Interview with Scott Tracey, author of Witch Eyes and Giveaway

Welcome to today's tour stop on the Teen Book Scene's blog tour for Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey. We decided to change things up by having Scott answer my questions using lines from the book. See details below for your chance to win a copy of the book. Enjoy!

In Witch Eyes, Braden’s gift to see through spells and lies is both a gift and a painful burden. Can you describe an instance where having this gift would be the most terrifying and conversely, when it comes in the most handy?

Taking a shower with sunglasses, and keeping them from falling off, was a struggle....People did really nasty things in the bathroom, things that could scar an innocent boy like me.
------------
Our eyes met, and I saw through him. Trey unraveled in front of me, layers upon layers that peeled away like petals falling off a rose. I saw how deep loyalty ran within him, silver and gold threads that kept all the other parts together. I saw reflections and memories against diamond walls, decayed flowers that had been trampled underfoot, and icy winds of sarcasm that surrounded the core, the dark parts even he couldn’t see.

What are your favorite types of scenes to write (action, romance, etc) and can you share with us an example of one from your book?

“Hackers reference,” Drew supplied. “Angelina played this hot teenage hacker badass schoolgirl chick.”
“Didn’t we talk about you being offensive?” Riley said, actually sounding caustic for once.
“I could try harder, right?”

On your blog, you write about how 2011 is the “Year of the Witch”. What do you think it is about witch-themed novels that appeals to readers of Young Adult books?

Power. Greater than normal magic. Something far more severe. Deadly, but a beautiful kind of strength. I could do anything if I had that kind of power.

What is it that you love most about Braden’s character?

Had he known? Why else ask me that question? “That was the point of dinner, wasn’t it? Give Braden the magical roofie and watch him spill his guts."
“Was she wrong? My mother’s not stupid, Braden. She’s worried you might be a threat.”
“Of course I’m a threat, you idiot!”

What was the hardest aspect of building the world within your novel and how did you overcome it?

Lucien pressed another button, cutting her off. His eyes grew vacant and he glanced behind him, toward
the view over the city. “He does so enjoy unraveling my schedule.”

Which of your supporting characters would be perfect for a spin-off or novella and why?

“I’m Riley. Newspaper editor extraordinaire, fashion wunderkind, and resident expert on all things beautiful and damned.” She shook her wrist, settling the bracelets all to the bottom. “Belle? Dam? Get it?”
-------------------------
Lucien’s expression was inscrutable. “Your son finds himself a beau, and you invite him over for a playdate. How very modern of you.”

Demon Eyes is the second book in the series scheduled to release in 2012. Can you give us any hints or teasers as to what we can look forward to in the next installment?

“He wants the door unlocked. The door that no key should open,” I whispered.

Witch Eyes 

by Scott Tracey (September 8th 2011)

Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain.

After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. As rival family heads Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe desperately try to use Braden's powers to unlock Belle Dam's secrets, Braden vows never to become their sacrificial pawn. But everything changes when Braden learns that Jason is his father--and Trey, the enigmatic guy he's falling for, is Catherine's son.

To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves

Want to win a copy of Witch Eyes? Just leave a comment below along with your email address. Contest ends September 1, 2011. US/Canadian residents only. Must be 13 years or older to enter. Good luck!