David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion
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Aimee Agresti
Author Q&A
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Aimee Agresti (Author of Illuminate) Q&A Event--April 21-24th
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These books are my absolute favorites! Aimee Agresti is such an amazing writer. I've even met her, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Aimee is so fun, great, down-to-earth, and unbelievably sweet. I can't wait!
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Where can I ask her? I have a copy of Illuminate and I now need Infatuated and I'm ready for a question!! Please where?
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Oh okay then so here's the question: What made you wrote the Gilded Wings series and why?
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What is your favorite book genre?
Yay! Hi guys! Thanks for the great questions and your enthusiasm for the books! I'm so excited to start answering! Here I go!...
Ryan wrote: "Oh okay then so here's the question: What made you wrote the Gilded Wings series and why?"Hi Ryan! Great question and thanks for reading! I wanted to write the kind of books I would have loved as a teen: something with mystery, romance, a sense of adventure and above all, a strong heroine. I also loved anything with a fantasy element so I decided to focus my books on angels because I thought, what better metaphor for growing up than earning your wings and learning to fly?! :)
Jenny wrote: "My favorite thing about Illuminate was the setting of this new/old fashioned like grand hotel. What was your inspiration for that?"Hi Jenny! Thanks so much, I'm so glad you liked the hotel! Great question! I went to college in Chicago and I fell in love with the city's wild history--I loved the prohibition era and those mysterious tunnels that ran beneath the city connecting the speakeasies. I always knew Chicago would be a perfect place to set a mystery and when I set out to write ILLUMINATE I also knew I wanted my characters--Haven and her fellow teen angels--to be on their own having these wild experiences as they battle the devils in their midst (mwah-ha-ha!) So I decided to resurrect Capone's old hangout, the Lexington Hotel: then I had a place for my characters to live (and get into trouble) away from their parents and the comforts of home AND I had access to those mysterious tunnels beneath it!
Jesse wrote: " What is your favorite book genre?"Hi Jesse! Oooh, good one! Hmmm, that's tough, I love everything! From classics to literary fiction to fantasy to essays to non-fiction, I just love great writing that makes me want to re-read every sentence and fabulous storytelling that keeps the pages turning. I tend to not read fiction while I'm writing a novel so then I go on wild reading binges when I'm not writing to catch up, which is so much fun! (My recent bingereading faves? In YA: NEARLY GONE, ESCAPE FROM EDEN; in adult fiction: THE FLAMETHROWERS and SEATING ARRANGEMENTS.) Fun fact: I'm also kind of obsessed with rock 'n' roll memoirs. Patti Smith's JUST KIDS is one of my all-time faves!
Sɑnɗrɑ☼ wrote: "These books are my absolute favorites! Aimee Agresti is such an amazing writer. I've even met her, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Aimee is so fun, great, down-to-earth, and unbe..."Sandra!! YOU are too sweet! I loved getting to meet you! Thanks for all the kind words!
What message are you trying to portray, especially to young adults?
I'm trying to think of a question that I haven't asked you yet haha. Here's just a general one that nearly all of us would like to know: What is your advice to young or aspiring authors? What was the publishing process like for you?
Hi Aimee! Do you like to travel? Where's the best place that you've traveled to, and what would you recommend for us to try when we land there?
What's the last book that you've read that WOWED you? Why?
If your book is turned into a movie, who would portray your main characters?
Hi! Do you have any secret obsessions or talents? :)
Where do you come up with the ideas for your books/characters?
I must admit that I haven't read Illuminate yet, but it is on my TBR list!Question 1: Will you write an "extra" for this series or will all of the books be full novels?
Question 2: Is book 3 the last in the series and do you have a title for it yet?
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Do you have a favorite fan moment?
What does your typical day look like?
Hi, Aimee! Thanks very much for stopping by our group and answering our questions. I haven't yet read Illuminate but it sounds excellent, and, the cover is beautiful. I was reading on your Goodreads Author page that you wrote for Us Weekly Magazine. What aspect of working for Us Weekly do you miss most? How did that prepare you to write the Gilded Wings books?
Thanks again!
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Where can you spend hours and hours and never get tired of it?
