BOOK TOUR INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: A Stiff Kiss by Avery Olive

Posted by Carrie

A Stiff Kiss

by Avery Olive

YA Paranormal Romance

Book Description

Who knew kissing a corpse would change everything? Death always hits Xylia Morana too close to home, but she likes it that way. She hangs out with the terminally ill, attends random funerals, and every so often, when the weather is right, she sleeps in open graves. But after Landon Phoenix, the high school hottie, dies in Xylia’s hands, she sneaks into the morgue to say goodbye. How could she know stealing a kiss from his corpse would wake him up? With Landon returned to the living and suddenly interested in Xylia, life has new meaning. But what Xylia doesn’t realize is that by kissing Landon back to life, she’s thrown Life and Death off balance. The underworld demands a body, and it might just have to be Xylia’s this time.

An Interview with the Author, Avery Olive

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hmmm. There isn’t much to tell. I’m a stay at home mom, in my free time I write… The usual. I’m horrible when it comes to grammar and since I’m Canadian, I believe most words require a U in them.

2. What made you want to become a writer?

I’m not sure anything specifically made me want to become a writer per say. To be honest, it just sort of happened. I’d broken my leg awhile back, and was laid up, on strict bed rest. I devoured books, reading at least one a day. It was becoming a problem and a financial burden because I have to own books. I can’t just borrow them from the library. Anyway, I thought, okay, let’s stop reading books and try my hand a writing one.

3. Who or what gives you inspiration?

I think inspiration comes from all sorts of places and it depends on the story. My first novels inspiration came from a movie I’d watched. One after that, I think it was commercial on TV…. A Stiff Kiss came from a dream. Another novel came from a conversation I had with a friend. I’m not sure, though, if people have inspired me… Not yet, at least.

4. Tell us about A Stiff Kiss.

A Stiff Kiss, in my opinion, is a sort of a slightly dark twist on Sleeping Beauty, in reverse. The main character, Xylia, has been through a lot. She’s a little morbid and a little sad. And it takes an extreme change in her life to realize some of her potential. Landon, the secondary character, thought life was merely perfect, but when things change, and that life almost get’s taken away from him, he starts to realize there are a ton of things more important than life then he’d originally thought. Naturally, it takes Landon and Xylia’s paths to cross.

5. What’s the hardest part of being a writer?

Finding the time to write. I may not have a job I go to every day, but parenting takes just as many hours and sometimes just as much concentration. I find I have to juggle life, make a few sacrifices and hope everything works out for the best.

The other thing is putting yourself out there and understanding that there will be people who love you and people who hate you. You really need to develop a thick skin and realize this entire industry is subjective and a lot of it boils down to personal taste.

6. What do you need around you to write (special drink, lucky items, etc)?

Gum is a big one for me. I have a nasty habit that I’m trying to quit, so I need gum to curve the cravings I get. I also love me some Dr. Pepper. I don’t much drink coffee (at least not in the summer) but when I’m pulling late nights and running on little sleep, I need that pick me up.

7. What are some of your favorite books?

Oh, gosh. This is a tough one! I’ve probably got too many to least and I’d hate to play favourites and single books or authors out. I love all my books equally 😉
But seriously, um…
I’m not going to lie, I enjoyed Twilight. I know. It’s got some good and bad.
I love all things Cassandra Clare. I wish I could be a Shadowhunter!
Princess Bride holds a huge part of my heart. I think it was the first book I ever read for fun and enjoyed it.
I can also through in quite a few classics… The Outsiders is one.
Though not a novel, I do love Edgar Allen Poe.
8. Are your characters based on anyone you know?

No. Not usually. Sometimes I’ll throw in a name, but never base personality on anyone I know. I’m also afraid I’ll offend someone.

9. What, if anything, are you working on right now?

Working on a few things. I have a novel coming out in October, Won’t Let Go, which is a twist on a ghost story. I’ve been working hard on edits.
And then rest… I can’t tell you about. I’m always afraid I’ll jinx myself, or worse, I’ll tell someone about a novel, they’ll fall in love with the idea of it, and nothing will come of it. Since the industry is full of lots of highs and lows, and not everything a writer writes will get published, I like to keep pretty quiet until things are solid.

10. Why do you love writing?

It’s funny, I don’t think anyone has ever ask me that straight up. Which is surprising. At any rate, I love writing because I love diving into a characters head and creating a story. I write YA so I also feel like it’s an acceptable way to live vicariously through my characters and relieve some of the great moments that teenagers get to experience. I also love that something I write lands in the hands of other people, it’s scary and nerve wracking but comes with a ton of satisfaction knowing I’ve entertained someone–made them laugh or cry, or I’ve written something they hate, but if the criticism is constructive I’m always out to improve my craft.

About the Author

Avery Olive is Canadian. She is married and has one child. When she’s not helping raise her very energetic and inquisitive son, she can be found working on her latest novel–where she devilishly adds U’s into every word she can.

When she is looking for a break Avery enjoys cake decorating, losing herself in a good book, or heading out to the lake to go camping.

The release of Avery’s first novel proves to her it won’t be the last. As long as her family continues to be supportive, she can find the time, and people want to read, Avery vows to keep on writing.

averyolive.blogspot.com | twitter.com/AveryOlive

Purchase: Amazon