Isis Sousa's Blog: Tragic Books' news - Posts Tagged "ya"

Here is a book highlight about Archipelago by Mati Raine

Synopsis:
14-year old Lilly Douglas is a girl who has been sheltered from the world since the moment she was born. Gifted with avian like wings and strands of lilac hair, she never realizes how different she is. After a terrifying attack on her home, she is forced to run from everything she knew, and find shelter at a place called Charity Academy. Here students have little to worry about beyond homework and classes, and they spend most of their time learning to control their powers, embracing their identities as 'Strands': students with extraordinary abilities, united by the lilac hairs they have. But they are not alone in the world.

56 miles south-east, into the Bitterroot Wilderness, is a dark place known as Firestone Institution. Here a 16-year old boy named Cory Trask has made his home with a personality as icy as his powers. Survival driven, Cory works for a man named Dr. Kibbsty and is the leader in the pursuit of Lilly. He thinks of little beyond the orders he is given, and life is nothing more than a game: one where only the strongest survive. As their paths cross, they bring an uncertain future in their wake that will cause all these teens to question what it really means to be Strands.

Visit her blog: http://steampunksparrow.blogspot.com/

Visit Archipelago's official website to get some great extras!
http://www.thecraftycoyote.com/archip...

I've came across Jessica Hernandez work and Blog via GoodReads. She is an indie author and helps promoting others like me through her blog as well. So, of course, I invited her for a spotlight around here and I invite you to join and read her interview as well as get to know her books of Hawk of Stone duology. Are you ready?

1 - How was the writing and publishing process for your first novel, "Capering on Glass Bridges"?
Capering on Glass Bridges was born from an idea that I had while in high school. Over the succeeding years, I developed this idea considerably, and I often spoke with my mother about the fantastical world that I sheltered in my mind. It was she who encouraged me to write about it. As the end of my final semester in college approached, I made the decision to do as she suggested; I told myself that, upon graduation, I would finally pen the novel that had been floating about in my head for ages.

The publication process proved to be an overall positive experience. It’s in my post-publishing journey that I’ve encountered one of my biggest obstacles to date—which I’ll discuss in further detail when I answer question three.

2 - How did that process evolve when you worked on book 2, "The Yesterdays of Tomorrow"?
Initially, I did not create an outline for book one. I sat down in December of 2014 to “pants” my way through Capering on Glass Bridges. After writing about seven thousand or so words, I realized that I didn’t like how the story was coming out, so I discarded it and left the project alone for a few weeks. In March of 2015, I sat down at my desk and created an outline of my story. As I’m sure you can imagine, the writing process went a lot smoother thereafter. Hence, with my second novel, I created an outline before writing a single word. In my opinion, the outline has a function akin to that of a compass; it helps one better understand the different directions in which a story can be taken. My outlines, however, are rather skeletal. That is, I make sure to leave sufficient room so as to allow certain aspects of the plot to evolve as the story progresses.

3 - What is your biggest challenge as indie writer?
Overcoming obscurity. When you’re starting out as a writer, not only do readers shy away from your work simply because they perceive you as an unknown, but—often times—you are invisible to most of them as a consequence of the sheer number of writers out there. I’d love to get to the point where I have a loyal audience—be it of one person or of a thousand—to which I can present my writings.

4 - What are you working on at this moment and/or future plans as author?
I am currently working on my third novel. It takes place in Acu—the same fantastical world wherein Capering on Glass Bridges and The Yesterdays of Tomorrow are set. This book, however, is unrelated to my first two titles. Readers will be introduced to a new kingdom and a new cast of characters. I’m very excited about this project! Though it’s a work of fantasy, it’s imbued with a few elements characteristic of mystery and psychological thriller novels. Needless to say, the writing process is proving to be immensely enjoyable, and I look forward to sharing the finished product with readers.

5 - How do you keep inspired and who are your fav icons on books, arts, music?
I am inspired by too many things to name. I’ve learned that one needn’t be exposed to something new in order to be inspired. One simply has to endeavor to view the familiar from a different angle.

C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors. Lewis’ prose is exceptionally colorful. His writing style is such that readers can visualize the events unfolding in the narrative without any difficulty. I can still recall flipping through the pages of The Magician’s Nephew when I was younger and being in awe. The world that Lewis had created was so rich and so detailed that it felt extremely real to me; it felt organic. As a writer, I actively strive to emulate this effect. I want my readers to feel as though they’ve been transported to Acu—the fictional realm in which Capering on Glass Bridges and The Yesterdays of Tomorrow are set. I want them to feel immersed in this world.

6 - What do you think of social media and how do you make it work for you?
I’ll admit, I’m not too active on social media. I’m trying to change this, though. Social media is invaluable in bridging the formidable gap which exists between new authors and readers. It enables the two to connect and open up a dialogue with one another. (Which is pretty awesome!) I don’t know if I’ve succeeded in making social media “work for me,” but I’m certainly laboring towards this goal.

7 - Your biggest wish or dream?
I’m a bit of a chocoholic. I kid you not. I have memories of returning home from school as a first grader and running to the kitchen to stuff my face with chocolate chip cookies. For this reason, were I granted one wish, I’d request that chocolate be made as healthy—in terms of nutrition—as broccoli. I’d spend all day eating chocolate lava cakes. Yum!

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CLICK ON THE COVERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JESSICA'S BOOKS:

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CONNECT WITH JESSICA
GoodReads: Jessica Hernandez
Blog: https://jessthestoryteller.wordpress....
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJpI...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessymariee...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessy_marie77

I've met author Candace Robinson here on GR when she sent me a private note. She writes YA Horror & Dark Fantasy. While I'm not into YA books, I totally love her covers and the blurbs of her stories and couldn't resist but sharing it with you! :-)

We did a short interview and a spotlight for her Glass Vault series. Check it out!

1) How was your Glass Vault series born? What inspired you to write it?
I've had this retelling idea for a long time, and I'm all about horror old horror movies and fairy tales!

2) What were the most difficult aspects of writing the series?
Not being able to finish it in a day lol. I'm a person that likes to get things done right away, but with writing, it can't work like that.

3) As a self-published author, how did you find/connect with your readers? Share some of your marketing insights.
Honestly, I'm terrible at marketing. It can get pretty costly, but there are some great readers out there that were willing to try reading my books!

4) Any books planned for the near future?
Yes! I have two planned. One is a NA dark retelling, and another will be a Fantasy book.

5) What things do you like to do when you're not writing?
I read! I read all the time.

6) Which authors or books are your favourites?
I mainly read YA and some NA, but it has to be Sarah J. Maas. Her books are so massive too! She deserves 5 stars just for being able to write such long books! Plus they're amazing!

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Connect with Candace:

Website: https://authorcandacerobinson.wordpre...
Blog: https://literarydust.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/literarydust
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literarydust
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literarydust/

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SPOTLIGHT
Candace's Books:
Click on the covers to check their GoodReads official pages.

Quinsey Wolfe's Glass Vault


The Bride of Glass - NEW RELEASE!!!




Go there and check her spooky books and delightful covers! ;-)
Cheers and good week ahead!