News

12
Feb

Thrice Interview: ALIENATED

Hi!  Today we’re celebrating Melissa Landers’  debut, ALIENATED, which came out last week!

Before we start — why are they called Thrice interviews? The original titles for the Cahill Witch Chronicles were THRICE BLESSED, THRICE CURSED, and THRICE FATED. I have a tattoo with the word thrice, which is partly to remind me how joyful writing that first book was, back when it was just mine, and partly because I like threes. Cate Cahill is the oldest of three sisters, as am I. My birthday is May 3; my anniversary is Sept 30. So there’s a natural theme to these interview questions…

Alienated

They say: Interplanetary relations have never been more exciting! The first in a funny, romantic YA sci-fi series.

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara’s classmates get swept up by anti-L’eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn’t safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara’s locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she’s fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life-not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

I say:  This sounds so fun & funny!

Now for our interview with Melissa:​

1. Describe your main character in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Cara Sweeney is a wildly-competitive, overachieving, feisty valedictorian.

2. Describe your book in 3 adjectives + a noun.

ALIENATED is a light, humorous, romantic story of love overcoming cultural barriers.

3. Describe yourself in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Melissa is a funny, slightly-neurotic, (hopefully) lovable control freak. Much like Cara.

4. If you could travel to any 3 countries, what would they be?

I would return to Germany, where I graduated from high school, then continue north to Scotland & Ireland.

5. If you could take any 3 non-writing-related classes, what would they be?

What I really need to take are Cooking for Dummies, Grilling 101, and Food Prep for Novices, because my dinners are lame at best.

6. If you could have any 3 alternate careers, what would they be?

English teacher, marriage counselor, and book reviewer

7. What are your 3 favorite flowers?

Red tulips, yellow tulips, and any other color of tulips! 

8. What are your 3 favorite foods?

Pizza, cheese enchiladas, and anything with chocolate as the main ingredient

9. What are your 3 favorite books?

JANE EYRE, any HARRY POTTER novel, and THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING 

Thanks for stopping by, Melissa!

You can find out more about Melissa and ALIENATED at her website or by following her on Twitter or Facebook.

 

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