Jill Williamson author of Replication Interview&Giveaway!

How long have you been writing?


I started writing in 2004. I worked on my first novel for about three years. In 2007, I went to Mount Hermon and had the opportunity to send in my full to two agents. Neither one worked out, but I knew I was getting closer. I wrote a few other books. In 2008, I attended the Oregon Christian Writer’s conference and gave the first chapter of a different story to editor Jeff Gerke. I knew his company wasn’t looking for teen novels, but he had edited my first book and I wanted to get his take. He asked for the full, then wanted to publish it. By Darkness Hid came out in April 2009.

What (or who) helped you decide to be an author?

I had left the fashion industry and was searching for the plan God had for my life. Since I had a pretty interesting childhood/life story, I thought God could use me as a motivational speaker for teens. I discovered that sometimes, people hire speakers based on articles written by the speaker. So I looked into writing articles. I was working on all that when a new Harry Potter book came out, and a new barrage of debates within the church community flared up as to whether the books were safe for Christians to read. The debate inspired me to write a teen novel for Christians. Writing was so much fun I never stopped.

Who inspired you most in your life?

Both my parents inspired me a lot. They are both hard workers and creative. I think I got my creativity and work ethic from them.

Who are/is your favorite author(s)?

I like too many authors to name as favorites. Some of my favorites are: Frank Peretti, Jenny B. Jones, Bill Myers, Ted Dekker, John Grisham, J.K. Rowling, Lowis Lowry, Nicholas Sparks, Cathy Gohlke, Tolkein, Lewis, and Melody Carlson.

What is your favorite genre(s)?

Fantasy.

What are/is your favorite book(s)?

Lord of the Rings, To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, This Present Darkness, Blink, Harry Potters, William Henry is a Fine Name, A Walk to Remember, Hunger Games.

What are/is your favorite Scripture verse(s)?

John 3:16, Galatians 5: 22-23, 1 Cor. 11:1, Ephesians 2:10, the entire book of James.

Tell us a little about your book Replication: The Jason Experiment.

Replication: The Jason Experiment is about a girl named Abby, who is forced to move to rural Alaska when her father unexpectedly takes a job in a remote laboratory called Jason Farms. Suspicious of her father’s decisions, she investigates and finds more than what she was looking for when a strange boy shows up at her door. Martyr, one of fifty-five identical clones, escaped from the underground lab at the farm with one wish: to see the sky before he fulfills his purpose and “expires” on his eighteenth birthday. Abby tries to help Martyr see that God has a purpose for his life, one that is different from the one the scientists originally planned for him.

Were you trying to get a specific message across in Replication? If so, what?

I want readers to consider that God is real and that he has a purpose for every life on this planet.

Why did you pick Alaska as the main setting?

I chose Alaska as the location for my cloning lab because Alaska is a place where many people move to disappear. And it’s a vast enough state that a cloning lab would be easy to miss. Plus I grew up there, so I thought it would be fun.

What character was easiest for you to write about? Why?

Martyr for sure. He is smart and kind, but totally naïve about the world outside the lab. So he questions things like colors and animals and marriage, but doesn’t hesitate to stand up for what he believes is right. And it was fun to write his loving, selfless character in comparison with Abby’s by the book, it-has-to-be-my-way personality. Martyr sure showed her a thing or two.

What character was hardest for you to write about? Why?

Abby was the most difficult because I wanted people to like her but she was whiny and a know it all. I hope that her journey helped people identify with her in some way.

Are you currently writing another book now? If so, what is it about?

Right now I’m working on the first book in a dystopian trilogy. Book one is called Captives, and it’s the story of three brothers who are taken captive by their enemies and forced to live in a strange land.

Are there any additional thoughts you would like to add?

Come find me online. My website is: http://jillwilliamson.com/

And my Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/jwilliamsonwrites


Jill Williamson has also offered to *giveaway* a copy of her book! Just Follow this blog and comment (with your email address please. If you have already have followed this blog just comment :) below to have a chance to win! (Winner will be notified Saturday 17th. Giveaway ends Friday 16th! If you do not respond within 1 month you will forfeit to the next runner up!)

The Maze Runner Review!

