Hello everyone, Alicia here! I am thrilled to be a part of the Once Blog Tour! I am currently reading and enjoying Once, which will be out on July 3rd.
When you’re being hunted, who can you trust?
For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She’s living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.
But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.
Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past–and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together–but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.
In this breathless sequel to Eve, Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.
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My Interview with Anna:
What scene was your favorite to write in Once?
Ever since the series began, I’ve wanted to write the scene where Eve meets the King. Though she’s never been face to face with him, he’s been a constant presence in her life. There’s so much mythology surrounding him and The City of Sand, the build up to that moment has been immense.
How did you come up for the names of the characters?
Character’s names come from just about everywhere. Eve is obviously a biblical allusion. Pip is a reference to Great Expectations, which I was finishing reading at the time I started the series. Though I didn’t do it on purpose, I think I pulled Arden’s name from a street sign here in Los Angeles—I drive by it often. I later learned that Eve Arden was a famous actress, which seemed like the universe was confirming those names were right. To me, Eve and Arden have always felt like two halves of the same whole.
How did you come up with the names of places, such as Califia?
I stumbled upon the name Califia when I was doing research online. It’s easy to fall down the internet rabbit hole when you’re writing. You ask one question about wild boar, and suddenly you’re reading about how to turn birch bark into pain relieving tea. Califia (often spelled Calafia) was a warrior queen who ruled women living on the mythical island of California. She’s also been depicted as the Spirit of California. When I read more about her, it seemed like it would be the perfect name for the settlement beyond the bridge.
What are you working on now?
I just finished the third and final book in the Eve trilogy, and am in the beginning phases of a new project. Stay tuned!
What are you currently reading?
Wild, by Cheryl Strayed. It’s the memoir of a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail after her mother dies and her marriage dissolves. I’ve always been drawn to survival stories (Hatchet and Lord of the Flies were my first favorites). I’m also reading The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente. It has the perfect blend of humor and heart.
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You can find out more about Anna and the books at her website, twitter and facebook.
Here is the full schedule for the tour:
Oh this sounds good! Happy to drop in during the tour. Congratulations Anna on the release of Once.
Great interview! I'm actually reading Once right now and it's excellent. Thanks for sharing!
Fab interview with Anna! I really enjoyed seeing where she drew her inspiration for the character's names from, and the comment about Eve and Arden being two halves of the same whole!
I think everyone loves Wild.
Eve and Once sound like good reads.
Aww, I LOVE how Eve and Arden were written to be sort of like two halves of the same whole! I remember adoring them both, and as soon as I get my hands on a copy of Once, I'm going to keep imagining that :') I can't wait to see what's up next with Eve's story! (*crosses fingers and prays for a HEA with Caleb*)
Thanks for sharing, Alicia! 🙂 <3
What an interesting fact about Califia/Calafia! I had no idea.
Stephanie @ Read in a Single Sitting
http://www.readinasinglesitting.com
Ooooh, this sounds amazing! Going to have to add this trilogy to my list. I love hearing how authors name people and places in their books.
Lovely interview! I really enjoyed Eve and can't wait to get my hands on Once. Looking forward to finding out more about Anna's future projects! 🙂
I'm so glad you asked about the inspiration for character names! I'm always curious about that, and I love that she chose Pip!
I have yet to start this trilogy, I've been meaning to for ages now. Also, I can't wait to find out about that new project.
Great interview, ladies!
Great interview! It's so cool how she found out about Califia by searching for something else! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier! 🙂
Oh, love this interview! I keep thinking to give this series a go and I think this interview just convinces me! x) I love the reason she gives the name of Califia for her setting. I totally feel the same about the rabbit hole of internet LOL! x)
Off to find the copy in nearest book store! x)
I just read Once and really REALLY enjoyed it. It's great to learn a bit more about the background and Anna's thoughts on things. I can't wait for the third book!
I really have to read this soon it sounds really good and I've heard so many great things! I love the cover, too! And awesome interview I love finding out where the character's names come from!!