| Relentlessly pursued by the Extremists, Vela and Linc embark on a perilous journey toward a hidden Elemental community in the Canadian mountains. It’s a place where couples of different elements thrive, raising families while living off the grid. These Elementals, like the Extremists, are searching for the portended Chosen Child, the one who will unite the clans. Vela is forced to accept she might be a part of this prophecy whether she likes it or not. Vela is more than intrigued by a mixed Elemental in the community who single-mindedly pursues her. Faced with a choice between two very different men makes committing to Linc as her Intended harder than she imagined. Can Linc win the fight for her heart? Will this prophecy be her undoing or the Elementals’ salvation? |  |
Genre: Young Adult Christian Fantasy
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Interview with Sofia
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Actually, my biggest inspiration was the research it took to write this book. Learning all the ways you can live off the grid with just batteries is amazing. I wanted to live in the community I created, especially since my characters are Elementals. It was a blast thinking of all the ways they can use their gift as they live off the grid!
Actually, my biggest inspiration was the research it took to write this book. Learning all the ways you can live off the grid with just batteries is amazing. I wanted to live in the community I created, especially since my characters are Elementals. It was a blast thinking of all the ways they can use their gift as they live off the grid!
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Believe it or not, I wrote this entire book in ten weeks! I set a strict writing schedule of 2,500 words a day, which I had to reduce to 2,000 words because it became too much to do. It’s amazing what pre-planning a plotline will do!
Believe it or not, I wrote this entire book in ten weeks! I set a strict writing schedule of 2,500 words a day, which I had to reduce to 2,000 words because it became too much to do. It’s amazing what pre-planning a plotline will do!
#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I love all the firsts for a teen character. Their first love, first kiss, first job. I find it all so fun to explore and write about. They have their whole life to live, so it’s really great to see what my characters will do with it.
I love all the firsts for a teen character. Their first love, first kiss, first job. I find it all so fun to explore and write about. They have their whole life to live, so it’s really great to see what my characters will do with it.
#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I have two. I absolutely love my main character, especially since I wrote Torch in first person POV. Terra was written in third person and when I switched, it was like I was completely in Vela’s head. I knew every thought, what she loved, hated, couldn’t care less about. It was like looking through a fishbowl to a crystal-clear ocean. It made the world of difference. My second favorite character is Linc, the romantic interest. He suffers in book two and I loved seeing how he handles the stresses of the moment, like watching Vela being kidnapped by two enraged Festans, Fire Elementals. He has some moments my editor paused at, thinking the rage was too much, but my characters aren’t perfect. They are human and act like it. He has some real personal moments your heart just bleeds over. Mine did.
I have two. I absolutely love my main character, especially since I wrote Torch in first person POV. Terra was written in third person and when I switched, it was like I was completely in Vela’s head. I knew every thought, what she loved, hated, couldn’t care less about. It was like looking through a fishbowl to a crystal-clear ocean. It made the world of difference. My second favorite character is Linc, the romantic interest. He suffers in book two and I loved seeing how he handles the stresses of the moment, like watching Vela being kidnapped by two enraged Festans, Fire Elementals. He has some moments my editor paused at, thinking the rage was too much, but my characters aren’t perfect. They are human and act like it. He has some real personal moments your heart just bleeds over. Mine did.
#5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I interviewed someone who lives in the area my setting is in, northern Manitoba in Canada. I had written the entire book, at this point, and was shocked to learn that there are no mountains in northern Manitoba! It’s all lakes, bogs and marshes. I also was shocked to find out that there are also no rabbits, deer, or hogs there, either. Apparently, it’s all caribou, moose, pheasants, lynxes and foxes. I had some re-writes to do after that conversation.
I interviewed someone who lives in the area my setting is in, northern Manitoba in Canada. I had written the entire book, at this point, and was shocked to learn that there are no mountains in northern Manitoba! It’s all lakes, bogs and marshes. I also was shocked to find out that there are also no rabbits, deer, or hogs there, either. Apparently, it’s all caribou, moose, pheasants, lynxes and foxes. I had some re-writes to do after that conversation.
#6. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
I write all my stories with Jesus on my heart. My passion is to put into words and flesh out what it’s like living with my Jesus. What does prayer look like? What does it feel like to doubt, or wonder about your path? How can God give you peace in a stressful moment? How do you ask for it? I write every story like whoever is reading it has never lived with Jesus, and this book is their introduction. Or for someone who’s struggling with their faith. It’s so natural to have that happen. My heart is to reach out to those people or anyone who can use encouragement in their faith.
