Book Nerd Interview
Daniele Lanzarotta is the author of YA paranormal novels, including the Imprinted Souls Series and Academy of the Fallen.
She has a bachelor's in business and finance and a MBA. With only a few semesters left in school, Daniele started writing as a hobby, but it didn't take long for her to be consumed by her stories. That is her passion, and she now has several projects under way.
She enjoys reading and writing young adult novels with just about any sort of paranormal or supernatural bent...vampires... ghosts... She also enjoys watching hockey, playing rock band, guitar hero and spending time with the family.
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Tell us your latest news.
My latest news is that Nephilim (Academy of the Fallen 2) is about to be released at the end of February and I’m now officially working on the final Imprinted Souls series book!
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
My first book was Imprinted Souls. I started writing it in 2008, so I was 28/29… seems like yesterday. I’m really not looking forward for this series to be over, but it is time…
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Definitely YA paranormal! I just love how in this genre anything is possible. I’ve actually tried to write a novel with no supernatural beings at all and next thing I knew… every single character ended up being something other than human.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write out of order. I usually write the last chapter first. *laughs * Even when I don’t know what is going to happen along the way, I always know how it will end.
What does your family think of your writing?
I guess it depends on whom you ask. *laughs * My daughter (8) loves it! She tells everyone that I write books about vampires, ghosts, and angels.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written 6 books and have two in progress. Usually, my favorite is whatever book I’m writing at the moment. *laughs *
What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?
Well, everything happened so fast… but I was very excited about it. I couldn’t wait until the moment when everyone would be able to read it! The feeling when I saw the first book cover is the same as with every single one of my book covers. I feel so anxious while waiting for that email attachment to open and then, I’m so in love with the cover that the first thing I want to do is to share it with everyone.
Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
Academy of the Fallen actually has a number of life lessons worked into the story… some that I relate to, being that I have quite a few things in common with Kayla. I knew that I wanted to create a new world; a world in which a spoiled and materialistic girl would learn to value the things that should really matter. Yes, there is a reason why Kayla is such a brat is Wide Awake. *winks*
Imprinted Souls is a complete different story. I felt as if I had to tell this ‘fairy tale’ in which soul mates would be together no matter what, but things changed when the characters’ personalities took over and they decided to tell their own story.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Academy of the Fallen?
Hmm I don’t think I can answer this question without giving something away. *laughs * Let’s just say that I was surprised to learn about one very unique type of fallen angel and what ‘he’ can do. He will actually make an appearance in Nephilim, but you will truly know what he is and what he can do on the third book of the series.
If you could introduce Hunter to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I could actually answer this question about any of my characters, except for Hunter. All he needs is Kayla…. His entire world revolves around her. Although, I guess he could benefit from meeting Daniel from the Fallen series. I believe he could learn a thing or two from someone immortal who has been around for that long.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I have plans for lots of new books. I’m always working on something new… sometimes, more than one at a time. Right now I’m working on Shattered Souls, which is the final book in the Imprinted Souls series. I also have plans for a spinoff series, the first book titled Venom… and then there is the Academy of the Fallen Series, which I’m still playing around with the outline, but there will be at least two more books… among other projects.
Which character was your favorite to write? What about the hardest to write?
As much as I hate to pick favorites… *Sighs* That would be Imprinted Souls’ Nicholas. He is such a fun character to play with… very sarcastic, unpredictable… The hardest is Imprinted Souls’ Lexi. That character grew and changed so much throughout the series. She is by far my most complex character. Kayla from Academy of the Fallen is not that far behind. Her being immature in Wide Awake was a big part of her personality and she does a lot of growing up in Nephilim.
What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?
Wow. In Academy of the Fallen, the most memorable was actually a chapter in Nephilim where Kayla learns the reason why Ethan (Hunter’s roommate) became one of the fallen. That leads her to realize many things about this world that seem unfair. Her mind is a lot more open after that and she becomes more willing to accept others.
My most memorable Imprinted Souls chapter is without a doubt, the one where you find out the truth about the real Nicholas Taylor.
What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?
It would probably be whether I ever dream about my characters. *laughs* I have the weirdest dreams. The first was when I started working on Academy of the Fallen… I had a dream with Imprinted Souls’ Nicholas and he was pissed off because I was spending too much time working on books that he was not a part of…
Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
I actually have a surprise for you. As you know, Nephilim is my upcoming book, and since I tend to talk too much whenever asked to talk about upcoming releases, I decided to reveal the ‘almost’ official synopsis right here!
The Academy has always been the home of fallen angels and haunted humans, but that is about to change.
Hunter and Kayla, the immortal and the Nephilim, find themselves trapped in a place that they hate… with beings that they do not trust. Inside the Academy they are surrounded by fallen ones… the screw-ups… Outside, the Academy is surrounded by demons and ghosts who are trying to get in, including an incubus who has a history of tormenting Kayla.
