Celebrating Debutantes 2016: Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill (Author Interview + Playlist + Giveaway)

Happy Friday Everyone!

I’m absurdly excited today for the last stop of Celebrating Debutantes 2016 because I have a wonderful author and debut novel to feature.

Erin Summerill’s EVER THE HUNTED is one of my most anticipated debut novel this year, and I can’t wait to dive in. I knew I needed this book in my hands the minute I learned of its existence. So when Erin agreed to join our blog event I can’t help but get excited. Not only she was so nice to answer a few questions for me about her writing, and Ever The Hunted but she also put together set of songs as the novel’s playlist. The songs are perfect to get readers into the right mood for Ever The Hunted‘s tale of magic, quest, hunting and more.

Following the interview and playlist are some information about the author, Erin Summerill along with places where to find her online, as well as the Ever The Hunted‘s description and where to get copies of the book. So don’t forget to pre-order your copies before the book hit shelves this December 2016.

Also, there’s a giveaway at the bottom of the post for a chance to win an advance copy of Ever The Hunted and bookmark.

Have fun reading the interview and listening to the playlist.

Interview with Erin Summerill

I love reading fantasy. It’s an exciting genre without so much limitations. As an author, what drew you to write fantasy story? How did the inspiration for Ever the Hunted come to you?

When I was a full-time wedding photographer, I traveled extensively. I loved touring places like New Zealand and the Oregon Coast. I fell in love with the California Redwoods and the natural beauty of the surrounding land. My love of exploration led me to write a more fantastical novel. Fantasy opens the doors of imagination. I wanted to set a character in forests like the redwoods and Oregon’s spruce woods.

Inspiration came while I was in New Zealand for a wedding. I was speaking with my assistant photographer, and she mentioned that if we had extra time in New Zealand, she would love to set up a deer hunt. Apparently there are completely different deer in NZ than in Utah. I thought she was crazy. Hunting? On a vacation? Never ever have I said, hey, I’d like to go hunt something. That conversation turned into a dozen conversations about hunting and wilderness survival. And eventually gave me inspiration to write a girl who can hunt, track, and survive in the woods.

In writing Ever the Hunted, do you have a set of rules for the world and magic? Are there any process you go through that helps define those rules?

Yes, there are rules for the magic system in Ever The Hunted. It can be roughly summed up by imagining every living creature has a quantifiable amount of energy. When that energy is drained, death occurs. A Channeler (women with the ability to influence certain elements) can influence an element by pushing some of their energy into the element. But the cost is the energy used is then depleted from the Channeler. It can be restored through rest and food, and a few other magical ways that are found out in the book.

My process to figure out rules of magic involves long talks with my writing partners on the phone in which I share an idea, and they shoot me down, or explain all the ways it’s not probable. And so on until I want to bang my head against my computer screen.

How do you create your characters in Ever the Hunted? Did you build the plot around them, or them around the plot?

Britta’s character was roughly based on someone I met once. I’ll keep this part vague so I no one can point fingers. But I once knew a person that was utterly lonely and not very well liked in their community. It made my heart ache for them. We all need friends. I cannot imagine a life without my closest supports. Bits and pieces of the rest of the characters were inspired by people I’ve met throughout my life. They’re sort of a giant puzzle of people that have interested and inspired me.

The characters definitely came first and then the plot.

What is the first book you read that made you think, “I have to write something like this someday”.

Oh!!! Hard question. I love books so much. I’m an avid reader. I love anything by Sarah Maas. I cried and died and laughed the day I found out she read my book and wrote the loveliest blurb for it.

I loved Defiance by CJ Redwine. It involves a strong heroine on a quest as well. Again, I lost my mind for a bit of time when I found out that CJ also blurbed my book.

Robin McKinley and Megan Whalen Turner are two authors that I cannot get enough from in the historical fantasy genre.

Now I know why I am excited to read your book, Ever The Hunted. Not only it sounds so wonderful but also we basically adore the same authors. Sarah J Maas  is the goddess writer that I worship. I died from excitement when I met her few months ago. I love The Queen Thief series of Megan Whalen Turner. I am still waiting for the fifth book to be published. I own different versions and format of that series. While Robin McKinley books are on my auto-buy and read list. Anyway, I need to stop rambling now. Back to the interview.

If one of your characters could turn the tables on you and write a story based on your life, what would the title of that book be and what would be the first line?

Title: She Who Never Sleeps

First Line: “Put that damn book down.” Mom slammed open my bedroom door at 4am.

I am eagerly waiting for the release of Ever the Hunted. It’s one of my must read fantasy of 2016. Can you tease us with what to expect from the book?

Can I hug you right now for saying that? I’m so grateful for anyone who is willing to read my book.

In the sequel minor characters in the first book will take center stage. One heart will be broken, two hearts will find their match and someone we love (or possibly hate) will die.

And a kingdom will collapse.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Having a book published is a dream come true. But it can also be a nightmare. It’s difficult to have something you’ve worked on for a long time be openly scrutinized. Being a book-ivore myself, I understand that not every book is for you. So even if my book isn’t your thing, I’m still very grateful that you’ve picked it up and read it.

Ever the Hunted Playlist

Erin played violin for 12 years, so she love classical and tend to write with equal parts classical and equal parts pop music on my list. The last part of the playlist are some of her favorite classical-type pieces. Enjoy listening.

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Thank you so much Erin for taking time to answer all my questions and for creating the Ever the Hunted playlist for us to listen to. I am really looking forward for the release of EVER THE HUNTED. If only December can some sooner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erin Summerill was born in England. She is part Hawaiian and part German. After spending years bouncing between Air Force bases in Hawaii, England, and California, her family settled in Utah. With a B.A. in English, Erin Summerill had aspirations to write the next great American novel. But writing proved tougher than she first thought, so she grabbed a Nikon and became a professional wedding photographer. When she isn’t writing, or shooting a stunning wedding, she’s chasing her four kids, two dogs, one cat, and five chickens. This could be why she downs massive amounts of Coke Zero and Hot Tamales. Erin and her family live in Utah.

Find Erin

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram| Goodreads

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Book Details:

Title: Ever the Hunted
Author: Erin Summerill
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 27, 2016
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover, Ebook, Audio

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N | BAM| Book Depository | Goodreads

Giveaway:

What’s up for Grab?

• ARC of Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill + bookmark
  

The Rules:

• Open US / CA residents only
• There will be one (1) winner
• Winner will be chosen and announced through rafflecopter
• Winner will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
• Ends October 19th, 2016
• Prizes will be sent by the author

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form

Good Luck!!!

Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2016 experience. Click the image below for the full list of schedule and links to each second wave feature post!