{Blog Tour + Interview} Amber Kizer

Today we have Amber Kizer on the blog answering a few questions as part of another wonderful blog tour hosted by The {Teen} Book Scene. Yesterday we had a great review of her latest book, Wildcat Fireflies, the second in the Fenestra Series.

Be sure to check in tomorrow for a review of Meridian, the first book in this series, and hit the bottom of the post for an awesome giveaway of two of her books!!!

You've already answered where the inspiration for the first book in the series came from, but what made you keep going and not just leaving it open to readers imaginations?

I never conceived it as one story—the myth and lore of Fenestras and Protectors is complex and goes back centuries so my intent was always to keep going as long as possible—as long as Meridian was growing and changing and learning. I’m blessed that readers have responded to the series and it’s touched them—which allows me to keep writing these characters. I’m just finishing up SPEED OF LIGHT, the third in the series, and can’t wait for readers to get it in the fall of 2012!

In writing this series, do you think things will change from how you already planned them out if you were to lose someone else close to you? Or would it potentially make you feel the need to research more?

Research is a continual process—I’m insatiably curious by nature so I keep digging regardless. I have had other loved ones die since writing MERIDIAN, if anything those experiences just add layers to my motivation and determination.

Was your biggest dream as a child to be involved in law, or was it something different?

There was a point where I wanted to be an astronaut, but yes, being on the Supreme Court or in the White House, via the district attorney’s office, was my overall goal for a very long time.

If you could make a soundtrack to Meridian, and one for Wildcat Fireflies, who would the main artist be, or would you just go out on a limb and pick someone different for every single track?

I do in fact make soundtracks for writing—each book is different and so there are different tracks and artists for them all. I don’t necessarily have the same artists or all of an album on it. MERIDIAN was backed by Great Big Sea, Warren Zevron, Lisa Kelly, Sting, Paul Simon, Enya, Riverdance, Youssou n’dour, Josh Groban, Celtic Woman, and songs from the Elizabethtown soundtrack. WF included the B52s “Juliet of the Spirits”, Owl City, Angels and Airwaves, Within Temptation, Ophelia of the Spirits, Secret Garden, Aine Minogue, Loreena McKennitt, and Matt Morris.

I pick songs based on emotion, character’s favorites, scene topic, and whimsical reasons that are impossible to articulate. Creating and compiling the song list is part of my process, along with picking out the right candle scent and putting together the visual boards that I have up in my office while I write a book.

and finally

Everyone needs a silly question, so here's one for you: What would you do for a klondike bar?

Buy it? :) Now, a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Cinnamon Bun…that’s a whole different story!

Thanks very much for having me!

Readers can find me online and are welcome to email me with question: Amber@AmberKizer.com (I reply in order they are received so please be patient!) I do send signed bookplates and bookmarks to readers anywhere in the world since I can’t go everywhere to sign books! Be sure to check out www.AmberKizer.com for more information. Many more questions are answered at my FAQs on www.MeridianSozu.com, and www.OneButtCheek.com

Now for some fun stuff –
want some books!? Of course you do!!!

Amber Kizer is giving away one copy of Wildcat Fireflies, and one copy of 7 Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophe Both personally autographed to the WINNERS! All you have to do to enter, is fill out one form.

One entry puts you in for a chance at both books, when you win, you’ll be told which book you got!