Kristen Simmons Author Interview

Photo Content from Kristen Simmons

Kristen Simmons is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, and METALTOWN. She has worked with survivors of abuse and trauma as a mental health therapist, taught Jazzercise in five states, and is forever in search of the next best cupcake. Currently she lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, where she spends her days supporting the caffeine industry and chasing her delightfully rambunctious son.

        

Series: Article 5 (Book 2)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (January 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 076532962X
ISBN-13: 978-0765329622

Praise for BREAKING POINT

“This action-packed novel is a dystopian unlike any other I have read.” —The Huffington Post on Article 5

“Fans of dystopian books will love this debut novel, the first in a series.” —School Library Journal on Article 5

“[A] gripping, atmospheric story of survival. Alongside a fierce depiction of oppressive government, Simmons has created a bleak portrait of an America lost. I could hardly put it down.” —Kendare Blake, author of Anna Dressed in Blood on Article 5

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
I think people expect me to be a really angry and have a negative outlook on the world based on the books I write. Not so! I’m a happy person! I like high-fives, and funny movies, and Jazzercise! And using excessive exclamation points!

What do you feel is the most significant change since Article 5?
Breaking Point shifts gears a bit. In Article 5, Chase and Ember are primary on the run. In the next book they dig in and begin to fight back. They go from playing defense to offense.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Ember?
I’m always impressed by how strong she is. She’s not naturally a hunter; she’s a survivor. Resisting the Moral Militia forces her to stretch in ways she never thought she would.

Which of your characters do you feel has grown the most since book 1 and in what way have they changed?
Sean! I didn’t plan on him being so important to Ember or the story, but he is. In Article 5, Sean is Ember’s guard at the reformatory. In Breaking Point he will become an important ally and friend, and in book 3…well, we’ll talk about that later. :)

For those who are unfamiliar with Chase, how would you introduce him?
I would say, “Hi. I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Chase.”

And then when he stepped outside to check the perimeter of the building for any potential security breaches, I would say, “He’s working through some pretty tough times right now. Don’t worry if he seems quiet, we’re safe as long as he’s around.” And then when he came back inside I would add, “Yeah. He’s pretty hot, I agree.”

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I would introduce BOTH Ember and Chase to Mrs. Collins from Katie McGarry’s Pushing The Limits (Harlequin Teen, 2012). Mrs. Collins is a clinical social worker (Yay clinical social workers!!), and a great trauma therapist. Ember and Chase could really benefit from talking through the things they’ve been through. Everyone can benefit from a little bit of therapy.

Where is the best place in the world you’ve been?
I would have to say Lake Tahoe. I grew up in Northern Nevada, and have a special place in my heart for Tahoe. The water is cold and clear. The air smells like pine trees. In the winter everything is blanketed in clean, white snow. There’s no place in the world like it.

Who was your first boyfriend?
I “went out” (though we never actually went anywhere) with a boy in the 8th grade named Russell. He invited me to the Christmas dance via a friend of a friend. I don’t think we spoke, or even made eye contact once we became boyfriend and girlfriend. The tragic love affair ended the next day, when the same friend of a friend told me he’d “fallen in love” with a seventh grader. That seventh grader had some nerve.

Tell me about your first kiss
Oh boy.

It was later that year (8th grade), and my best friend’s mom had driven she and I to a group date at the movies (her mom may have been under the impression it was just girls). The boy, we’ll call him D, was approximately six inches shorter than me and had eaten a lot of orange tic tacs. I remember thinking, “This is the grossest thing. Why do people like this?”

What’s your most missed memory?
Square dancing with my dad in the kitchen to Garth Brooks songs. When I got married, we did the same thing for the father-daughter dance. It was great.

What's the memorable summer job you've ever had?
Selling shoes at Sears 3 days a week. Selling shoes at Macy’s 3 days a week. That’s 6 days of stinky summer feet and building massive shoebox castles in the storeroom.

What did the last text message on your phone say?
“Why a z on LOL? What is LOLz? Tired LOL? Like, zzzzz…I’m sleep LOLing?”

What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or that you do not love them back?
To tell someone I don’t love them back would be terrible. Luckily, this hasn’t happened. Everyone that’s said they love me, I love them too!

The second installment in Kristen Simmons's fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series.

After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.

Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….

Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.

Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.

With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?

