Blog Tour: Andrea Cremer Interview & Giveaway!

1. How did the title Nightshade come to be? Was it ever titled something else?

Nightshade was always one of the wolf pack names, but my manuscript was originally titled GUARDIAN. My editor and I decided we wanted a title that was more evocative and Nightshade was the winner!

2. In what ways do you relate to Calla?

We both have a younger brother, we’re addicted to black coffee, and we have the same favorite book (Watership Down). The similarities end there though. I’m a dreamer and idealist where as Calla is pragmatic and cautious.

3. Your characters have very unique names: Calla, Ren, Shay- how did you come up with them?

I’ve always been fascinated by names, particularly their origin and meanings. I spend a lot of time thinking of character names. Calla’s name evokes her physical persona – white blond hair and golden eyes as well as her struggle for independence. She wants to be a warrior and not the delicate flower she’s name for. Renier and Seamus are tied into their heritage (French and Irish) as well as the meaning of the names themselves.

4. What’s next for you writing wise?

Nightshade is a trilogy with book 2, Wolfsbane, coming out next July and book 3, Bloodrose, in spring 2012. In fall 2012 a companion novel to Nightshade will be published. I’ve also started a steampunk series about a group of refugees on the outskirts of 19^th century New York. In this world the American Revolution failed and the Western World is dominated by the powerful Machineworks of the ever-expanding British Empire. I love this series and I hope to see it on the shelf someday, but for now Nightshade is keeping me very busy. Good thing I love it!

5. If you could befriend Calla with any other YA character who would it be and why?

I’d want her to be friends with Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games. They’d both understand what it’s like to fight for the people you love and why you take risks and break the rules when those people are in danger. They’re also both good in the outdoors and they’re survivors.

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Thanks so much, Andrea!

Click here to visit Andrea's website.

Thanks to The Teen {Book} Scene for sponsoring the tour!

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GIVEAWAY!

I have one ARC of Nightshade to giveaway to a lucky winner!

Rules:

US Only

Ends October 10

Fill out THIS FORM to enter!