BooksChatter: ℚ The Evolved: The New Era Saga [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author KT Webb to talk about her début novel, The Evolved (10 October 2014, Kathleen Webb, 357 pages) a Young Adult Fantasy, and book one of The New Era Saga.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Tour Stops

Hello Kathleen, welcome to BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for The Evolved?

"I actually had a dream about a guy who could control mechanical components and stopped a car from rolling down a hill to crush a girl. My mom and I started talking about what that would be like and suddenly, I had a character. From there everything sort of grew and ‘evolved’ and the story became so much more than what I had initially imagined."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Quite a bit. The snarky comments and sarcastic jokes are totally me. The love of books for nearly every character is all me. I am also huge on mythology, history and theories that often accompany them. "

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Evolved - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I created the cover as a representation of the Book of Prophecies described in the book. Each piece has a meaning that is discovered within the story. The divided circle represents the three Old Immortals central to the story, the four symbols represent the five Evolved. When I’m not writing and publishing books, I work full time in marketing, so I created the cover myself using graphic design tools."

Why should we read The Evolved and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"The Evolved is really versatile. When people ask me what genre it is, it’s difficult to pin down. I’ve had readers tell me this is not the type of book they usually read, but they still couldn’t put it down! I think the intricate weave of theology, mythology, romance, legend, mystery and action make this book truly unique."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Evolved, its story and characters?

"I think there are a few quirky bits in the book.

One thing is that you won’t find me describe any one character as being significantly more attractive than any other. My characters could be regular people you meet. They are attractive because of who they are, not just their physical attributes.

Another fun quirk which would only be evident if you knew me is the use of family names; Cole (my grandmothers maiden name), Andrew (my grandfathers middle name), Lowell (my great grandfathers first name).

Hadley, Whitley and Nora are all names I would have named a child if my husband hadn’t vetoed them. ☺"

Who would you recommend The Evolved to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Anyone who loves a good story. This isn’t just a fantasy novel. There are relationship dynamics that come into play that just make the characters more interesting"

If you could / wished to turn The Evolved and the The New Era Saga series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Oh man! I’ve actually put a lot of thought into this. Some of them are solely based on looks; they’re just exactly how I imagined the character. Others I am sold on the whole package, acting chops and looks!

Dorian: Jason Bateman

Tahlia: Charlize Theron

Romulus: DeWayne Johnson

Silas: James Purefoy

Absalom: Domhnall Gleeson or Simon Woods or Kevin McKidd

Nora: Alexandra Daddario or Lucy Hale

Hadley/Whitley: Halston Sage

Kerr: Matt Dallas or Logan Lerman

Thatcher: Stefano Masciolini or Adam Hicks"

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I do like to jump around a bit. I have one book that I’ve been working on for a few years; it just hasn’t gotten to the ‘aha’ moment yet. That one is a mystery/action/conspiracy novel. There’s another that I have the general story line figured out that is from the point of view of a serial killer.

I usually read fantasy/adventure novels. I enjoy dystopia novels. There have to be other aspects to it if I’m going to read a romance. And I have to be in the right mood to read a mystery. "

What is your writing process?

"I sit down and write. I just keep writing until I feel like I’m forcing it, then I take a break. I give myself chapter goals, and re-read the entire thing from time to time to make sure there aren’t any areas that need to be fixed. When I think I’m finished, I send it to my mother and my sister and have them read through it too. They will often give me suggestions for areas that need more detail. With The Evolved I actually went back and added entire chapters because I felt like more was needed."

What is in store next?

"The second book in the New Era Saga is coming out on October 10th this year! The book is called Growing Hope and takes place five years after the ending of The Evolved. We meet some new characters and get to see some familiar faces return. The bad guys in Growing Hope will make your skin crawl; they are the physical embodiments of the evils that were released from Pandora’s box. This book is going to set us up for a pretty epic finale in the third book which has not yet been given a title."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I have attached a selfie with my friend Tusks. When I was younger, we moved around a lot because of my parents work. One of my friends in one of those towns gave me Tusks. I was in 5th grade, and ever since then, Tusks has been in my school locker or on my desk at work. It’s silly and cheesy, but he was a constant reminder that I had friends and I could make new friends in new places. I took this picture at my desk at my job, so he still hangs out with me to remind me that I just need to put myself out there and get to know people."