Author Interview: Krystal Wade talks Shattered Secrets

                I mentioned at the end of my last review that my next post would be today, yes I was very specific about that which is abnormal for me, but this one is special.  A couple of posts back I did a cover reveal blog for an upcoming book, Shattered Secrets by Krystal Wade.  I got the pleasure of doing my very first author interview with the one and only Krystal Wade, herself.  She is a brilliant author and totally cool person on her facebook, who already has a trilogy under her belt and is promoting the release of her brand new story, out today, Shattered Secrets. 

                I have had the pleasure of getting to ready some pieces of this book so far, and as I post this I am downloading my e-book now to torment myself with while I am at work today.  Yes it is a slow kind of torture but I shall be home and reading in no time.  I fell in love with her series Wilde’s Fire, which recently got a cover make over, see below.  I’m conflicted as to which I like better because both sets are similar but different in a way that I find it hard choose.  So when I heard she was near putting out her newest book I was more than thrilled to read it, and the start of it…hold on tight. 

First I have to say you know I adore your first trilogy, Wilde's Fire.  Having 3 books published, how has it changed your way?

                Well, having three books (almost four) published has definitely changed my outlook. I used to want something out there RIGHT NOW. Now, I take a little more time, edit deeper, don’t rush into things.

So you have a new book coming out March 3rd, Shattered Secrets, so in your own words, what is this book about?

                Shattered Secrets is about a young girl who’s been deceived her entire life. Everything’s been a lie, right down to her name. When she discovers the truth about these beings that influence human emotions—and that she’s one of them—she hates it and tries to run away to be with the only person she trusts. But problems follow wherever she goes, and until she learns to trust in herself, her life hangs on the line!

Amazon B&N BAM!

Shattered Secrets the title is interesting and as someone who struggles with a title for my own WIP, I wonder how you came up with it?

                Err. Well. Umm. There was a lot of head scratching. Then I started playing around with what themes were in the story, like secrets being kept, and lies being told at every turn. And then I began thinking about how the main character overcame those things. She broke through the issues. She knocked down barriers. And broken things can sometimes be shattered? Err. Let me go with I DON’T KNOW?!

Is this a new idea or something you've been playing around with for a while?

                The idea for Shattered Secrets actually came to me in 2011, right after I’d finished writing Wilde’s Fire. I wrote down a very rough opening scene, then jotted down some plot points, then proceeded to close the Word document that wouldn’t be opened again until late 2012. So, it’s kind of an old idea.

How do you get your ideas?  Do you start with an idea, a character, or some other random way?  What inspires you, for Shattered Secrets in particular?

                Various things inspire me, whether it’s music, the clouds, trees, birds, videos I see on Facebook. Shattered Secrets came to me right after I read Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (or one of those books). There was a scene where Maggie’s main characters go into a candy shop and close their eyes and smell chocolate and fall in love. That inspired me to actually write the opening scene of my book, where Derick and Abby first kiss—and then he proceeds to ignore her for three months. ;-) I’m evil. I know.

I love the Shiver trilogy!  I know just what scene you’re talking about, awe Sam and Grace, such a sweet love story.  Speaking of love, I feel the beginnings of a pretty great love story going on with Abigail and Derick.  Is there anything you can share without giving to many spoilers for us romantics?

                Things won’t always be easy for them. They’re young and will make a lot of mistakes, but I’m hoping they always find a way to come back together. I hope. You never know.

In my WIP and my fanfiction, I have a tendency to cast my characters to some extent.  For my fanfic it's for my readers to be able to visualize better with me and for my story it helps me keep them solid and not constantly change little things here and there and be consistent.  Do you cast your characters, and if so who are our leading roles?  As a side note if you do and want to also share who you visualized as Arland ;)

                For Derick Crawford, I chose Chace Crawford (yes, the last names are the same so that I could never forget the actor).  For Abigail Nichols, I chose Kaya Scodelario.  Will Banaan is Andrew Garfield, Megan Bartlow is Blake Lively. And for Arland from Wilde's Fire…well, that was Henry Cavill!

Do you have a favorite type of scene to write, and can you get an example from the book?  Romance, suspense, action, comedy, back story, heroes, villains, etc.

