Bailey: Imagination has always been a big part of my life. With it, we can create anything. It fuels our dreams, desires, and helps us through our journey called life. I am 31 years old and have forever been obsessed with ‘living’ in books. My grandmother and I have always shared the passion of written words. We’ve written poetry, short stories, even greeting cards. She shared with me her love of literature and because of this she inspires everything I write today. I grew up in a small town outside Chicago, IL, with my family, but currently reside in Florida with my husband of ten years. We love going to the beach, and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love getting lost in movies, books, art. Fantasy is my favorite genre, it allows me to escape the real world and explore the unknown. I have a deep love of music and am a huge football fan. One of the biggest things I would like to do in my life is to travel. I yearn to expand my horizons and travel the outside world. Hopefully someday! I have fantasized about becoming an author and writing a novel for years. I wrote my first short story at a very young age, and though it was terrible when I read it years later, I have been writing ever since. Because I have always loved every minute of it, I see myself writing for the rest of my life. One of my most favorite things to do is curl up with a good book and lose myself in the world the author has created. There is no better feeling then getting lost in one's imagination.
Ardisone: I am a brand new just out of the wrapping Indie writer. I never once thought of myself as a writer growing up, although I must admit I always loved the idea of it. I just never thought I could. I have always been a dreamer and had an overactive imagination though, and instead of playing with my typical toys that my parents bought me from the store, I had the most fun pretending their belts/bracelets were dinosaurs or a box of bandaids I'd find in the bathroom were my new pet snakes. Once I grew out of toys, I was more interested in drawing, watching Japanese Anime, and reading Manga. I still to this day do those things of course, but now that I have discovered my love of writing I've realized how much I want to keep doing it. It all started with my love of diving into a book and going on an adventure with the many characters I met on the way. I mean really, who doesn't love a good book? With the help of my husband of 7 years, who kept pushing me to try writing, I decided I wanted to take some of the ideas that had been floating around my head and put them on paper. And voila! After many discussions with my sister, not to mention many all-nighters writing, we finally created something of our own. I also love animals and could not live without music. My outlook on life is to be yourself and those around you can either take it or leave it. Just a few other things I am forever obsessed with are - traveling, different cultures, giant rocky mountains and castles, anything in miniature form, my home city of Chicago, sour skittles, and sleeping/naps is my vice.
For me, there wasn't. Daydreaming was always my favorite thing to do, but I personally never tried to write a story. My sister however, she always knew she wanted to be a writer since a young age.
What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
I can read and write in Japanese. I spent a lot of time trying to learn the language. I wouldn't say I can speak it fluently, but I can definitely read it and know what something says in Japanese...I just wouldn't know how to translate it into English haha
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
Sweet Oblivion was the first book I have ever written. My sister wrote her first book at a very young age...I believe she said between 7-10 years of age.
What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
Science was always my favorite subject. When I learned that green is not the true color of trees, and that what color they change into during autumn is - I thought that was the coolest thing.
Did you learn anything from writing Sweet Oblivion and what was it?
I learned to write whatever it is you want to write and to never hold back just because you think someone won't like it. Write the story you see in your head and from you heart. That is all that matters.
For those who are unfamiliar with Nariella, how would you introduce her?
I would introduce Nariella as someone who isn't sure of herself, but wants to be. She is kind and wants to have friends. She doesn't want to be shy, although she knows she could be if she let herself. She is loyal and loves those close to her. But, she is also very reluctant to trust men. She is a lot stronger than she realizes at the moment.
What part of Mycah and Rydan did you enjoy writing the most?
I loved writing Mycah as being the sly, dangerous, but extremely enticing British guy. He is my favorite character to write. Rydan is fun because he is comfortable with Nari and it is easy to express their camaraderie, but at the same time I get to play with the more reclusive type emotions.
If you could introduce Naminé to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
Arwen from The Lord of the Rings...because I think they could be great friends. They both understand duty and honor, but choose to put love first.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Rachel Higginson. Her style of writing is my absolute favorite type to read. I love everything about her books.
How many books have you written?
Only Sweet Oblivion so far, but we are releasing more very soon!
You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?
Don't let the monotony in life stand in your way. Sometimes life and other things get in the way of what makes us truly happy. Be yourself and always be kind to others.
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
Oh, gosh...This is a tough question...I suppose it would be every time the typical "How are you?" greeting gets thrown at me I just answer with a random "Fine," "Good," "Great," common responses, whether it is true or not.
What's the memorable summer job you've ever had?
I have never had a summer job. I started working at the age of 16, and to this day I work for that same company that hired me almost 11 years ago.
What scares you the most and why?
Losing my loved ones. I can't stand the thought. And also those fuzzy looking centipedes...*shudder*
Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a heart break or have never loved before?
Sometimes I've felt "to have never loved before"...but...there are times I would choose true love...I think it depends on my mood ;) True love can be wonderful...but it sure doesn't feel that way during heart break lol
Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
My husband. Always and forever.
When was the last time you cried?
Hmmm....I cried during a TV show just the other week haha
obliv·i·on noun ə-ˈbli-vē-ən, ō-, ä- 1: the fact or condition of forgetting or having forgotten
Have you ever wanted to forget? Nariella Woodlinn has. Many times. Especially when her already frustrating life gets turned upside down by a mysterious boy who randomly shows up in her small town and she can’t seem to understand anything about him, despite how much she tries.
Nari hates everything about her life except for her best friend Rydan, but now that they’ve been separated during their senior year of high school, she has to learn to make new friends without him. When strange unexplainable phenomena start becoming an every day part of her life, Nari struggles to come to grips with reality. And with love.
Naminé has responsibilities. Duties. It is her obligation to fulfill all that is asked of her by their King. But when a glimmer of hope is introduced to her by a prisoner she tends to and it means life or death for her and her people, she does all that she can to turn that hope into reality and finally end the vicious war that has been ensuing since she was born. Even if that means keeping it secret from her King. Even if it means carrying out the biggest betrayal against the King ever seen during her time.
She has hope. She will fulfill her duty. She will not let her people down.
Some secrets are best kept in Oblivion.
Author Bailey’s approach on this remarkable story by using dual plots was a brilliant choice. It allows readers to fully understand these two very different worlds. Although Nari’s world gets more prominent exposure than Namine’s, the crossing of their worlds blended well into the story. Namine’s world is more on the fantasy side but readers will find Nari’s to be more interesting as it is more relatable.
Nari is the type of character that most readers can relate to. She is a terrific heroine. There is nothing that I could find that felt fabricated about her. Her relationship with Rydan and her desire to fit is all so real. Even with her uncertainties in life and always seeking help to find her strength, it didn’t feel like she was a weak character. This trait made her real and readers can totally root for her.
Bailey’s writing style is absolutely incredible and totally mesmerizing. She has created a story that is unique and highly compelling. Readers will be immersed in its gripping story. The two worlds she has created and how they tie in together is mind-blowing. Filled with amazing writing and memorable characters, Sweet Oblivion will have readers on the edge of their seats. As the first book in Bailey’s Sweet series, it provided the right foundation to what seems to be one epic fantasy thrill ride.
You can purchase Sweet Oblivion at the following Retailers:
And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you BAILEY ARDISONE for making this giveaway possible.
4 Winners will receive an E-Copy of Sweet Oblivion by Bailey Ardisone.
Thank you so much again, Jean, for this amazing post on Sweet Oblivion! Your review was stunning and I had so much fun with the interview. I cannot describe how much we appreciate you hosting this and the giveaway! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! <3
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