Author Interview: Wendy Delsol

Wendy Delsol has written Stork, Frost and Flock.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

Wendy Delsol

Des Moines, Iowa

2. Do you have a pen name?

Wendy Delsol is my real (albeit married) name. My maiden name was Wendy Peck.

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

FLOCK, the third and final in the YA STORK trilogy, finds 16-year-old human Stork, Katla Leblanc, tricked into an untenable pact with her infant sister’s life—as well as all of humanity—at stake.

4. Do you have plans for a new book?

I’m simultaneously working on another YA project (this one in the very beginning stage) and an adult novel.

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I didn’t start writing until I was—gasp—forty. A frightening bout with debilitating migraines reminded me that life is fleeting. Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is the book that made a reader and (eventually) writer of me. Maeve Binchy’s recent death reminded me of the influence both she and Rosamunde Pilcher’s novels had on my writing ambitions. I’m also a big fan of Anne Tyler and Anita Shreve.

6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?

I’m always happy to offer a giveaway in conjunction with a blogger interview/review.

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

My publisher, Candlewick Press, is in charge of jacket and cover design. No complaints here; they do a great job!

8. Which is your favourite cover of all the books you have written?

Probably STORK. I think the image captures Katla’s spunk.

9. Is there anything you would change about your book covers?

No. And I feel very fortunate to be in this position.

10. Would you have different book covers for different countries?

If and when foreign rights are sold to markets outside of the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K., that publisher would produce their own cover (or negotiate with Candlewick to use their artwork).

11. How did you come up with the title for your book?

STORK and FROST were the titles I came up with from the very inception of the series. Both fully captured the story’s theme, in my opinion. Alas, FLOCK was more problematic. Its first title was TIDE (as the cover originally had a different character’s image). Once we opted to go with Penny (Katla’s best friend) on the cover, we had to change the title. It took some brainstorming. FLOCK is meant to convey the critical support Katla’s receives from boyfriend Jack, her family, and friends.

12. Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?

Gosh. I have to say no. I wrote the best book I could and was lucky to have a great publisher and talented editor provide expert advice.

13. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?

I do not have a book trailer. It isn’t something that Candlewick offers as a rule. I think the jury is out on the marketing value of trailers. They’re fabulous and interesting, but there’s no evidence that they convert to book sales.

14. What is your opinion on ARCs?

Now ARCs (advance reader copies) or galleys are necessary. In order to generate reviews by professionals (Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, etc.), it’s crucial to have a pre-release version of the book.

15. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?

As a reader, I still prefer a physical book. I have no preference between hardcover and paperback (except that paperback is easier on my pocketbook).

16. Are you a self-published / Indie author?

No. I’m traditionally published.

My YA trilogy is published by Candlewick Press. My adult novel, The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls, is published by Berkley (an imprint of Penguin).

17. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

I’ve read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE many, many times. I’ve read Anne Tyler’s ACCIDENTAL TOURIST more than once. And I’ve read the Harry Potter books out loud to my sons too many times to count.

18. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of it’s cover? (For example a UK, US or Canadian version)

I don’t think so.

19. Have you ever read a book just based on it’s cover?

Sure. I’ve absolutely bought a book because a cover spoke to me.

20. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?

Yes. I don’t read horror, for instance. The cover images alone give me nightmares.

21. What is your favourite film based on a book?

The English Patient.

22. What is your favourite book genre at the moment?

I am an eclectic reader and enjoy books across multiple genres. I’ve been on a bit of a Margaret Atwood kick. I also recently read (and loved!) the SIZE 12 IS NOT FAT series by Meg Cabot. And I usually have at least one YA title on my bedside table at all times.

23. What books have made it onto your wishlist recently? And why?

I met Mary O’Connell at the Iowa City Book Festival in July. Her book, THE SHARP TIME, is definitely on my must-have list now.

24. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

I am listening to the audio version of John Green’s WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON. I’m also reading THE WHOLE PACKAGE by Cynthia Ellingsen.

