Thursday, April 12, 2012

Brodi Ashton Author Interview


Photo Content from Brodi Ashton

Because of two parents who were Greek myth geeks, I grew up thinking the latest fashion trends were inspired by Aphrodite, and a good conversational opener was, “So, which mythological character do you most resemble?” Despite these social shortcomings, I found a great husband who’s always my first reader. We live in Utah with our two young boys, who still have no idea why I'm at the computer all the time.

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. 


        

Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and that's where I currently call home.

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
Oh, that's a good question! Ummm... I learned to use active voice instead of passive voice. (From Journalism classes)

What made you take the plunge and start writing?
I wrote a lot for my major in journalism, and then I wrote for several television news stations. But it wasn't until I was compiling memories of my grandmother who passed away ten years ago that I started to write for fun.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
Yes and no. It took me a long time to finish my first book, find my first agent, fail to get it published, write another book, find another agent... but then when he submitted my second book to publishers (EVERNEATH) it sold in two days.

What was your first introduction to YA literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?
A WRINKLE IN TIME, by Madeline L'Engle.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Everneath, how would you introduce it?
It's the story of a girl who has been trapped in Hell for a hundred years, and gets to return to her high school and the life she had before. But she only has six months to say her goodbyes and find redemption, if it exists, before the Tunnels of Hell come for her again.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating the underworld called Everneath?
I was surprised that the Immortals who live in the Everneath could do such despicable things and yet still make me feel sympathize. More specifically, I was surprised that Cole could make me feel sorry for him.

If you could introduce Nikki to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I'd introduce her to Katniss. Because if anyone has the chance to ever meet another literary character, it should always be Katniss.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Cole?
Um, he was a viking before he became an immortal. And he's had his heart broken before.

Where did you get your idea for Jack?
My mom used to tell me stories of how she dated the high school quarterback, and he always sounded so darn all-American-golden-boy. I wanted to take the typical "hero" type of guy, and give him a bit of an edge, and also show that the "football jock" doesn't have to be a jerk.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I just finished the sequel for EVERNEATH, and even though I can't share a lot about the plot, I always tell readers that if they've finished EVERNEATH, they will have a good idea of what needs to happen in EVERNEATH 2, and where, exactly, Nikki needs to go.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
That's a good question! Um... If I always lied about something, would I really admit to what it was?

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Getting emails from readers who have connected with the book. I will never get sick of those.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Mary Shelley

What was a time in your life when you were really scared?
When my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?
Any of the creatures who can fly. I want to fly.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?
keys, phone, notebook, pen


Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she’s returned—to her old life, her family, her boyfriend—before she’s banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance—and the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

As Nikki’s time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s queen.

Everneath is a captivating story of love, loss, and immortality from debut author Brodi Ashton.


Praise for EVERNEATH

“Ashton’s debut, is complex and intriguing. Drawing inspiration from such myths as Osiris, Orpheus, and Persephone, it explores the nature of loss and longing and what it means to be alive.” Publishers Weekly

“I was pulled under by this bittersweet, beautiful retelling of the Persephone myth. Ashton’s lovely storytelling and strong-on-her-own-terms main character set this one apart. Wonderful!” Ally Condie, author of the MATCHED trilogy

“The powerful emotions, moving and painful rebuilding of strained relationships, and star-crossed love story is sure to resonate with teen readers.” School Library Journal

“The author brings a fresh, innovative concept to young adult fiction with well-developed characters and a fantastic plot line .... Libraries are advised to buy multiple copies-this one will fly off the shelves.” VOYA starred review

“Enthralling and suspenseful, EVERNEATH is pure indulgent escapism!” Becca Fitzpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of HUSH, HUSH and CRESCENDO



Everneath is an impressive debut novel by Brodi Ashton. It is a compellingly beautiful contemporary version of a Greek classic. Ashton puts the reader in the eyes of Nikki, a teenage girl who went missing for six months, only to inexplicably resurface one day in her hometown. No one knows where she went. She doesn’t tell anyone. But in that six months, she lived an entire century in the Everneath, a dimension dominated by a race of immortals called the Everiling.

The plot really picks up after Nikki learns she only has six months in her world before she is summoned back into the Everneath. She was not suppose to endure the century long process. She had the choice of joining the Everlings but she refused. As a result, she will be thrown into the Tunnels, where she will suffer until her life ends. But before this occurs, she is back in her world for six months and Nikki tries to spend every moment with the people she loves.

Brodi Ashton’s writing approach gracefully suited the plot. She radiantly merges magical storytelling, excellent writing, and appealing characters to formulate a total reading pleasure. Through vibrant words, she brings life into Nikki’s character. She equally manages to do this for all of the characters. Readers will find Jack likeable and feel compassion for Cole. The Greek Mythology tie-in was written well and blended flawlessly with the storyline. The ending presented a tear-jerking surprise and Ashton accomplishes to tie up all of the loose ends to put an end to book one, while leaving enough mystery for the next installment.

