Monday, May 9, 2011

Interview & Giveaway: Kelly Keaton, author of Darkness Becomes Her

Interview with Kelly Keaton, author of Darkness Becomes Her


Today I'm talking with debut author Kelly Keaton about her wonderful novel Darkness Becomes Her (God & Monsters #1). I loved this edgy debut and was so excited when the wonderful Ms. Keaton agreed to do an interview. Find out how Pascal got his name, who Ari's literary BFF would be and more below!


1) Can you tell us a little bit about how you came up with the concept of DARKNESS BECOMES HER? 


There were a lot of things that seemed to come together at the right time. I had a vision in my head of Ari, this hardened girl with white hair and this very gray, creepy world in which she traversed. I've been wanting to set a book in NOLA for more than a decade. I just never felt I had the right tale until Ari showed up. 


2) I loved Ari as our protagonist but if you could go back and re-write DARKNESS BECOMES HER in any other perspective for fun, who would you choose? 


Thank you! I think I'd chose to do it from Sebastian's point of view and Violet's -- that would be very interesting, I think. :-)


3) There is a lot of Greek mythology in DARKNESS BECOMES HER. How much of it was based on research and how much did you make up?


I didn't have to do too much research because I've been a mythology geek since I was a kid. I reread some of my favorite books on the subject just to get into the mood and then I twisted some of the myth to suit the story. I made up a small portion of the old curse Athena places on a certain someone -- that being the child and the curse continuing. Everything after the myths we all know - I had to make up, which is basically my ideas of what happened with the gods in the years between ancient Greece and when my story begins.


4) One of my favorite things about your novel was that Ari could take care of herself. She was so capable! If she had a best friend from another novel, who would it be and why?  


Hermione Granger! :D  They're both stubborn, proactive, and have kind hearts. I think they'd size each other up at first, maybe even clash, but then they'd end up respecting each other and being great friends.


5) Was there anything in the first draft that was cut that you loved? Was there anything added in the final copy that you like? 


There was nothing cut and I did add a few things, but they were all pretty minor, so nothing that sticks out. The sequel however is another story. I cut several chapters from that story, wrote three different endings, and added a lot of new scenes. That was a tough book to write, but I totally love how it turned out!  


6) When Ari goes to New 2, she's got a backpack with a few of her things in it. If you were going to New 2 and your backpack could only fit five things what would you bring? 


Money, my phone, my computer, clean under clothes, and my migraine meds! 


7) Ari is definitely a little rough around the edges and because of this, she swears a lot. Were you worried about losing an audience because of her word choice? 


I feel good about the final book, which is toned down quite a bit from the ARCs. But, yeah, she swears. The majority (not all) of her curses take place in her thoughts. We say a lot of things in our heads that we don't often say out loud. Ari does that, too. I like to write realistically, and I try to stay true to my characters and the world I've created. Ari has had a rough road. She hasn't had many good examples from adults. Ari and the kids of New 2 are orphans. Censoring themselves would be out of character for them. This is a rough and tough world, they have to protect themselves, put food on the table themselves, and when something bad happens I don't see them biting their tongue so as not to offend anyone.


One thing I've learned in this business is that no matter what you write or how you present it, you can't please everyone. And if I wrote trying to do that, I'd go mad. So I write what I see and hear in my mind, and try to stay true to my creative self. I hope that readers find my tales entertaining, engaging, and thought-provoking. And if not, that's okay too.   


8) My friend wants to know about Pascal. How did you name him and what's his story? 


I wanted a really Old World name for him, something that fit in well with the city and it's French influence. Pascal leapt out at me immediately.


9) Have you read anything you enjoyed lately? 


The Goddess of Legend by P.C. Cast


10) Can you tell us anything about the second installment of DARKNESS BECOMES HER? Are you working on any other projects? 


The sequel takes off right where DBH left off. You'll see a lot more Sebastian and Athena in this book! I am working on a new project when I have time. It's a single YA novel (not a series) and it's something I've been wanting to write for a long time. That's all I can say!  

Want more Darkness Becomes Her?:




Win Darkness Becomes Her!


I loved this novel so much, I'm giving away (another) copy! So enter for your chance to win!


Rules:

  • Must be a follower
  • This is international (as long as the Book Depository ships to you)
  • May only enter once
  • Must be 13 years or older
  • This giveaway ends May 22 at 12:00AM

91 comments:

  1. I loved Darkness Becomes Her! Great interview I can't wait for the next book!

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  2. Great interview. I haven't read this book yet and I am dying to. I loved your questions, they were fun and not the typical ones you see in interviews!

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  3. Great interview. Want to read ths book. love the blog.

