story came pouring out of me, and I learned so much about her and made so many connections that I hadn't put together yet. It was definitely time to put her story on paper! And it did help me get past all those places that were giving me trouble in Winter, too, so it worked out really great. I'm just glad my publisher actually wanted to publish it, ha!


Marissa, what inspired you to make Snow White a person with dark skin, instead of leaving her the way that she's always been portrayed?

Marissa Meyer In my early, early conceptualizing for the series, I thought Winter would be your typical Snow White as described in the fairy tale: skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, hair as black as ebony. 

However, one day not long into my planning process I was reading through a health and nutrition blog and I came across a photo of this beautiful black model with thick curly hair biting into a red apple. The second I saw that picture I thought - that's her! that's my princess! So Winter became black.

It's not a very scientific approach to character building, but that's the story, lol.


The beta readers have posted some pretty upsetting and terrifying reactions to really bad news in Winter, and the fandom (particularly on tumblr) is starting to freak out. Can you please give us ANY kind of re-assurance that we won't all want to curl up in a ball and cry all day after reading Winter? Anything at all? It's a long wait til November and we're doing our best to promote these books, but now we're scared.

Marissa Meyer Hahaha, I love my betas.  ❤

I can't give any hints as to what's going to happen in Winter, but I will ask you to trust me! I think / hope the readers will find it to be a satisfying conclusion to the series.


My daughter is in school right now, but she asked me to send this on her behalf: I'm reading Cress right now and I loved Cinder and Scarlet! Your writing is amazing! I love writing sci-fi and I want to be an author. I was wondering...how do you tie up your stories and talk about the past and have so many secrets, with it still being so interesting?

Marissa Meyer This is a great question! I spend A TON of time rearranging my plots, moving scenes and subplots around, and trying to maintain a balance of characters throughout each book. I try to balance action with reaction scenes, too, so that if you have one "dull" scene where you're giving the reader lots of new information, then I want the next scene to be more exciting and suspenseful. Or if you have to convey a lot of backstory or resolve some mysteries, try to do it in an interesting way. 

SCARLET SPOILERS: For example, I could have had Cinder learn a lot more about her history and cyborg surgeries from Dr. Erland, but instead I decided to have her discover that information on her own when she stumbles across the underground lair where she was kept by Scarlet's grandmother. It was a much more interesting and visual way to uncover that information - for Cinder, and for the reader. (at least, I hope so, ha!)


Hi Marissa! i was wondering which couple do you enjoy writing scenes for the most in the series?

Marissa Meyer I love writing scenes for each of the couples - kissing scenes are always my favorite to write! I also love romantic tension scenes in general, where the characters get to be all awkward and dancing around their feelings... 


I don't really have a favorite couple, though. They're all so different and they all have moments that I absolutely loved writing.

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About the Author

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Find her: Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!

- one lucky winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Fairest

- open internationally
- write/paste honest and clear infos on each entries, including the daily entries if you want yours to be valid
- winner will have 48 hours to respond on the email notification. If failed, I'll pick another winner
- Marissa and I are not responsible for any lost or damaged package









a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Click here for the Feb Feels schedule.

You can also check out my reviews for Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Fairest.

Thank you so much Marissa Meyer for the giveaway donation and for being a rockin' author!

Celebrating Debutantes 2014: Sally Green (Interview + Giveaway)

The last author to celebrate her debut experience with us for the year 2014 is the Half Bad author, Sally Green!

Sally Green

1. What's the best thing that happened after your book was published?

There have been so many great things from simply holding HALF BAD in my hands to hearing from fans of HALF BAD. But mostly I love writing and now not only am I being paid to do what I love but I’m working with a great editorial team at Penguin in the UK and Viking in the US – that’s the biggest buzz of all.

2. How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

There has been a lot of champagne involved. One of the nicest events was the book launch in my home town which was attended by about 80 people including my family and also some old school friends whom I hadn’t seen for years. It was a wonderful evening for me.

3. When is your best time to write?

For HALF BAD I used to write long into the night and preferred that time as it was quiet and I knew I wouldn’t be disturbed. But I couldn’t keep that up and now I work 9-5 (well 9am- 10pm) and I’m learning that I can write at any time as long as it’s quiet.

4. Do you read reviews of your book?

Some, but not all. It’s great to read a good review (obviously) and reading the occasional harsh one is good remind myself that I’ve still got a lot to learn. I have to rely on two main critics though – myself and my editor.