                My favorite scenes are always action.  Where fear and fighting and lots of things going on are, you can bet that was my favorite!

                Okay, here is a scene from one of the later chapters in Shattered Secrets.  This is the ONLY place I will share this.  And I hope you enjoy! 

"Who wants to dance?"

Anything to break the attention away from the runaway status of me and Derick.

All three of them shot up, and we made our way to the deck. We danced, and we laughed, and we twirled, and we drank. Blue and red globe lights spun around and blurred in my vision, meshing with the sounds of bass and drums and guitars. People bounced beside me, giggling and singing, their half-naked bodies covered in water, sweat, and beer.

Derick jumped in the pool, fully clothed, and motioned for me to follow.

I shook my head.

"Go on, Abby!" Megan shouted from near the diving board.

"No way. I'm not wearing that bathing suit!"

Will broke away from her, ran over and pushed me in. "Live a little, gorgeous."

I sank into the chilly water, the blue light filtering through my eyelids, then kicked my way back to the surface, to the sounds of cheers.

Laughing, Derick swam to me. The depth of his blue eyes seemed endless, enchanting with the lights of the pool reflecting in them. "You look sexy."

"Oh yeah, I hear soggy is a great look." I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, ready to dunk him. "And now—"

The ground shook, and everything around us exploded into flames. Kids screamed and took off running toward the beach. The house burned, filling the sky with smoke, glass exploding from the heat.

"Derick?" I flailed, heart pounding, treading water and spinning in circles. "Derick!"

What the hell?

Where'd he go?

"Abby," he shouted above the chaos of screams and thunderous booms all around us, "I'm behind you, at the edge of the pool. Take my hand. We have to run."

"Run where?" I grabbed hold of him, and he pulled me to my feet.

Another rumble shook the concrete, cracking the pool in two.

He stared at the water cascading through the lawn, his eyes wide, panicked. "Anywhere."

"What's happening?"

An older man ran by us, hair disheveled, skin gray, screaming Will's name. Not angry, but afraid.

Flames licked the side of the house. I glanced to our left. Every house burned.

"I don't know, but let's follow him."

We ran down to the beach and found a crowd huddled around something. Derick squeezed through the people, keeping a tight hold on my hand, tethering me to him.

He broke through the last of the guys and girls, who didn't appear to notice us, and stopped.

Will and Megan lay on the sand.

Arms and legs sticking out at odd directions.

Covered in blood.

Dead.

My very only exclusive snippet.  Score!  And I have to say you sure do know how to tease us!  On the flip, what is your least favorite type of scene to write, and any example?

                Hmm. Least favorite scene to write? I’m not sure I have one. Maybe kissing? I like kissing, but I don’t like to write too much description in it. And I never know what that line is that I don’t want to cross. So, maybe these scenes cause me the most confusion? I’m not sure.

As you know I am not the most patient reader in the world.  I see this is listed as a series, Book of Red #1, do you have a number of stories in mind for the story arc at this time or is it more open ended and up to the characters?

                Well, Shattered Secrets could very easily stand alone, though I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to read more about her life. The thing is: everything will be very different in the next book. New conflicts, new characters, new LOTS OF THINGS.  This really gives me a ton of freedom. At this point, I’m only planning two more works in the series, but each book will end with a full resolution (at least that’s the plan). If the readers enjoy them, I might write more.

What other projects do you have kicking around, aside from the sequel *wink, wink*?  I believe I seen something on your blog about Charming.

                Ahh, Charming.  I love Charming, Charming, Charming, Charming.  Wait until you see the cover to this thriller.  It's dark, it's gritty, and it's very real.  No fantasy in my plot at all.  This book is set to release October 6th.  I should be starting a marketing campaign for it pretty soon.

                I'm also planning to release Shattered Secrets 2 and LOST next year.  LOST is a Sci-fi that I'm really excited about.  Alien cats.  Lots of dead people.  A fight for dominance.  Wee!

Final question, what do you want readers to take away when reading your newest story?

