Oct

Thrice Interview: SNOW LIKE ASHES

Hi! Today we’re celebrating Sara Raasch’s debut, SNOW LIKE ASHES, which comes out today!

Before we start — why are they called Thrice interviews? The original titles for the Cahill Witch Chronicles were THRICE BLESSED, THRICE CURSED, and THRICE FATED. I have a tattoo with the word thrice, which is partly to remind me how joyful writing that first book was, back when it was just mine, and partly because I like threes. Cate Cahill is the oldest of three sisters, as am I. My birthday is May 3; my anniversary is Sept 30. So there’s a natural theme to these interview questions…

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

Now for our interview with Sara:

1. Describe your main character in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Meira is a snarky, stubborn, loyal soldier of Winter.

2. Describe your book in 3 adjectives + a noun.

SNOW LIKE ASHES is an intense, magic-riddled, wintery YA fantasy.

3. Describe yourself in 3 adjectives + a noun.

I am a Tumblr-addicted, Pinterest-obsessed, easily distracted writer (though with those adjectives, I’m lucky I EVER write!).

4. If you could travel to any 3 countries, what would they be?

Scotland, Austria, or Russia

5. If you could take any 3 non-writing-related classes, what would they be?

Neurology, Geology, or Pottery (I know, I know, those make NO SENSE. But what can I say? I have very varied interests.)

6. If you could have any 3 alternate careers, what would they be?

Some kind of scientist (I watch waaaay too much Bones), a party planner (organization FTW), or someone who helps companies run more efficiently (again, organization, yay!). [JS: I would love to be a party-planner too! Yay organization!]

7. What are your 3 favorite flowers?

Roses, irises, and daisies

8. What are your 3 favorite foods?

Chinese food (anything Asian, really), chocolate (duh), and cheese (also duh) [JS: a girl after my own heart!]

9. What are your 3 favorite books?

I’ll do three that are coming out this year: THE WINNER’S CURSE by Marie Rutkoski (SO BEAUTIFUL), BURN OUT by Kristi Helvig (lightning-fast and so intense), and CAMELOT BURNING by Kathryn Rose (steampunk Camelot. Need I say more?) [JS: THE WINNER’S CURSE is one of my favorite books this year, too! LOVE. I’ll have to look up the others!]

Thanks for stopping by, Sara! Happy book birthday!

You can find out more about Sara and SNOW LIKE ASHES at her Tumblr!