Upcoming Agent Spotlight Interviews & Guest Posts

  • Shannon Hassan Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 12/9/2024
  • Vicky Weber Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 12/11/2024

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  • Agent Spotlights & Interviews have been updated through the letter "K" as of 3/28/2024 and many have been reviewed by the agents. Look for more information as I find the time to update more agent spotlights.

ASK THE EXPERT INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF CROSSED

First, I'll announce the winner of THE WHITE ASSASSIN and THE VISION.

The winner of THE WHITE ASSASSIN is:

BETH!

And the winner of THE VISION is:

BRANDILEIGH2003!

Congrats! E-mail me your addresses so I can send you your book.

Today I’m so excited to interview Wendy, a 9th grader who follows our blog and an aspiring author for my ASK THE EXPERT series.

Welcome Wendy. Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself, your school, and what you like to read.


Hi, I'm Wendy. I live and go to school in Australia, and I love reading and writing. I mostly read fantasy, dystopian and realistic fiction. My favourite authors are Markus Zusak, Glenda Millard, Janice Hardy, Patrick Ness, Eva Ibbotson and J.K. Rowling.

2. I love how we’re able to meet each other from across the world through blogging. And I love Janice Hardy and J.K. Rowling too. I know you’re an aspiring author. Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on.

I'm in the middle of revising a middle-grade fantasy novel at the moment. Basically, it's set in a world where there are dangerous magical beings who can take the souls of people. When one takes a girl's friend's soul, she approaches them, and discovers she has powers and a connection with the beings, which she'll need to help her friend and prevent a war.

3. Ooh, your story sounds awesome. As you probably know, I’m a huge fan of fantasies. And yea for another middle grade author! Before you started writing, how did you find out about the books you read? What about new books coming out?

My school library has lists of books — for casual reading and on specific topics — that the librarians put together and I'd often find out about new books to read from there. I'd also look up books I'd heard a lot about from other people. I don't think I really paid attention to new books coming out before I started writing (well, except for Harry Potter).

4. That’s so interesting that you didn’t pay attention to new books before starting to write. How has writing changed what you read, if at all? What books are you waiting to be released?

I don't think it's really changed what kinds of books I read because I liked the same genres before I started writing, but now I read more books from different authors. Before, I mostly stuck with my favourite writers.
I'm waiting for Bridge of Clay from Markus Zusak, Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen from Garth Nix and Darkfall by Janice Hardy to be released.

5. I’m looking forward to THE LOST ABHORSEN too. There’s still a chance you could DARKFALL in my contest. (For everyone, the link to the contest is at the top of the blog.) Do you buy most of your books or get them at the library? How often do you go to a bookstore?

I mostly get books from the library. I only go to the bookstore once every few months, because the nearest one is over an hour away, so it's a bit inconvenient. I usually go to the library when I'm after a specific book, and I go to the bookstore when I just want to browse.

6. That’s too bad there’s no bookstore nearer. Do you read any teen book blogs, author blogs, or author or publisher websites? Become a fan of an author on Facebook? Why? Has this changed at all since you started writing?

Yup, I read Janice Hardy's and Steph Bowe's blogs. I don't have Facebook but I follow a lot of authors on Twitter. I sometimes go to author websites, when I've just read a book by them and search them up. I don't really look at teen book blogs or publisher websites.
I didn't have Twitter or subscribe to any blogs until I started writing, so that's changed quite a lot. I follow Steph Bowe's blog because I like reading her thoughts on things, and Janice Hardy's blog because the writing info there is really helpful.

7. I so agree about Janice’s website. Have any of your teachers recommended any blogs or websites to your class or to you?

Not that I can remember.

8. Are there things your favourite authors could do that would make you more likely to visit their website, their blog, or become a fan on Facebook?

Well, I love J.K. Rowling's website because there's extra information on the books and characters, she answers questions directly, it looks great and it's interactive. I'd definitely visit an author's website if it was something like that. For blogs, it would be nice if they were updated regularly; a lot of authors only update them with book news once every few months. I'm not really sure about Facebook or Twitter … maybe if they put a link on their website? I'm not too fussed about how active the people I follow are on there.

9. That’s a great point about blogs. I notice sometimes that bloggers just disappear for periods of time. It helps when they at least tell us in a blog post that they’ll be gone. And I really think disappearing hurts readership of a blog. Have any authors visited your school? Who? Is there anything you’d recommend that an author do to make their presentation more interesting to you and other kids at your school?

Yes, my school held a literary festival last year and a lot of authors visited. I got to listen to John Larkin, James Roy and J.C. Burke. I really like humour and anecdotes in presentations, usually that makes it more interesting. And this might sound a bit strange, but I like it better when the author moves around and looks at the audience more (if possible, of course); it was what James Roy and John Larkin did. When they're just standing still I kind of feel like I'm being 'lectured' to, but if they move around it somehow feels friendlier. Hope that makes sense.

