The time it was about Vanguard

I’ve been a fan of Ann Aguirre since I requested Enclave on a whim.  I loved the synopsis of Enclave and I pretty much devoured the entire series.  So when it came time for a blog tour for a new book, I couldn’t sign up fast enough.

Before we get to the interview with Ann, let’s check out the book.

Title: VANGUARD (Razorland #4)
Author: Ann Aguirre
Release Date: July 25, 2017
Pages: 368
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Find it: Macmillan | Indiebound | B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

The Razorland saga continues. Since the war ended, Tegan has dreamed of an epic journey, so when she has the opportunity to sign on as ship’s doctor, she can’t wait. It’s past time to chart her course. Millie Faraday, the kindest girl in the free territories, also yearns to outrun her reputation, and warrior-poet James Morrow would follow Tegan to the ends of the earth.

Their company seems set, but fate brings one more to their number. Tegan will battle incredible odds while aiding Szarok, the Uroch vanguard, who has ventured forth to save his people. Szarok is strange and beautiful, like a flower that blooms only in the dark. She shouldn’t allow him close, as such a relationship is both alien and forbidden. But through stormy seas and strange lands, she will become stronger than she ever knew.

Sounds good, right?

1. Please give the elevator pitch for Vanguard.

It’s the ultimate, Beauty and the Beast-style, forbidden romance.

2. What sparked the idea?

​I got so much reader correspondence asking what happened to Tegan and whether she eventually ended up with James Morrow, that I jokingly said, “If there’s enough interest, I’ll write a companion novel!” To be honest, I intended to leave that open and up to reader imaginations, but then my editor asked if I would actually do that, because it seemed there was sufficient demand for a companion story. After some reflection, I decided I would be happy to tell Tegan’s story. And then I did. :)​

3. Why do you love Tegan and why should we root for her?

Tegan is a survivor. Not in the sense that she’s the best fighter, but she’s suffered incredible hardship and abuse. She’s scarred and angry, but she’s moving forward, pursuing her dreams. While pretending to be cheerful, she’s hidden a lot of pain, and it will take a really special person to earn her full trust. I love characters who guard their hearts like oysters with their pearls, and it’s pretty hard not to root for someone who’s been hurt and is still out there fighting.

4. What is easier for you to write: a kissing scene or a fighting scene?

Kissing, definitely. I have experience with that in real life. Combat scenes, not so much. Those require me watching lots of live street fight videos that have been posted on YouTube and trying to figure out what sort of melee best fits my characters. Then I have to try to describe what I’m seeing, which is a lot harder than it sounds.

5. What was the weirdest thing you googled while researching?

“Can you eat a puffin?”

“What does a puffin taste like?”

No, I’m not telling you why. Read the book! 😊

Speed {ish} round:

1. You find out that you’re being published for the first time. Describe the next 5 minutes.

I jump up and down screaming, drop my Phone. My cats are scared. They run wildly, knocking stuff off table and desk. My tiny wiener dog begins to bark, thinking we are under attack. Then I hyperventilate once I realize that someone is still talking at the other end of the phone. After I hang up, I eat something delicious and probably made of chocolate, and proceed to message everyone who will listen to me.

2. What three things would you take to a desert island?

Satellite phone

Fishing net

Flare gun

3. You can only read one book for the rest of your life. What is it?

The Never-ending Story, duh.

4. What book character would you want to date and who would you want to be your BFF?

Date:  Hiro from Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty

BFF: Grace Mae from A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis

5. What is the one thing about publishing you wish someone would have told you?

That once you sell, it’s not a free ticket to “focus only on the writing”. It would’ve been nice to know about all the hats I need to wear.

6. You wake up and discover you are Bella in Twilight. You know how it plays out. What do you do differently? {Huge thanks to Bookish Broads for letting me use this question}

I stop thinking about Edward and focus on my schoolwork. I graduate from AP classes, get into a great university, and maybe date Bree Tanner after graduation from university, once I have a good job.

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Ann Aguirre is a USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Tumblr

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Huge thanks to Rockstar Book Tours for the invite and to Ann for taking the time! Make sure you’re checking out the rest of the blog tour for extra goodies and keep scrolling for a giveaway!!

**Good Luck!!**