Happy Monday Everyone! Today I’m
excited to have debut author Emi Pinto here to share about her MG contemporary
fairytale retelling Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters. I really like that
it’s set in contemporary times and is spooky. I’m excited to read it.
Here’s a blurb from Goodreads:
Inspired by
Hansel and Gretel, this spooky ghost story and touching debut investigates the
gingerbread houses that we trap ourselves in when we don’t learn to love
ourselves as we are, perfect for fans of Ghost Squad and The Girl and the Ghost
. Bee wanted to spend the summer reading Betsy Chillers books and exploring the
new spooky theme park with her best friend. Instead, she’s spending the summer
trapped at Storm Lake with her too loud, too thrifty, and too Indian family.
Luckily, Bee finds a place to escape her embarrassment—a magical house across
the lake that transforms her into the cool girl she always wanted to be. Maybe
cottage life isn’t so bad after all! But strange dreams are haunting Bee, and
there’s a chill in her bones she just can’t shake. Bee follows her hunch—and
the scent of gingerbread—to Lucas, the dorky boy next door. He thinks there are
ghosts in the forest, but new friend Alina tells her what Bee has feared all
There’s a witch at Storm Lake. And she’s coming for Bee.
Follower
News
Before we
get to Emi’s interview, I have Follower News to share.
L. Diane
Wolfe has a new release, In Darkness: The Werewolf. Here’s a blurb:
On her own in England, Vicki trains at a
prestigious fencing school. Face marred by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of
Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals his genuine interest and they begin
to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she wonders why he’s so shy and
reclusive. Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every
werewolf legend is shattered by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie
accepts his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they
trust love enough to overcome their physical challenges? And here’s a few
links: http://www.spunkonastick.net/ - Spunk On A Stick Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRR4VLN7/
iTunes - https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6445310855
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165994548
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Ree Augustine has a debut middle grade release, Hangabout: Far From Home. Here's blurb: Hangabout, a puppy whose body has just grown into his long teardrop ears, searches for his keeper, who, unbeknownst to Hangabout, has abandoned him. A story of homelessness, a friendship tried, and growing into oneself unfolds in this timeless journey. And here are a few links:
ebook Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Hangabout-Far-Home-Ree-Augustine-ebook/dp/B0CG7L1B35/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1693289119&sr=8-1print Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Hangabout-Far-Home-Ree-Augustine/dp/1949935566/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1693289119&sr=8-1signed copy OBP:
https://www.orangeblossombooks.com/store/p57/Hangabout%3A_Far_From_Home_%2ASigned_Copy%2A.htmlRee's website:
http://www.reeaugustine.com/
Interview
with Emi Pinto
Hi Emi!
Thanks so much for joining us.
1. Tell us
about yourself and how you became a writer.
I’m not sure. I was that kid in school who always had a book
on the top left corner of my desk, and anytime the teacher paused, I would whip
it out and continue reading. Writing kind of came out of that naturally. I
started writing here and there in high school, and then picked it up again in
my twenties. And haven’t stopped since.
2. I always
had a book with me too. Where did you get the idea for Bee Bakshi and the
Gingerbread Sisters?
I was
actually inspired by an actual trip to a cottage with my family – being
surrounded by pine trees and watching bugs skid over the lake – it was just an
inspiring place. And that’s where Bee was born. Of course, there was no witch
after me or a haunted house across the lake, but I will say that some of the
ghosts may have been real;)
About
Your Writing Process
3. Your story is inspired by Hansel
and Gretel. What are your tips on writing a story based on a fairytale but
making the story unique?
I actually
didn’t set out to write a fairytale retelling (as you’ll see in the next
question, I don’t usually set out with a plan of any kind!). About halfway
through writing the first draft of this ghost story I realized that it kind of
sort of had a Hansel and Gretel vibe to it. After that I went back and added
fun elements from the original fairytale (like the mention of breadcrumbs), and
then in the later drafts I began to tie things together even more.
4. That’s cool that the fairytale
retelling happened while you were writing and that you changed your story a bit
once you realized how your story was emerging. Were you a punster, a plotter,
or a combination of both when writing this manuscript? Has your plotting
process changed and if so, why?
I am
definitely a pantser – I did not have any outline when I started this story,
just a location and a vague image of Bee and Alina. With having deadlines now,
I certainly try and do some plotting in hopes of streamlining my process and
saving some time, but often I just end up back into pantsing and discovery
writing. Luckily it’s worked out so far.
