Author Interview: Elizabeth Joseph, author of Twin Reflections

Recently I interviewed Elizabeth Joseph, a teen writer who has published her first book, Twin Reflections. She was kind enough to answer questions about both the book and being a teen writer in our interview, which I have posted below:

Tell us a little about yourself, and your background.

• I’m an Indian-American teenager from the Midwest. I was born in the U.S., and I love English and science. I’m also an all around nerd who has no nerd credentials, and all of my knowledge is about obscure stuff.

What is your book, Twin Reflections, about?

• The official description is “The maze of mirrors has been accumulating energy for ages. When Vera and Mark unwittingly find themselves trapped in the maze, its passages prove to be the least of their problems. Its magic can be a great tool or weapon, as Queen Missena is learning, and they are at its mercy. As they travel through, the illusions created by the maze takes them to places unexpected and dangers unforeseen.
  But Vera has magic of her own. Will her magic help her and Mark escape the maze? Or will they be trapped inside forever?”
• My unofficial, brief description is: “Basically, these twins travel through a magical mirror maze (I know it sounds weird, bear with me, okay?), and along the way other people get pulled in, and all of them have to deal with the consequences.” (This is what I generally say when people ask me what it’s about in person.)

Where can we buy/see it?

• You can find Twin Reflections on Amazon here: http://tinyurl.com/jlg5hjz and here from Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/zzalsca. You can find Twin Reflections also on nook, kibo, and more.

Give us an insight into your main character? What does s/he do that is so special?

• I think what makes the main characters special is their fear and uncertainty, especially about the future. Whether or not I portrayed that well is up for the reader to decide, but I do believe that the uncertainty about their lives and futures is what makes them special. We all have some fear about the future, our futures, and I tried to reflect that in them. As for what they do: Vera has some magical connections, Missena keeps going, and Mark is ordinary, but the ordinary itself is special. Leina choosing to follow through on some suspicions instead of keeping quiet is special, I think.

Which actor/actress would you like to see play your main characters?

• I don’t know. I’ve been running through actors and actresses since fifth grade, when I first started writing TR, but never stuck with anyone as I got older.

What are you working on at the moment?

• Nothing big. Mostly studying/prepping for school, working on building relationships, and small writing projects.

Why do you write?

• It’s the purest way I can think. The same reason why people make songs and create visual art. I write because I have to. I can’t not write. Which means that my writing reflects a lot of my brainspace at one point it was all emo musings, but I mean, the point stands.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

• At some point you have to stop thinking and start doing. There is no other way to start something than by first creating something terrible, because every beginning is not going to be good. And once you start, it’s much easier to keep going. I think what makes me start is because if I don’t, I know I never will.

How do you juggle school and writing?

• Short answer: I don’t. Not very well. School takes a lot of my time, and unless I have an assignment that makes me actively write something, there’s a good chance that I won’t be writing much at all. I am not very good at balancing things. I end up either not writing much or creating something out of nowhere. Don’t be like me, kids. However, I used to have 1000 word goals every week last year, and I try to reserve breaks for writing, though that time usually gets used to recharge from school. So I don’t juggle very well, but I try.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

• Nothing is really set in stone. I’ll probably be in the midst of college, though I’m not sure what I’d be studying. I’d like to think I’ll still be loving to learn, and that I won’t remain stagnant. Mostly I see a lot of growth in that time.

What advice would you give to teen writers?

• I guess the best advice I can give for anything is seize opportunities. Seize opportunities to write, and work to not remain stagnant.

How can readers find out more about you and your work?

• You can find me on WordPress at elizabookjoseph.wordpress.com, on Twitter at @ElizabookJoseph, and Facebook on the Twin Reflections page. You can also find me on Goodreads, librarything and linkedIn. You can find Twin Reflections on Amazon here: http://tinyurl.com/jlg5hjz and here from Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/zzalsca .

Book of the Week: On Writing by Stephen King

I decided to delve from my normal fantasy book-of-the-week in order to tell you all about a book you probably have heard of by Stephen King – On Writing. It’s a famous book that I’ve found not many people have taken the care to read. It’s summer reading for my Creative Writing class, and it’s a wonderful read for anyone writing fiction. As Stephen King himself says, the book is short. This makes it easy to get through, and it’s filled with anecdotes and the like that are written with a clear, concise, and flowing tone that shows you what powerful writing looks like. You’ve probably heard the term, “If you write, read a lot.” King’s book is a wonderful example of that.

So, if you’re an aspiring writer, read this. It’s a great guide to the craft where, as Ernest Hemingway put it, no one becomes a master.

Buy On Writing from Amazon: http://amzn.to/28YJjTR

Author Interview: R.S. Penney, author of the Justice Keepers Saga

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Rich Penney, the author of the Justice Keepers Saga.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Stoney Creek, Ontario. I’m an activist, a futurist and lover of science fiction of all kinds. I went to university a little over ten years ago and graduated with degree in mathematics.

