BLOG TOUR (INTERVIEW): ISAN by Mary Ting

“Captivating from the very beginning, this sci-fi novel explores issues of autonomy and survival in a world where there are few remaining citizens after meteors crashed into Earth … this thrilling dystopian drama has a splash of romance and tons of action. The fast-paced chapters will engage reluctant readers and fans of postapocalyptic scenarios.” —School Library Journal

“ISAN will leave readers breathless with anticipation as they race through each exciting page.” —Tiffany King, USA Today Bestselling Author

Meteors devastated the Earth. World Governments developed plans to help surviving citizens. The United States disbanded and salvageable land was divided into four quadrants—North, South, East, and West—governed by The Remnant Council.

Struggling to survive, seventeen-year-old Ava ends up in juvenile detention, until she is selected for a new life—with a catch. She must be injected with an experimental serum. The results will be life changing. The serum will make her better. To receive the serum Ava agrees to join a program controlled by ISAN, the International Sensory Assassin Network.

While on a mission, she is abducted by a rebel group led by Rhett and told that not only does she have a history with him, but her entire past is a lie perpetuated by ISAN to ensure her compliance. Unsure of who to trust, Ava must decide if her strangely familiar and handsome captor is her enemy or her savior—and time is running out.

1. What inspired you to write ISAN?

I wish I could live in a time where there are flying cars and technology more advance than I can comprehend. For that reason, I created a world I thought what our future might look like. Also, wouldn’t it be cool if what destroyed us, gave us a gift? What if the meteor gave us supernatural powers? And that is how ISAN began.

2. Did you always want to be an author?

I never wanted to be an author. I didn’t fall in love with books until I became a teacher. I’d taught kindergarten for almost 20 years until my passion shifted to writing. I started writing after my grandmother passed away. It was a way for me to heal the loss of her. I based my story, Crossroads, from dreams and events from my senior year in high school. I can’t believe I’ve written 30 books within the past eight years.

3.I have read some of your other books and they have strong female characters. Is there a woman in your life who inspired your characters?  

No, no one in particular. I didn’t have a strong female role model growing up. Times are different now. I want to show that women can be brave and strong.

4. If you could describe ISAN in four words, what would they be? Captivating. Assassins. Tons of action. Splash of romance.
5. Some authors have playlists for their books. Do you have one for ISAN?

Yes, I do.

Billie Eilish-Bad Guy –especially for action chapters.

Ed Sheeran- Thinking Out Loud and Perfect

Calum Scott, Leona Lewis—You Are The Reason

6. Do you have a writing ritual? If so, what is it?

I don’t outline like most authors. I have my main characters, a setting, an idea for beginning, and then I start writing. I have a general idea for what will happen next, but I just let the story unfold. I also engage what my middle point should be and lead my characters to that point. So, for example, if I need my characters to be in the mountain by the middle of the book, I think about what I want the characters to experience or do before they get there.

7. What is your advice to new authors out there in reaching their dreams?

Read many books. Know your audience, who your targets are. Make sure your book is in tip top shape before you send it to an agent. Be prepare for rejections. AND don’t ever give up.