Author Interview: Brodi Ashton and Pre-order Giveaway

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Because of two parents who were Greek myth geeks, I grew up thinking the latest fashion trends were inspired by Aphrodite, and a good conversational opener was, “So, which mythological character do you most resemble?” Despite these social shortcomings, I found a great husband who’s always my first reader. We live in Utah with our two young boys, who still have no idea why I'm at the computer all the time.

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics.

How did mythology help you shape this book?


I never set out to write a "Persephone retelling". Instead EVERNEATH started with one scene in my head, of a girl on her first day back at school after a long mysterious absence. It wasn't until I dug deeper into Nikki's story that I realized how much her struggles hinged on only a few bad choices. One bad choice, in fact. In this way, it reminded me of the story of Persephone, and how a rash decision to eat six pomegranate seeds impacted everything about her future. I loved the idea that sometimes, if you fall far enough, there might not be a way to go home again. Or is there?

You did an amazing job of making this book about so much more than mythology. Did you pull on life experiences to write?


Thank you! I actually did pull on a couple of life experiences, particularly from two childhood friends who, for separate reasons, disappeared from life for awhile. The first scene in the book was definitely inspired by my being a witness to each of their journeys back to the life they left behind. But that's where the similarities end! There was no mythical band of immortals to mess things up. :)

The band seemed very London (60's) band to me. Did your time living in London help you form the band atmosphere?


It definitely played a role, because to me the Dead Elvises have a foreign vibe. They are from an older world than ours, and London has that similar "older world" feel to it.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in writing this story?


Keeping the timelines straight. For someone as disorganized as myself, it was quite the undertaking, and involved a lot of color-coded sticky-notes.

The cover is beautiful. Did you have any input?


I wish I could say I had some creative input, but really all I offered up was a hearty, "I love it!"

What is your current WIP (Work in Progress)? Can you tell me a little about it?


I'm currently revising the sequel to EVERNEATH. To tell your readers about it would be to possibly give away some spoilers from the first book, so I won't go into detail. Suffice it to say that when it comes to Nikki getting what she wants, nothing can stop her. Which means she is in a different place mentally and emotionally than she was at the beginning of EVERNEATH.

Do you have a favorite place to sit and write? Where is your favorite place to read?


Earlier this year, I designed my little study. It has a white desk, two lamps, and a space heater. I do all my writing there, so there aren't as many distractions. As for reading, I'll read anywhere. Anytime.

As a reader do you read in the same genre as you write? What is your current paranormal obsession?


You know, I tend to stay away from too much paranormal when I'm on deadline, but I recently read Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Tayler, and it was pretty brilliant.

Thanks so much for having me!!

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Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

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Categories: Ashton, Author Interviews, Wicked Reads