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Aria Michaels
Young Adult Suspense
Available in digital, paperback & audio formats
When 17 year old Liv Larson and her brother are sent to separate foster
homes, she dedicates her every breath to getting him back. After months
of solitude and anti-social behavior, her best friend Riley ropes her
into a Rooftop Solar Flare Party.
Despite the fascinating lights in the
sky, Liv finds herself drawn, instead, to Zander- the boy with the
crooked smile.
For a few hours, Liv’s troubles finally feel a bit less
overwhelming—that is until what should have been a small flare erupts
into a massive solar storm forcing them all to seek shelter in the
school’s basement. Cut off from the rest of the world and with no signs
of rescue, fear and paranoia set in and battle lines are drawn, dividing
their ranks. What is left the group must embark on a perilous journey
to save one of their own and find their families…but, something sinister
awaits them in the shadows and it’s undeniably connected to Liv.
Can Liv keep her promise to reunite with her brother? What are she and
her friends willing to do to survive? Will their bravery and
determination be enough to save them all from a rogue government, a
terrifying virus, and the things that go bump in the night…Or was
Icarus, indeed, The Killshot?
INTERVIEW WITH ARIA MICHAELS:
I spend so much time focusing on my characters, that this is difficult for me. I guess I will keep it simple. I am a wife, mother of six, artist, and avid reader. I love all things zombie, enjoy playing in the dirt with my kids, and I am a sucker for a great red wine. I have zero tolerance for bullying or arrogance, and every moment that is not spent with my family or on my craft, is dedicated to helping my peers. Being an indie writer is easily the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. If I can make it even a tiny bit easier for someone fighting to get their words out into the universe, I will.
Can Liv keep her promise to reunite with her brother? What are she and her friends willing to do to survive? Will their bravery and determination be enough to save them all from a rogue government, a terrifying virus, and the things that go bump in the night?
Barnes & Noble (paperback only): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/killshot-aria-michaels/1120584241
INTERVIEW WITH ARIA MICHAELS:
Tell your readers a little bit about yourself…
It's funny. I have written literally hundreds of thousands of words in my career as a writer. I have created entire worlds only to turn around and artfully destroy them. My stories can make people laugh, cry, and shout out in anger or fear. Words are one of my very favorite artistic mediums. Finding just the right ones has always been a strength of mine...Until you ask me to describe myself.
I spend so much time focusing on my characters, that this is difficult for me. I guess I will keep it simple. I am a wife, mother of six, artist, and avid reader. I love all things zombie, enjoy playing in the dirt with my kids, and I am a sucker for a great red wine. I have zero tolerance for bullying or arrogance, and every moment that is not spent with my family or on my craft, is dedicated to helping my peers. Being an indie writer is easily the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. If I can make it even a tiny bit easier for someone fighting to get their words out into the universe, I will.
What is the most important attribute in a dystopian or apocalyptic story? What is that one thing it needs to be mind-blowing?
Complete and total sensory saturation. Vivid imagery, raw and real emotions, true danger and fast-paced action. I want to be pulled into the story, kicking and screaming if need be. I want to feel what the characters feel, see what they see. I want to be a part of the story. These are the types of stories I have always devoured, and what I will always aim for in my own writing.
What is your all-time favourite apocalyptic novel, and film?
Novel- That's gonna be a tie between Apocalypsis by Elle Casey and Ashfall by Mike Mullin.
Movie- 28 Days Later....though, I'd prefer to curl up with some icecream and watch a Walking Dead marathon on Netflix.
Who are your favorite authors and what did they write that stuck with you?
Elle Casey (her Apocalypsis series actually inspired me to write), Stephen King (because, duh), Kate Corcino (check out Spark Rising), and Mike Mullin (The Ashfall Trilogy) just to name a few. Truth be told, there are just too many for me to list but most of my favorite authors can be found in one place; The Band of Dystopian Authors and Fans. It's a virtual who's-who of apocalyptic and dystopian talent. Amazing authors gather there to interact with fans and support each other, but it's also a great place to connect with preppers, zombie-fanatics, and a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone who loves or writes apoc-fic!
If you could erase one horror cliché what would be your choice?
Insta-love. Don't get me wrong, I like a sprinkling of romance with any good horror adventure, but it can't be that storybook, happily-ever-after love at first sight thing, you know? I am all for living in the moment, but what are the odds of finding your soul-mate five minutes after the world ends as you run screaming from a hoard of zombies hell-bent on swallowing you whole? (laughs)
How would you define the current state of the dystopian/apoc-fic genre?
Trying to define the genre is like trying to nail Jello to a tree. It is continuously evolving; mutating like a virus that has grown resistant to the formula that once kept it in check. As technology advances, we find ourselves in the age of access and free information. Anything you want to see, hear, do...it is just a click away. As a result, society has grown restless and unimpressed. We are desensitized to the simplicity of guts, gore and complete mayhem. Of course, for true fans that will always be a loved and treasured part of the genre, but it's just not enough anymore.
People want to really connect with the story. The most successful apocalyptic adventures are character-driven with psychological elements that force the reader to ask, "what would I do in that situation? Am I strong enough to survive?"
What was the last great book you read?
One of the best books I have read recently is Spark Rising by Kate Corcino. From the moment I read the first word I was immediately drawn into a world so complex, so well developed that I completely lost track of the one I existed in. It’s definitely worth a read!
How would you describe your writing style?
