Author Interview: Jodi Meadows

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview the author of the Incarnate Trilogy, Jodi Meadows. I split the interview into two parts: questions relating to the trilogy itself and questions related to writing.

Part I: Questions Relating to the Trilogy:

EmilyHeartsBooks: I found myself relating a lot to Ana especially in the first book. Do you find yourself in Ana or in any of the other characters?

Jodi Meadows: Oh of course! Ana and I definitely have a few things in common, like our love of music and the need to improve -- to be better at something we love. In school, I played the flute, and I desperately wanted to be great at it. Ana definitely inherited that from me.

EHB: Many of the characters in the Incarnate trilogy have quite unique names. How did you create them?
JM: Many of the names are real names, just very unusual ones. Some characters appear on the page with names already, but some require a bit more work.  One of my favorite resources is behindthename.com. While I was renaming characters (long story, but many of the characters' names changed in edits!), I cruised through the random name generator on behindthename.com until I came across something that clicked for a certain character.

EHB: I noticed that Ana was the only human in Heart without a gender neutral name. Was this intentional?

JM: In a way, yes! Originally, I had a different naming system -- one that was fun but definitely corny -- so during edits, I renamed almost all of my characters, including Ana. She started out with a name that fit with the original system, but my editor challenged me to think about why the people of Heart might have given her the name they did. We began looking for something brief, something the people of Heart might use to call

someone they saw as temporary and a life thief.

EHB: The mythological creatures mentioned in the previous two books are explored more in Infinite. Did you have a favorite one to write about?
JM: I think I love the sylph and dragons equally, and for different reasons. They're both pretty scary, but how cool would it be to have a guard dragon? Or a sylph to snuggle when it gets cold?

EHB: Was it emotional for you to finish the trilogy, or were you ready to move on and work on something else? 

JM: Oh my commas, yes, it was very emotional. The last, oh, third of INFINITE was especially difficult because I knew I was closing in on the end and that it would be the last time I wrote in the world. (That turned out not to be true; I ended up writing a novella from Sam's perspective months later.) I was -- and am -- excited to work on something else, though. I generally have at least one other project going on in the background, so I'd been tinkering with other things pretty much the whole time I was working on the INCARNATE series.

Part II: Questions Relating to Writing:

EHB: Do you have any unusual writing habits that you would like to share?

JM: I don't think any of my habits are unusual. I mean, it's totally normal to create detailed timelines, weather patterns, and note the phase of the moon for every scene (whether or not you use it in the story) . . . right?

EHB: How many words per day (on average) did you write?
JM: That depends a lot! Some stories seem to fall out of my head more easily than others. Some days, I get only about 500 words. Others I can manage 5000. A lot of the time, it depends what kind of scene I'm writing, what story it is, how chatty the character is with me. . . . There are all kinds of factors. Lately I've felt good about 1000 words a day. (Which isn't much, considering I write for at least eight hours every day, often more. SIGH.)

EHB: How many words (on average) are in each of the chapters?

JM: Every chapter is as long as it needs to be. In the INCARNATE series, they're usually somewhere between 2000 words and 4000, but some have more or fewer.

EHB: How long did it take for you to write the first draft of each of the books?
JM: Probably about two to three months each? I did a lot of prep-work for the INCARNATE series, and they all required a lot of revision. But two to three months is a pretty typical time for a first draft for me.

EHB: Were there any parts in Incarnate or Asunder that you regretted writing because it changed a certain chapter or scene in Infinite?
JM: Not really. As I said, I did a lot of prep-work so I knew what the end of the story would be before I ever started writing the first page of INCARNATE. There were a lot of changes over the drafts, but I always had a clear vision of the story to work toward. 

Be sure to check out Jodi's:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Goodreads

A HUGE thank you, Jodi, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions! It was a lot of fun!!

ARC Book Review: Infinite

Infinite

"DESTRUCTION
The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.

FLIGHT
Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.

CHOICE
The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.

With gorgeous romance and thrilling action, the final book in the Incarnate trilogy offers a brilliant conclusion to the compelling questions of this fascinating world, where one new girl is the key to the lives of millions."

