Author Interview: Shawn Maravel

Author Bio: Shawn Maravel (and no, it is not short for Shawna. Just Shawn) is a avid reader, writer, and a Army Wife. Shawn is a twin sister, and born bred Jersey Girl. She is currently living in Germany with her husband where he is stationed. She loves classic rock and is influenced by nothing far more greater than love. She is the author of the hit YA series, Volition, and Severance, and like everyone else is anticipating her new upcoming novel, The Wanderer.

Links to buy the YA series:
Volition:
Paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Volition-Shawn-Kirsten-Maravel/dp/1463604335/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312139955&sr=8-1
Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Volition-ebook/dp/B005E7PW02/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1312139996&sr=1-1

Severance:
Paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Severance-Shawn-Kirsten-Maravel/dp/1456551973/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Severance-Volition-ebook/dp/B005E8K8EG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1312140159&sr=1-1

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Interview:


Q#1: Have you always had knack for writing? What had inspired you to publish your books?
Yes, I’ve always enjoyed writing. My twin sister and I both enjoyed writing stories but I guess, given the opportunity of not having a job and being in Germany I’ve really been able to explore the passion further, while she who also has a few stories up her sleeve, hasn’t been able to focus as much on it. The choice to publish a book once it’s finished is a tough one because you’re deciding to put yourself out there to be criticized and judged. As a young author I am very well aware that I have a lot to learn and my skills are still only just being developed. But in the end I chose to publish the books as a way of bringing the journey of writing the books to a close. I am really good at giving up at the hard part of things so this was a big step for me. And I’m really glad that I did it!

Q#2: What made you choose the genre of angels, instead the widely popular genre of vampires, werewolves, fey, etc.?
I liked the Twilight Saga a lot, in fact, reading those books really got me into reading in general and it could even be said that without reading them I may not have started writing seriously myself. I also enjoy the House of Night series…but I don’t like to copy cat or to play off of pre-existing stories. I already know very well that I can’t compete with something that great. I also feel that vampires and werewolves are a bit too popular right now…and for all the wrong reasons. Money. One great author happened to write a book about them and gets really big, and now everyone’s doing it. I don’t want to be grouped up in that bunch…I want to stand or fall on my own two feet. My third book, The Wanderer is literary fiction and not paranormal at all. It’s actually about a former Army soldier, so I don’t plan to pick one genre and stick with it. I like to write what I wish to read. Angels for me personally, as far as the Volition Series goes, are far more tantalizing. The romantic connection is just unmatched.

Q#3: What are some obstacles you faced during your writing processes? Is writer's block really that bad as other authors portray?
I was going to school when I started to write Volition. That was a bit tough. Especially my math class. But my husband was deployed to Iraq for a year and I was in Germany without my family…so, for a writer I was pretty set! I had a lot of time and a pretty clear schedule to work with and emotionally I really didn’t have issues. Some authors don’t believe in writer’s block. I do. It’s one thing if you just write to write. I believe in letting a story flow however…essentially, let the story tell itself. And at times…I fall upon lulls. At around 100 pages I hit a wall. And it’s scary. I start to worry that maybe I can’t finish it. But in some cases it’s a lot easier. The Wanderer for example only took two months to write. Volition took almost a whole year to complete and Severance was finished in maybe six month’s time. It varies. My biggest obstacle however is focus and avoiding procrastination!

Q#4: Some advice to inspiring authors such as myself?
Pay attention when you read. Focus on the elements of a story that pull you in…take note of the things that push you away. And keep those things in mind while writing. Getting represented is very very very hard for new authors, so don’t feel TOO bad if you come out empty-handed. Self-publishing, while a great alternative, takes a lot of time and effort and no one’s going to do it for you, so stay focused, stay positive, and keep your head up! You can’t push yourself on people but your book isn’t going to sell itself either. So work on a friendly and easy flow of marketing your books without being too pushy. And most importantly…believe in yourself.

