Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Veronica Rossi Author Interview


Photo Content Taken from Veronica Rossi

Veronica Rossi is a best selling author of fiction for young adults. Her debut novel, UNDER THE NEVER SKY, was the first in a post-apocalyptic trilogy. Released in January 2012, it was deemed one of the Best Books of Year by School Library Journal. The series appeared in the NY Times and USA Today best seller lists and was published in over 25 foreign markets.

Her second series for young adults will begin with RIDERS (published February 16, 2016), the story of four modern day teens who become incarnations of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and the prophetic girl who brings them together.

Veronica completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA and then went on to study fine art at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. She is a lifelong reader and artist. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she has lived in Mexico, Venezuela, and all over the United States, to finally settle in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

When not writing, Veronica enjoys reading (it’s worth repeating), painting, and running. She does NOT like anything involving numbers, the addition of them, subtraction of them, you name it. They terrify her. Her obsessions generally lead to fictional works. Currently, she’s exploring New York City during the Revolutionary War.

Don’t tread on me. (If you know what that means, then you are my people!)

What else? This is getting more fun, isn’t it?

She–okay, I–am a huge fan of the SF Giants and the Golden State Warriors. I know, I know. Book types and sporty types shouldn’t be one in the same, but what can I say? I’m breaking the mold. Continuing. I have an irrational love of elephants. They make me cry, but it’s the best kind of cry. On other end of the spectrum, I abhor the shrill squeak styrofoam makes when it’s coming out of a box. Just typing that sentence made me want to scream. Needless to say, Christmas is great, but also really tough on me.

It’s probably time to wrap this up. If you’re here, it’s likely because you’ve read one of my books, or because you’re thinking about reading one of my books. Either way, thank you. Writing fulfills me like nothing else and I feel exceedingly fortunate to also call it my profession.

        


Series: Riders (Book 2)
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (May 16, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765382563
ISBN-13: 978-0765382566


Praise for THE SEEKERS

"The feeling of imminent danger and the constant battles with terrifying creatures help bring this vivid story to life. However, the depth of characterization is what will make readers connect to this small group of teens on a mission to save humanity. Gideon and Daryn display a powerful chemistry from their very first meeting, while the personality conflicts between Gideon and his fellow horsemen keep this adventure both intense and humorous." RT Book Reviews, Top Pick!



What was your first introduction to YA literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?
Well, before it was even called “YA” officially, I was reading Judy Blume’s Forever and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. But when the genre really became more solidified, books like Kristin Cashore’s Graceling and MT Anderson’s FEED really captivated me.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
Everything influences me. I know that’s a bit of a cop-out answer, but I’m a firm believer that everything we think, touch, see, experience becomes part of the creative soup. That’s why I’ve become much more careful about what I watch, read, and listen to. I am selective than ever about what kind of influences I want to internalize!

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Dedicated. Loving. Grateful.

Did you learn anything from writing SEEKER and what was it?
SEEKER was the first book I’ve written where the theme was most important to me. I knew before I knew almost anything else that ideas like forgiveness and redemption would take center stage. That was new for me. It was challenging! But I think just focusing on ideas so intensely taught me a lot. It definitely made me think about those concepts more in my own life.

What part of Daryn did you enjoy writing the most?
Daryn’s such an independent person. I love that about her. She’s a total survivor. I’m so much more attached to people, places, things. I need my kids. I need my dog. I need my comfortable sweatpants. Need, need, need. So it was really fun to write a character who had such spare needs. She has herself. It counts for soooo much with her, and I admire that.

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
Oh, I think I’d love to introduce Gideon (RIDERS) to Roar (UTNS). I think they’d be great friends. I’d also love to introduce Daryn and Perry. I feel like they could be siblings. Or cousins.

Which character have you enjoyed getting to know while writing RIDERS Series?
All of them. Seriously. If you’re not enjoying getting to know your characters, I think, then you’re on the wrong track.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Mentor? Um…gosh! Anthony Doerr. Maybe I could convince him to do a reverse-mentorship! Hahaha.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?
Life advice? Live every minute to the fullest. Reading advice? Read good books!

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?

I just recently wrote letters with quill and ink to some friends as an experiment. I wanted to see how it would feel. I ended up with black-stained fingers for a week!

What is your greatest adventure?
Life!

Thanks so much for having me today, Jean!


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Veronica Rossi's new fantasy adventure in the Rider series—Seeker .

When Daryn claimed she was seeing visions during her sophomore year of high school, no one believed the truth. She wasn't losing her mind, she was gaining the Sight the ability to see the future. If she just paid attention to the visions, they'd provide her with clues and show her how she could help people. Really help them. Daryn embraced her role as a Seeker. The work she did was important. She saved lives.

Until Sebastian.

Sebastian was her first and worst mistake.

Since the moment she inadvertently sealed him in a dark dimension with Samrael the last surviving demon in the Kindred guilt has plagued her. Daryn knows Sebastian is alive and waiting for help. It's up to her to rescue him. But now that she needs the Sight more than ever to guide her, the visions have stopped.

Daryn must rely on her instincts, her intelligence, and on blind faith to lead the riders who are counting on her in search of Sebastian. As they delve into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems and where Samrael is steadily amassing power, Daryn faces the ultimate test. Will she have to become evil to destroy evil? The very fate of humankind rests in the answer.

You can purchase Seeker at the following Retailers:
        

And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you VERONICA ROSSI AND TOR for making this giveaway possible.
10 Winners will receive a Copy of SEEKERS and Swag 
(Glow in the Dark Bracelet and Stickers) by Veronica Rossi.
WEEK ONE
MAY 8th MONDAY Bookish Things & More REVIEW
MAY 8th MONDAY Mary Had a Little Book Blog REVIEW
MAY 9th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW 
MAY 9th TUESDAY Sara is Reading and Listening to What REVIEW
MAY 10th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within a Dream REVIEW
MAY 10th WEDNESDAY Here's to Happy Endings REVIEW 
MAY 10th WEDNESDAY Mother.Gamer Writer REVIEW 
MAY 11th THURSDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW
MAY 11th THURSDAY Novel Heartbeat REVIEW

WEEK TWO

MAY 12th FRIDAY Bibliobibuli YA REVIEW
MAY 12th FRIDAY The Reader Lines REVIEW
MAY 13th SATURDAY Take Me Away To A Great Read REVIEW
MAY 13th SATURDAY Taking It One Book at a Time REVIEW
MAY 14th SUNDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW
MAY 14th SUNDAY Reading for the Stars and Moon REVIEW
MAY 15th MONDAY Book Lady's Reviews REVIEW
MAY 15th MONDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
MAY 16th TUESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
MAY 17th WEDNESDAY Book Briefs REVIEW
jbnpastinterviews

3 comments:

  1. If the whole world were listening: Vasectomies should be free.

    ReplyDelete
  2. If the whole world were listening, I would probably say hello

    ReplyDelete