June 21, 2012

Interview with author of This Is Not A Test, Courtney Summers + Giveaway!




1. Tell us a little about This Is Not A Test.

THIS IS NOT A TEST is about six teens trapped in their high school during the zombie apocalypse, told through the eyes of a girl who doesn't want to live.

2. This Is Not A Test has some very intense moments. Did you find it hard to write certain scenes in the book?

Thank you! It's difficult to answer this question without giving anything away... so I'll be vague. :) The last one hundred pages were a kind of emotional whirlwind to write because so many big things were happening.

3. Which character was the most fun for you to write?

I loved writing Trace because he has no filter--he says and does whatever he wants.

4. Which character was the HARDEST for you to write?

Each character presented their own sets of challenges while writing them but overall, the hardest character for me to write was probably Sloane. She processes her situation so much more differently than the people she's stuck with. I had to be sure that even though her perspective might not be relatable, where she was coming from was understood. It was a tough balance at times.

5. What message do you hope readers take from This Is Not A Test?

That's entirely up to them! :)

6. Will there be more to Sloane and Rhys's story? Or is this the end for them?

If I never write another zombie novel, I'm satisfied where things leave off in THIS IS NOT A TEST. But I don't know that I'll never write another zombie novel...

7. Can you share a sneak peek of one of your FAVORITE scenes in This Is Not A Test with our followers?

This is a cheat because it's not really a sneak peek or a scene! One of my favourite parts of THIS IS NOT A TEST is its opening chapter, which is available to read on my website (http://courtneysummers.ca/this-is-not-a-test-excerpt/). I really enjoyed delving into the zombie chaos!

Thanks for having me on your blog!

-- Thank you Courtney for stopping by! I love This Is Not A Test and I really hope we get a sequel. :-)


You can find Courtney Summers...


You can read my review of This Is Not A Test here

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Giveaway:

We have ONE copy of This Is Not A Test to share with one lucky follower.

About This Is Not A Test...
It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self.


To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live.


But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside.


When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?


*US Only
*Must be 13 or older to enter.
*Follow Rafflecopter below to enter.
*Winner will be announced one week from today on our Facebook and Twitter page.
*Winner has 48 hours to respond to our e-mail or a new winner will be chosen.



86 comments:

  1. I can't wait to read this book! It really does sound intense. :)

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    1. It is! I really liked it. It got me a bit emotional and I love books that can really touch me. I hope you like it!

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  2. thanks for the interview!! You know, I am anxius to read this, since it is about Zombies and in the point of view of a girl who doesn't want to live. That can be very interesting. I have YET to read a Zombie book *gasp* I know...hopefully this will be my first!

    thanks
    Michele Luker
    GFC
    jmluker at vhtmail dot net

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  3. I can't wait to be introduced to Trace - I love characters that are snarky and their filter is non-existent!

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  4. ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!!! How interesting. I love this book's cover. I have an ARC of this book, but never actually got the chance to read it (hmmm... now I have a book to read!). This interview is short and sweet, I like it! So I'm guessing this isn't part of a series, if you don't want to write another zombie apocalypse novel? That's okay. I look forward to whatever else you write, Courtney!
    Thanks for the interview and giveaway!!!

    Alyssa Susanna

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  5. Excellent interview. I want this book! I'll fill out the choppy copter thing.

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  6. Zombie's! Wow I've read a few books about them and I really enjoyed them. I definitely want to read this book. Great interview!

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  7. I'm really looking forward to reading this. When I first read the summary, I was confused as to why Sloane was "okay" with the world ending, and it really peaked my interest. I can't imagine anything more depressing/scary than a zombie apocalypse. I like how the author made Sloane relatable, even though we may not agree with her views as readers.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  8. AH! I never read any zombie books, but from the interview it sounds like an emotional ride, especially since the main POV doesn't want to live. I HAVE TO READ THIS NOW! Awesome interview! =)

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  9. I usually avoid zombie books but I have been eying this one for awhile now. I think after reading the interview I will definitely give it a chance!
    Great interview!

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  10. I don't read a ton of zombie books but I'll admit with all the blurb about this one I might just have to try it! Thanks for the lovely interview!

