Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Author Interview with Jayson Dash



Blurb from Treacherous


It was the end of summer party, the beginning of senior year, and Holden just wanted to let loose with his buddies Nate and Danny. For Holden Cotillard, usually the definition of fun was doing extra credit projects for his AP chemistry class. For Danny Vanderbilt it meant selling dexies to his classmates. And to Nate Engel it meant practicing drill for his future as a naval officer. But on the way home, they cover up an accident. Just when they think it’s over, they all receive haunting threats from an anonymous source who intends to make them pay.

Holden distracts himself by striking up a friendship that could prove treacherous to his perfect academic record if he isn’t careful…

Danny may be the smartest drug dealer on campus but with the latest OD on Adderall, the principal is cracking down—and he’s not the only one watching Danny’s every move.

Nate just wants to be a Navy man. It doesn’t matter that his heart flutters for Alec every time he walks in a room—even if he’s dating his best friend.

What will it take to keep Holden, Danny, and Nate’s past in the dark? Who’s demented enough to want to see them harmed, frightened, or worse?


Interview Between Me and Jayson Dash



Me: Where did you get the idea for your book?

The idea for the book came to me when I was reading a book that ended so horribly I was so frustrated I decided to write my own ending. I eventually wrote my own book and I was so happy with it, I let others read it who agreed that I should publish it. I love the idea of teens in trouble, especially when they are the ones who put themselves there.


Me: Who are your favorite characters in your book and why?

I know I sound biased but I love the three main characters: Holden, Danny and Nate. I love Holden because he reminds me of a close friend who's always trying to do the right thing. Danny is my favorite because he has amazing one-liners and he doesn’t hold back. Nate, he’s just like me in so many ways. I like that he is kind-hearted and cares about everyone and even though he’s gay, he doesn’t let it be his defining trait.


Me: What themes does your book present?

The themes in my book are friendship, revenge, deception, secrecy and accountability. Wow, that’s a lot.


Me: Is this a series? If so, how many books do you have in it?

At the moment the book is a standalone with series potential, if I ever decided to revisit that world, which I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.


Me: What makes you choose to write young adult?

I think I chose to write young adult because there isn’t so much restriction as in adult books. Young adult is all about that innocent age where we’re a bit naïve to the world and that immaturity gets us in a lot of trouble. I like putting myself in the shoes of teens with really big problems to solve.


Me: What authors influence your writing?

Oh boy. J.K. Rowling’s awesomeness seeped into me when I was like 13, been hooked since. I love how Richelle Mead infuses humor into her books and it totally works because normally there isn’t much humor in fantasy/urban fantasy. Also, Amanda Hocking is my hero. If it wasn’t for her blog and books, I never would have taken the plunge to publish.


Me: Why do you think young adult books are so popular?

I think people like the escape and to be able to have these awesome adventures involving vampires or facing off with a stalker like my characters in Treacherous. Young adult has a lot of crossover appeal and it’s because people are seeing that the books aren’t just for teens anymore.


Me: How many books have you written?

So far, I’ve written about 7.


Me: Where do you see the young adult book market 10 years from now?

I’m pretty sure it may still be around. Who really knows? The publishing industry is so fickle.


Me: What makes your book different from other young adult books?

It’s because it’s not trying to be like any other YA book about a girl who falls for the bad boy with a dark secret. Although my main characters do have secrets, my book tackles many subjects that teens can relate to without being preachy. It’s fast-paced, tense at times and makes you a bit paranoid if you read before bed, haha!


Excerpt from Treacherous


Danny was on his way out of school when his phone was blowing up; everyone was asking questions like: Is it true? You got ratted out?! No more smart pills? Is this some joke? Are you kicked out? Know where I can score some pills?

Danny was somewhat relieved when he got a text from Holden. Yo, I hoped it wouldn’t come to this but I told you this was going to happen. I’m sorry.

No worries, bro, Danny texted back. This ain’t nothing. I’ll be straight.

Holden quickly texted back and made Danny laugh out loud: Ain’t isn’t a real word. Catch you later – if your dad doesn’t kill you.

Danny was about to tuck his phone in his pocket when his father called. Regretting not letting it go to voice mail, Danny answered it anyway. “Yes, Dad,” he answered. “I’m guessing by the tone of your voice that you’re not a very proud father at the moment.”

His father was practically screaming into the phone, and he had to hold it an inch away from his ear. “You better get your ass home IMMEDIATLEY! No hanging out with your friends at the mall, no nothing! Do you hear me, dammit?!”

“You got it.”

With a heavy sigh, he totally ignored his dad's wishes and decided he was going to stay at school and watch the cheerleaders practice. Then he watched Holden and the rest of the lacrosse team run up and down the field until it was dark. When he was ready to face his father, he headed towards the student parking lot. The lights were on and he was just a few feet away when he heard a voice say, “Grab him!”




 Author Bio 


I was born and raised in South Florida where I still reside. In my spare time I attempt to sing along to Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Adele and many more. I'm a big fan of the Spurs, like going out to movies and when I'm not writing, I like to read books by Richelle Mead, Ally Carter, and anything that keeps my attention longer than five pages. I'm currently in college for marine engineering. Writing has been a huge part of my life since as long as I can remember. I love writing stories and entertaining people with my wild imagination.


Links to Find the Author and His Books


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