Despite being a cop, Jimmy can’t protect Kandi from the one thing that haunts her. She’s in danger and doesn't even know it. After it happened, her brain repressed her memories of the accident, and now, she’s taking a Biology class under a man who wants to see her dead. The memories have started coming back, and it feels like she’s miles away from him. How can he protect her when she doesn't even know she needs protecting?
Can these characters pierce their way through the darkness?
Emerald Barnes graduated with a B.A. in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing at Mississippi University for Women. She resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it.
She's the author of two books. She mainly writes suspense/thrillers in the YA genre, but she dabbles in other genres and her books are enjoyed by all ages!
She's an auntie to two beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews who take up the other half of her time, but she couldn't imagine spending her time in any other way!
She's a Whovian, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a family-oriented person. God is number one in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor.
SJ: Every writer has their own writing style - from using outlines to completely winging it - what is your style and how has it changed through the years? Any crazy quirks or rituals that must be observed?
EB: I am a pantser all the way! Sometimes though, I have to sit down and just start writing ideas that are helpful to the plot, etc. I also have to write down the descriptions of my characters, so I don't forget from chapter to chapter. My writing style hasn't changed much, except that it's gotten better and easier to write. I don't really have any crazy quirks or rituals. Sometimes I make a mix of songs that will go with the story in order to help me get in the mood of it, but other than that, I usually just write wherever and whenever possible.
SJ: What's it like climbing into the world of a thriller storyline? Ever freaked yourself out in there?
EB: Oh yes! Hundreds of times! It's amazing though, that these crazy thrilling ideas pop into my head because I cannot wait to write them down and share with everyone! Sometimes it creeps me out that I can write such dark stuff, but I usually just deal with it and hope that people don't think I'm a dark person. ;) But, I have such an overactive imagination that I can be washing dishes, look out the window and think, "I wonder what would happen to a character who saw someone in their backyard, watching them." I start looking everywhere, hoping and praying that that doesn't happen to me.
SJ: Freedom is our focus for this blog tour...what does freedom mean to your characters?
EB: Freedom to my characters means finding their way from their haunting thoughts of the terrible accident that happened in Piercing Through the Darkness. Kandi has freedom at the beginning but as the story progresses, she doesn't. Jonathan is in search of that freedom, but he thinks he can only find it one way - revenge on Kandi.
SJ: What song(s) would you choose to represent each of the main characters in Piercing Through the Dark? And why?
EB: Kandi - "Losing Your Memory" by Ryan Starr This song is talking about losing memories, love and the tone is very sad. It just fits perfectly.
Jonathan - "I Don't Care" by Apocolyptica This song is exactly how he feels when it comes to thinking about Kandi. He doesn't care whether she dies or lives. Frankly, he wants to see her dead.
Jimmy - "True" by Ryan Cabrera Jimmy is in love with Kandi, but he isn't sure that she loves him back, and given her past, he doesn't know what to do. So this is about how he loves her and decides that he wants to be with her.
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Dear S.J. and Emerald Barnes,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing interview! What great questions S.J.! Thanks for sharing about the music you would choose for your characters, and your way of writing! Truly inspirational!
Syl Stein
Thanks, Syl! You're so amazing and inspirational yourself! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by Sylvia!! Emerald - such a pleasure to interview you! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking out the window, wondering if anyone is watching me.
ReplyDeleteLovely interview. I'm very much looking forward to reading the book.
ReplyDeleteThank, SJ! It was a pleasure to join you on your blog!
ReplyDeleteRich, I know, right?! lol
Sheila, I really hope you enjoy it! :)
It was a great post, although my ancient eyes struggled with the grey on black and the pinstripes. I think my astigmatism's making me dizzy. But yes, piercing through darkness!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thanks!
ReplyDelete