Hi guys. I have a wonderful interview that I did with Holly Kelly for you today. She is the author of Rising, Book 1, and Descending, Book 2. Now before we get to the interview lets find out about the books.
In a war between the humans and the inhabitants of the sea-humans will lose. Xanthus Dimitriou-the most lethal Dagonian to rise from the ocean-is on a mission to save mankind from annihilation. But first there's one small thing he needs to do... kill a beautiful young woman in a wheelchair. Killing her doesn't start out as part of his plan. He entrenches himself deep in the human world. Aligning himself with his enemies, he prepares to send them to Triton to face their punishment. Then Sara Taylor rolls onto the scene. Xanthus knows at once she's a criminal. And her crime? Being born. She's a human/Dagonian half-breed, an abomination. Killing her should be an easy job. All he has to do is break into her apartment, slit her throat, and feed her body to the sharks. Simple, right? Wrong. If only she weren't so beautiful, so innocent, so sweet... Saving the world may have to wait. It appears Xanthus has a woman to save. But protecting her may cost him his own life.
Book 1 is FREE!!!
When Xanthus cashes in a long-standing favor, Kyros is faced with doing two things he thought he'd never do protect a mermaid and live on land. Dagonians loathe mermaids and Sara, Xanthus's wife is no exception. Also, a Dagonian standing on human legs? It's just not natural!
As is being around the vile creatures responsible for polluting his home and killing his sister wasn't horrible enough, Kyros has to deal with Sara's troublesome human friend, Gretchen. This beautiful, spunky human tries his patience and makes him feel things he shouldn't be feeling least of all for a land-walker! When Gretchen's life is threatened, he is forced to become her protector. But, there are two problems. First, how can he fight his attraction to her when he must keep her close. And second, when a mermaid wants you dead, no one can be trusted. Not even the ones you love."
Dont these sound awesome!! Would you read them? Now lets Welcome Holly to Book Lovers Life!!
1) Why Mermaids/Mermen?
I’ve always had a love for the ocean and had a fascination of the creatures that live within its depths. However, this book didn’t start with a lot of forethought. I was surfing online and came across—quite by accident—a picture of a mermaid with a flesh colored tail. Then the thought hit me: what if a mermaid was born on land and she didn’t know she was a mermaid? She simply thought she was born horribly deformed. I started writing that same day.
2) What kind of research did you have to do?
I didn’t start out with any research under my belt. I simply wrote until I came to a part where needed to know more about the mythological world. I then would do a search and find out. After the rough draft was written, I did read a book that covered Greek Mythology to get a better overview of it and to make sure I was accurate. One thing I found in my research—Greek Mythology is filled with contradicting information. This actually works to my advantage. I use the mythology that fits best with the story and then I also fill in empty places with my own version of mythology.
3) How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?
The answer to both these questions is yes. I choose based on meaning AND on liking how the name sounds. But I try not to spend too much time obsessing over names. I usually take about 5-10 minutes to decide on a name.
4) How long did it take to write Rising?
I spent a year and a half writing Rising. But I didn’t write full time. I wrote when I got an idea or when I felt like writing. It wasn’t until it was published and I had a deadline for another book that I learned to write on a schedule.
5) How do you plot? Do you write it down, have a mood board etc?
I’m what you’d call a pantser. I’ve tried outlining, but I always end up throwing them away and letting the story take me where IT wants to go. Basically it’s all about learning who my characters are, and putting them into challenging/impossible situations.
6) If you were a character in your book for a day what would you do?
I’d do some serious exploring!! I’ve always wanted to know what lurks in the deepest parts of the ocean.
7) How would you describe your book to get a reader interested in it?
A friend of mine once described my Rising books as Twilight meets Percy Jackson. I think that describes them pretty well. And I’m never offended by people saying my books are like Twilight. I happen to love the series (the books not the movies) and am flattered when people compare them.
8) How many books will there be in the series?
At least four, but probably more. The way I have the stories set up—with different main characters in each book—it’s easier to keep the stories fresh and new. So I guess I’ll keep writing in the Rising world until I get tired of it.
9) What is your favourite genre to read?
I read a much wider variety of genres than I write in and it’s hard to pinpoint a favorite. I read fantasy of course, mostly NA, YA, and middle grade—I’m not much of an epic fantasy gal. But I also read anything with an element of romance—historical, contemporary, comedy, crime, cloak and dagger stuff, who-done-it mysteries… You probably get the point. Basically I love reading amazing books, no matter the genre, and I LOVE a good love story.
10) What are you working on now?
I’m actually working on a couple books right now. The one to be completed first is the third Rising book. It’s the story of Triton and Nicole—two minor characters from the first book. This book brings you even further into the Mythological world than the others, exploring not only mermaids, but other creatures of myth including new gods and goddesses. And then the other book I’m working on is a classic haunting story with a romantic twist. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Halloween and all things spooky. This story definitely reflects that.
Quick Fire Round
Favourite drink- Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
Favourite colour- Aqua blue—for obvious reasons. ;-)
Favourite movie/s- All the Harry Potter films, all the Marvel movies (esp. Thor), and I adore Up.
Favourite book/s- I love anything written by Amy Harmon, Julie Garwood, and Janet Evanovich. And I also love Harry Potter, Fablehaven, Percy Jackson, Iron King, and Twilight series.
Favourite place- Disneyland
Favourite TV show- Vampire Diaries
Favourite food- New York style cheese cake
Thanks so much Holly!! Yay for The Vampire Diaries!!!! If you love that you should totally check out Supernatural if you havent already ;)
About The Author
Holly Kelly is a mom who writes books in her spare time: translation--She hides in the bathroom with her laptop and locks the door while the kids destroy the house and smear peanut butter on the walls.
Holly was born in Utah but lived in Salina, Kansas until she was 13 and in Garland, Texas until she was 18. She's now back in Utah--"happy valley". Holly is married to her wonderful husband, James, and the two of them are currently raising 6 rambunctious children. Her interests are reading, writing (or course), martial arts, visual arts, and spending time with family.
Holly Kelly's first published book is: Rising. Rising was published by Clean Teen Publishing on September 6, 2013. - See more at: http://www.cleanteenpublishing.com/pages/holly-kelly#sthash.daocwHBI.dpuf
Holly was born in Utah but lived in Salina, Kansas until she was 13 and in Garland, Texas until she was 18. She's now back in Utah--"happy valley". Holly is married to her wonderful husband, James, and the two of them are currently raising 6 rambunctious children. Her interests are reading, writing (or course), martial arts, visual arts, and spending time with family.
Holly Kelly's first published book is: Rising. Rising was published by Clean Teen Publishing on September 6, 2013. - See more at: http://www.cleanteenpublishing.com/pages/holly-kelly#sthash.daocwHBI.dpuf
I've had Rising on my Kindle for quite a while now, but I haven't had time to read it. I'll definitely have to do that now! I love all things Greek mythology related. Nice interview Nat. :)
ReplyDeleteYou should try to get to it soon!! I love mer people books :)
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