I’ve been a bit of an odd duck ever since I was a kid, and I tend to celebrate my eccentricities. I’m a perpetual underdog. As such, I’ve spent much of my life pissing off powerful people. You can see the About page on my blog if you want a few stories.

Which writers inspire you?

For novelists? Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Kristal Shaff. (She’s new. Check her out. First book is called the Emissary).

For screen writers? J. Michael Stracynski. (Babylon 5), Joss Whedon  (Buffy/Angel/Firefly)

So, what have you written?

I’ve written an enormous amount of fiction, but in terms of what I’ve published, so far there are two novels in the Justice Keepers Saga (Symbiosis, Friction) and one novella (Dark Designs). The third novel (Entanglement) will be out later this summer, and I plan to publish a lot more. (I’m currently writing the fifth book in the series).

Where can we buy or see them?

You can buy them here:

• Symbiosis
• Friction
• Dark Designs

Also, if you happen to live in the Greater Toronto Area, you can stop by Indigo Books (1783 Stone Church Rd. East Stoney Creek, Ontario). They’ll be carrying physical copies.

Give us an insight into your main character. What do they do that is so special?

Honestly, I’m going to let Cate Agosta of Cate’s Book Nut Hut answer this one.

“The characters in this book are extremely well written; they have a depth and feel to them that is rarely seen in a book in the YA genre. The female protagonist is gutsy and strong willed, but she also have a side to her that she tries to keep well hidden, and which rarely makes an appearance. However, because of the way in which the Author develops her character it is obvious that there are hidden depths to her that will, hopefully be revealed as the Saga continues. I liked this character immensely, she is a strong young woman who comes alive and off the page as events unfolds; very true to life she is not wholly likeable but this only adds to her charm and makes her more alive and real. The man she befriends is equally well written and, in giving both the male and female leads in this book the same careful treatment, the Author creates a novel that will appeal to both male and female readers.” – Cate’s Book Nut Hut

What are you working on at the minute?

Naveed: Justice Keepers Book 5.

What’s it about?

I can’t answer that. Spoilers.

But I’ll tell you this: it’s the most explosive novel in the series so far. In the first four books, I set up a rather comfortable status quo. You think you know how things work, what to expect. Then, in book 5, I tear the whole thing down.

Check out the series. I’m sure you’ll love it.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I want to win a Hugo.

Haha. Delusions of grandeur, right? But in the words of J. Michael Stracynski. “If you’re going to have delusions, you may as well go for the really satisfying ones.”

What genre are your books?

I like to call them the illegitimate love child of Star Trek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If you like either of those two things, you’ll love these books.

I like to blend the fantastic and the extraordinary with the drama of everyday life.

Why do you write?

Because I’m a machine that generates story ideas without even trying, and because my skin itches if I don’t share them with people.

What is your favorite book and why?

Mistborn: the Final Empire. It stretched the limits of what an author could do with a fantasy novel. It’s a wonderful blend of Star Wars, Oceans 11 and Pride and Prejudice. Brandon Sanderson is amazing.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Stop taking advice from other writers. Trust yourself to find your own path. Don’t be afraid to defy convention.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

You can follow me on Twitter @Rich_Penney

You can also check out my blog. www.rspenney.com

Book of the Week: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

As a lot of you know, I really like Brandon Sanderson’s work. Mistborn is no exception. Out of all his magic systems, this is certainly the most developed and easy to understand, and it is constantly changing but never breaks the “rules” – it stays consistent throughout the whole book. The magic system revolves around metals, with Allomancers being able to draw upon the abilities of different types. Most Allomancers can only control one metal, but some – Mistborn – can control all of them.

One thing I particularly liked about this story were the characters – let’s just say the ending made me cry. There was a twist, but no cliffhanger (that is, until you read the epilogue). I picked up the second book in the series and haven’t gotten around to finishing it; it didn’t hold my attention like the first book, but it was written just as well.

The main plot is simple: an immortal dictator called the Lord Ruler has ruled the world for a thousand years, managing to keep both the nobility and poor beneath his boot. He has ruled for so long a religion has evolved around him, and the poor no longer have hope of freedom. Enter Vin, a poor skaa, who has learned to trust no one and never stand out because of her status as a poor, orphaned girl. She joins a thieving crew, but when she encounters Kelsier, a Mistborn, she realizes that she has powers of her own… and that Kelsier’s crew is planning to assassinate the Lord Ruler and establish a new government.

