The Rebellion Blog Tour - Interview with Livy Jarmusch

Hey, remember last November when I talked about five regal books on my shelf as part of the Regal Reads Blog Tour? Livy Jarmusch had just released a book then, and guess what--she's come out with another this month! The Rebellion, book 2 in the Tales of Tarsurella series, released on May 8.

So to celebrate, I'm interviewing Livy about reading, writing, and indie publishing. But first, here's a little bit about the book:

Something is brewing. Like the far off rumble of a train in the distance, a rebellion is stirring. A cry for change arises in the midst of a traditional monarchy, where King Addison has inherited the throne. Who are the underground troublemakers? What is stirring their defiant banner and demand for change? Find out in The Rebellion! (The Tales of Tarsurella #2)

Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her?

Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation?

Goodreads // Amazon

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What does your typical day of writing look like?

Livy: Well, my writing schedule looks different depending on what season of life I'm in. If I have a certain project I'm zeroed in on, and can write the entire day, for several weeks, that's always a huge blessing. But if I'm in the middle of a book launch or have other projects going on, then I just write a little bit here and there. Typically, my goal is to write 5 pages a day, that way I make sure I'm at least getting words out on a consistent, daily basis.

What's something about indie publishing that surprised you?

Livy: Hmm...I think I was a little surprised by the stigma that indie publishing is somehow less professional than traditional. I mean, I can understand how that bias got started, and where people are coming from when they state such things. I'm sure we've all read indie books that probably wouldn't have ever made it onto the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble. But at the same time, traditionally has a pretty narrow, cookie-cutter approach to what they publish and don't publish, so just because an author doesn't fit within that format, doesn't make them any less professional or talented. I have some AMAZING indie-author friends who are doing spectacular things in the industry, and are working really hard to show readers and aspiring authors alike, that the indie-route is just as professional, excellent, impact, and rewarding, as printing with traditional.

Which of your characters is most like you and why?

Livy: In The Rebellion, readers will get to meet a new character, Jane Akerly. She's kinda a cameo, and doesn't have a massive role in the story, but she is still very dear to my heart. She's a young, aspiring author, who has a problem with getting lost in her daydreams. I relate to her so much, so I think she's my favorite! We have a lot in common.

What's the best book you've read in 2018 so far?

Livy: To be completely honest, I don't read a lot of fiction. In fact...I don't think I've even bought a new book yet this year! I spend too much time writing, haha!

Which do you prefer: rereading old favorites or discovering new books?

Livy: I do enjoy going back to some old favorites. Pride and Prejudice is always fun to return to. ;)

Libraries or bookstores?

Livy: Both!

If you were plopped into The Rebellion as one of the characters, how would you react? What would you do first? Who would you go to?

Livy: Oh wow. Well, first of all, I'd be super excited! Spending a day in Tarsurella would be such a blast! My experience would definitely differ depending on which character I was. As much as I love Jane, I can't say I would want to be her...she's in somewhat of a stressful situation. I think I would enjoy being Vanessa Bennett. She's the American visiting this classy, sophisticated, European nation, so it's fun to see the story through her eyes, since she's not a member of the Royal Family. I would definitely hang out in The Queen's Library for several hours, and then go eat a gourmet meal fixed by Clark, one of Tarsurella's finest chefs. So yeah, I think I would pretty much eat and read all day! :D 

What do you do to refill your creative tank?

Livy: My number one way to get refilled and refreshed is to spend time with my Creator! All of my inspiration and creativity comes from Him. If I'm ever feeling drained, I know He is a well of endless inspiration.

Best writing advice you've been given?

Livy: The rough draft is as bad as your book is ever going to be. If you can keep that in mind, you'll have the freedom to produce a rough draft that is indeed rough, and then not beat yourself up over it. You can keep editing and improving, and know that you're only getting better and better with each re-write. :)

What are you working on next?

Livy: The next book to be released will be Regal Hearts Season 2! Regal Hearts is a series I'm working on, that is written in an eposodical TV show style, format. The first season had ten "episodes", which was initially released just digitally, and readers asked for it to be in paperback. So now we're doing the same for Season 2! If you're interested in reading the first episode for free, I give it away to all my email subscribers! :) You can check it out here: http://livylynnblog.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=52a89184eecb2e965d9ddfa27&id=4e615b60ba

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Thanks for stopping, by Livy! It was great to have you here on Adventure Awaits. Everyone, you can check her blog tour schedule RIGHT HERE to see everyone else's posts, enter a giveaway, and find out more about The Rebellion!

Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.

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