Alisse Lee Goldenberg
  • About Me
  • Books
    • Lucky At Bat
    • Jay & Shilo
    • The Ghost in the Garden
    • The Sitnalta Series >
      • Sitnalta
      • The Kingdom Thief
      • The City of Arches
      • The Hedgewitch's Charm
      • The False Princess
    • Children of Colonodona >
      • The Wizard's Apprentice
      • The Island of the Mysitcs
      • The Crash of Worlds
    • The Dybbuk Scrolls >
      • The Song of Hadariah
      • The Song of Vengeance
      • The Song of War
    • Bath Salts
  • Events/Press
  • Other Projects: Stage & Screen
    • Jay & Shilo
    • The Princess of the Tower
    • There Is No Maybe
    • Forty-two Questions
    • Sitnalta: the Musical
  • Author Visits
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  • Contact Me

The City of Arches, and CHAI Montreal

12/8/2014

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So NaNoWriMo 2014 has come and gone. I finished my first draft of The City of Arches and am quite happy with how it turned out. I started this post many times and it didn't work. My kids got sick and it is always difficult when this happens. It seems that with having triplets, once one gets sick, the others shortly follow. They are at the age that they don't understand how to stop the spread of their germs. I also have no self-control. When I see them all sickly and miserable, I have to cuddle and coddle them. Then, of course, I get sick. Ah well.

This book was extremely difficult for me to write. I kept second guessing everything I was doing. Chronologically, it takes place before the events in Sitnalta, yet it is definitely the third book in the series. I kept reading and rereading everything that I had put into Sitnalta and The Kingdom Thief to make sure I wasn't contradicting what I had previously written. Yet I kept having ideas for great plot elements that I could not do. I know that readers are very good at finding inconsistencies in writers' work. 

Another thing was that I kept questioning whether or not readers would WANT to read something that takes place before the events they're already aware of. I kept calling my brother Brian and asking him "Are you sure?" "Is this really a good idea?" He kept telling me to go on, and as my foremost Sitnalta fan and cheerleader, I believed him.

In other news,  I was just interviewed by Lisa Winston the host of the radio programme CHAI Montreal, their Holiday Spirit Show. The interview airs this Sunday at 10:00 p.m. and you can listen live to it on their website: CFMB.ca (just click LISTEN LIVE). We talk about writing, folklore, family, The Hadariah Chronicles, and Sitnalta. (PS. Books make awesome holiday gifts!)
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FanExpo Craziness! (and Stan Lee)

9/1/2014

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Once again, FanExpo has come and gone, and I am utterly exhausted! It is a four day whirlwind of craziness! But don't get me wrong, it is definitely a good kind of crazy, and I look forward to it every year. It is a chance to connect to readers and to fellow fans of fantasy and science fiction, Hello fellow Whovians! and I have a blast. I love the energy, the cosplays, the dealers floor, and the chance to meet people who I have looked up to for ages, and this year proved to be awesome.

An and I were there with our "minions" all four days. I can not thank these people enough. Emilie, Jeff, Katrina, Leah, you guys were amazing. Each day, you were beyond helpful. Without you, I don't think we could have eaten, let alone experience the con as we did, so thank you.

Another thing that happened was that Brian showed up on Friday with Joseph, 
Phillip, and Hailey! They went to their first FanExpo! They did it in full costume, and Joseph was the Hulk, Phillip was Iron Man, and Hailey was a Pirate Princess. Now, Joseph went all out. He was roaring at people, and smashing the ground, he was the Hulk. He even smashed a guy dressed as Spiderman who had asked him for a high five. He was a total hit with the grownup cosplayers. The funny thing was that the kids didn't realize that the people around them were fans like them. They thought they actually met the real superheroes! It was too cute!

