.png)
.png)
Hey! Sasha here! I’m joined today by the award-winning actress, Bailee Madison. Someone who loves (and rocks!) red lipstick, date night, and her own clothing line. You may know Bailee from The Fosters, but she also happens to be a co-writer with Stefne Miller of Losing Brave, the best mystery novel I’ve ever read! It’s in bookstores now and you definitely don’t want to miss out! And don’t forget to stick around until the end. We’re giving away a copy of Losing Brave to two lucky winners! Let’s get to it!
_____________________
Sasha: Losing Brave was the most intriguing book I’ve ever read. It had my heart racing the entire time while reading it! Could you give our readers a short summary on what it’s about?
Bailee: Losing Brave centers around the life of Payton Brave one year after her sister, Dylan, disappeared. Police have no leads and people from town are moving on with their lives but Payton is still stuck. She wants answers and the more she searches, the more she loses sight of who she is in a world that doesn’t include Dylan. When two additional girls turn up missing, Payton makes it her mission to solve the puzzle of what has happened and her search puts her own life in jeopardy.
Sasha: Everyone around me heard my thoughts while reading this book because I can’t stop talking about it! How would you describe your experience while you and Stefne were writing it?
Bailee: Stefne and I joke that we’re had a true LDR- long distance relationship, while working on this book. We were never in the same place and had to get creative when it came to finding time to work on the story. But after a while we came up with a system of texting, FaceTiming and emails and they all came together to make a successful working experience.
Sasha: Cole is my favorite character because he was always there with Dylan and Payton’s family. Even though he struggles with the loss as well, he never lets them grieve alone. Who was your favorite character to write?
Bailee: At first, my favorite character to write was Payton. She seemed to be the most like me, It the more we wrote the flashback scenes with Dylan, I realized that I had a lot in common with her and in some strange way, felt a real connection to her.
Sasha: Even though Dylan’s missing throughout the story, her presence was still a big part of the book. Where did you get the idea for her character?
Bailee: When Stefne first approached me with the story idea, both Payton and Dylan were already in the mix so we dove into the story with both characters playing a pivotal role. Because I have a sister of my own, I enjoyed exploring the dynamic of the girls and how they were so different, but at the same time, so in sync and such a vital part of each other’s lives.
Sasha: Throughout the whole book, red is a color that takes on a lot of significance. Is it safe to assume that red is your favorite color?
Bailee: I do love the color of red, and it is Stefne’s favorite color. Red is also a strong, emotional color that symbolizes love and at the core of the story, it’s always about the power of love.
Sasha: Payton is struggling with trying to stay strong for her family, even though she just wants answers. What advice would you give to those who struggle with the pain of not knowing why they have to suffer through a loss of someone they care about?
Bailee: One of the things I learned while working on this story was that everyone experiences grief differently. No one way is right or wrong, and questions are normal. In a lot of ways, questions are how we process our thoughts and they were how Payton came to terms with her new reality.
Sasha: The cove is a very important place throughout the entire book. What's a real-life location that's meant a lot to you personally?
Bailee: Our home in Ft. Lauderdale. It’s the one consistent place in my life so it feels safe and like it’s where I feel more like myself.
Sasha: This is hands-down my favorite mystery thriller novel. What other books would you recommend for your readers?
Bailee: Oh my gosh, there are so many amazing books out there! Instead of recommending a particular book (because it’s hard to choose!) I would really encourage everyone to pick up a genre that is new to you and give it a try. There are so many new and exciting twists to old stories, or creative and groundbreaking new ways stories are being told. Writing this book taught me to get out of my box and explore a bit. Any time you do that, you can’t lose!
Sasha: I can't help but mention that I am a HUGE fan of The Fosters! How would describe the environment on set while working on the show?
Bailee: The great thing about the cast of The Fosters is that they play a family on screen but are truly a family behind the scenes. I always feel very welcomed and loved when I am with them. It is a very supportive and inclusive environment and I know that shows in each episode.
Sasha: I know this is your first book! Congratulations on officially becoming a published author! What's next for you? Are you working on another book at the moment, or are you doing an acting project you can tell us about?
Bailee: I am always looking for new opportunities both in front of the camera and away from it. I would love to write another book and of course, we hope to bring Losing Brave to life in either some sort of series or a film. I have some exciting opportunities ahead and I can’t wait to share more details when I can.
_____________________
That’s it for today’s interview, but don’t leave just yet! We’ve got two copies of Losing Brave, and we want to give them to you. You can enter our giveaway by clicking the image below. And don’t forget to come back again next week, when Julie Anne will be interviewing Brenda Rufener about her powerful new book, Where I Live.