OK, maybe it wasn't that important, but I had to ask!
hi Aimee! honestly, i haven't started on the Gilded Wings series, but i do feel intrigued with its plot. as for the giveaway, i just have to try my luck! :)Do you often find yourself daydreaming and ended up with a plot/storyline for your books? Or do you get inspirations through books/internet?
![Life is wasted on the living [Elena] | 11 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1398001664p1/26158224.jpg)
Hello Aimee :) Haven't read the Gilded Wings yet, but will do so asap. Thanks for being here with us and answering our question. Speaking about them, here is mine:
What is the one thing you couldn't live without?
Meghan wrote: "What message are you trying to portray, especially to young adults?"Hi Meghan! That's a great one! The teen years can be tough (they sure were for me!) and there are all sorts of ups and downs along the way (even if you're not battling actual devils). My characters are all learning and growing as they go along, they're all flawed--Haven starts of awkward, shy, totally lacking self-confidence, but through the course of this trilogy I'm hoping readers will enjoy seeing her evolve into a force to be reckoned with. Angels and devils aside, these books are really about a girl learning to believe in herself--which I think is something many of us can probably relate to!
Sɑnɗrɑ☼ wrote: "I'm trying to think of a question that I haven't asked you yet haha. Here's just a general one that nearly all of us would like to know: What is your advice to young or aspiring authors? What was t..."Haha!! ;-) You always ask great questions! Oooh, my advice is easy: write, write, write, read, read, read and never give up! Write all the time, whether it's stories or poems or journal entries. The great thing about writing is the more you do it, the better you get. I like to think I improve every time I sit down at my laptop. And the more you read, the stronger your writing will be too! As for the publishing process: for me it felt like a long road! I wrote two other books before ILLUMINATE that never went anywhere, but the process of writing those books made me into a much better writer. So when I finally did sit down to write ILLUMINATE, things clicked. It felt frustrating at the time, but all that writing was actually such a good thing for me!
Dre wrote: "Hi Aimee! Do you like to travel? Where's the best place that you've traveled to, and what would you recommend for us to try when we land there?
What's the last book that you've read that WOWED y..."
Hi Dre! Wow, these are awesome questions! I love your travel question because each of the three books in my trilogy takes place in a different city that I adore. So I could just say: New Orleans and go straight to Cafe du Monde for beignets the minute your plane lands! BUT, here's a fun teaser: Book 3 is set in an AMAZING city, which is a secret right now. But I'm so excited to start dishing about it soon and when I do, keep your eyes peeled on my website (aimeeagresti.com) for some fun pics and videos from my research trip! ;-)
The last book that wowed me: in YA, I thought the mystery and suspense of NEARLY GONE by Elle Cosimano was so brilliantly done, I devoured that book! And I got a sneak peek at Cara Lynn Shultz's THE DARK WORLD (out in May) and it's a pageturner!
Oooh, love that casting question. I think someone like Victoria Justice would make a great Haven. Maybe a Chord Overstreet/Chace Crawford type for Lucian. And hmm, I'm stumped on Lance! Who do you think?!
Aimee wrote: "Dre wrote: "Hi Aimee! Do you like to travel? Where's the best place that you've traveled to, and what would you recommend for us to try when we land there?
What's the last book that you've read ..."
Thanks for the travel tip! Will be on the lookout for your research trip :)
I'm checking out Nearly Gone (I'm on a reading slump, so that might help!)
And ooh, I like Chord and Chase, so those 2 are awesome choices. Not sure about Victoria Justice, though. I can't think of anyone else at the top my head.
Harlee wrote: "Hi! Do you have any secret obsessions or talents? :)"Hi Harlee! What a fun question! Hmmm, well, "talent" is a strong word ;-) but I do love to karaoke (my go-to songs: "Hit me with your best shot" and "YMCA"!) And I LOVE to bake: I make some very pretty cupcakes. It's all about the mechanical pastry bag: it really gives the frosting a nice flourish! ;-)
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Hmmm...Lance...maybe Landon Liboiron? Although he's not super tall, and I pictured Lance as super tall. But he's decent looking, but not too good looking lol!
