Thursday, February 28, 2013

Interview + Giveaway: Jessica Shirvington and Emblaze


Today I'm thrilled to welcome young adult author Jessica Shirvington to the blog to talk a little bit about the third book in her Violet Eden series, Emblaze (releases March 5th from Sourcebooks). This is a series that, for me, has gotten better and better with each installment, and Emblaze is definitely the best one yet. I was a gloriously emotional mess by the time I reached the last page (my review will be posted soon), and I'm strongly considering moving to Australia just so I can get my hands on book four already. Who's with me?

If Lincoln was to sit down with Violet as part of the promotional tour for Emblaze, what’s the first question he would ask her?

Do you love Phoenix?

*Jenny dies a little inside at this answer*

What one piece of art might Violet say adequately summarizes her emotional journey since the events of Embrace?

I don't know that any one art piece sums up Violet. But I have often found myself looking at this depiction of The Last Judgement and thinking of my characters and the roles they play.

There’s something undeniably appealing about a bad boy, and Phoenix wears that label rather deliciously. Would Phoenix attach a different label to himself if asked?

At times I think he would be very comfortable with the bad boy image. But really, I think Phoenix is often looking for something with more substance. He just struggles to make the appropriate changes to get there.

What is one quirk Lincoln has that he’d be embarrassed by if Violet found out about it?

He can dance. Like really dance - ballroom dance! And she will find out...one day. ;-)

All the books in the series have single word titles that begin with the letter “e”. Were there any other title frontrunners for this third book that you can share?

I think EMBLAZE found its title fairly easily. I remember we almost called ENTICE, EXILE instead but there were a few books around with that title. I think for EMBLAZE we considered ENTRAP and maybe ENDURE but EMBLAZE was an easy pick in the end (once you've read it you'll know why).

Let’s say your characters get to spend a half hour with you in which they can ask you any questions they want about their world or how you wrote them; whose questions would you fear answering most?

Probably Steph. She would come at me all guns blazing wanting to know what the hell I was thinking and how I could have made things so hard for Vi. Yep, definitely Steph (never mess with a gal's bestie!).

If Violet were to paint a mural based on Emblaze, what color would be predominant in her palette?

Red. Things get more than a little fiery in this book!

Thanks so much Jessica for stopping by!

• • • • • • • • • •

JESSICA SHIRVINGTON


One day, instead of picking up a new book, I started to write. The first name that came to mind was Violet. From there the rest naturally followed. I can honestly say, once Violet was discovered – she really did write the rest of the book!

Writing this book has drawn on my life experience – in my travels around the world and the different people I have met. It draws on love and loss and the overall confusion that comes with growing up. It also looks to many of my friends and their experiences.

I have always loved ancient history – tales and stories of the best kind.

More information on Jessica and her books can be found here:


• • • • • • • • • • 

EMBLAZE

Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable.

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too.

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to...

Can't wait to read Emblaze? Then check out an excerpt HERE.

• • • • • • • • • •

 GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the fabulous people at Sourcebooks, I have one copy of Emblaze to give away on the blog today! To enter, please just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to US and Canada only, good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

50 comments:

  1. Well I guess if I ever pick up the first book I will be able to read these straight through,which is nice.
    I have to admit I'm more interested in them after reading this fantastic interview.
    I always find it interesting how authors come up with titles. I know that's one thing I would have a very hard time doing!

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    1. Yes, reading these straight through would be really nice. I had forgotten a lot between books 1 and two and therefore was lost a bit, but luckily that wasn't an issue with book 3:)

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  2. I really need to move forward with this series.. I only read the first book, but there I feel in love with Phoenix who will turn so bad in the next book? I'm scared..
    But now, Lincoln asked this question *dies a little with Jenny* and now I'm back in ... Ok.. need to read these books!

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    1. YOU DO DANNY! And surprisingly, I'm backing Lincoln in this series rather than bad boy Phoenix. I KNOW! That almost never happens, but I can't not love Lincoln:)

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  3. Great interview. I loved the first two books in this series, and can't wait for the third. I can't wait to see how it turns out :)

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    1. I hope you love it as much as I did Felicia!

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  4. Jenny this is another series that I seriously would love, lately I've found myself in the mood for books which leave you an emotional mess, even though I look like a complete disaster for work the next morning. Also it's no surprise that this fantastic series is by an Aussie author, they always have the best ones out there *cries* I'm totally up for moving out there with you. I'll just go pack... ;)

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    1. If you want to be an emotional mess, look no further Jasprit. I was all over the place in this third book! Vi and Lincoln make my heart hurt:)

      Also, let's start looking at flights... ;-)

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  5. Great interview! I've been curious about this series! Covers are awesome!

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  6. I love how authors come up with titles. It is always fascinating to me how the finishing touches come into place :)

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    1. SAME! Especially when there's an obvious connection between each of the titles - they all start with the same letter or use at least one of the same words book to book.