I write all my stories with Jesus on my heart. My passion is to put into words and flesh out what it’s like living with my Jesus. What does prayer look like? What does it feel like to doubt, or wonder about your path? How can God give you peace in a stressful moment? How do you ask for it? I write every story like whoever is reading it has never lived with Jesus, and this book is their introduction. Or for someone who’s struggling with their faith. It’s so natural to have that happen. My heart is to reach out to those people or anyone who can use encouragement in their faith.
More from Sofia
This book has been my absolute favorite to write. I switched my POV to first person, and it made all the difference in the world as far as getting into my character’s head. I’ve been so intimidated in writing in first person POV, so I’m so happy I went out on a limb and tried it. The story flowed so easily once I did! I wrote the first draft of this book in 10 weeks! I got on an intense writing schedule, stuck to it and voila! Out popped this book.
I loved every minute of it, especially the researching part. Researching how to live off the grid was fascinating to me, and it couldn’t have been more interesting. It really made me understand how people lived without modern conveniences. Well, in my book, they lived with modern conveniences thanks to generators and the Elementals’ gifts and abilities, but they had to make their own soap, butter, cheese, sometimes, clothes. I learned how a toilet can work thanks to gravity and setting up the pump on a hill. It’s all fascinating to me and I hope everyone finds it fun to learn, too, all while a great story unfolds!
The following recipe was so neat, I had to include it! And, yes, it’s in the book. They had to cook bread without an oven, so this worked nicely so they could still enjoy some fresh cooked bread.
I loved every minute of it, especially the researching part. Researching how to live off the grid was fascinating to me, and it couldn’t have been more interesting. It really made me understand how people lived without modern conveniences. Well, in my book, they lived with modern conveniences thanks to generators and the Elementals’ gifts and abilities, but they had to make their own soap, butter, cheese, sometimes, clothes. I learned how a toilet can work thanks to gravity and setting up the pump on a hill. It’s all fascinating to me and I hope everyone finds it fun to learn, too, all while a great story unfolds!
The following recipe was so neat, I had to include it! And, yes, it’s in the book. They had to cook bread without an oven, so this worked nicely so they could still enjoy some fresh cooked bread.
This recipe was copied from the following link from Veganonboard.com:
Campfire Bread on a Stick Recipe – Vegan on Board
Ingredients
1 tsp dried yeast
1 tsp sugar
2 ½ cups (300 g) flour
⅞ cup (200 ml) warm water
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tsp salt
Dough:
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients into a moist dough. No need to knead!
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in
size – about 1 hour.
With floured hands, briefly ‘knock back’ the dough by making it into a ball.
Tip the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 8 pieces.
Shaping your breadsticks:
Start by stretching the dough into a strip and then roll it into a long sausage shape.
Twist a strip around the end of your sticks.
Pinch the dough together to secure the end if necessary.
Cooking Over a Campfire:
Either hold or prop up your stick over the fire.
Choose a spot over hot embers for best results.
Keep rotating until all sides are browned.
Enjoy your freshly baked bread!
Campfire Bread on a Stick Recipe – Vegan on Board
Ingredients
1 tsp dried yeast
1 tsp sugar
2 ½ cups (300 g) flour
⅞ cup (200 ml) warm water
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tsp salt
Dough:
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients into a moist dough. No need to knead!
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in
size – about 1 hour.
With floured hands, briefly ‘knock back’ the dough by making it into a ball.
Tip the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 8 pieces.
Shaping your breadsticks:
Start by stretching the dough into a strip and then roll it into a long sausage shape.
Twist a strip around the end of your sticks.
Pinch the dough together to secure the end if necessary.
Cooking Over a Campfire:
Either hold or prop up your stick over the fire.
Choose a spot over hot embers for best results.
Keep rotating until all sides are browned.
Enjoy your freshly baked bread!
 Sofia Simpson | Sofia grew up moving constantly. Never in one place more than three years, there was plenty of time to daydream during long car rides. College finally gave her a chance to study what she had always dreamed of doing, writing her stories. She obtained a B.A. in Journalism, married her handsome husband and had two amazing sons. A big believer in dreaming big, Sofia loves speaking to youth, encouraging them to find hope no matter what their life looks like. Sofia is a daughter of the Lord first and foremost and finds inspiration with the stories like King David and Esther. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Sofia is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!
a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 16
Guild Master, February 17 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 17
Texas Book-aholic, February 18
Fiction Book Lover, February 19 (Author Interview)
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 20
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, February 22
Simple Harvest Reads, February 23 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 24
A Reader’s Brain, February 25 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, February 25
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 26
Through the Fire Blogs, February 27 (Author Interview)
Blogging with Carol, February 28
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