Today we have a fun interview, review and giveaway with author Jon Lewis.  The first time I met Jon Lewis was at in event in Arizona being held for the Book Babe.  Jon was the host and he was incredibly funny.  I after that I picked up his series The Grey Griffins co-written with Derek Benz.  There were fantastic.  I recently had the opportunity to read Jon's YA novel Invasion.  It did not disappoint.  Invasion is a mix of super hero and comic book lore wrapped up in a well written novel with strong characters and a fast moving plot.

The story introduces us to  Colt, surfer guy who just lost his parents.  Colt is the youngest of 7 brothers and is feels  little lost after his parent's death.  Colt moves to Arizona with his grandfather where he starts to receive strange text messages saying his parents death was not an accident.  As Colt investigates his parents death he finds out more than he bargained for about the world around him and his place in it.  The story is filled with action, adventure, shape shifting aliens and jet packs. I also love the way Jon Lewis incorporates history with a new, cool twist.  

The characters are strong yet relatable to most teenagers.  I really liked Danielle and how she represented a strong female who played video games and hacked computers yet she still was feminine and not just a geek side kick.  Colt is very likable and a great main character. Seeing the story through his eyes allows you to learn about the world as he does. 

I highly recommend this book! I think guys and girls alike will love this fun sci-fi read.


 Where did the idea for Invasion come from?
It was a combination of a few factors, but it started when I was growing up in the Midwest. I'd spend summers with my grandparents in Minnesota, and everyday at lunch she'd read me a story. One of my favorites was the story of David & Goliath. I loved that David was steadfast despite the odds, so I used that as the backbone for Colt as he goes up against odds that he should never be able to overcome.

Was the idea always clear or did it transform after you began writing it?
It was in the beginning, but once you start into the writing process, things can change. It's a strange mixture of sticking to a plan and being organic. I'm not sure I've figured out the perfect formula yet.

I noticed the art work in the back of the book as well as on your site is that part of your creative process or is that something that is created after the book is completed? (It is amazing by the way)
I like to see things visually before I write. Growing up, I wanted to be either a comic book illustrator or an animator for Disney. I love to draw, but I have friends who do it every day for a living. They are incredible talents, and they made some awesome concept art for the book. 

I really enjoyed the characters in Invasion. I was particularly excited about Danielle’s character who is a strong female with a love of video games and hacking, roles typically given to male characters. How do you develop your characters and are any based off of people you know?
Thanks! I often mash together people I know with favorite characters from books, TV and movies. Danielle, however, wasn't really based on anyone I know. I wanted her to be hip and attractive, but have that geeky side to her -- but a confidence in it -- she doesn't really care what other people think. In my opinion, that's one of the keys to life.


I read in your bio that you graduated from Arizona State University’s Walter Kronkite School of Broadcasting and that you have had some incredibly cool jobs (news reporter, mural painter, video game designer) how do those things translate into writer? Is there one job that was your favorite?
I think life experience can help with writing -- the more people you know and the more things you do, the bigger to pool of memories to draw from, which will definitely help in writing. As to a favorite, it's hard to say. I love writing books, so I'd have to say that this is my favorite job.

Previously you wrote with a partner on the Grey Griffin series. Do you find it different writing by yourself? Are there parts of the process that are more challenging or that become easier?
There are definite advantages to writing with someone. For instance, you never have writer's block because you can bounce ideas off of the other person. And the creative process during the plotting component can be a lot of fun. But I'd say the actual writing is much easier -- and goes by much faster -- when it's just one person.


 Lots of authors tweet about their favorite places to write whether it be a coffee shop or their home office. Do you have a writing place?
I had an office for a while, but I would always end up at a coffee shop in Chandler called The Coffee Rush. It's on a lake, so it reminds me of Minnesota. I also write at a coffee shop called The Commons in Gilbert, but most of the time (at least lately) I've been writing at home. I used to be able to listen to music or have background noise when I wrote, but I'm going through a stretch when I need it kind of quiet.

Is there a place you find helps concentrate on the writing or creative process?
I go on a walk really early in the morning before anyone else is up. That kind of quiet really helps to free my mind.

When can we expect the next CHAOS novel? Are there any other projects you are working on?
The next CHAOS novel is due out Jan 2012, and I do have a few other things in the works, but I have to keep those a secret for now.


Now for the giveaway! I will be giving away 2 copies of Invasion.  Fill out the form below for a chance to win.  The giveaway is open internationally and will close on February 8th at 8PM EST.

 

Publish Post