Young Adult Contemporary
Date Published: 09-26-2024
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Do you know what it's like to win an Olympic gold, then have it stripped away? I do.
Gold is every figure skater's life dream. At fifteen, I experienced the thrill of wearing the medal for a few minutes until judges accuse me of being too young to be eligible. That's when I realize my father's ultimate lie could cost more than my title.
During our daring escape from Russia, I pressure my coach to tell the truth about my adoption. But the quad combination and two world titles aren't enough to keep the scandal from erasing my career and identity. Disgraced, disqualified, and devastated, I can't face a rink, fans, or daily life. My controlling dad's betrayal lights a fire to break free from his bad decisions. My best friend and a journalist who will tell my story step in to stop the downward spiral and help me uncover my past.
The story of Docia's fierce determination to discover her true identity, unerase her career, and find the passion to skate again will engage teen readers, figure skating fans, and anyone who's ever experience betrayal from someone close.
Interview with Addison Brae
Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?
Good question, Nancy. The Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery was one my first loves because spunky Anne Shirley always overstepped boundaries and questioned the rules. I’m certain her books inspired the strong but very human heroines readers find in my novels.
How do you select the names of your characters?
The protagonist in Off Edge is Docia. This is a name I love as much as its owner, one of my longest and dearest friends who allowed me to borrow her name for this book. It has an Eastern European sound and fits this character perfectly. For other characters, their names develop with their personalities. Occasionally, I go to the baby’s name lists from the time the character was born for inspiration.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Haha! I’ll never tell!
What was your hardest scene to write?
That’s a tough one. While there were a few, there’s a scene in Off Edge where Docia faces the possibility of losing the one adult she still trusts. This isn’t long after finding out her parents betrayed her…and losing her Olympic gold medal because of the betrayal. Docia’s spirits plummet. She must reach deep inside for the strength to face what might happen alone. I still shed tears when I read that part.
What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
Off Edge has strong messages of acceptance and the importance of a supportive family in helping teens, girls especially, grow up with confidence and a powerful sense of self. The story also advocates allowing those who are adopted to know their truth. I hope this novel allows readers to better understand and support adoption and helps adopted children feel like they’re not alone in their fight to learn their story.
What inspired you to write Off Edge?
My dad told me about a dream where a young Russian champion figure skater died in a motorcycle crash and left her baby daughter an orphan. He was kind enough to let me expand the dream into a novel called Off Edge.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you have planned for the future?
I have two works in progress. One is a new adult thriller that speculates how people and relationships are affected in a near-future society where everyone is immersed in artificial intelligence and social media. The other is also young adult contemporary fiction where a 15-year-old finds her mom’s teenage diary and discovers what she suspects is the reason she abandoned her and her father when she was a baby.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Off Edge?
Sure, Nancy. For only fifteen, Docia, the protagonist, is very mature. As a world-class athlete she no longer attends school. Her controlling, narcissistic dad orchestrated her life while failing at many of his own goals. Readers go on Docia’s journey as she builds the strength and confidence to fight back and prove she can make her own choices. Her best friends Lilly and Diego along with a reporter who will tell Docia’s story, are her loyal support system through it all.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I never had the opportunity to ice skate when I was growing up. I took lessons and competed as an adult – but nothing anywhere near the Olympics. Writing Off Edge gave me the chance to take readers out on the ice in front of millions of people – and the good and bad of public life – that most of us will never experience.
About the Author
Addison Brae lives in Dallas, Texas on the edge of downtown. As a child, she was constantly in trouble for hiding under the bed to read when she was supposed to be napping. She has been writing since childhood starting with diaries, letters, and short stories. She now writes new adult and adult speculative and romantic suspense, and young adult contemporary fiction. Addison’s still addicted to reading and enjoys jogging in her neighborhood park, binge-watching TV series, vintage clothing, and hanging out with her artistic other half and their geriatric kitten Lucy.
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