Wistful YA ~ ABANDONED by Ellen Fritz & A Writer's Critique!

Wistful YA is my reoccurring spotlight, giving young adult literature center stage.
One of the first things I revealed about myself here on Writer's Alley was that I'm a hopeless romantic. #restspalmonforehead There's no denying it. But sometimes romance is preceded by despicable and fateful acts, leaving a soul's only salvation in love's hands. This next story is just that. Technically it's categorized as young adult, but some of the content is a little older. *Disclaimer: One aspect of the story, a violent topic in nature, is not be suitable for children; however, the act is no shown, but explored as a character develops.
Now to our next ... segment.
Meet ELLEN FRITZ, retired high school English teacher and School Counselor. She'd always heard the saying "Write what you know." Instead, she wrote for the audience I knew quite well - young adults. They recommended so many great books to Ellen over the years that she wanted to write some for them. Ellen is also the author of the young adult tale Mira. Find her on her Website, Facebook, and Goodreads. 
Hi Ellen! It's great to have you visit the Alleyway. I want to ask you firstly, what inspired you to write this story? The idea for the story came from the sense of abandonment I heard in the voices of many young people I worked with. My main character, Holly, has learned to take care of herself and get herself out of dangerous situations because there was no one else she could rely on.
That truly is admirable. I can only image what you've heard and seen as a high school counselor. Give us a little insight into Abandoned. The story starts in the middle of one of the worst days of Holly's life. Then it gets worse. Writing it, I simply followed the events that take her through joy, fear, anger and despair.
Turmoil right from the get-go. Great way to start a story. Tell us about Holly.  Holly has no one she can really trust, so she depends on herself. Attacked, near death, she finally enters a life where she can learn that others care enough to defend and protect her.
Tell us something people wouldn't suspect about you. People are always surprised that I've enjoyed Fantasy/Science Fiction my whole life. I think it started in high school when a teacher assigned Lord of the Rings as required reading. I've mentally thanked her every day since. Lord of the Rings, now there's some fantasy! What can your readers expect next from you? Look forward to Book II, Vulnerable, and Book III, Forsaken. Abandoned should be out as an Audio Book soon.
Let's take a peek at Abandoned. 

AMAZON

Abandoned - Book I of the In the Night Series

by Ellen Fritz

Genre: Young/Adult Fantasy Publisher: Tell-Tale Publishing Pages: 292 pages
Description:         Where do you run in the middle of the night when you hear your uncle join your parents, all planning to continue the drinking that has already been going on for hours?  The uncle who raped you.  The one that your parents believe when he says he never touched you.         Abandoned plunges the reader into the story of seventeen year old Holly Locke, whose home life is barely tolerable at the best of times.  She starts a job cleaning a bar so she can move away from her parents.  It quickly becomes the one place she thinks she’s finally found acceptance and security, until she witnesses three vampires feeding.         Holly is attacked, must be changed to a vampire to save her life, and joins a world very different from her old one.  She is trusted, respected, and quickly falling in love with Parker.  But Parker is human.  A human that, with every kiss, drives her closer to her uncontrollable desire to drain him.
Passage:         Holly’s heart beat faintly and slowly, but Quinton couldn’t get her to start breathing again on her own.  She was dying in front of them.         “Change her,” Parker almost whispered.         Byron just turned his head and looked at him.         “You know you have to.  We can’t just let her die!  If she dies, it’s our fault!”  Parker’s voice was frantic.  By the time he finished speaking, he was shouting.         Quinton turned his face from Holly’s lips.  “It’s my fault!” He shouted back at Parker.  “I was following them, but let them get too far ahead of me.  I should have been able to get there sooner.”  He gave up on the mouth-to-mouth and stood next to the bed with his anger and frustration radiating out of him.         Parker put both hands on the mattress and leaned forward gazing into Byron’s eyes.  “Please don’t let her die,” he begged.  “Please.”         Byron squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and then looked back at Parker.  Without saying a word, he lifted his own wrist to his mouth and bit into his vein.  Quinton reached down and gently opened Holly’s mouth again.

Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Ellen. All the best to you! 
Alleywalkers, Ellen has offered up a first three chapter critique for any young adult manuscript! I'll keep the offer open until February 25th. To qualify, just have the first three chapters of your YA manuscript ready to critique and ENTER below. A winner will be chosen randomly.
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Wistful YA with Karen Amanda Hooper, YA Author

Being accomplished means different things to different people. For me, it's all about being who you are and always striving to improve upon your given talents to bring a little peace, harmony, and joy to the world. 

