Friday, October 14, 2011

Interview: Jessie Harrel author of "Destined"



Interview with Jessie Harrell
 Author of: Destined

Alaiel: Thanks a lot for the interview, Jessie, I’m so glad you accepted!

Questions about yourself.-

Alaiel: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Jessie: I wish I was more interesting, but I’m pretty much your typical bookworm. Studied hard through high school and college. Went to law school, did the whole big firm thing, left to go to a tiny firm (so much better!) and I’m raising kids with my amazing hubby while trying to squeeze in writing time when I can. I LOVE to travel and spent six weeks in Greece when I was in college. I’ve actually been to some of the places in Destined.

Alaiel: What is your favorite book? Why?
Jessie: At this moment, "Where She Went" by Gayle Forman. All I can say is that is was AWESOME. The emotions were real and raw and it made me feel on so many different levels.

Alaiel: Where is your favorite place to write?
Jessie: I love when I have the time to go somewhere like a coffee shop, but really, there’s no bad place to write. If I’m writing, I’m happy.

Alaiel: When you are blocked what do you do?
Jessie: Research. I’m usually stumped because I don’t know the answer to a question. Once I get the answer, ideas click into place.

Alaiel: Is there some kind of ritual that you need to do to write? Like listening a special playlist or have your favorite drink with you.
Jessie: I MUST have music and I do create playlists that are specific to my stories, but I don’t have to be listening to the book’s playlist in particular. Writing in silence is not an option though.

Alaiel: Are you going to write another book soon?
Jessie: I’ve actually co-written another novel called Beneath the Surface with the lovely Nikki Katz. We’re still looking for a publishing home for it, but I love that story! Here’s how we sum it up: “A timeless love. An endless curse. Which one will survive the summer?” [check out my website: www.jessieharrell.com if you want to know more about either book]

Questions about the book.-

Alaiel: Why did you choose Eros and Psyche’s myth among all the others?
Jessie: I’ve loved it since the moment I read it in college. When I decided to start writing YA, I knew I wanted retell this myth so that lots more people could enjoy it!

Alaiel: Was it easy to create a whole plot about it and lead the characters to an end that was already decided?
Jessie: Actually, I liked having a built-in structure and then getting to pick where I’d ebellish and deviate. I think it would’ve been harder if I didn’t like the ending, but since I did, it was all just a matter of finding the best paths to get me there.

Alaiel: Would you have want to change something important in the myth?
Jessie: I did make some major changes to the myth -- and that was the most fun. For one, Psyche is a much stronger heroine in Destined than she was in the original myth. Another change is that I only gave Psyche one sister instead of two -- and I didn’t kill her off like in the original.

Alaiel: Which of your characters do you feel you relate the most and why?
Jessie: Psyche. She’s a lot like me in many ways. We both chew on our cheeks when we’re nervous and cry too easily when our feelings get hurt. Plus, as the main character, I really had to get inside her head the most, so I understood her motivation for every action.

Alaiel: What is one of your favorite scenes of the book?
Jessie: Well, gosh, it’s hard to describe it too much without giving something away. Let’s just call it the “beach scene,” where Psyche first realizes the creature she’s hanging out with might not be as bad as she thought.

Alaiel: Is this book going to develop into a series?
Jessie: I’m pretty sure this is it for Eros and Psyche. In the original myth, they have a daughter. I’ve toyed with some ideas about what trouble a teen-aged Amara (my name for her) could get into. But truthfully, I don’t think that will ever happen. I like Destined where it ended and Beneath the Surface has so much series potential, that’s really where I plan to focus my energies.

Random and quick questions.-

Alaiel: Hardcovers or paperbacks?
Jessie: Paperback.

Alaiel: Rainy or sunny days?
Jessie: Depends on my mood, but usually sunny.

Alaiel: Do you like e-readers?
Jessie: Yes. I <3 my Kindle.

Alaiel: What book are you most looking forward to reading?
Jessie: Everneath.

Alaiel: Favorite country?
Jessie: Putting aside the US? So far it’s been France.

Alaiel: Do you like cheese? If yes, which ones are your favorites?
Jessie: Of course a mouse would want to know... I love cheese. Give me some warm brie with sliced apples or some ceddar fondue anyday.

Alaiel: Once again, thank you for being here. I seriously can’t wait to buy your book!
Jessie: Thank you for asking me to stop by your blog. I’m honored!



Destined
by Jessie Harrell

Official Blurb:

When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.

Destined is a fresh and heartachingly romantic retelling of the Cupid & Psyche myth from debut novelist, Jessie Harrell.

4 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for hosting me!! I hope your readers enjoy Destined as much as you did. :)

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  2. Great interview, this book looks really interesting!
    I loved Where She Went too!

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  3. Great interview! I've had my eye on this book for a long time now I love the cover and the premise sounds so cool. Can't wait to get it.

    Giselle
    Xpresso Reads

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  4. I loved the interview! Destined has been on my TBR list FOREVER!!!!

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Something to share? (cheese would be awesome!) I love to read your comments :]