5. What is your best or most unforgettable moment with a fan?

Gosh meeting HALF BAD fans is always great and everyone is so enthusiastic and polite – I can’t pick one thing. The first time I had a long signing queue at an event (YALC in London, July 2014) I was so impressed with how patient and friendly everyone was and that will always be a great memory for me. 

6. Was there any book/s from other debut author of 2014 that you loved?

My favourite YA book of 2014 is ‘Shadow of the Wolf’ by Tim Hall, who happens to be a debut author. This is the story of Robin Hood, but told in such a unique and new way that I fell in love with it.

7. Are you interested in writing in a different genre or for a different audience?

I would like to try different genres at some stage, and I’m definitely drawn to more adult books (not younger children’s books), possibly crime or even comedy. But at the moment I’m busy with the HALF BAD trilogy and I’m sure the book I write after that will also be YA (as I’m beginning to have ideas for it already).

8. Share us one embarrassing moment you've had.

I really can’t think of one (she lies, too embarrassed to share).

9. Favorite color? 

The colour that suits me most is dark brown, which I avoided wearing for years as my school uniform was dark brown and orange, and so of course I hated those colours. Now I love dark brown jumpers and shirts.

Favorite movie? 

I have two favourite movies – Pulp Fiction and Annie Hall. I think both are close to perfect in their own way (actually The Godfather probably should be on that list too). 

Favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla – it sounds boring but it isn’t.

Favorite song? I’m currently going back to songs from my younger days – still love Nightswimming by REM and the video is great https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahJ6Kh8klM4

Ultimate celebrity crush (dead or alive)? There’s something about Johnny Depp isn’t there?

10. What's next for you?

I’ve just finished HALF WILD which is being published in the UK and US in March 2015 and so now I’m writing the third book of the HALF BAD trilogy. I’ve written about 40k words of it so far but it still hasn’t got a name yet and I really do need to work out what it will be.

***

About the Author

Hi - I'm Sally Green, author of Half Bad. It's my first book - and the first in a series of three, to be published by Penguin in March 2014.

I've had a whirlwind 2013, submitting Half Bad to an agent in January (and getting an agent - the wonderful Claire) and then agreeing a deal with Puffin (UK) and Viking (USA) in March. In April I agreed a film deal with Fox 2000 with Karen Rosenfelt as producer (google her!). Since then Half Bad has been sold to more countries, and I've been busy editing Half Bad and have started work on the second book of the trilogy. 

I live in north-west England. I love to read, walk in the country and would like to drink less coffee (but I know it's impossible - I'm an addict)!


My online world will be based at www.halfbadworld.com from November 2013 onwards, but until then, you can find me and Half Bad on Wattpad.

Find her: Website * Twitter * Goodreads

This book is on my must-read-soon-coz-I'd-die-if-I-don't list! Because:

Half Bad

(The Half Bad trilogy #1)

by Sally Green

Published March 4th 2014 by Viking Juvenile

Blurb (Goodreads):

Wanted by no one.

Hunted by everyone.

Sixteen-year-old Nathan lives in a cage: beaten, shackled, trained to kill. In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world's most terrifying and violent witch, Marcus. Nathan's only hope for survival is to escape his captors, track down Marcus, and receive the three gifts that will bring him into his own magical powers—before it's too late. But how can Nathan find his father when there is no one safe to trust, not even family, not even the girl he loves?


Half Bad is an international sensation and the start of a brilliant trilogy: a gripping tale of alienation and the indomitable will to survive. 

Yesterday: Lex Martin, author of Dearest Clementine. Check out the schedule here and read the coolness of each of the featured 2014 debut authors!

GIVEAWAY!

- UK copy of Half Bad
- open internationally
- contest ends January 14th
- each entry will be checked. Daily entries requires different info/links every day. This will be checked as well so be honest!
- winner must respond on email notification within 48 hours or else we will pick another winner
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrating Debutantes 2014: Lex Martin (Interview + Giveaway)

Indie NA author of Dearest Clementine Lex Martin celebrates with us today!

Lex Martin

1. What's the best thing that happened after your book was published?
An agent with the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency read my debut (Dearest Clementine), loved it, and offered to represent me. As it turns out, Kimberly is not only an amazing agent but a fantastic friend. I also have to say I never expected to make so many new friends as a result of publishing my book. 

2. How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?
This sounds so girlie, and I'm rolling my eyes at myself, but I go on a mini-shopping spree at Sephora. 

3. When is your best time to write?
First thing in the morning.

4. Do you read reviews of your book?
Yes, every one.

5. What is your best or most unforgettable moment with a fan?
A fan (now friend) named Silvana started making me teasers for Dearest Clementine. I was floored someone would take the time to do something so lovely for me.

6. Were there any books from other debut author of 2014 that you loved?
Upside Down by Lia Riley. I love the depth and imagery in her writing.

7. Are you interested in writing in a different genre or for a different audience?
Although Dearest Clementine is the first book I published, I wrote a YA paranormal romance before that. It sits like Gollum in the darkness of my laptop. I might brush off the dust one day and revise it for a more adult audience. But paranormal romance is my first love. I'm also a sucker for post-apocalyptic books and would be open to writing one. 

8. Share one embarrassing moment you've had.
I guess having my family figure out I had a new Facebook profile and reading all of my posts, which tend to run into the NSFW territory. Because do I really want to explain what Out-Skank is to my dad or uncles? Not particularly. But they're good sports.

9. Favorite color? 
Black or purple

Favorite movie? 
Good Will Hunting or Pulp Fiction

Favorite ice cream flavor? 
Anything with chocolate

Favorite song?
I've really been into Amy Winehouse for the last several years, and now I'm on a Black Keys kick. But my music tastes run parallel to whatever is helping me write, and then I gorge on those songs for months.

Ultimate celebrity crush (dead or alive)?
If we're talking pretty boys, then Nick Bateman or Colin Wayne. If we're talking whose brain makes me want to hump his leg, then I'd have to say Ben Affleck.

10. What's next for you?

I'm wrapping up the Dearest series and then working on another top secret New Adult project. And because so many people have asked me about writing books for some of the supporting characters in the Dearest series, I'm considering doing a few spinoffs to tell their stories. At the top of the list would be Jenna & Ryan and possibly Travis. Honestly, I'd even consider writing one for Veronica. The former best friend who lures away Clementine's boyfriend in high school has some fucked-up issues I'd be interested in exploring. Because I love redeeming the unredeemable. 

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About the Author

Author of DEAREST CLEMENTINE, FINDING DANDELION and KISSING MADELINE. I write new adult novels, the sexy kind with lotsa angst, a whole lotta kissing, and the hot happily ever afters. 

Look for book 2 in the Dearest series, FINDING DANDELION, July 11! (Each book is a stand-alone.)

Find her: Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Check out Lex's debut novel!

Dearest Clementine

(Dearest #1)

by Lex Martin

Published July 14th 2014 by Lex Martin

Blurb (Goodreads):

Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn't mind being called bitchy and closed off. It's safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.

Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out...in the name of research, of course.

As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life.

DEAREST CLEMENTINE is a stand-alone novel with two companion novels. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.

Yesterday: Joy N. Hensley, author of Rites of Passage. Tomorrow: Sally Green, author of Half Bad (last author to feature). Check out the schedule here.

GIVEAWAY!

- paperback copy of Dearest Clementine

- open internationally

- contest ends January 13th
- each entry will be checked. Daily entries requires different info/links every day. This will be checked as well so be honest!
- winner must respond on email notification within 48 hours or else we will pick another winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrating Debutantes 2014: Jaye Robin Brown (Interview)

No Place to Fall author Jaye Robin Brown shares her debut experience and lists her fave debuts as well!

Jaye Robin Brown

1. What's the best thing that happened after your book was published?

I had a colleague read an ARC of the book. She came in to my classroom (I teach high school art) and started talking to me about my characters like they were real people. And since they are to me, it was so fun to finally be able to talk to someone else about them!

2. How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

I took nine of my closest friends out to a fancy dinner in the nearby town of Asheville at a favorite restaurant. It felt pretty cool to say “I’ll take that,” when the check came. Of course, that feeling was short-lived but I loved being able to thank my friends who’d supported me as I tried to get published.

3. When is your best time to write?

I write really early in the mornings. From around 5 am-6:30. This works around my work schedule. Most week nights I’m too tired to write and have other things to do. On the weekends I push my writing time till about noon. Summer, in it’s infinite day quality, is my writer bliss!