You can purchase Everneath at the following Retailers:
    

And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you BRODI ASHTON for making this giveaway possible.
1 Winner will receive a copy of Everneath, Bookmark & Tattoo by Brodi Ashton.
jbnpastinterviews

84 comments:

  1. I would like to meet Margaret Weis

    if we are talking any time period I'dhave to say Edgar Allen Poe

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  2. Great interview! Thank you so much for sharing and for the opportunity!

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  3. OH! and would love to meet JK Rowling.

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  4. I would love to travel back in time and meet Jane Austin!

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  5. I would love to meet Anne Rice or Chuck Palahniuk. Thank you for the awesome giveaway!

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  6. I would like to meet Laurel K. Hamilton:)

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  7. Awesome interview!really enjoyed reading it!I can't wait to meet Jk Rowling and Arthur Conan Doyle!The characters jack Cole Nikki seem amazing!can't wait to read it! Moreover the idea of Everneath is just so wonderful an innovative love it!Thank You so very Much!
    Regards
    Iqra Kamil
    Hilianthus01love@hotmail.com

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  8. I would LOVE to meet Diana Wynne Jones, but she passed away last year. Of the living, I'd love to meet Miyuki Miyabe, author of Brave Story.

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  9. Great interview. any of the amazing indie authors that are around(ie Jackie Chanel, D.D Scott etc).

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  10. There are SOOO many authors I'd love to meet! If "time" wasn't an issue, then I'd say L.M. Montgomery. But, if it was based on someone current, then it'd be Colleen Houck or Lisa T. Bergren. See, I can't pick jut one! ;)

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  11. Tons. I feel like meeting Maureen Johnson would be an experience.

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  12. So many... but then wonder what I would talk about with them.

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  13. J.K. Rowling!! And I've heard that Lauren Oliver is really nice, so I'd love to meet her too. Even though I haven't read her books :)

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  14. I would love to meet Shelly Crane and Quinn Loftis.

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  15. WOW an Author to meet, UMMM I dont have one there are too many!!;))))))))))) thanks or the giveaway!;)) hehehe

    bella

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  16. I reallyyyyyyy wanna meet Jennifer Armentrout. Her books are awesome, as well as she is extremely cool. I also would love to meet Kristin Cashore, because she seems more of an intellectual minded person, and i would have a thorough conversation with her about so many things :D
    Thanks!!!!
    Alyssa S.

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  17. Stephen King he has been my favourite author since I was 8 years old

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  18. I would love to meet Cassandra Clare or Carrie Jones, in fact I have a list :)

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  19. I would love to meet Suzanne Collins! And JR Ward, and Nora Roberts, and Lisa Kleypas and Kimberly Derting... ^^ but Collins is my #1! Thanks for the giveaway! (ileana on Rf)

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  20. There are so many authors I would love to meet! JR Ward, Richelle Mead, KMM, and a lot of indie authors!

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  21. I would love to meet Beth Moore! Love that Woman!

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  22. Thank you Jean and Brodi so much!!!

    I would love to meet Julia Quinn and Lynsay Sands :) :)

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  23. Great interview!!
    I would love to meet Richelle Mead, Cassandra Clare and Chloe Neill

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  24. I would love to meet Stephen King :) I grew up reading his books and am still a huge fan of his writing! I think it would be a fantastic experience to be able to meet him, although I would probably be to stunned and freaked out to say anything LOL

    Thanks for a great contest~!

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  25. I'd love to meet Orlando Bloom, lol!
    That is!

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  26. mmmm... I think I was blind and confused about the word author!
    Cassie Clare and Holly Black, they together are dinamite!

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  27. I have so many Idie authors I'd love to meet. Nora Roberts is a big one for me, I'm a huge fan of her books. :)

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  28. wow thanks for the amazing giveaway
    i would LOVE to meet george RR martin and tell him to hurry up with the last two game of thrones books LOL

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  29. Thank you for this amazing giveaway. <3 I would love to meet Veronica Roth :D And I am going to meet her in July :D:D:D So I would also love to meet Kristin Cashore. <3

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  30. I'm *hopefully* meeting Rachel Caine in May when she tours the UK, and I am SOOOO excited! :) But I'd just love to meet Joanne Rowling <3 Thanks for the giveaway Jean

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  31. I would love to meet Larissa Ione, Charlaine Harris, Rachel Caine, the list could go on and on :)

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  32. Yes. Angela Corbett and Cassandra Clare.

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  33. I'd love to meet Cassabdra Clare, JK Rowling, and Suzanne Collins.

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  34. Not really... It would ruin things for me if I don't like the author...

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  35. There are many authors i would like to meet...like suzanne collins, leah clifford, karsten knight, scott tracey, gena showalter, marissa meyer, etc.

