Sunday, November 4, 2012

MMGM: GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW w/ Kassy Tayler, author of ASHES OF TWILIGHT

- Win a copy of STARFLOWER by Anne Stengl (Ends 11/16)
- Blog Tour: Interview w/ David Farland, author of NIGHTENGALE

Welcome to Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (MMGM), a weekly event hosted by author Shannon Messenger. For a list of other MMGM posts, click HERE.

ASHES OF TWILIGHT
Kassy Tayler
St. Martin's Press
320 pp.
Ages 12 - 17 years


Wren MacAvoy works as a coal miner for a domed city that was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century to protect the royal blood line of England when astronomers spotted a comet on a collision course with Earth. Humanity would be saved by the most groundbreaking technology of the time. But after nearly 200 years of life beneath the dome, society has become complacent and the coal is running out.  Plus there are those who wonder, is there life outside the dome or is the world still consumed by fire? When one of Wren's friends escapes the confines of the dome, he is burned alive and put on display as a warning to those seeking to disrupt the dome’s way of life. But Alex’s final words are haunting. “The sky is blue.”

What happens next is a whirlwind of adventure, romance, conspiracy and the struggle to stay alive in a world where nothing is as it seems. Wren unwittingly becomes a catalyst for a revolution that destroys the dome and the only way to survive might be to embrace what the entire society has feared their entire existence.

ASHES OF TWILIGHT hits the shelves on November 13th. You can pre-order it below and/or enter to win a copy by filling out the rafflecopter form. In the meantime, enjoy the following interview with the author, Kassy Tayler. (By the way, she also writes historical westerns under the name Cindy Holby. To read more click HERE.)

1.  Tell us about The Ashes of Twilight in one sentence.

Ashes Of Twilight is a dystopian steam-punk about a teen girl who is a coal miner for a domed city set on the coast of Wales 150 years in the future.

2.  What inspired you to write this story?

A combination of an original Star Trek episode I saw when I was a teenager and a coal mining catastrophe in WV.  I lost an Uncle in a coal mining accident so it really struck home.


3.  What books did you enjoy reading when you were younger and how have they influenced you as a writer?

I read everything that featured a horse such as the Black Stallion books.  I also read all the classics.  I always loved Little Women and wanted to be like Jo.  I also loved the adventure of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.


4.  Share a little about your road to publication? 

I've been in publishing for ten years.  My first manuscript was brought by the first publisher I sent it too.  I've written for three different publishers and in more genre's than I can count as I also write under my real name, Cindy Holby and as Colby Hodge.  I seem to have a voice for YA and my writing historicals and sci/fi made steam punk a natural for me.  My career has had its up and downs in the past ten years with the recent shake up with the impact of digital and self publishing but I am very happy where I finally landed and hope to only look up from here on.  Ashes Of Twilight is my 19th book.


5.  What can we expect from you in the future?

Two more books in the Ashes story, Shadows Of Glass followed by Remnants of Tomorrow.  I also have a western historical series out called Angels End.  I'm hoping to have the fourth book in my Sci/fi Oasis series, Zander out next year also and a new YA steampunk series about a sharp shooter with the Buffalo Bill Wild West show.


GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

The author has provided a copy of ASHES OF TWILIGHT as a giveaway to one lucky reader. To be eligible to win, please fill out the rafflecopter form below. U.S. entries only, please.
 This giveaway will end on November 20th

17 comments:

  1. Favorite Star Trek character? James Tiberius Kirk, of course. My daughter even named her dog James Tiberius!

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  2. Wow. Talk about a prolific author! Thanks for the interview and giveaway.

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  3. Favorite Star Trek character? Chekov, i like his accent.

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  4. I had a major crush on Chekov but always loved Kirk.

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  5. I have seen every Star Trek that has been made and proudly admit my geekness LOL I love Spock he is timeless. Live long and prosper ;=D

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  6. Favorite? Hmmm...the younger version of Captain Kirk from the newest Star Trek movie is my favorite.

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  7. Oh, definitely Spock. I can even do that thing with my hand.

    What a fascinating book, Laurisa and Kassy. I love the fact that it's set in a future version of Wales and is about coal mining. I've been to Wales. I'm fascinated (and more than a little jealous) that you sold your first manuscript to the first publisher you sent it to!

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  8. I would definitely have to say Spock... or Chekov (nuclear weasels!)!

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  9. CAPTAIN KIRK IS MY FAVORITE.

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  10. Spock is my favorite! No doubt.

    What an excellent giveaway. This book sounds fascinating. I would love to read it. Interesting interview!

    ~Jess

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  11. Kirk. I had a crush. I admit it. :D Sounds like a fun book.

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  12. I'm a fan but I don't have a favorite! :D Everyone is awesome in my book.

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  13. Data ftw!

    I'm very intrigued by this book--thanks for the giveaway!

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  14. I've been interested in Ashes of Twilight for a while, so I'd love to win a copy! The cover totally rocks, too :P Thank you for the interview and the giveaway! ^_^

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