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  4. This book looks great! I love books with mythology. :)

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  5. i have heard so many great things about this book! And I really like question #4 and of course the answer as well! Great interview! :D

    Thank you for making this giveaway international! :D

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  6. I have this book on my TBR list. Perhaps I'll win it w/this giveaway! You have a great blog & I liked the interview. Thanks
    andreat78@yahoo.com

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  7. I love that she didn't censor Ari. Swearing doesn't bother me, but I am bothered when an author isn't true to the character and doesn't let them swear. It makes the reading difficult when you know the character wouldn't word a phrase a certain way, and the pacing becomes off. So thank you Kelly for sticking true :) Don't let others beat you down because of it!

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  8. Hi Amber,
    This was a great interview, and I can’t wait to read this book! Thanks for another great giveaway too!

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  9. This is a wonderful giveaway and looks like an amazing book! Love your blog, by the way. Cheers!

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  10. Thanks for the great interview! And I have to say, I love the book trailer!!

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  11. This is one of my top To Be Read books! It looks chilling and awesome!

    Thank you for having this giveaway. The interview Kelly was good! I love to gain insight to authors and their characters!

    -Elisquared

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  12. I love stories set in NOLA I look forward to reading this one

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  13. first of all, thanks so sharing the trailer with us. I had never seen it before; nicely done :) Secondly, awesome interview! Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway!

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  14. I've been searching for this book but I don't think they sell it in my country. I would love win this. Thank you so much =D

    Clarissa Pereira
    claroxide@yahoo.co.in

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  15. great giveaway! That book looks amazing, fingers crossed!
    Emma
    x

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  16. Anyone who'd have Hermione as her BFF would be my BFF too! Enjoyed this a lot. Thanks!

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  17. Been waiting to read Darkness Becomes Her so I'm sooper dooper excited. So happy for the Greek Mythology and I'm really glad your keeping your characters realistic!
    Great review :)

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  18. Fantastic interview, I really want to read this book.
    Awesome blog!

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  19. This is so awesome! Thanks for the chance to win! :)

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  20. Fingers and toes crossed to win :)

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  21. Thank you for the giveaway! Another book and story to look forward.

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  22. I´ve been wanting to read this for ages! Great trailer. Btw team Hermione Graneger :)

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  23. I would really love to check this book out! it seems so intriguing and by the way you guys are talking about Ari, she seems like a strong, well-rounded character that I would love to get to know :D

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  24. Thanks for the giveaway! would really love to read this book.

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  25. I think that swearing and getting into a character's head go hand in hand. It's not a shock factor or anything, it's just what it is - people swear. You stub your toe and an epitaph slams out of your mouth even as your eyes begin to tear up. It's life. Thanks for keeping it real :)
    apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com

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  26. I can't wait to read this one!!

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  27. Great interview! Book sounds amazing and the trailer is very beautiful!!!

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  28. Lovely interview! :) I love the names of the characters in the book, and I am really curious about her other project. Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  29. This book looks really interesting. I like that she compared Ari to Hermione. Looking forward to reading it.

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  30. Anyone who would be friends with Hermione is someone I would like to know! I've heard great things about this novel but have not opportunity to read it but would definitely love to!

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  31. I've heard so much about this book, but I haven't managed to read it yet. I think Ari sounds like a cool character!

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  32. Great interview! And thanks for the chance at this one. :0)

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  33. Great interview! Oh, Hermione is my favorite! And thansk for this giveaway :)

    Syki

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  34. Great interview! I think Hermione would make a great best friend! :D

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  35. Great interview to what seems to be a fascinating read! Excited to read it in the near future!

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  36. Great interview lady!!!! I cannot WAIT to read this one!!!! YAY!

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  37. This book sounds like fun; can't wait to read it! I love mythology. I too love Hermione. And I love the name Pascal. Thanks for the interview!

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  38. I loved the interview, I would like Hermione as a best friend too.

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  39. I have never really heard of this book before. Other then heard the title been mentioned on other blogs.
    But this trailer really made me curious :) Looks really interesting.
    Thanks for hosting this giveaway :)

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  40. Ahhh I love Greek mythology! Makes me want this book even more. :)

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  41. Great interview! You asked some really good questions Amber! I haven't read the book, so I didn't know about the swearing, but I really liked question 7. I have seen a few post over the past couple of months talking about swearing in YA and I liked the way the author explained her choice to use swearing. It makes sense.

    Thanks for the chance! :)

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  42. Great interview! This book sounds really good! Greek mythology is really the big trend this year!

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  43. Great interview. I always love finding out about the authors behind the books.

