Blog Tour: Colors like Memories [Interview]

Welcome to my stop for the Colors Like Memories blog tour!

I'm happy to have here today the author, Maradeth Houston, who will

explain us a little about her book and her original idea of the Sarys,

the souls of the one who died before taking their first breath; enjoy!

- Hi Maradeth! Thank you for stopping by! Let's start with the questions, can you describe a little what your book is about?

>Thanks so much for having me! Here’s a little about Colors Like Memories:

Julia has a secret: she killed the guy she loved. It was an accident—sort of. 

Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this 'breath of life' she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It's a job Julia used to enjoy, until the accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life—an accident she knows was her fault. If living with the guilt weren't enough, she's now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia's not exactly the best role model for. If she can't figure out a way to help her, Julia's going to lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her boyfriend would never happen.


- I've never read something about Sary or soul reincarnation, have you been influenced by some author or books you've read or did you came up with the idea yourself?

>The Sary are of my own invention, but they definitely have roots in the works of other authors I’ve read over the years. I think it would be impossible to tease out every book and author that’s influenced me, but I do know that Madeline L’Engle’s work was incredibly influential for me, and it was while reading her Many Waters that the idea for the Sary first started to take root.

- Tell us something about the main character, Julia.. Is she similar to you in certain aspects?

>Julia and I are pretty different, though I think if we met, we’d be good friends J. She’s been through a lot, and has been pretty hardened by it all. She has had a really hard time getting over her past, and her emotional baggage can get in the way of her current life. I know I have some baggage (who doesn’t?) but nothing like what she’s had to deal with. But, she’s tough, and I like to think that she has some good redeeming qualities that make her interesting to be around!

- Is it Colors Like Memories  you first published book or did you write something else before? Are you working on anything new now?

>I’ve written lots of stories before, but this is my first published book. I’m in the middle of several other projects at the moment, too—the second Sary book is scheduled for release next April, I’m currently writing the third, and have a completely unrelated book that needs to be revised. I keep busy!

- Tell us one of your favourite scene or quote from your book and why you liked it.

>I have a really hard time picking a favorite, though I’ll admit that the opening is one of my favorite things I’ve ever written (I know it’s not perfect or anything, but it’s just one of those things that I, for once, liked the way it turned out). My other favorite would be a particular scene with Julia and Edison and some very pretty fall foliage. I won’t go into more detail there J.

- What are you reading now?

>I started Geek Love by Katherine Dunn the other day. It took some getting time to get into it, but it’s turning out to be lots of fun. (As a scientist, I’ll admit, I kind of like random human mutations, so it’s totally up my alley!). 

- What is your favourite genre to read? Which the one you prefer to write about?

>I love to read other paranormal YA books, basically in the same genre that I prefer to write. I branch out into just about everything else though—I have eclectic tastes in general.

- Do you prefer print or eBooks?

>I love a good print book, but I have to admit, I adore my kindle. It’s just so easy! And when I’m reading a giant 500-page book, there’s nothing better (mainly because I’ve been known to drop books on myself, and at least with my kindle I don’t suffer from any broken noses!)

- Your dream cast for an eventual movie adaptation of the book?

>Ahh, I can dream, can’t I? The only problem is I’m really terrible with names of actors. It’s just not my thing :/ After playing on the web for a while, I think I’d pick someone who looks kind of like Anne Hathaway for Julia (um, suggestions would be awesome if you have any ideas!), and Dakota Fanning for Marcy. Kellan Lutz would be a great Frederick, and someone who looks like Jason Behr for Edison. Seriously, I’m open for suggestions here!

In the end, do you have any advice for young writers?

>Keep writing. And reading. Lots and lots. It’s the experience of working and being around words that will help you grow. Then, have a ton of patience—the publishing game is slow and brutal! But, it’s possible for anyone who has the endurance! 

About the author:

Meradeth’s never been a big fan of talking about herself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about her: She’s a Northern California girl. This generally means she talks too fast and use "like" a lot. When she’s not writing, she’s sequencing dead people’s DNA. For fun! She’s been writing since she was 11 years old. It's her hobby, her passion, and she’s so happy to get to share her work! If she could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because she’s terrified of heights.

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