Now that evening, I had planned a special treat for the kids. I had planned to take them for a photo op with Stan Lee. Phillip knew exactly who Stan Lee was. He knew that this was the man responsible for the heroes that he knows and loves, and is the hot dog vendor from the Phineas and Ferb special episode Mission Marvel. He had a special plan of what he was going to say, and how he was going to smile, and what he wanted to do. He had even planned on giving him a drawing of the hero he had invented: Captain Iron Man. We got to the photo op and waited for him to arrive. When he did, Phillip just stared. I think he was in shock. Joseph whispered to me that he "looked like a zaidy". Hailey got nervous, as she sometimes does around strangers. We went up to him, said hello, and took the picture. Phillip did not smile. But after the picture when he realized that we were just going to walk away, Phillip turned to him and said "Hi". Stan Lee responded with a smile, and Phillip went on to say "Thank you Stan Lee for all the superheroes." I swear, he looked like he melted. Later on, I discovered that upon forgetting his drawing, Phillip took it upon himself to sketch one into one of the copies of The Strings of the Violin that I intended to sell. Well Phillip, Mommy found a way. That book is now in Stan Lee's possession. You're welcome. Please do not deface anymore of my property in the future.

Oh! Before I forget, The Dybbuk's Mirror is out in two days! My ARC's are looked over, as are my galley proofs, and now I wait and panic!

Now, pictures! (and THE picture is at the end)

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An and I at our booth.
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A cosplayer who actually managed to create the Iron Man armour with Body Paint!
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This is true. Even Saxon is better than Rob Ford.
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My friend Alexis as a truly awesome Gamora.
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Cassandra!
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Cosplayers
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I honestly could not believe she made this whole thing herself. an amazing How to Train Your Dragon 2 cosplay.
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My friend Nerissa who does amazing Steampunk jewelry with her company SteamGummi
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My friend Robert as Juggernaught.
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The best family photo ever!
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Interview With Author Chrissy Lessey

7/28/2014

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I was able to interview the incredible Chrissy Lessey for my blog. Chrissy is the author of The Crystal Coast series, featuring a mysterious coven of witches. I've read the first book, and it was awesome. Chrissy is also a mother, and vocal autism advocate.
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Tell me a bit about your Crystal Coast series. I've read the first book and loved it! Can't wait to see where it goes.

The Crystal Coast series is about a secret coven of witches living in a small town in Eastern North Carolina. At the heart of the story, there’s Stevie Lewis, who has no knowledge of her magical heritage. She’s a single mother focused on raising Charlie, who has autism. When her son’s life is endangered by a dark witch, the coven’s 300-year-old secret comes to light and we see just how far Stevie will go to protect her child. I’m working on the second book in the series now and it’s shaping up to be darker than the first. The stakes are higher, the villain is more devious, and the danger is even greater.

You are an amazing advocate for the autism community. How did this come about?

My own son has autism. It became clear to me early after his diagnosis that there was a tremendous need for services, support, and awareness. I work with a dedicated group of volunteers to meet those needs on a local level. I’m proud of what we have accomplished to help individuals with autism and their families.

Your book The Coven is an amazing story about witches, magic, and maternal instinct. Where did you glean your inspiration from?

Honestly, I never expected to write a paranormal novel. One day, I found myself wishing that there was a magical cure for autism, so my son’s life could be easier. That started me on an imaginative path full of witches and a special little boy with autism. I get lots of ideas for stories, but this one came to me so clearly, I knew I HAD to write it.

On a minor tangent, you say that you love rock music. What bands are your favourite? Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what do you have on your playlist?

I have lots of favorites! Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones immediately spring to mind, but there are certainly many more. I write faster in silence, but I occasionally listen to music while I work to help set a mood or to drown out even more distracting sounds. My playlist for the next book has songs from Phillip Phillips, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, Fun, and Imagine Dragons.

As a parent myself, I often find it difficult to find the time to devote to my craft. How do you do it?

Each week, I establish a work schedule for myself and I stick to it. This schedule, of course, is organized around my family’s needs, routines, and obligations. Even with a schedule, I don’t have as much time to write as I’d like. So, sometimes I wake up in the wee hours of the morning just to get a couple of hours of work done before the rest of the household comes to life.

Any tips that you would give aspiring writers out there?

I hear from a lot of people who want to write a book. My advice is always the same – Just write it! Stop “aspiring” and start “doing”!

