I was introduced to Sophie Jordan by way of the Avon Fanlit contest back in 2006. She was then, a fairly new author, with her sophomore book, TOO WICKED TO TAME just hitting the bookshelves. I was in the thick of the contest and reading blogs posted by Avon authors, and hers was one that I read. Intrigued with the premise of the book, I bought it and read it in one sitting and returned to her post to tell her how much I absolutely LOVED it–she was now an auto-buy for me. Sophie told me I made her day. 😀 Then the following year, we met in Dallas at the RWA National Conference. She remembered me and graciously invited me to the Avon party–I know, she’s incredibly sweet. She was also pregnant at the time.

A year later, when I sold SINFUL SURRENDER to Kensington, Sophie supplied me with a quote. I recently met up with her again in Orlando, where I met her dashingly handsome husband and caught up on all the good news. Suffice it to say, I quite adore Sophie. She’s good people.:)

~**~**~

You were already writing historicals as Sophie Jordan and paranormals as Sharie Kohler, what drew you to YA?

I guess I’m a writer foremost. Meaning that I don’t feel limited by genres. I read across genres, so it was no surprise when I got the YA itch. 😉 I was reading a lot of young adult fiction in my leisure time (which isn’t much, I confess!). Quite simply, it didn’t take me long to start fantasizing about my own storylines.
Can you tell us a bit about FIRELIGHT?
Well, the summary says it best:

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will’s dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She’ll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

If you had to say the readers of such and such author would probably enjoy FIRELIGHT, which author would that be?

It’s hard to name specific authors. It’s really a book that should cross genres. YA readers, particularly readers of Twilight, should enjoy it. But any faithful romance reader should like it, too. It has all the passion and adventure of a romance novel. Paranormal fans should get into the world building aspect, too.

I heard some very exciting news about FIRELIGHT’s film option being sold. Can you give us any details?
Coincidentally, the announcement just went out in Variety on Monday! FIRELIGHT has been optioned by film. It’s very exciting! I’ve spoken with the producers and they’re very enthusiastic. You can read all the juicy details in the announcement here:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118024363.html?categoryId=4026&cs=1

~~~

~~~

Instead of asking you about your call story, I want to ask your “You hit the New York Times Bestseller list” call. Who told you and what was that like to hear that? Did you do anything fun to celebrate?

It was pretty great because it really was unexpected. I had no hopes or anticipation of hitting the NY Times … I mean why would I? It never happened before!

I was sitting at my daughter’s gymnastics when my editor called. She couldn’t get much out before the call dropped!! This happened two or three times. All I heard her say was “I have some super news!” Then, click! Finally, I stood outside and she called again and said those fateful words … I was like OMG, OMG, OMG! I might have even thrown in a very Princess Diaries-esque “shut-up!” It was wonderful! And I definitely didn’t cook dinner that night! We had our favorite take-out and followed up a couple nights later with a big evening out with close friends to celebrate. Good times. 🙂

What is your writing schedule like? I’m wondering how you’re juggling writing all three genres.

Um, insane? LOL!
I write an average of 5-10 pages a days. Some days this falls short. I do have two young children and their needs often take precedence. I’m accustomed to stopping a project halfway through if revisions or edits come in for another book, then I’ll work on that steadily and get it out the door and return to the WIP manuscript. It’s doable. I just don’t really get any prolonged breaks. When I finish a book I might give myself one day, then it’s back to the keyboard.

What’s next up after FIRELIGHT? Can you tell us anything about the next book?

Well, I’m finished revisions on the second Firelight novel – some major shocks and twists in store for the second book. Once those revisions are complete, I’ll return to the historical romance I have in progress that’s pretty close to completion.
My next actual book releasing is WICKED NIGHTS WITH A LOVER. It hits shelves Dec. 1.

Yes, speaking of your historical, WICKED NIGHTS WITH A LOVER…can you tell us a little about it? I hate to wait on anything. LOL.