                I want readers to take away a couple lessons: One, trust yourself. If you have a bad gut feeling, trust that feeling. Don’t wait until the world is on fire to realize you could have prevented it all. Two, love fiercely. You never know when the family and friends you’ve surrounded yourself with will be taken from you, so make sure you show them how much you care on a daily basis. Hug often. Kiss often. Fight less. Forgive easily.

                Thank you so much for the interview, Krystal.  It was such a pleasure getting inside your head on these things.  I hope you all have enjoyed this and are as ready as I am to check out this intriguing book.  Shattered Secrets on sale now!

Wilde's Fire new covers! 

Cover Reveal Shattered Secrets by Krystal Wade

Okay my readers.  I have some reviews handwritten and ready to be typed but before I go dig them out of my work bag, hey I was multi-tasking, I wanted to do my first ever cover reveal.  This book, Shattered Secrets by the talented Krystal Wade, she's also super sweet, now has a cover image.  I think it's pretty and would make me pick it up to learn more so to go with the image I give you a brief synopsis.

After being kidnapped, hogtied, and stuffed in the trunk of a car, seventeen-year-old Abigail Nichols' boy problems seem unimportant.
She couldn't be more wrong.

The boy who saves her holds her heart.

But Derick Crawford also holds secrets.

Magical beings who guide human emotions are fighting an invisible war dating back to the dawn of time, and Abigail's one of them. The more she learns of her heritage, the less she wants to know. Armed with a very old, very massive book to teach them about their history, Abigail and Derick run away to a place where they think they can be safe and happy, only to have their troubles secretly hitch a ride.

Her history book is in a sharing mood, and it tells her to keep a secret of her own.

But has she put her trust in the wrong place?

And will the world survive if she has?

So will you be checking it out when it comes out?  I know I will be.  Also you can check out my previous reviews of her Wilde's Fire, Wilde's Army, and  Wilde's Meadow by clicking.  Anyways I hope to do a little Q&A with the author herself on here so I'm starting to compile a list of questions for her, should this work out for next month, so please also share any questions you may have below so I can include them please.  Stay tuned.

My Wildest Moment

                Wow have I waited until the last minute or what?  I didn't do it in purpose though I swear.  I thought I would be able to do this in no time but as I sat down to write about something I always came up blank.  Crazy with some of the things I've done right?  They are wild.  Maybe.  Or maybe they were just crazy and there is a different.  Were any of them life changing?  Sad as it was to admit nope.  Sure I might have learned to not twirl the broom while walking through the door again, that just because it happens on the movies doesn't mean it is safe to try at home, that cars really can sail through the air but they shouldn't, or that not sleeping more than 2-4 hrs in 72 hours will give you a bad set mood swing from grumpy to giggly. 

                Truth is I'm 24.  I live in a relatively small area, slightly larger since my move but still no big city, and I'm a shy person.  I'm a creature of habit.  I like the same things, sure new things can be great but when in doubt stick to safe reliable choice.  All of my 'moments' of craziness I first thought of as wild were pure luck, unfortunate timing, my clumsiness, or just seemed like a really good idea at the time.  I'm shy.  Really I am.  People who know me shake their head in disbelief but it's true.  Sure when I'm with a friend or someone I'm comfortable with I'm way more out there and open than when I'm alone.  Meeting new people, doing new things scares me.  I don't know why I just get this whole panicky thing and want to fade into nothingness.  Now, I have gotten better over the years.  I've been working up to it really and some of my more 'out there' friends are to credit for that. 

                I've sadly never been in love.  Never even been in real like before and that is really sad and depressing to me when I think about it too long.  I want to find someone but either my mother is right, and God help me I hope she isn't, and I scare men away because I'm too stubborn and intimidating, which fyi if I am maybe it's her fault for raising me to be that way haha though if you ask me again I'll never admit to being like her (long story).  Or maybe I'm just oblivious to other guys liking me and they are shy like me, which is a strong possibility due to my randomness, apparently I need a bright flashing sign.  Then again who knows this is not the point of my post, my wildest moment is. 

                Now no love here.  Well none of the kind that makes you all warm and fuzzy reading about like Kate and Arland.  But there are all types of love and that is sorta what I'm talking about.  Now many of you know I've talked about this before that a TV show of all things got me back into reading and writing (which I had given up on years ago).  Well that same show also made me some amazing friends.  We would chat on phone, messenger, e-mail, text, whatever.  If we go a few days without hearing from one another we grow concerned and someone sends out an 'everyone okay' message.  It's great that we are so close and this is from a show in '07-'08.  One single season of a show. 

