Hey everyone! We would like to welcome Author Dawn Jayne as our Spotlight Author!! We have an interview, quotes and a trailer to share with you. I have read Uprising and got to say I really enjoyed it I am sure you will as well!
Interview
Tell me about your book(s). How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?
The story had been rolling around in my head, in one form or another, for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been fascinated by the unseen, by the possibilities of what might come after this life, or what came before. I adore mythology and ancient arts and astrology – and it intrigues me how so many beliefs are similar, even across time and culture. I wanted to create a world where these things could be explored in a fun and exciting way.
What kind of research did you do for this book(s)?
I’ve been a student of spiritual studies for a long time and I hauled out some very old books while I was writing. I scoured the internet, I joined and lurked in forums, and read article after article on almost every topic imaginable. I have a Muslim character and I wore a hijab one weekend, to get a feel for what that might be like. I wanted my teen characters to be realistic, so I turned to my daughters for advice on several occasions.
What's a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?
When the weather is nice, I write outside. If my house is a mess, I write in the car so I’m not distracted and tempted to do other things – like laundry.
With scheduling - I’m all over the place. I wish I could say I’m dedicated to a routine, but that’s SOOOO not me. I’m at the mercy of the muse, and some days I’ll write for 12 hours or more, and sometimes I skip an entire day or two or even three. I give myself weekly goals, not daily, but even when I’m not clicking the keys, I’m still writing in my head. The story never, ever stops!
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Letting it go. After the sweat and tears, after the edits and re-edits, after I pass the point of no return – that scares the hell out of me. I’m never, ever completely happy with my work. I always see room for improvement. It’s a constant struggle, and the only relief is focusing on another project.
What makes your book(s) different from others in the same genre?
Can I be honest? I always dread this question. J It’s so hard to answer, because the last thing I want is to come off sounding as though other books are somehow lacking, because that’s not what I think at all. I love and respect Urban Fantasy, and because I love it so much, I busted my ass to create a story worthy of that label, a story that would be a positive contribution to the fantastic genre.
To do that – especially with a story about angels – required bold moves and uncharted territory. I’ve been asked many times if my book is like Hush Hush or Angelfall or Fallen, and the answer is a resounding ‘no’. Those stories are awesome, but they’ve already been written. I didn’t want to write a rehash or knock-off, and I can’t imagine readers want that, either.
First off, Uprising is tagged as New Adult – the content is edgy and sometimes gritty, a bit more than what you might find in most YA books. I think this book could’ve had a YA label, but the next book in the series could not and we didn’t want to do a switcheroo on readers.
I took a few risks, like starting the story in the world of angels instead of the ‘real’ world. Readers will get to explore that realm – where angels live, how they live, their purpose and how that purpose relates to mankind. They will also get a glimpse of what it’s like for human souls in that spiritual realm. I borrowed concepts from dozens of belief systems, as well as astrology and mythology. In Uprising, ideas are made flesh – readers will meet characters like Aries, Libra and Leo. (One of those has a temper, by the way)
I’m going to wrap this up but mention one last thing: Characters get their asses kicked early and often. They don’t have much time for romance, but readers might find some if they look closely.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Write the book you always wanted to read. That’s old advice, but still the best. Writing is often frustrating, and at times you might feel discouraged, but if you just can’t wait to read the story, it will make those times a little less painful.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have so many, but this time I’ll go with bananas dipped in melted Nutella.
If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
Under Construction.
Are any of your characters based on someone you know?
Not entirely, but some hold elements from people I’ve known. The character of Emory is going blind from Choroideremia, a very real and insidious disease. My friend, Cory, has this disease and was cool enough to give me some pointers on how to write the character.
If zombies attack which of your characters would you want at your side?
I’m not going to say one of the angels, because that would be too easy – wings trump teeth every time. I’ll go with Danny. He’s a fourth-generation Marine, great with a rifle and could do some real damage!
What inspired you to write your first book?
The voices in my head. They refused to shut-up until I put them on paper.
