Q&A with Vanessa Morton
As part of research for “Moonfall,” you actually visited the ancient city of Jericho. What was
that like?
No high-rises or industrial compounds mar the surrounding landscape today, which gives the
sense that little has changed over the millennia. Inside the city fortifications, archaeologists have
exposed structural walls that would have been coated with smooth plaster and a wash of bright colors.
It was easy to imagine my characters partying by torchlight, while musicians entertained with throaty
flutes, pounding drums, and hand-plucked strings. The experience was surreal.
What fascinates you most about the Late Bronze Age?
Sky gods were highly revered, especially the moon god, whose appearance marked the arrival
of cooler temperatures each evening. Celestial phenomena regulated even the most mundane activities,
for example, digging up certain flowers was only done after sunset.
Do you have to know a lot about history to enjoy reading “Moonfall?”
Open the book armed only with a desire to be entertained. My teen daughters were my initial
audience, so Moonfall's primary focus is on the lives and adventures of two 16-year-old twins who
can't seem to stay out of trouble. As an added perk, Moonfall will immerse you in the exotic culture of
the ancient near east.
In what ways will modern teens relate to sisters Rachav and Zaron?
Regardless of the era or realm, teens face many of the same issues and have similar concerns,
for example: am I attractive; can I trust my friends or even my family; or why should I comply with
rules that make no sense? Some feelings are hard-wired into our nature: jealousy, loyalty, and the
longing to love and be loved. Then as now, the transition into adulthood is at times awkward,
emotional, and downright exhilarating.
What will surprise readers the most about “Moonfall?”
The characters' resistance to conformance, how they handle the pain of betrayal, and their
determination to carve their own path in an adult world, all played out in a mystical realm, where
supernatural forces are not only accepted, but expected.
As a world traveler who visits archeological sites, where is the most interesting historical place
you’ve explored?
I am intrigued by the enigmatic aura of Jericho, but I also admire the ingenuity of Roman fort
construction along Hadrian's wall in Britain and the haughty desolation of the Mayan pyramids near
Cancun. Even newer sites, such as the settlement at Jamestown or the medieval castles of Europe, are
fascinating. It's impossible to pick only one!
The end of “Moonfall” leaves readers wanting more. Are you working on a follow-up to the
story?
Moonfall is the first installment of the "Tales from the Levant" series, and the second book will
be coming in 2015. Readers will be happy to see one of their favorite Moonfall characters return for an
exciting new role.
6 comments:
It sounds like an interesting read. Family and faith are always interesting to read about.
Thank you Karen! Best wishes on the ebook giveaway!
An additional freebie for Crossroad Reviews readers, a new $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway is running at www.vanessamorton.com. It's free to enter. Good luck!
Great to hear that you have a sequel coming out in 2015!
I read Moonfall and loved it. I can't wait for book 2 in this series!
Lisa and Cynthia, thanks for coming by and joining the tour! Good luck on the giveaway!
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