Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Emilia Ares (Love and Other Cages)!
Meet the Author: Emilia Ares
Emilia Ares is an Armenian-American actress, best known for her roles in American Horror Story and Bosch. She’s also the co-producer of “Burden” and the award-winning author of Love and Other Sins, her debut YA novel. Emilia holds a BA from UCLA, majoring in Economics with a Minor in Russian. A California native, she resides in Los Angeles with her husband, children, and 13 thriving plants. Passionate about storytelling and community, Emilia actively supports organizations like NCMEC and RAINN.
To learn more visit EmiliaAres.com Find her on Instagram/TikTok: @emiliaares
About the Book: Love and Other Cages
THE NEXT BIG SUSPENSEFUL ROMANTIC THRILLER THAT SWEEPS READERS UP IN AN EMOTIONAL ‘RIGHT PERSON, WRONG TIME’ TALE WHERE FAMILY DRAMA AND VIOLENCE CLASH IN CONTEMPORARY L.A.
In the intricate dance of fate, Mina, a diligent high school senior, is abruptly torn from her ordinary life by an underground criminal organization, thrusting her into an unfamiliar and challenging world. Oliver, a man who has recently emerged from the shadows of abandonment, grapples with the harsh reality of Mina’s abduction. The unexpected loss of their intense love jeopardizes Oliver’s newfound hope for a better life, even as their extraordinary connection ignites amid peril and enigma.
Can Oliver and Mina rewrite destiny’s script? Is the radiant beacon of their blossoming connection bright enough to guide them through a world steeped in uncertainty? Or will they forever wander as seekers of the elusive symphony of joy?
“A heart-wrenching thriller with multiple twists that will keep readers hooked until the final page.”
-Kirkus Reviews
“Ares’ prose is both lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in the emotional depths of the story.”
-Readers’ Favorite
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
The inspiration for Love and Other Cages came from my fascination with how people cope when they’re trapped in impossible situations—emotionally or physically. In this book, Mina’s forced into an underground world due to her father’s ties with the Russian mob, and I wanted to explore how love and resilience can push people to survive, even when everything feels like a cage.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Mina is my favorite character. She’s incredibly strong, but her strength is quiet and steady. She’s thrown into one traumatic situation after another, but she still manages to hold onto her humanity. Her internal battles, especially with the trauma she faces, are very real, and I admire her ability to fight on.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
The scene where Mina makes a life-altering decision to protect her mother is one I’m most proud of. It’s a turning point that forces her to confront who she is and what she’s capable of. It’s raw, emotional, and sets the tone for her arc in the story, encapsulating that survival theme I’ve always been drawn to.
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
The concept of being trapped, both physically and emotionally, came first. I started with the idea of Mina being pulled into a dangerous world against her will, and the landscape of Los Angeles and the criminal underworld helped shape the characters around her. Mina and Oliver’s relationship grew out of that idea, as they both fight to escape their own “cages.”
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I’d have to say romantic thrillers. I love the tension between suspense and romance, and how these heightened stakes make the characters’ relationships even more intense. It allows for deep emotional exploration, which is something I’ll never get tired of writing.
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
I focus on the rawness and intensity of emotions that come with being young. Whether it’s love, fear, or uncertainty, those feelings are amplified during your early adult years, and I try to channel that into my characters’ voices. In Love and Other Cages, Mina and Oliver’s emotions are raw and untamed, which feels true to their age.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
Readers can expect a mix of heart-pounding suspense and deep emotional connections. My books often deal with survival, trauma, and resilience, all while exploring intense relationships. There’s always an element of love—whether romantic or familial—that drives the characters forward.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
I’m a sucker for chocolate. It keeps me going through long writing sessions, especially when I’m deep into an intense scene.
YABC: If you were able to meet them, would you be friends with your main character?
I think Mina and I would get along. She’s resilient and resourceful, but also deeply empathetic, which are qualities I admire. I’d like to think we’d have a lot to talk about, especially since she’s navigating so much at such a young age.
YABC: What’s your least favorite word or expression and why?
I’m not a fan of the phrase “It is what it is.” To me, it implies resignation and giving up, which goes against the theme of resilience that I’m so drawn to in my writing. I believe there’s always something we can do to change or improve a situation.
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
When I procrastinate, I tend to go for long walks. It’s a way to clear my mind, and often, I find myself working through plot issues or character motivations while I’m walking. Plus, it’s a great way to hit reset when I’m feeling stuck.
YABC: What fandom would you write for if you had time?
I’d love to dive into Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. Both universes are so rich with complex characters and deep moral questions, which are the kinds of stories I love writing. Plus, the themes of survival and identity fit well with what I explore in my own work.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m currently working on the third book in the Mina and Oliver series, which continues their story after the intense events of Love and Other Cages. The stakes are higher, the characters face new challenges, and readers can expect more suspense, twists, and emotional depth. And don’t forget to pre-order Love and Other Cages, coming out on October 15th, 2024!
YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?
I love Thanksgiving. It’s a time to reflect on gratitude, be with family, and enjoy good food without the stress of gift-giving. It’s a simple, warm holiday that feels grounding to me.
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
I just want to thank readers for their support and remind everyone that Love and Other Cages is now available for pre-order! I’m really excited for everyone to dive into Mina and Oliver’s next chapter, and I can’t wait to hear what people think.
Title: Love and Other Cages
Author: Emilia Ares
Publisher: SERA Press
Release date: 10/15/2024
ISBN: 979-8990383920
Genre: Suspenseful Romance Thriller, YA contemporary, YA Action Adventure
Cover designer/artist credit: Miblart Design
