3 S.R. Johannes: The awesomeness of Andrea Cremer, author of Nightshade

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The awesomeness of Andrea Cremer, author of Nightshade

Winner the ARC of Firelight (by Sophie Jordan)

Cleaverly Inked

Congrads! Email me your address at sjohannes@bilaninc.com!

O.K. so Nightshade was one of THE books to get at BEA.

Not only is it a gorgeous, amazing, kick-ass cover but it is an amazing read!

Comment and answer the questions at the bottom to win an ARC of Nightshade, not released until Oct 2010!

Today, blogger buddy and history buff, Andrea Cremer, has stopped by to talk to us :)

Hi Andrea! Thanks for coming by! Tell us about Nightshade and your journey?

Nightshade will be in stores October 19, 2010 (Philomel/Penguin Teen). The first in a gritty and spellbinding series, the world of Nightshade is filled with living shadows, sinister forces, and dangerous magic. Alpha Guardian Calla Tor must unravel mysteries that will lead her down a path of love and treachery where she is forced to choose between the life she believed she was destined for and the secret desires of her own heart. Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) will be published in summer 2011 and Bloodrose (Nightshade #3) in spring 2012. The trilogy will be followed by a prequel, scheduled for publication in fall 2012!

My journey has been an odd, wondrous trip. It started when a horse jumped on my foot in the summer of 2008, setting me on crutches for eight weeks. I couldn't do anything so I decided I'd finally try writing a novel - something I'd always dreamed about doing but had never given myself permission to try. Once I started writing I couldn't stop - and I knew there was no going back. It was terrifying - knowing I had a dream that I wanted so much and yet had no idea how to make it happen. I was a complete publishing "noob." There's a myth among aspiring writers that you can't get published without connections. It really is a myth. When I made the commitment to publish Nightshade even if it took everything I had, I didn't know anything about that world. I did research. I learned about agents, practiced writing queries. Submitted to the agencies that seemed the best fits for my work. And my ms was pulled out of the slush pile. No connections whatsoever. To get published you need patience, an iron will, and belief in the value of what you've written.

The premise for Nightshade rocks! How did you get the idea?

Nightshade is Calla's story and she was the inspiration for the book. I tend to write from characters and Calla was floating around in my head for a week or two before I started putting her story onto the page. I knew she was a girl who was also a wolf. I knew she was strong, but also in serious trouble. I couldn't figure out how someone so powerful could be in that sort of a fix. That's where Nightshade's world emerged, it was all about building a history and society that explained Calla's predicament.

Not that you are published, what do you wish you knew before you got a agent/book deal?

Biting your nails, waiting by the phone, and most of all not writing something new, while you're on submission is such a waste of time. Let it go and focus on doing what you love instead. Or else find a new hobby.

What is one thing we don’t know about you that you want us to know but might be afraid to say?

Like many other writers, notably JK Rowling, I suffer from chronic depression that started in my teens. It's actually an important issue to talk about, but the fact that depression is often misunderstood and mental illness still carries some social stigma makes me sometimes hesitate to be open about it. I did, however, do a blog post about authors and depression last year - but it was before Nightshade was on many radars so I'm guessing a lot of my readers haven't seen it. But it's an important, and often neglected, issue that many people face and I want my readers, especially teens, to know that you can have this struggle and still find your way to happiness and a healthy sense of self worth.

Thank you so much for sharing that. One last thing, if you believe in past lives – what/who do you think you were and why?

Past lives and most other 'beyond the veil' subjects I tend to approach with a gigantic question mark. Do I believe in them - I just don't know. If I did have a past life I think it was in the highlands of Scotland because whenever I visit that part of the world it feels like coming home.

Thanks Andrea!

Thanks Shelli!

You can follow Andrea on Twitter, her awesome blog, and Facebook! You can also follow PenquinTeen on Twitter!

Comment for a chance to win Andrea's ARC. (don't 4get, my only request to getting gifts is that you are a follower :) (wait, not in general - be a leader - just be a follower of mine! ;)

Tell us, like Calla, what life do you think you were destined for and why?