Samantha wrote: "Where do you come up with the ideas for your books/characters?"Hi Samantha! Great question! This trilogy really started with the idea of Haven's character: an awkward, shy teen who evolves into such a force! But when it came to the actual story, I thought it would be especially fun if each of the three books was an update of one of my favorite creepy classics. ILLUMINATE was inspired by THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. INFATUATE was inspired by DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE. And Book 3...I'm not telling yet! ;-) Stay tuned!
Vicki wrote: "I must admit that I haven't read Illuminate yet, but it is on my TBR list!Question 1: Will you write an "extra" for this series or will all of the books be full novels?
Question 2: Is book 3 the..."
Hi Vicki! Glad to be on your TBR list! Two great questions! Hmmm, I've been toying with the idea of an extra. It could be fun! I'm fleshing things out to see what's there. We'll see! ;)
And, yes, indeed, Book 3 will be the last in the series. It's bittersweet wrapping it up but I think the final installment is so exciting--hopefully you'll agree! I do have a title...but I'm sworn to secrecy for now! ;) Stay tuned!
Have you always known that you wanted to be an author?
Hi Aimee.What kind of readers would you recommend your books for?
Hiya Aimee!I haven't had the opportunity to read your books yet (I'm sorry, but the library is backed up XD), so I'll ask a random, unbook related question.
If you were a boy, what name would you want?
Another question Aimee: Since you are about to finish the Gilded Wings series soon, are you planning to make another book/series that has to do with angels and demons or with another genre?
Question: When will book 3 be coming out? And, do you personally feel there is any spiritual truth or parallel in your stories or do you consider it all fiction? Thank you for your time. : )
What did you studied? Do you have a pet?
Karen wrote: "Hi Aimee!! Thanks so much for being here!! *waves madly*Do you have a favorite fan moment?
What does your typical day look like?"
Hi Karen! Thanks for having me here! And thanks for the fun questions! The first one is easy: Absolutely anytime I hear from a reader it is the best thing ever! =-) Anytime I meet someone who has enjoyed the books or I get an email or tweet--or a Q&A question!--from a reader, it is an absolute thrill. It means so much to me when someone picks up my books--you guys all have a lot to choose from and you all have very busy lives and books take time to read, so thank you for the time you've devoted to mine! Hearing from readers totally makes my day! (On a related note: you can reach me on email at aimee@aimeeagresti.com and twitter @aimeeagresti) ;-)
As for a typical day: when I'm in writing mode, I'm pretty focused/crazed. I get to work first thing in the morning--sometimes I'll go to one of the Smithsonian museums to write or to a great "writers room" I belong to--and I just keep at it, fueled by mocha frappuccinos and jelly beans, until about 4. Then I take a break for family time--playing with my toddler (who has more energy than I could ever dream of having), dinnertime, bedtime--and then I usually pick up the writing again around 8pm. I especially love writing at nighttime, those hours are so peaceful! On a good writing day, I'll write until I fall asleep at my laptop!
Oh, I've got a funny one: what's your most embarrassing moment?
Lauren wrote: "Hi, Aimee! Thanks very much for stopping by our group and answering our questions. I haven't yet read Illuminate but it sounds excellent, and, the cover is beautiful. I was reading on your Goodr..."
Hi Lauren! Thanks so much for having me here and for the kind words on the cover! All credit goes to our fabulous designer and gorgeous cover model--I'm so lucky to have them!
Love this question! I had such a blast at Us Weekly and learned so much there! What I miss most is being surrounded by all those fabulous people! I was lucky enough to get to work with really good friends, and that made every day (even scary deadline days) tons of fun. Writing books is fantastic and a dream come true, but, of course, it's also kind of a solitary thing, which is so different from magazines!
But my experiences covering celebrities definitely trickled into these books. There's a lot of very seductive glamour in these books and anytime you see Haven at a fabulous party wowed by it all, that probably comes from my days covering movie premieres: I always had to pinch myself and couldn't believe I was there!
David wrote: "Welcome Aimee! It's SO GREAT to have you join us this week! I've got a very important question:Where can you spend hours and hours and never get tired of it?
OK, maybe it wasn't that important, ..."