Here's where you should go to find out more about Chrissy and her amazing books ! Links:

www.ChrissyLessey.com

www.facebook.com/chrissylessey

www.twitter.com/spectrumhope

http://plus.google.com/+ChrissyLessey-Author















































































 


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Fairy Fest and Sequel Headaches

6/24/2014

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Faery Fest has come and gone. Sigh. Now we gear up for the Pirate Festival! I am such a kid at these things. I mean, come on! I get to spend the weekend in a tent pretending I am a pirate, or a fairy! (Maybe a fairy pirate? Hmmm...)

This year's first festival was a little bit hard for me. Usually I have the lovely An Tran as my other half. (Or as one of the Pirate Festival people called her: "My Better Half".) But she was not able to attend. So I had the dubious pleasure of setting up my tent ALL BY MYSELF! And I did it! I was ridiculously proud of myself. Check it out:

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Not bad for someone with no design experience, eh? Then it was a matter of selling books, and bribing other merchants to watch my tent so I could do things such as: Eat lunch. Go to the bathroom. Visit other merchants. etc. All while dressed like this:
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In the meantime, between customers, watching jousting matches, and mummer performers, I was doing quite a bit of writing. As of last night, I am now nearly halfway through the first draft of the sequel to Sitnalta! I think I would be further if it wasn't for one little thing. You see, I didn't want to bring my laptop into a field in the heat, and typing on my phone is frustrating. So I wrote it all out by hand. This is frustrating, because I then had to type it all into the sequel file once I got home. So it was like rewrites before I even truly had a chance to edit it. Ah well.

The next day at the festival, I changed up my look a bit. I did this for one very good reason: I also had to pack everything up. I was NOT going to do that in a gauzy skirt and oneshouldered top. Therefore, it was a day to wear my pirate bloomers and corset. I know it sound weird, but that outfit was much better for heavy lifting and moving about  in. Also, a very sincere thank you to Curtis who graciously helped me pack my tent frame into my car. You were a real life saver!

Now here's my problem. I would love to incorporate my Sitnalta sequel into marketing efforts, and such for the first book. However, I have no idea what to call the darn thing. Furthermore, every time I try to tell people what it's about, I tend to babble. I am no good at blurbs. It all comes out like this: the coin is important. There is a bit of a love story. Sitnalta is a character in it. Can't say too much without giving important plot points away. Kralc! SPOILERS! Then I get this look from whomever I'm speaking to:

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Yeah. I need help. Also, I uploaded a Gif to my blog! Yay me and technology! I'm learning!

In other news, An and I are almost done edits on Ouroboros, and I'm really excited about this particular story. It was also a pain to name. For a while we were calling it The Short Story NOT Named "Fire". So, there's hope for me yet.

Now: MORE PICTURES!


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Fairy One Man Band
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My second day costume.
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If anyone can read my chicken scratch handwriting and come up with a title, you will have my eternal gratitude!
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Anthologies, Faery Fest, and Dance

6/18/2014

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It's been a while since I've updated. But I have a decent excuse. As you know, An and I have been working on a short story that will be published in an upcoming YA Paranormal Romance anthology called Night Life. Yeah, that's right. We're ROMANCE writers now! I have to say, I was nervous about venturing into another genre, but I enjoyed it. Who knows? I may dabble in it again. As a matter of fact, my soon to be released novel The Dybbuk's Mirror does have a romantic subplot in it. Maybe the genre wasn't so new to me after all.


Anyway, our Night Life story is due on July 1, so we've been working like mad to finish it, get the edits done, etc. We've finally chosen a title (subject to change if our editors hate it.) and we're going with Ouroboros. Why do I always name books and people after things that spell check hates? Oh well. Anyway, check out the anthology's cover:

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Pretty snazzy eh? Also, the other authors in here are all awesome, so if you're looking for some good reading... hint, hint.


Other updates: this weekend is FAERY FEST! I am ridiculously excited about this. Yet another opportunity to dress up and have an awesome time. Yes, I will officially be there selling and signing my books, so if you're around check it out in Marden Park in Guelph. Unfortunately, I don't have An with me, but I do have Tal! I've known him since he was two, and my brother's best friend. Also, he's letting me dress him up. Yay! After that comes Pirate Festival in August.




Last weekend was Father's Day, and the triplets' first dance recital. I didn't know what to expect from them. All I know is that they've been dancing up a storm at home, and in their class (which I get to watch with the other parents on a television the school provides in their waiting area.). I like to think they were amazing. I think every parent thinks that watching their kids up on stage. They didn't really do the dance they were supposed to, but they were extremely brave getting up there and facing the crowd. I am so proud of them. I will definitely have pictures soon. Their costumes were too cute!