52 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved this interview, and I'd love to be entered in the giveaway if non-US addresses are okay. (I'm in the UK.) I'm so impatient to read this book!

I'm really lucky, because I always believed I was meant to be a professional novelist, and now I am. Whew! (And: knock on wood! Because I don't want to do anything that reeks of taking that for granted!)

CL said...

Great interview. It's true that so many creative people suffer from depression, and it's so important to speak openly about it!

I was destined to be an artist, in one form or another. Because it's who I am!

Sara B. Larson said...

I think I was always destined to write books - I've been writing them since second grade! (and probably telling stories before that) Now I just hope my agent can sell my book... :-)

Great interview!

throuthehaze said...

Great interview! I don't believe in destiny, but I have always been artistic. Being creative and making things is my passion, so I guess living a life of creativity is my "destiny."

Larissa said...

Yet another awesome interview! I can't wait to read Nightshade!

I'm hoping I was destined for the life of an author. ;)

Laurie Lamb said...

I thought I was destined to be an artist. Everyone told me that when I was a child. My real life consists of a heaping serving of MOM sprinkled liberally with WRITER and a dash of PAINTER. I'm trying!

jpetroroy said...

I also hope I was destined for the life of a published author!

Anonymous said...

I like to think I was destined for a GOOD life--but I'll take that of a writer (who can actually live off what she does). :)

I've been hearing amazing things about this book so SIGN ME UP. =D

Natalie Aguirre said...

Great interview. I seemed destined to a life of hard work because I'm hooked on writing like Andrea, have a demanding job, family, sick husband, etc., etc. At least I love my writing.

Kate said...

Aaah this is so exciting! I know Andrea from when she was my history professor my freshman year of college! She's fantastic, I'm so excited to read her book!

Susan X Bradley said...

I loved the interview and the book sounds amazing. Can't wait to read it.

I know I was destined to be a writer. My mind is constantly coming up with stories.

Jamie Manning said...

Can't wait for Nightshade to come out! Maybe I'll win the ARC and my wait will be over!

I believe that writing is my destiny; it's the only thing I'm decent at and I absolutely love getting lost in words.

j said...

Great interview! I really can't wait to read this one!

*cheese alert* I hope that I am destined to be one that will help break the peer pressure young women are facing today. The way you look and how you dress have nothing to do with what you can accomplish (at least they shouldn't). If I can leave a mark on anything in this world, I hope it's that. *end cheese fest*

Janet Johnson said...

I think I was destined to be a mom that does lots of stuff with her kids and gets old with her sweetie, while we all travel the world together. :)

I have writer dreams of course, but I don't know if I'd call that destiny.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

I love Shelli and Andrea and this wonderful interview. And I absolutely, positively, must-must-must read this book, so please enter me in the contest!
I was destined to be a writer. I've been doing it always and I can't imagine a life without it.

MeganRebekah said...

I've heard GREAT things about Nightshade and am eager to read it, so of course I'd love to win an ARC!!

And Andrea, I love your openness about working through depression. It's something I've suffered through in the past, and this week it's come rushing back since my dog died (this time there was a tangible reason, but the feelings are the same). If more people talked about it, I think others would be more willing to open up and seek help.

All in all a great interview, and a book I can't wait to read!

Lisa Aldin said...

Would love to read this one! And of course I am a follower.

Would love to win! Although, I never go!

I hate to say it, but I think I was meant to write. I know, how silly of me, but I just can't seem to let it go, even after years of rejection!

Unknown said...

I know I'm destined to help people. That has taken various forms such as clinical psychologist, life coach, and Reiki Master. Now I'm writing...it's an ever-evolving journey. :)

Lynsey Newton said...

Excellent interview and I can't wait to read Nightshade!! Thank you to Andrea for being brave mentioning depression. And thank you for the contest :)

I'm not sure what life I am destined for - hopefully as an author *fingers crossed*

lynsey(AT)narrativelyspeaking(DOT)com

Jennie Englund said...

