Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Interview with Storm Siren author Mary Weber + Giveaway

I am thrilled to be talking with Storm Siren author Mary Weber today.


This book is excellent. 

Thankfully it released yesterday, because you are all going to want to go buy a copy. 
Or enter to win one below. 

This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the summer. Don't miss my gushing thoughts, HERE.
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Welcome to Love is not a triangle, Mary!

Lauren: Would you explain Storm Siren to us in one 140 character tweet? 

Mary Weber: Storm-summoning girl bought to save the world along with earth-moving boy & sexy trainer. Too bad the girl & her power can't be controlled.

Lauren: Too bad indeed. One of my favorite scenes of Storm Siren is the first one, in which we’re able to see firsthand, both Nym’s amazing power and also her incredible vulnerability and self-loathing. Would you talk about what compelled you to write about this girl who is both strong and broken at the same time, as well as the evolution of her character throughout the book? 

Mary: Oh wow, what a beautiful question!! Thank you! And simply answered – in my mind Nym is a bit of a reflection of all of us. Not that everyone has her struggles (obviously) or even that we can all relate to the way she deals with those struggles. But I tend to think each one of us is, in our own way, incredibly strong and yet also broken to some extent.

With Nym, I wanted to explore that – the beauty and power we each possess which so often gets hidden beneath wounds or harsh expectations or, especially in her case, self-loathing. I also wanted to bring Nym to the point where she realizes that the part of her she hates is quite possibly the thing that is her unsurpassed asset. Because that is so much what I believe – that some of our greatest strength comes out of the broken and mended places in our souls.

Lauren: What a beautiful answer! One of my favorite parts of this book is watching Nym discover that strength inside of her.  

Your story begins with a big scene, but it also ends in quite the cliffhanger. I’d love to know how you wrote this book. Did it start with an idea or a scene? Did you plot and outline, or just start writing? Did you always know where you’d end the first book? Please tell us about your writing process.

Mary: I was researching Joan of Arc actually! I love the idea of her as a protagonist. I mean she’s this amazing historical figure who ends up taking on a nation! It was during that research when I came across this old poem of St. Patrick where he’s basically calling forth the elements as a shield. Totally Last Airbender stuff before it was a thing, which is freaking awesome and definitely appealed to my geek heart!

As far as the actual writing process, I started with a chapter-by-chapter outline developed over multiple plotting sessions with my sister and husband. Annnnd then I spent ten months writing. I’d just finished the book a week before it was due to my editor when the alternate idea for the ending popped in my head (I was in the middle of making spaghetti at the time, ha!). I rewrote the last chapter and ran it by my two daughters. One of them was delighted. The other, uh...walked in, slammed the stack of pages on the floor, and informed me she’d never read my writing again. :0)

Lauren: Wow. I'm thinking your readers are going to have a variety of reactions to that end as well. It killed me, but I can't wait for the next one! 

I love the relationships Nym has with her trainer Eogan and also with fellow trainee Colin. One is quite contentious and possibly romantic. The other develops into a strong friendship. Will you talk about the impact both has on this girl who had been so isolated before? 

Mary: Oh man – I adore your questions! Seriously!

Like most people, rich friendships are enormously important to me. I think they breathe something into our souls that we’re not always capable of giving ourselves.

In Nym’s case, these friendships help speak value into her as a person. They also challenge her beliefs about herself, her world, and her abilities. With Colin, Nym is given a stability she’s not known before, as well as forced to see herself as someone not just worth fighting for, but worthy of respect.

With Eogan, he doesn’t make it easy on her, and that conflict forces Nym to really figure out who she is as a person. He also treats her with a tenderness that is both confusing and softening to the walls around her heart.

At the end of the day, the common thread between both Eogan and Colin is that they add to Nym’s soul and, ultimately, make her feel safe.

Lauren: Oh goodness, you are making me swoon over here. These guys! I love them. 

Nym’s owner Adora has some crazy parties at her house. What was your inspiration for them? If you attended one, how would you be dressed?

Mary: *laughs* Years ago my sister and I started throwing ourselves these random, costume birthday parties together. And, well, I’m not saying Adora’s parties are based on ours (or that Adora is based on my sister) but… if we DID perchance have an Adora-type party, we may have at one time looked like this:


Yes, that is totally a creepy cat lady picture. (*photo by Sarah Kathleen Photography)
Or… I might go to a party dressed like this:


Okay, now I’m curious – how would YOU dress up, Lauren?!!!!

Lauren: Haha! I love that you guys threw costume parties. These days I mostly enjoy watching my kids dress up, but I have been a very homemade looking kitty before. 



Switching topics now...This blog is called “Love is Not a Triangle," and I tend to talk about the subject of love triangles fairly frequently. I even rate them in my reviews. I was very happy to find that Storm Siren has a triangle rating of NONE.  I also like to ask visiting authors their opinions on them. So love triangles: like them or loathe them? I won’t hold it against you if you say ‘like.’ Also, are you able to reveal whether the rating will remain none going forward?

Mary: Aww I love it!! (And did I mention I’m wild about your blog’s name?!) Okay, so I’m going to be completely honest and tell you that I’m kind of a mixed bag on the love triangle thing. Mainly because when a triangle is done super well, I am the biggest heart-tugged cry baby!! HOWEVER…I prefer a story stand strong on its own without a triangle. (I also appreciate when a heroine doesn’t even need a man.) I’m totally a romantic idealist at heart (I’ve known my husband since I was 3 months old), and while I believe love is a beautiful feeling, I also believe it’s a continuous, active choice.

