Guest Post + Giveaway: Inara Scott (The Candidates: Delcroix Academy)

Today, we have the lovely Inara Scott, author of The Candidates (Delcroix Academy, Book #1). Thank you so much for giving me the chance to interview you. This book will be released on August 24th, so everyone run out and support Inara's debut! It's the first book in this seemingly awesome series I can't wait to devour!

She just let me know that she would love for you guys to comment below and once you do you'll be entered for a chance to win The Candidates!

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In Inara's words, "I grew up in winter wonderland of Buffalo, NY. Consequently, I spent much of my childhood complaining about being cold. To spare the world my whining, I fled the cold climate and eventually wound up in the Pacific NW. I love it here — we get occasional snow, tons of rain in the winter, and lots of sun in the summer. The forests are huge, and the old Douglas Fir trees and thick ferns make you think you’ve wandered into a fairy tale. I would be surprised if there weren’t fairies and elves living here. Seriously. I love to hike, canoe, and play outside. I am addicted to yoga. I have a deep affinity for water (I used to believe I could learn to breathe underwater, if I stayed down there long enough). I’m a geek through and through. I fear deep, intellectual books and love romance and fantasies. I listen to cheesy, happy music. When I was in high school, my friends considered having a clothing intervention for me because I insisted on making my own clothes and shopping at thrift stores. Somehow, I survived."

For more info on Inara, visit her site(s):
-Website
-Twitter
-Facebook
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The Candidates (Delcroix Academy, Book #1) by Inara Scott
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Release Date: August 24, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Pages: 304

Summary: Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrit ...more Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just...happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden. But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies. So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome. And then there's her mysterious new friend Jack, who can't stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what. But Dancia isn't convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her "gift" than they're letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it...But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy.
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Guest Post:

1) Thank you Inara for giving me the chance to feature you. I cannot wait to read your book and look forward to your great success! Now on to your novel, what inspired you to write Delcroix Academy: The Candidates?

IS: Thanks Eleni -- I'm still amazed by the fact that people are reading my book, let alone wanting me to do interviews! As for my inspiration to write young adult, I think it probably had a lot to do with my short attention span. ;-) I had already written a couple of adult novels, and was itching to try something new. I got a copy of Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries at a conference and within a few pages, I was hooked. I've always written things I love to read, so I figured if I loved YA that much, I needed to give it a try. My favorite books, and the books I read as a teen, were all fantasy (Anne McCaffrey, David Eddings, Piers Anthony) so I had to have some paranormal elements to my story. As as I started plotting, I thought about how all my favorite fantasies had a strongly defined good guy and bad guy. I wondered what a book would be like if you couldn't tell the good guys from the bad guys -- or better yet, what if you couldn't tell if the heroine's gift itself was good or bad? The story has come a long way since then, but that's where it started.

2) Since this is the first book in the series, what can we expect from your next installments?

IS: Book Two of the Delcroix Academy series will be out in August 2011, and while I can't reveal too much of the plot, you can be sure there will be even more action, romance, and lots of dark secrets to uncover. (mwahahahahaha.....)

3) Who is your favorite character creation so far?

IS: And, is there a character in Delcroix Academy: The Candidates that shows glimpses of someone you know or even your own personality traits? That's a great questions -- I love everyone in the book, so I can't say that I have a favorite, but like everyone, I've got a special place in my heart for Jack. The great thing about him is that I don't have an ounce of "bad boy" in me. I'm much more like Dancia: a little insecure, wise-mouthed, and at heart a girl who wants to be loved and included, but isn't quite sure how to go about it.

4) I see in your bio, you consider yourself a geek (me too by the way!) What is the most geekiest thing about yourself?

IS: Ooo, you too? Awesome. We geeks need to stick together. :-) How about this -- I loved high school. I loved school in general (even law school -- and no one likes law school!). I was a hard-core geek (debate team, mock trial, drama club, friend of all my teachers) but I still managed to enjoy myself immensely. Looking back, I can't believe I got through it without someone sticking my head in a toilet. *VBG*

5) Besides this novel, are you currently working on other projects?

IS: I am. I recently finished writing my first chapter book for younger readers, and am scheming about a new YA book, but that's too far off in the distance to discuss!

6) Finally, do you have anything you want to say to your current and future readers?

IS: First, I want to thank you, Eleni, and all the other book bloggers for what you do. I am absolutely stunned by how dedicated and organized you all are. I have no doubt if there was such a thing when I was in high school (you know, back before they had computers), I would have been one of you. :-) And for everyone else - I hope you liked Delcroix Academy! If you ever have time, drop me a line! I'm on email, Facebook, and Twitter (@inarascott) and love to hear from readers.

CONTEST IS CLOSED.

Added Giveaway:

-Comment below with your e-mail address to enter!
-One person will win The Candidates (Delcroix Academy, Book #1.)
-Contest is open to U.S. + Canada residents only.
-Deadline will be on August 22, 2010 at midnight EST time.

Thank you to Inara for adding this awesome contest for readers!