25. If you could invite any four celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?

Stephenie Meyer

Stephen King (because I think he owes Stephenie an apology)

Colin Firth (because he’s my ultimate Mr. Darcy)

Jane Austen (because she should see Mr. Darcy in the flesh)

26. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write the book that would keep you turning the page.

27. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? 

I’m a tennis nut. I follow the pro tour (Federer is my favorite). I play (not well but it keeps me active). And my younger son plays tournaments and high-school tennis.

28. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog:

http://www.wendydelsol.com/blog

Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/wendydelsol as Wendy Peck Delsol (my personal page)

http://www.facebook.com/wendydelsolauthor (my author page)

Goodreads author page:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3342342.Wendy_Delsol

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/wendydelsol

Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Through My Letterbox! 06/08/12

What came Through My Letterbox this week:

This week, my mum (from JeanzBookReadNReview) bought 13 by Kelley Armstrong, which is the thirteenth book in the Women Of The Otherworld series.

Myself and my mum received an ARC copy of Breathe by Sarah Crossan for review from Bloomsbury, which we can't wait to read! You can read the blurb and see the lovely cover of Breathe, here on Goodreads!

Myself and my mum also received Initiation & Integration by Imogen Rose for review from Allison Potter & Imogen Rose!

This week, we also received a box of six books for review from Goldie Browning! We received Trust No One by Laurel Bradley, Ameca J And The Legacy Of Menindus by Paul Xavier Jones . . .

. . .The Last Best Hope by David L. Parrott, The Officer's Code by Lyn Alexander . . .

 . . .A Life Worth Living by Lorrie Kruse . . .

 . . . and Night Journey by Goldie Browning!

We also received Awakened by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast for review from St. Martin's Press. Awakened is the eighth book in the House Of Night series.

Finally, we also received What's Left Of Me by Kat Zhang for review from St Martin's Press!

Promotion: The Kill Order by James Dashner

The Kill Order
By James Dashner

The Kill Order is the prequel to the Maze Runner series.

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive.


Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Pondering Purchasing 04/08/12

Pondering Purchasing is a meme that myself and my mum (from JeanzBookReadNReview) have created which was inspired by Waiting On Wednesday at Breaking The Spine, and Future Favourites at Electrifying Reviews.

In this meme we will feature three books per post, one “Old” release, one “Recent” release, and finally one “Future” release.

Please note: Even though we may feature a book in Pondering Purchases, it does not necessarily mean that we will ACTUALLY purchase that book immediately, if at all. It just means that that book is on our “Wishlist” at that time.

Released: April 29th 2008

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

I am Pondering Purchasing The Adoration Of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson as I found this book on a listopia on Goodreads. I was initially drawn to the cover, but the blurb won me over as well! 

Released: July 10th 2012

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special… even if that means betraying her sister.

But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship —and her sister—before it’s too late?

I am Pondering Purchasing Never Enough by Denise Jaden because from the blurb, it sounds a bit like The List by Siobhan Vivian (which I have read and loved!) and Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (which is also on my wishlist).

Released: October 2nd 2012

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Benson Fisher escaped from Maxfield Academy’s deadly rules and brutal gangs.

Or so he thought.

But now Benson is trapped in a different kind of prison: a town filled with hauntingly familiar faces. People from Maxfield he saw die. Friends he was afraid he had killed.

They are all pawns in the school’s twisted experiment, held captive and controlled by an unseen force. As he searches for answers, Benson discovers that Maxfield Academy’s plans are more sinister than anything he imagined—and they may be impossible to stop.

I am Pondering Purchasing Feedback by Robison Wells because I loved reading Variant, the previous book in the series.

What are you Pondering Purchasing?

Losing Face by Annie Try

ISBN: 9781780991191

Publisher: Roundfire Books

Pages: 239

Losing Face takes the form of Word documents, interspersed with emails. It covers the accident and recovery of Cass, who sustains terrible facial injuries in a car crash, including the loss of an eye. Her friend Em supports her throughout and the two very different girls struggle in their own ways to cope as Cass undergoes surgery, eventually returning to a mixed reception in school. Throughout the story, friendship and values are challenged, particularly through Cass's relationships with her mother and with her boyfriend, Spider. 