Soooo…I can tell you there will be no love triangle in the rest of the trilogy. :0)

Lauren: Oooh! I like that answer. It's definitely making me excited. 

If you could describe the Storm Siren series using only colors, what would you pick for each book? Is there anything you can tell us about what we can expect next in your series?

Mary: Oh super fun!! Hmm, let’s see. For Storm Siren I absolutely adore the blue on the cover. It so symbolizes the story for me. And while I’m not sure yet what the plan is for Book Two’s cover, in my mind that story is red and black – because Nym is pissed. And Book Three? Golden yellow. Like the color of summer. :0)

As far as what to expect in the series… I’ll just say we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Lord Myles, Princess Rasha, and the kindom of Bron. Oh, and there might wraiths. Ahem. But anything beyond that is, in the words of Doctor Who’s River Song: “Spoilers.” ;0)

Thank you SO very much for having me, Lauren!!! *hugs you to pieces*

Thank YOU so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Mary! 

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About the Author

Mary Weber is a ridiculously uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands, and imaginary throwing knives. 

In her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings 80’s hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California, which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands, Joss Whedon, and the ocean. 

Find Mary Weber: Twitter |  Facebook | Website

Order Storm Siren (out now!): Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Or at your favorite indie bookstore


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Giveaway

Win a finished copy of Storm Siren!

Policies:
Giveaway is for US residents only (Sorry, international readers!)
You must be at least 13 years old to enter
See my policies HERE


16 comments:

  1. What a fun and so insightful interview ladies!! I read somewhere else that the Love Triangle is actually no real Triangle which also made me happy right away. And I'm all for a conflicted heroine, strong but broken .. Seriously this definitely sounds like a book I MUST read!

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  2. Great interview! The book sounds really interesting. And thanks for hosting this giveaway!

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  3. Thank you so much for sharing this interview! I think the three of us would have a blast hanging out haha. So obviously I'm thrilled there's no love triangle going forward - YAY - and a pissed Nym is going to be a fun Nym I think. :) I can't wait to see where this series is going next - thanks for recommending it to me, L!

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  4. I literally screamed and did the most ridiculous happy dance upon reading that there isn't a love triangle in this series. Does that mean what I think it means? (Eogan?!?!?!)

    Thanks for sharing this interview, Lauren, as I absolutely loved it. My reaction to the ending was far more similar to the door-slamming scenario but I think I'm on board for the sequel. (If there's another cliffhanger though...!) I'm also excited to meet an angrier, pissed-off Nym in the sequel. I think seeing her vulnerabilities in this installment was important but there are definitely more facets to her character and I'm curious to see those emerge.

    Wonderful interview, ladies!(:

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  5. I love how Mary describes her books using colors! The cover of Storm Siren is gorgeous with the blue, white, and lightning! Thanks for this amazing giveaway! This book sounds great and I would love to win it!

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  6. I am Suz Reads in Rafflecopter.

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  7. Awesome interview! It's good to hear that the trilogy will remain love triangle free!

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  8. Aw, I adore this interview :D Thank you both so much for sharing. <3 I know that you loved this book, Lauren. And hmm. Now I'm even more curious. I might have to buy it someday soon :) Amazing post sweetie. <3

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  9. Rich friendships really do feed the soul. Along with good books and, seriously, you can't go wrong! Some great questions. I think those parties would be fun!

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  10. Forgot to comment about this. No love triangle in the rest of the trilogy? YESSS. Now I want to read this book even more, hah :) Must buy it soonish. <3

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  11. "The other, uh...walked in, slammed the stack of pages on the floor, and informed me she’d never read my writing again. :0)"

    *dies* If my mom was an author and wrote and epic cliffhanger ending, I might have the same reaction ;-) I can't wait to give this book a try though, it's been getting such rave reviews and I want to try it for myself! I might have to wait until book two is out though because of the aforementioned cliffhanger. I'm not emotionally equipped to handle a cruel ending ;-) Love her answer regarding love triangles though. YAY FOR A TRIANGLE-FREE REST OF THE SERIES! Woot!

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  12. Awww! Thank you SO VERY MUCH for inviting me to interview, Lauren!! I absolutely loved it - and seriously, your questions were incredible!!!! Thank you for your kind words and time, lady. <3 Also? THAT KITTY PIC IS THE BEST THING!!!!

    And to each of you sweeties who've commented on this post - you've made me laugh and smile and feel such a part of your world. Thank you for that!!! What a gift!! I hope you enjoy Storm Siren. And I'm so glad to hear that we're all on board for no love triangles in the rest of the series!! ;0) Wishing you all the most beautiful weekend, friends. <3

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  13. Great interview! I'm with the upset daughter. :) Now I really want to know what the ending was before she rewrote it. Maybe you can ask her to post it on her website! ~Pam

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  14. I loved reading your interview with Mary! It's so interesting to hear how she describes her novel, and the process she underwent writing it. Plus, I absolutely adored seeing those photos of costumes for costume parties! I seriously want to read Storm Siren even more now, especially after her answer to the last question!

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  15. Great interview! I loved the questions and the answers, and those costume pictures are definitely special. Awesome post!

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  16. I LOVE the idea of costume parties, and going as Cassandra is probably the most brilliant thing I've seen. Love it!

    I'm excited to read this one - a book based on solid friendships is always a winner for me.

    Thanks for the chance!

    -Emily/Ems

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