Building Character with Leah from An Absence of Light

It’s Friday! Time for my blog feature, Building Character in which you get to meet characters from a book. Talking to a character outside of their book is fun! Huge. Amounts. Of fun. 

This week Strands of Thought plays host to Leah from An Absence of Light. Leah, I just started reading your story yesterday and I’m already pulled in. So, if you don’t mind, I’d love to speed through this interview so I can get back to it. Why don’t you start by telling our readers a little about yourself.

Hi, my name is Leah. Thanks for having me. It freaks me out a little to talk about myself in public—I’m pretty sure most anyone would think I’ve lost it if they knew what I do. I guess I wonder that, too, sometimes. But, someone’s got to fight the Shadows, right? And that sounds a little better than alien invasion preventer, I think.

Oh – aliens? Is that the conflict you’re up against?

Most everyone I’ve ever told about the Shadows hasn’t believed me, but I’d love to see them gone. All of them. I don’t know how they do it, but they seem to breed evil and hatred in people. Somehow I got stuck being able to see them, and it’s not something I can turn off. Getting rid of them is goal #1.

Are you fighting this battle with a best friend or a side kick? Anyone?

I am lucky to have stumbled across several people who can also see the Shadows. And while I haven’t known them long, they are definitely some of my closest friends. I guess fighting for your life next to someone creates some kind of bond. But there’s Manuel, his mom, Sarah (but we all just call her Nana), and of course Adam. Adam’s usually pretty bent on making sure I don’t get him killed—someone I’d like to avoid too—but underneath, I’m pretty sure there’s a nice guy in there. I hope.

I was kinda wondering about Adam. He seems—how do I say it—worth being patient with. Let’s lighten the mood a little. What are your three favorite foods?

I’ve pretty much become addicted to Nana’s food. I’ve always loved Mexican food, growing up in LA and all, but Nana’s food is the best. I adore her tortillas, quesadiallas, and tamales. But, a shake from In-and-Out is also pretty amazing. I kinda like to eat J.

I miss In-and-Out so much! What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I started at Standford when I was 16, I thought I’d go into biology or chemistry. Something scientific that involved working in a lab. But now? Everything in my life’s been turned upside down and I honestly don’t know what I’ll end up doing. Maybe someday I’ll get to go back to school. If the Shadows don’t chase me out again.

Thanks so much for visiting with us this week, Leah! Best of luck to you and your new friends as you battle the Shadows. I can’t wait to find out how it turns out. Readers, here is more info about Leah’s story, An Absence of Light:

Leah’s always seen the shadow creatures. She thought she was immune to their evil—until now.

She’s walked into a massacre, stolen a BMW, and is running from the law for a crime she didn’t commit. Nineteen-year-old Leah’s life just went from mildly abnormal to totally crazy at lightning speed. But no one will believe that the shadow creatures are framing her for the murder, because she’s the only one that can see them. At least that’s what she thought.

When Leah stumbled across a group who share her ability, she discovers they have something she doesn’t: a way to fight back. When the group offers to teach her how to kill the shadow creatures, Leah jumps at the chance. But something is brewing with the creatures. They’re tracking down the hunters like there’s no tomorrow. Leah suspects that maybe there won’t be, and it’s up to her to make sure tomorrow comes. Because she’ll do anything to stop the shadows, including risking her life—and the life of the one she loves—to keep the world from being lost to darkness forever.

Buy your own copy from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or direct from Evernight Teen.

Now find out a little about Leah’s author:

Meradeth Houston's never been a big fan of talking about herself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about her:
>She's a Northern California girl. This generally means she talks too fast and use "like" a lot.
>When she's not writing, she's sequencing dead people's DNA. For fun!
>She's been writing since she was 11 years old. It's her hobby, her passion, and she's so happy to get to share her work!
>If she could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because she's terrified of heights.

Find Meradeth Houston online at: www.MeradethHouston.com
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Amazon, and of course her blog!

***
If you have a character from a children’s, mid-grade or young adult book that you’d like to be interviewed, please contact Kai Strand via email (kaistrand at yahoo dot com)

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