Hey, remember last November when I talked about five regal books on my shelf as part of the Regal Reads Blog Tour? Livy Jarmusch had just released a book then, and guess what–she’s come out with another this month! The Rebellion, book 2 in the Tales of Tarsurella series, released on May 8.
So to celebrate, I’m interviewing Livy about reading, writing, and indie publishing. But first, here’s a little bit about the book:
Something is brewing. Like the far off rumble of a train in the distance, a rebellion is stirring. A cry for change arises in the midst of a traditional monarchy, where King Addison has inherited the throne. Who are the underground troublemakers? What is stirring their defiant banner and demand for change? Find out in The Rebellion! (The Tales of Tarsurella #2)
Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her?
Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation?
What does your typical day of writing look like?
What’s something about indie publishing that surprised you?
Livy: Hmm…I think I was a little surprised by the stigma that indie publishing is somehow less professional than traditional. I mean, I can understand how that bias got started, and where people are coming from when they state such things. I’m sure we’ve all read indie books that probably wouldn’t have ever made it onto the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble. But at the same time, traditionally has a pretty narrow, cookie-cutter approach to what they publish and don’t publish, so just because an author doesn’t fit within that format, doesn’t make them any less professional or talented. I have some AMAZING indie-author friends who are doing spectacular things in the industry, and are working really hard to show readers and aspiring authors alike, that the indie-route is just as professional, excellent, impact, and rewarding, as printing with traditional.Which of your characters is most like you and why?
What’s the best book you’ve read in 2018 so far?
Which do you prefer: rereading old favorites or discovering new books?
Libraries or bookstores?
If you were plopped into The Rebellion as one of the characters, how would you react? What would you do first? Who would you go to?
Livy: Oh wow. Well, first of all, I’d be super excited! Spending a day in Tarsurella would be such a blast! My experience would definitely differ depending on which character I was. As much as I love Jane, I can’t say I would want to be her…she’s in somewhat of a stressful situation. I think I would enjoy being Vanessa Bennett. She’s the American visiting this classy, sophisticated, European nation, so it’s fun to see the story through her eyes, since she’s not a member of the Royal Family. I would definitely hang out in The Queen’s Library for several hours, and then go eat a gourmet meal fixed by Clark, one of Tarsurella’s finest chefs. So yeah, I think I would pretty much eat and read all day! 😀 What do you do to refill your creative tank?
Best writing advice you’ve been given?
What are you working on next?
Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she’s not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.
I'm always looking for new fantasy reads! This sounds good!
I'm always on a search too! Yay! 😀
Awwww! I loved this interview! And Livy's books just sound like a delight. Who wouldn't want to explore a world of Europe and royalty? I mean, living in a palace in Europe? That's the dream! Lol.
Livy, I love, love, LOVE your writing advice. That is SUCH a powerful thought–realizing that the first draft is the worst the book will ever be, and it can only get better from there. Wow. So motivational!
Thank you both for sharing this! <3
Thank you, Christine! I would LOVE to live in a European palace too. 😀
I liked that advice as well! It's easy to get discouraged about messy first drafts, but the next one can only get better.
<333
Aw, I love Pride and Prejudice!! <3
This was a great post, thanks, Tracy and Livy!
Does 'indie' just mean self-published or is it more specific? Everyone uses it, and I've never felt like I had a real definition.
-Hanna
takingmytime.rothfuss.us
Same! ^_^
Thank you, Hanna!
Here I meant indie as a synonym for self-published… But after a brief Google search to check my facts, it seems that the lines are a bit blurry. There's the kind of self-publishing where you pay a company (such as WestBow Press or a gazillion others) to package/print your book. Then there's the kind where you either hire people to format your book, design the cover, etc., or you learn how to do all of that yourself. To complicate matters even more, there are small, independent presses that may function a lot like a traditional publishing house, just a whole lot smaller. I'm not an expert, but that's what I've seen. 🙂
Oh, and "indie" would be short for "independently published." 🙂
Ok, thanks for looking it up for me!
BTW, I'm a bit new here, so I've been poking around in your older posts recently. I read through your 'writing tips' posts, and they were SO GOOD. Your blog has been such an encouragement to me. <3
-Hanna
takingmytime.rothfuss.us
Anytime!
Nothing makes my day like hearing someone's peeking into the archives–thank you! I'm so blessed to hear you've been encouraged here, Hanna. That's my hope. <3
By the way, author Nadine Brandes just started a YouTube channel, and one of her recent videos talked about this exact topic! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S-6h8dgJU3U