AMAZON LINKS - The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess

That's just what my next featured author is all about. From my first encounter with her through cyberspace, she's been nothing but gracious, kind, and humble. And just to show you that, she's offered up the first 3 books in eBook format of her latest releases. 
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to some lucky reader! She's the young adult author of several Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance stories. Please give Karen Amanda Hooper a huge Alleyway welcome!
Hi Karen. Let me begin by saying that Karen saved my bacon last night. Somehow my cyber form lost her original answers for this interview. She scrambled to get me her responses so she could share herself with you today.
Okay, what inspired you to write your VIRTUAL ARCANA series? 
The inspiration hit when an author friend, Susan Kaye Quinn, announced her Debt Collector series had been optioned for virtual reality. (How freakin' cool is that?) I was discussing that awesomeness with a teen writer buddy and we were daydreaming about how amazing it would be to experience our favorite books via virtual reality. Then I thought about how addicting that might be, and the problems it might cause. Next thing I knew I was writing a new story idea and Virtual Arcana was born. 
Yeah, I'd chatted with Susan about that opportunity. Way, way cool...
Has your writing process differed from writing this as a series as opposed to your other full-length novels?
This one FORCED me to create an outline. I've written all my other books as a pantser. I detest outlining and plotting ahead, but I had to with VA because once I released an episode, I couldn't go back and change stuff like I did with my other novels. I had to make the process fun (or I'd probably break out in hives) so I created a storyboard with pics and colored post-its, etc. It was actually enjoyable for the two days I worked on it. But truthfully, I haven't looked at that board in months. lol. We diehard pantsers are very set in our ways.

Now, the opening description for VIRTUAL ARCANA: Book 0 is The Matrix meets The Notebook, with a sprinkle of The Giver. Can I just say how awesome that is!!! Can you give the readers a glimpse into how the three play into the story?

Thanks! :) 

The Matrix is all futuristic and techy, and so is VA. The Notebook is a touching love story about a man who didn't give up on the love of his life no matter what, and MAYBE Virtual Arcana is like that too, but you'll have to read it to find out. Don't shun me, but I haven't read The Giver, so I can't give a good example, but one of my treasured beta readers said it had a Giver-esque feel because of the controlling government, and I trust her wholeheartedly, so I'm certain it's a good comparison. 

Let me pause us here, so we can share a few descriptions from the series.
 Blurb: In a faraway future, Kelsey Zellar is starting her senior year at yet another school thanks to her twin sister’s troublesome obsession with outlawed virtual reality games. 
Every school they’ve ever attended is pretty much the same: lunchroom drama, rich kids binging on enhancement candies, and classmates rallying for or against the government’s strict control over everything from entertainment privileges to caffeine consumption. 
Unlike her sister, Kelsey follows the rules and keeps her nose out of trouble and politics while sniffing out her next flavored latte and favorite novel. But when Kelsey meets a charming book connoisseur, and accepts his offering of a tarot card, she takes the first step toward two new addictions: the guy of her dreams, and his illegal dealing of virtual escapes into her beloved storybooks. 
Kelsey straddles the worlds of fiction and reality, but is she a fool for believing in her own happy ending?

Blurb: Mysterious cards keep appearing in Kelsey’s life, stirring up questions and forcing her to keep secrets from her sister, Keekee.
Triggered by Kelsey’s fear and Keekee's worry, the twins become bright blips on their tyrannical government’s radar. 
Xander’s magic seems to be their only chance at escaping a dangerous confrontation, but is Kelsey willing to break multiple laws and finally step into Xander's illegal world of virtual reality?
SEASON 1 EPISODE LIST: 

The Fool ~ Virtual Arcana #0
The Magician ~ Virtual Arcana #1
The High Priestess~ Virtual Arcana #2
The Empress ~ Virtual Arcana #3
The Emperor ~ Virtual Arcana #4
The Hierophant ~ Virtual Arcana #5 
The Lovers ~ Virtual Arcana #6
I just love how this is mapped out!

You've written the gamete throughout the industry. (LUV Grasping at Eternity!) What do you see as the most challenging obstacle for newer writers in today's constantly-evolving publishing arena?

Yay for Grasping at Eternity! Thanks. <3 

I think the most challenging obstacle is never giving up. The life of a writer is emotional and challenging, but SO worth it if said writer truly loves storytelling. Keeping up with all the constant changes in the publishing world adds a lot of extra work and headaches. That part can feel overwhelming at times, but I say just keep writing what you love and the rest will follow. 

