Author Interview: Paula Margulies, author of Favorite Daughter

Favorite Daughter, Part One 
By Paula Margulies
ISBN 13: 978-0-9913545-2-8
ISBN 10: 0991354524
One People Press: July 21, 2014
$15.99
www.paulamargulies.com
www.amazon.com

Q & A with Paula Margulies

1) Where and when do you write? In my home office mostly, although I try to sneak away to artist residencies whenever my teaching and client work schedule will allow. I usually write on Sundays, but that all depends on how much life intrudes (and it does that often, believe me!).

2) Why did you write your book? I’ve always been fascinated with the story of Pocahontas, and since so much of her history has been told to us by English explorers like John Smith, I decided that retelling her story, from her perspective, might make for an interesting read.

3) There have been many books written about Pocahontas. How is this book different? There are a number

of differing versions of the history of that time, and much of what we know about Pocahontas comes from the writing of John Smith and the other colonists, who reported on what they found in the new land when they returned to England. Favorite Daughter, Part One is based on my research on works about her by Native Americans, many of whom tell a darker tale than the English history. Also, there aren’t many fictional works about that time from a Native American perspective, and the majority of those that do exist are written for young adults. Favorite Daughter, Part One is written for adults and focuses on Pocahontas’s coming of age into womanhood and becoming a wife and mother, in addition to her work as a representative of her tribe and, eventually, as a celebrity in England (that part of her story will be covered in Part Two).

4) Are you of Native American heritage? No, both of my parents are of Italian descent. But my father, Douglas Roccaforte, loved Native American history and was a collector of American Indian artifacts, so I grew up with a deep appreciation of Native American culture and history.

5) Whose work inspires you? So many authors inspire me that it’s hard to choose! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Southern gothic – William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor are my all-time favorite writers. As a graduate student in English Literature, I studied Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Bellow, Doctorow, Didion, Heller, and Pynchon. Recent authors whose stories have haunted me, stunned me, or made me weep: Sherman Alexie, Ha Jin, Vikram Seth, David Mitchell, Barbara Kingsolver, Louise Erdrich, Jane Smiley, Jane Hamilton, Sena Jeter Naslund, Anna Quindlen, and Elizabeth Berg.

6) What do you like to do in your spare time? When I’m not working on my publicity business or teaching classes, I enjoy meditation, reading, writing, and experimenting with artisan bread recipes. In the summer, I try to go to as many local Native American pow wows as I can (there are quite a few here in the San Diego area), and I’ve been known to enjoy an Indian taco (or two) on occasion.

7) What are the words you live by? Less is more (except when we’re talking about Indian tacos). ☺

Blog Tour: The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo (Character Spotlight + Giveaway)

Character Spotlight: Old Wong

My book, THE GHOST BRIDE, is a historical fantasy set in 1890s colonial Malaya (the old name for Malaysia where I come from) and is about a young Chinese woman who receives a marriage proposal for the son of the wealthiest family in town. The only problem is, he’s dead.

I had a lot of fun writing this book, based as it is on the blurred borderline between spirits and humans. In fact, there's strong Chinese literary tradition of strange tales set in the shadowy, elaborate Chinese ghost world, where nothing is as it seems and beautiful women turn out to be foxes. I enjoyed reading a lot of these stories when I was young, and I also heard many odd stories about ghosts while I was growing up in Malaysia. One of these, in fact, led to the creation of the character Old Wong.

When people ask me who my favourite character in this book is, I have to say that besides the main character Li Lan, my favourite has to be the cook, Old Wong. He's a crotchety old Chinese man who has worked for Li Lan's family since she was a child, and has seen their household fall into penniless straits. I based him on the numerous grouchy old Chinese people in my life who have constantly lectured and loved me. Writing dialogue for Old Wong was surprisingly easy. I just had to listen to the little voice that berates me in my head and translate what it said from Cantonese into English, retaining, of course, the occasional exclamation of "Cheh!" and "Aiya!" for good measure!

