Featured Author & Giveaway: Sara Gaines

While growing up in Kentucky, Sara Gaines could never find the books she could really identify with and get lost in. Rather than just hoping for them to appear for other young women, she eventually decided to start writing them. Her first novel, Noble Falling, was published soon after she graduated from Oberlin College in 2012. After a brief stint working and trying new food in China, she currently lives and writes near Cleveland.

Connect with Sara Gaines on Twitter @Sara_D_Gaines or visit her website: http://saragaines.com.

Q&A with Author Sara Gaines:

1. Tell us about your cover design. Is there any symbolism from the story reflected in the cover?
   
   Absolutely. Noble Falling features the silhouette of a knife prominently displayed on a green background. As you’re reading, you start to understand that these are representative of the elements in the story that push the main character, Aleana, to grow. The two planned sequels will also have a similar design scheme to represent what is significant to Aleana during the course of that book. For example, the sequel I’m currently working on will have a quill on the cover once it’s printed (but no, I’m not telling you why).


2. What does your main character like to read (if anything)?
   
   Aleana would like reading more if she hadn’t been told to when she was younger and learning the things a proper noble should. She would have had a few pieces of fiction tucked around her home, yes, but I wouldn’t consider her an avid reader. Unfortunately for her, she realizes too late how vital the information on the kingdoms is and so she must scramble to learn what she can.


3. How do you research for your books?
   
   So much Googling. Due to the medieval-esque setting of my work, I end up researching everything from titles of nobility to foods available during a certain time of year. Still, I think the most random thing I searched (and spent far too much time learning about considering I don’t think the information will be included) was how to raise chickens.


4. Do you need music or noise when writing or does it have to be completely quiet?
   
   When I write, I’m almost always listening to production music (Two Steps From Hell is definitely my favorite company) or video game sound tracks (quite often, the ones from Skyrim or the Dragon Age games).


5. What season do you like to write your stories in most or do you love writing in all of them and why? (Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer)
   
   My personal favorite season is autumn, so that’s always enjoyable. However, I love writing other seasons because I get to explain how my characters react to them (it’s usually more fun if they hate the weather).


6. What would you like young readers to take away from your novels?
   
   That no matter what, people like them can be the hero(ine) of any story.

Now Available from Sara Gaines:

Noble Falling Duchess Aleana Melora of Eniva, future queen of Halvaria, is resigned to the gilded cage of her life, facing a loveless marriage to Tallak, the prospective king, and struggling under the pressure to carry on the family name despite her wish to find a woman to love.

When her convoy is attacked on the journey to Tallak's palace, Aleana is saved by her guard, Ori, only to discover her people have turned against her and joined forces with the kingdom of Dakmor, Halvaria's greatest enemy. Her only hope is to reach Tallak, but she and Ori don’t make it far before another attack and an unlikely rescue by Kahira, a Dakmoran woman banished from her kingdom for reasons she is hesitant to share.

Though Kahira is marked as a criminal, Aleana’s heart makes itself known. Aleana is facing danger and betrayal at every turn, and she fears giving in to her desires will mean she will enter her marriage knowing exactly the kind of passion she will never have as the Halvarian Queen—if she survives long enough to be crowned.

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Noble Falling Giveaway!

Sara Gaines has generously donated a free copy of Noble Falling for one lucky winner. To enter the drawing, please leave a comment below along with your email address. A winner will be selected on August 26th.