PRAEFATIO & Creator, YA Author Georgia McBride & WIN a SIGNED copy!!!

GRAFFITI PROMOTIONS is a regular feature on Writer's Alley, where authors and aspiring writers, editors, publishers, and anyone from the publishing world, to share their journeys, valuable wisdom, and to promote their work along a road of humor, encouragement, and inspiration. Features include Author Interviews, Book Promos, and Character Introductions.

There is no easy way to start describing this next author. Lots of writers know her or, at the very least, have heard her name. An inspiration to lots of writers, those just starting out as well as seasoned writers. She's been instrumental in my personal journey as an author. I first met her when I began blogging, stumbling upon her newly started writing community, YALitchat. Having no idea what I was doing, other than the desire to write professionally, I offered to help her new community grow in anyway I could. She welcomed me on the administrative level without even batting an eye.

She is a wife, mother, promoter, over-achiever, hard-worker, founder of the well-know & respected YALitchat community of writers, author of the PRAEFATIO series, and owner/publisher of Month 9 Books. Meet Georgia McBride.

Welcome, Georgia. So excited to have you visit the Alleyway!! It's always nice to hear where authors started out, what stories fascinated them as young children and beyond. Care to share?
I have always loved anything Dr. Seuss as a child. When I got older I read Stephen King, VC Andrews and lots of classic literature.

Got to <3 Dr. Seuss.

Speaking of what inspires an author, what moved you to write PRAEFATIO?

AMAZON | B&N | GOODREADS

Grace, Gavin and Remi all insisted that I write their stories. And so, PRAEFATIO is essentially that.

Ah...persistent characters. Let's give the Alleywalkers a description of the story:  Seventeen-year-old Grace Ann Miller is no ordinary runaway...

After having been missing for weeks, Grace is found on the estate of international rock star Gavin Vault, half-dressed and yelling for help. Over the course of twenty-four hours Grace holds an entire police force captive with incredulous tales of angels, demons, and war; intent on saving Gavin from lockup and her family from worry over her safety.

Authorities believe that Grace is ill, suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, the victim of assault and a severely fractured mind. Undeterred, Grace reveals the secret existence of dark angels on earth, an ancient prophecy and a wretched curse steeped in Biblical myth. Grace’s claims set into motion an ages-old war, resulting in blood, death and the loss of everything that matters. But are these the delusions of an immensely sick girl, or could Grace’s story actually be true?

Praefatio is Grace’s account of weeks on the run, falling in love and losing everything but her faith. When it’s sister against brother, light versus darkness, corrupt police officers, eager doctors and accusing journalists, against one girl with nothing but her word as proof: who do you believe?

“With Praefatio, Georgia McBride proves that you can take any genre to a higher level. This is teen fantasy at its most entertaining, most heartbreaking, most compelling. Highly recommended.” –Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author."

Hope you don't mind, but you've worked in so many areas of the publishing world I'd like to pick your brain. (Not in the Walking Dead way, so no worries.) 

Flash questions: Three important elements to writing a novel?
Characterization, pacing and story - in that order.

If no one cares about your characters, they won't support the story. Pacing is key. A well-paced story is also a well-developed story that has highs and lows at just the right times. Then of course, there is story. Without a believable, well thought out and rich story, the reader loses interest.

Biggest challenges for creating YA literature in today's market?
The biggest challenge is getting your books to a wide audience. Apart of that, just being relevant and standing out is quite difficult.

Piece of advice for aspiring authors?
Find community.

I bow to that piece of wisdom. Describe yourself in five words.
Opinionated, caring, forgiving, level-headed and hopeful.

Current WIP outlined using five images?
CONFESSIONS OF THE DARK QUEEN: Crow, ball gown, bloody knife and computer.

Naming your characters?
They tell me their names mostly. For my upcoming YA, CONFESSIONS OF THE DARK QUEEN, I had to come up with names. But I am always on the hunt for unusual names. Recently, I did a school visit and found a student named Hunter Blue. I got permission to name the lead in an upcoming work, MESSIAH, Hunter Blue. Also, the draler I bought a car from recently took a call from his teen dayghter, Hensley. I later inquired as to the spelling and gave that awesome name to a female lead in an upcoming book. Be careful, or I might have to name one of characters after you!


Got to say, you've intrigued me with your WIP. Looking forward to read it! Thank you so much for joining us and leaving your splatter on Writer's Alley.

Georgia McBride was born and raised in NYC but has been living in NC since 2006. When not writing or running Month9Books or Swoon Romance or the non-profit literary organization YALITCHAT.ORG, which she founded, Georgia visits schools and talks to kids about writing books!