Describe your writer-self by using either five TV shows or movies, five fast food meals, or five means of transportation.

Can I mix up the categories? I like variety.  Of course!
In no particular order:  TV show- Lost. (Lol. Seriously though, I'm always wondering what the heck is going on and how did I get here? )  Movie- Love and Other Disasters. (I'm a mix of the two main characters, Emily & Peter.)  2nd Movie- Sliding Doors (Trying to make the best of life no matter which path life leads me down.)  Fast food meal- Rocky Road sundae. (Sundaes count as fast food, right? In my world they do!)  Transportation: Airplane (my head is always in the clouds) 
Out of those, which is the most important to apply as a writer? Probably the Rocky Road sundae. Maybe it's because I'm such a sucker for chocolate, but I also believe no matter how rocky the road, you have to make the most of the journey and learn as much as you can. And savor the sweet parts!  
What should fans expect from you over the coming months? Teaser please... ;) Well, every month I will be releasing a new episode of Virtual Arcana. Dec 15th, The High Priestess is releasing and it's a mind-bender. Behind the scenes, I'll be working on the final book of my merfolk series, Sacred Seas. AND writing a companion novel to the Kindrily series. But those books won't release until 2015.  
Gosh, you really are a busy girl.
As far as a teaser, here's a little snippet from The High Priestess, it's kind of a spoiler, but nothing to major. BUT before reading HP, be sure to read the other books in the series, starting with The Fool, or you will be totally lost. 
Kelsey (the MC) is about to experience a book via virtual reality. Awol (the other character in the scene) is guiding her through the process.

Awol nodded with a pleased grin on her face. “That’s the one.” 

She walked over, tilting her head to read the title. Smiling wide, she said, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. A strong dose of pentacles and cups, with a splash of swords and a touch of wands. Makes total sense.”

“I’ve never heard of it,” I admitted. 

“That’s so sad, but understandable. In the Old World, some people lost their minds and banned many great books. This was one of them.” 

“Why did they ban it?” 

“Doesn’t matter,” Awol said. “The story chose you. It’s time to dive in, heart and soul.” What I didn’t know, or expect, was she meant it literally.

Fantastic teaser! Thank you for stopping by to leave your writer graffiti in the Alleyway. We all appreciate the wisdom etched in that place. Best of luck always!
Meet Karen: Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.

Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. In high school she discovered her passion for putting her thoughts onto paper, but it wasn't until her late twenties that she wrote her first novel. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels. Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+ | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY
One lucky reader will win the first three books (eBook format) of Karen's VIRTUAL ARCANA  series: The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess which will be releasing Dec 15th.   BEST OF LUCK!!!
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Do you like to read short or long stories?

PRETTY DARK NOTHING with YA Author Heather L. Reid

TOUR SCHEDULE

Eerie.

Dark.

Pretty.

What more could a reader want in a YA read? 

PRETTY DARK NOTHING by Heather L. Reid

It’s time to choose: Love or lies, faith or fear, darkness or destiny.

Seventeen-year-old Quinn hasn’t slept a full night in twenty-three days. She’s terrified of the demons that stalk her dreams, pull her into a deep dark nothingness and whisper hauntingly of her death. Exhausted, Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, and Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. If Quinn can learn to trust her heart, and Aaron can discover the secret locked away in his fragile memory, their combined power could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

I couldn't help myself. I had to set up this post a little differently than I normally do to give this cover the justice it deserves. SIMPLY GORGEOUS!

Meet Author Heather L. Reid: Heather is both American and British and has called six different cities in three different countries, home. Her strong sense of wanderlust and craving for a new adventure mean you might find her wandering the moors of her beloved Scotland, exploring haunted castles, or hiking through a magical forest in search of fairies and sprites. When she’s not venturing into the unknown in her real life, she loves getting lost in the worlds of video games or curling up by the fire with good story. For now, this native Texan is back in the Lone Star State, settling down with her Scottish husband and dreaming up new novels to write. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads

Hi Heather! It's great to have you stop by. Tell us about what inspired you to become a writer.
My love of words started like most writers I know. It started with a story. In this case, the stories came from the imagination of my great-aunt, Delia. She weaved magical tales about mystical rabbits and mischievous squirrels to send me to sleep. Sometimes she would tell me tall tales from her childhood, how she would beat up the boys when they picked on my grandmother, how the nuns would slap their knuckles with wooden rulers if they misbehaved. She wasn't a writer, she never wrote any of her stories on paper, and she read to me too, Ramona Quimby was one of my favorites, but I loved her stories best.

