Interview with YA author Tess Oliver

Book Title: Camille

Author:  Tess Oliver

At a time when society conforms to the strictest rules and most proper etiquette, sixteen year old Camille Kennecott and her guardian Dr. Bennett live a most unconventional life. They hunt werewolves.

When unwitting victim, Nathaniel Strider, wanders into one of their full moon pursuits, Camille and Dr. Bennett believe they have found a specimen for their study. Finding a scientific key to unlocking the mystery of lycanthropy would bring an end to their late night excursions. But beneath the irresistible exterior, Nathaniel is transforming into a flesh tearing monster, and as each experiment fails, Camille loses another inch of her soul to him. She knows that in a month’s time, she will be faced with the prospect of destroying the boy who owns her heart.

Camille is a 63,000 word young adult paranormal/romance set in 19th century London.

 

When did you know you wanted to be an author? Ever since I fell in love with Jane Austen's books. 

Why do you Indie publish? I've worked with publishers and editors under a different name and I can say that indie publishing gives you much more creative freedom and way less stress.

What inspired you to write your book? With Camille, I knew I wanted to write a romance with a Gothic feel and a 19th century London setting. That's how the story emerged. 

What are three things you want people to know about you or your book? I hope people enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

What advice do you have for parents to encourage their kids to read more? As a teacher, I get asked this question all the time. Some children take naturally to it because they love it. For others, it is not on their 'list of fun things to do'. But with the right books, anyone can become an avid reader. But they need to find the books that interest them.

A Short Interview with YA Author Ami Blackwelder

Book title: She speaks to Angels

Author: Ami Blackwelder

When Ali Maney discovers a world of angels and demons, her own world flips upside down. Join Ali at Millennium high for the romantic adventure. 

 

When did you know you wanted to be an author? Since birth...LOL

Why do you Indie publish? Love the independence and freedom.

What inspired you to write your book? Love angels and mysteries and wanted to combine them. 

What are three things you want people to know about you or your book? Like all authors, I work my butt off. A job-teaching, a passion-writing  and neither is ever complete. My books all tell stories of romantic suspense and usually comment on social issues. 

What advice do you have for parents to encourage their kids to read more? Buy them books they like. Take them to the book store. Read to them. Read yourself. Children mimic what adults do. 

Mini-Interview with YA Author Angela Fristoe

Book title: Songbird

Author: Angela Fristoe

There are defining moments in life when everything changes. For Dani Mays, it was the day she witnessed her father kill her brother. Now seventeen, she still hasn't put it behind her.

After Jace's death, she bounced between her alcoholic mother and foster homes until she found a permanent place. And a reason to want to stay: Reece Tyler. He's her best friend, yet Dani wants more from him.

Faced with losing Reece, Dani struggles to define his place in her life and escape the influence the memories of her brother's death have over her choices. Even as she weaves the pieces of her heart back together, the past becomes more than a memory when a former foster brother reappears and Dani begins receiving threatening calls.

 

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I always loved writing, but never really considered it as a career option until after I finished university. Until then I didn’t even know YA was a genre, but once I started reading YA books I knew I wanted to write my own stories.

Why do you Indie publish?

I love the freedom and control I have over my work by Indie publishing. There’s no delay of a year, waiting for someone to take my book to the next step in the process.

What inspired you to write your book?

I started writing Songbird as part of Nation Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and basically sat down at my computer the first day and wrote as the story came to me. Dani was a character that really just spoke to me. Some of the events Dani experiences are inspired by real life events that happened to people I know.

What are three things you want people to know about you or your book?

1. The “I’ll love you forever” that comes up throughout Songbird actually comes from my Dad. He would always say that to my sister and me after asking us to do something for him.

2. I considered adding in an epilogue to give the reader a look at Dani and Reece in the future, but decided I wanted the reader to decide on their own where they would be.

3. Without my husband nudging me along and constantly reminding me to get off the internet and back to writing I may never have finished Songbird.

What advice do you have for parents to encourage their kids to read more?

Build an appreciation for reading early, and read with your child each day. As they grow up ask them about what they are reading and tell them about what you are reading. Don’t limit their choices by assuming the books they want are low quality. Reading is reading and every word counts. And the best piece of advice I have is to explore your public library. They are a wonderful resource not just for reading, but for building a life long appreciation for literature.

Interview with YA Author Leslie DuBois

Book title: The Queen Bee of Bridgeton

Author:Leslie DuBois

When fifteen-year-old Sonya Garrison is accepted into the prestigious Bridgeton Academy, she soon discovers that rich girls are just as dangerous as the thugs in her home of Venton Heights. Maybe more so. After catching the eye of the star, white basketball player and unwittingly becoming the most popular girl in school, she earns the hatred of the three most ruthless and vindictive girls at Bridgeton. Can she defeat the reigning high school royalty? Or will they succeed in ruining her lifelong dream of becoming a world class dancer?

When did you know you wanted to be an author? I was in elementary school when I won my first award for my writing. That just about sealed the deal for me.

Why do you Indie publish? My book The Queen Bee of Bridgeton was being held hostage by a major publisher for three years. They just wouldn't make a decision about whether they wanted to publish it or not. Finally, I decided to pull it and publish it myself. Best decision I ever made. I probably would still be waiting for them.

What inspired you to write your book? When I was little, I wanted to take ballet but we were too poor for lessons. My mother cleaned the dance studio in exchange for lessons for my brother, sister and me. In the Queen Bee of Bridgeton, Sonya is so determined to be a ballerina that she cleans the studio when she can't afford lessons.

What are three things you want people to know about you or your book?

1. The Queen Bee of Bridgeton is like Mean Girls meets Center Stage

2. The third book in the series will be out in August

3. There is a plot twist you will never guess

What advice do you have for parents to encourage their kids to read more? I personally like the movie game. If there is a movie coming out that is based on the book, require the kids to read the book before they are allowed to see the movie.