Alyson Noel Interview

Today I am very happy to welcome Alyson Noel to both my blogs. Give her a warm welcome!


It is a special day today, because "Evermore" is released in Norway in Norwegian translation this weekend. I am so excited about that. Alyson Noel's series is pure magic. It is one of my favorites, and I hope the Norwegian readers, who haven't read her yet, will also embrace it.


Here is the Norwegian cover:




I interviewed Alyson in June, the interview was aimed at the Norwegian readers. Here is what she told me:

Thanks a lot for accepting this interview, Alyson Noel. You have written 4 books in the Immortals series so far, and they have all been well received. How does that feel?

It feels like a dream come true! Prior to THE IMMORTALS I’d written seven contemporary novels—six for teens, one for adults—and with EVERMORE being my first attempt at paranormal I wasn’t sure how it would be received, so I was completely thrilled to see the way that readers have embraced it!

How would you describe the series to someone who hasn’t heard of it yet?

I would say that it’s an exciting, romantic, paranormal tale of alchemy, reincarnation, mystical dimensions, immortals, ghosts, auras, and chakras, and two star-crossed lovers, Ever and Damen, who’ve traveled across time—across continents—to be together, only to be thwarted each time. But now that they’ve found each other again, they’re determined to overcome all of their obstacles to realize the happily ever after they’ve sought through the centuries.

Where did you get the idea for the Immortals?

THE IMMORTALS was born form grief. Five years ago I lost three people I loved in five months, and shortly after that almost lost my husband to leukemia (he’s in full remission now). Experiencing that sort of intense grief and fear got me thinking a lot about life and death, mortality and immortality, and the binds that tie us to our loved ones even after they’re gone, and Ever and Damen’s story was born from there.

How many books can we expect about Ever and the Immortals?

There will be six books in total. I’m working on the final book now.

How do you go about when you develop a character?

I usually start with a premise—a sort of “what if” scenario—then I come up with a character who is not at all ready to handle the situation and challenge she’ll find herself in, then I create a cast of allies and enemies, then I watch them all grow and change as we head off on the journey!

How is a normal writing day for you and when and where do you write?

I have a home office that I head for each morning, and I pretty much stay there all day, drinking green tea, answering e-mail, twittering, facebooking, myspacing, and, of course, writing! I aim for 2000-3000 words a day, sometimes I’m able to accomplish it in a few hours, sometimes it takes all day, but I don’t stop until I hit it. I keep to this routine seven days a week, including most holidays.

Do you do a lot of research and planning before you sit down to write?

Research is one of my favorite parts of the process, and for THE IMMORTALS I did a lot of it. I read a lot of books on metaphysics, reincarnation, near death experiences, auras, chakras, ghosts, mediums, psychics, crystals—you name it—I also took a three-day psychic development class with world famous medium, James Van Praagh, and I went under hypnosis in several past life regressions as well. All of which was fun and fascinating and revealing, and most of which helped create the world of the books.

You deal with a lot of paranormal subjects, such as life after death, mediums, reading people’s auras etc. Do you believe in the supernatural yourself?

I definitely believe there is more to the world than what we are used to seeing!

“Radiance”, the first book in the spinoff series featuring Riley, Ever’s sister, is coming out in august. Why did you feel like writing a whole new series about her?

Riley was so much fun to write, that she actually ended up with a much bigger role in EVERMORE than I originally anticipated. So when I was approached to create a series told from Riley’s point of view, I jumped at the chance and I’m so glad I did. Writing RADIANCE turned out to be some of the most fun I’ve ever had while writing a book, so I really hope readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Is there any authors or books that have inspired or influenced your writing?

Judy Blume’s books inspired me to become a writer, JD Salinger’s books inspired me to keep at it.
Has the Immortals been optioned for television or film yet?

We are in negotiations now for something that could turn out to be extremely exciting . . . my fingers are crossed!

What do you associate with Norway? Ever been here?

I have never been to Norway (yet!) but when I think of Norway I imagine pristine landscapes made of clear blue skies and sparkling waters, the artist Edward Munch, delicious sea food, and beautiful, friendly people—someday I hope to find out if I’m right!

Anything more you would like to add?

I’d just like to thank my Norwegian readers for all of their enthusiasm and support of THE IMMORTALS series—it really means the world to me, thank you!

Thank you so much, Alyson, for taking the time to do this. I am honored to have you on both my blogs today, and I wish you the best for the series about Riley.

If you haven't read The Immortals yet, I suggest you do so. It is really good. I love, love, love it!

Radiance is scheduled for release August 31th. I can't wait to get my hands on that book.

You can visit Alyson Noel's website here.
And here is her blog.






Let's finish off with the trailer for Radiance. It is so beautifully made, and I love it: