Please help me welcome talented author, Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie, to the segment, Interview an Author.  Thank you, Kristy, for stopping by to share your book with me and my readers.

1.     When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Like a lot of authors, I wrote early on. Before I realized how hideous my voice was (and is!). I wrote song lyrics and I’d record myself on a Sharp pink boom box.

2.  Has your background in education and media influenced you to write?

That’s a difficult question! If I could turn back time, I wouldn’t have majored in psychology or school counseling. Instead, I would have majored in Journalism, English Literature, Creative Writing, or something related. That’s why I’ve decided to return to school, yet again, for a School Library Media degree.

3.  I noticed on your blog that you love to travel. What is your favorite place to visit?

I love traveling to new places but my favorite place is the beach, especially Florida beaches.

4.  Where is your favorite place to live?

Each summer I visit my grandparents who live in central Florida, and I absolutely love it.

5.     Please share the title of your book and a synopsis of it?

Jaded, YA Thriller

Jade has spent her entire life within the confines of the eye-color-obsessed Nirvana commune. She dreams of experiencing freedom but travel to the Outside is forbidden. Besides, she’s a dutiful daughter who never breaks the rules. As her seventeenth birthday approaches, however, she realizes just how little she wants to follow the commune rules. She doesn’t want to undergo another eye color surgery, or immediately choose a life partner, or follow her parents’ life paths of teaching or wine making. In fact, her green eyes suit her just fine; she’s never even been on a date, and she’s passionate about photography. And yet, she’s resigned to do as she’s told because it’s easier for her to close her eyes and follow orders.
Her Grandmother Ruby’s murder is the catalyst that causes Jade to open her eyes wide for the first time in her life. She’s devastated yet determined to find the killer and their motive. With help from her mysterious friend Tyrian, and Peaches, the commune leader’s sweet daughter, Jade unearths dark secrets which include her mother’s illicit affair, her maternal grandparents’ escape from Nirvana, and a plethora of murders. To make matters worse, someone is hell bent on ending Jade’s mission for the truth, and that someone is most likely the killer.
Jade can’t continue conforming to an evil society and yet she fears the Outside is just as corrupt. If she resolves to flee and is caught, the punishment is banishment to the slave cabins…and blinding.
Although Jaded is considered a young adult dystopian novel, adults will be able to relate to Jade’s plight.

6.     What inspires you to write?

Everything! I’m convinced I have ADHD. I have scraps of paper everywhere with story ideas.

7.    What do you like to do in your spare time besides writing?

I’m a bit of a workaholic, so most of my spare time (when I’m not at work) is spent on classwork, blogging, reading and reviewing. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, wine tastings, listening to music, and of course, traveling.

8.    What project are you currently working on?

Hunted, the sequel to Jaded

9.     Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share?

I’d like to encourage everyone to Keep Calm and Create! Thanks so much, Janice!

10.    Please share your links to purchase your book and other links to connect with you.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00II0UUSQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristy.feltenbergergillespie?filter=3

Keep Calm & Write On: http://kristyfgillespie.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KFGillespie

It was such a pleasure to learn more about you and your book, Kristy.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Please come back again to share any new projects you have with me and my readers.

Thank you readers and supporters for stopping by to read about another amazing author.

Thought for the Day:  Read a good book today and feed your imagination!

REMEMBER: READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY!