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Monday, April 16, 2012

Masque of The Red Death Blog tour and a Giveaway


Welcome to our stop on the Masque of the Red Death blog tour! Today we have the honor of hosting the amazing Bethany Griffin who answered some of Jaime’s burning questions about Masque, writing, and birthdays! Yep you heard that right, birthdays why you ask? Well not only is today our tour stop day but also Bethany’s birthday. Happy Birthday Bethany!!!!!! Yay *throws confetti* *cracks open the champagne* and because it’s Bethany’s birthday we’re giving away a present! One signed ARC of the Masque of the Red Death  a gorgeous bookmark, and an awesome leather wristband with a quote from the book!

On to the Q&A and we love Bethany’s answers!




1. Why Poe and why Masque? What made you decide to pick that instead of say…. The Fall of The House of Usher or The Tell Tale Heart?

Well, I don't have any reason NOT to write/retell any of Poe's other stories, but  there are a million reasons for Masque of the Red Death. The themes of Masque, trying to cheat death, the idea of a rich upper class trying to cheat death by partying while the world falls apart, these are relevant and timely, and...interesting. I've always loved dystopian and post-apocalyptic books, The Handmaid's Tale, The Stand, and The Giver are three of my all time favorite books. But I wasn't willing to even attempt any of those genres until I felt I had something interesting and unique. When I started re-reading Poe's The Masque of the Red Death, the ideas that were percolating in my head were (or at least seemed) unique and different, and that gave me the impetus to start this project. And once I started it, I really couldn't stop. I loved writing it. 

Jaime loved reading it J

2. Did you always plan on writing both of the male characters Will and Elliott to be so darned different but lovable? Usually in books there’s a clear choice whom the heroine should be with but in yours it’s almost impossible to choose.

Honestly, I don't know. I do love both of them in different ways. Elliott was fun because he is so messed up (you'll learn a bit more about that in book 2) and Will is mysterious and so different from you expect the first time you meet him. I loved writing them. And I agree with your assessment that there is no clear cut choice at the end of book 1. I had a basic plan for the story, but when I sat down to write the outline for book 2, I had to really second guess my choices and think about who she  would end up with and why. 

Ok dying to know here but we know we’ll have to wait…… (very impatiently)

3. The cover art for Masque is gorgeous!!! Was it love at first sight when you saw it? Is that what you pictured Araby looking like?

I thought it was beautiful when I saw it. But now that I've seen the effects, the glowing background and the raised lettering, the entire package of the book, I'm totally in love with it. I guess I see the girl on the cover as sort of symbolic representation of Araby, rather than like an exact portrait. That's really how I like to see characters on book covers, I guess, sort of symbolic and representational (which is another reason I LOVE my cover). 

We loved it too it’s very haunting and beautiful!

4. Oh and the Debauchery Club (loved it btw) how did you imagine this multi-leveled place with secrets and danger? Was there a location that you had maybe seen or is it all made up?   

 The Debauchery Club is based on Victorian Gentleman's clubs, or private clubs where people would have gone to drink and gamble, hang out? I don't know. I had a vague idea what those sort of places might be like, and then I changed it in ways that I thought were awesome and cool and worked for the story. Of course I needed the club to be open to females, and teenage girls at that. I'm pretty happy with it. I've seen a few reviewers who said that not enough Debauchery happens there...but I think we see enough. We see what Araby is okay with seeing. 

Haha Jaime thought it was perfect no one wants to see all the seedy things going on. Some things are better left to the imagination ;)

5. Did you listen to any music when you were writing Masque? What was your playlist?

Ah, the Playlist question. I don't actually listen to music while I write (okay, sometimes the LORT soundtrack, but don't tell anyone) but really, music with lyrics is distracting to me. When I do listen to music, is when I walk, and I amble around a lot when writing. When writing Masque I listened to a lot of Portishead, a lot of Nine Inch Nails, and quite a bit of Tool. 

Just had to say Hell Yes to Portishead, Tool, and Nine Inch Nails!!!! Jaime loves those bands and they totally popped into her head when thinking of the Debauchery club and certain other scenes.

6. So we know April 16th is your birthday and it just happens to be our tour stop day ;) what was the best birthday present you ever received?

Oh wow, that's a good question. I'm not really a surprise person, I'm more of a carefully choose something and think about it for three months before the event happens sort of person, but, when I was in 6th grade, my grandmother took me to Hawaii over spring break, so for my birthday, which was the week before, my mom bought me this fancy underwater 35mm camera, complete with a variety of cases and accessories. It was awesome, and way too expensive for a 6th grader. 

Oh what a great mom and grandma! That would have been an awesome birthday!

7.  So we know you’re going to be in Salt Lake City for the Smart Chicks Kick It tour in September. What’s the rest of your tour schedule look like? And how excited are you to get out and meet your readers? 


 I'm going to be at BEA, and I'm checking for more information...if I don't get back to you on this email me! 

Oh poop we’re not going to BEA. Haha don’t worry we will ;)

8. Last question any tips for our aspiring writers out there? 


I think you just have to find the thing that's right for you. Masque is such a weird blend of all the genres I read growing up, and all this weird knowledge I have about different time periods. My first published book, which I'm still really proud of, was realistic contemporary, and I didn't have anything particularly new or insightful to add to that genre. It wasn't until I figured out what I could do that was different that I really found my voice/niche. So, find what you want to do...what you are good at...and don't ever stop trying. I've written a lot of manuscripts. 