In Catholic school, the nuns told us to follow our calling, follow our calling... I didn't know what that calling was for a long time. It took being a preschool teacher, then kindergarten, then second grade, and seventh and eighth, until I stumbled into a critical thinking/composition professorship, which I've done part-time for five incredible years now. I LIVE for hearing my students' stories.

Dani. said...

I think I was destined for a life of fun and lots of reading, or well thats what I'm striving for;)

Nightshade looks sooooo good! I wantwantwant!

Dani
lightningstreak123[at]comcast[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I think that I was destined for a life that changes the world. Maybe I cure cancer or I bring together the world for world peace. = ]

yilingni@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Oh my God. Did you know I legit probably just spazzed right now when I saw that you were giving out Nightshade?!? That book looks soooooooooooo goooood ! Gosh, you're soooo generous ! And yesss, I'm a follower ! Thank you so much !

To answer your question, I honestly have no idea what life I was destined to have. But now that I think, I think I was destined to write and help others out. Many don't believe in things, but I think you should. I guess that's why my signature is 'LostinBelieving'....

~Alison
lostinbelieving(at)yahoo(dot)com

Alex Bennett from Electrifying Reviews said...

I know this may sound lame, but I was born to lead. I like things done my way and if people are doing something that annoys me, they will soon know it.

Thanks for the awesome contest!
Alex
alexreadsbooks at gmail dot com

Kerri Cuev said...

Andrea your book sounds GREAT! Awesome interview and I love how you started writing, kudos to you!

Oh boy tough question Shelli. I think I was always destined for motherhood. It was just something that was, lol!

Jessica B said...

Please enter me! I'm a follower.

And thanks for the interview! Ususally I don't read interviews, but this one was really interesting.

shutupjessicasreading @ gmaildotcom

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Shelli and Andrea,
Great interview. OMGoodness what a lovely cover. I appreciate that you, Andrea, shared so much of yourself. I've fought depression many times (maybe all of) my life. Writing is a great escape and way to take the cruddy bits of your life and use that emotion to be productive. I love that you talk about it on your blog. A young man (19) in my old neighborhood commited suicide while on depression medicine. Teen suicide is something that needs to be discussed! WTG, Andrea.

I look forward to reading your book and now I'm off to check out your blog.

M Pax said...

I started writing again when laid up with an illness. Now I can't manage a day without it.

Love the cover of your book, Andrea. The plot sounds intriguing.

Rebecca Mangra said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rebecca Mangra said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

To be honest, I don't really know what I'm destined for but I know that I'll be travelling A LOT! I want to be able to create all these memories and remember all the beautiful sceneries.

Contact: th3angel_@live.ca

Rambling Wraith said...

I'm not sure what I was destined for, but I do know what I'm hoping for. I want to be a writer. A darn good one, too. That, and a dancer. I can write a paragraph and then, while my oh-so-slow computer stalls up, I can jump up and do a little jig. Write/jig/write/jig... Yes, it's a good process, I think.

You rocked that interview! Now, do a jig. :)

bclement412 said...

Awesome interview! I'm a teen and have depression too -- it started with my concussion that I've now had for a year and 4 months.

And I hope I'm destined to become a bestselling author?!

Riv Re said...

O_o I want this!
I feel like I was destined to be a writer. It feels so natural, and the words just flow. I'm not even out of school yet and I'm aiming to finish a novel.

Carolyn V. said...

I find it interesting that so many of my writing friends suffer with depression.

Excellent interview! I can't wait to read the book. =)

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

So inspiring! Especially because most of us don't have connections, and so many of us do suffer from depression or depression-like tendencies. What a fab success story. and Nightshade sounds pretty fantastic as well.

Anonymous said...

When I have my life figured out and what I'm destined to do - I'll let you know! :) Can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the contest.

Spav said...

Great interview! I don't actually think we are destined to do something especific. I think we have free will to choose what we want to do with our lives.