When not in my great-aunt’s care, my parents would read me too. Our house was full of leather bound classics, dusty paperbacks, stories of mythology, philosophy, history, anything you would want to know. Reading was encouraged and celebrated and some of my favorite presents came from my mother. Books like Where The Wild Things Are, Strega Nona, The Giver, Where The Sidewalk Ends, The Island of Blue Dolphins, A Wrinkle In Time, No Flying In The House, The Cat Ate My Gym Suit, Superfudge, Tales Of A Fourth Grade Nothing, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, The Secret Garden, A Dog Called Kitty, The Witches, all changed me, inspired me, scared me, made me cry, and awakened my imagination. I’m so grateful that my mother recognized my special bond with the written word at an early age.

Oh gosh! Rats of NIMH, Superfudge, The Secret Garden...I think we would have gotten along great as kids. Those are some of my favorites!

What do you feel is the most important successful writing?
While all of these thing work to help create success, the two most important things to me are perseverance and honing the craft.

By honing the craft, I mean writing, writing, and more writing. The best way to learn is by doing. No amount of classes, workshops, beta readers, critique partners, or craft books can ‘teach’ you how to write. They are valuable tools, and no doubt helpful, but in the end the only way to learn to write is by writing. Finding your voice means putting words on the page, experimenting with different techniques, finding your own process. No two writers are the same. Writing is personal and without words on the page, you have nothing.

As for perseverance, if you’re passionate, you have to keep trying, keep honing your craft, keep reading, and keep going. The journey to success isn’t easy. It could take years, it could take numerous books even after reaching publication, each path is different and you have to define success for yourself. Don’t let anyone define it for you. Let the love of storytelling guide you, set your own goals and go for them, and if you fall down, get up and try again.

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Have you seen the library the Beast gives her?

Good point!

Now, let's chat about how you named your characters for PRETTY DARK NOTHING. 
I wanted Quinn to have a quirky, kind of modern name so I looked through a baby name book and did some name searches until I found one that fit. Aaron just came to me along with his voice in a dream. He was always called Aaron and the name fit. His last name, Collier, came from a set of leather-bound children’s books that were up on my shelf at the time. Collier was the publisher. Teresa was named after my best friend in college, even her nickname, Reese, was stolen from her. Thanks, Reese! While my character shares the same name as my friend, the Reese in my book is not really like my real life friend.

Lastly, describe your book in 140 characters or less.
Demons exploit & manipulate Quinn's inner fears. To save herself she must chose love or lies, faith or fear, darkness or destiny.

Ooh, intriguing description! Thank you for sharing yourself and your book with us, today. Valuable info for writers and readers. All the best from the Alleyway!

GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize winner will receive a signed copy of PRETTY DARK NOTHING, a Pretty Dark Nothing necklace, nail polish, and bookmarks (US only). One winner will receive PRETTY DARK NOTHING shipped through Book Depository (International).

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So tell me. If you could enter someone else's dream would you?

RECAPTURED DREAMS Released Day!! & Giveaway!

Not only am I a part of Justine Dell's blog tour, but I'm featuring her on her book's release day!! 

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, JUSTINE!!! 

****confetti tosses, streamers waving****

I'm thrilled to bring her Adult Contemporary Romance novel to you and celebrate with her. It's so exciting that she's giving away an eCopy of the book right here on Writers Ally at the end of today!! Make sure to leave a comment below and she'll randomly choose a winner! So without further interruption from me, I introduce you to Recaptured Dreams.

Description: Ten years, the Atlantic Ocean, and several rungs in society have kept Xavier Cain from having Sophia Montel. Now twenty-seven, he’s spent his entire adult life building a fashion empire that could finally prove his worth to her family. When fate reunites him with Sophia at London’s premiere fashion show, one problem lodges in Xavier’s path: Sophia doesn’t remember him.

The only obstacle that has kept Sophia from Xavier is a horrific car crash that erased her memory at seventeen. She’s spent the last ten years fighting to reclaim a sliver of her past that her mother refuses to help her remember. When Sophia meets Xavier at the London show, however, all her fantasies come to life in one night of passion. Discovering he is the missing link, she is determined to find all the pieces to their love story and her memory.

Xavier wants forever. Sophia wants her memory. If they take this chance, they’ll have to start over. How far are they willing to go get what they want? And when the past catches up to them, can they handle the truths it has hidden?

Recaptured Dreams on Goodreads.
Recaptured Dreams on Facebook.
Friend me on Facebook
Check out her Blog.
Find her on Twitter.
Find Recaptured Dreams on Goodreads Profile
Her publisher is giving away two paperback copies of the book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

Don't forget to check out Omnific Publishing. Romance ... without the rules. 

