COMPLIANCE Release Week!

COMPLIANCE, the second book in my YA sci-fi thriller series The Dust Chronicles, comes out tomorrow!

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In celebration of the release, my publisher has put the first book in the series, DEVIANTS, on sale at Amazon!

Currently, the Hardcover is only $2.92, the kindle version $1.92, the Physical audio edition is $4.21 and the Audible audio edition is $1.99! How often can you get a hardcover for under $3? (Not sure how long the sale will last, so order now!  (End of obnoxious sales pitch.)

I thought I'd share answers to some FAQs about this series. Here goes!

Q: COMPLIANCE is an unusual title for a novel. What's that about?

A: Parts of the series are set in a domed city called Haven that's run like a corporation. The defacto police in Haven are called Compliance Officers, or Comps. And that's where the title comes from.

Q: The series is written for teens. What age is your target reader?

A: Great question. First, I want to make it clear that the books should be enjoyable for any reader who loves a fast-paced story with tons of adventure and danger and an intense romance, regardless of their age. A huge percentage of the fans of DEVIANTS have been adults, and not just women--men too!

YA fiction might be about teenaged characters, but these days it's not just targeted at teen readers. 

As far as a minimum age goes, it really depends on the reader. The publisher has put 12+ on the cover, but I've heard from readers younger than that. If parents are concerned, know that there is some mildly graphic violence, (but less than most cartoons or PG rated movies), some scary situations and some kissing.
Re the kissing... Don't get me wrong, I think that parts of both books are pretty hot (and so do my readers), but most of the heat is left up to the imagination, so younger readers (and boys) shouldn't be uncomfortable.

Q: I haven't read DEVIANTS, can start with the second book?

A: Sure! The full story does arc over three books, but each book also works as a standalone title. I hope that no matter which title readers start with, they'll want to read all three. :) And with the current sale for DEVIANTS, why not pick it up both!

Q: How is your series different from other dystopian YA fiction?

 A: I don't actually think of The Dust Chronicles as a dystopian series. I think it's faster paced and more exciting than many of those stories. Yes, elements of the world in my story are dystopian in nature, but the story isn't about the dystopia, per se. I think of it as a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, with a dystopian setting, and elements of both romance and horror.

At its core, The Dust Chronicles is a story about a girl whose emotions can kill who must deal with highly emotional and dangerous situations. Including her first love.

That said, I did have a lot of fun setting up the dystopian elements in the story. Haven is run like a corporation with every resident an employee. Because I had a previous career in the corporate world, I found it interesting to imagine how a world might develop if corporations were in charge, and which departments would have the most power. For example, I figure sales would be all but obsolete, whereas departments such as internal audit, human resources and communications might become more important.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from any other YA novels when writing this series?

A: Not directly, but I hope that I captured the pacing and tension of The Hunger Games and the emotional intensity of The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Both books that I highly recommend if you haven't read them yet!

Maureen McGowan

Maureen McGowan always loved writing fiction, but side-tracked by a persistent practical side, it took her a few years to channel her energy into novels. After leaving a career in finance and accounting, she hasn't looked back.

Aside from her love of books, she's passionate about films, fine handcrafted objects and shoes. Maureen grew up in various Canadian cities and her previous career moved her to Palo Alto and Philadelphia, before she settled in Toronto, Canada where she attends the Toronto International Film Festival each year.

You can get more information or follow her here:
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To celebrate the release, I'm giving away 2 signed hardcover copies of COMPLIANCE.

The contest starts tomorrow, so stop back to enter!

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