Author: Jodi Meadows

Date of Release: January 28, 2014

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: Fantasy

Sequel(s): none

Prequels(s): Incarnate and Asunder

Book Version: ARC hardcopy

Where did you get the book?: Won it in Jodi Meadows's Reviewer Appreciation Giveaway

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Review: Infinite was my favorite book of this trilogy. I normally don't read novels that are just fantasy. Most fantasy novels that I have read are urban fantasy, intertwining the real world and a mythological world, so when I read novels like this that take place in a made up world, I'm blown away. Many things in this novel came entirely from Meadows's imagination from the city of Heart to the way dragons communicate. It's amazing. Speaking of dragons, I absolutely loved the mythological creatures in this novel. I found myself wanting to read more about them. They are just so unique and interesting.

As I have said in my reviews of Incarnate and Asunder, this trilogy has a very interesting and unique premise. I greatly enjoyed reading it. There were a few boring parts, but was overall pleased with the conclusion to the series. It kept me reading to see what happens, and answered all my questions that I had after reading Asunder. The ending was a bit ambiguous though. I was left with a few additional questions that were not answered. This might be just me though. I'll have to go back and re-read some the last chapter or so. Overall, when this book comes out in January, I believe that fans will be greatly satisfied with Meadows's last book in the Incarnate Series. 

Waiting on Wednesday (#16)

Waiting on Wednesday is a Book Hop  hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is: 

Phoenix Overture by Jodi Meadows

"This breathtaking and lyrical novella captures a thrilling and momentous decision for a young man and the people he loves. Told from the perspective of Sam, the sensitive musician from Jodi Meadows’s Incarnate series, lifetimes before he meets Ana, Phoenix Overture is a story of love and loss, strength and courage, and facing the consequences of the hardest of decisions.

Phoenix Overture offers existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the intriguing history of Heart, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the romantic, captivating fantasy of the Incarnate series.

In the wilds around the Community where Sam and his family have taken shelter, life is dangerous. Dragons, trolls, centaurs, and other monsters fill the world. The word comes from the council that everyone must leave and journey to rescue their leader, Janan, who has been abducted by a mysterious new enemy in the north. Faced with overwhelming threats that bring death and destruction, Sam and the others reach the northern Range and, reunited with Janan, are given an unimaginable opportunity. Although it would give them the privilege to live and learn and love without fear, the choice is not without its own dire consequences. And lives—though not theirs—are sure to be lost. Just how much are they willing to give up to save themselves?"

Release Date: September 3, 2013

Just a few more weeks until this novella is released! Is it bad that I'm more excited for this novella than I am for Infinite, the final book in the series? I really like Sam & I look forward to learning more about his past in this novella. It will be challenging though, imagining him with a different body than he does in the Incarnate & Asunder!!

Book Review: Asunder

Asunder

"DARKSOULS

Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful."

Author: Jodi Meadows

Year of Release: 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: Fantasy
Sequel(s): Infinite & one novella, Phoenix Overture

Prequel(s): Incarnate

What motivated you to read this book?: I enjoyed reading Incarnate, so I wanted to read it's sequel! I also wanted to read this book before the novella is released in a few weeks!!
Book Version: e-book
Where did you get the book?: digital library
Favorite Character: Sam

Other noteworthy characters: Ana, Cris, Sarit

Thoughts on Cover: It's okay. I prefer the cover of Incarnate more.The mask makes the girl's face look strange.

Recommended to: Fantasy fans
Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Review: I must admit it took me several chapters to get into this novel, and sometimes when I did get into it, I would lose interest again later on. I'm not really sure what it was that made me not have interest in it originally. Lack of interest in the story line and what was happening? Lack of description? The fact that I read this after reading an amazing series and was still experiencing a hangover from it? I think it was a combination of all three. Fortunately, that ended and I was able to enjoy the story.

