Author Interview with Meridi Myers
Im thrilled to welcome Meridi Myers the author of Titus and Atreus to my blog today for a chat.
It was great fun reading Meridi’s book and now it will be great getting to know Meridi a little better so here go’s………..
First things first- where did you come up with idea to write Titus and Atreus?
Many of the story’s elements are actually borrowed from my childhood. When I was little, I had an obsession with wanting to fly, and with traveling to other realms. Because I was an only child until I was seven, I used to wish I had a twin—someone my age who shared my interests. I think a lot of that carried over into my writing, and provided the basis for the story.
Can you explain the cover art and why you choose to use animation?
The cover depicts Titus Attwater and Atreus Starkes, twin souls from different worlds, facing one another against a background of stars. I wanted to make it seem as though Titus (on the right) was looking into at a mirror and seeing Atreus as his reflection. Because this book takes place on both Earth and Typhon, I thought the best backdrop for the cover would be Angel’s Sea, which is a realm that bridges both worlds. The red wings at the bottom belong to Rose, the leader of Rizpah’s angels. I ultimately chose to illustrate the cover because I love to draw, and because it would have been very difficult to create a similar image with a photograph.
If you could choose- where would you live- on earth or Typhon?
Although I would want to visit Typhon and meet Rizpah’s angels, I don’t know if I could live there forever. If I could get over not having electricity, then maybe I would stay!
Titus faces some harsh bullying in the story- as do some other characters, how do you feel about the bullying that many teens like Titus face in reality?
Titus does indeed face a lot of bullying, particularly from Juno and Atreus. Much of the time, it’s simply because they know more about the situation than Titus does, and they want to protect him—but that is not always the case. Titus is timid and doesn’t usually stand up for himself, and Atreus takes advantage of that. Over the course of the novel, however, Titus begins to find the strength to make his own decisions, and does what he thinks is right, instead of what the others want him to do. I think a lot of people, especially teens, will be able to connect with that. If you have confidence in yourself and your decisions, it will be harder for others to bully you.
Can you share with us any upcoming work?
Right now I am working on the sequel to Titus and Atreus, which will likely be released late this year or early 2011. It will continue where Titus and Atreus left off, but will concentrate a little more on the situation back on Earth.
What are you reading right now?
I’m in the middle of reading the ninth book of The Wheel of Time series, Winter’s Heart (by Robert Jordan).
Who are your favorite authors and who if any inspire you?
Some of my favorite authors include Philip Pullman, Juliet Marillier, Robert Jordan, and Megan Whalen Turner. All of them inspired me tremendously, but Megan Turner’s series, The Queen’s Thief, influenced me the most.
What’s your favorite music?
It’s actually Japanese and Korean pop! My all-time favorite group is Tohoshinki (also known as DBSK), but I also like Utada Hikaru and Ayumi Hamasaki.
Do you have any quirks when it comes to your writing....say favorite spots, listening to music.......
Definitely! I can only write in my room, and I have to be listening to music. Music helps me concentrate, and can help inspire me if I’m having a difficult time with a scene.
What would you like your readers to take away from Titus and Atreus?
I hope that the book will prompt readers to take a closer look at themselves. Titus and Atreus are twin souls, but they are not complete clones of one another—their friends can usually tell them apart. When you start to wonder what your own twin soul would be like, it makes you think more about whom you are and what it is that makes you unique.
And there you have it………………..
Thanks so much Meridi for stopping by and answering all those questions……
Be sure to check out Meridis website - the Titus and Atreus website and blog after you grab the book!!!!!
****So I told you all there would be a winner announced today and the lucky reader who will get a signed copy of Titus and Atreus is…………………………….
I couldn't get a hold of Steph (sorry I emailed you twice...so after the 48 hr window I had to pick another winner as of 11:30 am on Wed March 3, 2010
Congrats to Alyssa Kirk at Teens Read and Write you are my new winner.........
Nice interview! I can see the Jordan influence in your review of the book. Thanks.
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