4. Do you read reviews of your book?

Hmmm. I’ve read some. And I’m so appreciative of thoughtful, honest reviews whether positive or negative. But as I’ve poked a toe into some other author’s reviews, I’ve seen some ugliness that I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle once it comes to my own books. So for now, yes. For the long run, I doubt it. I may use my partner as a filter to read first and share what she thinks may be helpful to me.

5. What is your best or most unforgettable moment with a fan?

Ha! Well this goes with that review question. The first positive review I got from a total stranger. Not someone I chatted with online, or a fellow author, but a real honest to goodness stranger who loved my book. Who got my book! That will continue to be unforgettable I think.

6. Was there any book/s from other debut author of 2014 that you loved?

Oh gosh, so many! Rites of Passage by Joy Hensley, The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine, The Fire Wish by Amber Lough, Far From You by Tess Sharpe, Islands at the End of the World by Austin Aslan, Open Road Summer by Emery Lord, Winterkill by Kate Boorman, Tabula Rasa by Kristin Lippert-Martin, The Walled City by Ryan Graudin, Faking Normal by Courtney Stephens, Snow like Ashes by Sara Raasch, and The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes to name a very few! There are some AHMAZING books that came out in 2014 - of all genres! I’m involved with two debut groups - The YA Valentines and The Fall Fourteeners and I’d highly recommend all of their books!

7. Are you interested in writing in a different genre or for a different audience?

I’ve written MG manuscripts in the past and have one that I poke at from time to time. I also have a YA science fiction manuscript I write drips and drabs of here and there. Doubtful that I’ll ever write picture books or adult, but don’t hold me to that!

8. Share us one embarrassing moment you've had.

Oh, how about that time I painted a big hashtag on the front of the school thinking it meant one thing (which it did) but also turned out to have an alternate meaning far more common among my students (errr oh). I claimed ignorance! (We paint the windows for Homecoming week)

9. Favorite color? Used to be purple but now is blue.

Favorite movie? Oh gosh, this is hard. I really love this obscure Dutch film called Antonia’s Line. And in quirk, I’m all about Juno and Napoleon Dynamite.

Favorite ice cream flavor? Salted Caramel or Homemade Peach.

Favorite song? I’ve been stuck on The Avett Brother’s The Weight of Lies for about a year now.

Ultimate celebrity crush (dead or alive)? I think Scottish musician Paolo Nutelli is super cute. And I’m a total Scarlett Johansson fan girl.

10. What's next for you?

I just finished writing a novella from Will’s POV in No Place To Fall that hopefully the world will get to read, and I’m working on another contemporary novel for Harper Teen that’s slated to come out in the spring of 2016. I can’t say much about it at this point.

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About the Author

Jaye Robin Brown, or Jro to her friends, lives and writes in the mountains north of Asheville, North Carolina. She is fond of horses, dogs, the absurd and the ironic. When not writing, you can find her in the art room of the high school where she teaches or roaming the mountains searching for inspiration.

Her debut young adult novel, NO PLACE TO FALL, comes out in the fall of 2014 from Harper Teen. It's about dreams, singing, friendship, love, betrayal, family, and mistakes. It's also a love song to small town girls and mountain music, both of which shape the area that Jaye now calls home. 

Find her: Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

From Jaye to you!

No Place to Fall

by Jaye Robin Brown

Published December 9th 2014 by Harper Teen

Blurb (Goodreads):
Amber Vaughn is a good girl. She sings solos at church, babysits her nephew after school, and spends every Friday night hanging out at her best friend Devon’s house. It’s only when Amber goes exploring in the woods near her home, singing camp songs with the hikers she meets on the Appalachian Trail, that she feels free—and when the bigger world feels just a little bit more in reach.

When Amber learns about an audition at the North Carolina School of the Arts, she decides that her dream—to sing on bigger stages—could also be her ticket to a new life. Devon’s older (and unavailable) brother, Will, helps Amber prepare for her one chance to try out for the hypercompetitive arts school. But the more time Will and Amber spend together, the more complicated their relationship becomes . . . and Amber starts to wonder if she’s such a good girl, after all.


Then, in an afternoon, the bottom drops out of her family’s world—and Amber is faced with an impossible choice between her promise as an artist and the people she loves. Amber always thought she knew what a good girl would do. But between “right” and “wrong,” there’s a whole world of possibilities.

Yesterday: Kat Spears, author of Sway. Tomorrow: Rebecca Yarros, author of Full Measures. Check out the schedule here.