Q&A with Author Sophie Jackson

So today I am so happy to be interviewing Sophie Jackson, author of A Pound of Flesh (REVIEW HERE). I absolutely loved this book, so was super excited when I was invited to be a part of the A Pound of Flesh Blog Tour.

SYNOPSIS

For Kat Lane, teaching inmates at a New York prison is her way of upholding the legacy of her beloved father, murdered fifteen years ago. But when new student Wes Carter walks into her classroom, she's shaken by the strength of her attraction to him. Carter is as handsome as he is dangerous, as mysterious as he is quick-witted - and he ensures people keep their distance. Yet vibrant Kat bypasses his defences and challenges him to reveal the real man behind the intimidating reputation. As their emotional barriers crumble, their inescapable but forbidden feelings cannot be ignored. But will Kat's discovery of Carter's role on the night her father died force them apart...or bind their hearts for ever?

Question 1. What is A Pound of Flesh about?

 

A Pound of Flesh is about redemption, love, and not judging a book by its cover. Kat Lane witnessed the murder of her father when she was nine years old and, as a way of upholding a promise she made to him, becomes a teacher in a prison. There she meets Wes Carter, an arrogant inmate who challenges her in more ways than one.  The book follows their relationship as tutor and student and how they deal with prejudice, threats to said relationship and a dangerous history neither of them realise they had.

 

 

Question 2 -  A Pound of Flesh was originally a Twilight fan fiction, What made you want to write about Bella and Edward in different situations?

 

When I read the Twilight series I became obsessed with wanting to learn more about Edward and Bella; there could have been twenty books in the series and I would have felt the same – I just loved the characters so much.

 

Seeing Edward and Bella in different scenarios was exciting and different. It was so much fun reading about Edward as a human, as a fireman, or a dancer, etc. and falling in love with the relationship he formed with Bella all over again. I read a tonne of awesome fics and they all inspired me to have a go, too.

 

 

Question 3 - You posted your fan fictions online, what was it like getting good comments from online readers?

 

It was amazing. The fandom is an amazing place and I've made some wonderful lifelong friends. The reviews – for the most part – were honest, constructive and enthusiastic. The beauty of the way Fanfiction works is that the feedback is immediate. It only takes the time it takes for someone to read your chapter to receive a review and that’s invaluable to any writer. My readers’ opinions certainly helped shape my writing, my characters, and plots. I'll always be thankful to them for helping me grow as a writer.

 

 

Question 4 - Do you have any advice for people who would like to upload their work online (Onto Wattpad, Fanfiction.net, etc)

 

Do it! It’s an amazing experience. The feedback is instant, it’s easy to use, and you have an on tap readership who will be honest in what they think, which certainly prepares you for any reviews you may get if you choose to publish later down the line. It helps writers improve and gives a great insight into what people are reading, what turns them on and what they want more of. It’s a great resource that more writers should use.

 

 

Question 5 - Did you learn anything from writing your book/s and what was it?

 

Editing was probably the biggest learning curve for me. APoF was 500,000 words as a fic, and it was impossible to spilt cleanly, so I spent 18 months editing it down for publishing. I learned very quickly that I had to be ruthless. I've definitely learned how not to be precious about my work in that regard. I had to delete scenes that I loved because they slowed the whole story down and didn't add anything. It’s really helped me in writing the rest of the series. I’m more aware of pace and writing scenes for purpose not just as filler.

 

 

Question 6 - Carter is what I describe a hard-ass sweet heart. Who are some of your favourite fictional bad boys?

 

I have so many; I couldn't possible choose! I like a bad boy who is honest and straight talking, confident and a little bit dangerous. I like a bad boy who is naughty but loves with his whole heart. There are so many excellently written bad boy characters out there. It’s a really exciting time to be a writer and a reader!

 

 

Question 7 - What are you currently reading?

 

Nothing and it kills me. I'm too busy writing. The last book I read was Never Never Part Two by Colleen Hoover, which certainly has me intrigued. I’m looking forward to part three.

 

 

Question 8 - What authors inspired your works?

 

So many. There are numerous fanfic authors who inspired me to take the plunge into publishing by doing it themselves; it gave me the confidence to go for it, too. I love JoJo Moyes like it’s my job and John Green is a genius. I adore Colleen Hoover and read anything by J. R. Ward. All very different authors but all incredible.

 

 

Question 9 - New Adult is a fairly new genre, why should readers (who are hesitant) on starting it give it a shot?

