Dawn Rae Miller and LARKSTORM Giveaway!

Today on Paper Hangover we're talking with author Dawn Rae Miller about her debut YA novel LARKSTORM. Here is the summary:

In the years following the destructive Long Winter, when half the world’s population perished, the State remains locked in battle against the Sensitives: humans born with extra abilities.
As one of the last descendants of the State’s Founders, seventeen-year-old Lark Greene knows her place: study hard and be a model citizen so she can follow in her family’s footsteps. Her life’s been set since birth, and she’s looking forward to graduating and settling down with Beck, the boy she’s loved longer than she can remember.
However, after Beck is accused of being Sensitive and organizing an attack against Lark, he disappears. Heartbroken and convinced the State made a mistake, Lark sets out to find him and clear his name.
But what she discovers is more dangerous and frightening than Sensitives: she must kill the boy she loves, unless he kills her first.

I finished the book in just one night and I have to warn you--once you start reading, you will not want to stop. The plot, the characters, the romance, the twists and turns you won't see coming--it's all that good! 

Dawn, how did you come up with LARKSTORM: the story, the world, the incredible characters? 
I came up with the character of Lark, Beck, Callum and Annalise first. Lark and Beck came to me simultaneously, which seems fitting. I couldn’t write one without the other. As for the world, I live in San Francisco near the Presidio where the school is set. 100 years ago, it was nothing but bare hills and I thought it would be interesting if it reverted back to that. But what caused it?

The main framework of the story came easily once I had the characters, but the details changed constantly – I have 23 drafts of LS! – until I arrived at what is in print.

Oh wow, 23 drafts! Do you write using an outline? Or do you "pants" it? 
For LS, I pantsed most of it during the first draft stage, but I quickly realized I needed an outline to keep everything straight. I’m now a dedicated synopsis user. It helps me figure out where the story is going and see the big picture.

Interesting! Writing Lark's story, what did you love the most about her? 
Her determination. She does not give up, no matter what.

I love that about Lark too. The romance in LARKSTORM is so heartbreakingly beautiful. If you could sum up the book in five words, what would they be? Dedication. Friendship. Loyalty. Horror. Loss.

It's going to be a long wait until Book 2 comes out. Any hints of what we can expect? 
The bulk of the book will take place in San Francisco and center around Lark figuring out her place in the State. And Ryker Newbold – Beck’s friend who was kicked out of their home – comes back in a major way.


When Dawn wasn't looking, I snuck Lark away for a quick interview:
Lark, can you tell me something interesting about yourself?
Most people seem to think being a Founders’ descendant is interesting. But I’d rather talk about my talent with agriculture. I’m extremely good at food production and have helped Mr. Trevern create a new strain of hybrid tomatoes.


What things are most important to you?
Doing what’s right. Friendship. And loyalty.


What's the one thing you wish you had?
Besides Beck? Hmmm…privacy. I hate being the center of attention.


What's the one thing you regret?
Not skipping school with Beck when he asked me. If I had…well, things would have been different. I’m sure of it.



Thanks, Dawn, for stopping by! WANT TO WIN AN E-BOOK VERSION OF LARKSTORM AND/OR BOOKMARKS? Click here and fill out the form to enter. If you follow Paper Hangover, tweet/blog about the contest, or leave a comment you get +1 extra entry (max of 4 extra entries). The contest is open (internationally) until January 5, 2012.  

Buy your copy of Larkstorm here.
Website: www.dawnraemiller.com
Twitter: @DawnRaeMiller