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Day #2: Interview with A.G. Howard + Unhinged Giveaway

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Welcome to day 2 of our blog party! I’m super flawed by how many of you have played our party tag and linked up. Woot! You peoples are obviously amazing. Don’t forget to jump over and enter the Day #1 Giveaway.

But now for the interview we’ve aaaall been waiting for! A.G. Howard is visiting our blog! Cue enormous fangirling because this is one of my favourite authors. JUST SAYING.

Be sure to stop by A.G. Howard’s blog and did you know she has a spectacular Pinterest account? I’m not kidding, peoples: her pins are creeptastic. (Very Wonderland.) You can also catch her on Twitter and Facebook.

Click on the covers to go to the Goodreads page:


Which has been the hardest book of the three to write so far?

The final one. Not just because it was difficult saying goodbye to the characters and Wonderland (for a little while, at least) but I also lost two very close family members—one suddenly and unexpectedly—while writing it, so my real world turned upside down. My publisher was lovely and gave me an extension, but still, I had to keep writing through the pain to meet the new date. In some ways, it helped me, because I was able to weave some of the emotions I was feeling into the book. But it was still the hardest thing I’ve ever done, to just plunge forward like that. In the end, though, I feel that it was cathartic and I’m grateful I had something to make me keep going.

Aw, sorry to hear that, but so glad Wonderland kept you going. How long have you been lost in Wonderland writing this trilogy?

Haha. What do you mean have been? I’m still lost in Wonderland. I always will be. #NetherlingAtHeart

So! The burning question: Do you have a personal favourite between Jeb and Morpheus?

I don’t. From a writer’s standpoint, Morpheus is a constant challenge, always trying to steal scenes and getting all the best lines, not to mention turning the story on its head when I least expect it. And I do like a challenge. I also can’t get enough of his devious masterminded wizardry and wit. 

But Jeb is so genuine, loyal, and noble, in spite of the horrible childhood he lived. Also, I adore his sense of humor and the way he’s always pinning Morpheus with new bug names. Actually, confession time: I thoroughly enjoy the chemistry between these two guys. (Which—TEASER—you will see a lot more of in Ensnared). I also like that each guy brings out and complements different qualities in Alyssa—not just her light and dark sides, but how she makes decisions and how she views the world. SO, if I had to answer, I’d say they’re both my favorite for different reasons (and I getto say that since they’re my brainchildren). 😉

Oh gosh, the bug names definitely crack me up. Lately a lot of YA trilogies have had rather controversial conclusions. Are you nervous about how fans will receive Ensnared?

Sure, a part of me is nervous. But, I’m also confident in the ending. As much as I wish I could, I don’t expect to satisfy or appease every fan. No matter what I do, someone will be unhappy. I could’ve taken this ending several different ways, and each one would’ve been construed as “fair” or “unfair” depending on who you ask, because fair is purely subjective. Whereas, there is only ONE way that feels authentic. An author’s job is to figure that out, and have the guts to do it in spite of the fact that they know some people won’t like it. That’s what I did. Readers are smart and hate being emotionally manipulated. The only way to keep that from happening is to let the ending fall into line organically and naturally. That way, even if a fan doesn’t like the resolution, they can at least look back over the series as a whole and realize the author was being honest, and most importantly, entertained them in the telling. Because when it comes down to it, that’s the most important part of an author’s job. To entertain and provide escapism. If I can satisfy my readers at least in that one respect, I’ll consider it a job well done.

That was like…the best answer ever. And lastly, was any chocolate harmed in the making of this trilogy?! Be honest…


Let me answer this with a picture:
http://www.joshrimer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/chocolate_face1.jpg
That was pretty much me at the beginning, middle, and end of each writing session during the last quarter of the book. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get chocolate smudges off a keyboard and monitor.
A CHOCOLATE COMPUTER. (Yum.) Thanks for coming by, A.G.! It was super awesome getting to interview you about my favourite series of ever. I’m never dramatic. Nope. Counting down until Ensnared!

Thanks so much for having me over, Cait! I can’t wait to share Ensnared with everyone. 🙂

Thanks so much to A.G. Howard for offering an audio book of Unhinged and a swag pack up for grabs!

– This giveaway is USA ONLY
– Prize will be sent from the author
– Only crazy moths can enter. Okay, I am kidding. You don’t have to be a moth. Just crazy.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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  1. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK HOW EXCITING. (I'm now stalking all her Pinterest boards and pinning ALL the things…for research purposes, of course)That was a fantastic answer about the end to the series. Makes me feel kind of guilty about hating Allegiant, to be honest…anyway, I can't wait to read Ensnared. I mean, I suppose Jeb HAS to be in it. *sighs* Morpheus will always be my favourite, though :)And also, I can't wait to see the cover!!!

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  2. If I'd become a published author, I'd love to have covers like these and I really wonder how the next one will look like!Besides: Great interview! Writing can be a great therapy, can't it?arendedewit.blogspot.com

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  3. Okay, I am so anxious now, ahhhhhhhhhhh. I can't wait to read it (though I probably will cry, hate when your favourite series ends). I'm not even bothered with who Alyssa ends up with at this point since I love them both for different things, you can't really compare them, but Morpheus <3. More Morpheus, hey a spin-off series! He could have that. I'd buy it. As long as Ensnared ends in a way that it should then I'm fine by that. But seriously, Morpheus spin-off. Now, I'm going back over to pinterest to continue to stare at Morpheus's board. *sigh*

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  4. The cover reveals are helping some, but I will be chomping at the bit after that, although I am participating in a Splintered reread on Goodreads next month. I'm sure they will have an Unhinged reread, too. I am a die-hard Jebutante all the way, Team Wet Jeb, ah yep.

