Interview with Laura E. Weymouth for A Treason of Thorns

A Treason of Thorns

by Laura E. Weymouth
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 10th 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept Violet happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.

Everything shattered, though, when her father committed high treason trying to free Burleigh from the king’s oppressive control. He was killed, and Vi was forced into hiding.

When she’s given a chance to go back, she discovers Burleigh has run wild with grief. Vines and briars are crumbling the walls. Magic that once enriched the surrounding countryside has turned dark and deadly, twisting lush blooms into thorns, poisoning livestock and destroying crops. Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain.

Vi would do anything to help, and soon she finds herself walking the same deadly path as her father all those years before. Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.

Content warnings are available via the author's website.

Can you briefly describe A TREASON OF THORNS and its characters? 

A Treason of Thorns is the story of Violet Sterling, the dispossessed daughter of a treasonous nobleman, who’s given the opportunity to return to her ancestral home after her father’s death. But Violet’s home, Burleigh House, is no ordinary English manor—it’s one of five Great Houses, ancient and sentient places of power that govern and guard the health and wellbeing of the land. Vi loves Burleigh House and Burleigh is devoted to her, but when she does return, she soon realizes that her House is, in fact, slowly dying. That could have very serious ramifications for the surrounding countryside, so Vi is faced with the difficult decision of risking everything to save her House, or putting it down, as many people believe she should. 

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why? 

Burleigh House, because it was so much fun as a writer to get to write both setting and character at once, and to convey emotion and information through things normally viewed as set-dressing. 

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere? 

A lot of disparate pieces came together to form A Treason of Thorns, but the very earliest seed was a microfiction I wrote on Twitter, about a girl sitting in an enchanted garden, waiting to entertain an unwanted suitor. 

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be? 

Burning House, by Cam. No contest. 

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters?

Aaaaaaah, I’m honestly terrible at fan-casting! But there’s a Dutch model, Luca Hollestelle, who IS Violet Sterling in my head. I’ve never pictured her any other way. That’s the only person I have a super clear vision of in Treason, though. 

Fall is almost here, and we love to find a cosy place to read our favourite books. What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date? 

I mean, I think you’d have the IDEAL reading experience if you could bring the book to one of the inns around Taunton, Somerset, and have a glass or two of scrumpy while you read. Since that’s a little cost-prohibitive for most North American readers, I’d recommend reading it outside under a tree on a crisp and sunny fall afternoon with a thermos of cider. Preferably near where someone’s burning brush, so you get the benefit of the smell of woodsmoke. 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish A TREASON OF THORNS? 

Well, obviously I have to recommend my first book, The Light Between Worlds, which is the story of two sisters struggling to deal with the aftermath of coming back to our world after having a portal fantasy in another. It’s about loss and longing and belonging, and is another excellent fall read. If you’re looking specifically for Gothic vibes, like A Treason of Thorns will provide for you, I recommend either The House of Salt and Sorrow by Erin Craig (a wind-swept, remote retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses) or Beneath the Haunting Sea by Joanna Meyer (which I have occasionally described as the love child of The Secret Garden and The Silmarillion.) 

What’s next for you? 

A nap! And then work on a number of projects I can’t talk about quite yet!

Laura Weymouth is a Canadian living in exile in America, and the sixth consecutive generation of her family to immigrate from one country to another. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, she now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, along with her husband, two wild-hearted daughters, a spoiled cat, an old soul of a dog, and an indeterminate number of chickens. She is represented by the inimitable Lauren Spieller of TriadaUS.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Jessika Fleck for Beware the Night

Beware the Night

by Jessika Fleck
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Release Date: March 12th 2019

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

When her world divides, pitting light against dark, Veda must join a dangerous revolution to save her grandfather and fight against injustice...even if it costs her the boy she loves.

On the island of Bellona, life is peaceful--as long as the citizens dutifully worship the Sun, which protects them from all harm. Seventeen-year-old Veda knows that keeping the Sun happy will protect her and her grandfather from the Night, the dangerous people who snatch innocent citizens from their beds under the cover of darkness, never to be seen again. As long as Veda follows the rules, she will be safe. 

But when Veda's grandfather is offered up as the next sacrificial offering to keep the Sun's favor, she starts to see that the safety she's been promised comes at a dangerous price. Maybe there is more to fear above than there is below. 

With a mysterious young man, Dorian, at her side, Veda has to figure out if the scary bedtime stories she grew up hearing are real--or dangerous lies.

