Lisa Desrochers Author Interview

Photo Content from Lisa Desrochers

Lisa Desrochers lives in central California with her husband and two very busy daughters. It was her oldest daughter’s love of books that first inspired her to write for young adults. There is never a time that she can be found without a book in her hand, and she adores stories that take her to new places, and then take her by surprise.

Growing up all over the country has inspired wanderlust and she loves travel, which works out well because she lectures internationally on a variety of health care topics. She has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and maintains a full-time practice in California.

Her YA debut, PERSONAL DEMONS (Tor Teen/Macmillan) is in bookstores everywhere and the sequel,ORIGINAL SIN, releases July 5, 2011. It's the second in the Personal Demons trilogy.

Goodreads book ratings: I only rate books I'd recommend.
Six stars: I add a star sometimes. It means I want to have this author's babies.
Five stars: I totally loved the book.
Four stars: I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

      

What was your first introduction to YA literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?
It wasn’t a book that made me choose to write YA, it was my daughter. I only started reading YA after I decided to write her a book. I, of course, read what she was reading to see what she enjoyed, which at the time were the Twilight books.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
I hated to read most of my life. Sacrilege, I know!

When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book in August of 2008, and I’m not going to tell you how old I was. ;p

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
Not to take myself too seriously. (But if my teachers ask, tell them I said something about the Krebs Cycle, or maybe the symbolism of the White Whale. ;p)

How would you describe yourself in three words?
(Borderline) CRAZY, (a little) LUCKY, (and very) BLESSED.

Did you learn anything from writing Last Rite and what was it?
That readers are REALLY DEMANDING! Y’all expect the end of a trilogy to MAKE SENSE! (Which is really hard, btw.) ;p

Which character have you enjoyed getting to know the most over the course of writing Personal Demons Series?
That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child. They all touched me in a different way. It was so fun to watch Luc’s evolution during the trilogy, but Gabe broke my heart. And watching Frannie make so many mistakes while she tried to feel her way through everything that happened made me love her.

For those who are unfamiliar with Frannie, how would you introduce her?
Frannie is a regular 17 year-old girl (sort of) who’s taken some lumps in her young life. She’s grown a tough outer shell to protect herself and doesn’t trust easily.

What part of Gabe did you enjoy writing the most?
Gabe is my most conflicted character. He can never have what he wants. Literally. If he takes what he wants, he loses it and everything else. Writing all the angst and inner turmoil was delicious. (And also broke my heart.)

If you could introduce Luc to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights because I think Heathcliff would like to know who was messing with his head all that time.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Two, actually. And they’re totally different. Melissa Marr and John Green.

How many books have you written?
As of a year and a half ago, when I turned Last Rite in to my editor, I’d written five books. Now, it’s up to nine and a half.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?
Eat chocolate. (You only live once.)

Who was your first boyfriend?
Wow…I guess that depends on your definition of boyfriend. I’d have to say Chris Roy in fifth grade, even though he never actually kissed me.

What's the worst summer job you've ever had?
I only had one—bussing tables at the Lobster Pot every summer during high school. It was pretty bad.

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
My husband. Always.

When was the last time you cried?
This spring. Can’t tell you why. ;p

In this final installment of the thrilling, edgy Personal Demons series, the battle between Heaven and Hell has become critical, and Frannie Cavanaugh is right at the center of it.

With the help of the powerful angel Gabe and demon-turned-mortal Luc, Frannie has been able to stay one step ahead of the forces of Hell. But when the demons killed Frannie's best friend and destroyed her brother, they raised the stakes. If Frannie wants to keep her family and friends safe, she knows she has no choice but to go on the run.

Their best defense is the power Frannie has been struggling to master, but her attempts to hone her skill go horribly awry. If Frannie doesn't learn fast, the consequences could be devastating--even apocalyptic.

What happens when you can't outrun Hell...or trust the ones you love?

Lisa Desrochers’ Personal Demons Novel comes to its conclusion with Last Rite. It finally gave readers all the answers to their burning questions and still managed to sneak in more surprises. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful series as all the loose connection finally meet. A lot has happened since the beginning and heartache has made Frannie a darker person. It was interesting seeing this side of her as she slowly learns that she does not have full control of everything which changed her a lot. Even with this shift in focus, she managed to maintain her attitude that makes her such a likable character from the start. With all things falling into place, it was quite amazing to finally see what her powers can exactly do and its purpose for both good and evil.

Saying goodbye to a group of characters with so much spunk is hard to do, but Lisa does not short us on an amazing ending for them. There is no need to take it slow to savor all the details as Lisa’s writing style is one that can be enjoyed in any way you read it. It was also refreshing to get Gabe’s point of view along with Frannie and Luc. As each line is read, readers will get the notion that Lisa tends to take this series to new heights which she successfully delivered. Even with new and interesting characters, she continues to develop more complexity to the main ones. There is a heap of action with much mystery and intrigue to sustain is momentum that it will become difficult to put the book down. Although it is saddening to know that these remarkable characters’ story comes to a halt, The Last Rite is perfectly done and it is how series should end.

You can purchase Last Rite at the following Retailers:
          

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you LISA DESROCHERS for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a Copy of The Last Rite & Signed Bookmark by Lisa Desrochers.

2 Winners will receive one Signed Last Rite Bookmark & Tattoo by Lisa Desrochers.
2 Winners will receive one Last Rite iPhone Cover by Lisa Desrochers.

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