ℚ Punished: Dark Road [2] - Krys Fenner

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Krys Fenner to talk about Punished  (16 August 2015, Christine F Anderson Publishing & Media, 273 pages, first published 29 November 2013) a Young Adult Psychological Thriller, book two of the  Dark Road series.

Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

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A big welcome to Krys Fenner, thank you for joining us on BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for Punished ?

"I knew that Bella’s story hadn’t quite ended with all the major events and changes that took place in Destroyed. Life goes on and for her, things were just getting started.

Of course, if you ask my mother, she’ll tell you I wasn’t done torturing the poor girl.  Truth be told, the character's inability to deal led to an issue close to my heart that I feel deserves a lot of attention."

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

"The second book references a multitude of psychological issues.  Ultimately they lead with Bella’s thoughts about suicide.  Her emotional turmoil and inability to face the darkness as well as her consideration of suicide are a part of my past.  These are things I attempted and overcame."

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

"Steve Catizone did the cover. As for the concept, when I first considered what made the most sense, I went back to the major event in the story. Then I thought about other books that have also integrated suicide into the work. I wanted mine to be different. I wanted someone to pick up the novel and immediately know suicide is a major component of what happens."

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

"Keeping in mind the novels I've read that incorporate suicide, I realized a lot of them talk about the aftermath.  I wanted to create more, especially as this has become such a prominent topic with all these celebrities dying from suicide in various methods.  What I do is pull you into the mind of the character so you not only get an idea of where she is coming from, but you also get to see how her choices impact those around her."

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

"One of the character is actually named after someone I know.  In fact, the character is based off of her.  While I was living in Tennessee I befriended a girl named Alex.  Needless to say, Alex (the character) is both named and based on my friend Alex.  Although the two look and talk alike, they have somewhat different personalities."

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

"I would recommend my book to anyone who has ever been through anything traumatic (rape, abuse, addiction, etc.), considered or attempted suicide, known someone who has, or even thinks they have known someone.

There are cuss words throughout the novel and there are some intense scenes."

If you could / wished to turn Punished and the Dark Road series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"For it to be semi-authentic, I would have at least parts of it shot in Roswell and Carlsbad, NM.  Most of the novel I would have filmed in Winter Park, FL.

My director would be Elizabeth Banks and the producer would be Marty Bowen.

As for the actors/actresses, they’d be as follows:
Vanessa Hudgens as Bella Kynaston,
Penelope Cruz as Milena Kynaston,
Daniel Dae Kim as Dewei Kynaston,
Boo Boo Stewart as Luis Smith,
Jacob Artist as Jeremiah Detrone,
Victoria Justice as Amanda Detrone,
Julianne Moore as Christine Detrone,
Lamman Rucker as Jamar Detrone,
Denzel Whitaker as Victor Hilliard,
Robbie Amell as David Warren,
Sofia Carson as Heather Warren,
Nicole Lovince as Sarresh Zirlan,
Chris Sheffield as Mike Winzer,
Taylor Momsen as Alex Grayson,
Jesus Navas as Gervasio Rodriguez,
Corey Sligh as Cristobal Rodriguez.

There are a couple of minor characters that I haven't listed, but these are my primaries."

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 like to read a variety of genres; from paranormal to suspense. I write the same way. While YA Suspense/Psychological Thrillers are what I have started with, I will be dipping into YA Fantasy next year. It's a project that has been on the backburner while I work on the beginning of my Dark Road Series."

What is your writing process?

"To sit and write. I don't think I have a particular process, other than to sit at the computer and go with whatever scene/chapter I'm currently working on. I do plan things out a bit beforehand, so initially I create a scrambled outline that in all likelihood only I can understand. I jot down notes when I think about something that needs to happen in the book. Sometimes I even write scenes well before they I even get to the part where they should be included."

What is in store next?

"The third book (Addicted) in the series, which will conclude Bella and Jeremiah’s story (and open the door for the fourth book) is in progress. It releases December 1st and I can tell you that Bella will go from the obsession to the obsessed. A lot of secrets will come to light and somebody gets killed."

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

"That a lot of what you're reading happens behind closed doors and in most cases is invisible to the naked eye. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. And while the end closes on a good note, that isn't always reality."

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 actually have two pets. I have a cat named Bishop and a dog named Bones (after my favourite TV show). I included two pictures because trying to get the two of them to stay still for even a short period of time is a trial. Bishop is 13 years old and ornery and Bones, well he’s getting ready to turn 3 years old. So he’s just a bundle of energy."

Brilliant - thank you for sharing them with us.  Bishop reminds me of my eldest, Tequila who is 20 years old!  And Bones is so handsome :-)
I know all about the energy part... we have two five months old kittens and they spend their time either chasing each other at full speed, having kitten wars or sleeping!

Thank you again for joining us today and giving us such a good insight into Punished and the Dark Road series.

Punished  - available NOW!

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