I received Losing Face by Annie Try for review from Roundfire Books, which I really enjoyed reading! Although at first I wasn’t keen on how the book was set out, the layout grew on me as the book progressed. I would definitely read other books written by Annie Try! My favourite character was Cass, because despite everything that happened to her she remained determined to get at least part of her old life back and because of her sense of humour whilst she was in the hospital. I really like the cover of Losing Face, as it’s inkeeping with the story, whilst also not giving too much away. I also like the cover because of its simplicity.

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Author Interview: Red Tash

Red Tash has written Troll Or Derby.


1. What is your name and where do you call home?

My name is Red Tash and I'm from Southern Indiana, very near Louisville, Kentucky.

2. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

Troll Or Derby: 

Will Deb save her sister from a troll druglord, or remain in the arms of an evil fairy princess rollergirl?

(that was hard!)

3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

I do.  I'm presently writing three series.  The most popular book I have is Troll Or Derby, my most recent.  I'm also penning a follow-up to a dark fantasy/sci fi story I published last year.  I write about a mysterious wizard, as well, so that's series #3.  I also have six other works in progress going on right now, some of which might spring into series (but hopefully not!)  It's hard not being able to meet reader demand when they know a new book is coming.  I feel awful saying "It'll just take a bit longer," but I really want the work to be solid before I publish it.  It's a bit of a riot at my computer.

4. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

Like most professional writers, I've done it since I was a child.  I have written professionally since the early 2000s, but only recently gave up journalism to pursue writing fiction full-time.  As far as Troll Or Derby goes, I was inspired to write something about trolls because at the time I started, no one was writing about them (2007).  I have always loved fairies, so that part of the story was a no-brainer.  Then I joined roller derby and the next thing I knew, I could imagine fairies and trolls skating on the banked track, taking whips and flying, fighting each other with clubs and maces!  Oh, man.  That felt exciting!  I wanted to write that!  So that's where that part of the book came from.  The rest of the story was based on a lot of experiences I personally had as a teenager, then as a young adult living in rural Indiana.  It can be a lonely existence, being a brainy bookworm in the middle of farm country.  

One reviewer noted that the protagonist cobbled together a "parent pie," finding nurture from several different adults instead of her family of origin.  I hadn't realized I'd written the story that way, but, yep--that was my childhood.  So I guess I wrote what I "know," just like the experts tell you to do.  I could be wrong, but I believe most writers are compelled to pen lengthy works because we have these stories inside us, just dying to get out.  Everyone has those stories, I believe--just not everyone feels compelled to sit down everyday and type and type until their truth comes out.

5. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?  

Absolutely!  I like to look over the reader's blog and Goodreads profile first, of course, but I'm totally open to gifting books.  

6. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

I actually saw a lovely fairy graphic on tumblr, where I blog, and contacted the artist.  (http://www.facebook.com/Amaranth.Dreams) She did a digital painting for me, and after getting some reader feedback, I realized the cover needed a little bit more "layering" to it, so I added some background texture to the top and bottom and added the torn paper look.  Fortunately page design was part of my journalism background!  Otherwise, it would be tough to choose a good graphic designer.  There are many talented ones at quite affordable prices.  Right now I'm saving up to commission the next two book covers for Troll Or Park and Troll Or Trash.

7. How did you come up with the title for your book?  

It's a play on the words "Roller Derby."  In the book, the girl must choose whether to follow her desire to save her sister, with the help of a mysterious troll, or whether to stay lost in love with someone who's bad for her--but who shares her love of the addictive sport roller derby.  Honestly, a fellow writer came up with the name and it stuck. I like puns.  The sequel titles are hopefully punny, as well!  (Troll Or Park = Trailer Park, Troll Or Trash = Trailer Trash, of course.)  Deb is a trailer park girl, so these titles work great!

8. Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?

Well, I would love to see it sitting on the bookstore tables alongside Julie Kagawa, Melissa Marr, Holly Black, and other fairy teen book authors.  I honestly believe it's every bit as good as Black & Marr's books--I haven't read Kagawa's yet, so I can't say.  But I chose to take the indie route, because reader feedback really propels me to write and produce books much faster than the "query-go-round" game of finding an agent, when you take the traditional route.  Hopefully at some point I'll still find a good match with a traditional publisher and get these hot little books onto those bookstore tables!  In the meantime, I'm writing and submitting and selling, and loving those reviews--so, no, absolutely nothing I would change.

9. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?

I have a couple.  I don't know if they help, honestly.  I feel like you have to make one, because everyone has one, but does anyone ever really get excited from one?  I'm not sure.  It feels more like a celebration of a book we've already heard of, in 99% of the cases I've seen.  Regardless, mine are on my Youtube channel:  

http://www.youtube.com/user/RedTashBooks?feature=mhee

Also, I do watch "booktubers," so if anyone reading this has video links, please feel free to post them as responses to my own book blog!  I've only done one so far, but hope to do more.

10. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?

Paperbacks.

11. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

Several, several books.  Gone With the Wind, Lonesome Dove, The Stand (and lots of other Stephen King books), the Bible, The Language of Letting Go,  allllllll the Harry Potter books so many times I can probably recite them, A Wrinkle in Time (and all the Time Quartet books)...I could go on and on!

12. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?  

No.  And I think that makes me the exception in today's world of SO many cheap/free books.  Authors & publishers need to try harder, in general.

13. What is your favourite film based on a book?

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.  Although there are several things wrong with the film, to me it feels the most like the Wizarding World is supposed to feel, and I need to visit that world sometimes, so desperately.

14. What is your favourite book genre at the moment?

YA fantasy

15. What books have made it onto your wishlist recently? And why?

Broken Piano for President, because of the author's accidental viral success.  JL Bryan's fairy series, because of their total cuteness.  The Iron Fey series.

16. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?  

I am presently reading about 14 books in a mix of formats.  About half ebook and half paperback/hardcover.  The biggest two that stand out in my mind are JL Bryan's Fairy Metal Thunder in ebook format, and The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1, The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, in hardcover.  I believe I have almost all of them on my Goodreads profile.  Probably not the boring titles, like How to be a Better Parent type stuff.

17. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?  

Take some classes, get lots of feedback on your work, start small and work your way up.  Do not compare yourself to other writers.  Be the best writer you can be.

The best advice I was ever given was "Go for it.  If you fail, you can always go back to journalism."  It's important to have supportive people in your life, when you're a creative.  Creativity is so subjective!

18. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: http://RedTash.com

Facebook page: http://facebook.com/RedTashBooks

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/RedTash

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedTashBooks

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103481304245044255869/posts

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Red-Tash/e/B005GXEPXO

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/RedTash

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/redtash/

Tumblr: http://RedTash.com

I am very interactive, have an email list, all that stuff--unlike some authors, I do not consider myself "above" readers--I am so grateful they read & enjoy my work, so of course I enjoy getting to know them.  If they like my work, I hope they'll chat me up.

Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Promotion: Troll Or Derby

Troll Or Derby
By Red Tash

In Troll Or Derby, fifteen-year-old Roller Deb is singled out by town bullies for both her skates, and her sexual orientation. When her popular homecoming queen of a sister is kidnapped by a scuzzy drug dealer, Deb must flee the trailer park in which she's grown up, and rescue her. Along the way, Deb becomes enmeshed in the magical realm of trolls and fairies, and the blood-thirsty version of roller derby at which these beings excel. But spending too much time among the fairies comes with a price. Will Deb choose to save her sister, with the aid of a mysterious troll? Or will she be lost to the lures of roller derby, and the blonde temptress April, forever?


Available at Amazon.co.uk.