 And, here is Justine's favorite line from the book: Xavier had thought he was in paradise before. He’d been wrong. Sophia was more than paradise. She was the very reason he breathed.

Engagingly romantic, I know. Now, let's hear from the author herself. 

Justine, what inspired you to write this story?
Several years back, a publisher was having an open first chapter contest. The winner's book would be published in their series line. As a fan of that particular series, I'd thought I'd give it a go...I just had to come up with an idea for a story that could be written in their word count requirements (which was far lower than standard books). I was at work and a good friend (and co-worker) brainstormed with me to come up with the idea for the story. Really we came up the idea for Xavier (the swoon-worthy hero) and I wrote the story around him. Thirty days later that story was done! (And far from *finished* might I add...lol) 

That's awesome. Inspiration comes from all over.

Are you an avid reader, and if so were you always? What value do you put on introducing children to a variety of reading at a younger age?

I am an avid reader now, but in my childhood, all the way up to about three years ago, I hated to read. I only read books that were required in school and even then I only skimmed them.  Time for an embarrassing fact: I wrote my first romance without actually reading one. I just had the story in my head and had to write it. Boy, if I only I knew what I was missing. Long story short, I picked up that first romance book (and several other genres) and now I'm like the Cookie Monster of book readers. Seriously. I love it! Books are beautifully, magical, inspirational. Now only if I could go back and tell my younger self that. ;-) 

Even though I didn't read as a child, I wanted my own daughter to experience it. She's always been an avid reader. And I love talking to her about what she reads. I think it helps them grow, learn, separate the importance of fiction from real life, and yet it gives them the imagination to soar. Reading is a wonderful tool for youngin's and I'm SO glad my daughter loves it. 

I couldn't agree more.

Briefly describe your writing process and tell us what you feel is the most important part of that process for you as well as other writers.

I'm totally a panster. I did my first *plotting* just this past November. And the only reason I did that was because it was a genre I don't normally write and the plot was complicated. I write by the seat of my pants because that's what makes me happy. I picked up writing as an escape from my own daily controlled life and I didn't want my writing to be controlled (not even by me!) I wanted to fly. That is the most important part of the process for me. If it's too controlled and step-by-step I wouldn't enjoy it. I wouldn't do it. I just love to write what comes weaves through my head in the moment. I love that moment when it comes together. 

Not everyone is like this, so I think you have to find your own balance and what works for you. 

Any future projects at hand?

YES! Aren't there always for us writers? Our brains done't have *off* switches, do they? If they do, I haven't found it yet. ;-) I'm in the beginning stages of working with my editor for another romance that will be released from Omnific in January 2013. 

I'm putting the final touches on a recently finished romance novel that will so be spread among my wonderful crit partners. And I'm trying to nail down the next one I'm going to start writing. I've got so much floating through my head, I need to see which one will win out! 

Aw...congrats!!

Could you share the most valuable piece of writing/publishing advice you've been given?

Two pieces: read the genre you write and do your homework (not just about writing, but about the publishing industry, agents, etc.) 

Thanks so much for sharing yourself with us today, Justine!!

Make sure to leave a comment to enter to WIN an eCopy of RECAPTURED DREAMS! Justine will also be stopping by to giveaway two bookmarks!!

Author Bio:

Justine lives in the Midwest, happily catering to her family, which consists of a horse-obsessed teenage daughter and four crazy dogs. She’s never moved from her hometown, but hopes to grow old in a much warmer climate.

During the day she works a normal job with college students who try their best to keep her young. They’ve done a good job thus far.  At night, said teenage daughter and her horse require mounds of love and attention. The weekends belong solely to her and her writing. That’s when she morphs into a sticky bug, unable to leave the confines of her computer chair.

She started writing three years ago after seeing a movie that set off a chain reaction she couldn’t have stopped if she’d wanted. It’s not a hobby for her; it’s an obsession. One she loves and one she loves to share. Contact Justine by email: dell.justine@gmail.com

Meet Christine Fonseca, YA Extrordinaire & a Giveaway!

Despite that YA Author Christine Fonseca's splats already decorate the Graffiti Wall, I've entitled this piece beginning with the word meet. Wonder why?

Because since we last heard from Christine here on Writers Alley, she has been on absolute fire!! And guess what? She's doing a giveaway for us, too! (Just enter below. Winner to be announced next Friday!) I'll let her explain for herself.

Hi Christine! It's wonderful to have you visit us again.

