Moonlit
Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.
When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t.
But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?
Describe your main character in six words.
Farm girl with an epic past.
How did you come up with your character’s name?
My main character’s name went through an evolution as the plot deepened and thickened. The story is complex, so her name had to mean something that applied to her world. So I turned to the almighty Google to look for name meanings. Tanzy (or, Tansy, officially,) is a Greek name and means “eternal.” I changed the “s” to a “z,” and it was perfect.
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
Two realms co-exist on one stage
Can you share a teaser of Moonlit with our readers?
Of course! This scene is occurring a thousand years in the past. Through a dream state, Tanzy witnesses her first life as a girl named Spera:
23. Chains and crowns.
My eyes sting to the point of blurring, and as the new memory settles around us I’m sure I’m hallucinating, my mind no longer willing to accept the pain and darkness that chase Spera down like a rabbit. Because beauty like this can’t possibly be real. The round room is made of translucent crystal, which glows the softest gold as sunlight saturates the smooth stone. Four circular windows are carved into the cylindrical wall like the points of a compass.
Asher sits high on a throne made from the same crystal, a guard at each side. Several more guards arm an arched doorway on the opposite side of the grand room. I spot Lucas among them and follow his gaze across the room. Spera stares vacantly out of the window pointing to the afternoon sun. A breeze whistles by the opening and her silky white dress ripples in the free air.
She hugs her arms to her chest. A golden snake cuffs each wrist. Spera’s long black hair is pulled back in a single thick braid. Precious stones glitter in each ear. Coils of gilded metal adorn her slender throat. Is she wearing the ring? I step beside her to get a closer look. Her hands are bare. I swallow my disappointment and follow her gaze across the vast nothingness.
Red flat earth stretches for miles. A darker blue streak acts as a border between the desert and the sapphire sky. The faintest scent of salty surf rides the current of air that blows steadily past the opening. The ocean. Instinctively, I glance through each of the other three windows. The same navy barrier divides the land from the sky all the way around the tower. We’re on an island. How in the world are they going to escape? A feeling of utter helplessness settles within my core as I study her motionless profile. Even though she drips in gold and jewels she wears the face of a prisoner.
What scene was your favorite to write?
Tanzy and Vanessa go out for a night on the town to blow off some steam. I loved writing about what it feels like for Tanzy to finally let loose and truly lose control. Dancing is how I let go, and I found that writing the scene had a very similar affect for me. I had a hard time concentrating because I kept disappearing into my own head. Also, the scene that happens directly after is another favorite, but I can’t tell you too much about that one without giving away one of my favorite moments in the story.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
Late in the story, Asher touches another character, and she bursts into flames from the inside out. I wanted to do it in such a way that spoke to the agony of those witnessing the death, but didn’t glorify the physical aspect of what was happening. My husband, who reads what I call “guy trash,” (third world wars, undercover spies, etc.) was a huge help. I ran the scene by him until I got it right.
How did you come up with your character’s name?
My main character’s name went through an evolution as the plot deepened and thickened. The story is complex, so her name had to mean something that applied to her world. So I turned to the almighty Google to look for name meanings. Tanzy (or, Tansy, officially,) is a Greek name and means “eternal.” I changed the “s” to a “z,” and it was perfect.
Do you read reviews of your books? What do you do when you read a not-so-nice one?
I do read my reviews. Sometimes I wish I could convince myself not to, but I’m way too curious. I’ve had a few critical reviews. I’m of two minds about it. First, it’s impossible to please everyone, and I know that. If I’m feeling really low, I look at reviews on some of the great classics, and they have their share of critical reviews, too. On the other hand, a critical review can be a great teaching tool for a writer, especially someone so new to the game like me. As long as the criticisms are thorough and objective, I actually really appreciate that the reviewer took the time to let me know. I’ve learned several things from reviews of Moonlit that will help strengthen the sequel.
This is or That
Cat or Dog? Dogs (whichever you prefer, please consider adopting from local shelters.)
Coffee or Tea? Tea! It’s a morning must.
Iced tea or hot tea? Both – but always sweet
Snow or rain? Rain, especially a spring storm
Movies at home or Movie Theater? Home. I’m a home body.
Twitter or Facebook? Facebook. I feel like I’ve made stronger connections with fans and other authors on FB.
Actual book or eReader? Print book.
Long Sleeves or Short Sleeves? Long sleeves. I like to pull the sleeves over my knuckles.
Mountain views or Ocean views? Ocean! I will own a house within an easy bike ride of the beach one day.
Thank you so much for having Moonlit and me!
Praise
"Virginia's trees look like they're burning. Most of them blaze crimson or gold, but some still have a chokehold on their green. I wish they'd give it up already. Leaves are more beautiful when they're dying."
And so Moonlit begins. From here the story rolls from one twist to another with many vivid characters whose motives are hard to predict. I found myself being suspicious of everyone, wanting to tell Tanzy to be very careful. The deeper I fell into the plot, the more questions kept rising to the surface. But not to worry, all of my questions were answered. Appropriate for all ages, if you love paranormal fantasy mixed with suspense, mystery and other-worldly romance, you'll love this novel!
~Author Julie Ford
Prologue
The first anniversary of my father’s death was even harder on my mother. Back then, I thought she was haunted most by what she didn’t know. I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk and sad and angry. When she made me promise I’d never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the wooden stairs at my feet. I hadn’t tried to get out of the way. She had just missed.
I wanted to tell her that knowledge was no solace, that what you know can burn inside you until there’s nothing left but guilt and ash. I also wanted to protect her from losing the only piece of him she had left. So I didn’t say a word.
Author Jadie Jones
Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went.
She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 6/21/13
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