 

NA fits beautifully between YA and more adult, more explicit works. It'’ a nice bridge between the two. I think people should give it a shot simply because the talent out there is amazing. The age range that NA covers is extremely broad, which ensures a reader could find something that’d appeal. 

 

 

Question 10 - If you were trapped on an island with only 1 object (or person) which would you choose:

 

. Your book A Pound of Flesh

 

. Edward Cullen (Or Robert Pattinson playing Edward Cullen, it's your pick) <------ DUH!!!!!

 

. A never ending laptop

 

 

Question 11 - Kiss, Marry, Kill?

 

. Edward Cullen - Kiss

 

. Wes Carter - Marry 

 

. Jacob Black - Kill 

 

 

Question 12 - Is there anything you'd like to say to your readers (both old and new)?

 

Thank you to everyone who's ever given APoF a chance; to those who’ve reviewed, messaged, tweeted, facebooked me, you’re all wonderful and you keep me going. I hope my old readers love the published version of APoF as much as the fic and, to my new readers, thanks for picking up my book; I hope you love it as much as I do.

 

 

Thank you so much Sophie for participating in my Q&A. And also thanks to the publishers, Headline Eternal who gave me this opportunity. I definitely recommend everyone buying a copy of A Pound of Flesh.

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

 

 

 

 

Want to check out the other blogs that took part in the blog tour?

 

 

Mean Girls Book Tag

Tag created by thebooklife

 

1. "It’s pronounced like Cady” - Which fictional character’s names did you get completely wrong?

Chaol from Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas. I'm pretty sure about 80% of the population who read the book pronounced his name wrong, and there is nothing wrong with that, because he will forever be known as Chaol (Pronounced like Kale) in my mind.


2. “She doesn’t even go here!” - Which character would you like to place in a fictional world from another book or series?

I'd love to see Alice (Ali) from Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter in the world of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, because Ali kind of reminds me of Cassie, in fact they're a little more alike than they'd probably think. The only difference is that Ali goes with her instincts first.







3. “On Wednesdays we wear pink!” - Repetition. Repetition. Which book gave you dejavu of another book whilst reading it?

 

Lets be honest, Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Jennifer is known for using other series to inspire her own writing, but even without reading Twilight I could see a few similarities between these two. But I will say that I totally loved Obsidian and Onyx, I need to finish the rest of the series!

 

 

4. "You all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it okay for guys to call you sluts and whores." - Which book gave you the complete opposite of girl power feels? 

Katniss Everdeen. Please don't shoot me, I know a lot of you guys love her, but I just don't see how she's fierce and independent. I loved that she was loyal to the ones she loved, but that was it for me, sadly.

 

 

5. “You go Glen Coco!” - Name a character you felt like you wanted to cheer on whilst reading.

 

Kyra from The Taking by Kimberly Derting. From page 1, I was rooting for her, hoping she'd find the answers she so badly needed.

 

 

6. "Get in loser, we’re going shopping!” - How long do you typically spend at a book shop?

 

 

Well, I usually shop online since they're a lot cheaper. However, when I do go to my local book store (which happens to be over 40 minutes away via train) I tend to spend a bit of time in there.

 

 

 

 

7. “It’s not my fault you’re like in love with me or something!” - Which character would have to get out a restraining order on you, if they were real?

 

Hmm, I'm pretty sure I'd have to get a restraining order out on them because one look at me and they'll be obsessed. But, I'd have to say....ALLS OF THE BOYS!!

 

 

8. “I can’t help it that I’m popular.” - Which overhyped book were you cautious about reading?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. Everyone had hyped up the series, which I didn't mind because I loved the idea of the book, but when I started it back in October 2014, I found that I wasn't all too fussed on it. I read 40 pages and gave up. Then in November, I picked it up again and flew through it all and read the 2nd and 3rd book as well. The hype for the series is definitely well deserved! 


9. “She’s a life ruiner. She ruins peoples lives.” - We all love Regina George. Name a villain you couldn’t help but love.

I have quite a few but the one I truly love is Eric from Divergent. He was easily one of the worst characters in the first and second book, but with every scene he was present, my love for him grew. His death was easily the worst.


10. “I’m not like a regular Mom, I’m a cool Mom.” - Your favourite fictional parents. 

Arthur and Molly Weasley. How could anyone not love these parents? They're amazing, in fact I think they should adopt me!