Thanks so much Bethany for answering our questions! And happy birthday again hope your day totally rocks! Make sure to check out Jaime's review of Masque of the Red Death Here

Also thanks to Harper Teen for inviting us to be on the tour and the signed ARC of Masque that we’re giving away! To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Make sure to check out all the other awesome blogs hosting the tour for some awesome posts and a few other chances to win a Signed Book!

4/17    http://amberinblunderland.blogspot.com                     
4/18    http://bookalicio.us                                                               
4/19    http://hobbitsies.net/wordpress                                
4/20   http://www.princessbookie.com                                   
4/23   http://www.spadeshighreads.com                                
4/24   http://www.goodbooksandgoodwine.com                    
4/25   http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy.com              
4/26   http://booktwirps.com                                                  
4/27   http://www.iceybooks.com                                             

39 comments:

  1. I can't wait to read this one. I keep hearing such great things about it.

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  2. I've not yet read this series, but I intend to as I'm a big fan of Edgar Allan Poe and this book is a must read for me. I'm very curious to see how it relates to Poe's version. This book definitely intrigues me!

    Loved the Q&A! And Happy Birthday to you Bethany!!

    Good luck to all who enter.

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  3. I haven't read this series yet, but it sounds so deliciously gothic, plus the cover art
    is terrific!

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  4. Nope... I want to read it cause I feel that it is a very good book... And the cover really attracts attention...

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  5. well i have been looking at this one for a while it looks good and I would love love to win it!!;)) thanks a million for this giveaway you and the Author ROCK thanks:)

    bella

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  6. Awesome Q&A! I can't wait until I get my copy and devour this book! :D

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  7. I'm super excited about MASQUE. I've been waiting for it ever since it was officially announced. I love what Bethany says about finding your voice while adding something new and unique to a genre.

    Brilliant interview.

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  8. I definitely want to read this one. Sounds totally interesting and right up my alley :) I love Poe - my fav. of his is The Cask of Amontillado.

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  9. Great post. I'm definitely looking forward to this book.

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  10. I keep hearing so many wonderful things about this book, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

    Also, Happy Birthday Bethany! Hope its a great one!! :)

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  11. Oh wow, thanks for the birthday wishes, and thanks to Jaime and Patricia for hosting me and for asking questions that were fun and easy to answer!

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  12. Happy birthday! Can't wait to meet you in Louisville :)

    Great interview, guys :)

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  13. Happy birthday! I want to read it because, come on, it sounds freaking amazing.

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  14. I've been reading reviews on this book on all the blogs that I follow and have heard great things!

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  15. Happy Birthday!!

    PS and the books sounds like an amazing read!

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  16. I would so love to read the book....
    I know it will be so awesome...

    Thanks for the giveaway

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  17. Here is the signing info as of right now.
    June 6th @ 1:00 – 2:00PM Book Expo America New York, NY
    *In-Booth Signing
    June 6th @ 7:00 PM Barnes & Noble Fairless Hills, PA
    * June 7th @ 6:30 PM Cover to Cover Columbus, OH

    June 8th @ 4:00 PM Evanston Library Evanston, IL
    w/ The Book Stall

    June 9th @ TIME TK Printer’s Row Lit Fest Chicago, IL

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  18. Happy Birthday Bethany. I think this book looks very intriguing I can't wait to read it!!!!!

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  19. First Off I Gotta Say Happy Birthday Bethany Secondly I Gotta Say I Have To Have This Book People Have Been Telling Me Its The Book To Read And I Have To See If Its As Good As They Tell Me It Is I Am Dying To Read It.butterfli262002@yahoo.com

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  20. I have heard such great things about this book, and I can't wait to read it!

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  21. I want to read it because my sister said it was amazing. Plus having an awesome cover and being based off Poe can't hurt either.!

    Happy birthday Bethany!

    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  22. Happy Birthday Beth!

    And I want to read it because as much as I was creeped out by Edger's story, I did like it.

    Thank you!

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  23. Well even if I was not burning with curiosity about what is written on those pages, I would want it just to look at the hauntingly beautiful cover :) Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us today and for the awesome giveaway opportunity.

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  24. This book has been on my TBR list for a while now. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

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  25. I've seen a lot of great reviews for this book that have me intrigued.

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  26. i'm so intrigued by anything poe, i've wanted to read this since I heard the title! Thanks so much!

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  27. I've wanted to read this ever since I heard about it! Sounds fascinating. And the beautiful cover only makes me want to read it more.

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  28. So late on this, but happy birthday! Mine was actually yesterday. Yay for April birthdays. :)

    Well - I've taken a lot of English classes and Poe has always interested me, but haven't had the chance to read a lot of his work. When I read that a new YA book was coming out, with Poe influences, it went straight onto my "to-read" list.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  29. Christina Kit. in the rafflecopter

    Happy Birthday!!

    Love the book - just knowing it's a twist on Poe is a sure-fire hit with me.

    I love the sound of the debauchery clubs:)

    Thanks so much:)

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  30. I have REALLY been wanting to read this one!

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  31. I've wanted to read this book for months! It sounds soooooo amazing! I love Poe.

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  32. I've had my eye on this since I saw the cover and read the synopsis. This is my favorite cover of the year so far, I heart it to pieces. Can't wait for the release date. Happy Happy Birthday Bethany! =)

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  33. Happy birthday!!

    I'd love to read the book because I love the premise and I'm a sucker for a gorgeous cover! :D

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  34. I've heard nothing but good reviews for this title so far!

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  35. i can't wait to finally get my hands on this book and read it. i have heard nothing but good things about it : )

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  36. I would love to win this book because I've read so many good reviews about it! I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  37. I've heard so many good things about it, and that's gotta mean something, right?

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