There seemed to be a vague description of everything, from the description of the settings to the description of Ana's emotions. I'm used to reading books that go on and on with lots and lots of details. Even though I've read Incarnate, I'm still not quite used to the vagueness of it. I guess I shouldn't complain because I'm not very descriptive in my writing either. Also, I have come to appreciate the information Meadows incorporated into the story that most readers wouldn't even notice. What I'm referring to is the music and flower element of the story. Meadows must have done a lot of research to assure the accuracy of everything. I admire Meadows a lot for that because I'm lazy when it comes to doing research for my novel that I'm writing.

As I said in my review of Incarnate, the plot and overall premise of this story is very unique. I've never read any novel like it before reading this series, and I love reading original novels/series. Jodi Meadows has a very creative mind. Not only that, but I found it interesting, and enjoyed learning the information that Ana and Sam discover throughout the book.

I also still have a growing fondness for Sam. He is definitely the type of guy I would like to date. He's kind, selfless, brave, understanding, honorable, helpful, and not to mention, attractive. I really like him a lot. I did get annoyed with him during one or two occasions in the book when he and Ana were fighting, but I got over it when Ana did. I loved it when he practically bragged about her during one scene in the book. He's just so sweet! My favorite part with him was definitely chapter 25!! I also like Ana as well. I admire her willingness to stand up for the other Newsouls, and the way she handled herself during difficult situations. In addition to Sam and Ana, I also liked Cris as well. He reminded me a bit of Sam himself, and I love his kindness. The character Sarit was also likable as well. She was very funny!

Overall, I liked this book, but it wasn't "I have to find out what happens next" type of book. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel and the novella, Phoenix Overture, written about Sam!!

Stacking the Shelves (#3)

Stacking the Shelves is a book blog meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where book bloggers post about the new books they have acquired throughout the week either digitally or hard copy. It can be books that you have borrowed from a friend, got at a library, purchased online or in a store, etc!

Here are the books I have acquired this week!

Borrowed from Library

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto 

I was at half-price books a few weeks ago, and I saw the second book in this series, (At the time, I had no idea that it was the second book.) and it caught my attention, and I knew I wanted to read it. After going to Goodreads, I discovered that it was a series and that the first book is Halo. I really cannot wait to read it because it reminds me so much of the Hush, Hush saga and I love that series!! I hope it lives up to my expectations!

Got For Free

Paparazzi Princess by Jen Calonita

I went to a street market this morning and they had a bookshelf full of books that they were giving away for free. Yes, free! They didn't have any science fiction or fantasy books that I normally like to read, but this book caught my attention. It looks like the type of book I would have enjoyed as a young teenager. It's not the type of book I would read now, but hey it's free, and maybe I'll still like it. We'll see. Turns out that this book is actually the fourth book in a series, so I'll have to read the first three if I ever want to read this one.

                     Borrowed from a Digital Library

                                                           

Asunder by Jodi Meadows

I really liked the first book of this series that I read a few weeks ago, so of course I am going to read this one too!

Book Review: Incarnate

Incarnate

"NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?"

Author: Jodi Meadows

Year of Release: 2012
Genre: Fantasy
Sequel(s): Asunder & Infinite in the series & one novella, Phoenix Overture

What motivated you to read this book?: I cannot remember when I first saw this book, but I believe it was on Goodreads. The cover was very captivating & gorgeous, plus the summary was very interesting. I never read it until I watched Epic Read's Tea Time when they mentioned having an ARC of the newest book in the series, and I thought "I still need to read the first book in that series."
Book Version: Hardcover
Where did you get the book?: Local Library
Favorite Character: Sam
Least Favorite Character: Li

Thoughts on Cover: Stunning! Very beautiful! I still am not a big fan of having faces on the cover of books, but the amazingness of it makes up for it!
Recommended to: Fantansy & Romance Lovers

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Review:  This story is very unique & has such an interesting (and not to mention eerie) premise! I'm not sure what I expected when I started reading, but it didn't captivate me right away. The beginning isn't what I would call boring or slow, but it seemed as though Meadows jumped right into the action as soon as the novel began when Ana leaves her mother (who hates her) and starts off on an adventure to Heart, a city where most humans who are reincarnated again and again, to find out about her existence. Although I didn't really like the first two or three chapters, once Sam was introduced I enjoyed it from there on out.