I'm in the middle, even with red eye reduction I get it...sigh

                That show did change things for me yes but my wildest moment I'd have to say is going to meet my new friends.  I haven't met all of them, but one of the two who I e-mail daily and just got off the phone with I hoped on a plane for my birthday the year before last and flew from Florida to Vegas.  I stayed for like 4-6 days, it was all so much fun and sorta a blur too.  I was staying at one of the casinos of course and during the day part of the time my friends (I made another friend through her as she was working on a book and we also talk back and forth regularly) had their jobs so I would busy myself with sleeping in of course and seeing the town some.  I was surrounded by so many people it is crazy, that place is like my biggest nightmare alone but I managed to have a great time.   We got to hang out and be tourists (I really was one) and see things but mostly just hang out which when you live 2 time zones apart is really nice.  They also through me a little birthday party (something no one else has ever done for me) and it was amazing.  I got to play the games, see the sights, and meet these wonderful women I have grown to know. 

                To me that doesn't seem that wild but when other people learn that I went to Vegas to meet people I met online they are astounded.  Why?  Sure there are dangers, I used to work 911 and I have watched way to much true crime TV to ever doubt that but I'm a pretty smart individual and can employ common sense and jazz.  I have to admit the reason some people, like my grandparents, freaked out was because it was a 'vampire' show and grandma was convinced I was going to be killed and have my blood sucked out or something.  So there you have it, my wildest moment was conquering my fear of large crowds and unfamiliar settings alone, or at least setting it aside, to completely enjoy my time seeing my friends.  Taking that leap.  We still talk daily and I can't imagine not going and that is still my best birthday is so long and I don't think they know how special it was to me.   

That Salvatore Sandwich I was talking about ;)

                This also helped me gather some good character information for my story, some characters there for sure, and gave me some confidence that allowed me to do 2 writing conventions, and a Vampire Diaries one as well but I admit that one probably didn't help me with my writing just my fan girl side, oh the 'Salvatore Sandwich' sigh.

                Now it's too late to enter yourself but go ahead and check out the others in the blog hop below, I'm only halfway through them but they are all pretty great stories.





 

Wilde’s Meadow, the conclusion of a series

                YAY!  Okay I had to start this out with a burst of excitement.  Honestly, I was beyond excited when I saw Wilde’s Meadow by Krystal Wade on NetGalley.com.  I was all resigned to wait until it comes out November 5, 2012 but then I was checking out the new books added like I do every single day and spilt some of my water down my top I was so excited.  I saw the cover before I saw anything else and didn’t need to know anything else I just clicked and was approved.  I downloaded it on Halloween night, though sadly didn’t get to read it until last night due to work.  So a special thanks to NetGalley.com, Curiosity Quills Press, the amazing author Krystal Wade, and whoever else* for my ARC.

                Now down to business.  Like the other 2 books Wilde’s Fire and Wilde’s Army, Wilde’s Meadow has a beautiful and captivating cover.  The first is still my favorite but this one is red and has our heroine sword in hand looking down at a body.  Gasp!  Do you wonder whose body she is looking at like I did?  I agonized over it so much so even as I was reading the book. 

                Now we have our beloved characters.  Kate has been through so much and is bound to the man she loves and has her army and a clear goal.  She is still terrified that all the visions she’s had of Arland’s death, of those she loves, will come true.  Still she has no choice really but to fight and trust things will be okay.  We get more of Perth as well as he tries to make up for the sins of his past and be the better man Kate believes him to be.  We also get to know others who are so much fun to love and hate.  New creatures from different worlds and the same creepy and deadly deamons.

                Visually this book is like the others with it’s vivid details that make the world so amazing.  I could see everything they saw in my mind as I read.  I could see the icky creatures (sorta wish I couldn’t), could see the power of Kate’s light and fire, the connections between everyone.  The pain as people are lost in the war.  With war also comes lots of action and fighting both magical and traditional. 