Kristen Simmons continues her riveting dystopian series, Article 5, with the second book, Breaking Point. Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have successfully escaped prison and are now staying below the radar of the Federal Bureau of Reformation. Their plan of laying low does not last long as they are quickly recognized and taken in by The Resistance, a group that wants to take down the government. When a nameless assassin is killing FBR soldiers, the government compiles their most wanted list and Ember is on the top. With a huge target on her back and an order to have her killed, it is more difficult for her to hide her identity. Even The Resistance is beginning to scrutinize her every move. There is so much at stake that the easy route would be to run and go into hiding, but a part of her wants to fight back.

This is one of the most compelling stories I have recently read. The plot will completely have readers’ attention and manages to keep it throughout. The predicaments that the characters are faced to deal with are difficult and choices are made that will change their stance on certain things. The romance takes a forward step and raises the temperature. Although there is fighting and trusting in the relationship, Ember and Chase will continue to fight for each other. Their relationship feels like a facet of the bigger picture. Trying to decipher their bond will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

This amazing world that Kristen has created is completely engrossing. The events within The Resistance and the FBR’s mission to find Ember and Chase produced many intense and powerful scenes. This fast-paced roller coaster of a ride will reveal some shocking twists that will eventually play into the next installment. Kristen’s elegant writing style is highly admirable and maintains a story that is gripping and smart. She expertly delivers incredible characters in such a fascinating plot that readers will find Breaking Point to be a wild and exciting ride of satisfaction.

You can purchase Breaking Point at the following Retailers:

    

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you KRISTEN SIMMONS AND TOR for making this giveaway possible.

 1 Winner will receive One Signed Copy of Breaking Point,
Postcard & Button by Kristen Simmons.

3 Winners will receive One Finished Copy of Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons.
7 Winners will receive One Breaking Point Postcard & Button by Kristen Simmons.

1 Winner will receive One poster, One Bookmark, and One button of a
Surprise Art by James Vallesteros.

10 Winners will receive One bookmark of a Surprise Art by James Vallesteros.

WEEK ONE

JANUARY 21st MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
JANUARY 22nd TUESDAY Me, My Shelf and I GUEST POST
JANUARY 23rd WEDNESDAY Silver Wings Review THIS OR THAT
JANUARY 24th THURSDAY Chapter by Chapter REVIEW

JANUARY 24th THURSDAY Beneath the Moon and Stars EXCERPT

JANUARY 25th FRIDAY A Dream Within a Dream REVIEW

JANUARY 25th FRIDAY Books Over Boys MUSIC PLAYLIST

JANUARY 26th SATURDAY Beneath the Cover REVIEW

JANUARY 26th SATURDAY Fiktshun GUEST POST

JANUARY 27th SUNDAY Owl Read It REVIEW

JANUARY 27th SUNDAY Candace’s Book Blog GUEST POST

WEEK TWO

JANUARY 28th MONDAY Tsk What to Read REVIEW

JANUARY 29th TUESDAY Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace REVIEW

JANUARY 30th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW

JANUARY 31st THURSDAY Framed in Words EXCERPT

FEBRUARY 1st FRIDAY Mundie Moms REVIEW

FEBRUARY 1st FRIDAY Intoxicated by Books EXCERPT

FEBRUARY 2nd SATURDAY BookVille REVIEW

FEBRUARY 3rd SUNDAY Sassy Book Lovers REVIEW & EXCERPT

WEEK THREE

FEBRUARY 3rd SUNDAY Little Book Star SPOTLIGHT

FEBRUARY 3rd SUNDAY Book Pics REVIEW

FEBRUARY 4th MONDAY Book Nerd Canada REVIEW & EXCERPT

FEBRUARY 4th MONDAY Ever and Ever Sight DREAM CAST

FEBRUARY 4th MONDAY Rose’s Book Corner FAVORITE THINGS

FEBRUARY 5th TUESDAY Ya-aholic EXCERPT

FEBRUARY 5th TUESDAY James Vallesteros ARTWORK

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Kristen Simmons Author Interview

Photo Content from Kristen Simmons

Kristen Simmons is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, and METALTOWN. She has worked with survivors of abuse and trauma as a mental health therapist, taught Jazzercise in five states, and is forever in search of the next best cupcake. Currently she lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, where she spends her days supporting the caffeine industry and chasing her delightfully rambunctious son.

        

Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
I think it was when I finished my first epic, award-worthy novel: The Adventures of Jammie. (Jammie was my hamster at the time. He was very talented - went to the Olympics, climbed Mt. Rushmore, etc.) I was very young, but remember how good it felt to put the pencil to paper and write.

Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
Storytelling is how we relate to each other. It's how we make sense of our own lives - within the context of the past, and compared to the experiences of others.It's also crucial, I think, for emotional growth. We need to imagine different ways of being and different ways of thinking in order to evolve as humans.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
A very close writer friend of mine always reminds me to complicate characters, not plot. It's excellent advice I think!

