Author Blog Tour: Samira Armin Hodges author of Milestones + Giveaway!

Samira Armin Hodges  author of debut novel Milestones!

A little about Milestones...

Synopsis

One day. That’s how long it took for fourteen year-old Faye Martin’s ordinary life to take a dramatic and unexpected turn. First, she gets struck by lightning. Second, Benjamin Parker, the object of her obsession, witnessed her near-death experience. Finally, her parents force her to leave her hometown of Seattle to attend an overnight summer camp, aptly named ‘Camp Milestone’.

Only, Camp Milestone is no ordinary camp. Before she knows it, Faye finds herself caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, torture, calamine lotion and romance….all in the name of summer camp. But as the summer unfolds, she realizes there is much more to Camp Milestone than meets the eye. Will she be able to unravel the mystery that surrounds this unusual camp? And more importantly, will she be able to survive the madness long enough to put the pieces together?

In a delightful story about the true meaning of self-discovery, love and friendship, part one of the Milestones trilogy takes readers into an imaginative and amazing new world which gives a whole new meaning to the phrase summer camp.

Interview

1.What life experiences inspired you to write Milestones? How did those experiences shape the story?

Well, to be honest, a lot of my ideas came from my super active imagination. But like every author, there were some inspirations and for Milestones specifically, I would have to say that my own camp experience was very influential. I went to um, what we’ll call “nerd camp” when I was 15 years old, had the time of my life, made amazing friends and lifelong memories which I would occasionally channel while writing Milestones.

2. There is definitely some mystery in Milestones but what are something readers should expect?

For one, expect to be surprised. The ending is a little different from the norm. Also expect to read about all the emotions and cynicism and craziness that goes along with having a crush who doesn’t know you exist. Finally, expect to read about a teenager’s evolution and personal growth.

3. How did you develop the character of Faye Martin?

Well, Faye is a very specific person and the reasons behind her personality and qualities become apparent near the end of the novel. But for the most part, she’s meant to be your average, ordinary, fourteen year old – who then turns out to be….well, NOT ordinary.


4. What was it like going from a Pediatrician to a YA author? What were some hurdles you had to overcome in the process?

The two careers don’t exactly go hand in hand. But I feel as though I’ve been a writer (in some way, shape or form) for all my life. So in a way, it felt natural. As far as hurdles are concerned, there is one major one: time! Or should I say the lack of time! I’ve had to become a professional multi-tasker in the last few years.


5.  What can we expect from the other two books in the series?

A lot! Truly, the story takes a few turns in books 2 and 3 of the trilogy. I can’t divulge too much but in a nutshell, the characters have a destiny to fulfill and in book 2, there is a rather giant obstacle that gets in the way of this fate. I can also say that it is not going to follow the formula people are expecting.


6.Texas is really, totally different from Seattle so what made you start there? Did you read up on the location before putting it in your book? What made you start out in Seattle?

You are very perceptive and to answer your question, yes, I read up a teeny bit on Seattle before deciding on the location. The main reason behind my decision was that I needed Faye to live in a city/state where thunderstorms would not be unusual. To be honest, Seattle is not like any of the places I’ve lived in (Paris, Toronto, the Caribbean, Detroitor Texas) so it was a bit unusual of me to pick that as a location in my book. But it had to be done!


7. What is Faye’s interest Benjamin Parker like? Is he swoon worthy?

Cute question! The answer is: it depends on your type! If your type is the silent, athletic, baseball-cap wearing, polo-shirt and jeans wearing, shy, yet handsome and intelligent type, then yes. He is definitely swoon-worthy. But Benjamin is also hard to read, hard to understand and a little secretive at times. Until of course, he falls in love. Then it all changes.


8. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Absolutely. First and most importantly, never give up. You need to grow thick skin and be prepared for rejection but try to remember that every single author (even the super famous and successful ones) has had their share of rejection. It’s just part of the game. Next, don’t forget to ask for help when you’re feeling low or demoralized. You’d be surprised at how many people would be willing to read your work and give you advice and positive feedback and reinforcement. If you’re a serious writer, you will feel need the boost!


9. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you so much for having me Christina! It was super fun and you are running a great blog. Overall, I do hope people enjoy Milestones and if they do, I’d love to know about it!

*You can get more information about Samira and her book Milestones on her website here.

Giveaway!

So do you sound interested in Milestones? I know I am! Samira and her publiscist have been so wonderful as to grant one of you a free copy of Milestones! To enter this contest just comment on this post with your name and email telling us what you think anout the interview and/or Milestones! For extra entries...

+ 1 if you are a new follower
+2 if you are a current follower
+2 for tweeting about this giveaway, book or interview (but you must add @yotina_38 to the tweet)
+3 for posting about this interview/giveaway on your blog (side bars are acceptable!)

*The contest will end October, 2 at Midnight Central Time! U.S. residents only please!