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  7. *pages through book, looking for ballroom dancing scene* Kidding...but the next story TOTALLY NEEDS ONE!!! I love how in-depth authors get with their characters, building all this backstory that may or may not ever be used. I like the dancing bit...

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    1. I so hope we get that dancing scene Mary! Maybe in the last book:)

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  8. Love this interview! I just started this series a few months ago and can't wait to read Emblaze. I can't wait for this ballroom dancing scene. I love Lincoln!

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    1. It's SO GOOD Christina. I loved every second of it:)

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  9. Thanks for doing this giveaway! I have the first book waiting to be read on my Kindle....
    wol_f21(at)hotmail(dot) com

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  10. Great interview! Love this series!

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  11. I really need to read this series. I actually have book 1. I got the hardback on sale at Amazong for like $8 and then I snagged an ARC of the second one at BEA ... Yeah, I need to read this one ASAP. My friend has been gushing about this series (she just read the first two and is dying for the third).

    Great interview - I love how it was more character based. Apparently Phoenix is some awesome guy...? ;)

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    1. I sent you a whole email about it, but bottom line, READ THIS SERIES!

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  12. Gorgeous cover... Made you an emotional mess...

    Time to search for the first in this series to add to my TBR...

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  13. Aaah this reminds me I need to catch up on this series, like ASAP. I'm still on book two! Oh my god, I'm dying with Lincoln love here. His question for Violet is making me want to cry! And I had no idea he was a dancer, though it doesn't surprise me that he knows how to move in all arenas. :-)

    And yay for Steph sticking it to Jessica! You don't mess with a MC's life and expect her bestie not to step up guns blazing.

    Amazing interview, Jenny. Can't wait to read your review of Emblaze!

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  14. I have not read this series, but a character who ballroom dances *swoons* Thanks for sharing, loved the interview and now I find myself curious about Lincoln!

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  15. I have not had a chance to check out this series even though I know it has been good for you,Jenny. I am excited to hear that it gets better and better that is always a good sign. Ahh Phoenix can ballroom dance, that is so sexy. Can he sing, too?

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  16. I do not know Lincoln or Phoneix, but I see tension is in the air ;)

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  17. I haven't read this series but loved the interview...and I want to know who Phoenix is now! lol

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  18. I love the covers for this series, so I really need to start reading them as well. Great interview, Jenny!(:

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  19. Read that first one and so I gotta know more. I am now behind on this series too much! NEEDS to read the next two and that interview made me want to read it more. A mural in red? Too cool!

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  20. Red, really? Awesome!! Red is a great signifier of good things to come :)

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  21. I consider moving to Australia on a regular basis. They have all the best books. ;)

    Great interview, ladies! I haven't met Lincoln yet, but he can ballroom dance?! I sense a very entertaining scene on the way. :)

    I really need to get started on these books soon!

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  23. Jenny! You know I entered to win this book! I can't wait to read it. SO. FREAKING. EXCITED!!

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  24. I love a good series and this sounds soooo good. I can't wait to read them all.

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  25. Thanks for the great review! I just got the first book for my kindle and it so fun to find out more about this world :) Thanks for sharing!

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  26. You know, I have yet to read the first book and so I don't know what to ask. I like that the author is inspired by art. I've often wondered the real stories behind paintings. What was going on in the subject's minds while they pose? I love the book (and the movie) "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" because we get to see a fictional idea of what was truly going on.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    mestith at gmail dot com

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  27. Jenny-
    I haven't even read the first book in this series, can the third book really already be out? And reading the interview questions I know I have to have the story. And I don't like angels for the most part (except Patch, always room for Patch). Anyway, it's the interview. If you'd ask boring questions, I wouldn't want to read it. But you ask, the author is interesting and there you go, I'm buying three books.
    (Four) I will however move to Australia with you except they have these huge spiders, I'm talking dinner plate size. You have to kill them. Maybe we could just visit? There are a couple of authors I'd like to visit there.

    Trying to say, Great interview!
    Heather

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  28. I am so looking forward to reading this.
    - Tia S.

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  29. Halfway through "Entice" Can't wait!

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  30. Definitely like the title "Emblaze" best and matches well with the more fiery plot!

    Thanks,
    Leanne

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  31. Such a great series. I get sucked into each book. I can't wait to see what Violet gets into next.

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  32. I love this interview. Now I really want to meet Lincoln and Phoenix. I have the first book and now I really want to get started on it. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  33. SO excited for this book!! I am a huge Lincoln fan and am kinda really hoping that we'll get to see that ballroom dancing scene with him and Vi :)

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  34. I would love to read this series. It sounds very good. Thanks for the interview and giveaway. Please enter me. Tore923@aol.com

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  35. Great interview and book series!

    -Caitlin E

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  36. I love Steph. She's a nerd, has great fashion style and is loyal; I sometimes like her a lot more than Violet :)

    I wonder when Violet will find out about Lincoln's ability to dance ...

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  37. I am really interested to see what happens in Emblaze!

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  38. Thanks for the interview. I plan on devouring the entire series this summer by the pool.

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