Immersive. The story should chew you up and spit you out. I want you to lose all track of time and reality. I can't tell you how many times I have seen a post or received a message from a reader at 4:30am thanking me for the book hangover they will happily be taking to work with them. That's what it's all about for me. If you can make you escape your own reality and live in the one I've given you, even for a few minutes, then I have done my job.
What’s the most important lesson you have learned about writing?
Don't dream about writing, think about writing, or dream about writing. WRITE.
What aspects of writing to do you find the most difficult?
1. Giving up control- I am a complete control freak. I have come to terms with it, and learned to use it to my advantage. In certain aspects of the trade, however, this does not translate. I have had to learn to say what I need to say, then take a step back, breathe, and TRUST others to understand my vision. The struggle is real.
2. Scheduling- I have always been told that in order to be a successful writer you should "set aside" a certain time for to write every day; a few hours during your peak performance window (I am a night owl). Unfortunately, when you have six boys under the age of 14 (two of whom have special needs), doing this with any kind of consistency is virtually impossible.
3. Editing. Makes me want to bang my head on my desk just thinking about it.
How do you feel you have grown as a writer since you first started?
My voice has become more distinct and my style more defined but I will forever strive to perfect the art of showing, not telling.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
"Stop trying to be a writer and write." -Meredith Wild
"It's never gonna be perfect, so learn to be okay with your absolute best." -My husband (who also happens to be an amazing author)
If you had to choose a “favorite” character from your work, who would it be and why?
Riley Baxter, Liv's foster-sister and best friend. She has been to hell and back and still manages to see the good in people. She balances Liv's need to control the world around her by injecting a bit of faith. She is also a bit of a smart-ass, which I can appreciate.
What character was the most difficult to develop?
Zander. In order to truly connect with Liv, he needed to have his own demons. I took a lot of time exploring them with him, so I could truly understand what made him tick.
For those who haven’t read any of you books, what book of yours do you think best represents your work and why?
While I have plans to venture off in other paranormal directions, Killshot (Icarus Series, Book One) is the best representation of where I am at in this moment. Check it out and see for yourself! -->
When seventeen-year-old Liv Larson and her brother are sent to separate foster homes, she dedicates her every breath to getting him back. After months of solitude and anti-social behavior, her best friend Riley ropes her into a Rooftop Solar Flare Party. Despite the fascinating lights in the sky, Liv finds herself drawn instead to Zander, the boy with the crooked smile. For a few hours, Liv’s troubles finally feel a bit less overwhelming—that is until what should have been a small flare erupts into a massive solar storm forcing them all to seek shelter in the school’s basement. Cut off from the rest of the world and with no signs of rescue, fear and paranoia set in and battle lines are drawn, dividing their ranks. Those who remain must embark on a perilous journey to save one of their own and find their families…but, something sinister awaits them in the shadows and it’s undeniably connected to Liv.
Can Liv keep her promise to reunite with her brother? What are she and her friends willing to do to survive? Will their bravery and determination be enough to save them all from a rogue government, a terrifying virus, and the things that go bump in the night?
Or was Icarus, indeed, The Killshot?
What you are working on next?With Killshot and the companion novella, Before the Sky Fell complete, I am hard at work on bringing my readers the next full-length novel in the Icarus Series. This book is going to be messy...relationships will falter, friendships will be tested and a new threat looms on the horizon.
What scares you?
Aside from the usual (my husband or kids being hurt, heights, small spaces, and centipedes), my biggest fear in this world is not being heard.
What's the one question you wish you would get asked but never do?
To whom shall we address this million-dollar check? (Just kidding...mostly)
NOW AVAILABLE:
SIGNED PAPERBACKS!!!
(Prices include shipping to lower 48 states. Other locations may increase the shipping cost)
#1 Killshot...................................................$21
#2 Before the Sky Fell...............................$13
#3 Bundle (both books +signed swag)...$30
(Prices include shipping to lower 48 states. Other locations may increase the shipping cost)
#1 Killshot...................................................$21
#2 Before the Sky Fell...............................$13
#3 Bundle (both books +signed swag)...$30
Visit for details: http://ariamichaels.com/books.html
Contact Aria Michaels:
Website: www.ariamichaels.com
Aria Michaels Bio/About the Author:
Aria Michaels is the author of the Best-Selling young adult dystopian novel Killshot (Icarus Series, Book One) as well as its companion novella, Before the Sky Fell. In addition to her career as an author, Aria Michaels is an avid reader, die-hard zombie fan and enthusiastic lover of bonfires and red wine. When she is not glued to her computer pouring out the voices in her head, Aria can be found playing in the dirt with her boys, painting, or binge-watching The Walking Dead with her husband. Don't let her mild-mannered smile fool you…this woman has lofty ambitions that include complete global domination. She is determined to live in a world where every pair of yoga pants comes with a free book, an iced caramel macchiatto and a magic force-field that repels the sound of screaming children (of which she has six). In the meantime, Aria is hard at work on the next installment of the Icarus Series, reveling in her role as instigator of literary mayhem and stealth assassin of fictional characters.
For more information about Aria Michaels and the Icarus Series, be sure to check out her website at www.ariamichaels.com
"You are never more than one choice away from a different future." --Aria Michaels
For more information about Aria Michaels and the Icarus Series, be sure to check out her website at www.ariamichaels.com
"You are never more than one choice away from a different future." --Aria Michaels
My site: www.ariamichaels.com
My blog: Aria Ever After http://ariamichaels.com/blog.html
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