Sunday, November 21, 2010

Blog Tour: Interview with Keary Taylor + GIVEAWAY!

As part of the Teen Book Scene, I have author Keary Taylor stopping by today to discuss her debut novel, Branded. The first book in her Fallen of Angels series. You can check out more of about Keary and read the first chapter of her book over at her website.


What was the first idea that sparked Branded?

I was watching “The Phantom of the Opera” with my husband one night and it kind of struck me when the Phantom was referred to as the “angel of music”. The phantom was this really scary man capable of terrible things, not what you would normally call an angel. And so the idea of terrifying and sometimes unjust angels kept turning in my mind till the whole concept of Branded came about!

Why angels?

I’ve always had a fascination with supernatural beings. I love vampires, immortals, etc. but wanted to take on something that hadn’t been tapped into as much. I had been trying to come up with something when the idea for Branded sparked. And it was such an open subject, there weren’t the same rules as say, vampires had. I had a lot of freedom to have them do what I wanted.

Are you anything like your main character Jessica?

I always put a little bit of myself into every character I create. I’m the obsessive hopeless romantic like Jessica is. My drink of choice is Dr. Pepper, like Jessica. I also hate doing the dishes, like Jessica.

You're walking down the street - what song is following you?

Oh man, that changes from day to day. Right now probably Soldier by the Goo Goo Dolls.

What's one genre you don't think you'll ever write?

I never thought I’d write a dystopian or a contemporary but now those are my upcoming projects… lol. Hum, I don’t think I’ll ever write an all-out mystery novel.

Name three parts of history you would have loved to have witnessed.

I’m not a big history buff so I really had to think about this one. 1- the first shuttle going into space. 2- I’d love to just visit ancient Egypt, I’ve had a long fascination with their mythology. 3- It would be amazing to go to a Shakespearian play in his day.

If Branded was to turn into a movie, who would you cast?

Well, Emmy Rossum is who Jessica is in my mind. I guess that’s because the character came from afore mentioned movie. Alex has been really hard. I haven’t found a perfect person yet but the closest would be Liam Hemsworth or Robert Hoffman. Orlando Bloom could be Cole if he was a little more built. I haven’t yet found a good Sal.

What is one thing you want your readers to walk away with after they've finished reading Branded?

Hum, that’s a hard one. I guess that my whole idea with Branded is just that not everything is as it seems.

Can you tell us what's next for you?
Well, I’m currently on the 4th draft of the next book in the Fall of Angels series, Forsaken. It’s releasing in January. I am also working on a dystopian YA called Eden. I’m about half done with the first draft. And I’m toying with the idea of attempting NaNoWriMo with an idea I have for a contemporary YA. I just wish I didn’t have to sleep so I could have more time to write!





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Keary is offering up one copy of Branded. US ONLY! You have until December 5th at 11:59 pm central standard time to enter.





Click here to enter! And good luck :) 

♥amber

9 comments:

Theresa said...

Great interview! Angels are one of my favorites and I've been wanting to read this one!

the_happy_soul @ yahoo.com

Natalie said...

Eeek! I LOVE Emmy Rossum. She's a great actress, and she has such a great voice as well! Thanks for the awesome interview. I haven't gotten to read a lot of "angel" books yet, but I'm excited for this one!

Lauren M said...

Ooh, inspired by Phantom of the Opera? I LOVE that musical! Branded is certain to be amazing!

Thanks for the interview! Keary's upcoming project sounds really interesting as well!

brandileigh2003 said...

It would be awesome to see Shakespeare!

Reading said...

I am so glad that she settled on angels. They are my new fav!

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Megan said...

WOW! Sounds like an interesting read!

Vivien said...

I want to go to ancient egypt too!! Take me with you. I love that time in history. It sounds so beautiful. Great interview.

Unknown said...

Great interview!! It would be neat to see a Shakesperian play in his time I agree.

Lane

Jessy said...

That's pretty cool that you got your inspiration from Phantom of the Opera. Can't wait to read Branded. Thanks for the interview.