THE MAZE RUNNER (book 1 of the maze runner trilogy) by JAMES DASHNER

Movie Rating: PG-13
Book Rating: @@@@@
Swearing: Maybe 2 instances of the h-word (mostly the author made up his own slang in place of swear words such as 'shuck-face')
Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian
Inappropriate Scenes: a guys calls dibs on the girl. that's it.
Published By: Delacorte Press

Back Blurb:

     When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is empty. But he's not alone. When the lift's door opens, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got the Glade. All they know is that every morning of every day, for as long as anyone can remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, for just as long, they've closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the Maze after dark. The Gladers were expecting Thomas's arrival. But the next day, a girl is sent up--the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surround the Glade, they might find their way home...wherever that may be. But it's looking more and more as if the Maze is unsolvable. And something about the girl's arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers--if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.
Everything is going to change....

My Review:

    If you have a teenager who loves good clean sci-fi/dystopian books, you might just want to check out The Maze Runner. Thomas has been thrown into the Glade with about 50 other boys. Some like him; some don't. Anyway ever since Thomas shows up things have started going haywire. A girl shows up with a mysterious message, boys are going crazy and trying to kill people, and the worst, the Maze doors refuse to shut leaving them to the horrors of the Maze. Superbly written! New York Times bestselling author  James Dashner has also made it to my Top 10 Favorite Authors List. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat constantly turning page after page to find what happens next. Check out the official trailer below. *I thought it was kinda creepy. The book isn't as creepy.* :)

Divergent Review!

DIVERGENT by VERONICA ROTH

Movie Rating: PG-13 for violence, graphic images, and romance

Book Rating: @@@@@
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction

Time Frame: Futuristic
Page Number: 487 (Hardcover)

Swearing: 4 instances of the h-word
Inappropriate scenes: A girl is caught with her bath towel off but it doesn't go into detail

Published By: Katherine Tegen Books

Back Blurb:     

      In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago society is divided into 5 factions dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue---Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is---she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
     During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are---and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden
from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves.......or it might destroy her. ONE CHOICE decides your friends. ONE CHOICE defines your beliefs. ONE CHOICE  determines your loyalties---forever. ONE CHOICE CAN TRANSFORM YOU.

My Review:     
     Divergent is one of the bestest debut books I have ever read! As soon as you pick it up and read it you are thrust into a world of division. Everything and everyone is divided. Everything they do is different. And if you aren't as divided as others you will die. It's was very nice to read a dystopian book where the govenment doesn't control everyone and everything they do. I do wish that Veronica would have toned down the romance and put action in it's place. And everything the Dauntless do just seems to be dumb instead of brave. When I started reading the book I got confused will all the different factions and had to constantly refer to the back blurb to figure out which was which but, still this was a great book that every one (who likes blood shed and violence) will enjoy!

Replication Review

Well, it's Book Review Friday again! And I got another review for you! YAY!!! (I'm finally getting back on schedule...) Today review is for...*drum roll*...Replication!

REPLICATION by JILL WILLIAMSON

Movie Rating: PG (for minimum violence and some kissing)
Book Rating: @@@@@
Genre: Science Fiction
Time Frame: Contemporary
Page Number: 287--Not including the discussion guide (Hardcover)
Swearing: none
Inappropriate scenes: none
Published By: Zondervan

Back Blurb:
       MARTYR--otherwise known as Jason 3:3--is one of many clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to "expire" in less that a month. To see the sky.
       Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has the feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars.
        As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures--the one for which he was produced, and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he's ever known.

WHEN YOUR LIFE IS NOT YOUR OWN

My Review:
     I really enjoyed (no, LOVED) Jill Williamson's book 'By Darkness Hid' (check it out some time, seriously)so when I got the chance to review her book in my favorite genre (Science Fiction, btw) I was soooooo happy! This book ROCKED! Follow Martyr a.k.a. Jason 3:3 and Abby Goyer as they try to thwart the evil scientists from creating (and killing) a whole race of clones made for one purpose. The Purpose? I can't tell you that. I give away to much. ;) But I will say this-you will NOT be disappointed. If you are a HUGE Sci-fi fan (like me) definitely check this book out! Jill Williamson is an AWESOME writer!!! (I hope there's a sequel...) :P

Check out Chapter One of the book in the trailer below: