Author Interview & Giveaway: In Honor Author Jessi Kirby

Today I(Yara) am super excited to share with you all this interview with Author Jessi Kirby. Jessi is the author of last year's Moonglass and this year's In Honor. I am a huge fan of Kirby's work, and so honored to have her on the blog today. Enjoy!!!

Jessi Kirby: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook 

Author Bio: Jessi Kirby is the author of Moonglass, published in May 2011 by Simon and Schuster. She is also a former English teacher and librarian, wife, mom, beach lover, runner, and lover of Contemporary YA, strong coffee, and dark chocolate. In that order.

Jessi’s second novel, In Honor, will be released in May 8th 2012.

OUaT: We are so excited to have you on the blog today. In Honor is your new release coming out this May 8, what was your biggest inspiration to pen this story together? 

This story began with a few very general ideas and LOTS of inspirational conversations with my husband who is the best ever at story ideas. Originally I told him I wanted to write a brother and sister story and that I wanted it to include a road trip. The idea of Finn's letter, and of Honor taking his P.S. as a last request and going on this quest to honor him evolved from there.

OUaT: Moonglass, In Honor and Golden are all your books that are released or future releases. Do the three novels have anything in common or similarities they might share?

There is one character from MOONGLASS who makes an appearance in both IN HONOR and GOLDEN, but I'll let you spot her. As far as other similarities, the thing I hope to do in every book I write is tell a story with heart, so I hope that's something that's in all of them!

OUaT: In your book In Honor the main characters name is Honor. Can you tell us a little on why or how you came to picking that name?

My agent was actually the first person to suggest it, and I think it may have actually been kind of an offhand suggestion at that. But once I heard it, I loved it because of how many ways it relates to the story. Honor takes the trip in honor of her brother, but it's also about what she finds within herself. I also hope that through Honor, Finn, and Rusty, the reader can see different ways of being honorable.

OUaT: When you write your books, I feel that you have poured your heart into them. Have you while writing laughed, cried or just screamed? How do you continue on after having a reaction to what you just wrote?

Wow, thank you! That's the best thing I could hope for in a reader! Conveying strong emotion is one of the most important things to me when I write, and I don't think that can happen without feeling it myself. So yes, there have been times during the writing process where I've listened to the same sad song over and over until I felt sad enough to write a hard, emotional scene. Alternately, some of my favorites to write are the flirty fun ones because those are the ones I get to laugh at while I'm writing. Lucky for me, I have a secluded little shack where I do all of this so I'm the only one to witness it!

OUaT: I know of friends who have lost a family member overseas and the way you describe Honor's reaction to losing he brother is pretty accurate to how some have reacted. How much research or personal experience did you have to dig or open up too for writing In Honor?

Thankfully, this is not a personal experience for me. I haven't lost a family member overseas, but I have seen the effects of that experience on people I know. I have an enormous amount of respect for military members and what their families go through, and I was very concerned with portraying that aspect of the story as genuinely and respectfully as possible, so I did a lot of related reading. I read countless articles, interviews, and news stories. So many personal ones that were so sad and inspiring at the same time. I came away from writing this book with an even deeper respect for these people and their families.

OUaT: One of my the funniest parts of In Honor is when you describe the attire Texas girl's wear. Which is Dresses with cowboy boots. Have you worn this cute outfit? 

Hahaha, yes, I have and I do, quite a lot. If I'm not on the beach, then I am most likely wearing boots and a dress, as I love that look.

OUaT: You describe a few amazing activities that Honor does while on this road trip, are they real places one can visit? If so have you tried any of them yet?

Yes! Almost all of the places Honor and Rusty visit are real. I saw The Blue Hole, a place where they dive, in one of my husband's diving magazines and knew I wanted to include it in the story. I haven't been yet, but plan to one day. I did take a 'research' trip to Sedona and Flagstaff with my mom and my sister, where we took a sunrise jeep tour, found the prettiest swimming hole, and danced the night away at the best cowboy bar ever. It's called The Museum Club, is in Flagstaff, and it really does have a dime beer night!

OUaT: If you had to choose a chapter or sentence from In Honor as your favorite, do you have one in mind?

Ooh, that's tough. I don't think I can choose a sentence, but the first chapter that springs to mind is the one that takes place in the country bar with Rusty, Honor, and a few too many shots of tequila.

OUaT: If you were Honor, what concert or artist would you drive cross country for?

Taylor Swift. Without a doubt.

OUaT: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Still writing, and still ecstatic to be doing so!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

How was that for an interview. What great answers. Make sure you visit Jessi and say hello, and let her know you loved her interview today. In Honor releases May 8th. You can pre-order HERE. 

Now to win an signed ARC copy of In Honor today all you have to do is follow the rafflecopter instructions below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway