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 Anna Banks, YABC’s Author of the Week!!
Anna Banks is a young adult author whose primary goal is to entertain smart, funny gals like herself. You can expect her works to be centered around a love story, freckled with humor, and seasoned with sarcasm.
Anna grew up in a small town called Niceville (yes, really) in the Florida Panhandle. She now lives with her husband and daughter close to her hometown. The youngest of seven children, she was spoiled beyond comprehension growing up. Before she started writing, Anna worked as a banker and a waitress. She loves old movies, fried chicken, and Simon Cowell, but loathes exercise, licorice, and haters.
She also spews sarcastic, romantic fiction under pen name Anna Scarlett.
Meet Nemesis!!
The princess didn’t expect to fall in love–with her nemesis.
Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king’s servitude.
Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.
Sepora’s gift could save Tarik’s kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?
A thrilling futuristic fantasy in which the fate of the world’s energy source is in the hands of a prince and princess who are rivals, by the New York Times-bestselling author of the Syrena Legacy.
Amazon * B & N * Indiebound
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I watched a documentary (always a documentary, because I’m a nerd like that!) about the Egptian boy King Tut. I wondered how he ruled such a vast empire at such a young age. And I knew immediately that life was too easy for Tut. He needed a Quiet Plague sweeping his kingdom, vicious merbeasts swimming in the Nile, and a headstrong servant who happens to be the runaway princess of another kingdom to become a thorn in his side and a hook in his heart. ☺ Tut had it easy compared with Tarik.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
My favorite character is Sethos, Tarik’s younger brother. He reminds me of a young Egyptian Tony Stark. He’s a bit of a womanizer, brilliant at what he does (he’s a Majai warrior), and he says whatever he wants to say, all the time. He’s fun to write, that’s for sure.
YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?
Oddly, the title came first. I knew I wanted Tut to fall for his Nemesis, I just didn’t know who his Nemesis was going to be yet. So I kept developing the story to fit the title, which is something I never do.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
I’m really proud of an almost kiss between Tarik and Sepora. I’m that person who reads books and wants to push the characters’ faces together, screaming, “Kiss already!!!!!!” but this time I was able to control my insanity and tear them apart. I’m not saying it didn’t kill me a little, I’m just saying I’m proud that I did.
YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
The most important thing I’ve learned is that the first draft is just that—the first draft. It’s by NO MEANS finished. After I finish the draft, I print it out and set it aside for about a week. Then I go back to it with fresh eyes and a red pen. There are always parts that need expounding, cut or polished. You can send out a first draft to your agent or editor. It’s not fair to them. A first draft is like take a handful of steamy dog crap and smearing it onto your computer screen. Don’t give that to you agent, you know?
YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2016?
I’m looking forward to reading Stalking Jack the Ripper, which is on my nightstand, waiting to be rummaged through. I’ve always been obsessed with Jack the Ripper, and yes watched dozens of documentaries on him. I’m jealous that the author got to the story before I did! ☺
YABC: What was your favorite book in 2015?
I read this book called An Unquiet Mind by Redfield Jamison. I had just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I was reading everything I could get my hands on about it. The writing is superb, and the memoir itself is so intricate and satisfying for someone with my disorder to read. I kept saying, “Yes, that’s exactly how it feels!” the whole book. So it definitely left a mark on me.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
Actually, for the first time in my writing career, I have a clean slate ahead of me. I’m not under contract for anything, and I’m not rushing to get one, either. I really want to take my time with whatever I decide to do, and really get back to the joy of writing a good book. ☺
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
ASPCA is close to my heart. I’m very soft-hearted where animals are concerned and they do their best. I could never be in that line of work, so I donate when I can so that the people who CAN do it, can do it well. Consider looking up the closest ASPCA and donating something. Everything helps.
Nemesis
By: Anna Banks
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: October 4th, 2016
*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*
Five winners will receive a signed copy of Nemesis (Anna Banks) ~ (US & Canada only).
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
This book has been on my TBR pile for a while now. I cannot wait to read it.
Not a fan of covers featuring faces but this one works. Story sounds good!
Nemisis sounds like a great story ♡ I think the cover is awesome! Thank you
Not the biggest fan of this cover but it sounds great
This book sounds AMAZING, I have heard some great things! Thanks so much for the chance!
The cover is very unique and I appreciate it! I think it looks lovely! I have heard amazing things about this book so I am excited!
The cover looks so pretty and unique, and I also love how the book is an Egyptian spin off.
The cover is unique and I like the background pattern. The synopsis is very interesting. I cannot wait to read this book.
She looks fierce! Sounds like and awesome story and I can’t wait to read it!
The cover and synopsis are very intriguing.
I love the cover and plots sounds so interesting!
I love the cover–this girl is so different that she catches my eye. And the plot sounds so exciting.
SOUNDS and LOOKS awesome!!!
I’ve already heard so much praise of this book I am bent on reading it. I prefer more colorful covers in general, but story trumps cover! 😉
The cover is very eye catching. I think that I will like this futuristic world .