Today I have the opportunity of sharing a marvelous guest post and video from Jessica Shirvington, author of the upcoming novel Embrace due out in March 2012. This is definitely one of my favorite young adult paranormal fiction novels and I’m excited Jessica would share a little about why she decided to write YA as well as her new series. I’m dying to read the next two books in the series, but until then I’m loving learning more about Jessica & her feelings about her fantastic characters. So, without further hesitation on my part, Jessica Shirvington…
When I started to write Embrace I didn’t even pause to consider the ‘genre’, it was an absolute no-brainer. I love YA. I read YA more than any other genre and I find that, of all books, they are the ones that often leave a lasting impression.
The reason I’m so drawn to YA books is that there is just so much you can do with them. When the characters are sixteen and seventeen years old and faced with extreme situations, it makes for interesting reading. Characters can make big mistakes, but they can also do extraordinary things. I think so many readers, both young and old, enjoy the genre because we can all relate to the big moments where ultimate decisions are made that shape the course of our lives – whether we have made them in our past or are soon to make them in our future.
Once your characters are adults, their paths are already set in many ways. They have jobs to go to, rent to pay, bills, responsibilities that must be taken into account. But at the younger, more volatile age of a teenager on the cusp of adulthood –these types of responsibilities are less of a consideration and thereby allow the author to concentrate on the in-the-moment action, and the emotional turmoil of coming into adulthood, first loves, and the impact of choice and sacrifice.
On top of that, let’s face it – life can be very exciting for a teenager, and your characters can embark on a lot of exciting and daring adventures that would not be as believable if they were adults.
Embrace: Jessica Shirvington from Sourcebooks Inc on Vimeo.
Don’t you just love how passionate she is about the series? It’s fantastic! And her accent is absolutely adorable! I can’t wait to share my full review of Embrace, but until then please make sure to check out the brand new Embrace website for chapter excerpts, character descriptions, author videos and more!
I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day…
Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?
After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.
Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body … and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.
As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity…
Interesting. Great post!