Hello everyone!
Today I have the pleasure of having new debut author Kristi Helvig on the blog promoting her NEW book, BURN OUT. I've done an author interview with Kristi I hope you all will enjoy. Also Egmont USA (and Kristi) are giving me a SIGNED hardcopy of BURN OUT to giveaway on my blog. To enter use the form below on this post. Enjoy!
Burn Out by Kristi Helvig
Hardcover (ebook) - 272 Pages
Published April 8th 2014 by EgmontUSA
Genre: YA - Dystopia/Post-Apocalyptic
"A scorching series opener not to be missed." - Kirkus
A futuristic blend of Beth Revis's Across the Universe and Lenore Appelhans's Level 2, Burn Out will satisfy the growing desire for science fiction with a thrilling story of survival, intrigue, and adventure.
Most people want to save the world; seventeen-year-old Tora Reynolds just wants to get the hell off of it. One of the last survivors in Earth's final years, Tora yearns to escape the wasteland her planet has become after the sun turns "red giant," but discovers her fellow survivors are even deadlier than the hostile environment.
Holed up in an underground shelter, Tora is alone--her brilliant scientist father murdered, her mother and sister burned to death. She dreams of living on a planet with oceans, plants, and animals. Unfortunately, the oceans dried out ages ago, the only plants are giant cacti with deadly spines, and her pet, Trigger, is a gun--one of the bio-energetic weapons her father created for the government before his conscience kicked in.
When family friend, Markus, arrives with mercenaries to take the weapons by force, Tora's fury turns to fear when government ships descend in an attempt to kill them all. She forges an unlikely alliance with Markus and his rag-tag group of raiders, including a smart but quiet soldier named James. Tora must quickly figure out who she can trust, as she must choose between saving herself by giving up the guns or honoring her father's request to save humanity from the most lethal weapons in existence.
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Hi Beckie—thanks so much for having me on the blog today!
Kristi: To make a long story short, I had a vivid dream after watching a science documentary about what will happen when our sun burns out. That dream became the basis for BURN OUT.
Me: How long did it take your to write it?
Kristi: Only six weeks for the first draft, but it took a lot longer than that to revise! I’d say I worked on revisions for about a year with my beta readers before I sent it out to agents.
Me: Do you have a favorite character you loved writing about most or one that you found it difficult to write about? Is yes, who and why?
Kristi: I loved writing both Tora and Markus because they were so much fun. Tora is a sarcastic bad-ass and Markus is a slimy opportunist—their conversations were a blast to write. I’ll also say that I just turned in the sequel and Markus was hands down my fave character to write in that one.
Me: Did you need to do any type of research in your writing? If so, what for?
Kristi: Oh my heck, yes. My Ph.D. is in psychology, not astrophysics, so I contacted a major astrophysics department at a large university and they were awesome. They helped a ton with the science in the book, because I needed information on various things such as “what’s a plausible way that the sun could burn out early?” The research at the beginning took a lot of work but I’m a nerd so research is fun for me. :)
Me: What genre's of books to you most enjoy reading? Are they any you would never read?
Kristi: Well, I obviously love me some sci-fi, and I also really like paranormal and fantasy. I read a lot of literary fiction in my book club and a lot of non-fiction as well (I read a lot of quantum physics research because it fascinates me). The only things I’m really not into are westerns and straight romance novels.
Author The Author: Kristi Helvig
Find Kristi @
Kristi Helvig is a Ph.D. clinical psychologist turned sci-fi/fantasy author. She muses about Star Trek, space monkeys, and other assorted topics on her blog. Kristi resides in sunny Colorado with her hubby, two kiddos, and behaviorally-challenged dogs.
To be entered to win a SIGNED hardcopy of BURN OUT use the rafflecopter form below.
Open to US & Canada.
Giveaway ends: May 11th
For Bittersweet Enchantment readers only. :)
The next tour stop is at Jean Book Nerd. Be sure to stop on by.
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I love when science fiction novels are well researched! Really adds a feeling of legitimacy when I can buy into whatever idea the author is trying to sell! Can`t wait for it!
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many great things about this book that I know I have to read it too! I just think the whole plot is unique and I'll be looking forward to getting my own copy (hopefully soon) ^_^
ReplyDeleteThis book has gotten nothing but good hype, I hope it lives up to my expectations! It sounds spectacular.
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance,this book sounds really interesting!
ReplyDelete