Welcome to my stop on the Sugar Fairy Blog Tour! A big welcome to author Kimberly Kinrade who graciously did a guest post and interview for me! :0) Make sure you enter the giveaway!
AUTHOR BIO:
Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for children, YA and adults and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal novels Forbidden Mind and Forbidden Fire and her illustrated children's fantasy chapter books Lexie World, and Bella World, all on Amazon.
She lives with her three little girls who think they're ninja princesses with super powers, her two dogs who think they're humans and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner.
Website http://KimberlyKinrade.com
Twitter: @KimberlyKinrade
IPI Twitter: @IPIAcademy
Facebook: /KimberlyKinrade
IPI Facebook: /IPIAcademy
Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for children, YA and adults and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal novels Forbidden Mind and Forbidden Fire and her illustrated children's fantasy chapter books Lexie World, and Bella World, all on Amazon.
She lives with her three little girls who think they're ninja princesses with super powers, her two dogs who think they're humans and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner.
Website http://KimberlyKinrade.com
Twitter: @KimberlyKinrade
IPI Twitter: @IPIAcademy
Facebook: /KimberlyKinrade
IPI Facebook: /IPIAcademy
THE BLURB:
Halloween is here and Lexie, Bella and Maddie couldn't be happier. But why does everything feel so different? Fewer houses are decorated and fewer kids are out trick-or-treating. Still, that's not going to stop the three girls from eating as much candy as they can before their parents can stop them, even if that means fighting each other for it.
When they finally discover a haunted house worthy of their favorite holiday, they forget their parents' warnings and go in alone, only to discover that the house really is haunted, and not only that, but they've been transported to a whole different world!
A dying Sugar Fairy in one of the abandoned rooms send them on a quest to find her Sugar Baby and the magic Sugar Flower in order to save her and Halloween. If they fail, Halloween will be gone forever, and they'll never return to their family.
But with Sugar Bug attacks, the Cavity Caves where they must face their deepest fears, and giant gummy bears armed with candy cane swords, the girls aren't sure they'll make it.
Their only chance is to work together, using each of their strengths to help each other. Can they stop fighting over candy long enough? Or will they be trapped in the dying Sugar Land forever?
Halloween is here and Lexie, Bella and Maddie couldn't be happier. But why does everything feel so different? Fewer houses are decorated and fewer kids are out trick-or-treating. Still, that's not going to stop the three girls from eating as much candy as they can before their parents can stop them, even if that means fighting each other for it.
When they finally discover a haunted house worthy of their favorite holiday, they forget their parents' warnings and go in alone, only to discover that the house really is haunted, and not only that, but they've been transported to a whole different world!
A dying Sugar Fairy in one of the abandoned rooms send them on a quest to find her Sugar Baby and the magic Sugar Flower in order to save her and Halloween. If they fail, Halloween will be gone forever, and they'll never return to their family.
But with Sugar Bug attacks, the Cavity Caves where they must face their deepest fears, and giant gummy bears armed with candy cane swords, the girls aren't sure they'll make it.
Their only chance is to work together, using each of their strengths to help each other. Can they stop fighting over candy long enough? Or will they be trapped in the dying Sugar Land forever?
| | | |
My Top 10 Heroes and Heroines in YA Books
We all have our favorite authors, our most beloved stories and books. When I had to come up with my top 10 heroes or heroines from YA books, I realized that a lot of the books I love aren't really YA, so this got tricky. I also realized that I definitely have my favorite authors, as you'll see.
Having a likable and engaging protagonist with whom to bond is important to me in a book. I want to respect that character, feel a connection to them, and understand why they do what they do. These books have characters that I found myself rooting for time and time again, and all for very different reasons.
Sydlynn Hayle from Family Magic by Patti Larsen is my #1 choice. I love this series so much, it's my major addition. Doesn't matter what deadlines loom, if a new book in this series comes out, I'm all over it. Syd starts out the series with a lot of opportunity for growth, and boy does she grow. She's strong and independent, loyal to her family and friends and she really learns how to be a leader. I adore this girl.
Bella Swan from Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is a controversial choice for some, I think. She's bashed a lot online for being weak or undone by a boy. I wrote a blog post in defense of Bella, but suffice it to say there's a lot to admire about her. She's smart, committed to her family, loyal and brave. She is willing to die for those she loves and puts her family above everything. Why the hating?
Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a shoe in. That one scene where she volunteers as tribute for her sister says it all. Plus, gotta love a girl who can take down her dinner with a bow and arrow.
Trio from Clone Three by Patti Larsen. I know, another Larsen book. She rocks. This is a new series, the first in a trilogy, and I loved it. Trio is a clone who can't remember what she's supposed to do, but it has something to do with saving humanity. She's bright and strong and driven to protect those she loves. (See a theme here? I love characters who stand by their friends and family.)