11. “That is so Fetch!” - Which book or series would you love to catch on?

 

The Taking by Kimberly Derting. So far it has 3,000 ratings on Goodreads, but it deserves at it least 10x that.


12. “How do I even begin to explain Regina George?” - Describe your ideal character to read about.

Myself. I'd love to read a character that has an alter ego. Boy by day and Fishy Queen by night.


13. “I just have a lot of feelings.” - What do you do when a book gives you a bad case of ‘the feels'?

Awwwh *hugs oneself*



14. “Nice wig Janice, what’s it made of?” "Your Mom’s chest hair!” - Which characters one liners would you love to claim for your own?

"Taste the rainbows, Bitch!" Which was said by Jamie in the Mara Dyer trilogy.







15. “Boo, you whore.” - Name a time a characters decision has made you roll your eyes

Any decision Tris ever made. The bitch seriously got on my nerves.




If you would like to do the tag then feel free to do so.

ARC Review: A Pound of Flesh by Sophie Jackson

Title: A Pound of Flesh
Author: Sophie Jackson
Genre: New Adult
Publisher: Headline Eternal
Published: June 9th 2015
Page Number: 448
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

Their love is forbidden. But won't be denied... Can true love heal the deepest scars?
For Kat Lane, teaching inmates at a New York prison is her way of upholding the legacy of her beloved father, murdered fifteen years ago. But when new student Wes Carter walks into her classroom, she's shaken by the strength of her attraction to him. Carter is as handsome as he is dangerous, as mysterious as he is quick-witted - and he ensures people keep their distance. Yet vibrant Kat bypasses his defences and challenges him to reveal the real man behind the intimidating reputation.

As their emotional barriers crumble, their inescapable but forbidden feelings cannot be ignored. But will Kat's discovery of Carter's role on the night her father died force them apart...or bind their hearts for ever?

REVIEW

I have to admit that I was more than hesitant on reading A Pound of Flesh. The story sounded interesting and definitely something that I was in the mood for, but the fact that it used to be a Twilight Fan Fiction through me completely off. I've not read Twilight, I don't plan on reading it either, but I have watched the first movie and hated it, so reading something based off something I didn't like didn't hold much appeal.

Until I read chapter 1.

The writing of the novel is not something that I'm used to in New Adult fiction, but I absolutely loved it. It flowed very well and you could tell that Sophie Jackson knew what she was doing, she was no stranger to writing. Her characters were so very well researched and fleshed out that I didn't feel like I was reading a book about them, but I felt like they were my friends, I was a little version of myself perched on top of their shoulders following them around everywhere.

Kat hasn't had an easy life, she witnessed her father getting murdered and her teaching was her way of doing something she loves as well as paying off her debt, her pound of flesh. Her character growth was....different, but her growth was nothing compared to Carter's. He was obsessed with being seen as a hard-ass, but other time Kat broke down those defences and the Carter that was reborn was a man that any woman would want, including me.

Their relationship was intense, drama filled and certainly filled with sex. But I couldn't have loved them more if I tried. It reminded me of Travis and Abby's relationship from Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire and it certainly holds the appeal of 50 Shades of Grey fans. This may be the book of the year for me, and I cannot wait to get my hands on An Ounce of Hope.

I was sent an ARC from the publishers for an honest review

Pre-order the book (Waterstones) | Pre-order the book (Book Depository)

The Ultimate Book Tag

I saw this tag over at libertyfallsdown. I've been meaning to do a few blog book tags and I thought this one was almost perfect. It'll be fun and simple. Plus I can still sip away at my tea while typing out my answers. I'm drinking PGTips if anyone was wondering. Without further a do....here are the questions.

Questions:

1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?
 All the time. I'm one of those weird teenagers who feel sick in a car anyway after being in there for more than thirty minutes. The only thing I can do without feeling sick is either fall asleep or sing my heart out, which annoys my family, which is also why I love doing it. But if there was a tablet that could allow me to read without being sick in a car then I would take it.

2. Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?
 I have two authors come to mind: Teri Terry and Susan EE. Teri Terry writes specifically towards a Dystopian world. Her pro's are beautiful, but weird and her characters almost speak like they're prone to feelings. Susan EE has a short sentenced structure to her books. Each sentence could be three words long and you'd still love it. I tend to think it adds more personality to the book.

