Exclusive Interview with PJ Hoover

P. J. Hoover first fell in love with Greek mythology in sixth grade thanks to the book Mythology by Edith Hamilton. After a fifteen year bout as an electrical engineer designing computer chips for a living, P. J. decided to take her own stab at mythology and started writing books for kids and teens. P. J. is also a member of THE TEXAS SWEETHEARTS & SCOUNDRELS. When not writing, P. J. spends time with her husband and two kids and enjoys practicing Kung Fu, solving Rubik’s cubes, and watching Star Trek. Her first novel for teens, Solstice, takes place in a Global Warming future and explores the parallel world of mythology beside our own. Her middle grade fantasy novels, The Emerald Tablet, The Navel of the World, and The Necropolis, chronicle the adventures of a boy who discovers he’s part of two feuding worlds.

SOLSTICE by P. J. HOOVER: CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH REESE

I just want to offer up a sincere thank you for giving me the chance to talk about my side of things. It’s always about Shayne. He’s the one who constantly comes off as the good guy, and I’m stuck with this ‘bad boy’ impression since I’m the God of War. But without war, there would be a lot of unresolved conflicts. And with unresolved conflict comes some serious pent-up emotions. Also without me, the world would be a very boring place. Nobody wants boredom. It’s just so passé.

The alliance with Piper’s mom was quite a shock.  Were your intentions purely for your own gain or did you genuinely want to help Demeter to get her daughter back from the Underworld?

Let’s face it. Demeter is psychotic. She’s been keeping Piper on that leash since the day she was born. I can remember when Piper and I first started talking and how Piper would always have to come up with some lie to tell her mother. So, no, I totally wasn’t trying to help Demeter get her daughter back. The only person in the world that would have made happy was Demeter, and she’s the least of my concerns. But it’s not all about me either. I know, deep down, Piper will be the happiest if she is with me. Wait, I mean when she is with me. Because she will be with me someday. I promise you that.

Is your feud with Shayne based solely on you wanting Piper or is there more to it?

Shayne’s been like a pestilence plaguing the earth since the day he took over the Underworld. I mean, come on. You give the guy a crown, and all of a sudden he becomes an arrogant jerk. It’s not like he has any dominance over anything but a bunch of dead people. Still he walks around pretending like he’s better than everyone. I have no clue what Piper ever saw in him. The only thing I can think up is that somehow he’s tricked her into thinking he’s a whole lot nicer than he really is. Because he’s so far from perfect, it’s laughable.

Oh, wait. Did I answer your question? Our feud. Right. Well, when Zeus was handing out domains, Shayne lied to get the Underworld. And then he lied to take Piper away from me. But the day will come when I get what’s coming to me, and Shayne won’t be so smug then.

Why not Chloe? Why did it have to be Piper that you wanted?

Yes, Chloe is hot. There’s not a guy around, god or no god, who would deny that. And when Chloe and I were together, I’d be flat out lying if I told you I didn’t feel anything for her. But…she’s not Piper. No one is Piper but Piper. And no one makes me smile, makes me want to fight any battle, or makes me want to change my ways more than Piper. And even though the idea of changing myself to please Piper scares the crap out of me, my mind goes foggy when I think about her, and I do things I’d never do otherwise. So why Piper? Because she is the one. I feel it with every part of my soul.

Who’s the bad guy, you or Shayne?

Seriously? You need to ask?

Do you have an allegiance with any of the other Lords of the Underworld?  Minos perhaps?

I’m the God of War. I’m all about planning and scheming. So, in the event I did have some sort of allegiance with Minos or Aeacus or even Rhadamanthus, there’s about zero chance I’d mention it. Please give me more credit than that.

Is your prime intention for Piper to be happy, even if that is with Shayne?

Hell, no. She will be the happiest with me, so let’s just keep Shayne out of this, okay?

When you devised the plan with the phoenix, did you know that it would have an adverse affect on the weather conditions/global warming effect on Austin?

Uh, no. Didn’t see that one coming.

Can you describe Shayne in three words?

Arrogant. Overrated. Pathetic.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Competent. Passionate. Charismatic.

Have you always been enemies with Shayne or were you once friends?

We were never friends. Not even for a day. And if the Fates are on my side, I’ll never be put in a position where I’ll have to be his friend. Ever. Just looking at him makes me want to gouge my eyes out. I’ll content myself with killing him someday.

We want to thank P. J. Hoover and Reese for taking time to answer our questions.  SOLSTICE is available as a $2.99 eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and iBooks. SOLSTICE will be released in paperback this summer.