This week, we got the chance to chat with Jessica Shirvington, author of EMBRACE. Check out her answers to our questions (and that gorgeous book cover!) below.
Thank you, Jessica, for joining us on YABC today! First off, can you tell us a little bit about your novel, EMBRACE?
Thanks so much for inviting me!
EMBRACE is the story of seventeen-year-old, Violet Eden, who discovers that she is caught up in this ancient battle between exiled angels on earth and angel-human warriors that fight against them called the Grigori. Violet’s destiny is entwined in this eternal battle and she must make her choice – to follow the path that has been set for her, or turn her back on her destiny.
It is a story of free will, choice and consequence. And at the heart of it all she is torn between the two men in her life; Lincoln – her long time crush and the one person she thought she could trust until she discovers he has been lying to her for the past two years, and Phoenix – the exiled angel who is supposed to be her enemy but somehow always seems to be there when she needs someone and stirs feelings that she doesn’t fully understand.
Which character was more fun to write? Lincoln or Phoenix?
They are both a lot of fun to write. At different points of the story I enjoyed Lincoln more and at other stages, Phoenix was very exciting to explore. Lincoln is someone I have had to dig deep to write and also show some restraint. He is a restrained character so it wouldn’t do him justice to just have everything sit right on the surface. Phoenix on the other hand seems a very on-the-surface bad guy – but his layers come in more hidden ways, so whilst he is a lot of fun in dialogue and creating intense scenes, he has a lot of complexities too.
How did you come up with the idea of the Grigori?
The idea of the Grigori comes from old folklore. They were thought to be a rank of angels that were charged with the responsibility of overseeing humans on earth. It was thought that the Seraphim angels (the administrators) sent the Grigori to earth and left them here for so long that they started to fall in love with human women and desire families of their own. When the angels discovered this – knowing that this was forbidden – they sent a vengeful legion of angels to rid the world of these angels and their offspring (the Nephlim). In many stories it was believed that this was what caused the Great Flood.
My use of the tale brings in into the now – I asked the question: If angels failed in their earthly duties because of too many human temptations and had to be removed from the earth, who would protect us from those angels that chose to fall (or exile)? It didn’t seem a logical idea that angels would again be able to roam the earth and risk the same problem, so I created a new version of the Grigori. Humans that have been given the power of angels that can defend humanity from the wrath of exiled angels on earth.
Why the seventeenth birthday? What was important about Violet finding out who she really is on that date?
Seventeen is such a crucial age. I loved the idea of making it then – old enough to be able to accept responsibility, but still not quite adulthood. It makes the tension of the story that much higher and seemed the perfect age for Violet to make such a major decision.
What inspired you to write EMBRACE?
I wanted to write a story that I would love to read. That was my original motivation. As I developed the plot and characters, I only became more passionate about it.
What song, if any, inspired you to write the scene where Violet embraces who she really is? When she’s with Phoenix?
Falling – Florence and The Machine
Were there any television shows, films, songs, or books that helped fuel your creativity and inspiration while working on EMBRACE?
A lot of music helped me get into the right headspace. This is big stuff going on in Violet’s life, and to actually put my heart and mind into her story sometimes takes my breath away. Music helps with this. When writing EMBRACE I listened to a lot of Florence and The Machine, Sia, Anya Marina, Temper Trap and Broken Bells.
Are there any Embrace contests our readers should know about and enter?
Yours, of course!! (Click here to enter.)
There is a Skype & prizes sweepstakes being offered on www.embracetheseries.com and a book giveaway on www.facebook.com/embracetheseries
Which books or authors have inspired your craft?
All honest and emotional storytelling inspires me. I have to make a connection and whenever I read a story where I feel I’ve connected with the characters, have invested my heart in the outcome – I know there is something to be learned. I love the depth and awe inspiring genius of the likes of Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and have a lot of admiration for modern day writers that take on new concepts or make old stories new again.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to be an author?
After I completed my first draft. Up until that point, I wasn’t sure exactly what I was doing, only that I was writing this story and I didn’t seem to be able to stop. I heard a talk one day (I’m so sorry to the author because I forget who it was) but he said he never planned on writing a book, it just kind of snuck up on him. I feel that way, too.
What book would we find on your bedside table right now?
I’m about to read INCARNATE, by Jodi Meadows – it has had great early reviews and I’m looking forward to it. Apart from that I have quite a few patiently waiting.
How much research did you have to do for EMBRACE? What was the craziest search term you typed while researching online?
A lot. I’m addicted to research. Most of it never ends up in the story but I find it still influences my approach and I am always grateful for that. I draw on a lot of old mythology and folklore and try to twist it just enough that it fits nicely into my story.
The craziest search terms online … Ha! There have been a few. You have to remember I’m looking into a lot of dark stuff here and so ‘evil’ and ‘hell’ and ‘death’ are often in my keywords. One day I was researching for a couple of different reasons and I remember searching military planes, followed by an unrelated search on medical overdoses and chemical compounds, and then I finished the day by researching the world’s tallest buildings. Each on their own was one thing, but put them all together … I’m pretty sure I have a red flag against my name somewhere.
What is your go-to writing snack/beverage?
Coffee and any kind of chewy candy.
Where can our readers go to learn more about EMBRACE?
The official series website is: http://www.embracetheseries.com where anyone can sign up for updates etc.
My website: http://www.jessicashirvington.com
Or, chat with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/embracetheseries
So, what’s next for Jessica Shirvington?
I’m going to write a book. *smiles*
The Embrace Series will be continuing. ENTICE will be out in September, EMBLAZE will follow closely behind in March 2013. I’m currently working on book 4, ENDLESS, and a few other projects that I am considering.
Last but not least, what has been your biggest SQUEE! moment since becoming a published author?
Honestly, I don’t know. I feel like I have been squealing since the moment my now-agent rang and told me to send my full manuscript. I barely remember a world without the squee effect. Sometimes you just end up where you are supposed to be and since entering this world of writing and publishing I have loved every single second.
Thank you, Jessica. We’ve loved having you on YABC!
