When eighteen-year-old Hunter Jackson and his half sister, Ashlin, return to their dad’s for the first winter in years, they expect everything to be just like the warmer months they’d spent there as kids. And it is—at first. But Chance, the charismatic and adventurous boy who made their summers epic, is harboring deep secrets. Secrets that are quickly spiraling into something else entirely.
The reason they've never met Chance’s parents or seen his home is becoming clearer. And what the siblings used to think of as Chance's quirks—the outrageous stories, his clinginess, his dangerous impulsiveness—are now warning signs that something is seriously off.
Then Chance's mom turns up with a bullet to the head, and all eyes shift to Chance and his dad. Hunter and Ashlin know Chance is innocent...they just have to prove it. But how can they protect the boy they both love when they can’t trust a word Chance says?
Once upon a time, Kelley York was born in central California. And it's there she she still resides with her lovely wife, step-daughter, and an abundance of cats, while fantasizing about moving to England or Ireland. She has a fascination with bells and animals, is a lover of video games, Doctor Who, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or at least write about them.
Kelley is a sucker for dark fiction. She loves writing twisted characters, tragic happenings, and bittersweet endings that leave you wondering and crying. Character development takes center stage in her books because the bounds of a person's character and the workings of their mind are limitless.
Her first book, HUSHED, was released by Entangled Publishing in December 2011. Her second and third books, HOLLOWED and SUICIDE WATCH, were released in 2012, and her next Entangled book, MADE OF STARS, is slated for October 1st, 2013. She is currently seeking representation.
Q&A Beth
What gave you the inspiration to write this book?My stories tend to begin with a character idea, and grow from there. So I had the idea for Chance...then Hunter and Ashlin came along after. Even though Hunt and Ash are the narrators for Made of Stars, the story itself is very much Chance's more than anyone else's.
Who is your favorite character in the book?Chance! Because I love my broken characters, and I love unreliable narrators and people who are larger-than-life like he is. I also have a soft spot for Ashlin, because her role in things is much quieter and more subtle than that of Hunter or Chance, but she is still so important to the story.
Which came first, the title or the novel?In this case, the novel. I had a bit of a hard time thinking of a title up until I got to writing the scene wherein the title comes into play.
What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?The New Year's scene. I can't say more than that without giving it away...but I just loved writing it and I love how it reads. Not to mention, it's a huge turning point in the main relationship of the book.
Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
PATIENCE! I've seen good books ruined because authors wanted to rush through the process, or because publishers clearly didn't take their time. Don't rush through anything. Be willing to wait, and research, and do the best that you can do. Your book only gets one chance to make an impression on a reader.
PATIENCE! I've seen good books ruined because authors wanted to rush through the process, or because publishers clearly didn't take their time. Don't rush through anything. Be willing to wait, and research, and do the best that you can do. Your book only gets one chance to make an impression on a reader.
What do you like most about the cover of the book?Oh, goodness. Everything! My cover artist, Alexandra Shostack, really nailed this cover. I love the colors and the whole atmosphere; moody, dark, mysterious, ethereal... It's everything I asked and hoped for!
What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2014?I've been horrible about paying attention to upcoming releases. This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready looks good. Mira Grant also has a new series starting up in October. I know that isn't 2014, but I'm still super excited for it.
What was your favorite book in 2013?
I read the entire Newsflesh series by Mira Grant this year and absolutely loved it. Long-winded at times, but completely engrossing! Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz was also great and Is one of my favorite reads.
I read the entire Newsflesh series by Mira Grant this year and absolutely loved it. Long-winded at times, but completely engrossing! Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz was also great and Is one of my favorite reads.
What’s up next for you?
Who knows! I have a couple ideas I'm working on, and it's all a matter of whether any of those ideas get picked up by my publisher, or what idea catches my attention the most until I finish it. I have a couple works in progress that are a little different from my other books, and I'm being drawn to those right now. I think it's always good to expand and not let yourself fall into the same story type over and over again.
Who knows! I have a couple ideas I'm working on, and it's all a matter of whether any of those ideas get picked up by my publisher, or what idea catches my attention the most until I finish it. I have a couple works in progress that are a little different from my other books, and I'm being drawn to those right now. I think it's always good to expand and not let yourself fall into the same story type over and over again.
Is there anything that you would like to add?
Thanks so much for having me on the blog!
1 signed copy of Made of Stars and some bookmarks US Only
1 eBook Package of Hushed, Suicide Watch, and Hollowed International
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
Week Two:
I love broken characters too, thank you for sharing this one :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I just read the synopsis on your books offered in this giveaway, and they all sound like great reads
ReplyDelete~Veronica Vasquez~
leaving lots of <3 tnx for the giveaway :)
ReplyDelete(dimka)