Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week!!
Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author
and highlighting their upcoming release!
We will also be hosting a giveaway of the book we are highlighting!!
Introducing Hannah West, YABC’s Author of the Week!!
Hannah has swooned over fantasy and fairy tales since before she wrote her first story about a runaway princess living on top of a flagpole with two loves of bread. Kingdom of Ash and Briars is her first novel, which she began as a college junior while studying abroad in Orléans, France. She freelance writes for Modernize.com about renewable energy and sustainable living, and lives in Rockwall, Texas, with her husband and their rambunctious blue heeler.
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
This book’s origins go back nearly as far as my history with writing. I’ve always loved fairy tales and epic fantasies. ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine inspired me to seek out fractured fairy tales, and then I got into Robin McKinley, who is phenomenal beyond words. I wrote so many stories as a kid and teenager that I was unable to finish – but I see threads in so many of those that ended up woven into KINGDOM OF ASH AND BRIARS. These unfinished stories incubated in my brain for so many years, but it took studying abroad in France and being enamored of the romantic, almost fantastical setting to shake them out into a book-worthy premise.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
I spent so much time in Bristal’s head and heart that I don’t see her a contender – so I have no shame in saying that it’s Anthony! I planned for him to be this cocky, troublemaking guy that rubbed Bristal the wrong way. But when I started writing his intro scene, he just took the reins and totally surprised me with who he turned out to be. I also love Bristal’s best friend, Drell. She’s hardy and wise.
YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?
I was calling it “The Meddler” through the entire drafting and querying process. My agent and her assistant ultimately decided it didn’t capture the epic essence of the novel, and I’m so glad they reached that verdict because there’s a Susan Sarandon movie coming out this year with that name. I love KINGDOM OF ASH AND BRIARS and how it evokes the fairy tales that adorn the major story arc.
YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?
EVERYTHING. The colors and the mood are already my jam, but the wintry white trees and the glistening ice just put me over the edge with glee when I first saw it (still does). It captures the essence of the moment that changes everything for Bristal, and also a moment later on where she finds the strength to push through adversity even when it feels like pushing on is of no use.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m in the final stretch of drafting a southern gothic paranormal YA. It’s based in my home state of Texas and it was so neat to be able to travel to the place that inspired my fictional town, rather than just having to dream up the setting. But at the same time, the story brings an otherworldliness and explores a little of the spirituality that often comes with a southern upbringing. I also have more ideas brewing for the fantasy world of KOAAB that I’m excited to explore.
YABC: Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?
Writing action sequences is a big challenge for me. Whether it was just a fight between two people or an entire battle between armies, it took a lot of focus and bouncing ideas off beta readers to do those moments justice. Emotional choreography is so much easier for me.
YABC: Which part of the writing process do you enjoy more: Drafting or Revising?
I love the very beginning of drafting, when the ideas are fresh and fun – before the plot snags. I like revising better overall because it’s like solving a puzzle that’s scrambled in front of you rather than creating something out of nothing. I used to fear cutting words, but when you have them in excess, revising is more like a 90’s makeover movie than a slasher flick. I had such insightful feedback from my agents and editor throughout the revising phases that made it easier and even enjoyable.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
I freelance write about solar energy and green living among other things, and the research has motivated me to make more of an effort to be conscious of my plastic and energy use, and the types of products and foods that I buy. Tied to that is my concern for the beautiful species that call this earth home (including humans) that are abused by our first-world urge to take and take. I enjoy having one-on-one conversations with people around me about how the littlest everyday choices have an enormous impact.
Bristal, an orphaned kitchen maid, lands in a gritty fairy tale gone wrong when she discovers she is an elicromancer with a knack for shape-shifting. An ancient breed of immortal magic beings, elicromancers have been winnowed down to merely two – now three – after centuries of bloody conflict in the realm. Their gifts are fraught with responsibility, and sixteen-year-old Bristal is torn between two paths. Should she vow to seek the good of the world, to protect and serve mortals? Or should she follow the strength of her power, even if it leads to unknown terrors? She draws on her ability to disguise herself as a man to infiltrate a prince’s band of soldiers, and masquerades as a fairy godmother to shield a cursed princess, but time is running out. As an army of dark creatures grows closer, Bristal faces a supernatural war. To save the kingdoms, Bristal must find the courage to show her true form.
Building on homages to Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jane Austen’s Emma and the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, Hannah West makes a spectacular debut.
Amazon * B & N * Indiebound
Kingdom of Ash and Briars
By: Hannah West
Release Date: August 30, 2016
*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*
One winner will receive a copy of Kingdom of Ash and Briars (US only)
Can’t wait to read this!
This books sounds very interesting, and I love the cover!
The book cover is beautiful, it immediately drew me in. The story sounds good too, could be a nice read. 🙂
The Kingdom of Ash and Briars sounds amazing ♡ I think the cover is awesome! Thank you
I’d love to see how the author incorporated Jane Austen into the story.
This is definitely one of the books I want to read most this year — and the cover is just amazing! Cheers, Kara S
Instant cover buy. Too pretty for words.
Oh my goodness! This sounds amazing!!! From the shapeshifting to the fairytale elements, it sounds like the perfect Fantasy read! And the cover is beautiful!
Beautiful cover! I love retelling and I would love to read this book. Hoping to get a copy!
The cover is stunning and the synopsis tells me this is going to be a unique and exciting book to read. I love the aspects of retellings and myths all mashed together.
They are amazing! I can’t wait to read the book and I know it will look amazing on my shelf!
Looks good!
I LOVE the cover! Stark and a little bit of color is nicce.
This is more than just a YA contemporary! Beautiful cover!