About the Book:
Title: THIS RAGING LIGHT
Author: Estelle Laure
Release Date: December 22nd, 2015
Pages: 288
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
"A funny, poetic, big-hearted reminder that life can—and will—take us all by surprise.” —Jennifer E. Smith, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Can the best thing happen at the worst time?
Her dad went crazy. Her mom left town. She has bills to pay and a little sister to look after. Now is not the time for level-headed seventeen-year-old Lucille to fall in love. But love—messy, inconvenient love—is what she’s about to experience when she falls for Digby Jones, her best friend’s brother. With blazing longing that builds to a fever pitch, Estelle Laure’s soulful debut will keep readers hooked and hoping until the very last page.
Find it:
Estelle Laure is a Vonnegut worshipper who believes in love and magic and the power of facing hard truths. She has a BA in Theater Arts from New Mexico State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and thinks everyone should have to wait tables or work in a kitchen at least once in their lives. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her children.
What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Longing, a total personal meltdown, wanting people to be better to each other. You know…being human.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Wren. She’s like my little Yoda/Winnie-the-Pooh character. An unexpected sage.
Which came first, the title or the novel?
Novel! I scanned the whole book before I had the idea to twist up the Dylan Thomas poem that was already in there.
What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
The second one by the river. Without giving anything away, I think it shows how quickly life can change and how girl/girl relationships can sometimes function and how, when things change in an instant, our most heroic selves can come out. Plus that scene holds a lot of the thematic business I was exploring.
Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you've learned as a writer from then to now?
Now that I’m wrapping up book two, I can safely say that for me at least, a book will never turn out to be what I thought it was to start, and it’s important not to be a control freak about my own story, but rather let it unfurl however it’s going to.
What do you like most about the cover of the book?
That it looks like a painting. So much of who Lucille is relates to art and self-expression and how that relates to her self-discovery. That choice in terms of the cover was a perfect distillation of the story.
What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2016?
David Arnold’s next one, although he’s being very secretive about the title. Whatever he writes next will be amazing, I’m sure.
What was your favorite book in 2015?
It’s a tie between MOSQUITOLAND by David Arnold (hence the excitement), BECAUSE YOU’LL NEVER MEET ME by Leah Thomas and SIMON VS. THE HOMOSAPIEN AGENDA by Becky Albertelli. If you haven’t read them, do.
What’s up next for you?
THESE MIGHTY FORCES due out Winter 2017. It’s a companion to THIS RAGING LIGHT. Same world, whole different point of view.10. Is there anything that you would like to add? Thank you so much for having me! Rockstar on!
3 winners will receive a hardcover of THIS RAGING LIGHT and a bottle of Essie Nail Polish that matched the book cover. US Only.
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
1/4/2016- The Cover Contessa- Interview
1/5/2016- Just Commonly- Review
1/6/2016- Fire and Ice- Guest Post
1/7/2016- Adventures in Reading- Review
1/8/2016- Once Upon A Twilight- Review
Week Two:
1/11/2016- Curling Up With A Good Book- Interview
1/12/2016- The Candid Cover- Review
1/13/2016- BookHounds YA- Guest Post
1/14/2016- Book Briefs- Review
1/15/2016- Such a Novel Idea- Interview
A very interesting author and so talented. What a great interview. Thanks for this fascinating feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSounds like a GREAT book! I can't wait to read it! Sassychassy333 at gmail dot com
ReplyDelete