I will have more updates soon, and will be better at this once Ouroboros is officially submitted!



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Interview with Author Steph Post

5/5/2014

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Recently I had the great opportunity to interview the wonderful author Steph Post. Her novel A Tree Born Crooked will be released soon with Pandamoon Publishing. She lives in Florida with her husband and their six dogs. Here's what she had to say on writing:
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Author Steph Post.
 1. Tell us about your upcoming novel A Tree Born Crooked.

It’s the story of a man who reluctantly returns to his hometown to attend his father’s funeral, but winds up having to rescue his brother from the consequences of a ridiculous and ill-thought out crime. Along the way, he has to confront his own unsettling internal issues, but ends up learning about himself in the process. It’s also about trailer parks, fruit stands, pickup trucks, idiot criminals, sleazy motels, drugs, guns and money. :)

 2. The novel is described as a "Southern Thriller", though you like to use the term "Country Noir". As a Florida native, is it easier to write from this perspective, and to set a novel in your home state?

It’s funny, like the main character of my novel, James, I spent a large part of my time after high school trying not to return to my hometown or state. I really didn’t want anything to do with Florida. And now, I write books where the identity of small Florida towns plays a key role. But as far as research for the setting of A Tree Born Crooked- it is much easier, I believe, to write about places that seem to be ‘in your blood.’

 3. A Tree Born Crooked is not your first book. Tell us a little about your other projects.

My first novel (which is currently unavailable because I am planning to rewrite it) is about a Depression-era traveling carnival. The first draft of it served as my master’s thesis. I’ve also written and published poetry and short stories.

 4. As an author, I know how hard it can be to find the perfect name for a book. What is the significance about the title of A Tree Born Crooked?

Usually I have the worst time coming up with a title, but I had the title for A Tree Born Crooked before I even started writing. I was still in the planning stages of the novel when my husband called me from work and said, “I have the title for your book.” It was perfect! Of course, the title and its significance took on a life of its own during the writing, but it was wonderful to have the title taken care of ahead of time.

 5. You are also an English teacher at an arts high school. What advice do you give your students when it comes to pursuing their dreams?

I tell my students to work their tails off! That with enough hard work, they WILL succeed- even if they don’t know what or how that success will take form. I think it means a lot to students when they can see a living, breathing example of someone who had to work hard and fight for their dreams.

6. What upcoming projects are you working on right now?

I just finished another novel, so at the moment I’m taking a short breather from novel writing. I’m hoping to attack my first novel this summer and strip it down, take it apart and rewrite it into a much better book. I have a short story coming out in June in the literary magazine “From the Depths” and that’s gotten me excited about writing short fiction again. There’s always something going on and something on the horizon when you become immersed in the writing life! :)

About A Tree Born Crooked 

Synopsis: Thirty-six year old James Hart, with a tough-as-nails exterior and an aching emptiness inside, does not want to go home. Upon hearing of the death of his father, however, James decides to bite the bullet and return to Crystal Springs, Florida, a collapsed rural town running on the fumes of the occasional interstate tourists passing through.  It is a place where dreams are born to die. Here, James discovers that he is too late for Orville’s funeral, but just in time to rescue his younger brother, Rabbit, from the deadly consequences of his petty crime life and, in the process, discover that he can’t escape the grips of his family, and might not even want to.

 

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steph-Post/153516208138065?ref=hl

Twitter: @Stephpostauthor

Blog: www.stephpostauthor.blogspot.com

Instagram: Stephpostauthor

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Interview With Michelle Bellon

3/7/2014

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I recently had the chance to interview the award winning author Michelle Bellon about her writing, life, and novel Rogue Alliance. Check out everything she had to say!
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1.  Rogue Alliance isn't your first book. Tell us about what you've written so far.

The first book I wrote is a YA, coming of age story, titled Embracing You, Embracing Me. It was not the first to be published however. It’s about a young girl learning about self-discovery through tragedy and loss. It won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for its category in 2012.

The Complexity of a Soldier is a story that follows Rory and Emily, two high school sweethearts, through the heartache and trials of his multiple deployments to Iraq as they also try to start their young family. This book spurned me to write an article on PTSD among our troops that was published nationally. You can currently read it on my blog http://www.michellebellon.com/u-s-must-rally-support-for-vets-with-ptsd/

His Salvation is a fast-paced romance suspense. Seth and Krista were best friends as teenagers, forming a bond like no other until one day Seth disappears without a trace. Ten years later, he finds himself in a conspiracy too deep to tackle on his own and he seeks help from the only person he has ever trusted- Krista.

2. You write in many different genres. Is it hard to jump from genre to genre? How do you keep them straight?

This is a good question. No, it’s not hard for me to jump from genre to genre. When characters and a plot come to me I don’t think of it in terms of what genre it will fit into. I simply see the story that needs written and I start writing. Later, during rewrites, I start thinking of who my target audience will be and edit with that in mind.

3. What is your favorite genre to write in and why?

Even though it’s harder, I really enjoying writing suspense. It forces me to keep every chapter moving at a challenging pace, which means digging deeper into the plot and subplots, and honing the dialogue.

4.  Rogue Alliance is part of a series. Do you have all the books written? Did you know exactly how the series would end when you first began writing? If so, did that make it harder or easier to write?

 I had absolutely no intention of writing a series. I didn’t want that kind of pressure. (laughs) However, when I finished writing the book I knew that there was still a lot of Brennan’s and Shyla’s story to be told. Then when readers began to reach out to me with such strong, positive responses to the book and to the characters they also demanded a sequel. I had to start writing the next book. At this point it’s about half finished and the screenplay is nearly done as well.

5. Shyla is an amazingly complex character. Did she come to you fully formed, or did she grow and change as you crafted the plot?

She and Brennan both presented themselves as fully formed characters with pasts, fears, strengths, and, yes, flaws. Plenty of them. The entire book was born of one scene that came to me while driving one day. In that single scene it was clear to me who these people were and what their motivations were.

6. You write all sorts of different books. What do you prefer to read when you have the chance?

 Ooh, that’s a tough one. I find magic in so many different genres. My favorite book of all time is Outlander, an epic historical fiction novel. I tend to like those quite a bit. I love suspense and thrillers so I’ve read my fair share of Koontz and Grisham. Also, last but not least, I love a good romance whether it be contemporary, suspense, or young adult. I like to swoon just as much as anyone else.

7. Let my readers know where to find you. Give us your links!

First just let me say thank you for having me on your blog Alisse. It’s been fun!

http://www.michellebellon.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Bellon-Author/544448685599147

https://www.facebook.com/michelle.authorpage

https://twitter.com/MichelleBellon



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Interview With Author Christine Gabriel

3/2/2014

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I am having a ton of fun interviewing other authors, and seeing what makes them tick, what inspires them, and how they write. Today I get to introduce you to the talented Christine Gabriel. She is the author of the upcoming New Adult novel Crimson Forest. 
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1. Tell us about your upcoming novel  Crimson Forest due out this summer with Pandamoon Publishing.

Crimson Forest is the first book in the Crimson Chronicles Series.  It focuses on eighteen year old Angelina Adams who is lives in the small town of Buffalo, Wisconsin which is famous for its eerie moss covered forest.  The novel focuses on age old myths and shows that no matter how average you are, wonderful, amazing things can happen to you.  The series has an awesome love triangle, devastating losses that will most certainly make you tear up, and of course action that will hopefully put you to the edge of your seat.  
 
2. What are your top ten novels of all time? Why do you love them?

Ooo, top ten novels of all time.  Well let's see: 

- Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas - James Patterson - I love this book because it's packed full of emotion.  I literally went through an entire box of Kleenex as I read it. 

- Eightysixed - Emily Belden - I'd never read a memoir until this book.  I laughed, cried, and got so mad I threw a pencil across the room. 

- The Secret - Rhonda Byrne - It taught me that all the positive energy you put out into the universe manifests itself and rewards you with what you ask for.

- To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee - I read this in 8th grade English and even got to see the play at a college theater.  I adore this book. 

- The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien - It's just my size, what can I say?

