BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Standing Ground: Under Ground [3]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Alice Rachel to talk about Standing Ground (27 October 2016, Alice Rachel, 558 pages), a Young Adult Dystopian Romance, book two of the Under Ground series.

"Thia and Chi (sigh). What more do I need to say? But there's also lots of heart-pounding action and some big surprises. A worthy sequel to Under Ground." - by Author Kathryn Berla (author of 12 Hours in Paradise and Dream Me).

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

A very warm welcome to Alice Rachel; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

As we love music, to start, Alice has shared with us her music playlist for Standing Ground - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for Standing Ground?

"I usually draw inspiration from things I want to change in our world today. I also drew inspiration from personal pain, grief, and depression."

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

"Most of my personality is reflected by Chi, and how unwilling he is to obey rules he does not accept.

Otherwise, Thia's depression in the book comes from my own experiences and the fears someone with depression might feel and face."

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

"I made the current cover. It represents Chi and Thia in a scene from the prologue, when Chi carries Thia on his shoulders. In the scene of the book, they are afraid though, but on the cover I gave them smiles that clash drastically with the dark themes of the book.

However, the novel is about to get a whole new cover in a few weeks. Molly Phipps from We Got You Covered will make that one. I can't wait to see what it looks like. Keep an eye out for it. ;-)"

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

"The series tackles important issues that are still very real in the world today: forced marriages, emotional and sexual abuse, homophobia, and human trafficking.

I think what makes the series unique is how realistic I made the setting. I didn't want a dystopian world that seemed too far-fetched. I wanted to show that we, today, live in a dystopian world, and I wanted to raise awareness to the pain many people still feel today as they are fighting for their rights."

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

"My characters Chi and Stephen both speak French fluently because I'm French."

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

"The series is for readers 16+. It contains violence and some language. I wanted to make it as realistic as possible, and I can't imagine people living in that kind of world without ever using a single curse word.

I can't really give specific disclaimers because those would be spoilers, but the series tackles certain difficult subjects such as depression, physical and sexual abuse. Everything is subtle or implied and never written graphically because it is a YA series.

It's a series for older teenagers and adults, though, definitely not for pre-teens."

If you could / wished to turn Standing Ground and the Under Ground series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Well, the story is set in New York State, so that would be the ideal location.

For some characters, I don't have specific actors, except Nathan Owens for Taylor, Alex Pettyfer for William, Hideo Muraoka for Akio, and Marcus Hedbrandh for Terrence. I know they are not all actors, but they would be my choices."

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 write romance, which is why my series insists on romance a lot, even though it's set in a dystopian world. I like writing the romantic scenes and emotional scenes the most. I write about things that pain me, things that make me hurt, and things that make me cry.

Yes, I like to read dystopia, and YA, and romance."

What is your writing process?

"I put on my playlist, drink tons of coffee, and write."

What is in store next?

"Terrence's story is coming out next month. Then, Kayla and Taylor. Terrence is first introduced in Standing Ground, so it was important for me to develop him in his own story.

I can't reveal much about Kayla and Taylor, but we will find out why/how they joined the rebels. Their story is heartbreaking. We will get see a vulnerable side to them, which is interesting because they are the strongest characters in the series."

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 three guinea pigs that I foster for a rescue in my city. Two of them are up for adoption. The third one is really old and will stay with me. I don't have a picture of myself with them, but here are some pictures of them. :-)"

Hello Thelma, Louise and Flower! You are GORGEOUS! Lots of head scratches and belly rubs to all of you!

Thank you so much for sharing them with us, Alice :-) It was a pleasure having you with us today.