Author:  Adele Rose

Blurb: 

Awakening  (Book 1)

'One person on their own may be able to save the world. But a team of friends, all working together, have a much greater chance of succeeding...providing that no-one succumbs to evil.' Alex's Checklist: Being targeted by a 'tangoed' psychopath: CHECK Having a relationship life that currently sucks: CHECKExperiencing an Awakening: CHECK. Wait...what? Before Alexandra Raven's 'AWAKENING', her life could be summed up in one word - repetitive. Then, boom. In a pivotal moment, Alex finds out that she can control the element of water - something that she once thought was fictional and can't believe her luck. However, is this gift a blessing or a curse? Alex is required to leave her old life behind, including her family and David - the boy who promised to stick by her no matter what. What's more, danger lurks in another dimension. This danger can only be destroyed through loyalty, perseverance and friendship and will turn Alex's life, in more ways than one, upside down... DIVE INTO A WORLD FULL OF FRIENDSHIP, DANGER, LOVE AND BETRAYAL...

Possession (Book 2)

There are three things about me that you should know by now. The first...that I prefer to be called Alex. The second...that I can control the element of water. The third...that I have nearly committed manslaughter...twice. Go me! Since becoming a full-time student at Vladimir's academy for gifted students - students who aren't necessarily gifted in terms of academia (although most of them do have a brain) Alex has had a lot to cope with. This long list includes boys, bullies and beasts. Now, on top of these reoccurring problems, Alex is about to encounter even more drama. Her enemy has a deadly advantage. It is an advantage that will spell disastrous consequences for all. It is an advantage that will consume Alex whole. It is an advantage that will involve a particular power - the power of POSSESSION...

Interview :

Q. How did you come up with the idea for Awakening?

A. The inspiration for Awakening and thus, The VIth Element series, was actually devised due to my various daydreams about the kind of superpowers I would like to possess. Currently, I would like to possess the ability to control all the elements (I know that's greedy but it's the truth) and this fantasy is relieved through the character of Alexandra a.k.a. Alex Raven. I am also a (super)fan of superhero movies and, although I haven't really got a favourite superhero or movie, Iron Man is a pretty close contender!

Q. Are you a story plotter or panster?

A. To be honest, it depends on the context of the story. The VIth Element series, I started out writing Awakening just to see what direction it would take. I knew I wanted to write a book about a character who inherited the power to control the element of water. As the story progressed, more ideas about where to take it, as well as the background to the other characters e.g. Hecate and the history behind the academy, gradually came to me. These ideas often come to me at inappropriate moments, including when I might be travelling by bus or when I'm trying to get to sleep! From that moment onwards, I jotted down these crucial plot points, in order to make sure that they could be weaved into the rest of the series. 

Q. Who and what is Alexandra Raven to you?

A. I really like this question, purely because of the depth it contains. First and foremost, Alexandra Raven is me. Both in appearance and personality, we are the same. We both have long, brown hair, pale skin, and sea-coloured eyes, we both very much like the same things e.g. musicals and her ambitions are similar to mine too. I mean, she wants to be a famous writer! As a fellow aspiring author, who wouldn't want that? On a deeper level though, Alex encapsulates the teenage journey that many, including myself, experience during their lives. This includes inner romantic conflicts, friendships, bullies and identity issues. Honestly, I wasn't nearly as much of a rebel as Alex becomes. I much preferred to keep myself to myself and spend most of my schooling life hidden away in the library. However, her strength of will, determination, love, and loyalty are aspects that I have developed as I have got older and now, well...let's just say I'm more than happy to stand up for myself or kick some serious butt should the situation arise!

Q. Are you motivational?

A. Very. When I am working on a project, most of the time, I stick to it. I love creating new worlds, characters, and adventures, ready to share with my readers. It's the best part of being an author. I have been very fortunate already in connecting with a number of readers, both on and off Wattpad, who seem to enjoy reading my books. For an author, being able to communicate and share thoughts with readers makes all those frustrating moments, when you are struggling to find the right word, turn of phrase or character voice, totally worth it.

