Writer Angie Brashear On Reading

Angie, welcome to Writers on Reading! Congratulations on your debut book, Of The Persecuted, recently being chosen as a finalist for the Laurel Awards, as well as all the other accolades it has a garnered this year! Since it and its sequel, Of The Coldblooded, are both Young Adult Fantasy, I’m curious as to what’s your favorite reading genre? Other than genre, what else do you look for when choosing your next reading adventure?

Thanks. I’m excited to hang at Writers on Reading today—can you hear my squeals through cyberspace?!? {very big grin} My favorite genre is Fantasy Romance. I love speculative fiction, and while it took me a long time to admit it, I also LOVE a strong romantic thread. These days, now that I’m blessed to call so many writers friends, I rely on their recommendations when choosing my next adventures. But…covers have a huge impact on whether or not I make a purchase. I love to stare at beautiful designs and to smell the pages of a new paperback. Just sayin’…

Hah! I didn’t know anyone else sniffed paperbacks! Well, since you mentioned covers, as a writer you should know better, but as a reader you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

Oh, I DEFINITELY judge books by their covers. I can’t help myself! The Selection by Kiera Cass, and it worked out well for me. I enjoy a strong romantic thread, and that’s just what I got.

What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

Okay, {imagine me with pink cheeks}… I read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn not too many months ago. I thought it was no more than a psychological thriller, which it was, but the content was a little too risqué for my preference. Well, a lot risqué. Yet, I finished the story and, quite honestly, found it to be disturbingly brilliant. In my opinion Gillian Flynn is an incredible writer. She seems to possess a unique grasp for realistic dialogue. I must admit, since then I’ve taken more care to dig deeper into reviews before plunging into a new book. LOL!

Laughing with you! I imagine you will. Your most recent book in this series released this summer, but you’d better be working on the third book we’re anxious to get our hands on. Do you read during the months you spend writing a book? If so, what did you read while working on your last book?

After a much needed vacation from my non-fantastical day job and from writing, though I love it greatly, I’m definitely working on book three (of which only my amazing editor, ahem…you, and my critique partner know the title). I do not generally read when I’m in writing mode. I’ve so little extra time outside of work and taking care of my three awesome kids that I tend to focus on two of three “hobbies” at a time. Long-distance running, reading, and writing—inevitably one of my loves suffer.

I well understand. (Wish I shared your love of running, been sitting at my desk waaaay too much lately.) What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

Hm, tough question. Most of the books I read consume me until I’m finished. But probably The Selection. I read the entire series in one weekend. What can I say, the romance was fun.

The entire series in one weekend. Well, there’s a recommendation! Did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?

Ah, how about cringe? That’d be Gone Girl.

Angie, seems someone else I know is “wicked honest”! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading? (And do you still have a copy?)

Oh, yes! The very first book I ever stayed up all night to read and reread was Key to the Treasure by Peggy Parish. I must’ve been in first or second grade then. To this day, I imagine how fun it would be to spend the weekend searching for treasure. I remain a proud owner of the adventurous story, and even my kids have read it.

That’s special! See why I love these interviews? When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

Writing became my dream when my fifth grade teacher read aloud to my class The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Adventure and possibility became real to me through Lucy Pevensie’s journey. Most importantly the story opened my heart to faith in the One True God and ultimately led to my salvation. Though it wasn’t until a few years ago when my assistant suggested I take up writing that I admitted to others my childhood dream was to be a writer. I’d kept it a secret until God used my assistant to motivate me, to help me believe in myself. There’s so much more to this part of my journey, way too much to share today with you. But…I welcome anyone to hop on over to my website to read about my journey to publication.

(Folks, you should read her journey.) Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

Defier by Mandy Fender. She’s a fellow Indie author and dear cyberspace friend. (Can you believe we both live in Texas and have not yet met?!?) It’s Christian dystopian, but unlike so many other stories of the same genre, readers have the excitement of watching our “normal” become dystopian. Most frightening in a realistic way, the main character’s journey represents the possible future of Christians, at least from a standpoint of persecution.

Sounds like a good book. I do love dystopian done well! With summer in full bloom, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal summer reading experience?

Next up for me is A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr. Last summer, I judged a contest in which the second book of the series, The Hero’s Lot, was a part. I loved the story and have been meaning to read the entire series since. And now it’s next on my list—yay! My ideal summer reading experience includes a hammock and uninterrupted reading, though triple digit temperatures in Texas prevent such luxuries this time of year.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

Yes, A Time to Die and A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes. She’s my critique partner, and it’s fun to reread her stories just before she sends me the next to critique. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the final installment in her Out of Time series! Truly, she’s a talent amongst her peers.

Another great recommendation. I do have to read those soon…Speaking of reading lists, if Laila, the heroine from your fantasy series, were to choose a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

Probably exactly what I’d choose. Seriously. In a lot of ways, Laila is like me. As a teenager, I was insecure (probably somewhat annoyingly so) and had to grow into confidence. So she’d adore an adventurous love story…just like me. In our opinion, it’s the best kind of escape story. A lay-in-a-hammock kind of escape story.

Fun to know and so true. Not to mention a kind you write well! Angie, thank you for dropping by. It was a hoot getting to know more about you as a reader. Folks, you can continue to connect with Angie and find out more about her acclaimed books at the links below her bio.

BIO: When Angie Brashear isn't working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She's a fan of speculative fiction and an avid runner, both of which perplex her football-loving, nonfiction-reading husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord's presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children. Along with being a Laurel Awards Finalist, her debut book also received these notable considerations:
Clash of the Titles Winner for June 2014

Shelf Unbound Notable BookCategory of Epic Sagas for December/January 2015

Finalist in the Fantasy Romance Category in EPIC's eBook Competition for 2015

Foreword Reviews' INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards Finalist for Romance for 2014

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS

Of the Persecuted

Of the Coldblooded

Visit Angie's Website!

Like Angie's Facebook Page!

Follow Angie on Twitter!