Friday, November 11, 2011

The Mephisto Covenant Giveaway!


Some months ago, I got an Advanced Reader Copy of The Mephisto Convenant, which my daughter promptly grabbed, read and adored. I blogged about it here, in which I mentioned the author, Trinity Faegan, visiting us once the book was widely available. The book's now out, and getting fabulous reviews, and here's Trinity to chat with us about it.

Hi, Trinity. Could you please tell us a little about your writing background and how you made your first sale?

I started writing when I was in high school, but didn’t attempt to become published until the mid-90s. My first sale was to Silhouette Bombshell in 2005 and they bought three more after that. Unfortunately, the fourth was never published because they folded the Bombshell line. But I got to keep the money, so it wasn’t all bad. Fast forward four years and I (finally) sold again – a YA paranormal romance. The process is very different than category romance, so I feel like a complete rube, but it’s been a journey like no other.

Readers and writers often like to get a behind the scenes peek of an author's writing routine. It would be great if you could please share your typical writing day schedule.

I wish I had a schedule and stuck to it. In truth, I write in huge spurts of adrenaline and caffeine. The book I just turned in was written in three parts. The first part, I tweaked and rewrote until it was just how I wanted. The second part was written in tiny fits and starts during the summer while my daughters were home, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t concentrate long enough to get it finished. Which is why the last part was written in three weeks, working almost around the clock. I do keep trying to manage an 8-5 schedule, however. Someday…

Please tell us about your novel and what we can expect from your characters.

Here’s a wee blurb I have handy:


A descendant of the daughter of Eve, born before Original Sin, falls in love with a son of the dark angel, Mephistopheles, then discovers she alone can save him from Hell, but only if she gives up mortality and her birthright of certain Heaven to join him and his brothers in a brutal war to save mankind’s free will.


There’s also a lot of kissing. And sex. On the page. This has gotten me some righteous dings in reviews, but even those who are shocked or offended admit it’s not gratuitous, and goes to the plot. This is romance, pure and simple, and I hope romance fans will enjoy it. Those who look for more literary, deep-thinking young adult fare may be disappointed. The Mephisto Covenant is commercial fiction all the way.


What's up next? Do you have another project in the works? If so, please tell us about it.

I turned in book 2 in this series a few weeks ago and am now awaiting edits. It will be released in Fall 2012, and centers around another Mephisto brother and his very rocky road to true love.

Would you like to close with a writing tip?


Write what you love to read, not what you see as ‘the market.’ You have to stay true to your own voice, because that’s all that separates us and makes us unique. Every book I’ve written that I had to force hasn’t sold. Stay the course and wish for luck, because as much as no one will admit it, luck plays a big part in selling your work. Just be sure you have a good project when luck comes calling.


Thank you to Tina, Kelly and YA Fresh for having me here!


Thanks to you, Trinity!

Now, for our readers--in order to be entered to win a copy of this book, simply leave us a comment telling us you'd like to read The Mephisto Covenant, and maybe why? The winner will be drawn randomly and announced on Monday, November 14!

17 fresh comments:

Bidisha said...

Woah..I like how honest she is in talking about her book and what can be expected/and not expected from it. Also, I love books which have a lotta kissing. Just saying.

Also, maybe that's just why I want to read this a lot? :)

speak_to_bidisha@yahoo.co.in

Suzanne said...

I love a lotta kissing, too! And so do my daughters, so I'm glad YA offers so much room to tell our stories. There's something for everybody in YA.

I love hearing about writers' processes. It's just about the most gratifying thing in the world to me to struggle my way through a manuscript and then break through to the other side toward completion.

Jessie Harrell said...

I want to read this book. Not only is the cover amazing, but I LOVE romance!! Bring on the kissing.
jessieharrell at me dot com
Thanks for the opportunity!

brendajean said...

I love a story about dark angels:) I'm so glad to hear there is a book 2 coming! Thanks for the giveaway:)

bchild5 at aol dot com

Sydney said...

Kissing? I like kissing! This book sounds amazing. Love the honesty in what to expect. I'm excited to read it! I need a break from all my required reading. I can't remember what it's like to read for pleasure!

Llehn said...

I'd love to read it because it sounds so intriguing! Kissing is just the cherry on top of the cake.

lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Margay Leah Justice said...

This just sounds like a fabulous book - I really like books with this theme.

Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

Janie Emaus said...

What a great, honest interview.
Thanks.

sunnynikki said...

I want to read this book so I can see some YA with lots of sex in it, I'm curious. Not to mention I'm so not one of those people that gets offended by reading about sex, in fact what is the opposite of that, because that is what I am!

mariska said...

Intrigued and cool cover :) that's why i want to read this book !

uniquas at ymail dot com

TinaFerraro said...

I am loving all these comments, and noticing a general interest in the fact your book has a whole lotta kissing! So I wanted to ask you, Trinity, if there's a particular film/TV or movie kiss that particularly knocked your socks off? Along the big kiss in Sleepless in Seattle or The Princess Bride?

Maidenveil said...

I want to read this book! The title is interesting...makes you want to know!!

maidenveil(at)gmail(dot)com

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

Thanks for visiting us, Trinity! Loved your bombshells and I'm sure I will love your YAs!

Good for you on writing what you felt was perfect for your storyline, and good luck with this series!

Yan said...

I think what sold me about the book was the book being aimed for romantics. *raises hand* That's me. I love romances--pure and simple. Especially after a long day and too many hours doing chemistry problems, all I want to do is curl up with a good book. Mephisto Covenant sounds like that kind of book.

Jessy said...

I want to read Mephisto Covenant! The romance aspect sounds intriguing enough for me ;)

Trinity Faegen said...

Hi Everyone!
Great comments - thanks so much for stopping by. And thanks again to YA Fresh for having me.

I'm running a little late checking in - just returned from San Diego, where we saw our nephew graduate from SEALs. Y'all, it was awesome - and humbling. Man, the things those guys do...it's mind-blowing. There were only 12 left of the original 200+ that started with our nephew. There were 53 graduates - the others came in at different points because they were rolled over from earlier classes due to illness or injury. If they get rolled before Hell Week, they have to wait a couple of years before applying again. Our nephew and 2 others were the only ones under 21, so he caught a lot of grief from the older guys - had to do extra stuff.

Tina, I'm partial to the kiss at the end of You've Got Mail, with Brinkley the dog jumping on Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan - it's funny and sweet. For hot kisses, I remember the one between Brad Pitt and Angelina in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, after they've tried to kill each other. Whoa! It's a bit tainted because as it turns out, that kiss was probably real, and it was icky because he was married to someone else. But still - it was pretty steamy!

Thanks again to everyone for saying hello, and best of luck in the giveaway!

Pam said...

I'd love to read The Mephisto Covenant. The synopsis sounds interesting and I enjoy paranormal type stories.
Thanks for this opportunity.

Pam