Book Review: The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Title: The Unwanteds

Author: Lisa McMann

Genre: Fantasy

Age Group: YA, Middle Grade

Rating: 7/10

In the land of Quill, teenagers are separated into three groups: Wanteds, Necessaries, and Unwanteds. Quill values strength instead of creativity, and it is for this reason Alex is chosen as an Unwanted. Expecting to be executed for his new status, instead discovers that Unwanteds are taken to a magical land called Artime without Quill’s knowledge. But Artime is fragile, and Alex’s bond with his Wanted twin, Aaron, might be just the thing to break it.

I liked this book; it was written well and the characters were rounded. It was the age that tripped me up, however – the world of Artime is flowery and whimsical, and this book speaks “middle grade” to me more than YA. Even Quill, where no creativity is allowed, has a “Quillitary”. If you’re looking for a younger read, then this is the way to go.

I found Aaron and Alex’s situation to be cliche – a good twin with an evil doppelganger have a magical connection that can destroy the world, that kind of thing – but they were well fleshed out. Both were more similar than they seemed on the surface – they had the innate desire to fit in and feel wanted, and both would do whatever it took to achieve those ends. They ended up on different sides, and both prepared to defend those sides however necessary, which ultimately pitted them against each other. Though well-used, that storyline often works, as it does in this novel.

The side characters were not as developed, but they were likable and contributed to the story. Simber, the stone cheetah who also appears on the cover, was perhaps my favorite – he took the introverted, protective character type to a startling new depth.

The most interesting character dynamic to me was the relationship between Alex and his parents. It was a bit hard for me to accept that they didn’t try and defend their son, or even give him a real goodbye when they found out he would be killed. It brought to light the power of brainwashing – Alex’s parents truly believed that since authority deemed their son incompetent they accepted it without question.

After the characters, the world was the next best part of the story. It was unique and beautiful – the faun and flora of Artime were odd and yet everyday, and the loose system and interesting classes provided a stark contrast to the military world of Quill. McMann truly poured her creativity into this novel – it showed with teleportation tubes, talking blackboards, and magical origami.

This story is juvenile, sure, but in the end it pulls away as an incredibly unique and creative story about family, friendship, and being yourself.

Buy The Unwanteds on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tls58k

Book Review: The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

Title: The Paladin Prophecy

Author: Mark Frost

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Age Group: YA, Middle Grade

Rating: 9/10

Will West is a runner, possessing extraordinary stamina and speed, but he follows a code – never stand out, don’t trust anyone, and keep an orderly mind. His life changes forever when he is accepted into a prestigious boarding school, his parents are kidnapped, and monsters from the Never-Was begin chasing him. And he soon discovers why his parents created his code… the Paladin Prophecy.

This is one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in a while. The world is detailed and complex, and even if the magic is not fully explained the author gives us enough so that we can follow the story without getting riled up in the world-building. Will’s code is very cool – you don’t see characters that live by the rules like that – and it was nice to have a glossary of them at the end of the book. Will was a great character, one of the best I’ve seen in a while, and the others were pretty good as well. Ajay is probably my spirit animal, and Will’s other friends were interesting.

However, there were a few things that prevented me from giving this book a full 10/10. There were quite a few coincidences, and for a person such as Will who does not believe in such things, it annoyed me a bit. It’s great that Will has a guardian angel and all, but I started to expect Dave to step in and save the day every time Will got into trouble, which detracted from the suspense. There were a few nit-picky things as well – being an equestrian the horse scene aggravated me (you don’t ride stallions, that fence was easily 3′ high and Elise couldn’t jump that only practicing once a week, etc.). Despite those things and a few others, though, the book kept me entertained until the end. It was full of little plot twists I didn’t predict. There were some where there was too much foreshadowing and I guessed it, but those instances were rare. Other than the twists, Frost’s clipped writing style helped contribute to the constant action and characters’ emotional turmoil.

I can’t wait to get the next book and see what it has in store – I can’t wait to watch the story unfold. I’ve already started theorizing potential twists, but with this series I don’t know if I’ll be able to predict them!

Buy The Paladin Prophecy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1XGdOQ4

Book Review: The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Title: The Rithmatist

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Steampunk fantasy

Age Group: YA, Middle Grade

Rating:8.5/10

Joel wants nothing more than to be a Rithmatist, the legendary magicians of the United Isles who use chalk to wield a geometric magic and fight wild chalklings, a cruel and barbaric breed of chalk creatures – chalklings – that destroy anything they touch. But he was not chosen by the Master to become one, so he settles for obsessing over them – until they start disappearing from their rooms at night with trails of blood behind them.

The best part of this book was by far the magic system. As is usual with Brandon Sanderson’s work, the system was intricately detailed and well-developed. It was unique and the rules stayed defined and unbroken throughout the whole book. I loved the idea of chalk used as a magical tool, and I especially loved the use of mathematics in such a cool way. The artwork brought the magic to life, and it was one of my favorite parts about the book.