Cas Lowood from Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake. I had to throw a guy in here, there aren't many to choose from as the lead in a book. I loved this book, it's dark and interesting and was fun to read from the male POV. Cas kills the dead, it's a family thing, but what happens when he falls for one of his targets? An awesome book is what happens.
Penryn from Angefall by Susan Ee. This book had huge hype and I went in skeptical and came out in love. Penryn is another Katniss type. Loyal to her sister, a survivalist in a post-apocalyptic world. Loved it.
Jacob from Desert Rice by Angela Scott. Another guy. Hurah! This book was heartbreaking. Not my usual YA fare, more literary in nature, but Oh. So.Good. It's actually told from the POV of Jacob's 12-year-old sister, but he was the hero in this book, doing anything necessary to save his sister. It's a tear jerker and beautifully written.
Bryn Halbrook from Dead Radiance by T.G. Ayer. Another kick butt heroine who is so fun to read about, and has some seriously interesting secrets to who she is. If you like Valkyrie myths, you'll love Bryn.
Auburdeen Perneila Hayle from Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen. Not only another Larsen book, but another Hayle. Auburdeen is Syd's ancestor, and she's just as strong headed, willful and awesome as her great-great something or other.
Trace Monroe from Wanted: Dead or Undead by Angela Scott. This book had a male and female POV and while I don’t normally like westerns or zombie books, I actually loved this book. Trace (another guy! Yahoo!) is the typical charming bad boy who falls for Red, a mysterious woman with a lot of gun powder in her veins. I enjoyed his character growth and all the different layers to his personality.
There you have it, some great characters with great books. I love a book that sucks me in with the characters and makes me fall in love, regardless of genere, but you can't go wrong with this group!
We all have our favorite authors, our most beloved stories and books. When I had to come up with my top 10 heroes or heroines from YA books, I realized that a lot of the books I love aren't really YA, so this got tricky. I also realized that I definitely have my favorite authors, as you'll see.
Having a likable and engaging protagonist with whom to bond is important to me in a book. I want to respect that character, feel a connection to them, and understand why they do what they do. These books have characters that I found myself rooting for time and time again, and all for very different reasons.
Sydlynn Hayle from Family Magic by Patti Larsen is my #1 choice. I love this series so much, it's my major addition. Doesn't matter what deadlines loom, if a new book in this series comes out, I'm all over it. Syd starts out the series with a lot of opportunity for growth, and boy does she grow. She's strong and independent, loyal to her family and friends and she really learns how to be a leader. I adore this girl.
Bella Swan from Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is a controversial choice for some, I think. She's bashed a lot online for being weak or undone by a boy. I wrote a blog post in defense of Bella, but suffice it to say there's a lot to admire about her. She's smart, committed to her family, loyal and brave. She is willing to die for those she loves and puts her family above everything. Why the hating?
Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a shoe in. That one scene where she volunteers as tribute for her sister says it all. Plus, gotta love a girl who can take down her dinner with a bow and arrow.
Trio from Clone Three by Patti Larsen. I know, another Larsen book. She rocks. This is a new series, the first in a trilogy, and I loved it. Trio is a clone who can't remember what she's supposed to do, but it has something to do with saving humanity. She's bright and strong and driven to protect those she loves. (See a theme here? I love characters who stand by their friends and family.)
Cas Lowood from Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake. I had to throw a guy in here, there aren't many to choose from as the lead in a book. I loved this book, it's dark and interesting and was fun to read from the male POV. Cas kills the dead, it's a family thing, but what happens when he falls for one of his targets? An awesome book is what happens.
Penryn from Angefall by Susan Ee. This book had huge hype and I went in skeptical and came out in love. Penryn is another Katniss type. Loyal to her sister, a survivalist in a post-apocalyptic world. Loved it.
Jacob from Desert Rice by Angela Scott. Another guy. Hurah! This book was heartbreaking. Not my usual YA fare, more literary in nature, but Oh. So.Good. It's actually told from the POV of Jacob's 12-year-old sister, but he was the hero in this book, doing anything necessary to save his sister. It's a tear jerker and beautifully written.
Bryn Halbrook from Dead Radiance by T.G. Ayer. Another kick butt heroine who is so fun to read about, and has some seriously interesting secrets to who she is. If you like Valkyrie myths, you'll love Bryn.
Auburdeen Perneila Hayle from Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen. Not only another Larsen book, but another Hayle. Auburdeen is Syd's ancestor, and she's just as strong headed, willful and awesome as her great-great something or other.
