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Today we are interviewing young adult author Shea Norwood.
Describe the plot of your book in a few sentences.
Vanished from Dust is a page-turning adventure about a small town boy, Eric Stark, struggling to find his place in a world that doesn’t understand him. He enlists a new friend to find the truth behind the nightmare that has haunted him since a young age. But, they soon discover the truth isn’t what they expected and they find themselves lost in a world that is very different than their own.
Who (age, gender, etc.) do you think would most appreciate this book?
This book is appropriate for those of all ages.
What inspirations contributed to this book?
The concept for the book began nearly 15 years ago when I wondered – what would it be like to look into a mirror and see someone else staring back at you? This singular story point went through several evolutions before becoming the published version you’ll see today.
The inspiration for the setting came from my own childhood, growing up in the small rural community of McCamey, Texas.
Who was your favorite character to write?
Eric Stark was my favorite character to write. I liked the evolution of his character throughout the book as he struggles with his identity and finally uncovers his true potential near the end.
How long have you been writing?
Writing has been a passion of mine for a little over 20 years. I love to get lost in the limitless potential of a story and to share it with my readers.
What is your favorite book?
There are too many to count! There are a lot of great writers out there, but my all time favorite is Stephen King. His books sparked a fire in me that first fueled my desire to write.
How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
I started writing short stories many years ago, several of which had excellent story lines but lacked any formal structure. In those days I wrote only to get the stories out of my head! Today, my writing has grown into more complex storylines and organized plots.
What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
My goals for the next ten years would be to continue to improve my craft and hopefully produce a product that my readers enjoy.
Have your family and friends been supportive of your writing?
My first readers are often my family and friends. I count on my wife to provide the initial critique of my characters and main story points. She often provides valuable insight.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
I have a few other projects in the works. However, my next completed project will be the sequel to Vanished from Dust.
More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vanished-Dust-Shea-Norwood-ebook/dp/B00FBZXMHW
Today we are interviewing children's book author Caldric Blackwell about his easy reader book The Enchanted River Race.
Describe the plot of your latest release, "The Enchanted River Race," in a few sentences.
The story follows three children who enter into their village's enchanted river race. They must work as a team to defeat magical obstacles and cutthroat competition.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Children who like action, adventure, and fantasy. In terms of a target age group, I'd say the book is aimed at ages seven to eleven. The book is an early chapter book (easy-to-read) and is written for children transitioning to chapter books from picture books.
What were your major influences in writing this book?
The story itself is a result of my love of imaginative places. I've always enjoyed fantastical stories that are an escape from day-to-day life. The style of writing was influenced by the early chapter books I read growing up, such as The Boxcar Children and the Magic Tree House series.
Who was your favorite character to write?
I really enjoyed writing Amy, the main character. She is intelligent and quick-witted yet unsure of herself. In The Enchanted River Race, she must captain a ship or let her team down. In a sense, she's forced to become a leader and realize her full potential.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing fiction since my late teens, but The Enchanted River Race is the first book I've had published.
What is your favorite book?
Le Grand Meaulnes is my favorite adult book -- hands down. Reading that book was a really reflective experience for me. Alain-Fournier does an incredible job of revealing how a seemingly minor experience can affect an entire life.
What genre do you read most frequently?
There isn't any particular genre that I read most often. I'm all over the map with my taste in books.
How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
I think my writing has become more organic, more natural. I've also gotten better at using words sparingly, which is important when writing children's books. No one wants to read a 100,000-word children's book.
Are there any specific aspects of writing that you've been practicing?
My next release will be a picture book, so I've been paying close attention to the interplay between the text and the pictures.
As a writer, one would assume English was your favorite class in school. If that was not the case, what was and why?
I loved English, but I also loved all my science classes. I enjoy learning how things work.
How do you feel about picture books on Kindle?
Most of the time they look great! My next picture book will be available exclusively on the Kindle (won't be available in other ebook formats), and I'm really excited about it.
What are your goals as a children's book author for the next ten years?
I'd like to release more books, possibly trying my hand at new genres. Within the next year, my next book, a picture book, will be released.
Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
I hate making changes late in the writing process and having to go back and rewrite scenes.
Is there anything else you'd like to tell potential readers?
I'd like to tell potential readers to check out my website: https://www.caldricbooks.com/. All the necessary information about my book is there.
More Information
Visit Caldric Blackwell's website
Buy "The Enchanted River Race" on Amazon
Follow Caldric on Twitter
