Jessica Shirvington Author Interview

Photo Content from Jessica Shirvington

Jessica Shirvington is the author of THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS also known as THE EMBRACE SERIES, stand alone novel, BETWEEN THE LIVES and has an exciting new duology called DISRUPTION on the way in 2014.

An entrepreneur, author, and mother living in Sydney, Australia, Jessica is also a 2011 & 2012 finalist for Cosmopolitan’s annual Fun, Fearless Female Award. She’s also one of the lucky few who met the love of her life at age seventeen: Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian and current sports broadcaster for Foxtel and Fox Sports. Married for twleve years with two beautiful daughters, Sienna and Winter, Jessica knows her early age romance and its longevity has definitely contributed to how she tackles relationships in her YA novels. 

        

Tell us your latest news.
My most exciting and immediate news is that EMBRACE is being released across the US and Canada on March 6!

On top of that, I just found out I'll be in the US in September for a book tour so I am mega excited about that too!

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Loyal, determined, messy

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
Possibly that I wasn't an avid reader in my teenage years. I loved reading a few select series but otherwise didn't discover my real passion for books until I was in my twenties.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
No. I was very lucky. I was introduced to my now agent and from there the process was very fast indeed. I think I signed my first three book deal about a month after signing on with her.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Embrace, how would you introduce it?
EMBRACE is the story of seventeen-year-old, Violet Eden, who discovers that she is caught up in this ancient battle between exiled angels on earth and angel-human warriors that fight against them called the Grigori. Violet’s destiny is entwined in this eternal battle and she must make her choice – to follow the path that has been set for her, or turn her back on her destiny. It is a story of free will, choice and consequence. And at the heart of it all she is torn between the two men in her life; Lincoln – her long time crush and the one person she thought she could trust until she discovers he has been lying to her for the past two years, and Phoenix – the exiled angel who is supposed to be her enemy but somehow always seems to be there when she needs someone and stirs feelings that she doesn’t fully understand.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Violet?
How much she has taken on a life of her own. Sometimes I'll be writing a scene and her character will simply surprise me. I know it sounds kind of strange, but I admire her and I feel for her, for all the things that she must deal with.

If you could introduce Phoenix to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
No one. He's my character and I'm a little possessive! :)
The truth is, I struggle to take my characters out of the world I have created for them, and I don't really want to. For me, they are so real in that world, but anywhere else ... it just doesn't feel right.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
EMBRACE is the first book in the Embrace Series. The second, ENTICE, will be released in September 2012, the third, EMBLAZE, will be out March 2013, and I am currently working on the fourth, ENDLESS.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I wanted to tell a story that got into the minds of teenagers on the cusp of adulthood. The dilemmas that they faced and big decisions and most importantly, the inner torment teenagers seem to be able to put themselves through better than any other age group. There are lots of reasons why this story came to be and I guess it ended up being this domino effect - on thing leading to the other. But one of the big inspirations behind this book was the quote that leads chapter 1: "Outside, among your fellows, among strangers, you must preserve appearances, a hundred things you cannot do; but inside, the terrible freedom!" For me, in may ways, this quote sums up a large part of growing up.

Why Young Adult? What are some of the challenges of writing for this age group?
I never considered not writing for the YA audience. I love YA, I read YA, I think a lot of the best stories come from a YA setting and it was perfect for the story I wanted to tell. The main challenge is always keeping it real. Some readers expect a watered down approach to YA, but I disagree. It should be just as intense, should be just as honest and believable - but it must always be respectful of the readership. The challenge is to put it all out there and know that young teens are going to be reading this. And at the end of the day, teens are the biggest critics - they see falsehood so fast - therefore, you can't for a minute take the genre for granted.

Name a few of your favorite books and tell us why they inspire you.
Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis. An absolute master of imagination and in-depth thought.
Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling. Any author and books that can command the attention Harry Potter has is incredible. Just thinking of the amount of young readers she has inspired is mind blowing. The story itself is uber-intellegent, both-gender embracing and amazing adventures.
Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins. Running Man, meets Fifth Elements, meets Lord of the Flies - This series set a new benchmark in modern storytelling. She is an amazing author and Katniss is an amazing heroine.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I really would, but it is all under lock and key at the moment. I can however let you know that more details will be posted on the Embrace the Series website in the near future: www.embracetheseries.com

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
Possibly when my oldest daughter asks me if she runs as fast as my youngest daughter!

What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?
Ah, I can't think of anything. I think interviewers pretty much cover most things sooner or later. There is nothing I'm aching to tell the world currently.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?
An angel. I've done so much research on them and the possibilities are endless. Just the prospect of being able to answer some fairly big questions would be a major draw card.

What’s the worst job you’ve had?
I worked in a pharmacy when I was a teenager. I just couldn't do the whole shop thing and felt awkward a lot. I only lasted a few months until I started working in a busy cafe. It was much more my pace.

White wine or red?
Red until about a year ago, now I can't seem to want to drink anything other than Chardonnay.

What's the loveliest thing you have ever seen?
My daughters. And I get to see them every day - it's very cool.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Nothing you could trust! Actually I did an online shop today and I'm hoping the delivery will arrive before I have to drop my daughter to school in the morning (her lunchbox will appreciate it).

It starts with a whisper: "It's time for you to know who you are..."

On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden.

LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori—part human, part angel—and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles.

PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray.Two sides: Angel or Exile.
Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.
The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

Praise for EMBRACE

"One of the best YA novels we've seen in a while. Get ready for a confident, kick-butt, well-defined heroine... This title will have a place on my keeper bookshelf for years to come!" ―RT Book Reviews

"The angel mythology's in-depth description adds complexity to the novel . . . Fans of romantic fantasy with a paranormal twist will find Violet and her adventures captivating." ―VOYA Magazine

"Shirvington's debut is smart, edgy and addictive-and sure to leave readers clamoring for the rest of the series... The story is rife with action and romance. A must-read for paranormal fans young and old." ―Kirkus

Embrace surely promises to be one exciting series. Jessica Shirvington’s debut book is loaded with romance, adventure, and angels with an interesting story that will keep readers on the edge. I was completely mesmerized the moment I read the first page and it was virtually impossible to put down.

From the beginning, we are introduced to a very strong and cunning character, Violet. She sets out on a journey to learn more about herself and her mother, specifically her mysterious past. After learning more about her inexplicable life, she has to decide whether to continue and accept her fate or turnaround and go back. Her decision is heavily influenced by two entirely different guys in her life who will force her to make a choice. I love the fact that she is imperfect. She will take chances, make mistakes, and is willing to make sacrifices. This beautiful character that Shirvington created has a natural connection with its readers.

The world that Shrivington formed is brilliant, beautiful, and sophisticated. The characters breathing in this advanced world are totally remarkable and unforgettable. I enjoyed Phoenix’s personality and how it added spark to the story. There are some hot steamy scenes within the pages but it is tastefully done.

Embrace takes Angel-themed paranormal romance to whole new levels. It is beautifully written and it is packed with romance that will cover all of your emotions. It is not just your typical good vs. evil story. There are plenty of action and mystery with a profusion of surprises and secrets. Prepare to put on your life vest as you will be immersed from the start.

You can purchase Embrace at these following Retailers:

  

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you JESSICA SHIRVINGTON for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive one Copy of Embrace by Jessica Shirvington.

1 Winner will receive one Signed ARC Inside Sleeve of EMBRACE Poster from Jessica's Collection.

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