We are excited to be part of the Curves & Qs blog tour, celebrating the release of the final two books in the Ash Trilogy by Shiloh Walker: If You See Her and If You Know Her.
Each blog tour participant has asked Shiloh a question about the trilogy.
Catherine’s Question: In If You Hear Her the plot revolved around the mystery and serial killer. In If You See Her the serial killer was still at large, but the focus shifted to a new bad guy and watching Hope overcoming her past issues. Since the first book set up the serial killer arc to span the trilogy, I’m curious why there is a change in focus between the two books.
Shiloh’s Answer: Well, to answer that question in part…this is Hope’s book. Part of her story involves her dealing with her past, overcoming it…and finding herself. She wouldn’t have the chance to do that without the events playing out as they did. Which means she wouldn’t have had the chance to have her happy-ever-after; some of the focus had to shift.
Even though the killer is a huge part of the entire trilogy, he isn’t the driving force.
The six main characters are…he’s the monster in the background, yes, and he’s still there in If You See Her, but one thing he decided to do toward the end of book 1 was exercise a bit more caution. He’s trying to do that. Trying to cover his tracks, clean up the mess he made.
In the end, I can only go where the story takes me. I’m a pretty visual writer. Most often, I see the story coming to me in scenes, like a silent movie and all I do is write things down as it comes to me. Now, it’s my job to make it make sense once it’s on paper, but I can’t change the overall story after it’s set in my head…and that’s how it came to me. Trying to change it would have made the story suffer.
Excerpt…
“Hold my hand, why don’t you? Go ahead, Beth. Cut, and I don’t think you should pay any attention to Hope—I think she needs to do this.”
Thank you, Lena, Hope thought.
Then, as the scissors started once more, she squeezed Lena’s hand again. Tighter, and tighter.
“I was thinking about trying something short for once, Joey…”
A hard, brutal fist, cutting through the air. The pain—the shock.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I…I just had a bad day…and you know how much I love your hair. It won’t happen again, I swear.”
But it did.
Over.
And over.
“Damn it, Hope, I’m sorry. But you know I expect dinner on the table when I get home. I didn’t mean for this happen, but you know how tired I am when I get home.”
Snip.
Snip.
Snip.
“What do you mean, you want a divorce? You think anybody else is ever going to put up with you?”
Snip.
Snip.
“I think what you need is some medication for depression, baby. Nobody really believes all this crap you’re saying—you’re just bored…”
Snip…
Snip…
Tears were running down her face by the time it was done, and a thousand ugly memories flashed through her head.
And somehow, when it was done, she felt a hundred pounds lighter…no.
A thousand.
Curves & Qs Giveaway
Enter the Curves & Qs giveaway for a chance to win $50 Gift Certificate provided by Hips and Curves, or a book provided by Shiloh Walker.
The blog hop will take place at the following blogs:
2/6 Book Vixen
2/8 Fiction Vixen
2/10 Tori’s Misadventures
2/13 Life as a Spaz
2/15 Under the Covers
To enter, just visit each blog on the scheduled date and comment. You can enter up to one time per blog for up to five entries for the grand prize.
One winner will be chosen for a daily prize (a signed book from Shiloh) at each blog. Hosting bloggers are allowed to enter, although they can’t win at their respective blogs. They are eligible for prizes offered at the other blogs, and the grand prize.
All comments when be tallied up and one winner be chosen to win the main prize, an e-gift certificate to online retailer Hips and Curves.
The prize is valued at $50 (US) and winner is responsible for any and all costs over the dollar amount of the GC. Contest is open internationally, void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning depend of number of entries. The contest will remain open until 2/22. Winner(s) to be posted the week of 2.28 at Shiloh’s blog, and will also be notified via email, however they must reply back within 14 days to claim prize.
- Giveaway open Internationally
- You have until Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 to enter
For a further list of rules, please check out the disclaimer at shilohwalker.com.
Please note the e-gift certificate was donated by Hips and Curves with no strings attached.
Please read FVBR’s giveaway policy here.
Feel free to leave a comment however you must fill out the form below in order to enter the giveaway. Comments will not be eligible for giveaway entry. Good luck!!
About FV Sophia
I really liked the shift in focus. I can’t wait to find out more about this protective streak the killer had in If You See Her!
wow , talk about edge of your seat books. love em.
Trish, Danielle… thanks for dropping by!
I love Shiloh’s books and never disappointed when I read one.
I agree with Diane, I’ve loved every book of Shiloh’s that I’ve read.
Thank you, Diane & Viki..
I really liked that we need to read all 3 books to get to the conclusion. I just finished If You Hear Her – I’m hooked!
I have thoroughly enjoyed both books and cannot wait for book 3!! I loved Lena’s strength and Hope’s journey to finding herself!! I agree, I have loved everything I’ve read by Shiloh as well!!!
Hope’s was the hardest, by far, to write, just for the sheer…well, emotional toll.
I’ve actually never read any of Shiloh’s book, but would really like to! Thanks for the giveaway!!
yadkny@hotmail.com
LOVE Shiloh!!!!!!!
Love this series!!!
I really need to get these books. They sound great and I love that all 3 are now available (no waiting, lol). Thanks so much for the chance to win a book. I would love to get a copy of the first book
June, you do still have to wait two weeks ( a little over) for book three, but it’s not long now.
Ive never read any of these books either but they sound intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway
I have If You Hear Here sitting right next to me on the table! I’m waiting until all my obligations are finished for the day to start reading—–so excited!
That excerpt really makes me want to read the book! Great job! It’s awesome that all 3 are out together so we don’t have to wait!
I haven’t read any of Shiloh’s books yet, but she certainly gets great comments.
oh Diane U so have to go get 1 of her books!!I love her writing. She is the type of Arthur that draws u in and makes u feel as if u r a by stander seeing and hearing it played out in your mind if that makes sense to you lol!! So u should definitely look into her books!!!
LOL… thank you, Heather.
People are going to think I’m bribing you…
I loved how each snip was a release for her bad memories!!u keep writing and I’ll keep buying!!
Love this series!
I like the idea that you placed the serial killer as background tension while focusing on the 6 main characters. A lot of authors whould have chosen to make the serial killer the driving force in the story but that is not always how life works. Also, thanks for answering one of my questions. It’s interesting that you see your writing in scenes. How do you make sure you have story continuity? Do you story board or maintain copious notes?
I know I can’t wait to read the series, and they just caught my attention…*S*
thank you for the blog tour hop and the giveaway!
pommawolf @hotmail.com
Would love to start this series! Need to move it up on my to-buy list
I enjoyed the excerpt. The book sounds very good.
Been a crazy week for me. PC down and other problems.
I have not read any of your books Shiloh but have on my wish list. Maybe I can win here and begin my reading journey of your books.
Thanks for the giveaway.
I like what people are saying in the comments. t sounds like a must read series. I’m not usually big on series…I worry about getting lost or not keeping up. It sounds like this should be an exception.
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Ive never read any of these books either, but i want read it because excerpt make me want it. And I love cover to.
Thanks for the giveaway.
hope can win shiloh’s book
Great excerpt!! Cant wait to read more.