AUTHOR: JOSH GRAYSON
PUBLICATION DATE: NOVEMBER 20TH 2013
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY, YOUNG ADULT
When
seventeen-year-old Sia wakes up on a park bench, she has no idea who or where
she is. Yet after a week of being homeless, she’s reunited with her family. At
school, she’s powerful and popular. At home, she’s wealthy beyond her dreams.
But she quickly realizes her perfect life is a lie. Her family is falling apart
and her friends are snobby, cruel and plastic. Worse yet, she discovers she was
the cruelest one. Mortified by her past, she embarks on a journey of redemption
and falls for Kyle, the “geek” she once tormented. Yet all the time she wonders
if, when her memories return, she’ll become the bully she was before…and if
she’ll lose Kyle.
REVIEWS FOR SIA:
“A compelling read full of intrigue, romance, and
lots of surprises. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!” - Jennifer
Read Hawthorne, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A heartwarming, sometimes tear jerking story
that reignites one’s faith in humanity. An excellent debut!” – Alexia Purdy, Bestselling author
INTERVIEWING AUTHOR:
If
you could fly anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where
would you most likely want to go?
Italy,
simply because it’s always ranked as having the best food in the world. Its
beaches are nice too. I’ve Googled it.
What
is your favorite genre to read/write?
Young
adult (YA), because those stories carry universal themes we can all relate to,
a peek into the lives of characters who are more intriguing, real, and raw.
What
is one silly fact about you?
I
can mimic Enrique Iglesias’s voice pretty well. I sang “Hero” at a friend’s
birthday party once and received an enthusiastic response. Some applauded,
others laughed. Overall, though, I felt good about my performance.
What
got you started on your writing journey?
My
move from Massachusetts (where I’d lived most of my life) to Virginia. The
first year here was difficult. I was alone, depressed, and in completely new
surroundings. But it was here in the South that I began seeing all these
stories in my head, and that my “writing gene” got activated. So it seems the
old saying is true, everything does happens for a reason.
Why
do you choose to write clean/sweet romance?
I
don’t choose, per se. I just write whatever I see in my head. And so far, all
the romantic parts have been sweet and clean, which is fine with me.
What
other things do you have planned with your writing for the rest of the year
2013?
I’m
working on another YA novel that Sia fans should enjoy as well. If
things go according to plan, I’ll publish that in the summer of 2014.
What
is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Being
able to partake in the wildest adventures imaginable, all without ever leaving
your house.
Do
you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?
One
reviewer said, “It, without a doubt, inspired me to find ways to help others in
need. I’m looking into charity work.” I loved hearing that, because that’s
exactly what I wanted Sia to do: to motivate others to become their best
self, to make positive changes in the world, wherever they are.
Where
do your ideas come from?
I
find muses everywhere! In books, magazines, poems, movies, YouTube videos, and
so much more. I always try to be receptive. You never know what might trigger
your next story.
What
inspired you to write Sia?
Initially?
Oprah. (laughs). I saw an interview she did on a man with fugue amnesia that
impacted me. Fugue amnesia occurs when someone, usually in response to
excessive stress, takes off on some unexpected travel. And during the travels,
that person assumes either a partial or complete new identity. I found it both
fascinating and frightening to think that stress alone can cause the human
brain to demand a reset like that. I often wonder why I haven’t gotten fugue
amnesia yet!
Is
it true you wrote the screenplay adaption as well?
Yes!
I wrote it as soon as the book was finished. I’m about to hire a seasoned
Hollywood screenwriter to polish it. When it is up to industry standards, we’ll
submit it to film companies and cross our fingers. I think Sia would
translate wonderfully to film.
If
you could sum your main character into five words, what would they be? Determined.
Compassionate. Humble. Kind. Brave.
Use
no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book?
Because
I believe it will leave you touched, encouraged, and—of course—entertained.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Josh Grayson was born in Mexico, raised in Massachusetts,
and now lives in Martinsville, Virginia. It was his move to the South that
stirred his imagination and gave him the courage to start writing. During his
free time, Josh enjoys reading, jogging, swimming, and watching YouTube videos.
Josh currently works as a medical driver, shuttling people
all over Virginia and North Carolina. He has also worked as a machinist, film
sales rep, administrative assistant, and telemarketer (he apologizes if he
called you).
Sia is his debut YA novel.
STALK THE AUTHOR:
FINALLY, THE GIVEAWAY:
† 
MY REVIEW:
