Brodi Ashton Author Interview

Photo Content from Brodi Ashton

Because of two parents who were Greek myth geeks, I grew up thinking the latest fashion trends were inspired by Aphrodite, and a good conversational opener was, “So, which mythological character do you most resemble?” Despite these social shortcomings, I found a great husband who’s always my first reader. We live in Utah with our two young boys, who still have no idea why I'm at the computer all the time.

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. 

        

Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and that's where I currently call home.

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
Oh, that's a good question! Ummm... I learned to use active voice instead of passive voice. (From Journalism classes)

What made you take the plunge and start writing?
I wrote a lot for my major in journalism, and then I wrote for several television news stations. But it wasn't until I was compiling memories of my grandmother who passed away ten years ago that I started to write for fun.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
Yes and no. It took me a long time to finish my first book, find my first agent, fail to get it published, write another book, find another agent... but then when he submitted my second book to publishers (EVERNEATH) it sold in two days.

What was your first introduction to YA literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?
A WRINKLE IN TIME, by Madeline L'Engle.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Everneath, how would you introduce it?
It's the story of a girl who has been trapped in Hell for a hundred years, and gets to return to her high school and the life she had before. But she only has six months to say her goodbyes and find redemption, if it exists, before the Tunnels of Hell come for her again.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating the underworld called Everneath?
I was surprised that the Immortals who live in the Everneath could do such despicable things and yet still make me feel sympathize. More specifically, I was surprised that Cole could make me feel sorry for him.

If you could introduce Nikki to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I'd introduce her to Katniss. Because if anyone has the chance to ever meet another literary character, it should always be Katniss.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Cole?
Um, he was a viking before he became an immortal. And he's had his heart broken before.

Where did you get your idea for Jack?
My mom used to tell me stories of how she dated the high school quarterback, and he always sounded so darn all-American-golden-boy. I wanted to take the typical "hero" type of guy, and give him a bit of an edge, and also show that the "football jock" doesn't have to be a jerk.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I just finished the sequel for EVERNEATH, and even though I can't share a lot about the plot, I always tell readers that if they've finished EVERNEATH, they will have a good idea of what needs to happen in EVERNEATH 2, and where, exactly, Nikki needs to go.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
That's a good question! Um... If I always lied about something, would I really admit to what it was?

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Getting emails from readers who have connected with the book. I will never get sick of those.

Which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Mary Shelley

What was a time in your life when you were really scared?
When my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?
Any of the creatures who can fly. I want to fly.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?
keys, phone, notebook, pen

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she’s returned—to her old life, her family, her boyfriend—before she’s banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance—and the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

As Nikki’s time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s queen.

Everneath is a captivating story of love, loss, and immortality from debut author Brodi Ashton.

Praise for EVERNEATH

“Ashton’s debut, is complex and intriguing. Drawing inspiration from such myths as Osiris, Orpheus, and Persephone, it explores the nature of loss and longing and what it means to be alive.” ―Publishers Weekly

“I was pulled under by this bittersweet, beautiful retelling of the Persephone myth. Ashton’s lovely storytelling and strong-on-her-own-terms main character set this one apart. Wonderful!” ―Ally Condie, author of the MATCHED trilogy

“The powerful emotions, moving and painful rebuilding of strained relationships, and star-crossed love story is sure to resonate with teen readers.” ―School Library Journal

“The author brings a fresh, innovative concept to young adult fiction with well-developed characters and a fantastic plot line .... Libraries are advised to buy multiple copies-this one will fly off the shelves.” ―VOYA starred review

“Enthralling and suspenseful, EVERNEATH is pure indulgent escapism!” ―Becca Fitzpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of HUSH, HUSH and CRESCENDO

Everneath is an impressive debut novel by Brodi Ashton. It is a compellingly beautiful contemporary version of a Greek classic. Ashton puts the reader in the eyes of Nikki, a teenage girl who went missing for six months, only to inexplicably resurface one day in her hometown. No one knows where she went. She doesn’t tell anyone. But in that six months, she lived an entire century in the Everneath, a dimension dominated by a race of immortals called the Everiling.

The plot really picks up after Nikki learns she only has six months in her world before she is summoned back into the Everneath. She was not suppose to endure the century long process. She had the choice of joining the Everlings but she refused. As a result, she will be thrown into the Tunnels, where she will suffer until her life ends. But before this occurs, she is back in her world for six months and Nikki tries to spend every moment with the people she loves.

Brodi Ashton’s writing approach gracefully suited the plot. She radiantly merges magical storytelling, excellent writing, and appealing characters to formulate a total reading pleasure. Through vibrant words, she brings life into Nikki’s character. She equally manages to do this for all of the characters. Readers will find Jack likeable and feel compassion for Cole. The Greek Mythology tie-in was written well and blended flawlessly with the storyline. The ending presented a tear-jerking surprise and Ashton accomplishes to tie up all of the loose ends to put an end to book one, while leaving enough mystery for the next installment.

You can purchase Everneath at the following Retailers:

    

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you BRODI ASHTON for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a copy of Everneath, Bookmark & Tattoo by Brodi Ashton.

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