Q. Can you recall how your interest in writing originated?

A. Really, I would say that my interest in writing originated from the fact that, ever since I was a baby, I have been immersed in stories. I was read to on a daily basis and when I could read for myself, I would often be found re-telling popular fairy tales, using different voices for the characters. My family has even kept evidence of this via cassettes (this shows my age) so I have proof! From then onwards, a passion for writing my own stories developed. Growing up, I spent every spare moment jotting down ideas for books. My favourite piece of homework would be those that involved my writing some kind of novel. My later Primary school and English teachers played a huge part in encouraging this process, which fuelled my drive and my confidence. The rest, really, his history.

Q. Who is your favourite character, besides Alex, in the story and why?

A. So, this question is really hard. I spend a lot of time immersing myself in my characters, as I'm sure a lot of other authors do. I suppose though, although Mortimer appeals to my darker nature, Hecate would probably steal the show. She is such an elusive, mysterious and passionate character, who also holds a significant part of my heart. At the end of the day, if you have started reading The VIth Element Series, you would know that her past is shrouded in some dark and tragic secret. As a result of this, she is shunned. She is also feared because of the nature of her powers, which allow her to communicate with the dead. This makes her different and, because of that, people see her as a threat. And yet, over the years and with the support for certain individuals (I'm not saying any names) Hecate has grown to find the confidence to ignore those kinds of people and stand up for what she believes in, just like me. Sometimes, you just need to find those few people who will stand by you, no matter what!

Q. How did you come up with different types of powers?

A. Watching a zillion superhero movies over the years has helped in this respect. Go, Marvel! I also relied on research, as Google is definitely an author's best friend. 

Q. Give us an interesting fun fact about your story.

A. My fun fact would have to be linked to the history behind the academy. If you have read Awakening, you might have picked up on the revelation that famous literary geniuses, who have inspired me as an author, have all attended the academy at some point during their lives. One such genius is the playwright Shakespeare. You'll have to read Awakening to find out the others!

Q. As mentioned in the review, what is your opinion on the cliff-hangers that you leave in the story?

A. Oh, I do love a good cliff-hanger. When I'm writing one, I can feel my own heart begin to pace and I get sweaty palms. What I then enjoy is seeing the effect such cliff-hangers have on my readers. If it's great and leaves them wanting more, then you know you've hit the nail on the head! 

Q. The powers, the academy with professors, one re-awakened antagonist, and the powerful headmaster- These typical important characters are already done and heavily reminds us of the characters in children's favourite book of all time. Have you ever received the criticism that the characters are not entirely new? If so, how do you cope?

A. That is a very good question and one that is debatable. I haven't received criticism as such regarding this point, although a couple of reviewers have hinted that Awakening has reminded them of another magical series. I think like many other authors out there, being inspired by literature, be that in the genres you write in or the genres you love to read, is something that you cannot help. I personally feel that in order to cope with this context though, the most important thing is to make your novel unique in such ways that take a certain trope e.g. one re-awakened antagonist and turn it on its head. For me, in this instance, I have tried to make Mortimer and his motives behind his decisions believable and relatable.

Q. Lucifer is one likeable character. Are we going to see him in the sequel?

A. It's funny how people are drawn to Lucifer. Perhaps it's his inner conflict that appeals to people's better nature? Perhaps it's his passion and love for the arts? Who knows. Whatever it is though, I know people enjoy reading about him. Therefore, I won't say directly whether he will reappear. However, what I can assure people is that regardless of what may or may not happen in the sequel, it will be dramatic for sure.

Q. Was there any particular research done before you started writing?

A. Not really. As I knew I wanted to base the majority of The VIth Element series in the modern world, I didn't need to do a lot of research. The only research I needed to undertake concerned Alex's ancestry and Vladimir's/Mortimer's past, which comes to light the further the series progresses.

Q.  What books are you reading now and planning to read in the future?

A. As much as I do love reading, I seem to be leaning more towards writing at the moment, especially as I am desperately trying to complete certain projects. Off Wattpad, I have started to read the Throne of Glass series, The Mortal Instruments series and The Selection series. On Wattpad, I am reading the Hayden Mackay series, The Season series and The Spirits' Wars Trilogy by @kv_wilson . You should check them all out if you haven't already.