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  5. I also want to add that A.G. is so gracious, and giving of her time, with her fans. I would never have known she was going through those serious personal losses because she never skipped a beat with any of us on social media. As I have said before, A.G. talks with us and not at us, and is always game to talk about things other than her books. Really a super person.

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  6. SO I HAVEN'T EVEN READ THIS SERIES YET! BUT IT'S ON MY TBR LIST FOR THE SUMMER (and so is every other book in the world) Maybe I'll read all of them at once when they come out! And I'm also looking out for the cover to Ensnared, because the other covers just look so creepy but also so good hahaa.

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  7. I am extremely excited for Ensnared! I can't wait to see what happens to the separate groups, and how they come together again. I love the way these books are written– they really do take you to a different world. Oh, and of course, Team Jeb!

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  8. I can't wait! I've already pre-ordered it and will probably be too impatient for it to get here and buy it on audible when it comes out (usually the day after release) I'm having a hard time choosing between Jeb or Morpheus but I trust that Ms. Howard will end it in a way that no matter who she chooses it will make so much sense that everyone will be happy….or at least not turn into stark raving mad were-beasts and go on the hunt. 🙂

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  9. Well, I am in the process of reading Splintered and loving it!!:) But, since I'm not finished, I can't say who I like more. They both have their quirks. There are times that I like Jeb more and times that I like Morpheus more. Ask me after I finish Splintered;P

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  10. Team Morph all the way! He is one smexy moth. I've been really excited about this series ever since I stumbled upon Splintered (when buying wine, haha) earlier this year, and I'm constantly sharing my love for the books on tumblr and twitter. However it ends, I'll always be glad to go back and vacation in Wonderland with my favorite characters.

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  11. CAIT! YOU LUCKY DUCK! Haha…that was, without a doubt, one of the best interviews I have ever read! Absolutely wonderful! <3 It's so awesome that she doesn't worry about pleasing her fans and that, instead, she just tries to write what she feels needs to be told. That's definitely great advice! I'm sorry Cait, but I'm team Jeb for now (*senses the anger in the crowd growing*), but I still have yet to read Unhinged (how long does it take a library to get a book?!?), so I'll have to give you updates on that. I agree that they both have completely different personalities and that they bring out different sides in Alyssa, so I'm interested in seeing where that's going to go.Thanks for sharing Cait! *throws confetti* Happy blogoversery week! <3

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  12. So I'm gonna have to share your ideas on writing with some author type kiddos. They would love to hear your take on the writing process! Annndddd…. now i have to go all fan girl for a moment…I can't wait for the new book! !! Squeeee!

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  14. Still haven't read this series, though I'm quite frankly unsure of why I haven't. I totally love fairytale retellings and Alice in Wonderland. There's also those alluring covers. I'm currently looking through the author's pinterest board and damn <33 I'm in love, my inner fangirl over all things Wonderland is definitely emerging as I stalk hehe.This was a great interview Cait c: Hehe, so professional and A.G. Howard gave some really interesting insights. Lol idk if I could be as professional as you when interviewing authors, I feel like I'd end up asking rather random questions and fangirling. Especially if it was a author I was crazy over[; ANYWAY. Wow, the answer to the question regarding the end of the trilogy was done beautifully. A ending is quite the big deal to us fans, but Howard is completely one hundred percent correct regarding the fact that the ending must be authentic. I personally can tell when a ending is inauthentic and it can honestly leave me feel cheated. Can't wait to see more from this Alice in Wonderland themed week c:I just wish I lived in the USA now. Haha, Canada probs. We're in the same continent! Yet so far.

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  19. US ONLY? *throws self down on floor*I can totally understand why she doesn't favour either Jeb or Morpheus, it'd be like choosing which child you like better. But what most parents don't tell you, I think they all secretly like one child more than the others. Soooo, I'm gonna assume that Morpheus is her favourite too.I heard you loud and clear Ms Howard *winks*Loved the interview girls! Can't wait for Ensnared.

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  20. I love that answer for controversial endings! Even if the ending isn't necessarily controversial, not everyone will think it should've ended that way. When writing, following the hype or what people want or will expect doesn't matter. There's an inevitable ending for every book, and that's the ending that the writer needs to be brave enough to write. Awesome interview!

    Reply

  22. This was an awesome interview! I haven't read the books yet, but I've seen fans comparing Jeb and Morpheus, back and forth, back and forth. I loved her answer regarding the ending. There will always be fans who'll be dissatisfied, but it's always important to go with the ending that feels right for the scenario. I could not have been any happier with such a response! I wish I could join the giveaway, but alas, a USA reader I am not DXFaye at The Social Potato Reviews

    Reply

  30. I can't wait to read these books! They have been bumped up on my TBR list since I heard about how much you like them! Great interview and giveaway! 😉

    Reply

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