Old Wong has a secret in the book that I'll reveal to you (much to his displeasure). He can see dead people. This is also based on a real story told to me by friends. In fact, when I first watched the movie "The Sixth Sense", I let out a yelp of surprise and told my husband that this was exactly what had happened to my sister's friend's husband back in Singapore. I've actually come across two people who claimed to see the dead. I think it is, in some ways, a difficult gift to live with, and in writing Old Wong's character, I made it part of his general taciturnity and reluctance to talk much about himself. Still, because he can see ghosts, he's able to help Li Lan when she gets stranded in the spirit world. I really enjoyed writing about Old Wong - he is an unexpectedly funny character and I hope that readers enjoy him too.

Thank you so much for having me - it's been a pleasure!

[Photo caption: Characters from THE GHOST BRIDE, illustrated by Singaporean comic book artist Sonny Liew who is working on the graphic novel with me]

 

Author bio:

Yangsze Choo is a fourth generation Chinese from Malaysia. After graduating from Harvard, she worked in various corporate jobs while secretly writing fiction in her spare time. Yangsze eats and reads too much and often does both at her blog http://yschoo.com/

THE GHOST BRIDE

Oprah.com’s Book of the Week, a Carnegie Medal nominee, and Goodreads 2013 Best Fantasy finalist. THE GHOST BRIDE is a historical fantasy.

“One evening, my father asked me if I would like to become a ghost bride…”

Li Lan, a young Chinese woman, lives in 1890s colonial Malaya with her quietly ruined father, who returns one evening with a proposition — the fabulously wealthy Lim family want Li Lan to marry their dead son. After a fateful visit to the opulent Lim mansion, Li Lan finds herself haunted not only by her ghostly would-be suitor, but also by her desire for the Lim’s handsome new heir, Tian Bai. Night after night, she is drawn into the shadowy parallel world of the Chinese afterlife, with its ghost cities, paper funeral offerings, vengeful spirits and monstrous bureaucracy. Li Lan must uncover the Lim family’s darkest secrets, before she is trapped in this ghostly world forever

 ***Giveaway***

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Review + Interview: The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts

Published: July 6^th, 2013 (first published March 23^rd by Drayton Press)

Pages: 295

Rating: 2/5 (DNF)

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Sophie has always felt out of step-an outsider, even amongst friends in her high school with all the hype about celebrity culture. Her life in L.A. seems to have been already written for her, but when her junior year starts, it all takes a drastic turn. When she crosses paths with the school's heartthrob, Nate Werner, they fall for each other in a way neither can understand. What they don't know is that by giving in to their desires, they are unlocking an ancient Egyptian prophecy that threatens to return Earth to the dark ages. To undo the curse, Nate and Sophie embark on an adventure that takes them across the country. But their quest is not only to save the world as they know it. It is also a fight for their very survival. Behind the scenes, there are those that are counting on them to fail. [Description from Amazon] 

This book was full of surprises. Usually when I say something like that I mean it in a good way. Not this time.

I really truly wanted to like TYotGS. I didn’t have too many expectations for it, mainly because I knew little about it before I read it. I knew enough to think that I might like it. But apparently I was wrong in that aspect. I got to page 120 (40% of the way done) and had to stop. I really just couldn’t read any more.

The surprising thing is, most of the reviews this book got on Goodreads were positive. Three, four, five star reviews. What am I missing here? Is there something wrong with me?! Unless the writing style and the characters changed drastically between page 120 and 295, I have no doubt in my mind that I would still have disliked the book just as much as I do now. That’s just the sad truth, folks.

Ok now, moving on. Why did I not like TYotGS? Well, it starts out so typically that I nearly slammed the book shut upon reading the first chapter. Girl likes popular guy. Guy doesn’t notice girl. Standard high school drama ensues (parties, drugs, jealous popular girls, etc). For one thing (and this is in reference to many other YA books, not just this one), is it really that “normal” for a girl to actually start dating the guy she’s been crushing on for who knows how long? This doesn’t happen in real life, guys. That said, why is this tactic used in sooo many YA books?! It’s highly irrelevant to real life situations, yet it’s used in about 80% of YA books. I know we can let our imaginations soar and whatnot when it comes to fiction, but at least try and keep it somewhat relatable, alrighty?

