Thursday, August 9, 2012

My Rockstar is Tiffany Truitt (Authors Are Rockstars) *Interview + Giveaway*


“Stories enabled you to forget your life and your limits. They urged you to reach for a world that was never meant to be yours. There was nothing more dangerous than an imagination.” --Chosen Ones



There are rare occasions in our lifetimes when we come across books that touch our hearts so deeply that we know from the start we won’t forget them. We follow the authors’ updates and events, read everything they release/will release, and connect with their characters on a personal level. We laugh and cry with the characters. We laugh and cry and cheer on the authors. These are our gems as readers. These are the authors we look for. These are our rockstars.

I was graced with Chosen Ones earlier this year, first as part of the cover reveal, then a short time later for early review. You can find my glowing 5-star review here. Even through all of the books I’ve read so far this year, it’s still at the top of my list as one of my favorites--not just for the 2012, but for all time.
(Note: the ARC review was never edited with the later changed release date--which had been in June--and still has the original expected April set date on it, I believe.)

Tiffany Truitt is my Rockstar. The rare gem I’m always looking for that touched my heart. Chosen Ones is an unforgettable read. I’m happy to be Ms. Truitt’s cheerleader (and her characters’) always!

I’m so honored to not only be a part of the Authors Are Rockstars event, but to host the fantastic author Tiffany Truitt here at The Bookaholic today as well. Be sure to read the wonderful interview below and enter the giveaway for your chance to win an e-book of Chosen Ones!




Thank you for joining us today! I've been excited since I found out. Bouncing in my chair a little bit over here. ^.^

I am so excited to be part of this event!  Even more stoked that I got a super awesome host J

Could you tell us about Chosen Ones (for any of those who haven’t had the pleasure of reading yet) and what inspired this idea?

I am a huge nerd. I like to listen to movie and television scores while driving. The idea just came to me on a drive one day. I don’t know what inspired it, but I just went with it. To be fair, the story has changed a lot since I first started working on it.

Chosen Ones is a YA novel which mashes together the Dystopian genre with elements of Victorian literature. It explores the idea of cloning and what it means to be human.

Did anyone you know in real life somewhat take play into the creating of your characters? Do you have anything in common with Tess?

I don’t think I consciously based any of my characters on people I know. Subconsciously? No doubt. Most writers don’t live in secluded cabins in the woods, so they are inspired by the people they choose to be around. I’m pretty lucky to spend my time with some pretty crazy and passionate people. They inspire me every day.

I think I have more difference than similarities when it comes to Tess. I think we share a lot of similar political beliefs and interests…and we’re both really stubborn…darn, maybe we are more alike than I thought. While I was editing this novel, I was in sort of a dark place myself, so that might have slipped into the character of Tess. But I like her much more by the end of the book than the start. I like to think I am more like that version of Tess. 

I also like the many messages and thoughts regarding Chosen Ones and Naturals, rebellion, and being true to yourself. Was it your intention to put out a strong message through symbolism and the ideas from the start?  What age range would you personally recommend the book for?

No. I never intended to create a book with an overt message. This is partly because as an avid reader I know the reader will construct any meaning that he or she desires without any regard to the author’s intentions. Did it turn into a book with an overt message? I think so. What that message is I’ll let the reader decide.

Chosen Ones ends on quite the cliffhanger. Jaw-dropping. Are you allowed to give information away on the sequel yet (Title? Expected Date?)? How many books will there be in the series?

The series will be a trilogy. The next book, The Naturals, will be out in Spring 2013. While I can’t tell you much, I can say Tess will get to explore a whole new world. And the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Do you have any other upcoming projects to look for in the future?

I am in the middle of edits on a YA / Contemp for my agent. I am having a ball working on it. It’s super snarky and fun. I really hope it gets published.


Now for the fun questions!


Where are you from?

I like to say Illinois because that’s where I was born and where my family resides…but I have spent most of my life living in Virginia. Navy Brat.

If you couldn’t write, what would you be doing?

Realistic answer? Teacher (my current job). Dream job? Television writer for a J.J Abrams show.

Favorite food:

I LOVE sides. Mash taters. Green beans. Macaroni. Yummmy. Also, do we consider coffee a food??

Summer or Winter:

I love both. Winter is great because I get to wear fun hats and scarves. Summer is great because I get time off to travel. I like to make the best of all seasons.

Favorite authors:

Jane Austen. Thomas Hardy. Shakespeare.


Do you like hugs from strangers (i.e. fans giving you hugs at book signings)?

Can we settle for a side hug? I am big on personal bubbles. I don’t do enclosed spaces. Last weekend, I got stuck in a stampede at Lollapalooza. I had to be pulled out and brought to the medical tent. Space is good.


Thank you so much for being at the blog today. You ARE a rockstar, one of MY rockstars, and a fabulous author!



About Chosen Ones

The Lost Souls, book 1 available now from Entangled Publishing!

I pushed down a key. The hair on the back of my neck shot up, and my skin tingled.

I imagined this was what it felt like to fall in love.

In that moment, I was ready to fall.