It’s a book I’ve wanted to write for a long time – about a woman who learns she only has months to live. I always wanted to write this scenario with a historical heroine, but had to figure out a viable way to do it. They didn’t exactly have the medical capabilities of today in the 1850’s.
When I figured out a way to make it work, I dove right in. It’s all the more entertaining to watch the heroine, Marguerite, strive to “live up” her final days because she’s a woman bound by the conventions of her time. Of course she’s has to have that grand romance before she goes. It’s at the top of her list.

I see you’ve been doing many more book signings for FIRELIGHT. Do you have anymore? Where are you off to next?

Well, since you asked … I just returned from San Antonio where I had a book signing and school event. I’ve already done two signings in the Houston area where I live. I have one more Houston signing ahead of me and several school visits.
But on Friday of this week, I leave for Phoenix and Chicago – I’ll be touring in both cities for several days. Following that I get a short spell at home, and then I’m off again book touring Dallas, Austin and San Francisco. I’m so grateful for the opportunity my publisher is giving me to visit with readers around the country.

~**~**~

I want to thank Sophie so much for stopping by and chatting about FIRELIGHT and all the wonderful things that are going on in her life right now. And don’t worry, Sophie isn’t coming empty handed, she’s giving away an autographed copy of FIRELIGHT (a lovely hardcover) to one lucky commenter.

AvonYoung Adult
By Authors, Avon Books, Giveaways, Interviews49 Comments on FIRELIGHT – Sophie Jordan’s Young Adult Debut

49 Replies to “FIRELIGHT – Sophie Jordan’s Young Adult Debut”

  1. Sins Of A Wicked Duke and In Scandal They Wed are two of my favorites. I’m so excited to see Sophie here. Congrats on the release of Firelight and the movie. That’s wonderful. I haven’t read YA in a very long time but I am definitely waiting to read Firelight and also Wicked Nights With A Lover. Both covers are beautiful. Sophie, how many books have you planned to follow Firelight ? It’s indeed a pleasure to see you here. Thank you Beverley, you spoil us so. 🙂
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  2. I’m not a huge fan of YA but I have to admit that the premise of Firelight sounds interesting. I like the cover. The girl with the red hair fits the theme so well.

  5. Lovely interview. I have to say i’ve been a fan of YA books for a very long time. Though as i’ve grown older some themes in them have grown tiresome and has lost my interest. Firefly though doesn’t sound like one of them. I love fantasy themed YA and sometimes these can hold my attention more than any other kind of book. ^^

  7. I’m not a huge fan of YA books, but I love your historicals. However, I think I’ll make an exception for ‘Firelight’. Congratulations on the film option too.

    Something I have often wondered about is how does a book attract the attention of the film industry? Is it an agressive agent who believes a particular book would make a good film? Or are there film industry scouts out there reading books and making offers? Inquiring minds just want to know…..LOL

  8. Hi there Sophie. Really big fan of your historical romances and I love YA so I can’t wait to get my hands on Firelight. It looks great! Congrats on it being optioned to become a movie. That’s awesome! Also, congrats on being a New York Times Bestseller. Can’t wait to read you new historical and Firelight. Have a great day. 🙂

  11. Yes, it does sound good. I’m looking forward to reading it! And hopefully seeing it on the big screen 🙂

  12. Thanks for your warm welcome and well wishes, everyone! It’s so nice to hear that you all follow my romance novels!

    There a 3 books planned for the Firelight series.

    And to Karen’s questions, a book scout took the arc of Firelight to Mandalay (she did this on her own) – we also had other interest as well. I think the early buzz about Firelight helped. It was featured at Book Expo of America last May. In general, a lot of film options are being picked up in regards to YA. It’s a hopping genre and Hollywood wants to get in on it.