Georgia writes speculative fiction for teens and tweens and even has an adult non-fiction book brewing in that overactive brain of hers. In her spare time she can be found rounding up 2 kids, 1 German Shepard  3 Chihuahuas, and 1 parrot. She loves music of all kinds, wine and movies, and is addicted to coffee and bacon. Some of her favorite creators are George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, JJ Abrams and Ridley Scott. She would cut off her right (or left) arm to work with any of the above. 

She supports adoption (people and dogs), music appreciation, reading/literacy, animal rescue, cultural exchange, eco-friendly activities, equal rights for everyone and believes that we must achieve world peace.

GEORGIA McBRIDE

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MONTH 9 BOOKS

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YALitchat

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ENTER to WIN your very own SIGNED copy of PRAEFATIO!!!
Giveaway ends June 24th. Spread the word!

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Have a question for Georgia, ask away!!! And for those of you who are YA writers, have you heard of YALitchat? Are you a part of this awesome community?

DESTINED Released!! Book Tour

I could not be more happy for today!!

Jessie Harrell, author of DESTINED

 Approximately a year and a half ago, I met the Graffiti Wall's next featured author. We were both members and moderators of YAlitchat--our fabulous online writing community. She took on the duties of a MOD before I did. But when I decided to lend my volunteering gene to YAlitchat's wonderful mission of guiding writers on their road to publication, she welcomed me with open arms--as did the others. *waves at MODS*

Jessie and I began to blog together. Then chat, sharing ideas. Before I knew it, we were launching a team blog, Oasis for YA, with three (now four) other YA writers. It's been a fabulous experience, not to mention getting to know Jessie even better. I've watched her grow during her personal journey to publication, and I could not be more happy for her. She has worked very hard.


Without further chatter from moi, here's Jessie answering my questions in her own words.



Isn't she just fabulous!!!

And check out this gorgeous cover! So beautiful.

Please feel free to visit Jessie on her Blog, Website, Goodreads, and Facebook.

Have the itch to purchase the book now?? You may do so in paperback form: Book Depository & Amazon; ebook form: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Smashwords.

Even better, want to win an ebook copy?? Jessie is graciously giving one away, right here on Writers' Ally. Click HERE to enter and read my review of DESTINED.

I'll be taking the rest of the week to finish some edits and spend with my family, giving thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Kick A** 2011 Debut Author Spotlight

When Christina Lee first mentioned her idea to spotlight this year's debut authors, I knew I had to participate. Author Promotion was the main reason I created the Alleyway. 

YAY!! 2011 DEBUT AUTHORS!

So I've chosen THE IRON WITCH, by Karen Mahoney--a fellow YAlitchat member.

Book Blurb: Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

Order your copy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or directly from Flux. And visit Karen on her WEBSITE & BLOG.

Here's a list of other bloggers who are also participating:

Rachele raves about IMAGINARY GIRLS
Susan is featuring RIP TIDE
Robyn spotlights ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE
Matt  loves SOLSTICE
Nicole wants to tell you about POSSESSION
Janet tells why she loves LIAR SOCIETY
Kate talks about MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
Jen would like to tell you about WITHER
Shannon celebrates DARK PARTIES
Jon loves MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE
Michelle tells you about SHIFTING
Susan admires WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE
Natalie gives a shout out to AUDITION, THE FAERIE RING, and MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE
Katie  loves THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER
Stina gives you a taste of BAD TASTE IN BOYS
Jessie  spotlights SPELLBOUND and BIRTHRIGHT
Willow admires DESTINED
Christine raves about POSSESS
Kristin really really likes CLARITY
Anne features READY PLAYER ONE
Meredith wants to shout about DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE

Amy Rose loves THE NEAR WITCH
Theresa talks about DIVERGENT
Kelly focuses in on EARTHLING HERO and A SCARY GOOD BOOK
Christine gears you up for THE LIPSTICK LAWS
Laura is wild about GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS
Patti  tells you about HEREAFTER
Portia admires THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL
Ali  has plenty to say about POSSESSION

What a fabulous list of bloggers!!

**Personal SPLATTER: I might be late blogging, today. Went to the Patriots/Jets game last night and we're traveling back home today!! <3

GRAFFITI WALL: C.Lee McKenzie, PRINCESS of Las PULGAS

Link 2 other particiants

Caring, Creative, & Committed all begin with the letter C. And so does my next guest who's gracing the GRAFFITI WALL with her publishing splatters, today.

Welcome, all you A-Z Challengers, to the Alleyway and a post spotlighting a fabulous lady and writer. Normally, I keep my posts shorter. But today I think you'll appreciate the length and the fountain of knowledge shared with you. Also, you can ENTER for a chance to win a 1st Five Page critique and a brand-spanking new book!! Read on...

The written word is her second nature, having been writing for as long as she can remember. Being an experienced traveler has given her a respective view of the world, cultures, and people. She's a woman with an endearing heart of gold.

