Today we're excited to chat with Kristin Cast author of

The Key To Fear.

Read on for more about Kristin and her book, plus a giveaway!

Meet Kristin Cast!

KRISTIN CAST is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling author who was born in Japan, grew up in Oklahoma, and loves her life in Portland, Oregon. She teamed with her mother and edited the wildly successful House of Night series and is thrilled about her many upcoming projects. This is only the beginning for Kristin, who can’t wait to share more stories.

 Website * Twitter * Instagram

Meet The Key To Fear!

To Health.
To Life.
To the Future.

We are The Key.
'No touching today for a healthy tomorrow.'

Elodie obeys The Key. Elodie obeys the rules. Elodie trusts in the system. At least, Elodie used to...

Aidan is a rebel. Aidan doesn't do what he's told. Aidan just wants to be free. Aidan is on his last chance...

After a pandemic wiped out most of the human race, The Key took power. The Key dictates the rules. They govern in order to keep people safe. But as Elodie and Aidan begin to discover there is another side to The Key, they realise not everything is as it seems.

Amazon * B & N * Indiebound

~ Author Chat ~

YABC:  What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

I have always been interested in viruses and how they’ve impacted our world. I also noticed that when we’re together, we’re apart. Say we’re at dinner together. Even if I’m close enough to reach out and touch you, every time I pick up my phone, I put a barrier between us. In choosing email, social, or game apps over our in-person experience, I’ve separated us even though we’re sitting right across from each other. I saw this happening all around me, and I’m guilty of it myself. It got me thinking, what would happen if we weren’t allowed to touch? Then I added my interest in viruses to that and asked, what would happen if a virus made it impossible for us to able to be physically close to friends and family? These questions started me on the road to writing The Key to Fear.

YABC:  Who is your favorite character in the book?

My favorite character is Blair. She is strong and decisive and knows what she wants. Like everyone, she has room to grow, and I’m excited to see her evolve throughout this series.

YABC:  Which came first, the title or the novel?

The novel and the title actually came at the same time. Well, now that I’m really thinking about it, I guess the novel came first. Yes, the novel came first. It feels like they both happened at once, but I had to come up with the name for the new regime (the Key) before I came up with the title.

YABC:  What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

Since The Key to Fear is my very first solo young adult novel, I can’t choose just one scene. I am so proud of the entire novel. If I’m being forced to choose, I do have one scene in mind. Of course, it has spoilers, so I can’t actually tell you about it… 

YABC:  Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you've learned as a writer from then to now?

Fail early. Fail often. Fail forward.

YABC:  What do you like most about the cover of the book?

My favorite thing about the cover is the sense of foreboding it elicits. And aren’t the colors amazing? Kathryn English, Blackstone’s talented cover designer, created something so magical. I loved it the second I saw it.

YABC:  What new release book are you looking forward to?

I’m very much looking forward to Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart. Follower her on Instagram to read quotes from the book. April can’t come soon enough!

YABC:  What was your favorite book in 2019?

I really enjoyed The Grace Year by Kim Liggett. I listened to it on audio and sat in my driveway and cried the entire last chapter. It was a beautiful and powerful read.

YABC:  What’s up next for you?

Spells Trouble, the first book in Sisters of Salem, my new teen witch trilogy coauthored by PC Cast, releases summer 2021. I’m also hard at work on The Key to Fury.

YABC:  Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?

There’s a scene toward the end of the book that was extremely emotional, which made it a challenge to write. I want to go into more detail, but don’t want to give away too much. After you’ve read it, we can chat.

YABC:  Which character gave you the most trouble when writing your latest book?

Elodie was the most difficult character to write. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was her age, and there were so many times when I wanted to pull her to the side and tell her things to help her. Unfortunately, most of the wisdom I wanted to bestow upon her is best learned through experience. I can’t wait to see who Elodie is by the end of the series. 

    YABC:  Which part of the writing process do you enjoy more: Drafting or Revising?

Revising! It’s always so much easier to make something better than it is to stare at a blank page.

      YABC:  What would you say is your superpower?

Being able to find my way to the bathroom in the middle of the night when it’s dark and I’m not wearing my glasses.

    YABC:  Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?

Sea Legacy. Their mission is to create healthy and abundant oceans for us and for the planet. They connect two of my passions, storytelling and marine conservation, to educate and inspire change. #TurningTheTide

The Key To Fear

By: Kristin Cast

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Release Date: October 13th, 2020

*GIVEAWAY DETAILS* 

Three winners will receive a copy of The Key To Fear (Kristin Cast) ~ (US Only)

*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*

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