Fae by CJ Abedi Author Interview!

Hi everyone! Today I have the lovely Jasmine & Colet Abedi here to talk about their new book Fae!

Can you tell us a little about your novel, Fae?

FAE is the first installment in what we think is a gripping trilogy of Light versus Dark and is inspired by a mystery that remains unsolved today, more than 400 years later – the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. We explore the world of the FAE, both Light and Dark and feature ancient mythology from different cultures.

The story is set against Roanoke Island, North Carolina and Manteo High School. Caroline Ellis, the stories heroine has just turned sixteen and her birthday has set in motion a series of events that have been fated for centuries.  Little does she know that she is the rightful heir to the throne of the Light Fae, and it is believed that she is the one to unite the Light and the Dark through union with her soul mate: heir to throne of the Dark Fae, Devilyn Reilly.

Devilyn is the only one of the Fae who is both of the Light and of the Dark, and must struggle to maintain that precarious balance and not to succumb to the power of the Dark within him. Understanding his mission, that he is the only one who can save Caroline from the Dark Fae who intend on destroying her and all hope for unity amongst the Fae, he is reluctantly enrolled at Manteo High School and quickly becomes its star quarterback.

After a tumultuous relationship, Devilyn tells Caroline who she is and who he is. He promises her that he will protect her from his people at all costs, but this also means protecting her from him. They can and never will be together, for the prophecy also makes clear that the union that will bring peace amongst the Fae will also bring Caroline’s own destruction.

We think that what makes Fae so interesting and so different from other YA novels is that we told the story scene by scene through the eyes of both Caroline and Devilyn.  So you get to see each scene through their respective perspectives.  

Fae is currently available for pre-sale on iBookstore and Kobo.  Fae’s release date is July 30, 2013.

Where did you get the idea for this novel?

The idea behind the novel was two-fold, like many we were curious about The Lost Colony and what ultimately happened to these men and women?  Beyond that we also both loved all things mystical and magical and after reading about the Tuatha de Danann, we thought there was so much there that lent itself to a great story/world.  And so it began…

  

If you could be any character in Fae, who would you be and why?

Jasmine: Wow.  During the process, you honestly fall in love with all of the characters, but to “be” one of them is a tough one to answer.  For me, I think it is a toss up between Caroline and Devilyn. Given that Fae is told from the eyes of Devilyn and Caroline (our hero and heroine), they occupied so much of my mind so I feel such a sense of relatedness with them.  I adore and admire Devilyn’s loyalty and Caroline’s grace, even though they are flawed in so many ways their core is pretty amazing.

Colet: This is a difficult question because I love so many of the characters. But I think for me the character that I’d love to trade places with would be Odin. He’s the ultimate hero in my eyes. He’s strength, honor and love. Imagine being someone that can see past human or Fae flaws and still have all of that unconditional love? It's pretty awesome.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Jasmine:  The best part about is that you escape from the monotony of everyday life.  The world you’ve created in your mind makes its way onto paper and finally finds a home.  There’s no greater feeling.

Colet:  Writing. Once we have an outline and have done the research, I love nothing more than just sitting down with my music playing and  getting lost in this fantasy world. It’s the ultimate feeling.

Is this is a series? If so, when can we expect the next novel?! :)

Yes, this is Book 1 of a planned 3 part trilogy. We are currently working on Book 2 and hope to see it released toward the end of the year.

Do you plan on writing any other books in different genres? 

Right now we have this series planned together and then we both have projects we’re working on individually in different genres. We haven’t really looked past what comes after FAE together because we’ve been so focused on it.  But we’re always thinking of ideas…

What was your favorite book growing up and why?

Jasmine:  I could never get enough of the Judy Blume books.  I think I read them over and over again and it always felt like the first time.  I also loved Pride and Prejudice….but then who doesn’t. 

Colet: My favorite books as a kid were Indian in the Cupboard and Island of the Blue Dolphins and then in highschool, I loved A Separate Peace.  Then in college, Milton’s Paradise Lost. Yes, I know, you asked for one book but I can't just say one and I’m all over the map but it's because each of these author’s inspired me, made me dream and honestly, made me believe.

Are there any books you would recommend to fellow bloggers and readers out there?

Jasmine: I’m a big fan of Judith McNaught.  In fact I am totally obsessed with her books and wish she would come out with another one, as it has been a while. I just finished Sophia Kinsella’s “Can You Keep A Secret,” and it was really funny and am working on One Tiny Lie (per my sister’s recommendation). 

Colet: I just read One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker and I totally enjoyed it. I also finished Beautiful Disaster, which I loved and then there's always Paradise by Judith McNaught.

Last question..if you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Jasmine:  An African safari….everyone I know that has gone has said that there is nothing like the roar of a lion in an African jungle. 

Colet: I’ve been really lucky because I’ve seen so much of the world with my husband. We don’t have kids… only dogs (yes, one is named Famous) and so we travel a lot. I’ve seen so many different cultures and experienced so much beauty that I’m now wanting to go back to places I’ve been before. So for me I’d like to return to the Hill of Tara in Boyne Valley, Ireland and hug the Stone of Destiny. 

Thanks guys! Make sure to check out Fae when it's released next week on July 30th! Also, be sure to stop by Catching books this weekend for my review :)

xx Sarah