- IT - Stephen King - Scariest book I've ever read...I now have a huge fear of clowns.  Thank you for being that awesome that you've incited a true fear in me Mr. King. 

- Sunday's at Tiffany's - James Patterson - This is a great book about an imaginary friend who she ends up falling in love with.  (swoon)

- The Sookie Stackhouse Collection - Charlaine Harris - What can I say?  I love this series(having Joe Manganiello play Alcide...enough said.)

- All of the R.L. Stine books - That's right, I read the entire series growing up and they've stuck with me. (I think that should count as 9 and 10 haha)
 
3. You talk a bit on your blog about being bullied in high school. This is something that, unfortunately, affects a lot of people and can stay with them for a while (myself included). What advice do you have to give to teenagers who are dealing with this right now?

You know Alisse, growing up was extremely difficult for me.  Being bullied is something that has stuck with me throughout the years.  My advice for teenagers would be this:  Never lower your standards to please others.  You're a beautiful soul and embrace that.  People only bully others because they're jealous of their own insecurities.  Never try to be someone you're not because the person you are is AMAZING.  Hold your head high and know you're NEVER alone.  Be proud of yourself and know that the future holds great things for you, don't believe me?  Just take a look at me now :)  
 
4. Your novel  Crimson Forest is a New Adult novel. Why did you choose to write for this age group?

I love the New Adult genre because it appeals to so many different ages - from young girls hitting their teenage years to women in their twenties.  It makes me smile to know they're all able to read it and understand the emotion behind my words. 
 
5. Who are your top ten authors for new adults?

Top Ten?  Whew, I don't really have a top 10 list for new adult authors because I have such a vast taste in books.  If I had to narrow it down to one however; it would be Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
 
6. You say that you grew up in a small rural town. What was it like? Are you still there?

Oh yes!!  The Village of Monroeville, population 1394.  What was it like?  Well, it was your typical small town with everyone knowing everyone else's business :)  If you didn't have a "certain last name" you were dubbed a geek (yes I'm proud of my last name and yes I'm proud to be a geek.)  Monroeville has 2 stop lights, a gas station, a subway, pizza place, and now a Dollar General(woohoo) all within half a mile.  It's surrounded by cornfields and they even have their own events such as - Tractor Day(everyone drives their best/dirtiest/oldest/smallest tractors to school where they're judged and awarded) and the famous St. Joseph's Festival which is held every summer.  

I promised myself that as soon as I moved out I would leave that small town...and I did :)  I now live like 10 minutes away in Norwalk...still close enough to my parents, but just far enough away that the smell of cow manure won't overwhelm me.

7. Let my readers know where to find you. Give out your links!

www.facebook.com/christinegabrie

www.facebook.com/christinegabrielcrimson

www.twitter.com/christinegabrie

www.thecrimsonforest.com

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276953.Christine_Gabriel

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Interview With McKelle George

2/26/2014

2 Comments

 
I recently had the opportunity to interview writer, illustrator, and editor McKelle George on her writing (among other things). She is a writer of YA, as well as mysteries with her upcoming novel Until Proven coming out January 2015 from Pandamoon Publishing.

Q: I read that you are an illustrator as well as an author. Tell me, how do you approach a book from a visual art perspective as opposed to a writer's perspective?
  I'm more a wannabe illustrator. But I actually think the approach is similar, if expressed in different ways. In art, you have to capture so much in one moment. You have to convey emotion and tension with only superficial, visual cues. Writing is the same way, only reversed, trying to convey an entire visual scene in fifty word paragraph, with only language to help you.
 
Q: Your novel  Until Proven is a speculative mystery. When you write a book like this, do you have every twist and turn planned out before you start? How do you approach plotting this out?
  Yes and no. When I start, I definitely need to know at least where I'm going. So I think I have it mostly figured out, but then as I'm writing, I discover new ways of how the story could turn out, and new layers that move me in the right direction. Though I will say that my character, like me, is fumbling her way around and relies sometimes on luck. Those people who can plot out elaborate Sherlock-esque mysteries are much smarter than me.
 