You've had a ton of changes since we last chatted. Care to briefly share a few highlights?

Wow, where to begin. Well, since my last interview with you in June 2011, I managed to sell A Beautiful Mess under its original title, LACRIMOSA, as part of a 4 book deal with Compass Press. It was published in March 2012, along with two shorts that are part of the same series. They are beginning to draw reader attention and have been consistently getting good reviews. Next up is LIBERA ME, the next book in the series, and another book I sold to Compass Press – TRANSCEND.

Things have been busy on the nonfiction front as well. I’ve sold two more nonfiction titles – A Girl’s Guide to Redefining Normal: Finding Your Place in a Mixed Up World, and Parenting Introverts – both coming from Prufrock Press in 2013.

So, all in all – it’s been very busy!

MEA CULPA                DIES IRAE                     LACRIMOSA                      LIBERA ME               TRANSCEND

Yes, I'd say so!

What has been your greatest joy within those changes? Your greatest challenge?

Absolutely my greatest joy is the connections I’ve made with readers. Listening to them as they read the book, hearing what they connected with – what emotions they felt – that has been an unexpected reward of this entire process. I am actually pretty humbled by it all. I mean, yes, I wanted to build connections – that is why I write. But to have people not only read, but “get”, really get, what I’m trying to do…there’s nothing better!

My greatest challenge has been balance. I tend to jump into things with both feet. And I am lousy and saying “no” to projects. As a result, I am stretched thinner than I probably should be. But, I love what I’m doing…so it is really hard to pull back from things. It’s a good problem to have, actually.

Your debut YA Gothic Series, THE REQUIEM SERIES, is quite a change from your nonfiction books. Did you have a method to developing this story? 

The next question really answers this in terms of how I develop stories in general. With this series, I spent a lot of time doing two things:

1) research angel and demon mythology to assist in the development of the mythos I used for the books. I wanted my mythology to ring true and still be a unique take on the topic;

2)Reading a TON of books in the paranormal and fantasy genres. I was specifically reading for story construction, pacing, character development, etc. It was like a learning laboratory for me. 

Research material to help develop a story is always so fascinating to me, so vital.

Are you a pantser or an outliner? What's your take on both methodologies?

I am a delightful mix of both! Actually, I would classify myself as an outliner…but not a detailed outliner. Let me explain –

For me, I need to have a global sense of the storyline in order to write it. So, I get an idea and once I know some essential things (the basic premise, the problem, the climax) and typically draft about 5K as fast as I can to get a sense of the “vibe” of the story. Then, I outline.

Using the story beats from Snyder’s Save the Cat, I “beat” out the novel. Next comes the chapters – I do a basic outline of the scenes/chapters. After that it’s time to draft the novel. I do this as fast as I can since I am a lousy drafter.

What I lack in drafting abilities, I make up for in editing. This is my favorite part of the process. I go through the draft and “redo” the outline, specifically looking for holes within the plotline, places where the story sags, that kind of thing.

Another version or two and voila – a novel is born. See, I really am a little of both. 

Absolutely! How did you find the process of developing your cover art for DIES IRAE, LACRIMOSA, and MEA CULPA?

Compass Press is a small press and was responsible for the covers of all of my books. But, I did get to be part of the process, which included assisting in choosing cover art, fonts for the print, etc. It has been a collaborative process – one I am thankful for.

LIBERA ME is next in your series. Can you give us a sneak peek into where you'll take Zane next? 

Oh Zane…my poor Zane. LIBERA ME is truly one of the darkest and most emotional pieces I’ve ever written, which is really saying something if you’ve ever read my fiction. All I can really say is that everything Zane “thinks” is true, may or may not be. And the things most important to him – the friendships and feelings – will be put to the test in ways never expected.

Graffiti Wall Signature Question: What has been the most important lesson you've learned about the publishing world between publishing your nonfiction book and the beginnings your YA Gothic series The Requiem?

I have learned that there are many many paths towards publication, each valuable, each with its own sets of pros and cons. And I have learned that what is right for me today, may not be right tomorrow. Flexibility and resiliency are the key – at least for me.

Is there anything you'd like your audience to know about you as a writer or as a person that they've yet to discover?

Ha! Something new, huh…well, how about this. I love doing panels, and conducting workshops etc. Most people know that part. But what most people do NOT know is that I am socially uncomfortable in large gatherings most of the time. Seriously! I am a total introvert and feel awkward whenever I go to signings, conferences, etc. Which is probably why you don’t always see me at them ;)

Thank you for sharing your story and time with us! Looking forward to more from you. 