Life is bleak but uncomplicated for Tess, living in a not-too-distant future where the government, faced with humanity’s extinction, created the Chosen Ones, artificial beings who are extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

When Tess begins work at Templeton, a Chosen Ones training facility, she meets James, and the attraction is immediate in its intensity, overwhelming in its danger. But there is more to Templeton than Tess ever knew. Can she stand against her oppressors, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Order your copy of Chosen Ones at Amazon | B&N

About Tiffany Truitt

Tiffany Truitt is an 8th grade English teacher in Suffolk, Virginia. When she’s not traveling the world, she enjoys reading, writing, and obsessing over coffee. Lost Souls: Chosen Ones is her first novel. Find out more about Tiffany Truitt at her Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads




Want a chance to win an e-book of Chosen Ones? Entangled Publishing will provide one copy to a lucky winner! Enter below in the Rafflecopter form--it's easy! And trust me...if you haven't read this book yet, it's a  definite must. ;)


a Rafflecopter giveaway


**I want to thank Tiffany Truitt again for the visit, Entangled Publishing for the giveaway, and the awesome hosts, authors, and other participating bloggers for the fantastic event. Be sure to visit the other stops by clicking on the tour banner at the top of the post.**

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30 comments:

  1. This is such a great interview. I loved all the questions, which made me definitely want to read this book even more AND I love how passionate you are about it. YES to books that touch our hearts so deeply. And it's so awesome that this book and author did that for you!

    Thank you so much for participating on our tour. I'm so glad to see just how wow'ed you were by this author and your enthusiasm and love for this book and author just had me run to Amazon and download it to my Kindle.

    I am a huge fan of cliffhangers, though if it's as killer as you say... Spring 2013 seems so far! :)

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    1. Thank you for coming by! I'm hope you enjoy Chosen Ones as much as I did. :D Glad I helped convince you to get it. Hehe. Oh yes, Spring 2013 is so far. I've been waiting on pins and needles since I've read it. Haha.

      Thank you so much for hosting the tour also. It's great and I'm honored to have the opportunity of being apart of it! :)

      <3
      Pixie

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  2. Replies
    1. Hello!
      She has some pictures on her blog, Goodreads, and Facebook (links posted above). I would have posted one of her but I didn't know which one was okay to post so I didn't want to just randomly take one and post it. :) But you can find her pics on her sites! :)

      Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  3. Thanks for the giveaway! The Chosen Ones has been on my TBR list, can't wait to read it!

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  4. Oh, I loved the interview!!! I'm ashamed to admit I hadn't heard of "The Chosen Ones" before now, but I will definitely be adding it to my TBR pile. :D

    I love the fact her dream job would be working as a television writer for a JJ Abrams show!!! JJ's work is awesome! ;)

    Amazing, amazing tour stop!!! :D

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    Replies
    1. I know, right? I love JJ Abrams, too. Haha. I take it you've heard of his new show coming this fall called "Revolution"? It looks really interesting. I think I'll see what it's like. :P
      Anyways, glad you've now heard of Chosen Ones and I hope you enjoy it whenever you do get a chance to read it sometime!

      Thank you for stopping by the blog! :)

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  5. This book looks great i wanted to read it for awhile :). Thanks for the chance

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  6. This book sounds great, and so was the interview! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  7. Love Tiffany!!!! And Chosen Ones and can't wait for Naturals! Thanks for participating on the tour :D

    -Jaime

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    1. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it! :) So wonderful! :)

      <3
      Pixie

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  8. I LOVED this interview. Tiffany is so amazing. I just heard of her book last week and I've been dying to read it ever since. My luck that there's a giveaway for it! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

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  9. Thank you for a great stop. I love this tour I am finding so many great new blogs and more authors i didn't know about.

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  10. Great interview! I've bee dying to read this one. I love books exploring what it means to be human and a futuristic world with clones. I think it is definitely true that each reader can learn and take different messages from books. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  11. Awesome interview. Macaroni is the best. :D

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    1. I love mashed potatoes. ;) I eat them as just a plain meal sometimes. Haha!

      Thank you for coming by the blog! :)

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  12. Thanks for the giveaway! Awesome interview :)

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  13. I've heard several great things about this lately. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  14. Thank you for the giveaway and interview. I keep trying to get my hands on this book, but I keep failing /cry! I can't wait to read it :D

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  15. Great post and contest! Thanks to all involved :)

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  16. This looks really good! I know what's going on my TBR list!

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  17. This book sounds awesome! and I love the cover

    Thanks for this opportunity!

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  18. I keep seeing this on Kindle on the books that are recommended to me but never get a chance to actually buying it. It does sound like the type of book I would love to enjoy and read. I absolutely love the cover :)!

    -Emilia

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  19. "Space is good." I agree :)
    I can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  20. I haven't read Chosen Ones yet, but after reading the interview, I really want to :)

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  21. I haven't read this yet! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  22. This book sounds amazing and Tiffany sounds like a real laugh! Thanks for the giveaway. I'm hosting Sarah J. Maas and giving away Throne of Glass on the 30th, be sure to stop by!

    Jade @ <a href="http://inkscratchers.blogspot.com> Ink Scratchers </a>

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  23. Thanks for the interview! I hadn't heard of The Chosen Ones before but have now added it to my TBR list. Also, thanks for the giveaway!

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