Kate Evangelista Author Interview

Photo Content from Kate Evangelista

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today, she has four completed Young Adult novels. 

        

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
I learned to follow my heart in college. I started out in med school and I realized that I love studying literature more than how to cure people, so I followed my heart all the way to the Lit. Department and never looked back. And just recently, when I decided to concentrate on building a career as a writer, I followed my heart and quit my day job. Scary, but worth it.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Romantic, loyal, and shy.

What fiction most influenced your childhood, and what effect did those stories have on your writing?
Ironically, I only started gaining an interest in reading during my first year of high school. I was really into fantasy novels. Raymond E. Feist and David Eddings were my favorite reads. I guess you can say that it’s from their novels that I found an interest in world building.

For those who are unfamiliar with your Novel; Taste, how would you introduce it?
Taste is basically a YA paranormal romance about this girl who gets more than she bargains for when she decides to help an ancient civilization escape civil war and total annihilation.

What part of Phoenix did you enjoy writing the most?
I love Phoenix’s conviction, which often times leads to reckless decisions. She’s very curious, and as we all know, curiosity killed the cat. In this case, her need to know drops her into a world that sees her more as dinner than anything else.

Did you learn anything from writing Demitri and what was it?
Demitri is very duty oriented. He was brought up to help his people, to fulfill his duty. I guess this sense of duty is what frustrates Phoenix the most about him because it’s a very one-track-mind mentality in his case.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I wrote Taste as a stand alone, as I do with all my novels, but the story can certainly have a sequel. We’ll see the response to Taste. If the readers want more, I will be happy to oblige.

Where is the best place in the world you’ve been?
I dream of travelling, so I’ve only really been to a few places so far. But my best memory comes from riding a helicopter over Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most beautiful sites in the world. Of course, as I am always open to new experiences, my opinion will likely change.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
Like any woman, I lie about my weight in the hopes it will actually reach the number that escapes my lips one day. :-P

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?
Time is the one thing you cannot return or exchange, so don’t waste it. And the biggest waste of time? Avoiding doing what you love most. 

What is your favorite Holiday and why?
I love this question! Halloween, without a doubt. It’s the one day where we all get dressed as something else. It’s when the vampires, werewolves, witches, and all other beings come out to play. And don’t forget all that candy!

What's the worst summer job you've ever had?
In the Philippines, we don’t really have summer jobs per say. When you’re a teen, it’s usually summer lessons in sports or art or music. So, I can’t say I ever had a summer job.

I want to take this moment to thank Jean for having me over at Book Nerd. It’s been a pleasure answering all your burning questions and sharing a bit of myself with your readers. It’s an honor. And good luck in the giveaway! I look forward to sending the prize to the winner. 

Jean : Thank you taking the time to talk to my Book Nerd Community Kate!

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud. 

You can purchase Taste at the following Retailers:

    

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you KATE EVANGELISTA for making this giveaway possible.

3 Winners will receive one e-copy of Taste by Kate Evangelista.

I Winner will receive this exclusive Taste Necklace.

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