Today we’re here with author Gretchen Powell to talk about her new YA book, Terra! Welcome to the blog, Gretchen. J
What inspired you to write a YA sci-fi novel? Which authors/books are your inspirations?
I’ve always loved dystopia and science fiction, and in particular have always been drawn to YA. Those are the books that I read, so it only made sense to me that it would be the same book I’d write. There’s just something about a world that is both futuristic but simultaneously feels familiar—like it really could happen.
My favorite authors include JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, and Maggie Steifvater. I found The Hunger Games very inspiring—for obvious reasons—but also have found a lot of inspiration in great self-published novels like Angelfall by Susan Ee.
It’s true that a lot of self-published books have made it big-time in the book business. They can be just as inspiring as something published by Simon and Schuster or HarperTeen.
In your books, there are two societies- one on the ground and one in the sky. Personally, what was the hardest aspect of world-building that you encountered when writing your novel?
I think the hardest aspect in terms of the world-building was ensuring consistency. If you’re going to create this entire world, you have to ensure that the things that happen are consistent with how the world works. It just took a lot more going back and checking over things than I originally anticipated.
That does sound difficult- I’ve hear from many reviews that you’ve done a fabulous job.
Describe your main character, Terra, with five adjectives.
Fiery, strong, snarky, protective, survivor.
Being a debut author, what was your reaction when you found out you were going to be published?
My journey to publishing was actually not particularly traditional—I decided very early on that I was going to self-publish, so I never went through the process of querying agents or submitting my book to publishing houses. There wasn’t really a “Holy crap, I’m gonna be published!” moment, where I opened the email or letter telling me so, it was just kind of always there. More like, a goal to work towards rather than a prize I was waiting to be gifted.
It sounds much more rewarding that way, too.
I know for me, it’s easy to get stuck in what I call “plot block.” What’s your personal cure for writer’s block?
Oh man, I’m still trying to figure this one out. For me, I think the best thing to get me moving past plot block for a specific section is to allow myself to move onto something else. Like maybe I’ll work on a scene that comes later in the book that I already can envision really clearly in my head. Then, when I’m in a better mental space, I’ll go back to where I left off in the chronology of the book, and just try to link the two pieces together.
Never thought of that- I’ll have to try it sometime!
What are you currently working on (translation: how’s book two coming along)?
Book two, Underground, is indeed coming, although it’s slower than I had originally hoped. On the one hand, it’s no big deal since, because I’m self-published, I have the luxury to publish on my own schedule, without anyone breathing down my back. But I also put a lot pressure on myself to keep up momentum and get the sequel out—since I know there are people out there waiting for it! I’m still on track to get Underground out this year though, which I guess is all I can ask for!
We can’t wait! I’m sure it’ll be fantastic. Thanks for stopping by, Gretchen.
About the Book:
A broken and desolate Earth. A young girl struggling to survive. A lost boy with a powerful secret.
A discovery that will change everything.
In the distant wake of a plague that has decimated the Earth's population, humanity is split in two: The rich and powerful live in skycities that float overhead, while those who remain on the ground have gathered in settlements strewn across a dying planet. Eighteen-year-old Terra Rhodon is a terrestrial--a denizen of the barren groundworld--who makes her living as a scav. Long abandoned by her father, her caregivers gone, Terra supports herself and her younger brother, Mica, by scouring the earth for discarded scraps and metals to recycle for profit. One day, while on a routine scavenging run, she discovers something that shocks her home settlement of Genesis X-16. When the value of her discovery is revealed, Terra's world is turned upside down.
Terra suddenly finds herself asking questions no one will answer. Her search for the truth leads her to Adam--a beguiling skydweller unlike any she has ever met. But Adam has secrets and a quest of his own, and with him by her side, the world Terra thought she knew begins to unravel. Soon her discoveries unearth a terrifying conspiracy that has the potential to shatter everything--a revelation that will test the bonds of loyalty, family, and love.
Chapters 1 & 2 are available to read online here at Gretchen's website.
About the Author:
Half-Chinese and the daughter of a US diplomat, Gretchen Powell spent her childhood growing up in far-off places. She made it all the way to her mid-twenties whilst maintaining her deep-seated love for young adult novels, so she decided to write one of her own.
Her creative process involves copious amounts of Sour Patch Kids and sleeping fitfully. Her many interests include anything with polka dots, Harry Potter, and playing the ukulele.
When she isn't crafting devastated futuristic worlds and fiery heroines, Gretchen also writes a healthy living blog, entitled "Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!"
She lives in Northern Virginia with her two adorable miniature schnauzers. They wear many sweaters.
When she isn't crafting devastated futuristic worlds and fiery heroines, Gretchen also writes a healthy living blog, entitled "Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!"
She lives in Northern Virginia with her two adorable miniature schnauzers. They wear many sweaters.
*Giveaway*
There is a giveaway shared across all the stops for a signed copy of the book and three signed bookmarks to ONE WINNER. US only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Week One
May 6th – Parajunkee (http://www.parajunkee.com) – Guest Post
May 7th – Gobs and Gobs of Books (http://www.gobsandgobsofbooks.blogspot.com/) – Interview
May 7th – Caught Between the Pages (http://caughtbetweenthepages.wordpress.com) – Guest Post
May 8th – Poisoned Rationality (http://www.prationality.com) – Interview
May 9th – Lost in Books (http://imlostinbooks.blogspot.com) – Guest Post
May 9th – My Book Addiction (http://mybookaddiction.com) – Review
May 10th – Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf (http://www.moonlightgleam.com) – Interview
May 10th – Library of a Book Witch (http://www.booklovewitch.blogspot.com) – Review
Week Two
May 13th – Jenna Does Books (http://jennadoesbooks.com/) - Guest Post
May 13th – Buried Under Books (http://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com/) – Review
May 14th – The Best Books Ever (http://www.thebestbooksever.com) – Interview
May 14th – Pieces of Whimsy (http://piecesofwhimsy.blogspot.com.au/) - Review
May 15th – Seeing Night Reviews (http://seeingnight.blogspot.com) – Review
May 16th – Paulette’s Papers (http://paulettespapers.com/) – Interview
May 17th – Burning Impossibly Bright (http://burningximpossiblyxbright.blogspot.com) – Review
May 17th – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf (http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.blogspot.com/) – Guest Post
I would want to try living In the sky first, I would want trees,plants,life on the ground for me to choose a ground city.
ReplyDeleteCity in the sky sounds great. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think I would like to keep my feet firmly on the ground! Thank you for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteBonnie Hilligoss/bonhill@speakeasy.net