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  36. I would love to meet Lauren Kate!
    Thank you for this giveaway

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  37. I'd love to meet Michelle Moran! Or Jennifer L. Armentrout, Kristin Cashore or Emily White. :D

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  38. Hmm...Either Christopher Paolini or J.K. Rowling

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  39. I would love to meet Tara Hudson! :)

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  40. A LOT. But since I live in the middle of nowhere, I don't think I'll be able to meet that many. I'd personally love to meet Sophie Jordan, Bree Despain, Julie Kagawa and Tahereh Mafi. But, yep, that's just the beginning of the list :)

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  41. I would love to meet Jana Oliver, Veronica Roth, Cassandra Clare and a lot of other authors.

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  42. i'd love to meet John Green, Cath Crowley and J.K. Rowling. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  43. It would be interesting to meet Brodi.

    Cherry Mischievous

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  44. I would really love to meet Stephen King or Dean Koontz!

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  45. I would like to meet a few authors. But i dont think i will ever get the chance i live in Puerto Rico none of the Authors i love come to this little island so just read as much as i can and share my book love with other online =)

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  46. It would be really cool to meet Brodi Ashton... and Anne Rice :)

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  47. Oh man, there are so many authors I would like to meet! I would love to meet Shannon Delany, Melissa Marr, Lisa Desrochers, Julie Kagawa, Rachel Caine, Marie Lu, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Vincent.....I could go on forever!!

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  48. Great interview and giveaway! Thanks so much!!

    I had the chance to meet Cassandra Clare, but due to health reasons, I couldn't go. So she would be the author that I would love to meet!

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  49. Kim Derting, Maggie Stiefvater and Leah Clifford... *______*

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  50. Oh, c'mon, just one? Because I'd LOVE to meeth Isabell Allende. Even in a authograp/picture/Hell-O way.

    & Tahereh Mafi!

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  51. there are lots of authors i'd really like to meet! maureen johnson, lauren oliver, maggie stiefvater, i could go on and on : )

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  52. I'd like to meet Armistead Maupin
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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  53. J.K. Rowling, without a doubt.
    Also, Richelle Mead :)

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  54. I would love to meet JK Rowling, Cassandra Clare, Maggie Stiefvater...the list goes on and on. :)

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  55. There are tonnes of authors that I would love to meet! Cassandra Clare is probably the one that I'd like to meet the most though! :D

    Thanks for the giveaway! :D

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  56. Cassandra Clare, JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, Richelle Mead, Julie Kagawa... I could go on forever...

    Vivian M

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  57. I would really like to meet Cassandra Clare, Richelle Mead, Rachel Vincent and Jennifer Armentrout and like a gazillion others.

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  58. My life would be complete if I met Cassandra Clare and Maggie Stiefvater. :)

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  59. I would like to meet L.J. Smith, Rick Riordan, Suzanne Collins, Stephenie Meyer and Cassandra Claire. Oh how i wish.

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  60. There are too many author I would like to meet but I'm dying to meet Paulo Coelho. I think is one of the most interesting person in the world.
    Thank you for the giveaway,
    Artemis

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  61. Ooh there are so many authors I would love to meet like J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Cassandra Clare, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, Ann Brashares, Hilary Duff (Well, she's an author now ;)), Gail Carriger, Meg Cabot, Amy Plum and so many many more :)

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  62. Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to meet a ton of authors, especially Anne Rice!

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  63. Cassandra Clare <3 and so many more

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  64. Cassandra clare and josie angelini:D

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  65. So many I would love to meetk J R Ward, Ednah walter, Jennifer Laurens, tooooooooooooo many !!! lol.

    Meeting any author I follow would be a treat !
    kat

    kittee_cat@bigpond.com

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  66. Gena Showalter would have to be the one I pick along with Jeaniene Frost and Faith Hunter! They seem like they would be great to just have a chat with!

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    Nat.
    xox

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  67. I would really love to meet Trudi Canavan. I've loved her books for years and really they where what made me have my love of epic type fantasies.

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  68. I want to meet D.J MacHale, James Patterson, and Darren Shan sooo baaaad :(

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  69. Maybe Richelle Mead, because her Vampire Academy books are the first series I really LOVED.

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  70. Well there are several authors I would love to meet:
    Ted Dekker
    Tahereh Mafi
    Cassandre Clare
    Ellen Schreiber
    Rachel Caine
    Becca Fitzpatrick
    Cynthia Hand

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  71. Lots of authors, but the first that comes to my mind is JK Rowling.

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  72. Hey, I live in Salt lake too, yay!! As an avid reader it's so hard to just pick one. But if I have to just pick one and my arm is getting twisted, then it would be Julie Garwood. I am so in love with her books <3 ...sigh!!

    rasberryice25@yahoo.com

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