In your new book; Article 5, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
Sure! ARTICLE 5 is the first in a trilogy. Here is a little more about it:

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials and maybe worse. People who get arrested don’t usually come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. That life in the United States used to be different.

In the three years since the war ended, Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs—like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes—and how to pass the random home inspections by the Federal Bureau of Reformation. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And what’s worse, one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

I hope that readers think that it's entertaining, but that it also makes them think about some of the bigger issues in life - like what freedoms and liberties we take for granted, who really matters, and what issues are worth defending.

If you could introduce Ember to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I would introduce her to Katsa from GRACELING. In ARTICLE 5, Ember is just trying to survive the system by flying under the radar, but she gets tougher as a result of surviving her circumstances. I think she needs a girlfriend like Katsa who could help her beef up her survival skills.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I don't necessarily feel like I did, but that Ember did. She wanted people to know what was happening in her world - the injustice and oppression that she faced on a daily basis. She wanted to remind people that you can only take so much. The time will come for everyone to stand up and fight for what they believe in.

What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
I am delighted to say that Tor Teen and I will be continuing our relationship following the ARTICLE 5 trilogy for three more books! They are all single stories, and again, young adult books. The first is entitled THE GLASS ARROW and is about a girl running from those who would auction off her reproductive rights. The second is called METALTOWN and is about a group who take on the most dangerous men in the city - their employers - for fair working rights in the midst of famine and war. The third...well that's a secret!

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
I will always answer how old I am, but very rarely with the correct number. :)

What’s the best advice you can give writers to help them develop their own unique voice and style?
Read a lot, and write a lot, and once a character surfaces in your head, listen to them! Some of the toughest times I have writing are when I cease to listen to my characters and try to tell them what to do. They are the ones who live the story. They know what to do and say. Trust them!

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
My husband. Always. He's been my best friend since I was fourteen, and even now we chat on the phone several times a day.

When was the last time you cried?
Well, yesterday actually. I was watching the beginning of the new Star Trek movie that came out last year. You know that beginning scene where George Kirk saves all those people but has to say goodbye to his wife as she's delivering their baby on an escape pod? OMG. So. Sad. I bawl every time.

What are you most passionate about today?
I am always passionate about mental health issues and reducing the stigma associated with mental illnesses and mental health care. I would love to see us live in a world where someone just as easily is treated for Bipolar as they are for Diabetes. For more information on mental health resources, check out my website: www.kristensimmonsbooks.com.

What is the one, single food that you would never give up? 

Chocolate. In many forms. I can't remember the last day I didn't have chocolate. Popular choices for me include peanut m&m's, chocolate cookies, and on very special days, red velvet cupcakes.

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Praise for ARTICLE 5

“Kristen Simmons' Article 5 is a gripping, atmospheric story of survival. Alongside a fierce depiction of oppressive government, Simmons has created a bleak portrait of an America lost. I could hardly put it down. Ember Miller and Chase Jennings can be my post-apocalyptic wingmen anytime.” ―Kendare Blake, author of Anna Dressed in Blood

Article 5: Compliance is Mandatory is an amazing dystopian novel by Kristen Simmons. After a destructive war left the population without their essential rights, a new set of ethical laws control how people live with callous consequences for those who break it. Even the minor offenders are given harsh penalties. Ember attempts to somewhat sustain her new life moderately normal but has to watch out for her very free-spirited mother. Although she has managed to stay out of trouble’s radar, her mother has not and is arrested for breaking Article 5 in the Moral Statutes. Now Ember’s life is in a whirlwind and all her efforts for keeping a normal one has become disastrous.

Kristen’s development of the Ember character is refreshing and brilliant. The imperfectness of Ember showed how real the character is. Ember makes careless mistakes just like any human being but she is able to learn from them. Living is an unsettling and dreadful world, Kristen’s writing style provided an in-depth look at how one would react in such a quandary. The writing digs deep and unearths human emotions that could only be felt in a post-apocalyptic war.

Article 5 is a fast-paced and action-driven dystopian novel with a plot that thickens with each chapter. The fact that the events that occur in the book are realistic makes Ember’s world very frightening. Backed with Kristen’s amazing writing talent, readers will enjoy every page. Brilliant writing with excellent characters living in a unique world, even nonfans of dystopian will find something enjoyable.

You can purchase Article 5 at the following Retailers:

    

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you KRISTEN SIMMONS for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a copy of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons.

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