Thanks to author Marisette Burgess for letting us be a part of her tour and giving us an interview. And also for having a great international giveaway. Prizes include the following:
• One $5 Electronic Amazon Gift Card
• Four eBook copies of Men of the Cave
• Four eBook copies of Jar of Pandora
• One signed print copy of Men of the Cave
• One signed print copy of Jar of Pandora
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a mom, teacher, and wife. Writing is my hobby and what I do for an escape from life responsibilities. I enjoy the craft and it is as relaxing as listening to music. I love the beach but rarely go in the water. My favortite thing to do is sit in the warm sand and read my kindle. I love looking out at the ocean. I could stare at it for hours. I went to college in Orlando, that was great fun. Lots to do, but now live in Stuart, Fl. A good place to raise kids.
How long have you been writing and have you always been interested in science fiction/ fantasy? Do you write other genre?
I have been writing since I was in fifth grade. I quit writing a couple of times in my life but always came back to it. I would rather consider myself a romance writer with paranormal elements added in. Although action scenes are fun to write, what I mostly enjoy is the romance. Especially the first time two characters who will end up falling in love meet.
Is there a certain place that you prefer to write? Or draw inspiration for your writing?
Yes, I write at my dining room table. The lighting is good, the chair uncomfortable, and the table is full of clutter. So, it’s perfect. I draw inspiration from dreams that I play out in my head of the characters. I have them act out certain scenes.
Do you listen to music when you write?
Yes, mostly Pandora’s radio. If there is a certain scene that I like a particular song for then I put that song on repeat until I am happy with the scene. Two songs that I have used especially in the third book- Jason Mraz I won’t give up and Cake Comfort Eagle.
What writers have influenced you?
I like Shakespeare and Poe. I also love the works of Joss Whedon and Neil Gaiman. Each author brings a unique trait into their stories that I love. I enjoy reading Shakespeare’s romantic works. With Poe it’s his dark creepy stuff I love. Joss Whedon's banter and comedy, and Neil Gaiman's magic for the supernatural.
Please tell us a bit about the Symbol of Hope Series.
It’s a three book trilogy. The series meshes Greek Mythology with a Christian Legend and uses an atheist protagonist female. In the first book the reader gets introduced to eighteen year old Kasey Reese who discovers hidden secrets of Earth while on a study abroad trip to Spain. She meets the men of the cave, seven brothers who have a fascinating immortal history. The romance begins between her and Dion Kleon one of the seven. The second book takes Kasey and Dion back to America to meet her family. Kasey is also determined to find out why the immortal Pandora is her grandmother. Their love is challenged by their opposite virtues and finding Pandora come with a great cost. A three thousand year old prophecy, puts Kasey in the middle of an immortal war that is bigger than she can handle. The last book is the concluding story of Kasey and Dion. They have a quest they must complete or hell and heaven will be unleashed on the people of Earth. This book is mostly about the sacrifices each must endure to save those that matter most.
What inspired you to write this series?
I had stopped writing after college. While in college, I wrote adult fiction with adult themes. Then the big hype came from the Twilight series and I picked that up along with some other YA, like Percy Jackson. I really liked the YA genre and thought I could write those types of stories. So, I set out to try and Men of the Cave was born.
What kind of research went into the Symbol of Hope series?
A lot…no… a ton of research. As a writer it is impossible to experience everything that your characters do, so you research it. For example, I looked up all sorts of details for Deia, Spain. Even what the water temperature would be like in the last few weeks of December. I researched the culture, cuisine, and customs. You name it I looked it up. Locations were not the only thing I researched. Here is a short list of things I conducted research on:
Locations- Spain, Arizona, Colorado, Islands off Fiji, Turkey, Nudist Colony
Medical conditions- Burns, spinal surgery, sprained ribs, skin bruising and abrasions, knife wounds.
Greek Mythology- Studies the family tree and details about certain specific gods.
Seven Sleepers- their history, location, legend, and current tomb.
Supernatural Powers- Telekinesis, Healing, Speed, Premonition, Speaking to animals, Spiritual transposition, visions of future and present/past.
How long did it take to write each book?
Between three to six months.
How many books are planned for the Symbol of Hope series?
Three for this storyline.
I really like the cover art for your books, can you tell us who designs them?
I designed them and had some fine tuning help from my publisher.
Do you have any other projects in mind at this time?
Yes, I want to write a single book, not one that’s part of a series. I have it started already. It’s a mid-evil period piece with a deaf protagonist. It will have a flare of fairytale.
If you could have supper with any one person from history who would it be and why?
Mary mother of Jesus, boy do I have a lot of questions for her.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I want to thank you for hosting my book on your blog.
Thanks again for letting me do this interview.
Title: Men of the Cave
Series: Symbol of Hope Book 1
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Author: Marisette Burgess
Published: WRB Publishing - May 2012
Word Count: 59,000
Synopsis:
Raised by unorthodox parents, Kasey Reese has always struggled to be invisible, to not be noticed, to avoid conflict. Running from a broken relationship, Kasey flees to Spain on a scholarship, to restore the comfort she finds in anonymity. Destiny, however, has other plans for her - a life threatening, life-altering journey into the supernatural when she meets the men of the cave.
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Title: Jar of Pandora
Series: Symbol of Hope Book 2
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Author: Marisette Burgess
Published: WRB Publishing - November 2012
Word Count: 73,000
Synopsis:
Kasey Reese ran from a life of responsibility to study abroad in Deia, Spain. She hoped for an adventure, but what unfolded in Spain was beyond the imaginable. In that remote little village she met the love of her life, Dion - a twenty-year-old immortal saint.
Kasey and Dion return to America only to realize their love is challenged by their opposite virtues and Kasey’s dysfunctional family.
Unique and action-packed, in this book Kasey learns that Pandora is her immortal grandmother. Determined to find her and to uncover many truths, Kasey sets out with Dion on a deadly journey. But answers come with a great cost - a three thousand year old prophecy, a feud of the gods and death.
GoodReads
About the Author:
MARISETTE BURGESS is a mother, wife, and teacher. She was born in Los Angeles, California to immigrant Cuban parents. She grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida then moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Creative Writing. She’s an extreme Florida girl who’s never seen snow. Marisette lives in Florida with her husband and son. She has enjoyed the art of storytelling since she was ten. Her first book, Men of the Cave, débuted May 2012.
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Thank you for the interview! Great questions.
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