    The romance angle of my book doubtlessly helped. As did the adventure aspect and the paranormal theme. That’s all hot right now, too. And of course, I just felt there was movie potential in this book from the start. Every scene felt “big”, if that makes sense. I could see it very cinematically in my mind as I wrote.

  13. well, I’m not sure if this is international, but if it is, enter me! 😀 I’ve heard of nothing but great reviews for this book and urging us to buy this! D:

  15. I would love to win this book! It has to be something if even film industry is interested in making the movie 🙂
    Please enter me if the contest is international.

  16. How I wish I could read Firelight. All of my friends have already read it, and since I haven’t I tell them to shut their lovely mouth (lol) because

  18. I really enjoyed Firelight and I can’t wait for the sequel… and more! I am totally pumped about the movie being optioned. Lets hope it makes it all the way to filming! I have already passed Firelight on to a few friends and they loved it too. I might not ever see my original copy again… haha. Great interview and thanks for sharing! seescootread[at]gmail[dot]com

  19. Hi Sophie,
    I’m looking forward to reading Firelight, I love the dragon shifter premise. And congrats on the movie option, I’d love to see that movie.
    After hearing about Wicked Nights With a Lover, wow, I really want to read that book. I want to see how that whole story pans out, it sounds fabulous.

  20. Exciting to hear about the movie deal so soon after the book’s release. I would love to read it. The plot sounds super interesting and exactly the type of novel I like to read. Thanks!

  21. Since I enjoy almost all genres, I think it’s great that you like to write different ones. A one stop author lol. I enjoyed the intereview.

  22. Great interview. Sophie is a new author to me.I’ll have to check out more of her books.Firelight sounds really good.

  23. I finished Firelight last night and it was beyound amazing! I could not put it down and read it in one sitting!!! Sophie where has this story been all my life? LOL Anyways Congrats on the film info!! This is the first I have heard of the movie option (can we saw squeel?) I will be on my toes waiting for the next Firelight. It simply cant come soon enough!

    I just posted a review of firlight this morning too (I promise no spoilers) if anyone is interested 🙂

    http://bringmeanotherbook.blogspot.com/2010/09/firelight-by-sophie-jordan.html

  26. Loved your interview, Sophie! Firelight sounds like an interesting book, and it’s great that it will become a movie also. You are a new author for me, and I look forward to reading your books. I especially love historicals.

  27. I really liked the interview and I really hope she can at some point make it to the Twin Cities of MN. I plan to read this book after i am done with what I am currently reading now. Havent picked it up yet but really want to. Im glad its going to have a 2nd book as well because i really like series books.

    ♥Nikkii♥

  28. I’ve enjoyed quite a few YA books and often pick them up for my own YA’s.

    Looks like someone is going to be a lucky winner!!!

    Valerie
    in Germany

  34. I have seen this book all over the internet. It sounds really good. Ones of the ones I want to read. Great cover. I did not realize you also wrote historicals too. That book has a great cover too.

  37. Great interview. I love authors who can transcend into multiple genres. This book looks like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.

  39. I am definitely intrigued with Firelight and also can’t wait for Wicked Nights with a Lover. Thanks for the great interview.

  42. I have wanted to read this book since first hearing about it months ago. The cover is wonderful – lovely and perfect. I am still waiting for our library to get it in.
    It sounds like a series I will enjoy. Good luck with the release of WICKED NIGHTS WITH A LOVER and the next book in this series.

  44. Hi, Sophie! I enjoy your historicals and your paranormals, as well. The buzz about Firelight has been fantastic—can’t wait to read it! And congrats on it being optioned for film. Very cool!

  45. I love dragon books and I’ve been hearing the buzz about this one for awhile so I’ll have to check it out. The new historical that you are working on sounds great also. I’ll be looking forward to that one.

  48. I’ve heard such wonderful things about this book! I love Sophie’s adult paranormal series (under the Sharie Kohler pen name) so I can only imagine how awesome this one is going to be!!

Comments are closed.