Jessica Shirvington hit our radar in 2010 with the release of her YA debut, Embrace.  It was immediately clear that this was a series to follow and an author to watch! With book 2 released in April 2011 we decided to ask Jess a little about what this writer’s journey has been like for her.

Hi Jessica, thanks for taking the time to visit with us at Fangbooks!  It’s release time for your second book, Enticed, so we really wanted to talk to you!

Thanks!

For those who haven’t met Violet Eden yet, what can they expect from your books Embraced and Enticed?

EMBRACE is an introduction to Violet Eden who is having her 17th birthday and about to discover that she is not only human. She carries the essence of an angel within and her birthday marks the point of its awakening. Now, Violet must learn about the world of angels both light and dark and decide if she is willing to ‘Embrace’ the gifts and responsibilities that she will receive by completing her Angelic Trials or is she is going to turn her back on her destiny. It is not a simple choice for Violet. Her upbringing has been unconventional. Her mother dies giving birth to her and her father has never fully recovered from her loss.

Along with her discovery she also finds out that Lincoln, he long time crush, has been lying to her since the day they met two years ago, secretly training her for a future as a Grigori warrior. So when Violet meets exiled angel, Phoenix, she discovers that comfort and friendship can be found in the most unlikely of places. But everything comes at a price…

In ENTICED, Violet’s story continues as she again embarks on the call of her destiny and must make choices and sacrifices that leave her questioning everything and everyone, most of all – herself. Old enemies become new allies and old friend become formidable foes with terrifying abilities.

It is in the mountains of Jordan that Violet and her friends must travel in order to hunt for the lost Grigori Scripture before it falls into the wrong hands. Just when things appear to be going well and Violet and Lincoln finally admit their feelings for one another – battle breaks out and the truth is most unforgivingly revealed. Everything they thought they knew will be turned on its head.

I bet you did a happy dance when you got your contract for Embraced! What was this like (no, NOT the dance, getting the contract!)?

The publishing contract was great. It takes a lot of emotion and a long time to write (and rewrite and rewrite) a manuscript. There was more than one occasion where I wondered if I was just kidding myself – not dissimilar to when I sing along to music in the car thinking I’m doing a pretty damn good job … until I turn down the radio and actually hear myself! So yeah, getting an agent and then publisher was off the charts exciting. The dance was, er … special …

What has it been like for you living in Violet’s world?

Full on. I feel a bit bipolar at the moment – forever bouncing between two worlds and two minds. Violet is so real to me, and her story really affects me. I actually have to stop and do a reality check every now and then!

I loved the blend you achieve between writing a coming of age YA and a fairly suspenseful good/evil battle, with a new twist on the angel mythology. How did you come to create this world?

It just grew on its own really. Building blocks. First Violet and research into her name, then the rainbow, then angels, then more research, then conflict, then more research, research, research. End result – Violet’s world.

What’s your favourite part about being an author? Have you always wanted to write or did this desire come to you more recently?

The desire to write is relatively recent. A bit of a life changer actually. Favourite part – simple, everything! From the concept, the research, the writing, the rewriting, the breakdowns, the editing, and holding the finished product.  No negatives, I love it all.

How do you manage to balance your writing and your personal time? When not engrossed in your latest project, what are the fun things that you like to do?

Poorly, if I’m honest. I tend to lose track of time easily. I have a fairly obsessive nature so when I start writing I find it hard to stop for anything. I’m the same when I am reading. Time slips away all too easily. I’m very lucky that I have two little girls that have no qualms about climbing all over me until I give up and turn off the computer. I don’t know where I’d be without them! Fun things are all about family. Free time is time with my husband and kids – from seeing a movie, going to the park, having milkshakes and babycinos – the normal boring stuff is the absolute best.

So what can we expect next?

Next EMBLAZE (Book3) will be released in October this year. I have just finished the manuscript and am embarking on the editing process now.  At the same time I will be working on book 4, which will be released early 2012. I have another idea I am quietly tinkering with but for now, The Violet Eden Chapters remains my focus.