Blog Tour- Interview with Rage author Jackie Morse Kessler & Giveaway

We are excited to apart of Jackie Morse Kessler's Rage blog tour! Rage is a book with a very powerful message and you can read my 4 star review here.

I like the way in which you take a very delicate subject and not only make it relatable, but you make it real. Why inspired you write the story?

Thanks! I actually hadn't planned on another Horseman book after writing HUNGER, but as soon as my agent handed that book over to my editor, she asked me, "Which Horseman are you going to write about next?" :)

Based on events in HUNGER, it made sense for the next book's Rider to be War. And it didn't take long for me to connect the sword of War with wielding a blade to self-injure. And that's when I came up with the premise

of RAGE: A 16-year-old self-injurer becomes the new avatar of War.

Missy is a character I think readers will be able to identify with. What is something you admire most about her?

Missy doesn't let the world defeat her, even when she's in the throes of despair. She's much stronger than she realizes, and she does what she needs to do to survive. And when she trusts herself, she's powerful, even fearless.

What is a message you want readers to take away from Rage?

Messages are tough, because I really want readers to come to their own conclusions. If they come away from RAGE thinking about what self-injury is, and what it's not, then I'll be very happy.

What advice would you give to teens who are struggling to overcome something similar to Missy?

Most important: You are not alone. And there are people who are ready to listen. Call To Write Love On Her Arms, and tell your story. **You matter.** No one can take that away from you.

What motivates you as an author?

A paycheck is a powerful motivator when I'm on deadline! **laughs** When I'm not under deadline stress, it's all about the story. There's nothing like writing a line that absolutely works, you know? You reread it, you say it out loud, and you want to cheer.

Is there a book you've recently read that you'd recommend we pick up?

I'm currently in a Sir Terry Pratchett sort of place, and I'm tearing through the Tiffany Aching series. Fabulous stuff -- very highly recommended! :)

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Thank you so much Jackie for being with us today!

Riders of the Apocalypse giveaway! Three lucky winners will receive one copy each of HUNGER and RAGE along with postcards and a mini-poster! To enter, send an e-mail to RageGiveaway@gmail.com. In the body of the e-mail, include your name and e-mail address (if you're under 13, submit a parent's name and e-mail address). One entry per person and prizes will only be shipped to US or Canadian addresses. Entries must be received by midnight (PDT) on 4/30/11. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on 5/1/11 and notified via email.

Jackie's next stop is at The Story Siren.