Wednesday, May 09, 2018

Interview- Rebirth by A.J. Wharton


Do you write in different genres?

No I’m going to stick to the one at the moment, but that could change in the future.

What is your favorite genre to write?

Fantasy mainly paranormal or urban.

How did you come up with the title for your latest book?

It took a lot of thinking, originally, I was thinking of several titles. But I’m a huge fan of D.C. comics, and they just revamped their universe with their rebirth. So, I wanted to go with something that hinted at that.

Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?

I titled it about half way through, the second book has already been titled as well. I’m about 1/5th of the way through writing it.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I feel that Rebirth really conveys a lot of strong feelings about self-identity. It’s important to know who you are, to feel comfortable in your own skin. There are several moments when people are thought less of because they are unique. It’s important to remember that being unique is one of the best things someone can be.

Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?

Yes, the gender identity and visual identity portions deeply connect to some of my life experiences. Without giving spoilers regarding the book I’d say the past several years of my life reflects some of the struggles that our main character goes through.

What books/authors have influenced your life?

My favorite author is Susan Illene, I first experienced them in audio format and fell in love with the characters. The way she conveys the story is amazing, and the books really pull you in. Other than her, Debra Dunbar is another one of my favorites, the spontaneity of the main character Sam in the Imp series is always amusing.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I’ve spoken with Susan Illene through email a couple of times, and she has helped guide me through my release. Giving me tips on everything from formatting to reviews.

What book are you reading now?

Gaslight: Crossbreed, book 4 by Dannika Dark

What books are in your to read pile?

I want to reread the generations trilogy by Scott Sigler, I also am about to read The dark calling by Kresley Cole, and Shadow Hunt by Melissa F. Olson.

What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?

I’m currently working on the prequel to my book Rebirth, in addition to a sequel.
The prequel is going to be in the point of view of a character named Junia and will take place long before the events in Rebirth. It will mainly focus on how and why she came to be the person she is in Rebirth.

The sequel is going to take place between 3-4 weeks after the events of Rebirth and will follow Asylia and Azria as they find balance while facing a deadly foe. Its working title at the moment is Resonance.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

The Prequel will be titled Junia (at least that’s what I think so far)
The sequel will most likely be titled Resonance.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I find it difficult to keep track of characters traits, and speech patterns. I had to make a huge excel sheet to help me keep track of everybody.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Susan Illene, and the way that she portrays her universe. I’ve always been a fan of urban fantasies, but 90% of them are cliché or overdo certain elements. Her work is original and will keep you on your toes throughout the entire series. I’ve never read a book quite like hers.

Do you have to travel much to do research for your books?

I do travel a good bit, but not for research for my books.

Who designed the cover of your latest book?

The picture used for the front cover was provided by Aaron Nakahara, I found his work online and fell in love with it. I created the text layout, back cover blurb, and most other design elements used on the covers.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Patience, patience, patience.

Do you have a song or playlist that you think represents this book?

I love listening to the OST of dragon ball super while writing. They keep me focused. My favorite two are Power to resist, and Vegeta’s new form. Both done by Norihito Sumitomo.

Just for fun - If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?

I’d love to be able to fly, one day perhaps.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

I’ve always been fond of all sorts of paranormal creatures. Though I think a dragon would be fun to have, despite its high maintenance. 

Rebirth
Birds of Change
Book 1
A.J. Wharton

Genre: Urban fantasy

Publisher: Angela Wharton       

Date of Publication: April 15th 2018

ISBN: 978-1732067806
ASIN: B07BS5T67B

Number of pages: 387
Word Count: 97,336

Tagline: What’s your talent?
Book Description:

In a world divided between those who are talented and those who aren’t, Vici is a city governed by an egotistical Praetor driven by his hatred for the gifted individuals—the Tallents—who he considers a plague. Tallents are forced into the shadows, for fear that they will be caught and executed.

An explosion rocks the city to its very foundation; the sole survivor a young woman with no memories of her past. Her only tie to her previous life is a silver necklace with the name Asylia inscribed. Risen from the ashes, she pieces herself together while taking control of her emerging fire talent. She must be careful; one mistake and she will end up like all the other Tallents who have faced the Praetor’s wrath.

Harbored by a mysterious group called Revival, the young woman discovers that the people of Vici are disappearing at an alarming rate. Together with her new friends, she must rally against the Praetor’s tyranny, racing to free the city in hopes that she isn’t too late to bring peace to this world in turmoil. 


Excerpt:

A rustling chain nearby; my body feels weak and heavy as the darkness surrounds me. Cold numbness fills my body. The razor-sharp wind cascades past my face. A shattering noise wakes me up to the icy wind whipping across my body. The current turns me over and over as if I’m a mere plaything for the air around me. My eyes spring open and struggle against the oncoming current. I am high in the air above the city. Beneath me, bright lights of buildings stretch as far as I can see. I panic as I fall faster and faster toward the ground.
“Aaaaaaahhhhhh!”
A bright light emanates from behind me and lights up the night sky as the pulse of power fuels an explosion above me. I twist and turn as I rocket toward the ground. Something is attached to me and squirming to get out of my reach. Got to hold on; got to hold on just a little longer. A black, crumpled mass tears from my body, its claws ripping at my flesh as it disappears above me. My body rocks from it, picking up pace as my arms flail around, helpless against the downward pull of gravity. Beneath me, I recognize the building as the one they had shown when Praetor Fraus delivered his announcement. It isn’t how I remembered seeing it though. When I last saw it, it was charred and broken, but this building looks pristine. The city fills my vision as I soar closer and closer. Brilliant glistening buildings formed almost a perfect circle: the edge of the city outlined by crystalline magenta walls.

A mangled voice comes from behind me, but the wind makes it hard to make out what it is saying. I see through the glass ceiling of the building and I try to change my path, but I burst through the glass as fire surrounds me.


About the Author:

Angela lives in the small capital of Delaware. An avid gamer and superhero fan, she spends most of her free time playing video games. With her work, she travels for hours at a time and that’s where she discovered her love for audiobooks. Angela would get wrapped up in the story, and the fantasy that came alive all around her made the miles fly by. After being inspired by Susan Ilene’s Sensor series, she was motivated to write her first book. Angela dreamed about the events in the books for weeks before she finally started writing them down. Rebirth is Angela’s debut novel, but first of many in a series.




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