You can learn more about Christine and her books by clicking on the links above under her book images or visiting her Website and  writer's blog.

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And if you haven't already, ENTER my giveaway! Spreading the word is still appreciated. There's still nine days left to enter. Have a fantastic week, everyone! 

Daemons in the Mist Tour~Meet the Characters GIVEAWAYS!

Meet Nualla - quiet teenage girl, aloof, beautiful, mysterious. Then there's Patrick - the boy who has always admired Nualla from afar; and has few friends and from a normal family.

Isn't this gorgeous?

And from Author Alicia Kat Dillman's tour banner, it's pretty obvious that they change throughout the course of their story. So let's give Nualla and Patrick a warm Alleyway welcome! 
*Muffled hellos, hi's, and welcomes ... oh, and a faint what'sup?

But first a reminder to enter at the end of the post for a chance to WIN your very own eBook edition of Daemons in the Mist in the winner's choice of Kindle, Nook or PDF format. Whoot! The contest is open internationally so spread the word. Merci!! AND to enter the grand prize tour giveaway, consisting of a signed book, art pack and daemon makeover!! 

Hi Patrick, Nualla. Feel free to tell the audience a bit about yourselves.

Patrick: Gods, where do I even start? Okay, so basically I was this normal geeky guy who, let’s just say it, I had a slightly unhealthy infatuation with this girl, who basically didn’t even know I existed. [What? You know it’s totally true.] But it all worked out in the end because I ran off on this trip to Vegas with her and we accidentally got married and… Wait, that came out wrong… Um well… I think I’ll just stop talking now.

Nualla: Oh me, I’m totally not human. I may look human to you, but your eyes are lying to you. [What? Kat said she was cool. I mean we’re not exactly allowed to talk about what we are, but it’s not like anyone outside this room will ever know, right?] So yeah, I’m a Kalodaemon. You’d be surprised how many of us there are, especially in The City. [Well, obviously she knows I mean San Francisco when I say The City, Patrick. Where else would she think I meant?]

Fun facts, 'cause I'm just weird like that: What’s your favorite ice cream?

Nualla: Coffee or any coffee-like flavor.

Patrick: Pumpkin. [What? It’s a great flavor.]

Nualla: You are so weird.

Do you like to read? If so, what?

Patrick: Not as much as Beatrice seems to, but mainly I read manga and art magazines. Or I did until I started dating Nualla. My life is a little… crazy at the moment.

Nualla: I mainly read Kalodaemon fiction. Human books… uh do blog posts and twitter count as reading?

Patrick, Nualla mentioned coffee. What about coffee?

Patrick: Okay, I like coffee as much as anyone, but Nualla and the others well, they have this crazy obsession with it.

Nualla: It’s not crazy, it’s perfectly natural.

Patrick: You’re telling me drinking copious amounts of coffee is a normal daemons thing?

Nualla: No Patrick, I was just screwing with you.

Patrick: That’s what I—Oh you were being sarcastic just now, weren’t you?

Nualla: Yeah.

Patrick: So the coffee thing…

Nualla: Totally normal.

Patrick: Great.

Nualla: Patrick, why else would there be so many coffee shops in The City?

Patrick: People really really like coffee?

So Patrick, what was it like admiring Nualla from afar and then to suddenly have her notice you?

Okay I’d like to say it was all cool but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I totally freaked out, alone, in my room, where no one could— and I totally just admitted that to the world just now didn’t I? Crap.

         What was it about Nualla that drew you to her?

I… I don’t know exactly. The first time I saw her it was like well, like someone took a crossbow to my chest. I mean she’s freakin’ gorgeous and all, but well, I don’t know, I was just drawn to her. I really can’t explain it. There was something in me that just couldn’t seem to let her go all those years.

Nualla, Did it surprise you how easily you warmed up to Patrick? What made him different?

Well, he was like way cute and oh, those eyes of his are gorgeous. I’ve always been kind of a sucker for dark eyes. [Yes Patrick, Travis does have dark eyes, and no we are not talking about that… ever.] But [cough] there was something gentle and vulnerable about him that just kinda drew me in. And I’m not saying he’s weak or anything, I mean he did stand up to Michael and everything, and well, it was probably because he didn’t want to be with me to possess me or raise his status in the eyes of others. He wanted to be with me just because I was me. It was like he could always see me, the real me. The me I always had to hide before. And with him there was no longer a reason to hide.

How strange was it for you, Patrick, to hang out with Nualla and her friends that first time?

