Tag: author interview

February Flurries: Jordan Locke Interview!

Alyssa Cohen1 Comment

Hi everyone!

Today, I’m going to be doing ANOTHER Author Interview! Yesterday, I reviewed his book, and today I’m interviewing him!

Click here to see my book review for “The Only Boy” by Jordan Locke:

About Jordan Locke:

I live in Connecticut with my spouse, two lively daughters and a well-behaved whippet. A graphic designer by trade, my creativity has spilled over into the writing world. After five novels in as many years, I managed to snag an agent. And not just any agent—the fabulous Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

Like many writers, I have a day job. But most nights, after the dog is fed and the kids are in bed, you will find me tapping away at the keyboard.

Now for… the interview!

Give us a quick synopsis of your book “The Only Boy”.

The story takes place many years after a global epidemic wipes out all the men. Women live in small groups, scavenging for food. Little known to the leader, the Matriarch, a boy lives in one of the settlements. When his compound is destroyed, he’s relocated to Section One, where he needs to hide his identity or he may be banished… or even executed. Mary, one of the teenagers, starts having feelings for him, even though she doesn’t realize he’s a boy. The story unfolds as a dual narrative, back and forth between Mary and the boy, Taylor.

How did you come up with the concept for your novel?

I was thinking about the movie Children of Men, where children have stopped being born, and wondered what might happen if only women were alive. How would they reproduce? What might the society be like.

Are any of the characters inspired by people you know in your daily life?

I didn’t base any character on anyone I know, but here is surely some of myself in the main characters, especially Taylor. I was also quiet and reserved growing up.

How are there still children, when there are no men AND the woman are not allowed touching others?

Women combine genes from two women to produce female children. Apparently, it’s already been done with mice.

Which POV did you enjoy writing from more?

I can’t say I enjoyed one more than the other. Taylor was the easier of the two, because, as I mentioned, we are more alike. Mary is rebellious, which is a stretch for me, but it was fun trying to get inside her head. What I enjoyed most, though, was the interaction between the two.

Why did you decide to make your book in two different POVs?

This was the first book I wrote as a dual narrative. I’d recently read a book with alternating points of view and liked being able to see two sides of the story and the misunderstandings that arise.

Do you like the cover of your book, or do you have any plans to change it?

I’m happy with the way it turned out. Not sure if you know this, but I created the cover myself. I have no plans to change it, although it might be fun to create an alternative cover with Mary instead of Taylor.

When did you start writing?

Seven years ago. One day, a scene pooped into my head. I wrote a few pages and stuck it in a drawer. Four years later, I was listening to the radio, and the hosts were reading the openings of their favorite books. I thought about how mine would start, and the Ideas kept coming. I HAD to write them down. Now, I’ve written seven novels, although some of them will probably never see the light of day.

Did you share your novel with friends or family before publishing it?

A few family members read it, and a couple of friends (one critiqued it and another proofread it for me).

Can you provide any tips for newer writers on writing a novel?

Persistence is key. Keep reading, keep writing and keep learning the craft. The writers who get published are the ones who don’t give up.

I hope you guys enjoyed the second author interview I have done on my blog!

I would like to give a HUGE thanks to Jordan Locke, for letting me read, review and interview him and his books! It was so awesome corresponding with you, Jordan!

Jordan’s Links:

Blog: http://www.jordanlocke.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jordan1Locke

That’s it for today’s post! See you guys tomorrow!

Good Night Book Lions!

Alyssa’s Reviews – February Flurries: Minutes Before Sunset by Shannon A. Thompson!

Alyssa Cohen1 Comment

Hi everyone!

Today, I’m going to be doing a book review for an AWESOME book!

DISCLAIMER: I was given this book for review from the author, Shannon A. Thompson. I am not being payed to review this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own, and are not being persuaded by anyone else.

Don’t know what this book is about? I’ve got your back!

Synopsis (taken off from the authors website):

“Her kiss could kill us, and my consent signed our death certificates.”Eric Welborn isn’t completely human, but he isn’t the only shade in the small Midwest town of Hayworth. With one year left before his eighteenth birthday, Eric is destined to win a long-raging war for his kind. But then she happens. In the middle of the night, Eric meets a nameless shade, and she’s powerful—too powerful—and his beliefs are altered. The Dark has lied to him, and he’s determined to figure out exactly what lies were told, even if the secrets protect his survival.Jessica Taylor moves to Hayworth, and her only goal is to find more information on her deceased biological family. Her adoptive parents agree to help on one condition: perfect grades. And Jessica is distraught when she’s assigned as Eric’s class partner. He won’t help, let alone talk to her, but she’s determined to change him—even if it means revealing everything he’s strived to hide.

Authors Website: http://shannonathompson.com/

Review:

THIS BOOK. WAS AMAZING. Probably one of the best books I’ve read this year, or even in a LONG time.

To be completely honest, I contacted the author not EXACTLY knowing what the book is about. And, when I really found ALL of it out, I was a bit skeptical. BUT, BOY WAS I WRONG.

This book was an amazing paranormal story.

I fell in love with almost ALL of the characters, except for Eric’s dad. I don’t know, I just was not feeling him.

Jessica, is probably one of my new favourite female protagonists of ALL TIME. I loved hearing about her background, and how she was adopted and doesn’t know ANYTHING about  her life. That is not a spoiler, just a little hint for the middle of the book. Hehe sneaky me!

Eric was adorable. He was really cute, but serious when he had to be. Whether Jessica didn’t see it or not, Eric fell for her from the beginning and it was adorable.

I also LOVED the writing style, and although it was similar to other YA books, I thought that it had it’s own aspects to it. One thing that was cool was that the book is in 2 POVs. I found that Eric’s perspective was at night and Jessica’s was during the day. I really liked that aspect because I thought that it was cool how we were seeing a FULL 24 hours in the day, that way we didn’t miss anything.

I thought that the concept was VERY interesting, and before I started reading it was quite intriguing. This book was unlike any other book I’ve read before. Now a days, you find books that are practically the same as another book, but with different characters.

The only part that I didn’t really like was how the concept was kind of confusing at first, but once you read further along, it’s very easy to understand. You just have to get used to it, that’s all!

Overall, I LOVED this book and gave it 5/5 stars! I read this book at the end of January, into the first day of February, and writing this review I didn’t have to look ONCE into the book, it just stuck with me! That’s how you know it was an excellent book!

I’d like to give a HUGE thanks for Shannon A. Thompson for letting me read and review her book! It was such a blast!

If you liked this review, PLEASE come back tomorrow for  a SPECIAL AUTHOR INTERVIEW. *hint hint, nudge, nudge*

Thank you guys so much for reading today’s post.

And until next time…

Good Night Book Lions!