Whew. Sorry, got a little emotional right there. Anyway, I found the story slow getting started and the plot tiring and pathetic. Oh, and typical. Have I mentioned that yet? Also, the MC, Sophie, kind of annoyed me. She seemed somewhat stupid and senseless and just…too Hollywood-ized. Too glamorous. Too blonde (to use a stereotype I don’t wholeheartedly approve of). I totally didn’t understand her attraction to Nate. He’s a hothead who, when angered, destroys things. And people. I understand that it’s not his fault that he’s the way he is, because he inherited it or something from his grandfather, but I still fail to see what’s so attractive about him. Oh right. His perfect face. Sophie mentioned it like, a dozen stinkin’ times. He’s such an angel. *rolls eyes*

I guess it just wasn’t for me. Apparently the novel’s not inherently awful because it seems like everyone else who’s read it has liked it. I wish I did, but I just can’t.  Too typical, too boring for my taste. To end a negative review with a bad joke, The Year of the Great Seventh just wasn’t all that great.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None (as far as I read)

Violence: Mild

Sexual: Mild (as far as I read)

Interview with author Teresa Orts:

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in a small town in the outskirts of Valencia, Spain, but I’ve been living in New York and London for the last 12 years.

What inspired you to write The Year of the Great Seventh?

I started writing it by pure chance. One night I started typing a short story. The characters felt so real in my mind that I felt the urge to discover what was going to happen to them.

Describe your main character, Sophie, in five words.

History geek, strong willed teen.

What kind of research did you have to do pre-writing? What's the coolest fact you discovered?

Before I wrote anything about Ancient Egypt, I decided to read all I could find about it on the internet, but the most amazing part came when I walked into the Met in NYC and the story just fell into place among the exhibits of their Ancient Egypt section. I truly enjoyed the research part. Part of the prophecy is based on real Ancient Egypt facts, but some of them are pure fiction. I tried stick to real facts as much as I possible.  The coolest fact was when I discovered syenite stone and what it was used for.

What's the one piece of advice you'd give to aspiring authors?

I think the best advice I can give is: do what you love, enjoy the journey, and don’t obsess too much about the endgame. That way, no matter what happens, you got some pleasure out of it. Publishing a novel sounds fantastic, but the true joy comes from writing each page.

What are you currently working on? A sequel, maybe? *wink*

Yes, there will be a sequel of the Year of the Great Seventh. I’m aiming to publish about mid-2014.

Connect with Teresa:

Facebook ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Interview: A.L. Sowards, author of Espionage and Sworn Enemy

Today we have author A.L. Sowards on the blog chatting about writing, World War II, and her new novel, Sworn Enemy!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in Moses Lake, Washington, then came to Utah to attend Brigham Young University and somehow I’m still in Utah—more than a decade later. I have an amazing husband and twin daughters. I like to swim, I like to sleep, and I might have a chocolate problem.

I think I “suffer” from the same chocolate problem…*cough* What initially made you interested in writing historical fiction? Why WW2?

Some of my favorite books are historical fiction, and my parents had lots of Jack Higgins and Alistair MacLean novels in their library—they’ve both written WWII thrillers along with more contemporary stories. Those were what I liked to read, so that’s what I decided to write.

School also helped increase my interest in WWII. In sixth grade we did a special unit on WWII, and then in high school one of my history teachers taught us about Allied deceptions schemes leading up to D-day. Those schemes were the spark for my first novel, Espionage, and the more I study WWII, the more ideas I have and the more books I want to write.

I also feel WWII is an important time period for us to remember, so we can recognize warning signs of hate and totalitarianism and not let them take over half the world again.

I find it interesting how a lot of our adult interests were spawned in one of the places we hated most as children: school. What’s the most intriguing fact you’ve encountered while researching for your novels?

That’s a hard one. There were so many crazy things that happened, and some accounts honestly strain credibility—yet they really occurred.