Trace Monroe from Wanted: Dead or Undead by Angela Scott. This book had a male and female POV and while I don’t normally like westerns or zombie books, I actually loved this book. Trace (another guy! Yahoo!) is the typical charming bad boy who falls for Red, a mysterious woman with a lot of gun powder in her veins. I enjoyed his character growth and all the different layers to his personality.
There you have it, some great characters with great books. I love a book that sucks me in with the characters and makes me fall in love, regardless of genere, but you can't go wrong with this group!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was born with ink in my veins and magic in my heart. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a writer, and even started selling short stories and poetry when I ran out of teeth to sell to the Tooth Fairy. (True story!)
How long does it take you to write a book?
For the Three Lost Kids books, I can usually write them in a few days. They average 12-15k and I can write, on a light day, 3k and a heavy day, over 10k.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
If I'm on deadline, I'll stay up all night and write, with breaks for stretching and drinking caffeine. On a normal day, I'll write for a few hours (3-6k) then do some marketing, catch up on emails, and work on publicity for my clients.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don't know if I have a quirk, but I don’t ever get writer's block. Ever. I might get burned out and need a break, but I always have something to write, and I can write at any time, anywhere, as long as I have a computer.
How do books get published?
There are so many publishing options these days, so that's a really hard question to answer. I personally am signed with Evolved Publishing. So my process is this: I have an idea and I pitch it to them. If they like it (and so far they always have) I look at my writing and publishing schedule and we talk about when to schedule it for publication (I'm currently booked for the next 2 years!), then set a date for when the final manuscript is due by me to my editors.
I write, and then self edit, and send it in to my editors who first do a content edit to make sure the story line flows well. They'll make notes and send it back to me to rewrite or fix things, then I send it back to them for the line edits. This is where they take a red pen to every word and punctuation to make sure it's as strong and flawless as it can be. Once we've gone back and forth several times on this, it's considered done, and it's formatted for print and ebook publication. Then it's published! Yay! And we celebrated.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My kids' imaginations have been the primary inspiration for the The Three Lost Kids series. I also am often inspired my dreams, or daydreams. It seems ideas are always bubbling up in me looking for an outlet!
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote a lot of short stories as a kid, and even some longer stories, but I didn't write my first book until I was in college, maybe 19 years old? It's still not published. Lol I have a lot of work to do on it before it's ready to be seen by the public.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Reading and spending time with my family, kittens and dogs.
What does your family think of your writing?
My husband is my writing partner and is co-writing an adult paranormal series with me. We met as writing partners before we fell in love and married, so he's very supportive. My kids love my books and devour them when they're published, especially the ones about them! My parents couldn't be more supportive. They buy and read my books as soon as they're published and tell their friends about my work. I'm so blessed that I have the support of my whole family.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That marketing books is hard work and what worked last week or last year, will probably not work this week or this year.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I've written 9 books so far, with a few more in progress. My favorite? Well, that's just not fair. I can't pick my favorite. I guess of all of them, Forbidden Life is my favorite in many ways, though Sunrise & Nightfall, while technically not done yet, is likely to be my true favorite. It's a love story that explores themes of immortality and redemption.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Never give up! Write regularly, and study the craft relentlessly. Read books by brilliant authors. Read books on the craft of writing, editing, story telling, grammar, and more. Get a writing coach or work with a reputable editor to improve your writing, if you can. Don't publish anything until it's been professionally edited and formatted with a pro cover. Take it seriously and commit to the long term, because writing is not a sprint, it's a marathon and it takes a lot of stamina to stay in the game.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do, and it's my favorite part of the process. I get emails and my readers are also very active on my Facebook author page and website. I love it! They ask me questions about my books or characters, tell me how much they loved my books and why, ask me when the next one is out. I always reply and love establishing a relationship with my readers.
Do you like to create books for adults?
Yes, I do. Very much. I enjoy exploring more mature themes and using language that an adult can grasp. Adult books allow me to explore topics on many levels, and I can delve deeper into more taboo topics.
What do you think makes a good story?
Strong characterization, a compelling story and strong prose. I want to be fall in love with the language, and be pulled into a story that becomes my reality. I need to identify with the characters and feel a part of their world.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A writer. Never discourage a child's dreams. My parents encouraged mine and here I am!
I was born with ink in my veins and magic in my heart. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a writer, and even started selling short stories and poetry when I ran out of teeth to sell to the Tooth Fairy. (True story!)
How long does it take you to write a book?
For the Three Lost Kids books, I can usually write them in a few days. They average 12-15k and I can write, on a light day, 3k and a heavy day, over 10k.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
If I'm on deadline, I'll stay up all night and write, with breaks for stretching and drinking caffeine. On a normal day, I'll write for a few hours (3-6k) then do some marketing, catch up on emails, and work on publicity for my clients.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don't know if I have a quirk, but I don’t ever get writer's block. Ever. I might get burned out and need a break, but I always have something to write, and I can write at any time, anywhere, as long as I have a computer.
