Books for kids, teens, & those who are young at heart
Want to find out what makes a good book opening (or rather what doesn’t make a good book opening)? Check out my guest post over at Adventures in YA & Children’s Publishing.
I’m discussing the don’ts of book beginnings, how I created the start of Elixir Bound, and a few of my own favorite YA openings.
Warning: The Next Big Thing Blog Hop has gone viral. On this hallowed day, I’m sad to report I’m the latest victim. That means you’ll have to suffer through hearing all about my latest work in progress, a follow up to my novel Elixir Bound.
This all happened thanks to the virus-spreading Rosalie Skinner, who shared the pestilence of her work in progress last week.
What is the working title of your book?
Elixir Saved
Where did the idea come from for the book?
When I wrote Elixir Bound, I always knew I wanted to write a more epic sequel. Enter Elixir Saved. Three POV characters, an epic battle scene, and life-and-death choices.
What genre does your book fall under?
YA fantasy adventure
What actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
This is a tough one, mostly because I haven’t had power for the last few days, which inhibits my ability to scan the Internet looking for just the right actors.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Each saved by the Elixir, three survivors must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice with their second chance at life.
Will you book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Most likely neither. I’ll be sending it to the publisher of Elixir Bound once it’s ready.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Who can say? Hopefully not as long as it took to write Elixir Bound. I’m aiming for less than a year.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Genre wise I’d say Kristin Cashore’s and Melina Marchetta’s fantasies. Wouldn’t I love someone else to compare me to those writers!
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My sister Kylene, who died unexpectedly at the age of sixteen. I’ve been very candid about how she has influenced me in my writing career.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Most of your favorite characters from Elixir Bound will make appearances in this book. Honestly, I’ve grown so much as a writer these last few years, I think Elixir Saved will be even better than its predecessor!
On November 7th, the next victims of the blog hop will be posting about their own books and works in progress and spreading the madness. Tag, you’re it:
Well, I made it through my first author event without any major hiccups (no passing out or vomiting midspeech!). Rumors have been circulating that the whole thing was recorded and may end up on YouTube. I’ll be sure to let you know if that comes to fruition (and, of course, only if I look good in the video!).
In other news, I was thrilled to have Elixir Bound nominated for the 2012 Cybils (Chilrden’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards) in the Teen Fantasy/Sci-Fi category. I’m up against some stiff competition, and that’s only after the public nominations have been listed. It’s an honor just to be in the running. (I certainly don’t expect to beat out a book like Kristin Cashore’s Bitterblue!) A special thanks to Ladybug Lin for nominating Elixir Bound.
Finally, check out an original short story of mine called When Angels Die up on the MuseItUp Publishing blog today. I penned this one specifically for the Halloween season, so I hope you like a good scare.
With my first in-person author event at the Milford Public Library fast approaching, I have another exciting announcement about my books (that’s right, I said books, plural!). My picture book app “The Bedtime Knight” has a cover and a release date set for early November from MeeGenius!
With a little help from Daddy Knight, a young child learns how to turn the scary shadows of the night into fun imaginings.
The talented Erika Baird illustrated “The Bedtime Knight.” She came up with a super-creative idea that showcases the story with a dual narrative going on in the illustrations. Curious to know more about what I mean? Well…then you’ll have to go buy the book when it comes out!
Also, did I mention my first author event is coming up October 13th at 2:00 at the Milford Public Library? Local papers the Milford Mirror and the Milford Patch have all you need to know about meeting me, Katie L. Carroll, in person!
Did you even wonder how an author celebrates the big release day of her debut novel? You might think it’s all caviar and champagne, but it’s generally more subdued than that.
Here’s a picture essay of how I celebrated the release of Elixir Bound.
The celebration began early when Elixir Bound showed up on Amazon a few days before the official release day.
On release day, I had to work at my office job in the morning, but then I got to hang out with The Boy for a little while before it was naptime. Time with The Boy is always my favorite time of the day.
The hubby presented me with flowers when he arrived home after work. The Boy had turned one a few days before and really liked when we said in a high-pitched voice “Happy Birthday!” So all day the hubby kept saying “Happy Book Release Day!” in a funny voice, much to the amusement of The Boy.
My 13-year-old nephew and my twin-not-twin sister threw me a surprise party, complete with a framed copy of Elixir Bound’s cover. I was tickled pink that my nephew was so excited for me!
And there was a festive ice cream cake!
Proud mama with her book baby!
I also had a special post about how I became a writer on fellow Muse author Meradeth Houston’s blog. Thanks to everyone who has shared in my journey of becoming a published novelist. I appreciate all the well wishes and support. And keep buying those books!
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