Q#5: Your characters are so raw and real! Which character do you see more of yourself in?
I guess Charlotte, but really not too much. I’m a lot less kept together in stressful situations than she is. I often say that Charlotte is a combination of who I am and who I wish I was. But I did put a lot of myself into the book to create an emotional connection; it’s just hidden throughout the book and characters.

Q#6: What is one thing about you that is unique and stands out from the rest?
One thing about me as a writer is that I don’t want to be predictable. Other than writing love stories I don’t want readers to feel like my books are all the same. Some will be literary fiction, others YA. Some will be in first person, some in third person. Some stories will be in a male perspective, some in female, and maybe even alternating between the two at times. I hate to feel as if an author isn’t challenging me as a reader. So I hope for my readers to pick up my books and expect a good story but other than that to be ready for a pleasantly different story from the others that I’ve written.

As a person, I don’t drink. At all. Though my twin sister doesn’t either…for the most part, I think we’re it. Haha. The most I’ve ever had is a glass of wine after turning 21 a few years ago. It’s just not for me. Peer pressure, the social side of drinking, and the feeling it seems everyone craves all bug me. It’s something I feel I’ll likely never understand. I’d rather just be me…in the flash, how I am, take it or leave it.

BONUS QUESTION!: Tell us a bit about your new upcoming novel, The Wanderer, and what inspired you to write this novel?
I am Sooooo excited about The Wanderer. It’s about a man, Landon Bradley, who got out of the Army and, not being accustomed to staying in one place for too long, packs up his motorcycle and heads north-west. The story touches upon serious issues like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which is very common in military personnel who have seen battle. But at the same time it is a love story through and through. The characters are likable, fun, and strong…but they have weakness like everyone else. I actually wanted to write this story because I love a man in uniform. Army specifically. Put him on a motorcycle and forget about it! Of course I couldn’t just have a hot soldier riding around on a motorcycle the whole time, so I create a story from that and I must say…this book has taken on a whole new appeal, and a special place in my heart.


Thanks Again,
Shawn
--
"Greatness lives on the edge of destruction" -- Will Smith
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4760235.Shawn_Maravel

Thank you, Shawn, for this amazing expierence!

Be sure to go to Shawn Maravel's author page! I basically live on her blog! :)
http://shawn-kirsten-maravel.blogspot.com/

Fallen Eden by Nicole Williams

Synopsis:
If happily ever after were a place, twenty-year-old Bryn Dawson would be on the farthest planet from it.

Reduced to stolen glances and secret meetings as they await a Betrothal the Council is bent on stalling, William and Bryn have to settle for happily right now, but with a man like William Hayward at her side, Bryn’s hardly settling.

The day John Townsend sends an army of Immortal mercenaries intent on destroying everyone Bryn loves, she must make the decision generations of star-crossed lovers before her have—live alone or die together. William’s made his decision, Bryn’s the one fate’s waiting on.

But fate will only wait so long until it makes the decision for her.

*******

Oh my, I don't even know where to begin with this fabulous work of art. (I am not in any way trying to butter up the author, this is seriously the best series I have read this year. Absolutely divine!) The story begins a couple months after the first book catching up with the much divided Hayward family, and the main character, Bryn. The story hits right off the bat and straight in to action just as the first book in the series did. The characters are still their funny selves and are even funnier this go round. That is one of the main reasons why I love this series so much, its not so serious all the darn time and they can still be sarcastic as the next person! Also, then there is William. The very top reason why I love this series so much. This whole book is nothing like I thought Williams would have taken it in, IN A GOOD WAY. I just did not see anything that was thrown my way in this heartbreaking story. This whole story was unpredictable, heartbreaking, and so heartwarming all at the same time. If you ask me, that is the simple ingredients to make a very amazing book!

A couple times I was frustrated with the story, but not in the usual way where I would automatically blame the author. Williams took it in a realistic way and every decision Bryn had made, I would have made myself. I just wish Williams would have warned in the beginning that I would had to have my tissues by my side for most of the story. The ending was fabulous with out meaning to leave a big cliff hanger. I am not giving anything too big away by saying "What did Patrick's father want to talk to him about?" I really hope it is not what I am thinking it is. Please, Williams, DO NOT KILL ME! I NEED TO KNOW SOON WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! (It is safe to say I am very addicted to this series Williams has graced upon us.) 

