Surface by Tiffany Daune
Publication: February, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
Bound to the water bound to land, a Siren’s soul will never be safe on either side of the ocean’s surface. Hidden beneath the rolling waves lies the secret to Theia’s past and as she unveils each haunting truth, she realizes the last seventeen years of her life have been a lie. Now, drawn into a mysterious new world and with nowhere to turn, Theia must place her trust in Luc, a beautiful boy who stops her heart with each dazzling smile, but even his unearthly charm can’t hide the truth—he has secrets— ark secrets binding him to his world—an underwater world where Theia will never belong—a world determined to destroy her soul. |
Excerpt:
The rain continued to drown out the sun, and Theia had no idea what time of day it was, but she was sure she wouldn't make it until nightfall. Her limbs grew heavy like an anchor seeking the sandy bottom. She let her eyelids slide closed. She couldn't fall asleep—sleep meant death in the middle of the ocean, but resting her eyes let her imagine someplace else—a place without so much water.
Her head dipped below the surface, and she bolted up at once.
Bad girl, she scolded herself. You want to die like this? You have to stay awake!
She continued her mental pep talk as she straightened her legs and swam a little farther. Her legs worked like scissors, cutting through the thick water, leading her to nowhere, but she had to try to find the shore. She found her rhythm, moving with the flow of the water, moving faster now, imagining the shoreline before her.
Theia kicked harder, her eyes focused on the horizon. She thrust forward, but, as she did, her ankle caught on something—she was stuck. She kicked with her left leg, but a crushing hold, like a fist wrapped around her ankle. Her scream was cut off as her head slipped under. Her body rushed through the water as if being dragged by an invisible tow rope.
Theia twisted, wriggling free from the force, and she frantically paddled her way to the surface. Her leg burned with the sting of salt water—she had been cut. She reached for her leg, trying to see the wound, but she was swiped from the side. She screamed and tucked her legs up to her chest. Her gaze darted to the ring of dark shadows circling beneath her.
"Oh crap—sharks!"
Q&A With the Author
1. Please start by telling us a little bit about yourself.
Currently, I write YA/ NA Paranormal romance novels. I like ghostly apparitions, vampires, witches and their enchanting spells, but right now I'm obsessed with wicked mermaids. My totem animal is a crow, but sometimes takes the form of a hummingbird.
2. When did you know that you wanted to write professionally and how did you take the leap to get into the business?
I started writing with the intent of publishing four years ago. I have always scribbled in notebooks, but I thought what the heck, let's try to get some of these stories published. I faced a lot of rejection letters, but I kept submitting and writing, until I received the first contract. Then I paused for a few days to celebrate and then it was back to writing and submitting.
3. Can you tell me a little bit about your book and what inspired it?
Surface is a young adult paranormal romance, set above and below the ocean's surface. I've always loved mermaids even the singing ones. I really wanted to explore the darker side of the mermaids I grew up with and at the same time introduce a crossover of other water beings in our world. I love when fantasy blends with reality. Surface is a meld of all my years of watching Disney movies and thrillers.
4. What do you hope that readers take way with them after reading your book?
I want them to feel the story, more than just reading the words. When they put the book down the emotions of the characters should still resonate within them.
5. I find it interesting to know what environment authors find most productive… Do you use a pen and paper or laptop? Quiet room at home or bustling café? Basically, what gets your creative juices flowing?
The outlines and first few chapters of Surface and Landlocked were written at the local pool while my son was swimming. I usually brainstorm with pen and paper to work out the plot. Then I switch to the laptop for writing.
6. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
The toughest criticism comes from me. I don't think anyone would beat the manuscript up as much as I do. I'm pretty hard core until I think it's right. Then I close my eyes, press send, and try not to look back.
The best compliment was having my little sister tell me she was obsessed with Surface and tweeting #reading.
7. What book is currently on your nightstand? And who are some of your favorite authors?
I have five on my nightstand right now. The one I am reading is Underworld by Meg Cabot.
I could never pick just one, but I a few of my faves are Alyson Noel, Tehereh Mafi, Kendare Blake and Lesley Livingston.
And we're just getting started. Guess what? Today, Tiffany is giving away a Sony eReader, and we're hosting a giveaway for your very own copy of Surface!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Links:
Twitter : @TiffanyDaune
She lives on an island and believes mermaids may be raiding her candy stash, though she hasn't caught them, yet.
Thank you for being a part of the Surface Blitz. Happy Reading!
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