Jemi Fraser said...

Terrific interview - I've taught kids who suffer from depression & I'm always glad to see people speak about it. Thank you.

I think I'm destined to be a helper - mom/teacher/peace-maker. It seems to be what I do :)

Ky said...

I loved the questions! Especially with the past life. XD

I think I'm destined to be an artist. I love teaching others how to do certain techniques or how to draw. I can't imagine doing anything else. :)

Anonymous said...

Great interview! Thank you for being both inspiring and honest. NIGHTSHADE sounds really amazing, and I am looking forward to reading it.

Deb Salisbury, Magic Seeker and Mantua-Maker said...

Great interview! Thank you, Shelli and Andrea!

I suspect my calling is in detailed historical research, but I love to write.

Trini said...

It's really interesting to hear that many authors suffer from depression and I can totally understand why they would chose writing as their career. It's a huge stress reliever to engulf yourself in another world.

My Destiny..? I'm drawing a blank. Heck I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up and I'm 33yrs old, LOL! I consume my life with reading and I have helped other to find the same passion I have for reading so maybe Im destined to be a Book Guru;)

Trini @ A Book-Lovers Review
abookloversreview@gmail.com

Hannah S. said...

Wow, I'm psyched to read this book!
I'd love for a chance to win an early copy, so please enter me!

I'm glad Andrea linked this posting since I love your blog! Simple, and easy to navigate. Of course the contest is the most important part! (which is also great!) :)

Love, Hannah
xoxosweeet at yahoo dot com

magan bagan said...

I've always felt that I was destined to be in the movies, either as an actor or as a director/producer. I still want that, but writing has become my passion now.

It's something that I've always been good at and hope to pursue as time goes on.

DeNiSe said...

I wish I know what I'm destined to do but right know in my life I have no idea whats so ever I've never really felt that I'm destined to do so much teach write, photograph important moments ,be Oprah

Nightshade !!!!!!!! Oct !!!! I need it know

Denise
denisemadness(at)yahoo(dot)com

Emma Kate "Coops" @ Whats Cracking Coops said...

This is a fabulous interview! She is SO right about depression. And I love horses, LOL, ironic that one stood on her toe! I guess I'll be thankful it did when Nightshade comes out - I can't wait to read it!

I don't really know if I was destined for anything. I know my parents and grandparents think I was destined for university, at least, because I got a super high score in my Australian exams, so THEY were super disappointed when I decided to take a year off...and on the hush hush, I secretly hope to avoid UNI all together. They think its where I should be...but I kind of disagree. I would much rather be writing my book (yes, aspiring novellist here!) so perhaps that is my destiny...? We shall see :)

Cheers!
Emma
deltree192@live.com.au

Alyssa Kirk said...

Great interview and I love the premise of Nightshade.

My destiny is to be a writer!

Khelsea @ Once upon a review said...

Great interview! I'm really looking forward to this book!

I always thought I was destined to help people. Weither it be medically or even the simplest of things like a teacher or hey even helping people know what good book are out there (like book blogging!) hehe! I'm a generous person by nature and I have a feeling I was born to help others.

Aik said...

Thanks for this interview! I think I'm destined to be a leader!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Shell said...

So happy to find your blog, and to become one of your many followers! Please enter me to win the Nightshade ARC [insert fingers crossed here]. :)

Hhmm...what I'm destined to do, and why...change careers from the no-free-time-having lawyer I am to a person who is able to share something creative with others. I've always dreamed of writing a book, so hopefully I'm destined to be an author, too!

shellheartsbooks@gmail.com

Harmony B. said...

Loved the interview and so excited for this book!

I believe that the desicions I make and the choices I take (rhymes) will decide my future. Though I believe fate takes up a large part of what happens in our lives, it does not control us or our desicions. We do ourselves :)

teen said...

Great interview very interesting! I loved some of the questions you asked

I have always felt I am meant to be an author...it is just something in my blood (not like lineage) if that makes any sense