It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an aspiring author who interviews her writing heroes, must fangirl over said heroes.
Hi Rock Stars!
Do I have a treat for you today! I was first introduced to wonderfully talented Ashley Bustamante by my daughter (bookworm extraordinaire and book dragon in her own right) when Book 1 in her Color Theory series (Vivid) came out.
Since then, I’ve discovered that Ashley is a super kindhearted and fantastically supportive person. She is thoughtful and funny. And did I say talented?
Her last book in the Color Theory series (Chromatic) came out this week, and I just had to ask her for the opportunity to spotlight her on my blog for you. Let me introduce you to her Color Theory series.
As you can see, the cover art alone is beautiful and whimsical and just so fun. In addition to that, this series has color magic, intrigue, a conflicted (and very relatable heroine), and delicious tension all throughout. Check out the blurb for Book 1:
When Ava Locke was five years old, she began a journey to join the Benefactors—the leaders of the magical continent of Magus. Twelve years later, she unwittingly started down the road to betray them.
On Magus where colors fuel magical abilities, yellow is banned in an effort to protect people from its mind-controlling capabilities. When a rogue Yellow magic-user named Elm escapes imprisonment Ava becomes innocently fascinated with his story. Once this mysterious Elm shows up at her school, Ava pushes her interest to the next level by helping him evade the Benefactors. Ava grows increasingly conflicted as her intrigue leads her down a dark road of secrets about her world. As she learns more about Yellow magic’s potential to control its victims, Ava now must question whether her rash decisions are all her own or if someone else is pulling the strings.
It sounds lovely, doesn’t it? I definitely think so.
To celebrate the release of Chromatic I asked Ashley my five author spotlight questions. Her answers are fantastic. Check them out:
Why do you write?
There are a few reasons: One is that I really can’t imagine not writing. My mind is almost always writing, even when I’m not at a keyboard. It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. The second (and perhaps more important reason) is that I feel it’s important to put good family media out into the world. I want to make more safe content that families can enjoy together.
What/who inspires you in life (not in your writing, but in general)?
There’s nobody more inspiring than Jesus. He overcame all things and did so with love as his motivation. Whenever I think I can’t do something, I know I can find
lessons and examples from my Savior.
What are some of your favorite things?
Rain, nature, music, books, and dark chocolate.
What would your perfect day look like and how is it different from your actual
everyday?
These days I’m so busy all the time. There’s never really time to relax because I always have something I “should be” doing. I would love a day where I had nothing on my to-do list and could just go outside to some place green with beautiful weather and enjoy it with my family.
If you could invite a group of writers (dead or alive) to a tea party, who would it be?
Charlotte Bronte, Stephanie Garber, and Brandon Sanderson.
Did I not say her answers were fantastic? I for one, can’t imagine not writing either, or eating dark chocolate. And Stephanie Garber would be amazing to have at a tea party. I think Ashley would be fun to have at a tea party too for that matter.
Connect with Ashely through her Instagram account and check out more about her books, what she reads, and also some bookish recommendations. You won’t regret it!
I also asked Ashley two bonus questions for my VIP Circle Newsletter: If you could go back to your first book release, what would you tell yourself? And what is the most important thing you do to nurture your craft? To read those (and enjoy every other VIP Circle perk), sign up for my VIP Circle here.
As part of Chromatic’s release celebration, we’re doing a fun giveaway for you guys. Check it out:
The giveaway includes:
- One signed copy of Chromatic (Book 3 in the Color Theory Series)
- One character card of Ava Locke
- Three paper bookmarks
- One pack of Color Theory inspired hair clips (6 total)
- Six sunflower stickers (variety)
To enter this giveaway, read Ashley’s bonus Q&A, and enjoy everything else I offer my VIP Circle subscribers, click here.
This giveaway will run until May 20th 2024 and a winner will be randomly selected through my VIP Circle by May 24th. Open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!
Did you like this post? Then consider joining my VIP Circle and don’t miss out on all my additional content (monthly messages, inspirational quotes, bookish recommendations, giveaways, and much more!). Click HERE.
And if you want to collaborate with me don’t be shy. I love to work with fellow writers, spotlight authors, and host writing challenges. I’ve also been known to swap short critiques on occasion. Reach to me here.
Melissa Muhlenkamp 