BooksChatter: ℚ Seraphina's Awakening: Seraphina [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Sheena Hutchinson to talk about Seraphina's Awakening (first published 10 December 2013; this revised edition 1 September 2016, Sheena Hutchinson LLC, 230 pages), a New Adult Paranormal Romance, book one of Seraphina series.

“Sheena Hutchinson’s ‘Seraphina’s Awakening’ easily stands out from the recent crop of paranormal fantasy romances with its clever writing, intense pacing, and intricately woven plot. Sheena is one author you must follow—if this current book is any indication of her talent, then it’s safe to bet there are more wonderful stories where this book comes from” – Meaghan Top 500 Reviewer on Amazon

This is a review of Sheena Hutchinson’s Discovering April "Certainly the 'voice' and experience of April is compelling, offering romance readers who enjoy college student growth stories the story of a fighter who battles for her life, her loves, and even, unexpectedly, her self-growth - and that's the real crux of Discovering April's strength." -D.Donovan, Senior E-book Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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

A very warm welcome to Sheena Hutchinson; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Seraphina's Awakening?

"Seraphina was inspired by a crazy dream of mine. I have these vivid dreams in that limbo stage right before I wake. So that when I do, I can remember everything about that dream. Almost all of my books have started out as a weird dream I had."

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

"I think Seraphina as a character is most like me. Her personality, her crazy dreams, her always looking for something more in life. This story is probably the closest to my heart, because it was my first story. Writing it got me through a hard time in my life. I think my pain shows in her thoughts sometimes."

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

"Marisa at Cover Me Darling must take all of the credit. I usually have a vision for my covers, but this particular one was a pre-made design. When I saw it and I told myself – That’s my cover. It’s got the perfect amount of paranormal and mystery to it. I just love it."

Why should we read Seraphina's Awakening and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"I like to focus on these coming of age stories. I think it’s because I struggled so long with what I wanted to do. I love to write a story about a lost girl who finds her way and becomes greater than she even thought possible."

Can you tell us something quirky about Seraphina's Awakening, its story and characters?

"Hmm, well, the best friend in the book’s name is Amanda – she’s loosely based off my friend Miranda. (See what I did there?) Also, the setting of the book takes place in Angelica, NY – Just dropping some hints (It’s actually a real town, but the town in the book is loosely based off the town I grew up in.)"

Who would you recommend Seraphina's Awakening to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I call my books New Adult. The main characters are college age going through the struggles of finding oneself in this crazy world. Also, It’s about angels and demons so obviously there are going to be some religious undertones."

If you could / wished to turn Seraphina's Awakening and the Seraphina series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"This is such a fun question. I have a love hate relationship with books turned movies. But, I have to say to see my book come alive on the big screen would be a dream of mine.

For Seraphina, I absolutely love Lily Collins—and she did such a good job portraying Clary Fray in the Mortal Instruments I’d totally steal her away.

For Nate, I picture Ian Somerhalder or maybe Chris Pine with those blue eyes.

For Jack, there’s only one person I would accept – Alex Pettyfer."

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

"Oh I’m an explorer. I have what I like to call writing A.D.D. I write what story demands, whether it’s paranormal, dystopia, contemporary – I hate rules."

What is your writing process?

"My writing process is like that Little Caesars commercial “There’s No Rules!”

I’m a fly by the seat of your pants writer. When I run out of scenes, that’s when I sit down and plot and outline until all the blanks are filled."

What is in store next?

"Oh Seraphina series is my baby. I have ideas upon ideas for the direction it’s going to take. I’m hoping it’ll turn into four books. PLUS, I have a prequel planned and a spin off series. I’m pretty excited. I wish I could write faster."

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 don’t have my own pets, although I do borrow my parent’s dogs on occasion. But, I have started expanding my personal library. I’ve become pretty obsessed with it. They are like my children. While I don’t have time to read anymore, I do still continue to collect them. There’s no such thing as too many books!"