3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.
You will all hate me, but I've not read the Twilight Saga and I'm only four books in on Harry Potter. As a child I would've loved Harry Potter, but I'm nearing nineteen now and the books aren't really fun. They're very slow. However I also think that I would've loved Twilight back when I was a pre-teen. Vampires are something I've always loved. I'll have to read them one day.

4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is in it (besides books…)?
Nope. I never had time to spare in school, so what would be the point. Plus I'm OCD when it comes to my books. If a book gets damaged I have a rant and then buy a new copy.

5. Do you smell your books?
One hundred percent. But not before spraying my Lady Gaga perfume on them.

6. Books with or without little illustrations?
 I'm not bothered about it. A little illustrations can be cute, but I prefer books to only have illustrations on the beginning chapters. I don't want to be distracted from reading by a few drawn pictures.

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing?
 I don't actually know. I only got into reading a little over a year ago, but if I find that book then I'll let y'all know.

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
 I remember smacking someone in the face at a school book fair because they were about to get the last book on the shelf that I wanted. But it turned out that they had more in their cart. I was shouted at, but I wasn't bothered. I got the book!

9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?
Probably Blood Brothers or Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo. I always thought Private Peaceful was quite a big book when I was twelve. When I saw it after five years I was merely shocked.

10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?

City of Heavenly Fire. It's 733 pages long. But I do have A Game of Thrones in my wardrobe because it makes my bookshelf look a mess.

11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
Yes and it is my dream. I write New Adult fiction with characters set in College or University. But I'm also hoping to start writing some Dystopian very soon. You can follow my writing on my Wattpad account: FabulousDoll

12. When did you get into reading?
 I loved reading as a child, but gave up when I was about eleven. I started back reading last year and I've been addicted ever since. I'm annoyed that I gave something up that is now quite a big part of my life.

13. What is your favorite classic book?
 I've only read a few, but Of Mice and Men. I also love Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I hope to one day get a tattoo inspired by it. The 2010 remake of the film is also very good.

14. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?
 Not at first. I was always told that my story writing sucked, but I kept at it. When I was in year 10 my writing started to improve and I passed my GCSE's with flying colours. I was predicted an E, I had a B. I also enjoyed Art in school as well as Welsh and History.

15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated…what would you do?
 If they gave me the receipt then I'd take it back, but if not then I'd donate it to charity or my local library.

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?
 I'm not really sure. Most Dystopia get published saying that they'll be the next Hunger Games and it annoys me, but my favourite Dystopian would have to be Divergent, which is very similar. I'd also go with Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman. As for Harry potter? I have none. But just check out anything by Cassandra Clare, she's amazing!

17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while blogging?
 I don't think I have any apart from lip syncing when I'm out walking.

18. What is your favorite word?
 LUSH (It's a Welsh thing.)

19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?
I'm not any of them. I'm more of a sassy confident bitch. I do have a nerdy side when it comes to writing books, reading and quiz shows though.

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?
I'm undecided. I've only read a few books with vampires in and I enjoyed them, but I've never read a book with Fairies (Faes). I think I'll like both though.

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?
 If they're human killing Angels then absolutely yes!

22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
 DARN! I love Ghosts. Its my dream to go on a Ghost Tour and I've had experiences with the dead. But I like Werewolves too.

23. Zombies or Vampires?
If they're the Zombies from Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter then one hundred percent yes. If not then, no.

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love
 It depends. If they can pull off a love triangle like Cassandra Clare then continue with it, but if not then I'd prefer them to stop writing them. However, I love a good forbidden love story.

25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
Once again it depends. If it's a Dystopian or Epic Fantasy then I want action-packed/romance. If it's a contemporary or New Adult then romance.

Feel free to have a go at this tag. I thought it was a fun one to do and I am definitely going to be doing another tag soon. Maybe I'll make it a once every two weeks thing. But...yeah. I had fun.

Book Review: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Book Name: City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6)
Author: Cassandra Clare
UK Release Date: 2014
UK Publishers: Walker Books
Summary:

Erchomai, Sebastian had said. I am coming.

Darkness returns to the Shadowhunter world. As their society falls apart around them, Clary, Jace, Simon and their friends must band together to fight the greatest evil the Nephilim have ever faced: Clary's own brother. Nothing in this world can defeat him - must they journey to another world to find the chance?