I’m gonna try not to sound like a terrible teen movie here but, when the cool kids suddenly decide they want to hang out with you, you just go with it. I mean sure my brain was telling me, ‘Oh God Patrick, you are so going to screw this up.’  While the other part of my brain was screaming, ‘Who the hell cares? You’re hanging out with Nualla freakin Galathea! Just shut and do what ever they do.’

Nualla: Gods Patrick, is that seriously what it’s like in your head all the time?

Patrick: Yeah, pretty much.

Nualla: Geez that must be exhausting.

Patrick: I’m kinda used to it.

Patrick, what did you really think about the early fact that certain kids didn't notice you at school over the past three years?

You know I hadn’t thought about it until now, but now that you mention it, okay at first it was a little weird. But I guess I just forgot about it after Nualla. [Okay that sounds lame but in my defense she was a huge distraction. Which--I’m gonna regret saying in about five seconds.]

Nualla, do you find it difficult melding your world into the mortal world? What about isolating?

Oh, this suddenly got all serious and stuff. Um… well, of course it is, you have to hide what you are all the time. Lie to everyone you will ever met. No one will ever know the real you, just the mask you have to wear every day. You’re basically a ghost; just enough online to seem normal, nothing more. It sucks big time. But it’s what I am, and well, sometimes you find people you can share it with.

           Were you surprised about the connection between Patrick and your close family friend, Travis?

Completely and totally shocked. Seriously would never have guessed that in a million years. And boy does it complicate--like everything.

P & N - So, what's up with this whole marrying business? Strange for seniors, isn't it?

Nualla: One, I was really drunk. Two, Kalodaemon Law isn’t exactly flexible on this. Three, well, don’t make decisions when you’re drunk because I’m sure I had a one in a million chance of this not sucking. Lucky for me I got stuck with someone who’s… [Okay maybe stuck with is a bad choice of words.]

Patrick: Okay I know everyone thinks I’m crazy, seriously Connor has already beaten this discussion to death. But let me just say when the universe hands you exactly what you’ve always been asking for who in their right mind would say no? I mean seriously, saying, “No Universe I don’t want this,” is like saying, “Hey Universe, come hit me with a bus now,” or something. You don’t say no, you never say no, you grab hold of it and hold on for dear life.

Your family seems really supportive, Nualla, where Patrick's isn't. How did that make you feel?

Oh, don’t even get me started on them. His parents have got to be some of the most neglectful people I have ever known. They leave him alone for days, weeks on end. And when they were actually there, they’re not really there. My family on the other hand is—

Patrick: Awesome.

Nualla: Well, besides Andraya.

Patrick: Oh come on, she’s not so bad.

Nualla: Patrick she hates you.

Patrick: at least she acts like I even exist. [And no I’m not talking about you, I’m talking about them.]

Patrick, did it feel strange having to trust in Nualla's daemon family?

At first it was weird, sure, but they’re all such great people. I mean even Andraya has her moments. I guess I’m just more used to friend’s families caring more about me than my own. I mean I think I’ve seen Connor’s mother more times in the last four years than my own.

P&N - You definitely had some major hurdles to leap over for your story to move forward together. What was the toughest for each of you?

Patrick: Toughest? Not having a nervous breakdown over the last few months. Oh, and having to keep things from Connor. The fact that there are now parts of my life I just can’t share with him, it’s—hard.

Nualla: Just loving Patrick at all, really. [Don’t give me that look, just let me finish, okay.] I’ve never regretted what happened for a second, it’s just the fact that someone could be so important that losing them could destroy you. The fact that something, that anything could have this much power over you, is terrifying. Realizing that, that absolute vulnerability, was really hard for me. [Now aren’t you glad you let me finish? Yes, I love you too.]

Thanks again for stopping by!

Patrick: No problem.

Nualla: Wait you said ‘world’ earlier, didn’t you?

Patrick: Um yeah, they’ve been recording this whole time. Wait, you mean you didn’t notice?

Nualla: Oh gods, we are so frakked.

About Alicia Kat Dillman
Indie author & illustrator Alicia Kat Dillman is a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area. Kat illustrates and designs book covers & computer game art by day and writes teen fiction by night. The owner of two very crazy studio cats and nine overfull bookcases, Kat can usually be found performing, watching anime or hanging out in twitter chats when not playing in the imaginary worlds within her head. 


I've added Kat's signature here. I just love it: =^.^= Alicia Kat Dillman Creative Director of KatGirl Studio. Find her at Kat Girl Studio, Twitter, Facebook Studio Page, Facebook Author Page, Google +.


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