Here’s one that comes to mind. A Spanish citizen, code named Garbo, didn’t like the Nazis, so he presented himself to the Germans as a spy, then passed off information about England that he gleaned from newspapers and books in the Lisbon library. He had offered to work for the British, and eventually they accepted him, moved him to England, and helped him come up with entire rings of fictitious spies, slipping the Germans facts that were too old or too minor to be of use, or deliberately false information. By war’s end, Garbo (whose real name was Juan Pujol Garcia) had been awarded a Member of the British Empire and the Iron Cross—probably the only person during the war to receive decorations from both the British and the Germans.

That’s so neat! As a mother, what’s some advice you can give to other mom writers/authors?

Being a mom and a writer is a tough balance. I think it’s important to set aside time every day (or at least every week) for writing, and try not to let other things encroach on it. For me, it’s “nap” time, which is turning into “quiet” time, even though some days it’s not so quiet. I try to make writing a priority, and I’ve given up or cut back on things like TV, movies, and other creative hobbies. I don’t even read as much as I’d like to, and most of the books I read are part of my research. I try to make my writing time more efficient by brainstorming the scenes I’ll work on before I sit down to type. I also try to remind myself that being a good mom is more important than writing during this phase of my life. My children need me now, and they’re growing up quickly. The characters in my books will still be waiting for me if I have to set them aside for a little while.

That’s great encouragement for other writer moms. What are you currently working on?

I’m writing another WWII thriller with new characters. It’s about two American spies in 1944 Rome, collecting information for the Allied armies, trying to avoid capture by the Gestapo, and trying not to fall in love with each other.

After this manuscript is completed, I think I’ll branch out to a different time period.

Can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with next! Thanks for chatting!

Sworn Enemy Book Blurb:

            As World War II rages, the people of Eastern Europe are hopelessly trapped between two formidable forces: Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union. In their midst, a band of heroes prepares for the changes the coming battles will bring.

            After narrowly escaping her Nazi captors, French Resistance worker Genevieve Olivier has fled to Allied territory with the help of American Lieutenant Peter Eddy. Their connection is undeniable, forged in the crucible of danger. But despite their blossoming feelings for each other, they must both finish the work they began . . .

            In the safety of England, Genevieve hopes to find purpose as a nurse—all the while unaware that the Gestapo still seeks the woman who slipped through their grasp. When she is called upon to resume a life of danger as a French spy, will her desire to prove herself be her downfall?

            Recruited by an elite special-ops team intent on thwarting the Nazis, Peter finds himself engaged in a personal battle as well—there is a traitor among his comrades. Deep in the Carpathian Mountains, Peter combats an unknown foe. The stakes are high as he fights to save the lives of his teammates.

            They are miles apart, yet as Genevieve and Peter fight for their own survival, they find a common well of strength in their faith—and their determination to be reunited.

Purchase links:

Amazon (Paperback or Kindle)

Deseret Book (Paperback, eBook, book on CD, or MP3 audio book)

About the author…

A.L. Sowards grew up in Moses Lake, Washington, then came to Utah to attend BYU and ended up staying. She wrote most of her latest release while her twin toddlers were sleeping and did most of the revisions while they were supposed to be sleeping, but were really using their crib mattresses as trampolines.

Social networking links:

Website/blog: http://alsowards.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALSowards

Twitter: @ALSowards https://twitter.com/ALSowards

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5625040.A_L_Sowards

Author Interview: Victoria Foyt, author of Save the Pearls series

Today we’re chatting with author Victoria Foyt on her newest novel in the Save the Pearls series, titled Adopting Eden.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Victoria.

I grew up in a quiet seaside hot, leafy suburb of Miami, Florida where I was encouraged to read often. Fortunately, I also had a lot of dreamtime, which is so important to the development of a creative mind. My most frequent comment as a young girl was, ‘What if?’—the genus of all fiction. I also had a flair for the dramatic, as my three brothers would attest. In college, I received a double degree in French and Spanish with a double minor in German and business, which meant I studied a lot of great literature. After college, I studied acting and wrote screenplays. Each of these paths prepared me to finally let lose my voice as a novelist years later. I have many stories inside of me that I want to tell, and I’m grateful for the opportunity and the readership!