 

Praise for Cassandra Clare:

'The Mortal Instruments series is a story world I love to live in. Beautiful.' Stephenie Meyer, Author of Twilight.
'Hold on tight for a smart, sexy thrill ride.' Libba Bray , author of The Diviners

'Cassie's writing makes my toes curl with envy. She is the rare writer who can write fast-paced dramatic fantasy with gorgeous language and memorable characters that you grow to love.' Holly Black, author of The Spiderwick Chronicles

Review:

This book was once of my most anticipated books of 2014 after The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness, and this book did not disappoint. The prologue starts off with a new character called Emma Carstairs who I recognised from Cassandra's new series that will be published next year: The Dark Artifices, which I cannot wait for, I need it now! In her POV we find out that it's the start of The Dark War with Sebastien. Which I happened to love because we were met with instant action, nothing boring that would've slowed down the book.

My main worry with the book was that it is over 700 pages long and I weren't sure Cassandra was going to pull it off, especially since I disliked the epilogue to Clockwork Princess, the last book in her prequel series: The Infernal Devices. However, I really believe she gave the series justice and it was an amazing wrap up to the series. The sad part about it is that we have to wait over a year for anything from Cassandra Clare, although we do have her new middle grade series with Holly Black coming out in September or October of this year: The Iron Trials. Yay!

Through my journey of reading through the book there was a lot of heartache. Mainly because one of my favourite characters died. He was such a great character, but I had an instinct he would be killed off because he wasn't really a main character, yet he played an important part in the series. But Cassandra can do no wrong for me, and she knocked the ball out of the park with this characters ending. It was vicious, action-packed and emotional. I've seen no author who can do that apart from her. She's a phenomenon

Anyway back to the book. So much happens and we get to see every character go through a journey of their own and it really helped seeing them all mature in a way that was only slowly developing through out the first five books. They finally worked as a team and included Simon, and it was a pretty great feeling to see that. But my favourite journey was Emma Carstairs. She lost her parents, which is known in the prologue, and she's seen as a weak child. But to me Emma reminds me of a mix of both Clary and Jace. They're both powerful, but also very logical, much like Emma. And I can only think that Cassandra got the idea to have Emma and Julien be like Clary and Simon because it works. Julien and Simon are kind of the same person personality wise, also by the hair. I love that hair!

I could go on and on and on about the City of Heavenly Fire, but I don't want this post to be too long. But I will say that if you haven't started this series then you must. It is incredible, I fly through these books and they're so enjoyable. Cassandra's writing is prim and proper, her characters are very well developed, she knows them so well and her world building is immaculate.

I gave this 5/5 STARS! It is without a doubt the best book in the series for me, and for a lot of people as well, which I'm sure they'll agree with me on. It kept you on your toes and the epilogue couldn't have been any better because it was perfect!

Book Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

 
      Book Name: The Host
      Author: Stephenie Meyer
      UK Release Date: Been out since 2009
      UK Publishers: Sphere
       Summary:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Praise for Stephenie Meyer

'A Vigorous blend of romance and science fiction.' Entertainment Weekly

'Stephenie Meyer is an amazing phenomenon. Out of the brightness of her mind and spirit comes the illuminated darkness of her stories. For no matter how much pain her characters suffer, Meyer infuses the tales with light and hope.' Orson Scott Card, author of The Ender Saga

'Simply Virtuosic.' Time

Review:

 

Of course, after Stephenie's Twilight series, I did NOT want to read this book. The writing and editing in the Twilight Saga was quite bad and I could not connect with the book at all. However, I watched the film about two weeks ago and became addicted to it! The film certainly had it's plot holes, but it was still an enjoyable watch. So I ended up ordering the book. And it was incredible.

 

One of the things I hated in the film was the development in the relationship between Wanda and Ian, but luckily the book had that. Not only that, but other small characters had some great storylines, some which I was not expecting.

 

The book starts off slowly, but after a couple of chapters it really picks up. But for me it picked up as soon as she was found and taken into the cave. The description of the cave was incredible, it was so much more than I expected and I felt like I was in this cave; this room Melanie/Wanda was kept in. What I also loved about the book was how it interacted with Melanie. Using hers and Wanda's voice, it worked! I didn't think it would, but it did and I'm glad it came across so well.

 

Like before I did state that Stephenie's writing was not do great in Twilight, but the writing in this book was amazing. It helped me connect with the characters, and I felt I wasn't reading a Adult Sci Fi, but just a great book that had an amazing plot. And that is why I gave it a 5/5 Stars!

 

My Quote:

 

'A truly elegant novel with so many characters to love.'