Oh my gosh, I would so love if my daughter’s school would have a literary festival. That’s such a great way to get kids excited about books. Thanks so much Wendy for sharing your advice. And good luck with your book.

Today I’m giving away my ARC of CROSSED. See isn’t it a book you’re dying to read?

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads:

The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

This is an awesome sequel to MATCHED told from Cassia and Ky’s POV. I loved learning about the Outer Provinces as Cassia searches for Ky. And we get to meet new characters like Cassia’s travelling partner Indie who have their own hidden pasts and goals that drive them to face the dangers in the Outer Provinces. Both Cassia and Ky must confront hard inner decisions that raise the stakes and that I didn’t see coming. And of course we learn more about Xander.

So I’m giving away my ARC of CROSSED. All you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment on Wendy’s interview by midnight on October 29th. I’ll announce the winner on October 31st. If your e-mail is not on Blogger, please list it in your comment. International entries are welcome.

If you mention this contest on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook, please let me know in the comments and I’ll give you an extra entry.

Here’s what’s coming up the next few weeks. On Wednesday, there's going to be a guest post by someone who found her agent through Literary Rambles and has a book deal. She'll be sharing tips on agent hunting and the submission process. I don't want to miss it. Hope you'll come too.

Next Monday I’m interviewing debut author Stasia Ward Kehoe and giving away a copy of AUDITION. Then on October 31st, I’m interviewing another debut author Anna Staniszewski and giving away a copy of MY VERY UN FAIRY TAIL LIFE. On November 7th, I’ll be interviewing Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson and giving away a copy of THE FAMILIARS SECRETS OF THE CROWN.

Hope to see you next Monday!

51 comments:

Vicky @ A Backpack Full of Adventures said...

I love J.K.Rowling too! :)
Great interview, thank you for sharing! And can I just say how much I love this cover? It's gorgeous!
I'd love to read this book, please enter me for the giveaway :)
email: mini-cica@hotmail.com

Miranda Hardy said...

Wow, Wendy. I'm so impressed with you and your school sounds amazing. I wish my children had the same opportunity. Keep up the good work.

Unknown said...

Now what a fabulous interview and giveaway!! Wendy is fabulous and I'm with Miranda, your school sounds amazing! More schools should be like that! Stay fabulous!

I'd love to be entered for the book. I'm addicted to Matched so I know Crossed is going to be delicious!

I'm looking forward to your future interviews! They sound fantastic!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Thanks for the great advice Wendy and good luck with your book.

Vicky, Miranda, and Jen, I agree. Wendy's school sounds awesome.

Christine Fonseca said...

great interview and I am so excited to read this book, you have NO IDEA!!!

Llehn said...

Thanks so much for sharing. JK Rowling rules.

lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Janice Hardy said...

Great interview, Wendy and Natalie! I agree, Wendy, your book sounds great. I love soul stealers (and wars, at least in stories). Good luck with that. And thanks for adding me to that awesome list of authors! I'll be smiling all day :)

Matthew MacNish said...

What a fascinating kid! Congrats to all winners.

Theresa Milstein said...

Congratulations to the winners.

Wendy, your premise of soul stealers sounds interesting. Good luck!

Joanne R. Fritz said...

Fascinating interview, Natalie. Wendy, your school sounds amazing. I'm so sorry your nearest bookstore is over an hour away. AAGGHH! But glad to hear you support your local library.

If everyone just browses when they're in a bookstore and nobody actually buys anything, that bookstore will eventually go out of business. People don't seem to realize that!

Natalie, I already have a copy of CROSSED, so don't enter me in your giveaway. Nice review, though.

Rachna Chhabria said...

I like J.K Rolwling too. Crossed sounds awesome. Just love the story premise. Great interview.

Yamile said...

Great interview! You're amazing, Wendy. My favorite authors are JK Rowling and Markus Suzak too.

Caroline Starr Rose said...

What an inspiring young lady!

Unknown said...

I love that she's only in 9th grade and already working on a book! It sounds like it could be a great story!

jpetroroy said...

Great interview and what a fantastic school!

Mandie Baxter said...

Great interview. Exciting to hear from people all over the world!!! And to see young adults reading AND writing! YAY!

MandieBaxter @ yahoo dot com

also tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/MandieBaxter/status/125958801043111937

Lori M. Lee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Barbara Watson said...

I love hearing a student's perspective about reading and writing. Wendy, you have so much more appreciation for both reading and writing than I did at your age, it's awesome. Thank you both for the interview.

Shoshana said...

Great interview, Wendy! I love that you're writing a middle-grade, and it sounds like a really cool idea.

Thanks for the giveaway! shoshana.flax@gmail.com

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I want our school to have a literary festival!! How cool! Wendy, you sound like one amazing 9th grader--thanks so much for sharing with us!!

And I would LOVE to win Crossed!!! Follower and tweeted. :-)

Christina Lee said...

This was GREAT--thx Wendy for that invaluable insight!

And SO excited to read CROSSED!!!

Vivien said...

