Today I'm featuring Janenifer Anne Davis and her book, The Voice. As some of you may have seen, I highlighted this book as one of my very few 5 star indie/small press books that I've read recently. This book was truly amazing and I look forward to reading more from Janenifer.
She was kind enough to offer up a few copies of the book for my readers! Be sure to sign up for a chance to win.
I'd also suggest you check out the except of chapter 1 below.
1.The story in THE VOICE is so unique. What was the initial inspiration for it and the character of Audrey?
In all honesty, the story hits quite close to home. Growing up, one of my best friends was sexually abused by her uncle. Nothing ever came of it—she was too afraid to say anything. Also, in high school, someone near and dear to me was date raped. She was also too afraid to say anything and somehow felt like she deserved it. When I taught high school, one of my students went to a party and got drunk. When she woke up, her pants were off and three boys were in the room. She came to me crying, having no idea if she’d had sex or not. We went and spoke to a guidance counselor, but again, nothing ever came of it because she was too afraid to name names and implicate anyone. After this incident, I was so mad that these girls couldn’t find their own inner voice and stand up for themselves. That they were too afraid of what others might think of them so they let these guys get away with it. I wanted to write a book that empowered girls to take a stand and speak out!
2. If you had to describe Caleb and Justin in one word each, what would it be?
Oooh, that’s a hard one! Caleb = adorable, Justin = quiet.
3. This story involves the very serious topic of kidnapping. Was it emotional for you to write the story?
It was! The story is told from the first person so I had to put myself in Audrey’s position in order to write it. I had to go to a very dark place, one I hope never to revisit. Originally, I had a reoccurring vision of a girl trapped in a dog crate in a cabin. Her guardian angel came to save her. However, when I started actually writing the book, this didn’t work. The idea of guardian angels had already been done and I wanted to do something different. So the story transformed into what it is today!
4. Can you tell us what you have coming up? And, if this story will be continued?
I left Audrey’s story open so if I ever want to write a sequel, I can. As of right now, I don’t plan to continue her story. It was difficult to write and now that I have three kids of my own, I’m not sure I can revisit the subject matter. I do, however, have a three book deal with a publisher. Here’s the official blurb I’m allowed to share: “Forthcoming title news! Coming 2014, Janenifer Anne Davis' follow up novel titled, THE KEY, in a three book deal, about the return of the sole surviving heir, mistakenly left alive after the entire royal family was massacred seventeen years ago, when the kingdom fell.” It’s really a medieval story with lots of romance and sword fights. I LOVE this story and can’t wait to share it with you!! I also have something else, but I can’t say anything about it right now (and it’s killing me to keep it quiet)!!
5. Would you like to share an excerpt, or a few favorite lines from the story?
Here’s the first chapter:
The Voice Jennifer Anne Davis Copyright 2013 Chap ter 1
Lying in the dark cabin, I tried not to think about the foul smell of body odor mixed with the stench of urine. I tried not to think about how hungry I was, or when I would eat again. About the plastic zip ties cutting into my wrists, or the spider crawling up my arm. I kept trying and failing. There was nothing to do but think.
Audrey? he spoke in my mind.
“Here,” I replied, still not understanding who or what the voicewas, hoping I wasn’t going crazy. Though, after what I had been through, crazy wasn’t too far off. Instead, I focused on what the voicewas saying. After weeks of being stuck here, he was the only thing keeping me grounded and giving me hope.
I need you to do something for me.
He sounded drained. “Are you okay?” I asked.
Scream.
“What?”
I need you to scream as loud as you can. Now, Audrey! Scream!
Bill had left the cabin only five minutes earlier, and I was afraid to make any noise. What if he was still outside and heard me? Would he come back in? I was so sore and bruised that I couldn’t handle anymore.
Scream! he urged.
Finally trusting the voice, I sucked in a deep breath, closed my eyes, and screamed as loud as I could. At first I sounded like a cat that was being strangled, the sound barely audible and grating on my ears. But I kept trying, and the noise transformed into something loud and fierce. Yell the word “help.”
“HELP!” My throat was raw, but that didn’t stop me. I took all of my hurt and anger, and used those emotions for the energy needed to sustain the scream.
Then a thumping came from the other room—maybe the front door. My body shuddered. Shimmying to the edge of the mattress, I tried to stand, but my legs gave out, and I fell to the rough, wooden floor, landing on my knees. With bound hands, I inched my way to the corner of the room, as far away from the door as possible.
Keep screaming!
I wanted to curl into a ball and disappear, but I did what the voicesaid and let out a shrill, loud cry for help. The sound bounced off the walls, echoing.
Wood shattered in the other room. I kept yelling, wishing that I had the power to destroy Bill with my scream.
The doorknob twisted. Please don’t hurt me again.. please don’t touch me.. no more, please. No more.
The door exploded open. Instead of Bill, there stood three hunters dressed in camouflage and bright orange vests. One held a shotgun, and another held an axe. I froze in horror. The men looked at one another and then back at me.
Audrey, tell them who you are. Your name.
“I’m Audrey Marshall. Please help me.”
“The kidnapped girl?” the older guy on the right asked. I nodded. “I’m calling 9-1-1. You’re going to be all right now,” he said reassuringly, his cell phone already at his ear.
“Thank you,” I whispered to the voice. But he didn’t respond.
The Voice by Janenifer Anne Davis
Published: Lands Atlantic (January 29th, 2013)
Reading Level: YA/NA
Paperback: 288 pages
Summary:
During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she's not going crazy, because after what she's experienced, that's the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.
Unfortunately, rescue isn't all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate's house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she's worked so hard to build.
Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn't know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it's the same voice that she turns to — a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.
Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage.
Prize:
3 winners will receive an ebook copy of THE VOICE by Janenifer Anne Davis.
Rules:
- You must be at least 13 to enter.
- Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
- Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
- Contest is International and ends June 20th.
- Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
- The form must be filled out to enter.
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