Can you briefly describe Beware the night and their main characters?

First off, I’m so happy to be on a book tour with FFBC! What a perfect way to kick off the release of Beware the Night! Thank you so much for having me. 

Here’s a brief blurb for Beware the Night: When her world divides, pitting light against dark, Veda must join a dangerous revolution to save her grandfather and fight against injustice...even if it costs her the boy she loves. 

The story centers around three teens and several significant side characters. But as for the main characters…

First is Veda Adeline: Veda is a member of the Basso working class. She can out-fish anyone on the island, adores and is protective of her grandfather, and isn’t afraid to bend the law if it means survival. Veda has a heart of gold and would keep the entire island fed with fresh fish if she was allowed. She also holds a special place in her heart for Nico, her best friend since childhood, but knows, because of their society, they can never be more. Veda will discover, deep down, that she’s a warrior like her mother was.

Nico Denali: Nico is a member of the ruling Dogio class. He also happens to be the son of a very powerful family and with that comes heavy expectation. His friendship with Veda isn’t forbidden but is definitely discouraged and frowned upon. He loves his family but would do anything for Veda. Nico is quietly stoic, honest, and fiercely loyal. 

Dorian Winters: Dorian is a bit of a mystery… Aside from seeing him around the island, Veda’s only memory of Dorian is from childhood: Dorian would pelt birds with rocks in the market square and she would shout he leave them alone. But he unexpectedly resurfaces and, somehow, despite his sarcasm and playful attitude, he and Veda become quick friends. Dorian is all sass and strength on the outside but a total sweetheart on the inside. He also happens to hold a few dark secrets. 

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

Probably Bronwyn, Dorian's sister. She originally had more screen time, but with the nature of revisions, her character got severely axed. Bronwyn loves animals, is quietly observant but also fairly cunning, and really enjoys baking and giving to others. She's loyal to her friends and family and, while she's not much of a fighter, will certainly do what she has to to protect what she loves.

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?

Usually, at least for me, ideas for stories come in waves. My inspiration for Beware the Night was no different. Originally, the concept was sparked after the horrific tsunami and earthquake that hit Japan in 2011. I began thinking about isolation and islands and was, at that point, veering more toward a post-apocalyptic story about a girl and her mother. But, as these things go, that early conception morphed and evolved and then eventually bloomed into what is now Beware the Night: a story about love, strength, loss, fear, and pushing against the status quo set on a remote island within a dystopian society.

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

Definitely Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men. The lyrics, the mood, the haunting melody… It was the backdrop of many a writing session for Beware the Night. 

If your book was about to become a movie/TV show, who would you see playing as the characters in Beware the Night? 

Caveat—I am not amazing at this, lol. That said…

Veda: A red-headed Kiernan Shipka 

Nico: Tyler Posey

Dorian: Josh Whitehouse (but with blonde hair)

Since it is still cold outside, what hot drink do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

Love this questions! I’m going to have to say a nice, spicy chai latte—hot, like the sun but also earthy and layered with a mix of spices Bronwyn would absolutely love to bake with! 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish Beware the Night?

It’s not out until next year but Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal is going to be absolutely fabulous! Definitely pick up A Soldier and a Liar by Caitlin Lockner, it’s wonderful. And I have to always recommend one of my all-time favorite books EVER, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. 

What’s next for you?

Actually, I’m working on several projects at the moment. Most pressing is the sequel to Beware the Night (title soon to be announced). It’s currently in edits. Writing sequels is HARD but the editing process is proving easier than with Beware the Night (yay!). I’m super excited about continuing Veda’s story! Aside from that, I’m working on edits for another YA fantasy/dystopian called DARK GENTIAN. It’s sort of an old west Count of Monte Cristo mash up. I’m also deep into my first middle grade project, A SWEATER FOR THE BURROW—a loose Robin Hood retelling but with knitting and dirigibles. It’s currently in my highly competent agent’s hands and hopefully will be going on submission soon.

Jessika Fleck is an author, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter — she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. Until then, she continues collecting vintage typewriters and hourglasses, dreaming of an Ireland getaway, and convincing her husband they NEED more kittens. Her YA debut, THE CASTAWAYS (Entangled TEEN), is now available. Her next YA novel, BEWARE THE NIGHT (Swoon Reads/Macmillan) releases March 12, 2019. More at www.jessikafleck.com.

