Q&A with Aussie YA author Vanessa Garden

Today I’m absolutely delighted to host Aussie Young Adult author Vanessa Garden on the blog for a little Q&A session based on her latest book, Impulse, Book #2 in the Submerged Sun series!

 

 

When Miranda Sun returns to Marin on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, this time of her own free will, she quickly learns that her worst fears have been realised. The glittering underwater city is not as she had left it, nor too is Marko, the young king who has dominated her thoughts and heart for the last twelve months since leaving Marin.

Miranda, however, has not made the journey to Marin alone, and now must contend with not only Marko’s evil brother Damir but more surprisingly her sister Lauren who has an agenda of her own. Marko’s power begins to wane and with cracks beginning to show in the domed Utopian city, and veiled danger lurking everywhere, she quickly learns that in this dazzling city full of beautiful people she can trust no-one but herself.

If Miranda wants to survive, she must decide between the hardened sensibilities in her head and the hungers of her heart. Will her decision cause more heartache or can she help to save Marko’s throne?

1. What inspired Marin?

My inspiration for Marin comes from my love of the ocean and the fact that I’ve lived by the sea for all of my life. When I first envisioned Marko and Miranda (after hearing a song) I didn’t know anything about them, other than the fact they were someplace otherworldly and very beautiful. My first though was ‘they’re in a domed underwater City’ And the story just flowed from that moment on, right until ‘The End’.

2. What do you like best about Miranda and Marko’s relationship?

I love the fact that they are both so passionate, yet so guarded. It makes them have to work so much harder to break that guard down to see what truly lies within one another’s heart. They respect each other too. Both have warped views of their siblings, and yet no matter how difficult it is for them to understand each other’s views, they do try their best.

3. In an already diverse novel, what made you want to include a major disability for a major character?

To tell you the truth, when I write, nothing is intentional (when speaking of characters). Most of my characters are quite strong willed and start to carve their own path after they have been created. This character’s situation grew quite organically and I simply wrote it down. He is very dear to me, so it was actually quite difficult to write, but I love the fact that his disability doesn’t change who he is, and if anything, emphasises the greatness of his heart.

4. The Sun sisters’ relationship is put to the test in Impulse. What made you decide to include Lauren in the second instalment of Miranda’s story?

I always knew Lauren was always going to play a big part in the Submerged Sun series – she is the only immediate family member Miranda has left, and despite their vast differences, Miranda endeavours to love her and understand her no matter what – which is an extremely difficult task given the way her sister behaves on a daily basis!

But to tell you the truth, I could hardly wait to write Impulse and shake things up in Marin by bringing Lauren. She is a fun character to write!

5. Can you tell us anything about the planned prequel?

It’s not yet written, but I have plans to write Kraja’s story. She is ALWAYS on my mind and I can’t wait to delve into her past and tell her epic story.

6. Any hints as to what we can expect in Book #3? No spoilers!

Just expect a lot more drama, romance and danger. And chaos! Lots and lots of chaos!!!

Sounds like just what we want! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck with the new Submerged Sun book!

 Thanks for having me, Nemo! 🙂

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Find Vanessa on:

Her blog

Goodreads

Twitter

Thanks to Harlequin Teen and Vanessa for their time!

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