A Good Book to end the Day: Interview

A Good Book to End the Day interviewed me recently about the story behind Augland. Please enjoy the interview below!

The allure of powerful new technology and a fight against a corporate-ruled world are at the heart of Erin Carrougher’s debut novel, Augland. The story follows Ashton, a fierce and determined woman, as she fights the violence instilled by the Artificial Existence Center, where the wealthy live augmented lives. Augland is a brilliant addition to the dystopian genre. Check it out when it comes out on December 6th!

To learn more about the story behind the story, ready A Good Book To End The Day’s interview with the author below.

What motivated you to start writing?

Honestly, I wish I had a better story for this. I hadn’t found a new book in a long time, one that I couldn’t put down. I think most readers go through those times when we wish we hadn’t read a book because we wanted to relive the story again. I had a story like that in my head and wanted to find something like it; dystopian novel that was plausible, scary, and enthralling. That was the day I started to write, if--I couldn’t find one, I thought why not write my own?

Tell us about Augland and the inspiration behind the story?

Most my life I’ve worked in the corporate world. And, don’t get me wrong, I love what I do now. But there have been companies I’ve worked for that I saw mistreat others--not to the extent of Augland (I take things to the extreme in the novel). Some of the characters are based on managers I’ve worked for, seen others work for, or heard about from friends about their experiences. This was my motivation for my dystopian corporate world.

As for the people on top? I thought about what I, as a consumer, could only dream about experiencing. To live a life free of any risk of harm with no insecurities or worries. To live every day in “vacation mode”. With that, the world of Augland was born and I haven’t put my keyboard down since!

Is there a specific line or passage in your book that stands out to you?

“There was a growing invisible divide between her and the other workers. Fear was an evil poison.”

Fear truly is so evil, and that’s what I love about that quote. But more so, the story in which that statement is said. I won’t drop any spoilers, but it’s an emotional time for Ashton and a pivotal moment of her self-realization that the world can be cruel, even amongst those she trusts the most.

What three words would you use to describe your main character, Ashton?

Empathetic, strong, independent. Ashton’s strongest attribute is her unwillingness to see others hurt especially when they aren’t capable of defending themselves. I think that makes her relatable to readers, especially those that care deeply for characters in the books they read.

Are you working on anything right now that you'd like to share with your readers?

The second book of the Augland Series! All finished writing and going through the editing process as we speak! I’m thrilled to have the Augland series continue and even more thrilled to hear the thoughts of readers!

What does literary success look like to you?

Just getting the story of Augland out to the world! After writing it, of course I’m a little bias toward Ashton and Wolfe, but they are some of my favorite characters!

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Be open to feedback! If you would have read my first draft, you’d have run for the hills. Getting feedback from friends, family, editors—it’s all part of the process and, while it doesn’t always feel good to have someone critique your work, it’s a necessary step.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

www.erincarrougher.com is the best way! It’s where you can comment, send me an email, or follow me on social media platforms!

Thanks so much for being part of the A Good Book To End The Day family! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for taking the opportunity to read about Augland! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed telling Ashton’s story.