Q: Until Proven isn't the first book you've written. Tell us a bit about the others, and where you got the ideas for them.
The trouble is all of my ideas are really polarizing from each other.  The first book I ever wrote was this bizarre, quirky young adult story about Nightmares and Dreams being actual creatures. I was so in love with this world I'd created, I think I got hung up on that first idea for too long. I still have it available online, but it's not my best work, and the greatest advice I got about it was at a writing conference when someone said, "Move on from you first project." That's when I wrote Until Proven. Right now I'm working on a series of YA Shakespeare adaptions. I'm a hardcore Shakespeare fangirl, and it's been a total pleasure reimagining my favorite plays. One is retelling of Much Ado About Nothing set in a 1920s speakeasy, and the other is a retelling of the Tempest, set in a contemporary highschool.
 
Q: Like you, I'm a big fan of small press publishing. You work for Jolly Fish Press in their editorial department. Tell me why you are such a fan of the small houses.
  Yes! I love small presses. The thing I love the most, as an author and as an editor, is the sense of community and closeness involved in traditional publishing on a smaller scale. This interview, for example, is an example of that. You feel like you're part of a small family. You get more attention. And it's not as competitive and intense, and you don't usually feel like you're getting ignored for a more prominent book, because in a small press, every single title matters.
 
Q:  As an editor as well as an author, do you find it easier to hand your books off to someone else to edit?
  Oh, yes. I NEED good editing. I'm the kind of writer who can shoot off fast drafts, but I need about twelve of those fast drafts to arrive at a satisfactory place. As an editor, it makes me crazy when an author is completely unwilling to take a second look at their book and change things. Anyone can write a book, but it takes a village to write a quality book. When I'm editing, I know that the only thing I'm trying to do is help polish the book to its highest potential, so when someone edits my book, I assume they're doing the same, so I take each critique seriously--even if I end up ignoring it or finding a different solution to the problem.
 
Q: What is the strangest daydream you have ever had?
  Ha ha! I love this question, first of all. And I'm also laughing because we could be here forever talking about my weird daydreams. I daydream all the time. But okay: here's my most recent one, to save on time. On the drive over to the library, this guy cut me off, and I thought (a bit vindictively), "Well you're lucky I'M paying attention, pal," and then I entertained a full-length daydream about a guy whose job was to get into minor accidents on purpose to teach bad drivers a lesson.
 
Q: Let my readers know about your books, where to find them, and where to find you. (Links please!)
Here's my website, which also has links to all of my social media outlets: http://mckellegeorge.com. Until Proven won't be available until January 2015 (whew!), but you can read that first Nightmare/Dream book for free, if you want, on FictionPress: http://fictionpress.com/~mckellegeorge 
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Happy Holidays!

12/19/2013

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Well, Chanukah is over, and the family had an amazing time seeing relatives, getting presents, giving presents, making latkes. I may hate the cold, but I certainly do love this time of year. It's full of so many wonderful excuses to get together, and to see people you may not have seen in quite some time. I know that Brian and I are going to certainly take every opportunity to do just that.


The kids absolutely loved the holiday, and Joseph has taken to hiding dreidels in his bed. He wants to pretend that Chanukah is still happening. He got upset with me when I tried to take down the decorations. He loved watching everyone light the candles (as he tried to blow them out), and he learned several songs at preschool that he, Phillip, and Hailey sang from the moment they woke up in the morning, until they fell asleep at night. I hope they embrace every holiday with the same vigour.


On the writing front, I am making slow and steady progress on the sequel to Sitnalta. I know exactly where the story is going, and in what direction I want to take each and every character, and that's a hugely important step for me. My broken computer monitor (aka my story board) is littered with post-its telling me exactly where I need to go. It's just a matter of plunking the words out on my lap top.


In other news, I will be having another online party for Sitnalta on January 15, 2014 between the hours of 2-4 Toronto time on Facebook. I will be pasting the link as soon as I have it, and if you could all show up and join in the fun and games, that would be awesome! Also happening in January, I will have an official trailer posted online for The Strings of the Violin, and I can't wait to see how it turns out! I am also deep into the first round of edits for the tentatively titled The Dybbuk's Revenge which I finished last month.


Since the holidays are here, how about giving a book (or two) to your loved ones?

The Strings of the Violin

Bath Salts

Sitnalta

And remember, a review feeds an author's soul! :)



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