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  44. I had no until lately that this it had Greek Myth in it. Now I can't wait to get my hands on it! And YAY Hermione, she would be my best friend too. Although, she may not like me crushing on her husband. :)

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  45. -I love the interview! :]
    I really want to read her book. Thanks for the chance. :]

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  46. Great interview and giveaway. I keep hearing wonderful things about this book and I really want to read it :)

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  47. awesome giveaway! I've been meaning to read this book, but haven't had the chance to! It seems intriguing :)

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  48. Yay! Love this interview and the sound of this book.

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  49. Loved the interview! Thanks so much for the chance!!

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  50. Great interview !!!
    I haven't read this book, but I really want to.

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  51. Great interview! The book sounds very good! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  52. I haven't read this book yet, but I hope I'll have a chance to do so!

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  53. I have this on my wishlist, the cover drew me in. Thanks for the giveaway and for making it International.

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  54. I always love new books to read and I love seeing and reading more about the authors! Thanks!

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  55. I've definitely had my eye on this one for a while! Something about it...and the interview is fantastic!

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  56. Darkness Becomes Her sounds really awesome! Thanks so much for making the contest international. It'll be really great if I can win this. *crosses fingers*

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  57. Sounds great. Looking forward to reading it.

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  58. Thanks so much for having me Amber! And for all the lovely comments! Glad you all liked the interview and good luck with the giveaway! :-)

    Kelly Keaton

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  59. Great interview and great book a wonderful combination.

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  60. So want to read this book. Just haven't spent the $$ yet. Look forward to more books using Greek mythology.

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  61. Great interview! Cant wait to read the new book
    !

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  62. wow!! lovely cover... I LIKE IT!!!!!
    Great interview and I really enjoyed.. (wow!! I really like about Greek mythology.. (i don't know why)

    thanks for Giveaway and making it internationally

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  63. I'm totally intrigued by the book now.

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  64. WOW!!
    I am so stunning when I watch the trailer! I hope the book is as good as its trailer :)

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  65. This books looks great. Thanks for the giveaway
    jenhedger at hotmail dot com

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  66. I have to say, I would want to be best friends with Hermoine too. If I ever got in a predicament, she would be the person to get me out of it!

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  67. I love the trailer! I've been wanting to read this book for quite some time now. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  68. This book sounds amazing! I've been meaning to get it for the longest time now but just never do! :( Well, win or lose, I will definitely be reading this one! Thanks for doing this giveaway! :)
    http://909reviews.blogspot.com
    -Angel

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  69. Awesome interview :) This book sounds really interesting, thanks for the giveaway :)

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  70. The title itself was so intriguing that I added this book to my wishlist immediately!! It's not available in my country though....I would love to get my hands on a copy...Thank you for hosting this giveaway!! :)

    Jolainne DeSouza

    jdesouza1310@gmail.com

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  71. Thanks for the great interview and giveaway! This book is one of many that I would love to get my hands on and read.

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  72. hey, great interview! thanks for the chance !

    i am sorry but what is Add them up? at your forms?

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  73. Lovely interview, and thanks for the giveaway! I'm spreading the word :))

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  74. Awesome giveaway!
    <3 the book she enjoyed :D

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  75. Great interview! I'm looking forward to read this book. Thanks for the Giveaway!

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  76. The book sounds very promising. Thanks for the Giveaway.

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  77. Wonderful interview! Once I read this book talks on Greek mythology, it made me want to read it even more. It looked and sounded hauntingly appealing enough. Thanks for wanting to share and spread your love for "Darkness Becomes Her" by doing a giveaway!

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  78. Thanks for the interview! I like it how she said she's a mythology geek ever since she was young because I am kind of like that too!

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  79. I've been waiting to read this book! Awesome giveaway, Amber!

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  80. Great interview! I like Hermiona too :D and thanks for awesome giveaway!

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  81. Normally I wouldn't pick this book up on my own...since it's kinda out of my comfort zone....but I've read SOOOOOOOO many great reviews I just HAVE to read it!

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  82. Amazing contest! :D I would love love love to have this book!

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  83. I have been wanting to read this book so bad. I need more money, lol! I bet I will really like Ari if she could be best friends with Hermione.

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  84. Yay! This book sounds really good!

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  85. Great interview! I especially enjoyed the cursing Q&A. That's such a little aspect of writing that can have such a big influence on a book. I enjoyed reading Kelly Keaton's view on it for her book.

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  86. Hi I am a new follower I am so sorry I missed Kelly Keaton`s DBH giveaway :( it is on my must reads list. Good luck to the winner and I look forward to checking out your page!

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  87. I've wanted this one forever! Yay and thanks for the giveaway!

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