Interview with the author of A Violet Fire, Kelsey Quick - Virtual Book Tour - Day Nine!

Morning BookWyrms,

It's day nine of Kelsey Quick's A Violet Fire Virtual Book Tour! And it's my turn to share and promote this fang-tastic (see what I did there?) debut novel!

I have been talking about this book on my blog and my insta account since October when I was lucky enough to get an E-Arc of it from NetGalley. My review (spoiler free of course) is on the blog already - go check it out (after you've pre-ordered your copy of the book!)

For my stop on the tour I got to interview Kelsey about A Violet Fire - which was so exciting for me as a fan! Can I just note here that Kelsey is as lovely as she is talented!

And if you need proof - Kelsey is hosting a giveaway, for those in the US, whilst this tour runs!!

Kelsey will be awarding, one lucky winner, a $25 Amazon/BN gift card, chosen at random via rafflecopter.

So don't forget to enter for your chance to win here:

RAFFLECOPTER:

Enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC - a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Violet Fire is a refreshingly, exciting vampire story with characters that you can't help but love, but don't take my word for - here is a little more praise for Kelsey's novel:

"A vampire tale with a heady mix of defiance and doubt, rebellion and romance." — Kirkus Reviews

"There is not a single dull moment in this book... A Violet Fire has all the ingredients to become the next Hollywood movie about vampires." — Readers' Favorite

Finally just before I share my interview, I want you to have a read of the blurb and a sneaky exert from the book (one of my favorite lines from the novel is featured in this passage so, of course, I had to share it with you all!)


A Violet Fire Blurb

"In the Vampire Stratocracy of Cain, human blood is scarce. For centuries, councils have sought to assuage the blood shortage by enslaving and breeding humans, turning them into profitable supply units for the rich and the abled.

Today, eighteen-year-old Wavorly Sterling is officially a supply unit, bound to serve her blood willingly to her master for the rest of her life. One of only a few humans that was not bred in Cain, Wavorly knows freedom better than anyone, and she is determined to escape the clutches of her oppressors—despite the allure of forbidden love."


Sneaky Exert:

'I sink lower into the ground. I probably won’t have another shot at escaping either. If they are smart, they’ll keep me in here until Distribution, and most likely monitor me all the way up until the ceremonial judgment. A sole thought forces itself through the mess. What if Zein’s crazy enough to take me back to his castle? To be a part of his blood supply? My fingers clench into my palms. No, even if I manage to get into Zein’s beautiful estate, no doubt I would still find a way to get out. Enslavement is still enslavement, no matter how soft the chains.'

Can you guess my fave line?

Anyway no more stalling here is my interview with Kelsey:

Kelsey Quick is a novelist, artist, and businesswoman who loves her husband, huskies, and video games. Since the age of two, Kelsey has been bound and determined to create. From traditional impressionist paintings, to digital comic creation; from fanfiction to full-length novels… her desire for crisp and prime escapism is never-ending. A Violet Fire is her debut novel, harboring the idea she’s had and held dear to her heart for over a decade.

Questions about A Violet Fire:

1. What was your inspiration for A Violet Fire?

A Violet Fire was inspired by the anime/manga called Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino back in 2007 (which is still one of my all-time favorite stories)! It also drew inspiration from The Hunger Games, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Harry Potter.

2. Describe AVF in five words.

Darkly sensual, a shocking page-turner. (I’m counting page-turner as 1 word and you can’t stop me! MUAHAHA)

3. Who was the best character to write about and why?

If we are to omit Wavorly and Zein, I think the best character to write about was Anaya, surprisingly enough. She has such a unique perspective and history, that I found myself really wanting to elaborate on her. I hope to in future novels!

4. Did you learn anything while writing AVF?

Oh yeah… a lot… a lot of what NOT to do, to be exact. But I also learned a lot about myself. I could finish a novel. I could complete something and make it somewhat worth people’s time. I still remember the moment I finished it… how weirdly energized I felt.

5. What was your favourite scene to write and why?

Heheheheh. Honestly, I loved writing the scene where Zein is poisoned and needing Wavorly’s blood. I don’t know why, but that scene, when I pictured it, felt like one of the most notable in the entire book for me.

6. How many books can we expect in the series?

I’m hoping for more than 3, but 3 for now!