How do books get published?
There are so many publishing options these days, so that's a really hard question to answer. I personally am signed with Evolved Publishing. So my process is this: I have an idea and I pitch it to them. If they like it (and so far they always have) I look at my writing and publishing schedule and we talk about when to schedule it for publication (I'm currently booked for the next 2 years!), then set a date for when the final manuscript is due by me to my editors.
I write, and then self edit, and send it in to my editors who first do a content edit to make sure the story line flows well. They'll make notes and send it back to me to rewrite or fix things, then I send it back to them for the line edits. This is where they take a red pen to every word and punctuation to make sure it's as strong and flawless as it can be. Once we've gone back and forth several times on this, it's considered done, and it's formatted for print and ebook publication. Then it's published! Yay! And we celebrated.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My kids' imaginations have been the primary inspiration for the The Three Lost Kids series. I also am often inspired my dreams, or daydreams. It seems ideas are always bubbling up in me looking for an outlet!
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote a lot of short stories as a kid, and even some longer stories, but I didn't write my first book until I was in college, maybe 19 years old? It's still not published. Lol I have a lot of work to do on it before it's ready to be seen by the public.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Reading and spending time with my family, kittens and dogs.
What does your family think of your writing?
My husband is my writing partner and is co-writing an adult paranormal series with me. We met as writing partners before we fell in love and married, so he's very supportive. My kids love my books and devour them when they're published, especially the ones about them! My parents couldn't be more supportive. They buy and read my books as soon as they're published and tell their friends about my work. I'm so blessed that I have the support of my whole family.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That marketing books is hard work and what worked last week or last year, will probably not work this week or this year.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I've written 9 books so far, with a few more in progress. My favorite? Well, that's just not fair. I can't pick my favorite. I guess of all of them, Forbidden Life is my favorite in many ways, though Sunrise & Nightfall, while technically not done yet, is likely to be my true favorite. It's a love story that explores themes of immortality and redemption.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Never give up! Write regularly, and study the craft relentlessly. Read books by brilliant authors. Read books on the craft of writing, editing, story telling, grammar, and more. Get a writing coach or work with a reputable editor to improve your writing, if you can. Don't publish anything until it's been professionally edited and formatted with a pro cover. Take it seriously and commit to the long term, because writing is not a sprint, it's a marathon and it takes a lot of stamina to stay in the game.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do, and it's my favorite part of the process. I get emails and my readers are also very active on my Facebook author page and website. I love it! They ask me questions about my books or characters, tell me how much they loved my books and why, ask me when the next one is out. I always reply and love establishing a relationship with my readers.
Do you like to create books for adults?
Yes, I do. Very much. I enjoy exploring more mature themes and using language that an adult can grasp. Adult books allow me to explore topics on many levels, and I can delve deeper into more taboo topics.
What do you think makes a good story?
Strong characterization, a compelling story and strong prose. I want to be fall in love with the language, and be pulled into a story that becomes my reality. I need to identify with the characters and feel a part of their world.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A writer. Never discourage a child's dreams. My parents encouraged mine and here I am!
CHECK OUT THE OTHER TOUR POSTS:
10/17 Andi's Chapter Books
10/18 Inside BJ's Head
10/19 Bibliophilia, Please
10/23 Thrice the mischief, 3 times the love
10/24 Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
10/25 Reviews By Molly
10/26 My Book Chatter
10/29 Jenn's Review Blog
10/29 Identity Discovery
10/30 Sharing Links and Wisdom
10/30 Stuffed Shelves
10/30 A Chick Who Read
10/31 Second Bookshelf on the Right
10/31 Rea's Reading and Reviews
10/31 Genuine Jenn
10/31 Just Another Rabid Reader
10/31 The Story Of A Girl
10/31 Le Vanity Victorienne
10/31 SnifferWalk
1031 Soliloquy
10/17 Andi's Chapter Books
10/18 Inside BJ's Head
10/19 Bibliophilia, Please
10/23 Thrice the mischief, 3 times the love
10/24 Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
10/25 Reviews By Molly
10/26 My Book Chatter
10/29 Jenn's Review Blog
10/29 Identity Discovery
10/30 Sharing Links and Wisdom
10/30 Stuffed Shelves
10/30 A Chick Who Read
10/31 Second Bookshelf on the Right
10/31 Rea's Reading and Reviews
10/31 Genuine Jenn
10/31 Just Another Rabid Reader
10/31 The Story Of A Girl
10/31 Le Vanity Victorienne
10/31 SnifferWalk
1031 Soliloquy
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