Interview with Marianne de Pierres + Giveaway: Signed Finished Copy of Burn Bright

Hi everyone! I was finally able to review Burn Bright! I’ve been in a ‘reviewing slump’ for a few days now. There will be two other reviews coming up and a few more for Dystopian Domination. Today’s post will be about that. Marianne de Pierres was so nice to drop by and share info about her YA debut, Burn Bright!

 

What or who inspired you to write Burn Bright?

There was no one thing, although at the time I began writing it, I was interested in nocturnal lifestyles and had a hankering to create something gothic and tantalising. Once I had finally finished the novel (it too me seven years) though, I realised that a lot of my own teen emotions were at play in the text. So in answer to your questions, perhaps my subconscious inspired it. J

What kind of apocalypse did Burn Bright have? (if any?)

There is no real apocalypse but the world itself is caught in the gravity pull of three stars. This accounts for some unusual things that happen, including the creation of the Golden Spiral in which Ixion exists.

Where did you get the idea for Seals?

I suppose the idea for them comes from the notion of extreme cults. Though in this case they are not a cult; they are the “majority” society with extreme values.

How did you build Ixion in your mind?

I began with the idea of the island and the churches and the ever-dark and everything else just crowded in; the bats, the scary creatures, the gorgeous clothes and the parties. The world kind of fell upon me!

Burn Bright has a colorful vocabulary. How did you develop this?

One of the wonderful things about fantasy is that you can create new words without confusing readers. As long as you don’t overdo it, most people are prepared to accept them as part of the difference of the fantasy world and culture. To do that, I usually go to the root of an ordinary word and then somehow corrupt it to suit my need. A lot of times it comes out of how it sounds when I say it, or how it looks when I write it. Draculin is one such word. To me it both sounds and looks good.

What is the message you want readers to pick up from your novel?

The story is in essence about Retra/Naif learning how to navigate her way in the world. If anything, the message is to trust yourself to make good choices.

What does Burn Bright have that is not present in other dystopian novels?

Perhaps that’s a question you should answer, Precious J. But I believe that the world is quite unique. The other thing makes it unusual is that both places Retra/Naif lives during the course of the story are dystopias, but one masquerades as a utopia.

What can readers expect from Angel Arias, the sequel?

In book 2 we spend some time on Ruzalia’s island, Sanctus, and get to know more about the pirate’s motivations. Then Naif returns to face her demons in Grave. Markes accompanies her and their relationship develops. Lenoir is not happy about this!

Thank you for sharing, Marianne!

Marianne de Pierres is the author of the acclaimed Parrish Plessis and Sentients of Orion science fiction series. The Parrish Plessis series has been translated into eight languages and adapted into a roleplaying game.

Marianne is an active supporter of genre fiction and has mentored many writers. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband, three sons and three galahs. In 2011 her first young adult dark fantasy novel will be published. Marianne is also an award winning crime author under the pseudonym Marianne Delacourt. Visit her websites at www.mariannedepierres.com and www.tarasharp.com

Giveaway: Signed Finished Copy of Burn Bright

*CLOSED*

Marianne is so generous to offer a signed finished copy to one lucky reader! If you want to know more about Burn Bright before entering the contest, you can find the book description here.

Rules:

Be a follower.

Answer this question: Would you go to Ixion (a place of freedom, pleasure & sin for youths even though your stay is over once you’re overage), if you can?Why?

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Open internationally!

Ends June 15, 2011!

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