Q. What makes a great fantasy story? And what genre apart from fantasy appeals to you?

A. A great fantasy story is defined by a number of things – too many to write down really. I think some of the key ingredients are an epic, an overarching quest of some kind, either set in a mythical world or modern day, various imaginative creatures and monsters, some kind of evil that needs to be overthrown and a touch of magic. Other genres that appeal to me include paranormal and horror.

Q. Are you satisfied with the sort of attention you are receiving on Wattpad?

A. Overall, yes. Obviously, it would be lovely to win a Watty or get found by an ambassador to gain more exposure and connect with further readers, but I'm sure most authors who write on here would probably say the same. Really though, as much as I love the votes, the comments mean the most to me, especially if they come from genuine readers and fellow writers. 

Q. Tell us something about self-publishing.

A. I might as well speak plainly about this topic. Self-publishing is NOT easy. You have to have a hell of a lot of patience, dedication and drive to self-publish, especially when editing your books so that they fit the right criteria and format for both ebook and paperback publishing. The amount of times I've wanted to throw my laptop out the window is unprecedented! Nevertheless, I don't regret self-publishing one bit. I have tried the traditional route. As I'm sure you've worked out, this was, unfortunately, unsuccessful, although I did receive one reply from an agent who, whilst rejected my work, did help to restore my confidence and gave me some good advice. Ultimately, it was this response that drove me to make the decision of taking the self-publishing plunge. By the time I was ready to click that 'publish' button, I was beyond excited and knew I had made the right decision. Of course, if I was fortunate in the future to revive a traditional deal, I would consider it. Having said that though, up until the point that that may or may not happen, I'm going to carry on charging headfirst down the self-publishing road with my characters marching behind me.

Q. If you get a chance to change one thing in your story, what would it be?

A. At the moment, the book I would focus on would definitely be Awakening. I know the first book has to be a killer, especially in hooking the reader to want to read the sequel and, as much as I believe in my works, I think I could develop Awakening more. A particular aspect that niggles away with me is Alex at the start of the book. She is very emotional and this is reflected in how much she cries. I know she particularly finds things hard. I mean, not only is she being bullied, but her family is experiencing financial problems and they seem to have forgotten her birthday. Needless to say, life, for her, is not easy. Also, the fact that she grows from being weepy to badass, as the series progress for me, shows a clear character development. Even so, having developed a love of writing tougher characters over the course of the past few years, I might consider revising this aspect of the novel. 

Q. What were your feelings while writing down a violent scene, particular when Alex goes through such horror almost every day of her life?

A. During the time I write such scenes, I am channelling my darker nature. Everyone has a bad side to them. It's part of being human. I feel that by doing this, it helps me truly get into the mindset needed for writing such passages. I normally imagine the worst possible outcome and how I would feel if I was thrown into it. The emotions I tend to find coursing throughout my body are fear, anger and a strong sense of survival. After all, I would do everything I could to stay alive, much like Alex tries to do. Sometimes, she wins. Sometimes, the evil gets the better of her. That's the nature of the story and how the relationship between light and dark works.

Q. Are you writing any other series apart from Awakening? If so, tell us about it.

A. Currently, I am working on a paranormal romance and mystery trilogy called 'The Devil's Secret' trilogy. It follows the adventures of ghost Clara and a boy called Adam, who can see Clara for some unknown reason. Clara, in particular, is desperate to find out why this is, alongside trying to remember how she died. Needless to say, many secrets are uncovered – secrets that are tied to both their pasts.

Q. What are the best comment and hurtful criticism you have ever received?

A. The best comment was made by someone who has supported me both as a reader and writer. This was: "I was honestly going crazy in the office today. My colleagues were all worried about me. Seriously, it has been a while since a Wattpad book has made me like a story so much so thank you so much for that." This comment sums up why I love being an author. To have my books cause such a reaction is crazy, but in a good way, so words can't express how much hearing reviews like that means to me.

The most hurtful criticism I have received focused heavily on the grammatical mistakes in my book rather than the content itself. Looking back now, I can see that there were errors, which I have done my best to address. However, such a review can put off potential readers.

Q. What would you advise an aspiring writer?

A. Go for it! If it's in the blood, then you should follow the dream!

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Thank you so much @AdeleRoseAuthor. You are one amazing person and I feel honoured to meet you on wattpad. Keep writing and all the best to you.