7. Do you relate to any of the characters/who would you be, and why?

Ok, honesty time. Wavorly is like 50% myself. She’s much more immature and still learning her way around herself and others, but many of the conflicts she went through I also went through (socially, anyway… not so much being enslaved by vampires.) so I definitely would connect with her more. It’s also hard not to connect with a character in a first person-present sense. You almost have to connect with them to make them believable.

8. Do you know how the series will end, or do you think the characters might surprise you with were they go in the story?

I have an idea of how it will end, but I leave that thought vague on purpose because I like to be surprised, and if I’m surprised then I think my audience will be too.

9. If Wavorly and Zein were real, what would they be doing right now?

Most likely bickering about some philosophical-something that really doesn’t matter… courtesy of Wavorly and her over-analyzing brain, of course!

10. Are you Team Wavorly or Team Zein?

…definitely Team Wavorly for now. ;)

Questions about you:

1. Favourite book?

For my youth, that will have to be My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. For my adolescent life, that will probably have to be A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas.

2. Favourite Author?

This is a tough one… probably Kim Liggett right now. I just read The Grace Year and I’ve never found another author whose voice and tone sound so much like mine. The themes are also eerily similar.

3. If you could be a character from any book you've ever read who would it be and why?

DEFINITELY KATNISS EVERDEEN. I love traditional archery and if I could I would be her every year for Halloween, but my husband insists I have to change it up. ha!

4. What are you currently reading?

Right now, The Beckoning Shadow by Katharyn Blair! It’s a good one, and got a starred review on Kirkus, but it’s flying under the radar a bit.

5. Favourite quote from a book and why?

Oh goodness, I don’t really have one off the top of my head… I’ll just use one from my own book that I recently looked at and admired, as stated by Zein, “In a world where survival relies on a greater power, all freedom can ever be is an insipid ideology. It is a fruitless word crafted for the weak.”

6. Favourite season?

Spring, it hints at warmth and life and makes me excited to start running again!

7. Favourite drink?

Lavender latte, for sure! You should try it if you like coffee. There’s a lavender syrup and a lavender sugar that you can make it with and it. is. so. good!

8. Dream destination?

The Cathedral d’ Avignon, France. It’s my dream to go to the very place that I decided to set my human characters in. That might be happening next summer! Stay tuned. ☺

9. Song of the moment?

Cruel Summer or Death by a Thousand Cuts by Taylor Swift!

10. Other than writing amazing dystopian vampire novels what do you like to do?

Oh, you flatter me! I really like to draw, play video games, and watch TV shows with my husband. When I’m feeling especially adventurous, I like to take a weekend away to the woods with my father and just get lost in a sea of stars with bonfires and fishing. At the end of the day I’m pretty simple, and immensely enjoy the quiet life.

Writers Advice:

I know you must get asked this all of the time but what is your number one/top tip for aspiring writers?

Just don’t quit. A lot of people try and a lot of people give up. If you don’t give up, your chances will only climb. Don’t be afraid to analyze your own merit and correct your own short-comings. The number one killer of potential is a big ego, in my opinion.

There you have it - didn't I say she was lovely?

Now if you haven't already, go pre-order this book! It's pub date is the 9th December 2019, so you can treat yourself to an early bookish Christmas pressie!

Here are all the normal links to get your hands on A Violet Fire:

Amazon Pre-order eBook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XNKH9XL

Amazon Preorder Hardcover/paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Violet-Fire-Kelsey-Quick/dp/1733072403

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kelsey-Quick/e/B07SD61PMN?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1573162108&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-violet-fire-kelsey-quick/1131658735?ean=9781733072403

Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781733072403

For more reviews, updates and information, here are the links for your convenience:

Website: https://www.avioletfire.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/avioletfire1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avioletfire/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avioletfire/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47179561-a-violet-fire

You should 100% follow on instagram because Kelsey shares some of her own artwork, including character and scene sketches she has done!!!!!

Again here is the link for the rest of the tour, go check out the reviews and interviews from everyone involved:

The tour dates can be found here:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/10/vbt-violet-fire-by-kelsey-quick.html

Also share, comment, like and spread the love for the amazing authors debut novel - A Violet Fire.

Until next time, keep on reading,

Lottie