...read all about it !!
It’s All About the Book…
Please tell us about your current or upcoming
release.
My
current release is An Absence of Light.
Leah’s always seen the shadow creatures. She
thought she was immune to their evil—until now.
She’s walked into a massacre, stolen a BMW, and
is running from the law for a crime she didn’t commit. Nineteen-year-old Leah’s
life just went from mildly abnormal to totally crazy at lightning speed. But no
one will believe that the shadow creatures are framing her for the murder,
because she’s the only one that can see them. At least that’s what she thought.
When Leah stumbled across a group who share her
ability, she discovers they have something she doesn’t: a way to fight back.
When the group offers to teach her how to kill the shadow creatures, Leah jumps
at the chance. But something is brewing with the creatures. They’re tracking
down the hunters like there’s no tomorrow. Leah suspects that maybe there won’t
be, and it’s up to her to make sure tomorrow comes. Because she’ll do anything
to stop the shadows, including risking her life—and the life of the one she
loves—to keep the world from being lost to darkness forever.
What is this book’s genre? Is this the genre you usually write in? Are there any genre’s you haven’t written
that you’d like to try?
This
book is an upper YA sci-fi, though light on the science and heavier on the
scary. It’s a new genre for me, as I’m mostly used to paranormals, but it’s
been fun to try something a little different. I can’t say where my future
stories will take me, but I imagine someplace fun!
What inspired you to write this book?
Honestly, that’s the hardest question! When I started this novel, I
just had an image in my head (which eventually had to be cut out), and it just
took shape on its own. I had no idea that there’s be aliens or anything else
that goes bump in the night—just a girl escaping down a darkened highway in a
stolen car.
How did you pick its title? Did it come first or did you have to write
the story first?
I
usually come up with my title after the book’s done. This one was written under
“shadows” for a really long time until I landed on An Absence of Light and it
stuck!
How did you create your characters? Did you use any real life people in their
making?
I’ve
only ever used a real person once, and not in this book. But generally my
characters tend to show up in my head relatively fully formed. I think my
subconscious gets bored and I end up with these people starting to chat in my
head.
Who is your favorite character of this book and
why?
Leah
would have to be my favorite because she’s the main character, but Adam is
rather yummy, I have to admit!
What is your favorite part of this book? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
There’s
a scene where Leah and Adam go Shadow hunting for the first time and I have to
admit it was pretty fun to write. Here’s a little taste:
“There!”
I pointed and Adam glanced at me, startled. I hadn’t meant to shout, but we had
their attention now anyhow.
Taking
aim, I flicked back the safety on my cylinder. A moment later, the blinding
green light slammed into the Shadow. In the darkness of the alley, the thin
green line traced across the space, far too bright. I squinted against it,
focusing all my attention on keeping the beam locked on the wriggling mass.
Thank
heavens the thing didn’t do what the other had in the garage. Instead, the beam
caught against its oily surface, dark, sizzling clouds rising from where it
cut.
The
thing made no noise. Somehow, I wanted it to scream. Instead it dissolved,
leaving a burned smudge against the brick wall behind it.
“Nice,”
Adam said.
I
sputtered something that was supposed to be ‘thanks’, too shocked by his praise
to be coherent.
“Three
more coming.”
My
words snatched away the brief moment of mutual relief. Adam turned, searching
the darkness. He caught the lead Shadow, hurtling toward us through the air, a
slick bullet of black that bore the same strange determination as the Shadow in
the garage.
Adam’s
beam sliced it like bread, forming four separate pieces that took their time
falling apart. I didn’t have a chance to appreciate his ability with the laser.
The next two appeared behind the leader, both locked onto me like I was a
beacon in the dark.
Time
slowed to a crawl. This time I was less freaked and let myself kind of enjoy
it. I flicked on the beam, the cylinder seeming to vibrate as the batteries
kicked in to support the powerful light.
My
cuts were nothing like Adam’s. The second Shadow got too close, sneaking in
past the first. Adam killed it inches from my face.
Breathing
my thanks, I turned back to the nest that erupted from the back of the alley.
What was the hardest part of this book to write?
Can you share an excerpt from that part?
The
hardest part was toward the end, but I can’t share (spoilers!), but it
definitely left me in tears.
Did you have any special rhythm or quirks while
writing this?
Nothing
out of my ordinary writing routine. I have had to train myself to be able to
sit down and just write—I don’t have a ton of free time so I have to get down
and get to work when I can. But a mug of hot chocolate certainly helps!
Is this a stand-alone book or is it part of a
series? If so, we want to hear about it
and what’s next in the series. If not a
series, what comes next to be released?
My
next book is still being edited, but I hope to have it out sometime soon!
Otherwise, I have another Sary Society book in the works that will hopefully be
released next year!
Meradeth, thank you so much for spending time talking with us today !
****
Author
Bio:
I've never been a big fan of talking about
myself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about me:
~I'm a California girl. This generally means I
talk too fast and use "like" a lot.
~I have my doctorate in molecular anthropology.
Translation: I sequence dead people's DNA and spend a whole lot of time in a
lab, which I love.
~I've been writing since I was 11 years old.
It's my hobby, my passion, and I'm so happy to get to share my work!
~My other passion is teaching. There's nothing
more fun than getting a classroom of college kids fired up about anthropology!
~If I could have a super-power, it would totally
be flying. Which is a little strange, because I'm terrified of heights.
Giveaway: $10 Amazon Gift Card
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Thanks a million for the interview and hosting today!! :)
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