5. Readers have said that your story
is a page-turner with mysteries and spookiness that left them guessing to the
end. What techniques did you use to keep the pace going and make readers want
to turn the page?
This is
where my incredible editor’s advice came in handy – tension always needs to be
building. From the very start, I try to build in spookiness and questions.
(That loon’s call sounds so eerie, jeez it gives me the creeps.) Then, with
each chapter, I raise the spooky stakes, adding a little bit more scary (Okay
so the loons are definitely after me, what’s going on? Gasp, wait, are they
following orders?). Until finally it reaches heart of the mystery. (Aaahhh! You
get the idea)
Your
Road to Publication
6. Your agent is Emily Forney. How
did she become your agent and what was your road to publication like?
It
took a long time for me to start querying. By the time I did, I had written
five books, and I think - for me - this played a part in why I was fortunate
enough to only have to dip my toes into the query trenches. Emily was the
first agent to extend an offer of representation, I felt instantly that I could
trust her, and the rest is history.
7. Share about your experience going
on submission. What tips do you have for authors going on submission for the
first time?
Believe it
or not, the first book that went on submission did not work out. It was a very
draining process – there is nothing to do but wait really, and wish upon a
wishing star if you can find one, and draw angel cards, and eat copious amounts
of delicious ice cream, and most importantly write the next book. We did get
some bites, but after about six months, we decided to pull it. And then my new
book went on sub. Two months later I was chatting with editors trying to see
who would be the best fit. When the right story lands in the right
person's hands, it's magic.
Promoting
Your Book
8. Yum! I like your idea of eating
lots of ice cream. How are you marketing your book and developing your online
platform? Is there any part of the process that you wished you’d started
earlier?
Ah
marketing. I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’m very good at it. I try to put my
energy into a few things – my website, and my two main social media platforms.
I also lean on my publishing debut group a lot for marketing tips and insights
– finding a support group/community I think is key. Other than that, my
publisher does a lot of work getting reviews, giveaways, etc. One thing I’m
looking forward to is school visits, but that won’t come until the book is out.
9. Joining a debut group sounds like
a really helpful resource. How are you balancing out the promotion of this book
with the need to work on your next manuscript?
Terribly.
But like I mentioned, my publisher does a lot of the marketing, and anything I
can add to that is just a bonus. I usually get some good writing/editing in
during my lunch break or in the evenings. But I’m also balancing a full-time
job, and I have a wonderful loving adorable baby that I gladly give all of my
time to, so sometimes balance means taking a break from writing and promo 😀.
10. What are you working on now?
It’s a
secret. But there will be ghosts
Thanks for sharing all your advice,
Emi. You can find Emi at:
https://www.emipinto.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71492840-bee-bakshi-and-the-gingerbread-sisters
https://twitter.com/EmiDPinto
https://www.instagram.com/emidpinto/
Giveaway
Details
Emi is generously offering a hardback of Bee Bakshi and the
Gingerbread Sisters for a
giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be
a follower of my blog (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on
the right sidebar) and leave a comment by September 30th. If your email
is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter the
contest. Please be sure I have your email address.
If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or
your blog and/or follow me on Twitter or Emi on her social media sites, mention
this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry for each. You must be 13
years old or older to enter. This book giveaway is U.S. and Canada.
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is hosted by Greg Pattridge.
You can find the participating blogs on his blog.
Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops
Monday, September 25 I
have an agent spotlight interview with Jen Newens and a query critique giveaway
Sunday, October 1st I'm participating in the Scaredy Cat Giveaway Hop
Wednesday, October 4
I have an interview with debut author Kellie Parker and a giveaway of her YA
thriller Thin Air
Thursday, October 5 I’m
participating in the Howl-O-Ween Giveaway Hop
Monday, October 9 I
have an interview with debut author Sean O’Brien and a giveaway of his MG
historical White House Clubhouse
Wednesday, October 11
I have an agent spotlight interview with Lane Clarke and a query critique
giveaway
Monday, October 16 I
have an agent spotlight interview with Jane Chun and a query critique giveaway and am participating in the Silly Pumpkin Giveaway Hop
Monday, October 23 I
have an interview with debut author Elisa
Stone Leahy and a giveaway of her MG contemporary Tethered to Other Stars
Hope to see you on
Monday!
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