Shannon Duffy:
1: Where did the concept for your book come from?
From not being able to sleep one night. Tossing and turning for hours is annoying, but it
got me to thinking about how awesome it would be to have a dream machine that would lull
you to sleep. I also used to have night terrors so the idea of only having pleasant
dreams produced for you seemed pretty amazing too. Somebody needs to make a (non
brainwashing) Dreamscape stat. LOL
#2: Who was your most favorite character to write?
Hmm maybe Darian. Maybe he’s my favorite because as a female myself, it’s more
challenging to get into the head of a guy and have it come off as authentic. I love his
personality and how he treats Desiree. I really enjoyed the scenes with him in them. I
hope the readers do too.
#3: Do you have any special quirks while you write? Certain music you listen to?
Well,~I need silence and no interruptions. Writers tend to like different things while
writing for sure, but it always amazes me when people can write with music on. For me, it
would be like having the radio on while watching a movie. That would definitely be way
too distracting for me. I need to zone out with a coffee and let the words flow and the
images come to life in my overactive brain.
#4: What was your favorite book growing up?
Sooo many! I read like crazy. Anne of Green Gables and mysteries of all kinds and
anything fantasy or paranormal. I loved how good books could draw me in as though I was a
sucked into the story—I still love that!
Danielle Younge-Ullman
#1: Where did the concept for your book come from?
There are so many things that go into this… it’s like a big pot of soup, or a stew, in terms of coming up with a premise. I’ll try to explain: I was looking to write a teen book, and one that was in an unusual setting. At the same time, I know someone who has worked with addicted and at risk teens and I find her work fascinating. At the same time as that, I was noticing my own and other people’s fascination with celebrity culture, and wondering why we are so fascinated and what it says about all of us as a society, and also what that kind of attention does to/for the celebrities themselves. Meanwhile, I noticed how “rehab” seems to the be answer for everything in Hollywood. In addition, I used to be an actor, know tons of actors, and so I have a window into the kind of rollercoaster existence that can be. And I have always wanted to tap into the side of me that was a boy-crazy, overdramatic, often wild and foolish teenager. So, in discussions with my agent, we came up with the idea of rehab, and specifically this type of Hollywood-style rehab, and somewhere in there the idea of the book, and the character of Lola, came to life.
#2: During the writing process, which was the most difficult part for you?Every part feels like the most difficult when I’m doing it. When I’m working on a first draft, I’m just wishing it were done and thinking it will be so much easier once I’m revising. Then, when I’m revising I feel like my brain is going to break, and wish I could be working on the first draft. But also, the middle section is always really a challenge for me!
#3: Who was your most favorite character to write?Lola! Hands down. She has a very particular outlook—very myopic to start. I loved creating a character that throws herself headlong into things with so little thought about the consequences, and I loved how snarky and funny and determined she was, even when she was going in the exact wrong direction. The great and interesting challenge was delicately weaving her vulnerability into the early part of the book—she’s not willing to admit how messed up she is, even to herself, but I wanted to hint at it for the reader. And then, going into the later part of the story, I had to figure out how not to lose the snark while taking her on this journey of self-discovery. My favorite thing about writing her, though, is that I got to give her all the smart, funny lines and come-backs that I only ever think of after a conversation is over and it’s too late, or that I think of but don’t say out loud because I’m too polite. Lola is never too late, or too polite!
#4: Do you have any special quirks while you write? Certain music you listen to? I don’t usually listen to any music, actually. But I do wear noise-cancelling earphones and there is a certain point at which I start eating M&Ms. I am convinced that the M&Ms will somehow write the book for me. Sometimes when I’m feeling stuck I will write by hand, or write dialogue only. I also have a little collection of kitchen timers, and I do timed writing to jump-start myself and stay disciplined when I’m having trouble.
#5: What was your favorite book growing up?Uh oh, I have to choose just one? How about I tell you the book that transitioned me into a “grown-up” reader? When I was in 6th grade someone pressed a copy of Jane Eyre into my hands and said, “I think you might like this.” I disappeared into that book, shivered and shrieked and bawled my eyes out over it, was gripped by it like I had been gripped by no other story. I’ve read it multiple times, at different ages and stages of my life, and it remains a favourite.
You can find my review of Lola Carlyle's 12 Step Romance here
Goodreads Synopsis:
A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy.
Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darian, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it.
Then Darian shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darian be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?
My Thoughts:
Wow! Just wow. I was seriously surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and intriguing. The character's and plot keep you on your toes from beginning to the end.
I absolutely adored this book. The entire concept is unique and will leave you wanting more. Desiree and Darian are now two of my favorite character's. Their relationship spans years and sometimes no matter what you are told to believe, you just have to go with your heart.
This review is extremely hard to write for me without giving away any spoilers and as you guy's all know I hate spoilers. So I will just tell you that this book is absolutely fantastic and will leave you craving for more. It took me a day to read it and I wish that I would have stretched it out a little longer just to stay in this world.
Awakening is entertaining and thrilling and will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you so much to both Danielle and Shannon for answering some questions. Make sure you check them out on the next stop of the tour.
Awakening by Shannon Duffy
Series: Awakening #1 Published by Entangled Teen on April 7th, 2015 Genres: Action & Adventure,Dystopian, Mystery, Science Fiction, Young Adult Pages: 352 Format: Hardcover Source: publisherGoodreads Synopsis:A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy.Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darian, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it.Then Darian shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darian be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?
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