The characters were good – not my favorites, but not horrible either. Joel was annoying in the beginning of the book, but he got better as it went along. Melody was never developed past the bubbly girl who didn’t appreciate her powers, but some others, namely Professor Fitch, were great.

Sanderson is also known for his world-building, and he does a wonderful job of it in this book. The world’s alternate history is fleshed out, and though it could get confusing at times it was woven in nicely and was never dumped on the reader. It had a steampunk-feel, with flying trains and metal horses used as everyday transportation devices. The religion was interesting as well, and the role Rithmatics played in it was interesting. I don’t often see religion play a huge role in books, but it worked in this one.

In conclusion, this was a great book for both young adults and advanced middle grade readers. The book has a younger feel – it’s not Mistborn for sure – and it should appeal to kids as well as teens. Everything was developed and interesting, the the writing was tight and concise. I will be reading the sequel when it comes out!

Buy The Rithmatist on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1UmqowS

Book of the Week: Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

In Northern Canada, a tribe of trolls lives in peace. The Kanin are the most powerful of the tribes, but Bryn Aven is an outcast among them. Her heritage sets her apart – she is only 1/2 Kanin, and it shows in her blond hair and blue eyes. She wants nothing more than to fit in, and to achieve those ends she must become a member of the king’s elite guard. But her dreams might be destroyed when a former hero begins kidnapping changelings.

Frostfire is the first book of the Kanin Chronicles, a companion series to the Trylle Trilogy, and is by far one of Amanda Hocking’s best books. She details the nuances of fitting in, being good enough, and young love with a beautiful twist, and creates new species with effortless craft. I’ve yet to read the rest of the series, but this book at least was fantastic.

Buy Frostfire on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1O7NFWY

Book Review: The Martian by Andy Weir

Title: The Martian

Author: Andy Weir

Genre: Sci-fi

Age Group: YA, adult

Rating: 9/10

When NASA’s Mars mission turns critical, astronaut Mark Watney is left behind on the desolate red planet. He must use his ingenuity and mad science powers to contact NASA and get home, but will he survive long enough for the ship to reach him?

Normally a desperate survival story would not be funny. For me, it would be hard to get through. But from the first line of The Martian, we know two things: Mark cusses a lot and this book is going to be a hilarious ride. Mark’s sass kept me entertained even when the story did not. His references to gay probes and Aquaman were fantastic, as were NASA’s educated discussions of Lord of the Rings. If there’s one author I want to meet, it’s Andy Weir, because only a true comedian could make a story like this so funny.

The story itself rarely left me bored – it was not only scientifically accurate and detailed but intense and emotional. Weir brought in the Hab’s empty spacesuits, Mark’s longing for human contact, and his hatred of disco music as ways to show his lonely state. And though Mark was the only person on the planet, the author brought in the perspectives of the rest of Mark’s crew and NASA, which made the novel more entertaining. I not only loved Mark but the rest of the crew, especially Lewis, Mindy, Kapoor, and Rich. Every character was well-detailed and real no matter how frequently they appeared. All were explained through their actions and all had obvious motives – something which is hard to come by in a book even with the multitude of those published today.

The only thing I would say about this book is it can get a bit heavy on the science at times and read more like nonfiction. Also, if you don’t like cussing, don’t pick this one up – Mark has a very bad mouth.

In conclusion, this a great book that deserves to be read for years to come. The movie was also good for those who want to see it, but it left out great scenes only the book has to offer.

Buy The Martian on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1OXTdhB

Writing Tips: 5 Ways To Plot A Novel

Writing a book isn’t as simple as it seems. Oftentimes authors put months or years of work into their books only to have them rejected by agents and publishers. Most often this rejection is a result of grammar mistakes or a sagging plot. Grammar needs to be learned over time, but there are plenty of resources to strengthen your plot.

1. The Snowflake Method: This is the planner’s ultimate guide to writing. The method is simple – start out with a one-sentence summary and gradually expand your plot and characters to encompass the space of a novel. If you want to learn more, visit this page for more information.
2. The Three-Act Structure: This method is my favorite and the one I use when I plot. It’s much like a play in that the book is staged in acts. The first act kicks off the story with the hook, inciting event, and first plot point; the second act is all action, with the midpoint being the central focus; and the third act includes the climax and falling action. For a more detailed structure, go here.
3. The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell’s way of plotting an adventure story. In this structure, the character starts of in an ordinary life, then are thrust out of it when they are called to adventure, and the story ends when the character goes back to his or her normal life. You can find an extraordinarily detailed outline of this here.
4. Chapter-by-Chapter: If you remember to keep your story from rambling, plotting your story chapter-by-chapter can be a good idea.
5. Draft Zero: This is the pantser’s compromise. If you don’t want to plan, then you can write a “draft zero” or a “vomit draft” where you start writing and see where your story takes you, then you revise after it’s finished.