New Adult Month Interview and Giveaway: Kristie Cook

1. What is NA to you? To me, New Adult books are typically stories where the protagonist is in his or her late-teens to mid-twenties. The ages aren’t exactly set in stone, but it represents that time in life when we all begin to really take charge of our own lives and experience the excitement, joy, and scariness of making big life decisions for the first time. It’s that first apartment, first ‘real’ job, first ‘adult’ relationship. 
2. New Adult: Genre or Category? New Adult is more of a category. Any genre can fit into the NA category: paranormal, sci-fi, horror, whatever. As long as the characters are at the right life stage, any genre can work.
3. What made you want to write for NA? I didn't set out to write NA – in fact, the NA label didn't even exist then. I wrote a story with a protagonist starting college. I loved that age and time in life but more importantly, it's what worked for the story. I queried the book and was told no one wanted to read about characters that age and they'd reconsider if I changed her to either YA or Adult. The change didn't make sense at all for the story – that book or the rest of the series. That's when I decided to self-publish, back when it was a huge career risk. I'm glad I did! I love my stories and I really love writing NA. 
4. What do you see for the future of NA? Now that NA has really come into its own, I see it continuing to grow and really become parallel to what YA is for teenage protagonists.
5. What do you love most about writing NA? I love being able to get back inside the heads of eighteen to twenty-somethings. It's one of the best times in life! There’s so much power and excitement when you're making adult decisions—and dealing with the consequences—without being bogged down with all of the big adult worries like mortgages, career changes, kids' futures, retirement, etc. And it's one of life's phases where the most change happens, which is really what a story is about – the decisions, consequences, and changes a character makes.
6. What NA books would you recommend to readers? Well, to get a taste of my work, along with that of four other amazing NA authors, I’d recommend that readers check out Curses, Fates & Soul Mates, a box set featuring five full-length NA paranormal novels for 99 cents!
7. What writing tips would you give to aspiring writers? Never give up on yourself—all of us start out writing crap and continue to do so no matter how many books we have out. It takes revisions and solid editing to make a great book. Keep writing. Keep editing. Keep doing what it takes to reach your goals. Failure only comes when you quit. But most of all, have fun! Live your purpose and your passion.
8. Would you like to share something about your book? I’m currently working on The Space Beyond, Part 2 in The Book of Phoenix series. Part 1, The Space Between, is available as a stand-alone book or as a part of the Curses, Fates & Soul Mates box set I mentioned earlier. The series is NA Paranormal Romance—but it’s unlike anything you’ve ever read before. The twist really surprises readers when they find out what makes the characters special. I can’t wait until everyone can read Part 2.
9. What gave you the idea for your book? Well, it all started with a dream that my husband had. Once he me about it, I couldn't stop thinking of the place, the people who would be involved, etc. My mind wandered and before long, a story was born.
10. Where can readers find your books? My books are available on Amazon, iBooks, Nook, and Kobo, and can also be requested at brick and mortar bookstores.

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