How has Eden matured or grown since Revealing Eden?

Eden has grown from a terrified, oppressed girl, who literally was afraid of her own skin, into a young woman who values her inner beauty and sees the world with brave new eyes. In the sequel, Adapting Eden, Save The Pearls Part Two, she faces the challenge of adapting into a hybrid human-beast if she wants to become Bramford’s mate, only to realize that by doing so she will find herself at the center of an epic spiritual battle on Earth. If she does not succeed in her personal transformation, or as the newly ordained goddess warrior, the ultimate war will destroy all, including the Jaguar Man she loves. Is Eden up to the test? Old fears will gnaw at her confidence, and the obstacles are bigger than she ever imagined. Hopefully, in the end, love will prove strong than hate.

Out of all the research you’ve done for this book series, what’s the most interesting fact you’ve uncovered?

I love chocolate. Okay, I admit that I’m addicted to it. During the course of my research on the rainforest, I learned that Theobroma cacao, the evergreen tree that produces the beans from which chocolate is produced, might be a casualty of global warning. Successful cultivation of cacao requires a delicate balance of heat, shadow and humidity. Its ideal habitat lies within a narrow corridor at the equator. But a recent study predicted that the current areas where cacao best grows will no longer be suitable by 2050. Yikes! Of course, this would be one of the more trivial consequences of a planetary meltdown. Nevertheless, I have begun to stockpile my favorite dark chocolate bars!

What are you currently working on?

I’m deeply enmeshed in the writing of Freeing Eden, Save The Pearls Part Three. I have lived with Eden Newman and Ronson Bramford in their world for so many years now that, to my surprise, the telling of part three is flowing easily. I sit down at my computer and Eden appears, like an old friend come to tell me what is happening in her life and how she feels about the immense challenges she faces. It’s quite a thrill. When I reach the end of this series, I will be sad to see Eden go, and yet deeply satisfied at the heroic arc of her journey.

Thanks for stopping by the blog, Victoria!

You can check out the author’s website here, as well as Adopting Eden and Revealing Eden here. And be sure to tell us your thoughts in the comments! Leave a note for the author. J

Coma Pilot: Introducing John Mathis, film director and writer (Interview + Giveaway)

Today’s post is a little different. A friend of mine, John Mathis, is going to tell us about his new TV pilot, Coma. Let’s welcome him to the blog!

Hey, I am John Mathis, director and writer of Coma, a fantasy TV pilot my production team and I are filming this summer. We are so excited to bring something new, fresh, clean and exciting to the fantasy genre!

Tell us a little bit about what we’ll see in the Coma Pilot.
Coma is a time dimension hopping story about a girl caught in two different realities. It’s an action adventure story but, at the core of Coma it’s about these characters and what they go through in this journey of personal self-discovery. I am a huge fan of fantasy films however, when writing the Coma pilot I tried hard to make sure that it was not copying any other films in the fantasy genre. Instead I tried to make it my own while still paying tribute to some of my favorite directors and films. We are excited to be able to bring it to TV networks and sell it to such networks as ABC and the Sifi channel after it is completed!

What inspired you to create/produce this TV show?
I want to create something new. Most TV isn't unique anymore (with the exception of Downton Abbey "and "Doctor Who", of course.) I wanted to put my own personal stamp on a genre that I have grown up with and love and respect.

What’s the hardest thing about being a young, up-and-coming director/producer?Do you want me to list those answers alphabetically, or in order of significance? Haha, I would say getting people to know and see you’re potential. It’s a tough world out there and film is especially a tough industry, so it’s a little like running through a wave of people, who are going one way and you’re going the other. Not to judge you for you but, for what you can do. As a director and DP in the film world and someone who has two feature films going to theaters this summer I let my work speak for me. Advice, sell your work first and the rest will follow!

