We welcome David Estes to The Book Worms today! David answers questions about his Evolution trilogy; Angel Evolution, Demon Evolution, and Archangel Evolution.
Where is the setting of Angel Evolution? Was there any special significance to the location?
Angel Evolution is initially set on a college campus of my invention, although it will likely resemble many large colleges in the U.S. There are so many YA books about high school teens and I wanted to try something a bit different with a college setting. I also loved the idea of combining an epic war with a college town. Although many of the battle scenes occur elsewhere, there are a few battles that occur in the midst of the college, my favorite one being a fight that occurs within the football stadium in the third book in the trilogy, Archangel Evolution.
The other two key settings in the books are the angels’ headquarters and the demons’ Lair. I think readers will appreciate the similarities and differences of these two places, and what they show about the characters of those who reside in them.
Tell us in 3 words how you would describe both of your characters, Taylor and Gabriel.
Taylor is strong, forgiving, and independent.
Gabriel is stubborn, loyal, and sexy.
I also want to give a quick plug to another character (who will shock and intrigue you) who has a very minor role in Angel Evolution, an important role in Demon Evolution, and a major role in Archangel Evolution. His name is David (he’s Gabriel’s younger brother), and I would describe him in three words as: unexpected, cold, and powerful.
What do you feel is Taylor’s best trait?
Taylor’s best trait is her willingness to forgive. Although she can be a bit too trusting at times, it allows her to forgive those who really care about her, even when they’ve harmed her greatly. Her forgiveness is complete and absolute. When she gives someone a second chance, she means it, and doesn’t harbor any resentments. She doesn’t hold grudges.
A close second would be her strength and bravery (others may argue these are her best traits). She continued to surprise even me with her courage as the story unfolds through to the end of Archangel Evolution.
What influenced you to write the Evolution trilogy?
I was inspired to write Angel Evolution by my wife, Adele. Before I met her, I never believed I would have an idea good enough to write about. She convinced me to pursue my first idea and just go with it and see where it would take me. The Evolution Trilogy was born! When I first started writing Angel Evolution, I had no clue that it might turn into a one thousand page trilogy. The more I wrote, the more the story took on a life of its own and some of the characters changed in ways I never expected.
I’ve officially caught the writing bug and have written eight books in fifteen months!
If Angel Evolution were to become a movie, who would you choose to star in it?
Tough question. My wife, Adele, and I have talked about this several times just for fun. I’ve also had quite a few people say that my books would make good movies. Honestly, I think I would go with actors/actresses who are relatively unknown, similar to the way Twilight was cast. I wouldn’t want a hugely popular actor or actress to come in and reshape the characters based on their own image. I would prefer it if my characters shaped the actors, if that makes sense. So I know I didn’t answer your question, but I think the actors/actresses would be unknowns who would hopefully become known after starring in my movies!!
What projects are you currently working on?
Besides spending time with my wife, writing is my favorite thing to do, so I’m keeping very busy. I’m working on a number of other projects while launching the Evolution Trilogy.
My current project is a YA post-apocalyptic dystopian thriller written from the perspective of two characters in alternating chapters. Without giving two much away, the two characters (one male and one female) come from very different walks of life, but are thrust together unexpectedly. As their lives intertwine, they must seek to bring balance to a world that is out of control.
I have recently finished a YA novel about a boy with a very unique disability and one hell of a sense of humor who meets loads of interesting teenagers on a suspenseful yet funny adventure to uncover the truth about the father he never knew. I am seeking an agent for this novel but am still open to self-publishing it if I am unsuccessful.
I have also completed the first four books in a children’s series aimed at kids between the ages of 7 and 10. It’s a classic superhero story about a girl who meets a strange animal who leads her to a treasure chest in the middle of the forest. The chest contains a gift that allows the girl to perform miraculous feats. I have another two books planned for the series, which I will be working to complete in 2012. The first book in the series is currently being reviewed by a large children’s book publisher.
My remaining projects range from a variety of children’s novels from the fantastical to the downright silly, to my next venture into YA fantasy, and to the creation of an adult suspense/mystery series with a strong and interesting male character. I have written the first page of more books than I can count without taking off my shoes!
While I don’t particularly enjoy promoting my books, I really enjoy connecting with my readers. I do it via my blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, and Book Blogs. See below for links to where you can find me at all of those places. If you send me a message, I will respond. (I take this promise more seriously than any other!)
Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Estes/130852990343920
Follow my Blog: http://davidestesbooks.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/davidestesbooks
Follow me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/davidestesbooks
LibraryThing: http://www.librarything.com/author/estesdavid
Friend me on Book Blogs: http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/DavidEstes
Oh yeah, and my books are available on Amazon.com in print and anywhere e-books are sold (Kindle, iBooks, Nookbooks, Smashwords.com, etc.)!
Happy reading!
When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice. Something about him scares her. Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution.
Don’t forget to check out the rest!