What is the first book you remember reading?
I think it might’ve been one of the Little House on the Prairie books. I might’ve read others before that, but that’s the first I can recall.
For fun Questions
Favorite paranormal creature Angels, of course LOL Runner-up is vampires
Favorite food Cheese Fries
Favorite drink Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi – whichever is on sale is my favorite.
Favorite movie Wow, this might be the toughest question on the list! The Fifth Element is definitely up there.
Favorite song Today it’s Oceano by Josh Groban
Favorite season Autumn
The trailer for the book!
Quotes from Uprising
“Last night, at nine fifteen, you were going to leave the hotel and start walking North on the highway, toward the entertainment plaza. You dressed in an ill-fitting purple skirt, applied far too much make-up, and styled your hair in a way you thought appeared exotic, but simply looked unkempt. Then, after such woeful efforts, you failed to depart. Why is that?”
~ Tyre, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
Rise stood her ground. “He is not taking me anywhere. I’d rather be carried off by a giant vulture!”
~ Rise, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
“It’s no easy task to sever an angel wing,” Marcus said. “You have to work at it; you have to saw it off with the blade. It takes some effort, you have to put your back into the job, and at the end, the last bit, you have to rip it out with your own hands!” He tossed his head back, laughing. “That sound, when the flesh and bone tear, is a horrible, dreadful thing.” His lip curled back and he leaned close. “But sometimes you can miss it, on account of all the screaming.”
~ Marcus, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
“It was hardly a seduction,” Tyre said. “The word implies a certain amount of effort was brought to bear, and that was far from the case.”
~ Tyre, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
“Herald, we’re both exponentially sorry to meet under these circumstances, but we will be requiring your immediate surrender. Your inconvenience in the matter is deeply regrettable.” His tone belied any sincerity and he turned back to his partner with an annoyed expression. “Can we get on with it now?”
~Marcus, Uprising Dawn Jayne
“Your questions – and I know there are many – will be answered in time. Until then, see to your friend, follow my lead and keep your mouth shut.”
~Dominik, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
“When you have been given your wings, when you have faced down minions blades and given advice and guardianship to souls only to see them fall into the fire… maybe then we can revisit this discussion. For now, I have nothing more to say.”
~ Tyre, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
“I kill on command. Gold star for me.”
~ Rise, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
Tyre looked the child in the face. “Stop complaining about your life,” he said. “You had plenty of free will before you got here. It’s not your mother’s fault you have buyer’s remorse.” He pointed a finger. “Now, you’re going to stop throwing that bottle, you’re going to sit in that car-seat, and you’re going to shut up for the rest of the night!”
~Tyre, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
“The difference between friend and foe confounds you.”
~ Dominik, Uprising by Dawn Jayne
Author Links & Book Links
My website:
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Amazon:
Barnes and Noble:
Smashwords:
Book Blurb
Heralds are the most powerful of all angels, secretive and feared, created for a single purpose. Only those most courageous and worthy earn a place within the elite choir, and only by breaking ancient oaths held sacred can the honor be stripped. It's a punishment that hasn't been imposed in over two-thousand years, until a single reckless act sets off a firestorm, threatening to consume all creation.
Rise Hawke never suspected she'd been marked to play a role in the deadly events unfolding in the spiritual realm. Independent and resistant to authority, she isn't thrilled when she meets Dominik, an angel with new wings, an old grudge, and a mysterious agenda he's determined to impose.
Vowing to uncover the secrets kept from her, Rise soon learns that knowing what you are isn't nearly as dangerous as discovering why. Hunted by those who want to destroy her, and controlled by those who would see her fulfill her purpose, she is forced into a brutal battle set in motion long before she was ever born. It soon becomes clear that what one angel will risk to earn the title of Herald, is matched only by what another will do to keep it.
The Author also has a fun quiz you can take!
We would like to thank the Dawn Jayne for being our Spotlight Author today!
Thank you so much for allowing me to share your pages today! ~ Dawn
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