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  11. Yes I love me a good zombie book. I love Rhiannon Frater so it looks like I should add Ms. Summers to my TBR pile.
    Thanks for the interview!

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  12. Great interview! This is at the top of my TBR list and I can't wait to read it. Yay Zombies!

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  13. I love that there is a chapter online it make me want to read the book more.

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  14. Can't wait to read this. I love zombie stories. This sounds a lot different from your average zombie story though. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  15. Great interview! I've been wanting to read this one. Zombies! Woot!

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  16. Great interview, thanks for sharing! I can't wait to read this book, have been eager since I first heard about it. I love reading zombie books and can't wait to read Courtney's. Congrats to Courtney on publishing this book!

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  17. I'm curious about the intense moments! :) Can't wait to read this.

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  18. I can't wait to read this. Zombie stories and intense moments? That's what I'm talking about (:

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  19. Great interview with Courtney Summers. I've heard great things about this author and her books. This is one i've had on my 'to read' pile. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  20. I heard a lot of great things about this book! I can't wait to read it. Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  21. Such a great interview. I really adore Courtney!! She's such a sweetie. I really loved Fall For Anything :)

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  22. Can't wait to read this one. I have read so many raving reviews!

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  23. The cover looks interesting and I can tell that the ending is one of those "hold your breath" types!

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  24. It's so cool that Courtney really gets into each character's perspective and interesting that Sloane was so unique:)

    Thanks so much:)

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    1. Enjoyed reading the comments and the book sounds really good.
      JWIsley@aol.com

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  25. I haven't read this book yet but I'd really like to soon =)

    ~Paige @ Comfort Books

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  26. I can't wait to read This Is Not A Test. The first chapter was so good, I'm gonna have to buy it so I can read the rest!

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  27. I'm going to have to check out that first chapter!!

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  28. I love zombie books, especially if the focus is on the characters that are alive and not the dead. I'll be interested to see how Sloane's perspective is handled.
    Jennelle

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  29. Fantastic interview! I can't wait to read this book now!

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  30. This story sounds awesome, it's going on my wish list.

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  31. The cover caught my attention then the Bourbon and interview only made it more enticing. I want to read this book!

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  32. It's always nice to learn more about the author behind the book. I've heard such wonderful things about This Is Not A Test and can't wait to read it for myself :-)

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  33. I am dying to read this book...have seen nothing but rave reviews. I cant wait to read it!!!!!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!!

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  34. I love characters with no filter, so I bet I will love Trace. I can't wait to read this book, and thanks for the giveaway! :D

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  35. I love this concept! I can only imagine, being a teen with 5 other folks in a limited concrete space. What a nightmare! I can tell I'm going to like Trace, though. :)

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  36. I am beyond excited for this book. I loved reading Fall For Anything! Everything I read about this book draws me in even more. Just can't wait.

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  37. I need to read this book! I've heard such great reviews for it. I can't wait to read it!

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  38. Considering how bad my time in High School was, this book would be a walk in the park. I grew up in BROOKLYN... LOL

    But I would love to win a copy to enjoy and pass to my kids.

    NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. this sounds like a really great book, and i've heard such good reviews of it! i can't wait to read it : )

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  40. This book sounds awesome!
    -JennyC

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  41. Thanks for the interview, now I have to get this book! After reading all the great reviews, and now I know the last hundred pages are intense...hmmm :)

    Thanks for this awesome giveaway!

    mgutierrez254[at]yahoo.com

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  42. Great interview! I don't read a lot of zombie books, but this sounds like it will be very good! :D

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  43. I have been waiting for this book for months. I would be really sad if Courtney didnt write another zombie book. cant wait to read this

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  44. This book sounds great. I love the that the perspective is different, instead of being from someone who wants to live, its from who wants to die...WOW :D

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  45. This is one that I must read. Ever since I saw Return of the Night of The Living Dead, I've read nearly every zombie book and this one sounds like a sure winner.

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  46. Oh, wow! This sounds like a fun twist on both the school story and the zombie tale - can't wait to read it!

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  47. This book sounds so interesting! I love how the Zombie genre is coming out with awesome new reads! I can't wait to read this one!

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  48. I love dystopia and am just starting to read ones where zombies are added. Can't wait to read this one!