What film projects have you worked on in the past?I have had the honor of gaffing the feature film Knowhere by New Daydream films. An action thriller starring Bonnie Jonston from Tim Burton's "Big Fish".
I have DPed on "Tainted Love" an Emmy nominated cable show that airs on Halogen TV. It’s a show that exposes sex trafficking all around the world.
I was the director of Cinematography on "Waiting for Butterflies" starring Jason Burky from October Baby produced by NDF. I was also the DP on "Discover Zac Ryan" a new and emotionally powerful film by NDF. I have worked on other feature films and TV productions. Check out my IMDB for them all. I am so thankful to God for all the blessing me with these all.

 
5) Can you tell us about the awesome team you have working with you to make this show a reality?
I have a great production team behind me on this! I am so blessed to have them all. I am being helped by my dear friends at New Daydream Films.
My producer Phaedra Witt, who produced my first pilot “The Experiment House”, is my right hand woman and is helping with putting the production together. She has too many jobs to count. She is one of the hardest workers I know and I am blessed to have her on the production.
Anna Tabor the costume and prop master has the changing task of getting all the time period costumes and props for the pilot! She is doing a fantastic job; she is working with a very small budget but is making costumes you would see on a high budget BBC series! I don't know how she does it but all I can say every meeting is wow! I was happy to hear that her and her team has been nominated for best costumes and sets at the Blumey awards (which you can find out more about here) for a stage production she helped produce!
Anderson Carman is doing the FX on Coma. He is a talented animator who is attending the acclaimed animation school “animation mentor ".
There are many others who without their support I could never have embarked on this incredible journey.

How can we support you in this journey?
How can you help us, there are so many ways to do this! We really need people to get the word out about us and the pilot! We are raising funds on Indiegogo to insure that we have a smooth production and can get the best film professionals in North Carolina! The funds will be going to effects, costumes etc. (I will not be making a dime on this, this is to insure that my people are taken care of and that the production can be completed). Check out this link for a breakdown of where the funds go to as well as a video from the Coma team telling more about the project and showing off our amazing locations!



Coma Cast



Also, here is the link to the official Coma Facebook page. Please share the pages and get the word out on Coma! With your help, a promo pilot episode will be coming to a TV near you soon!

 Here is the link to the company that is helping with cameras, lights, etc.

 Thank you so much, and with your help we can make an amazing show for viewers everywhere!

So, what do you think? Sounds pretty awesome, right? Leave your thoughts about Coma in the comments below! And be sure to enter the giveaway as well.

Rules: US only. Winner must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

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Blog Tour: Terra by Gretchen Powell (Author Interview + Giveaway)

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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

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.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK| GOODREADS

*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.

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The Tour Schedule

Week One

May 6^th – Parajunkee (http://www.parajunkee.com) – Guest Post

May 7^th – Gobs and Gobs of Books (http://www.gobsandgobsofbooks.blogspot.com/) – Interview

May 7^th – Caught Between the Pages (http://caughtbetweenthepages.wordpress.com) – Guest Post

May 8^th – Poisoned Rationality (http://www.prationality.com) – Interview

May 9^th – Lost in Books (http://imlostinbooks.blogspot.com) – Guest Post

May 9^th – My Book Addiction (http://mybookaddiction.com) – Review

May 10^th – Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf (http://www.moonlightgleam.com) – Interview

May 10^th – Library of a Book Witch (http://www.booklovewitch.blogspot.com) – Review

Week Two

May 13^th – Jenna Does Books (http://jennadoesbooks.com/) - Guest Post

May 13^th – Buried Under Books (http://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com/) – Review

May 14^th – The Best Books Ever (http://www.thebestbooksever.com) – Interview

May 14^th – Pieces of Whimsy (http://piecesofwhimsy.blogspot.com.au/) - Review

May 15^th – Seeing Night Reviews (http://seeingnight.blogspot.com) – Review

May 16^th – Paulette’s Papers (http://paulettespapers.com/) – Interview

May 17^th – Burning Impossibly Bright (http://burningximpossiblyxbright.blogspot.com) – Review

May 17^th – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf (http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.blogspot.com/) – Guest Post