As Kayla is forced to learn about what she is… about what she was born to do, Hunter only has one thing in mind. Hunter wants to get Kayla out of the Academy, but leaving the Academy’s protection will put everything and everyone at risk… themselves included.
"In this world, there is a reason why the Fallen ones are getting a second chance. They are all that is left to protect the human race!"
Jean: Wow Dani! Thank You! This is Amazing.
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Arms by Christina Perri – That is definitely Kayla and Hunter’s song!
Also by Christina Perri – Jars of Hearts is the perfect song for the Imprinted Souls series. It actually fits various characters.
Any recent appearances that you would like to share with us about/any upcoming ones?
Well, I love traveling and if I could go to every single state, I would. I’m still working on my 2012 calendar, but there are two places on the top of my list for and I hope to have more information soon… Pensacola, Fl around May and Seattle.
Which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Richelle Mead. I love her character development… her stories. She is brilliant.
Favorite places to travel?
Everywhere! (…but I do have a soft spot for NYC)
What are 4 things you never leave home without?
I really just need one thing… *laughs * …my cell phone. Okay, make that two… can’t leave without my car keys.
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I seem to be on full writing mode at nighttime… usually in my living room or office. I also tend to have random ‘must-write’ moments during the day. I remember once having to pull into a parking lot at the grocery store and writing an entire chapter.
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?
My answer will probably surprise a lot of people, but it would actually be Ever from the Immortals series. I would love to have her ability to manifest things. I would also love to be able to revisit past lives.
Where can readers stalk you?
I’m easy to stalk…
Twitter @DaniLanzarotta
Facebook (This is my new author page.) http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanieleLanzarotta
Kayla is a 16-year-old girl who was adopted when she was little. She lives a normal life, with great friends, loving adoptive parents, and well... a not-so-great boyfriend. But the reason why she was given up for adoption was far from any usual reason. She was meant to be kept away from the Academy and anything else related to the supernatural beings that could hurt her.
Unfortunately for Kayla, it was only a matter of time before she encountered the creatures from the Otherworld, and there is just no running away from the beings that she can now see.
In trying to protect Kayla by keeping her away from the Academy, she may have just been put in even more danger.
Wide Awake (Academy of the Fallen Series) by Daniele Lanzarotta is a gripping story that is compellingly magnetic from the first page to the last. I had a difficult time stepping away from this original entrancing story and its great set of unforgettable characters.
The supernatural world that Lanzarotta created was truly immense even though the book is just at 280 pages. Even in such a short book, it contained a lot of details, surprises, adventures, and many emotions that you feel satisfied after finishing it. It had a fast-paced plot and the character development is well intact. The book came to life right before my eyes witnessing how these characters matured from facing their issues.
Lanzarotta brilliantly created two characters that I will never forget. Kayla and Hunter’s relationship felt genuinely real and the chemistry between them gives its validity. I am yearning for more of Kayla and Hunter because the story is just the tip of a buried pyramid. I can’t wait for the next books so I can dig out this pyramid, find out more about them, and see what happens next.
Excitement is a major theme in this book for me. Every turn of the page was full of excitement. The story was truly exhilarating and appealing and left me wanting to know more. The next book in the series, Nephilim, has taken a top spot in my To-Be-Read list.
You can purchase Academy of the Fallen: Wide Awake at these following retailers.
Click LINKS below:
And now, The Giveaway.
Thank you Daniele for making this giveaway possible.
2 Winners will receive one e-book (Winner's choice: Wide Awake or one of the Imprinted Souls Books)
5 Signed Blood Bound and Wide Awake Bookmarks by Daniele Lanzarotta.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Loving your blog. Lots of interesting information that you've shared. Keep up the good work; you make my life, as an avid reader, so much easier. Hurray and thank you xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great comp, and many new books for me to keep a look out for :)
ReplyDeleteAnother wonerful giveaway, Jean! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy fav Series of all time...hmmmm, this is a difficult one! I'd have to say Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr or The Merry Gentry Series by Laurell K Hamilton.
Wide Awake was so awesome! I have lost the times how many hours i can talk about it with Daniele Lanzarotta to twitter! she might think i am a stalker or something! Thank you for the giveway I so want to check Imprinted Souls Books! :)
ReplyDeleteAll of these amazing giveaways! Thanks so much! As for my favorite series, hard to say, but I'm currently reading the Cal Leandros series, which is pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say TMI.....But I love Tigers curse, HON, Vampire Academy and BDB!! LOL:))
ReplyDeleteThanks for this love!!;))
bella
Great giveaway thanks :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite series of all times... hummm... loads but I have to say Harry Potter!!
Nathiel
Thanks again for yet another giveaway :D
ReplyDeleteFav Series of all times The Tales of the Otori by Lian Hearn
Thank you for this great giveaway and interview!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite series of all time would have to be The Mortal Instruments. I absolutely LOVE Cassandra Clare's work and I can't wait to read the rest of her books!!!
Good luck everyone!!!