Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. Viv was the last good thing in his life: helping him rebuild his identity after a career-ending football injury, picking up the pieces when his home life shattered, and healing his pain long after the meds wore off. And now, he’d give anything for one more glimpse of her. But when Cam makes a visit to the site of Viv’s deadly car accident, he sees some kind of apparition. And it isn’t Viv.
The apparition’s name is Nina, and she’s not a ghost. She’s a girl from a parallel world, and in this world, Viv is still alive. Cam can’t believe his wildest dreams have come true. All he can focus on is getting his girlfriend back, no matter the cost. But things are different in this other world: Viv and Cam have both made very different choices, things between them have changed in unexpected ways, and Viv isn’t the same girl he remembers. Nina is keeping some dangerous secrets, too, and the window between the worlds is shrinking every day. As Cam comes to terms with who this Viv has become and the part Nina played in his parallel story, he’s forced to choose—stay with Viv or let her go—before the window closes between them once and for all.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a writer.
I had always wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t get serious about it until about six years ago. I started out an English major in college, switched to Psychology because it seemed more “practical,” then became a dog groomer and ran my own business for a while. I returned to writing when I felt like I needed more of a challenge. Writing a book & getting published is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also the most fun I’ve ever had.
I love the concept behind Through to You. How did you come up with the inspiration for the novel?
I had been thinking a lot about how different my life might have been if I’d made some slightly different choices at certain moments in my past. The idea of being able to see two different outcomes based on opposite choices was ultimately what inspired Through to You.
Through to You includes a slight sci-fi element with the parallel worlds aspect. Did you do any research for this novel, or did you let it develop on its own?
I did a little bit of research on different dimensions and theories of the multiverse. I tried to keep the sci-fi element grounded in those theories, but for the most part, I let the story develop on its own.
I read that Through to You began a bit chaotic for you. Since it’s beginning, how has the novel developed?
The most chaotic part of writing Through To You was simply the decision TO write it. I had been working on another book for four long years before I could finally admit it was time to give up on it. Once I did that, I was able to write Through To You very quickly!
I understand the feeling of not wanting to give up, but I am so glad that you decided to write Through to You! Camden is grief-stricken over the death of his girlfriend Viv, and he’s desperate to get her back. What made you decide to tackle this emotional and sensitive topic?
This will sound like a cop-out answer, but that was simply the story Cam needed to tell. As I got to know his character, it became clear to me this would be a very emotional journey, and it was. I hope I was able to do him and Viv justice.
What were some challenges in creating Camden’s character? What do you like the most about him?
The biggest challenge in creating Cam’s character was simply learning how to write in the voice of a guy. It took me a while to get comfortable with, but by the end I felt more at ease with Cam than any other character I’ve written. I love how willing he is to just wallow in his own sadness, but also how strongly he can be brought out of that by the right person.
If you were to find an opening to a parallel world, would you like to see how different choices you could have made impacted the course your life took?
Oh, absolutely! It’s something I’m so curious about, and ultimately why I wrote this book. I don’t think I would trade any of the choices I’ve made for another, but who wouldn’t want to see how life could have been different?
It would be interesting to see what would happened had I made a different decision somewhere along the road. What are you working on right now?
I recently handed in my second book to my publisher (another standalone novel–the title is still unconfirmed or I would share!). So now I’m gearing up to work on Book 3. It’s always a little daunting starting at the beginning all over again, but I’m super excited about this next book. I continue to write in the “light sci-fi” genre, so if you like Through To You, hopefully you’ll enjoy my other books too. Stay tuned!
I can’t wait to read your second book! Thanks for interviewing, Emily.
Emily Hainsworth was raised in upstate New York, but quickly fled its gray skies for the sunny Rocky Mountains. She currently resides in Denver with her husband and daughter. Through to You is her first novel.
The publisher has generously donated a copy of Through to You for a giveaway! This book will be going to one lucky U.S. winner. To enter, follow Imaginary Reads and leave a comment on the interview.
Giveaway is open through October 8th!
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Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
cosnmom says
Thank you for the interview. This book sounds like nothing I've ever read before. I think it sounds a bit science fiction mixed with a love story with some mystery? I want to read it no matter what. And the cover is pretty.
Chi Kittie says
Lovely interview. Emily sounds really down to earth. She used to work where I work now, doing dog grooming. 😉 Very cool. Her book so sounds like a real winner.
– Beckie
Jamie Canosa says
Fantastic interview. The story sounds amazing. Through to You has definitely made it way onto my TBR pile!
Holly Letson says
Love the cover, and the story sounds good, too.
Maji Bookshelf says
I really want to pick this book out! while it isn't usually my style of books but it does sound great
thanks for the giveaway!
– Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
mckaykelly says
This book sounds really unique! Loving the parallel worlds concept! Also that cover, DROOL! Awesome interview and giveaway!
Tiffany Drew says
This book looks incredible. I'm not sure I would want to check out the parallel world though, I wouldn't want to be second guessing any decisions I've made in life by seeing what could have been.
Tore says
Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I would love to read this book. It sounds very good.
Texas Book Lover says
This book sounds so intriguing! I couldn't imagine writing the results of choices made. Reading it should be great!
Thanks so much!
Erin says
I think everyone thinks about… The what if… What if I made different choices. Sounds interesting. I can't wait to read this book!
Steph says
I didn't know that this world had some science fiction aspects in it – especially with parallel worlds. That makes me want to read even more!
biochemguy says
Fascinating interview, I hadn't heard about this book prior to this post but I'm definitely excited about it now!
Kat C says
This book has truly fascinated me since I first saw it on the blogosphere a while ago. I am very curious with how it will be. I love the cover too !
Briana N says
I love how the book includes some science about parallel universes, I love reading about the subject in school, and it sounds like it would be a good sci-fi read too!!
M.A.D. says
Interesting interview and novel! I think it would be difficult writing thru the POV of a male character, but I like what Emily said about becoming more comfortable with Cam by the end of the book – than any other character she's written!! That is so cool <3
And thank you both for the lovely giveaway, I'd so enjoy reading this 🙂
Mary DeBorde M.A.D.
Lindy Gomez says
This book sounds interesting! What a great interview. I love how the author came up with the idea of paranormal worlds by questioning how her life would be different if she had made different decisions. I think it's awesome that she did research on multiple dimensions. This book has such an interesting Concept. It makes me think about there being a double me somewhere and about how the decisions that I have made, have lead me whereI am today. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Chey says
This sounds like such an interesting book. It's crazy how her path eventually led her to be a writer, as it's what she's always wanted! Thanks for sharing this interview and giveaway with us!
sarabara081 @ Forever 17 Books says
I love reading how authors came up with the concept for their novels. And definitely a huge decision to write in a boy POV, but I love those and am so looking forward to reading about Camden and his grief and this journey! Thanks for the interview and giveaway! 🙂
Sandra @ Waiting For Wentworth says
I read an ARC of Through To You and enjoyed it. I will definitely read her next book. Thank you for the interview and the giveaway.
Anna says
This was such a fun interview! thanks!!!
Dana says
I'm getting more and more excited to read Through To You! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Vivien says
This concept is so utterly fascinating!!! I'm so excited that she already finished book 2. I'm definitely eager to read more from this author. Her characters sound just amazing.
Sierra says
Thanks for the interview 😀 I think the fact of a parallel world is pretty cool! I love super heroes and love hearing about it in their story lines. I don't think I've ever seen a book with one though. That, the cover and the description make me want to read it 😀 I also liked hearing about the author's inside peak at the main character! Thanks for the giveaway too. Sierra
Keep growing beautiful!
alicia marie says
Thanks for the great interview! I love the concept of parallel worlds and how decisions made are different between the two worlds. Everything about this book sounds amazing and I can't wait to read it : )