1. In what ways do you relate to Brie and what she went through?
First of all, I share a fear of heights with Brie, though mine’s probably not as drastic as hers. But we also share something much deeper. Brie lost her sister when she was sixteen, and while I’ve never had a sister (but always wanted one!) I lost one of my closest friends when I was sixteen. I think there is a lot to explore with losing someone close at that age.
2. How did you come up with your character names?
A few years ago my husband met his birth family for the first time. His sister from this new family is named Brie, and I loved the name the moment I heard it. The Brie in Losing Faith is nothing like the one I know in real life, but I admit, I did steal the name. The rest of the names in Losing Faith are grabbed from the deep recesses of my mind – nowhere specific, but they just came to me in the writing.
3. Is there a specific message you hope readers of Losing Faith take away with them?
I hope readers take away a renewed sense of inner strength and a sense that things will get better, even if they seem really messy right now.
4. Was the title always Losing Faith or did it go through other possibilities?
The title has always been Losing Faith, though I admit, before finding an agent, I had several people put some doubt in me about the title. A few friends thought it may sound too religious, and thus turn some readers off. I’m happy to say that many reviewers are making public statements about how this book will not offend even the most non-religious reader.
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world with one of your characters; who would you choose and where would you go?
The “where” is easy for me. I’d love to go to
As for characters, that’s a tough one. Tessa would be a blast, but may also take me outside of my comfort zone a little too much. Brie would be great to travel with, easy-going, but I have a feeling she’d get homesick. So I’m going to go with Alis – you know, because he’s hot. ;-)
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Thanks so much, Denise!
For more info on Denise visit her website here.
Thanks to the Teen {Book} Scene for sponsoring the tour!
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Thanks for the interview. I loved the questions! The cover of this book is so pretty.
ReplyDeletePolynesian dancing...I have to be honest and say that I don't really know what that looks like. How does one go about learning this type of dance? Very interesting. I love it when authors are well-rounded people!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway--I have been wanting to read this book for the Contemps Challenge!
Great interview! I have heard a lot of great things about this book!
ReplyDeleteThx!
Jen @ I Read Banned Books.
I have to admit when I see the name Brie I always think of the cheese! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the name Brie is wonderful! I have a friend with the same name and she's just plain awesome. :) Wow, I didn't know Denise is a Polynesian dancer!
ReplyDeleteI've been looking forward to reading Losing Faith - I've read nothing but good things about it. Great interview.
ReplyDeleteOh, I so want to read this book!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! Would love to read her book.
ReplyDeleteI have fear of heights too. I am OK as their is some kind of barrier between me and what's below like a fence. I tend to close my eyes when my husband drives around a mountain-I would be no good at the driving!LOL
ReplyDeleteI am curious to see what kind of situation that character gets in that demonstrates her fear.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I liked this interview! I've always wanted to get this book :)
ReplyDeleteI actually love this title and I'm glad it was kept.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview!
I think losing a close friend can be just like losing a sister. Sometimes you're closer to some friends than you are your own blood. Thanks for the interview!
ReplyDeleteCool interview. Cant wait to read this.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling of losing a sister and a friend so I can probably relate to Brie. Great interview.
ReplyDeleteWow! Polynesian dancing is definitely a career I haven't heard of before. And you know, when I read the title my mind didn't automatically think of religion. But maybe that's just me. XD Thanks for the great interview!
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