IMPERVIOUS - Heather Letto - One Free Book

Welcome, Heather. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Although I aim to bestow each main character their own identity, I must admit my fingerprints are all over them. Sometimes, they inherit identical personality quirks and sometimes just my personal dreams and aspirations are woven into their hearts. Not to mention, every now and then a snippet of drama drawn from my own life experiences will wander into their lives. One thing I can guarantee will always be part of the makeup of my characters is their faith—and it, consequently, mimics my own.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Such a great question for this season of my life! Because recently (as in just this past August) in a span of two weeks, my husband and I disengaged from most of our earthly possessions (we tossed, gave away, or sold a mountain of stuff!), and hit the road to live full-time in our RV. With the North Carolina coast as our launching pad, we’ve motored through majestic mountains and lush, green valleys, fertile farmlands, and sparkling cities. It’s definitely a quirky lifestyle… and I love it! And how long do we plan to do this? Meh, who knows?

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Interesting question! I discovered early on in life that I enjoyed and actually communicated much more effectively in writing than I did speaking. Therefore, expressing myself on paper became a natural medium of communication for me. My first writing gig began in the 1990’s when I approached the editor of the Chicago Daily Herald with a story idea and soon found myself working as a stringer for the neighborhood edition of the paper. Once I realized others might enjoy reading what I wrote, there was no stopping me.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Over the years, I’ve pretty much worked my way through all of the genres (okay, except horror. I totally can’t do horror!) At this stage of the game, I’m kind of a young-adult junkie…and love fantasy.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I’m a very laid back (and kind of keep to myself) type of person. I spend a lot of time daydreaming, praying, and hanging out with my best friend (who also happens to be my husband!) So, basically, I guess I just saunter when the rest of the world is running.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Each story and character is unique, and their names are derived in different ways. Sometimes I look for a similar biblical character, sometimes it’s phonetic, one that has meaning in another language. And sometimes the name just comes to me.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

To date, I’m amazed that I had a hand in raising two incredible sons who love God and their family and are making a major mark on this world (in a good way).

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A seagull or pelican. I’d sail around all day, eat fish, and hang out at the beach!!

What is your favorite food?

That, of course, can change with my mood. But, I’m always a sucker for a warm, gooey, straight-from-the-oven, chocolate chip cookie.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Proofrading. Definitely, proofeading! (I’m still working my way through this particular roadblock.)

Tell us about the featured book.

Impervious is the first book in the Ascension Series, an allegorical trilogy.

The residents of Impervious are the remnant—survivors of the War of Annihilation. And though the city is chockfull of pleasures to tantalize and entertain, a beast lurks in its corners haunting the residents with its presence. The Beast—a mysterious and terminal illness—has killed off most of Generations One, Two, and Three. And as Gen-Four prepares to take the stage a provocative, yet questionable, new method to avoid an untimely death becomes a cultural rage.

But Fran is counter-cultural. And living off the grid in true rebel fashion, her life is far from opulent. Scurrying through dark tunnels, searching for hot meals and ditching the holographic security team encompass most of her day. However, she views it as a healthy trade-off. Unaccountability means The Council can’t steal her sliver of hope—a belief that she’ll see The Epoch arrive before the beast can pull her into its fetid embrace.

After losing her mother and then her Rebel mentor, however, she grasps painfully onto the splintered sliver, until a new hope is born. First through Pete. And then through a miraculous discovery.

But the question still haunts her… Can she outrun The Beast?

Impervious sets the stage for the savior… who appears in book II.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Fran crept through the familiar maze of the Impervious ventilation system, her head throbbing from a late night at the unsanctioned gaming hubs. The black-market eye-openers and holographic acquaintances entertained her so well her parboiled brain tried to convince her to stay at the sleeping-niche. However, hunger trumped headache, so she crawled.

A shake of her cloudy head sent matted ringlets brushing across her shoulders, reminding her of their dreadlocked state. Yeah, she was a little ratty, but ragtag rebel fashion was hot. It spoke of who she was.

Unaccountable.

Due to the Impervious System of Equality, however, she needed Accountability Status to land a hot meal. Who are you? What is your parentage and classification? Where do you live? Daily agenda? How many credits remaining?

Irritation mounted as Fran considered the monthly check-ins and sharing of residential stats. As far as she was concerned, people should stay out of her business—especially the uber-nosey Council. Therefore, as a Rebel, Unaccountable to their ridiculous system, she didn’t retain a food allowance.

Fran grunted. Just a mindless system for mindless idiots anyway. Sure, she had choices. She could live within the guidelines of an Accountable resident and permit Superior eyes to monitor her every move, but she’d found a better way. For the past year, she’d walked the new road―off the grid and accountable to no one. Well, that was her outlook on a good day anyway. Today, she just felt hungry, like a big, bad wolf.

Fran snickered and remembered what her old mentor, Chan, said when he took her under his wing. “You just don’t run with the pack, do you, Fran? Careful, life can be tricky for a lone wolf.”

What Chan meant as a warning, however, she’d latched onto as an identity. Lone Wolf the Unaccountable Rebel Girl. She chuckled again. Who would have thought? The image of a mangy, rabid canine gnawing on the leftovers of a dead carcass flashed through her mind. Fran smiled and yipped like a hungry pup, enjoying the character. I’m on the prowl. Dinner will soon be served.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

At this time, Impervious is temporarily off the shelves, but it will be back soon! (Along with the second book in the series.) To stay informed, I’d encourage readers to sign up for my newsletter (which can be done on my website www.heatherletto.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ascensionbook1?ref=bookmarks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hletto2

Also, anyone who cares to follow along with us as we travel the U.S. can find us at: http://lettotravels.wordpress.com/

Thank you, Heather, for sharing your new book with us.

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