{Interview} Hope Collier auhtor of The Willows: Haven

Hey everyone! I've got a special guest here today! :D Everyone say hi!

~~~~~~~*The Book*~~~~~~~

The Willows: Haven (Willows #1)

Buy: ~Amazon~

When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finds herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.

Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay? {Goodreads}

~~~~~~~*The Interview*~~~~~~~

1. What made you decide to write about the naiads, nymphs, and dryads?

I didn't specifically choose to write about nymphs in the beginning. In fact, they started out as angels, but I wasn't happy with that. I began researching other "beings" and realized no one had used nymphs as a basis for a story. It was a nice setup since people know what nymphs are, but don't have any preconceived notions like they would with angels or vampires.

2. If Ashton's mom was with her at The Valley, what would she tell her?

Edlyn would tell Ashton to be true to herself. She would encourage her not to give up, to stand strong and fight for the things she loves most.

3. What is a hobby (besides writing) that you enjoy?

I absolutely adore music, so that's something I really enjoy in any way. I also love reading and crafty stuff like making weird and vintage jewelry and bookmarks. I'm game for anything outdoors: hiking, playing sports, camping, etc. But my favorite thing is spending time with my family and friends.

4. What inspired Gabe and Kyle's characters?

As cliché as it sounds, I dreamed about Gabe which is also why he began as an angel. He was this inherently good guy who wanted to help people. That gradually took on a life of its own, and he became the Gabe he is now. I didn't have much say in the matter! Kyle started out as a filler character. I needed someone to take up a spot in the story. I never meant for him to play such a big part, but he just kept popping back up and demanding attention. Inspiration wise, I really just wanted him to be the kind of friend anyone would want … a friend who's always there and loves you through thick and thin.

5. There are a lot of foods in the world, what is your favorite?

Hmm. That's a tough question. I'm a carbo junky in every way, so I like any kind of pasta or breads. I also love just about all veggies. Most of my family keeps a garden, so I grew up them.

6. What was the hardest thing in writing The Willows: Haven?

The hardest part for me was trying to find a balance between too much information and not enough with the important stuff in Gabe and Ashton's worlds. Because the story isn't exclusively human, and no one really knows a lot about nymphs, I had to build an entire world and culture on top of introducing the characters and keeping the storyline on track.

7. What is your haven?

My haven is my bedroom when the house is quiet except for the sound of my music in the background. I have a great book in my hand or my laptop in front of me, and I'm enjoying the ever-exciting world of imagination!  

~~~~~~~*The Author*~~~~~~~

Hope Collier was born in Harlan County, Kentucky. Growing up in the Appalachia, she quickly learned that a good imagination, along with the ability to outrun the neighbor's cantankerous dog, was essential to survival. Hope wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of six and never stopped writing. She now lives in central Kentucky with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. When not spending time with her imaginary friends, you're likely to find her stalking other writers on Twitter or searching out new ways of fitting square pegs into round holes.

Find her here:
~Twitter~*~Facebook~*~Goodreads~*~Blog~*Website~

Thanks for stopping by you guys! And major thanks to Hope! Thank you So very much for letting me interview! Absolutely enjoyed all the answers! Hope to see you back on the blog some time! Hope you guys enjoyed the interview as much as me! Have a great Wednesday! :)
~Jaiden

BUTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!! Before you go! The awesome Hope is giving you all a chance to win one of 5 (5 total winners) signed bookmarks AND one of 2 (total of 2 winners) e-book copies of her book The Willows: Haven!! Isn't that awesome! Take advantage now! This is an offer you do NOT want to miss! :D Just fill out the form below!! :)


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{Review} The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier

The Willows: Haven (Willows #1)
Author: Hope Collier
Published: October 11, 2011
Source: e-book review copy from Ms. Collier! Thanks!! ^-^

When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finds herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.

Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay? {Goodreads}

 ~~~~~~~*My Review*~~~~~~~

The Willows: Haven is very different. I have not read anything in this genre before...I won't tell you the genre of paranormal it is because well, it's a secret! You'll have to read it for yourself sorry haha! The beginning is great! I loved it! It was a mystery so you HAD to keep reading! Then she meets Gabe and it all goes greater! Like I said, loved the beginning definitely kept me interested! Then it started going off the bdeep end for awhile and then picked up speed then it PISSED ME OFF!!! Well, I was just hurt haha it's a good book pissed off haha

Sometimes Ashton could be whiny and annoying but this book was very good! It is a good I-don't-know-what-to-read read lol Gabe was pretty cool and honestly liked him alot then.......ya anyways I liked Kyle more...ALOT more! He is so cute and once again I fall for the best friend who has loved her for awhile character. What can I say? I mean they know you! The REAL you! They have seen you at your worst and are still there for you. They lone you their shoulder when you want to bawl your eyes out. They always have your back and will kick the ass of the dude that hurt you! do I need to keep going?

~~~~~~~*My Rate*~~~~~~~

 Now, don't get me wrong I really liked this book it was very interesting and kept me reading. Why did I give it three stars then? The only reason it gets three stars is because of the ending.....The pick...if you know what I mean...UGH! Ashton PISSED ME OFF SO SO SO SO MUCH! I literally through my ipod on the couch, screaming and yelling "How could she be so stupid!!! What the hell is her flipping problem!! How in the world could she.....after.....and then how the other.....and did......and said......Come on!!! WTF!!!!!!!!" Ya, I through a lil hissy fit! But that's the only reason! :) If the situation would have happened differently then I would have given it 4 stars. I know, harsh but I was seriously mad! Can you tell hahaha

 

~~~~~~~*Final Say-So*~~~~~~~

 When you have the time definitely pick this one up! It's so cool and diferent. Sometimes it was lacking plot and went a everywhere at times and you were confused but past that....great e-book read! Like I said when you have the time...you shouldn't regret it.

Thanks for stopping by! :)

~Jaiden