Hi David!! Thank YOU so much for having me here--I'm so honored to be hanging out with the group this week!
And that is, indeed, a very important question! I live in Washington DC right near all the Smithsonian museums, so I'm always hanging out there. I love to write in the courtyard of the Portrait Gallery and the best thing about it is that when I need a break, I just roam around that gorgeous museum and I can't help but be inspired by all that beautiful work. There's even a room on the second floor with some of my favorite angel painting! Love that place!
Levian wrote: "hi Aimee! honestly, i haven't started on the Gilded Wings series, but i do feel intrigued with its plot. as for the giveaway, i just have to try my luck! :)Do you often find yourself daydreaming ..."
Hi Levian! I'm glad you're intrigued! Definitely let me know what you think when you read!
Oooh, good questions! I find inspiration everywhere, you never know what might spark a great idea: books, artwork, music, all can be great triggers. I'm not sure if my daydreaming is as productive as I'd like it to be, but I do find that when I hit a tricky spot plot-wise or something I'm trying to work out in my story, if I get away from my laptop for a few minutes and go on a walk, get a change of scenery, then that can jumpstart my brain and lead me in great new directions!
David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite!
Books mentioned in this topic
Illuminate (other topics)Infatuate (other topics)
Aimee is generously giving away 2 prizes: A signed copy of Illuminate and a signed copy of Infatuate! This will be an international giveaway. All you have to do to be entered is to ask Aimee a question! Please check the list of questions below so we don't have too many duplicates :)
If you haven't checked out her books yet, I encourage you to try them! Amazing paranormal angel/demon reads, with great settings!
Questions:
1. Ryan--What made you wrote the Gilded Wings series and why?
2. Jenny--My favorite thing about Illuminate was the setting of this new/old fashioned like grand hotel. What was your inspiration for that?
3. Jesse--What is your favorite book genre?
4. Meghan--What message are you trying to portray, especially to young adults?
5. Sandra-- What is your advice to young or aspiring authors? What was the publishing process like for you?
6. Dre--Do you like to travel? Where's the best place that you've traveled to, and what would you recommend for us to try when we land there?
7. Dre--What's the last book that you've read that WOWED you? Why?
8. Dre--If your book is turned into a movie, who would portray your main characters?
9. Harlee--Do you have any secret obsessions or talents? :)
10. Samantha--Where do you come up with the ideas for your books/characters?
11. Vicki-- Will you write an "extra" for this series or will all of the books be full novels?
12. Vicki-- Is book 3 the last in the series and do you have a title for it yet?
13. Karen--Do you have a favorite fan moment?
14. Karen--What does your typical day look like?
15. Lauren--What aspect of working for Us Weekly do you miss most? How did that prepare you to write the Gilded Wings books?
16. David--Where can you spend hours and hours and never get tired of it?
17. Levian--Do you often find yourself daydreaming and ended up with a plot/storyline for your books? Or do you get inspirations through books/internet?
18. Elena--What is the one thing you couldn't live without?
19. Kelly--Have you always known that you wanted to be an author?
20. Daniel--What kind of readers would you recommend your books for?
21. Natalie--If you were a boy, what name would you want?
22. Ryan--Since you are about to finish the Gilded Wings series soon, are you planning to make another book/series that has to do with angels and demons or with another genre?
23. Kelly--Question: How many books will there be in this series? And, do you personally feel there is any spiritual truth or parallel in your stories or do you consider it all fiction? Thank you for your time. : )
24. Phaedra--What did you studied? Do you have a pet?
25. Harlee--Oh, I've got a funny one: what's your most embarrassing moment?
26. Divya--Who are your favourite authors and did they inspire you to start writing?
27. Levian--do you faced any writing stumps during the creation of the Gilded Wings series?
28. Haley--what were some of your favourite books as a kid?
29. Haley-- Chicago or New Orleans? If you had to pick!
:)
30. Sherlyn--What do you do when you have writer's block, and what's the best advice you can give to other writers to overcome it?
31. Meghan--Since I haven't read your books yet, can you tell me about them and how you got the idea to create Illuminate?
32. Cindy--IF you have any, what are some of your bad writing habits?