The story in now way was ever boring and again Williams' writing style was amazing and easy to cling to every single word that she had written in Fallen Eden as with the first book, Eternal Eden. If the next book, United Eden (coming out this November! :)))) has the same writing style, with the simple ingredients that make this series so phenominal then consider me (the possible number one fan?) game on!!!

Overall: READ THIS! I would never steer you wrong! :)

Book Cover: Pretty. Don't really get how it has anything to do with the story inside?

Jenny Pox by J. L. Bryan

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
Jenny is a quiet, small-town girl in South Carolina whose touch spreads a deadly supernatural plague. Jenny can't control her power. Her life is friendless and lonely until she meets a boy with the opposite power, a healing touch. Her love for him brings the wrath of his beautiful and immensely popular girlfriend Ashleigh, who secretly wields the most dangerous power of all.Jenny must master her own deadly power in order to free Seth from Ashleigh's control. Then she must defeat Ashleigh before Ashleigh can destroy her.

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Jenny Pox was a very haunting story. The most haunting I have read in a long while. Its nothing like scary, just very haunting. It seems like that is the best word to describe this story with. The story reminded me of a few of my favorite movies such as "Mean Girls", "Carrie", "Saved", and "X-Men". Alothough J. L. Bryan's writing style was boring and made me skim through the book instead of letting me hang onto every word, he was specially gifted in making the plot seem terrific and original. The plot was so well constructed and thought out I never saw the truth of the situation or end coming. The story line seemed flaky at times and hard to follow, but I had easily recovered by rereading a few paragraphs a few times.

The characters to me were realistic, but with a bit of demented personalities. Jenny was the lonely, scared young girl who has just reached her senior year of high school and yeilded a deadly plague when she touched a person. She resorted to wearing gloves and being teased her whole life. It was very easy to feel sorry for Jenny and to understand her depression growing up. Ashleigh was this evil, "religious" mastermind who was the one to cause all hell to break loose. Ashliegh also wielded a special power just by touching people. She spread love and desire. When Ashleigh touched others, they automatically adored her and would do anything she would say. Ashleight basically controlled the whole town. Opposite of Jenny's character, it was extremely easy to hate Ashleigh's character. Then there is Seth. The prize between both girls. Seth also has an amazing power when he touches others. He can heal. Seth is the only person in the entire world Jenny can touch without causing the plague and she instantly falls in love with him.

Overall: There are a few parts that disgusted me and made me put the book down a few times. I also had a few times questioning myself if I could even finish the book. I am glad I had though. The ending was worth it and I cannot wait to see what happend next in the second book named Tommy Nightmare. I would not recommend this book unless you like the movies I have named earlier or if you are not light hearted. The book is slow and boring at times but towards the end it was worth it.

Book Cover: Eh. Its nothing special.

Upcoming Reviews!

I have been a busy bee this past month!!! So far, my read count reads 72 books read this year! Awesome! :D I do have a life, please believe me! Haha!
 Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that inspiration has struck me and I have been writing non stop on hopefully my debut novel. I will keep you post on what I am thinking about doing with it! :)))

Now on to the whole review challenge I have taken up ever since I started this Review Blog back in April. I have been trying to better myself with the whole review thing. To not bash, but to critique. To not kiss ass, but to list reasons why I think you should read this book. Well, I have had plenty of tips and plenty of great ideas thanks to my friends Creative Reviews over on Goodreads.com. Check em out! :
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/46156.Creative_Reviews

Anywho, I just wanted to let everyone know that what they should expect pretty soon for upcoming reviews!
In this order, mind you. (I need to keep it organized hehe)

Jenny Pox by J. L. Bryan

Fallen Eden by Nicole Williams

Renouncing the Future by Stephen Kata

On Dark Shores: The Lady by J. A. Clement

Expect these reviews within a couple weeks or so. I say by the beginning of August! So excited! :D