Bethany Crandell: BADASS AUTHOR, KRISTI HELVIG

Kristi Helvig is a Ph.D. clinical psychologist turned sci-fi/fantasy author. Her first novel, BURN OUT (Egmont USA/Lerner Publishing), which Kirkus Reviews called “a scorching series opener not to be missed,” follows 17-year-old Tora Reynolds, one of Earth’s last survivors, when our sun burns out early. In the sequel, STRANGE SKIES, out 4/28/2015, Tora makes it to a new planet only to discover a whole new host of problems—and the same people who still want her dead.

Order Kristi’s books through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite local retailer. Kristi muses about Star Trek, space monkeys, and other assorted topics on her blog and on Twitter. You can also find her on Facebook. Kristi resides in sunny Colorado with her hubby, two kiddos, and behaviorally-challenged dogs.

Let's get to know this badass!

What is your favorite word?
Lollygagging

What is your least favorite word?
Taxes

What sound or noise do you love?
Laughter

What sound or noise do you hate?
Car horns
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Trapeze artist
What profession would you not like to do?
Flight attendant

What is your favorite color Popsicle?

Cherry
Sprinklers or Slip N Slide?

Sprinklers

Favorite John Hughes Movie?
The Breakfast Club
Last song you listened to?
Counting Stars by One Republic

What book do you wish you would have written because it’s just that good?

On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
In one sentence or less, what does every aspiring author need to know?

Keep writing, keep reading, and keep the chocolate supply stocked.

BADASS, INDEED!

Now, for some details on the book that's up for grabs in the MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU prize pack:

Click here for a full list of prize packs

Most people want to save the world; seventeen-year-old Tora Reynolds just wants to get off of it. One of the last survivors in Earth's final years, Tora yearns to escape the wasteland her planet has become after the sun turns "red giant," but discovers her fellow survivors are even deadlier than the hostile environment.

Holed up in an underground shelter, Tora is alone--her brilliant scientist father murdered, her mother and sister burned to death. She dreams of living on a planet with oceans, plants, and animals. Unfortunately, the oceans dried out ages ago, the only plants are giant cacti with deadly spines, and her pet, Trigger, is a gun--one of the bio-energetic weapons her father created for the government before his conscience kicked in.

When family friend, Markus, arrives with mercenaries to take the weapons by force, Tora's fury turns to fear when government ships descend in an attempt to kill them all. She forges an unlikely alliance with Markus and his rag-tag group of raiders, including a smart but quiet soldier named James. Tora must quickly figure out who she can trust, as she must choose between saving herself by giving up the guns or honoring her father's request to save humanity from the most lethal weapons in existence.

You can stalk Kristi on her website, Twitter or on Facebook. And be sure to add her books to your Goodreads page.