2 Mar 2012

Birthday Fun: Author Interview with Aimee Agresti

Illuminate (Gilded Wings #1) by Aimee Agresti
Releases: March 6, 2012

Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.
As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?
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In 140 characters or less describe Illuminate (and yes, I spend too much time on twitter!
I spend too much time on Twitter too, and yet, I still have trouble fitting everything into 140 characters! OK, let’s see, how about: “A teen outcast/angel-in-training battles devils, saves souls, falls in love, and learns to have some confidence.” I do believe that’s actually less than 140 characters—yay!
Which scene or chapter did you love writing most?
I had such a blast writing the end. As all the pieces started coming together I got this crazy adrenaline surge and just cranked out the pages. I wish I could always write that fast! I actually didn’t even leave my apartment for a couple days. But I couldn’t help it, it’s just so exciting when you see all of your careful plotting pay off and lead you to this ending. You don’t want to leave your laptop for a minute. So I just became this wild writing recluse!
Before writing Illuminate, you were an entertainment journalist for ten years - writing, editing, and chatting up celebrities.  Which stars did who enjoy meeting the most!
Oooh, that’s a great question! My all-time favorite was George Clooney because, well, he’s George Clooney! He was just as charming as you would expect! But there were so many great ones. I loved John Cusack and Ewan McGregor—such nice guys!--and Angelina Jolie and Renee Zellweger were both so sweet. And then, I have to admit, I kind of turned into a 12-year-old again when I met the New Kids on the Block!

When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Have you always had a passion for writing and creating stories?
I always knew I wanted to be a writer. I grew up reading everything in sight—my mom’s a librarian!—and I was always writing stories and plays and keeping journals. I pretty much wanted to be Jo from Little Women!

Favourite TV Shows (new or old) - what takes your fancy!
My high-brow favorite is Mad Men: the writing is so fantastic and I just love the look of that show and the tone and everything. Plus, I’m kind of obsessed with that whole ‘60s era to begin with. But my low-brow favorite is The Bachelor! It’s totally my guilty pleasure. My sister and I watch it together every week and we just talk through the whole thing like we’re sports commentators: “Look at that dress!” “That one’s definitely getting a rose!” “Boo, that one’s so mean!” We love it, it’s great girly fun!

You’re off to a ball (in your floor length, gorgeous, red dress!), who do you choose to accompany you and why? And remember you can choose anyone!
Ha! Of course I would be wearing a Haven-inspired red dress, love it! Well, if I were invited to a ball, I would definitely take my hubby. We have a little 7-month-old son keeping us busy at home, so a date night out would be just fabulous!


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Entertainment Journalist...for 10 years! I know this is stating the obvious but what an awesome job! Going to work must have been such fun! I hope you’ve enjoyed the interview, gotten to know the lovely Aimee a tad better and if you hadn’t already added Illuminate to your wish list! :)

5 comments:

  1. Awesome interview!! I can't wait to read Illuminate :) it sounds amazing! And YES I am so jealous of her being an entertainment journo! Ohhh, I wish to follow in her footsteps!

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  2. Thanks Taneika! I can't wait either, luckily we don't have to wait much longer! I think we'd all like to follow in her footsteps. Entertainment journo, author..what next! :)

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  3. That's a really lovely interview. Love getting to know more personal facts about authors. :) Thanks a lot for sharing!

    Carina

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  4. wao, such a lovely interview. She's so nice and her book has to be really amazing. Good work <3

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  5. Awesome! We really get to know more about the author. The interview really had a personal feel to it. Thanks for sharing. :)

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