C.Lee McKenzie, Author of PRINCESS of Las PULGAS (YA, Fall 2010) & SLIDING on the EDGE (YA, 2009)

I first met C.Lee when I joined my online writing community of YAlitchat. She was so dear to review some of my work. Her kid-glove yet honest approach gave me courage to finally hammer out a useful query letter, gaining me some requests of material. We're even closer now, being two of eighteen who run the operations of YAlitchat. I'm thrilled she's here today.


Where you an avid reader as a child?

Yes. I always loved to read. I spent a lot of time in the library because I usually lived with my grandparents and their book selection had real page turners like The Life of Boswell--you know, the guy who wrote diaries and bios for famous people in the 1700's. A few paragraphs of old Boswell and I was nose down in the book. I did use it to teach myself how to type though. That saved me a semester of Typing1. Thanks, Boswell.


What first made you want to write?

I've always written something. When I was in grade school I wrote plays and conscripted the kids in my neighborhood to play the parts. We would put on plays in my grandfather's garage and charge a nickel. No overhead. No capital investment. All profit. Maybe all that early financial success is what kept me engaged in writing. Probably not. I just like doing it.

When I started writing Sliding on the Edge I really wanted to express my concern and confusion over the issue of young people's self-abuse. That was the motivation; then I got hooked on the process and kept going. I don't think I planned to be a novelist; it just happened.

What was your favorite book during the middle grade years? High school years? Why did these appeal to you and how are they different from said age literature today?

Alice in Wonderland was my favorite early book. I never got tired of following Alice down the rabbit hole. In high school, The Last of the Mohicans then Catcher in the Rye then To Kill a Mockingbird . . . so many that I can't list them. Alice appealed to me because of the magical possibilities in the story. Later, it appealed because of the social comments, but that's after I became somewhat "sophisticated."  I think I liked Alice better before my sophistication set in. Adventure was what made me love Mohicans, the total boy-jerk-lost and pathetic aspect of Catcher got to me--It's kind of dated now, but it was a break though novel that made a lot of writers aware of the young readers. With Catcher you had an MC you could identify with. In Mockingbird, the message about prejudice and hate and love and right versus wrong--all of that made the book appealing.

I don't think there's a difference between good literature of the past and the present in terms of the voice and the compelling stories (language excepted). I do think that many of today's books try to satisfy the need for immediacy that our TV media brains demand. And I think that because we're used to the thirty minutes, everything-resolved-at-the-end kind of story, some books do just that. However, some don't, and I think those will be the "new" classics in the future. IMHO That's why I like to read Rostoff and Hinton and Cormier. They stir the pot, don't give you a lovely ending and leave you thinking.


I have to say, I love your second answer. It's so true about concise TV episodes and how as a society of watchers/readers we've grown the need for instant gratification. 


Favorite book on writing.

Sol Stein's Stein on Writing. He taught me sooooo much about writing fiction. I've recommended him to my writer friends whenever they ask for a t.

I know you've been speaking at some schools. What are the most popular questions the kids ask?

It doesn't matter where I speak. The first question is usually, "What does the C stand for in your name?" 

Hah...so appropriate for this A-Z Challenge!!

How much do you think a writer's life experiences and upbringing impacts their writing?

Oh, a lot. Our life experiences are the "grist for the mill." We draw on all that we've done, all that we've known, the people, the places in our lives. Of course, we filter all of this, so when it comes to the page it's seldom as we experienced it. That's what's interesting. My mom reads what I write and she'll say things like, "That's not the way that place looked."  Or, "That didn't happen when we lived there."

"No, Mom, that's the way it looks or happens after my adult brain gets through with it."

Three most important lessons you've learned from building a writing career.

It's not a nine to five job.

It's important to be kind and be fair and expect the same. If you don't get that from people, move on.

Maybe consider coal mining instead?

Like chocolate? If so, dark or milk chocolate?

I like dark with nuts. Without crunch, chocolate doesn't interest me.

You have a wonderful website you have, particularly the section for teachers and parents. I think it's fantastic. 

Thanks for the compliment. I do love my website, even after these three years of looking at it. It was important to have the teachers and parents section when I wrote Sliding on the Edge because I was passionate about the seriousness of self-abuse and suicide. I wanted to contribute something to help and this was my way--increase awareness. 

How long did it take you to write Princess of Las Pulgas, and where did the idea come from?

The truth is I'd sold Sliding on the Edge a week before I was scheduled to go to New York for a special pre-conference session at an SCBWI conference. This pre-conference was giving writers an opportunity to have editors discuss their first pages. After selling the book I intended to ask for help on, I had nothing to take, so I sat down and wrote: "What if a girl who has everything suddenly has nothing?" That was the beginning of Princess. Ironically, a year after I started, the economy tanked, so I thought either my editor was going to hate this because it's right on, or she was going to love it because it's right on. Guess it was the latter. I finished Princess in about a year.