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  49. Great interview! I love apocalyptic zombie stories :)

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  50. This book looks awesome but it also sounds very intense. Hope I can handle it!!

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  51. I have seen This is not a Test a lot recently, and I am embarrassed to admit that I thought it was a contemporary fiction novel. Yeah, I am hiding my flaming cheeks from view right now. OBVIOUSLY, I was very much mistaken. Zombies. Yeah, so, now that I know my boo boo I can honestly say that I am psyched for this book. After reading your author interview, I am even more stoked. I like that Courtney Summers wants the reader to take whatever message they want from the book and that she isn't trying to force one certain message. I think, if that happens, it can sometimes take away from a book. So, thank you for the interview and the giveaway! So excited to read this book, win or lose!

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  52. Zombies! Yes! And I hope there is more of the two love birds. :D

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  53. i love zombie stories...this one sounds soo good, i will have to add it to my book list. Great interview=)

    ansindt@ hotmail.com

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  54. I don't think i'd want to be around a Zombie infested world either! Sounds really good!

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  55. Great interview! I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  56. Great interview, guys! This book seems like the kind of book that would get me invested in the narrative, and the characters...and I like books that can bring up emotions within me, so I really look forward to reading it! :D

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  57. I would love to know what made Courtney kinda stray from her norm and go with the whole Zombie Apocalypse thing.

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  58. Thanks for the great interview! I've had my eyes on this book for awhile now and will definitely pick it up soon :)

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  59. This sounds really good! I have a new love for Zombie books and am eager to read this one. Thank you for the chance to win! wendynjason04@gmail dot com

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  60. I can't wait to read this. I've heard so much about Sloane and it will be refreshing to read such a unique perspective. Great interview!

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  61. Great interview! I haven't read a good zombie book in a while, this sounds right up my alley. Especially Sloane, love this quote "She processes her situation so much more differently than the people she's stuck with." She sounds interesting.

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  62. Sounds like a great read. I think Courtney may have more zombie books in her future. :)

    Les Johnson

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  63. I am normally not a fan of zombie anything, but I am absolutely looking forward to reading this book. It's definitely on my TBR list.
    Tracy Awalt Juliano

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  64. I think I'll love meeting Trace! No filter? Haha, sounds like my type of character. Awesome interview! <3 :)

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  65. I don't normally read zombie books, but the positive reviews for this book have put in on my radar.

    The opening chapters of a book are usually good teasers!

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  66. I haven't read any books about zombies but I like the sound of this one! What an interesting perspective to tell it from someone who doesn't want to live! I can't wait to read it!

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  67. I really want to read this book. It sounds very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  68. I love a good zombie story. But, good and fresh zombie stories are hard to come by. This Is Not a Test sounds pretty unique though. I'm really excited to get my hands on this book! I really want to see what kind of characters Courtney Summers created and how they approach the zombie apocalypse!

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  69. A full book. No cliffies! Oh and This is Not a Test... I want to read this! I will! :) Thanks for the chance to win it!

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  70. I've never read a Summers book before, but from what I've heard of this one, I need to change that stat!

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  71. love books about zombies!! Thanks! Gale

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  72. I am anxiously waiting for the library to add this so that I can nab it!! =) Very excited to read this YA zombie novel!

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  73. I'm loving the whole zombie thing! Can't wait to get my hands on this one.

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  74. I've bee reading some awesome reviews for this book...it sounds really awesome. Thanks for the giveaway! :-D

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  75. Very nice interview. Sounds like an interesting book.

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  76. Great interview! This Is Not A Test sounds like a fantastic read!

    Thanks for another amazing giveaway!
    elizabeth @ bookattict . com

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  77. I really enjoyed the interview!!
    Lisa Hackney

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  78. I love zombie books and most of them are about survival, so I am interesting in reading from Sloane's POV. Thanks for the interview.

    the imagine tree at aol dot com

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  79. great interview!
    great giveaway
    follow via gfc
    drakebdog@gmail.com

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  80. Wow, how have I NEVER heard about this book? I can't wait to read this!

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  81. Great interview and with the coming Zombie Apocalypse you need to prepare by reading all the books you can get your hands on :)I can't wait to meet these six teens trapped together in what may will be the end of the world for them.

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