Loved Wendy's interview! So insightful!!
GFC follower

Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

Chey said...

I didn't really pay attention to new books until this year. Now I have a general idea of what the summaries are without having to look at the back or inside flap when I'm at the bookstore. It's interesting how that changes sometimes.

GFC- Chey
Thanks for the giveaway!

mcrs_venin(at)hotmail(dot)com

Alison Miller said...

Fabulous interview! It's so awesome to meet young writers.

And I would LOVE an ARC of Crossed! And I've heard so many good things about AUDITION - count me in!

Jeigh said...

Wendy, your book sounds great! Keep it up! I love Marcus Zusak and Patrick Ness, too.

I'm so excited for Crossed. I'd love to win! Thanks!

Myrna Foster said...

We like a lot of the same authors, and I like your story idea. I also agree that dynamic presenters are more fun to listen to than the lecturing variety. Thanks for the great interview!

Jessie Humphries said...

Wow I wish I was as "with it" as Wendy is when I was her age. You go girl. Fun interview.

Victoria Dixon said...

Wow, Wendy. You sound so with it. I wish I'd had that much focus when I was your age. I have no doubt you'll succeed in anything you set your mind on. Good luck with it!

Wendy said...

Thanks for the interview, Natalie. And thanks for the comments, everyone. ^_^

@Janice Hardy -- no problem!

Sarah said...

Wendy seems to be quite on top of things. :) It's great! :)

(perareesie [at] gmail [dot] com)

Anonymous said...

Wendy, I just finished reading Darkfall by Hardy. It was really good. I love when a trilogy ends well.

Stina said...

I love hearing Wendy's view on blogs, and especially teen blogs. Interesting. But it doesn't surprise.

I'd love to win the arc of Crossed. :D

stinalindenblatt (at) shaw (dot) ca

Lydia Kang said...

Great interview! Nice to meet you Wendy and thanks so much for giving your perspective on all things bookish!

Unknown said...

Hooray for Wendy working on her book already. I've always wished I had the guts to starting writing a book when I was younger . . . good luck!

And as for the giveaway book -- what an eye-catching cover!

Wendy said...

@Joanne Fritz -- oh, I do buy books every time I go to the bookstore, by the way. What I meant was, if I haven't got anything specific to read I like to go to the bookstore and just look for something new. My parents are more lenient about buying books from bookstores than they are about buying them from over the internet. :)

Anonymous said...

Great interview and now I am super excited about the new Nix book. All his books are fantastic, especially his short stories.

Good luck with everything young lady.

jnrandolph88@aol.com

Casey McCormick said...

Fantastic interview!! Your school sounds fantastic, Wendy, and I wish you much success with your novel. I'd read it!

Joanne R. Fritz said...

Wendy: that's excellent! Thanks so much. Glad to hear you're still supporting bookstores.

And I love your parents! ("My parents are more lenient about buying books from bookstores than they are about buying them from over the internet.")

TayteH said...

Holy crud, you live in Australia? Really? Lucky. Wow, Australia has a lot of authors.

thunter_5@yahoo.com
GFC-TayteH
thanks!

Diana Julianna said...

Wonderful interview! :) Thanks so much for the giveaway!! Good luck, Wendy!

Janet Johnson said...

Great interview! Man, I wish my school had had a literary festival. So cool!

And thanks for the giveaway. :)

Emily V. said...

Great interview!
I am SO excited to read Crossed!!
Thanks for the giveaway! :)

Natasha Areena said...

yeah me too, there’s no bookstore nearer mine either. how frustrating
thebookish96(at)gmail(dot)com

Hikablack said...

Another 9th grader who writes--cool, glad to know I'm not alone in my geekiness (:

hikablack(at)gmail(dot)com

Michael G-G said...

I love these interviews, Natalie. Wendy sounds like she is firmly on her way!!

Margie said...

Great interview. Loved Matched and eagerly anticipating Crossed. Actually have it preordered on Amazon.

Monica Fumarolo said...

Fantastic interview! And I can't wait to get my hands on Crossed - Matched definitely left me wanting more. Literary Rambles is always informative (I sing your praises on my own blog http://fumafiles.blogspot.com) Count me in for your ARC giveaway
mfumarolo@gmail.com

Maji Bookshelf said...

J.K Rowling <3 and awesome interview!!

email: mc.jay.jay at hotmail dot com
GFC: maji bookshelf

Thanks for this giveaway =)

ebaker said...

Great job Wendy! It's great to hear about teenagers that I have a great goal that they are working towards! I would love a copy of Crossed!
e(dot)baker219(at)gmail(dot)Com

Unknown said...

Wendy, you are an inspiration to other teen writers. I wish you lots of luck in your literary career.

drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

JLane said...

I liked "Matched" quite a lot. I'd already read quite a bit of dystopian YA, so I wasn't sure if I was ready for more, but "Matched" stood out. Though I read it half a year ago, many scenes are still with me.

Yes, please enter me in the contest for "Crossed."