BooksChatter: ℚ Pushing the Boundaries: Off Limits [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Stacey Trombley to talk about Pushing the Boundaries (16 January 2017, Entangled: Crush, 185 pages), a Young Adult Romance, book one of Off Limits series.

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

A very warm welcome to Stacey Trombley; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Pushing the Boundaries?

"I have always wanted to write a book set in Haiti. It’s a place I’ve loved since I first visited when I was 11 years old. I couldn’t wait to write it into a book!"

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

"I used many of my own experiences in this book. My own trips to Haiti definitely played a part, at least in the details. The places we stayed, some of the sights we saw, etc."

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

"I wanted a book that showed the romance and the setting well, and my cover achieves that so I’m very happy. I love the colors and that they’re on a beach (where my favorite scene in the book takes places!)"

Why should we read Pushing the Boundaries and what sets it apart from the rest?

"Pushing The Boundaries gives you a peek inside a country and a life that’s very different from our own. Culture shock was the original title of this book and it’s still very fitting. Learning how people from all over our world are incredibly different… and yet shockingly the same."

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

"When I was working on my first book NAKED, I went through a lengthy revision process with my editor at Entangled (before signing a contract) that changed much of the plot and required a near total rewrite. That book didn’t have much of a plot and I learnt so much during that process. If my editor hadn’t pointed out the lack of plot and other flaws I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now. I had to learn how to plot!

I’ve had many lovely compliments over the years, I’m not sure which is best but I do know the ones that stick with me the most are the readers who tell me how much my books have affected them emotionally (which I’ve heard many times about my first book NAKED)"

What is your writing process?

"I usually think through a book for a very long time in my head before writing it, sometimes for years. It stews. Then I write a back cover copy like summary, the kind that’s meant to hook a reader, not logically explain the plot. Often months later, I finally sit down to write the book and I paste that summary to the top of the document and re-read it often. It helps to keep me on track for the plot and vision of the story and helps to keep me inspired. I never forget why I’m writing the story because it’s always right there."

What is in store next?

"Pushing The Boundaries is a part of the Off-Limits series, which will be connected more thematically than literally. All the stories will deal with romances that are “forbidden” in some way.

The book that will likely be my next deals with a boy who needs to hide his illness in order to achieve his dreams, and his late best friend’s little sister who knows about it."

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?