                Yes, I should warn everyone here have tissues on hand.  I admit I’m a girlie girl sometimes especially when I get really invested in a story or characters.  I was reading this book and had to stop for the night at one point because I couldn’t stop crying and well it was rather hard to keep reading as my eyes went from watery to burning (my eyes are strange and 75% of the time I cry they burn no idea why).  So I went to bed and tossed and turned wanting nothing more than to know the end, to know if I would keep crying or not.  This is war after all and there are bound to be causalities or it wouldn’t be believable. 

               

                I have given this book a much deserved 5 Stars.  Now this is where I would normally put in any complaints with the book and past experience has been that I have to wait for the next one, however, Wilde’s Meadow is the last in the series.  No more waiting.  I guess that would be my only tiny complaint, yes as much as I hate waiting for more, endings are sad and final.  I think this book gives a fitting end to the story and I love this series and will recommend it to anyone and everyone.

  

                So people keep your eyes open for this trilogy.  Wilde’s Fire & Wilde’s Army are already out and the conclusion of the series Wilde’s Meadow comes out in 2 short days.  Check it out.  

*There is an amazing interview with the author herself on Sus’s blog click to check it out.  Also note my excitement as she waves when answering my question hehe.  

Wilde’s Fire- Krystal Wade

                So first I have some good news.  As many of you know from my comments and such I’ve been unemployed for almost a year but I got found something yesterday.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it works out so yeah!  This will also cut into my reading/writing time but that’s okay I will make it work.

                That being said on to business.  I just finished reading Wilde’s Fire by Krystal Wade thanks to NetGalley.com (lot’s of my books are coming from this wonderful sight as of late) and Curiosity Quills Press.  This book is set for release May 13, 2012 and I give it 5 stars.  Okay so since I find myself unable to write a brief summary of this book without giving away too much or speeding past brief this is the summary from good reads:

Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out.  When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more that just the frightening creatures in front of her.  Kate’s forced to accept a new truth:  her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her.  What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made.  Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?

                So the cover to the right is so pretty and vibrant it makes you wonder what’s going on and hello blue flames seem so cool (plus I might add blue is my favorite color).  The title, the blue light, the wooded path, and a girl in a white dress running, yep all stimulating.  Then the description of magic and other worlds, yes I was hooked in and had to read.

                Some interesting things about this book are that while it’s YA the main character is 20 and in college.  With most YA I’ve read being of younger main characters this was a fascinating change.  She is a tad older and it shows.  She has more experience and knows better who she is and what she wants.  She is more mature but not completely grown up as she still has a lot of growing to do especially when she finds her world turned upside down.  This for me also helped enrich the romance.  Yes there is romance to be hold for sure, one I think that will make every reader with even the tiniest bit romantic in them swoon.  The other characters are of varying ages as with any book but most center around her same age and they all have such fascinating things.  Each one has something different or special about them I saw every time they came into a scene.  Let’s just say I want Arland in my dreams!

                This book also introduces us into a bunch of new creatures, horrible, nasty, despicable fiends that are true creatures of nightmares.  Each described, along with the darkness of the world, so vividly that I could picture it.  The burst of magic and brightness I completely understood and when I went outside into the bright Florida sunshine from my sun free area I thought instantly this must be how the characters felt.  Anytime I can instantly think of a book reference when I do remedial or mundane daily tasks I know I’ve found something special.  I cannot eat a Milky Way without think of the Dark Swan series, just can’t do it.

                So lets see I covered the characters (I could go on about them forever they are so much fun), romance (swoon), creatures/visuals, what else?  Oh yes there is lots of action.  This is a world at war so lots of fighting both with swords, bows/arrows, and of course magic.  I found it all well choreographed and again it ties into the visualization.

                Now for complaints.  Yep I have one.  This book is book 1 of a series and now I have to wait for more.  Yep that’s my only complaint about this book.  Unless someone would ask me to read aloud then I’d smile and say I can’t begin to pronounce the names of these demons haha.  So there you have it.  I can’t wait for the next book which on her site I see she has a summary already (which only teases me more).  I hope you will give Wilde’s Fire a chance and love it as much as I did.  Remember it comes out May 13, 2012.