Weekend Reading: Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp

The author of Natural Selection joined me here in Bat Country and brought with her a free copy of her book that releases today for one lucky reader. I have had the pleasure of reading Natural Selection before the release date. It is a book by my friend, colleague at 4 Corners Press, and critique partner, Ms. Elizabeth Sharp. *Please hold you applause until the end of the paragraph.* I do not normally read much young adult, but if they are all this entertaining then perhaps I am missing the boat. I would tell you about the story, but instead I will let her do it. I have the blurb and an author interview with Elizabeth. She is also having all types of giveaways on her blog today so make sure to check it out! 

Blurb: What do you do when you find out your family isn't your family, death is knocking at your door, and that guy you can't stop thinking about knows more about who you are than you do? Amelia Hoffman was just a normal 15 year old until she found out the truth. Now ancient myths, supernatural beings, and murder have changed everything. Tests and school dances are no longer the biggest worry in her life--she has to figure out how to save everyone she loves and accept the future in front of her before its too late.

Interview:

Liz Schulte- I am ready when you are

Elizabeth Sharp- I'm ready

Liz Schulte- I have too many questions I think. I will probably edit it before I post.

Elizabeth Sharp-  I trust you not to make me look horrible so edit away.

Liz Schulte- Ahahaahaha I am so going to make you look horrible and me look fantastic. What is that? Sharp misspelled her own name?!?

Elizabeth Sharp- lol. That is just how you are.

Liz Schulte- Just call me Mrs. Grinch. Muahahahaha, excellent. Does the story create itself as you are writing it or do you plan their journey in advance?

Elizabeth Sharp- A little of both. I usually have some points in mind when I start, but I let it flow in between them

Liz Schulte- What aspects of Amelia's character do you think will connect with teenagers today?

Elizabeth Sharp- She's very insecure, comparing herself to others around her and finding herself lacking. She's also struggling to make the transition from the good girl to an assertive adult.

Liz Schulte- Why do you think Amelia does that?

Elizabeth Sharp- Compare herself or find herself lacking?

Liz Schulte- Hmmm both perhaps

Elizabeth Sharp- It's human nature to compare yourself to others, I know I do it constantly. And it’s hard to see the positive traits around the flaws, especially when you feel surrounded by people who you feel are flawless.

Liz Schulte- What about Natural Selection would appeal to both adults and teenagers?

Elizabeth Sharp- I think its biggest selling point has to be its unique supernatural beings. I spent a lot of time and research to tie them into mythology. But it's also a good coming of age story. A girl learning to be strong on her own, despite what life is throwing at her.

Liz Schulte- What do you think is the most important message readers should take from this story?

Elizabeth Sharp- I think the overall message of the whole series really is that being strong doesn't mean you have to do it all yourself. It's not the biggest gun that wins the battle, it's the best placed one. Sometimes being strong means admitting you need help. Being strong enough to ask for help is something I've struggled with, so I think a lot of people can relate

Liz Schulte- Admitting you need help is hard for a lot of people. Especially writers, I think

Elizabeth Sharp- Definitely. It's why so much of my work has sat in drawers for years

Liz Schulte- Without giving anything away, what is your favorite scene?

Elizabeth Sharp- Probably the aftermath of the first battle. It's the first time Amelia really stands and starts to discover her own strength

Liz Schulte- That's true. I think my favorite part might be her interaction with Xander.

Elizabeth Sharp- Yeah, I definitely love writing scenes between the two of them. They have a dynamic that is a lot of fun.

Liz Schulte- Now onto my favorite part of the interview (look at that segway) the Proust questions.

What is your favorite word?

Elizabeth Sharp- Definitely

Liz Schulte- What is your least favorite word?

Elizabeth Sharp- The only ones I can think of are vulgar, hence why I don't like them...

Liz Schulte- Yeah I'm gonna need an answer. . .

Elizabeth Sharp- This might take a minute...lol

Liz Schulte- Ahahaha you have to go with what first comes to you. No thinking.

Elizabeth Sharp- Thrust. The first word dealt with the HP conversation...lol

Liz Schulte- Ahahahaha You have a problem with Newtons second and third laws

Elizabeth Sharp- lol.. I really don't like the word, there has to be a better way to say it. I go all seventh grader when I hear it and start snickering.

Liz Schulte- Well that conversation segways nicely into, what turns you on? (I am all about the segways tonight.)

Elizabeth Sharp- Everything, I think. I'm pretty simple there—laughing, stimulating conversation.  I think connection is what it comes down to. No connection, no stimulation.

Liz Schulte- What turns you off?

Elizabeth Sharp-  Ignorance. Especially willful ignorance

Liz Schulte- What sound or noise do you love?

Elizabeth Sharp- Rain or a cat purring

Liz Schulte- What sound or noise do you hate?

Elizabeth Sharp- Metal scraping on metal. Sets my teeth on edge and makes me squirm. On teeth is pretty bad too, like silverware against teeth

Liz Schulte- What is your favorite curse word?

Elizabeth Sharp- ass... badass or dumbass especially

Liz Schulte- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Elizabeth Sharp- I always wanted to be a doctor but can't handle blood. I also wanted to be a dancer or skater but lack any grace

.

Liz Schulte- What profession would you not like to do?

Elizabeth Sharp- Used car salesmen. I'm too honest to be in sales

Liz Schulte- If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Elizabeth Sharp- You're not supposed to be here yet. I'd be happy with anything other than outright laughter and pointing

Liz Schulte- Well that's it for the interview, but it is too long. No one likes either of us enough to read the whole thing. Thanks for stopping by Bat Country

If you would like to visit Elizabeth Sharp today and win any one of her many awesome prizes follow the links: Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

If you would like to enter to win a copy of Natural Selection all you have to do is be 13 years or older and leave a comment with your email address. Good luck!