My Bad Romance & Tips to avoid a Bad Romance

Today, I am participating in the Bad Romance blog tour organised by Fierce Reads to promote Heather Demetrios' new book.

I did not have an abusive relationship whatsoever, but I did suffer from a bad romance. I spent 8 years with my ex-boyfriend and the last 6 years of my relationship I was not happy. I use to think that I was the one to blame. You see, I am Spanish and I can sometimes be compared to Gloria from Modern Family. So I have a quite strong character and it can be a lot to handle. However, being in a relationship means that there are two people sharing and caring and contributing to the partnership in equal parts. When you don't, is because there's something broken.

Therefore, I had some sort of blame in that relationship. I was comfortable with what I had and I was afraid to be alone since I had been in a relationship with the same person since I was seventeen. I did not know how to live on my own. It was easy to rely on someone that always agreed to what I wanted to do. Even banal actions such as going to the cinema were unthinkable when I thought about being alone. And I kept asking the same questions: How would I do it without him and Who am I as a person without him? Everyone knew me because of him and as a part of him. So that left me alone and friendless. Believe, it is the greatest terrifying feeling ever.

But when you are left behind, forgotten and unloved, you don't have a chance. You need to survive and try to crawl out of the hole you created for yourself. And that's exactly what I did. I met new friends which are now my best friends, I started doing activities I had never done with him (even boxing!) and I moved out of my parents' house and to another country! I had the best summer of my life with my friends and I found myself. I learn how to love me and how to appreciate small things. I became a strong independent woman and I have to thank him for giving me the chance at being happy again. Merely, because I was so scared and so trapped that I would have never left him if he had not left me. And I am not being the stereotypical woman who says this as a resentment for what happened. I am honestly thankful for giving me those years with me and for letting me go when he knew it was over and it was pointless to continue. Even though, I was terrified of terminating what I considered my whole world.

My advice? If you are not happy, it is a bad romance. Do not settle for something or someone less than what you deserve just because you are scared of the unknown or to be alone. Sometimes being alone can help you discover yourself, you can meet amazing people and you'll have thousands of adventures and experiences you one day will explain to your kids and grandchildren. Moreover, you can meet the person that was meant for you all along. Who knows?

We all want to fall in love, find our soul mate and, if not, find the closest thing to our book boyfriend(s). However, even though I suffer the risk of becoming a cliche, sometimes love is not enough.

1) Be honest. In order for a relationship to work and to be healthy, you need to be able to talk to that special person without any barriers. You need to be comfortable enough to talk about any topic and knowing it's going to be okay because the person on the other end is just going to be there to support you.

2) Trust. If there's no trust in a relationship, is there really anything going on there? And it works both ways. You also need to be comfortable enough to trust the person you are with. If you do not, maybe there's a problem.

3) Always On My Mind. I believe that if you fell in love and it's a good relationship, that special person it's always on your mind. From small gestures like going to the supermarket and buying something special for him/her just because to having a conversation with your friends and not being able to talk about anything else (well, almost!).

4) Respect. We are all humans, we make mistakes, we can argue and drive each other mad up to a point. But there's always that fine line called respect that no one should surpass and it should always be respected in order to have no regrets and don't hold a grudge for a comment said later on. 

5) Talk. I do not believe that bottling everything up and keep it inside it's a good thing. If you are having a bad day? Talk with someone. If something is bothering you? Talk. If there's something in your mind? Talk. Talk. Talk. You can even yell if given the occasion. Sometimes, getting all out is better than keeping it all in. Because believe me, one day you will pop and it's going to get nasty.

6) YOLO. I apologise for the silly acronym, but sometimes it is useful. If you are in a relationship, let things flow. Do not pressure anything, do not overthink everything... Just relax and enjoy. If it's meant to work, everything will happen accordingly.

7) Be comfortable. If you trust someone enough to love them, you are comfortable to the point of being able to show all your vulnerabilities to that person. Because that person is going to cherish even the saddest and darkest side of you.

Bad Romance
by Heather Demetrios
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Release Date: June 13th 2017

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone.

Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape. 

Deeply affecting and unflinchingly honest, this is a story about spiraling into darkness—and emerging into the light again.

Heather Demetrios is the author of the critically acclaimed YA novel Something Real. When she's not traipsing around the world or spending time in imaginary places, she lives with her husband in New York City. Originally from Los Angeles, Heather is part of the Summer 2014 Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA class at Vermont College of Fine Arts and is a recipient of the Susan P. Bloom PEN New England Discovery Award forSomething Real.