Like I mentioned, this story is very unique and definitely a little eerie. Ana is a newsoul and is only 18 years old, while everybody else is approximately five thousand years old and have lived hundreds and hundreds of lives. I can't imagine her situation of being so young and new in the world while everyone is so experienced, knowledgeable, and knows everyone. Not only that, but having almost everybody else despise you due to the fact that they believe you replaced somebody else. On top of that, not knowing whether or not you'll be reborn after you die like everyone else.

The whole concept of reincarnation and living hundreds of lives triggered me into thinking about life. Everybody in the story (except Ana) has lived on earth for thousands of years and think that one life time is very short compared to the thousands of years they've lived. In real life, that one life time is short, but we have to make the most of the short period of time we do have here on earth before passing on. I really don't think I would have any interest in living over and over again for thousands of years in the same city. That would just get boring.

Although the writing wasn't the most descriptive as many novels are and many of the same words were used to describe things, I still enjoyed the story. The writing actually reminded my own writing style and gave me hope that I will one day be able to publish a novel as well.

I was truly shocked at how much I could relate to Ana. She always assumes that people think the worse about her, and I am the exact same way! (I've gotten better.) However Ana is a lot braver than I am and lets her emotions control her at times especially when she's angry, upset, or embarrassed, she always just wanted to flee. Sometimes she did. That got annoying at times, but I can understand her position. I don't believe I am like that, but at times I let my emotions get the better of me, like her.

The other protagonist, Sam, was very likable! He was definitely the character that made me want to keep reading! He is so sweet, kind, and caring. Not to mention attractive! He's definitely the type of guy I would want to date. I really liked how he didn't cast Ana off the way she thought he would when she revealed her true identity to him. I also liked how he was so willing to help her and take her into his house to live with him.

The story as a whole was great! I really enjoyed reading it. The plot kept me reading and the unanswered questions kept me curious and wanting to know the answers. I also enjoyed the unexpected plot twist. I always like it when unexpected things occur. I think the only parts I didn't like were the first few chapters and a few parts towards the end when Sam wasn't there. I would definitely recommend this book & I look forward to reading the sequels and the novella!

Stacking the Shelves (#1)

This is my first Stacking the Shelves. Stacking the Shelves is a book blog meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where book bloggers post about the new books they have acquired throughout the week either digitally or hard copy. It can be books that you have borrowed from a friend, got at a library, purchased online or in a store, etc!

I think this will be a fun meme!!

Here are the books I have acquired this week!

Purchased for My Nook

Inside by Maria V. Snyder

This book consists of both books in this duology, Inside Out & Outside In. I have been meaning to purchase it for awhile because I love both books. If you're interested, Barnes & Noble has it for only $7.55 as an e-book & $8.54 for a paperback. These are both great deals considering that it contains both books that are simply amazing and extremely hard to put down. I definitely recommend this series!!

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide To Character Expression

Being a writer, I seriously needed to purchase this book. I am not the best at describing emotions or facial expressions and this book is fantastic for describing emotions. (I still need one to help with facial expressions. So if anybody has any book or website suggestions for that please let me know! It would be much appreciated!) It's only $4.99 as an e-book!!

Pre-Ordered (hardcopy)

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I am very, very excited for this book to be released! This is the final book in the Divergent trilogy which words cannot describe how much I love. It is by far my favorites series. I highly recommend reading this series! Allegiant will be released on October 22, 2013.

Borrowed from Library

Looking For Alaska by John Green

I read The Fault In Our Stars in just over 2 days, and I loved it! I have already decided to read all of John Green's books. It's pretty much official now. I'm looking forward to reading this one.

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

I watched Epic Reads' "Tea Time" this past Wednesday & when they opened the box that revealed the ARC of one of the sequels to this book, I knew I had to read this one because it's been on my "to-read" list for awhile now.

That's it for this week!! If you read any of these, please be considerate and do not post any spoilers in the comments!!! Thanks!!