The Princess of Las Pulgas is a story about a girl who has everything, and then suddenly almost nothing. Book trailer. 

Share with us your other writing experiences.

Some things about writing Sliding on the Edge: I researched until I was buried in notes about self-abuse and suicide. I learned a lot that I hadn't expected to learn, and since learning new stuff is always exciting, this experience whetted my appetite to continue doing something that required research and organizing that research within a story so it was "enjoyable."  (Whew! Long sentence.) Another interesting thing: I was surprised when readers asked me about my own self-abuse. That was really a surprise to discover that people thought I'd written from personal experience.

I love to write Middle Grade adventure stories and I've written three. Two are still on my C Drive and haven't seen the light of day outside my crit groups. And I really love to write MG short stories. I've had a couple of those published. Then, sometimes to kind of floss my brain, I write non-fiction. In fact, one of my non-fiction pieces will be out in Stories for Children in May. I heart that ezine.

Tell us a bit about your MG work. And any works ready for submission...

I'm subbing one right now, but with little success. It's a story I wrote a few years ago and have edited fiercely because over the years I've learned a lot about how to write. The early versions were pretty terrible--so much so that blush to think I actually sent it out. No wonder it came back like a rocket. Agents and editors should have flamed it.  I like to have things wrapped up and having that  MG novel out there would make me feel I'd accomplished what I set out to do.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and wisdom with us all!

ALLEYWALKERS, In need of a 1st FIVE PAGE Critique?? ENTER by leaving a comment, tweeting, facebooking. *Those are required.* If you choose to link the contest via your sidebar or even do a blog post, those will count for extra entries. Please leave your links with your comment. TY!!

For the PRINCESS of Las PULGAS BOOK GIVEAWAY, just leave a comment. Easy-peasy!!

Following me and/or C.Lee is not necessary to enter, but we'd love to have you. The contest will run until April 17th. WINNERS, chosen by random.org., will be announced on the 18th. 

Want more C.LEE? Visit her Website, Blog, or Facebook. Better yet - purchase her books! 

CHAT with Author LA BANKS Tonight on Twitter with YAlitchat!!

If you didn't know already, YAlitchat hosts a weekly Twitter chat, discussing all realms of writing and the publishing world. It's a great way to meet other writers and learn a ton.

LM Preston ~ a fabulous author, fellow YAlitchatter, and friend ~ is moderating the chat tonight at 9PM with none other than the fabulous LA BANKS, New York Times & USA Today's Best-Selling Author of SHADOW WALKER, under the Twitter hashtag #yalitchat.

Description as seen on Amazon.com: Sarah Rivera has a lot going on in her life right now. It’s bad enough that she’s being shipped off to Temt Tchaas Academy—also known as Neteru Academy, a high school for future Guardians of the Light who have special powers—but she has to go there with her cocky twin brother and the rest of her compound brothers and sisters. To make matters worse, everyone has ridiculous expectations of her all because her parents are like supernatural rock stars for saving the planet sixteen years ago. But what nobody, not even her best girlfriend Tami seems to be getting is the fact that, she’s not special, doesn’t want to be a demon-hunting hero, and is even afraid of the dark!

So what that her mother was a warrior angel and her Dad used to be a Council level Vampire? Opposites attract. Go figure. As far as Sarah is concerned, all she got from the combination was a pair of fangs that lengthen at inappropriate times to embarrass her in front of her secret crush; whereas her brother, Alejandro, got the good looks and cool wings. However, what her parents’ status has created is drama in her life, by ensuring that the mean girls at school will make her life a living nightmare. Sarah knows her family’s renowned slayer reputation will also ensure that everyone at school will assume she had it easy and should be able to do everything her famous rebel parents can do, when she can’t. Not by a long shot. 

Once at the hidden boarding school, things go from bad to worse as Sarah tries to fit in. Her nightmares increase and it isn’t just anxiety—her second sight is suddenly developing at a record pace. Layers of secrets are held by the building, held by her parents, and nothing is as it seems. There is something really bad going on at the school, worse than bad—deadly. Only, faculty and administrators don’t know where to begin to look for the cause as students start to disappear. Sarah must then make a choice to stand on the sidelines or to help use her gifts to save someone dear. But to do that means facing all of her greatest fears, along with a demon or two.

Like Vampires, the paranormal, and all that encompass them??? Then by all means join us tonight for a fabulous opportunity to mingle with a talented lady. 

(hmm...maybe some of her charm will rub off on us....you think?)

Still undecided?? Visit her WEBSITE and see.

What do you think about live chats??


(Quick Note: I woke up last night with the flu. It took everything I had just to write this so I'm sure I won't be blogging today. I apologize. I'll see you all on Friday and visit your posts then. Hope all is well with you!)