Interview with Coco ma for Shadow Frost

Shadow Frost

by Coco Ma
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Release Date: October 1st 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

IN THE KINGDOM OF AXARIA, a darkness rises.

Some call it a monster, laying waste to the villagers and their homes. 

Some say it is an invulnerable demon summoned from the deepest abysses of the Immortal Realm. 

Many soldiers from the royal guard are sent out to hunt it down.

Not one has ever returned. 

When Asterin Faelenhart, Princess of Axaria and heir to the throne, discovers that she may hold the key to defeating the mysterious demon terrorizing her kingdom, she vows not to rest until the beast is slain. With the help of her friends and the powers she wields — though has yet to fully understand — Asterin sets out to complete a single task. The task that countless, trained soldiers have failed. 

To kill it. 

But as they hunt for the demon, they unearth a plot to assassinate the Princess herself instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves. With no one else to turn to, they are forced to decide just how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect the only world they have ever known. 

That is, of course… if the demon doesn’t get to them first.

From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Can you briefly describe SHADOW FROST and its characters? 

One task: killing a demon that cannot die. Nine magical powers based on the elements. Seven people willing to sacrifice anything to save the world as they know it. Some of them are secretly royals, but you’ll have to read the book to find out who!

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

I keep changing my favourite character every time I get asked this question, so my default answer from now on is going to be Lux. He’s a very temperamental horse with a mind of his own and I will always adore him.

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere? 

I’ve always been enamored with fairy tales and fairy tale retellings, so I definitely think Shadow Frost (and subsequent books) are an homage to that love. The sequel is inspired by quite a few myths and tales, but Shadow Frost itself definitely gravitates to one in particular, with a few subtle nods here and there to other stories.

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be? 

Wow, that’s such a hard question! I literally spent the last ten minutes scrolling through my Spotify playlists and couldn’t find a good answer. So I’m just going to go with bad guy, or all the good girls go to hell, or basically any other Billie Eilish song because I love her. WAIT, NO. GO THE DISTANCE FROM THE DISNEY HERCULES SOUNDTRACK. YES.

Fall is here, and we love to go out and find the perfect cosy spot. What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date? 

As a general aesthetic, spiced apple cider, afternoon walks in the forest once the leaves start falling so you can crush them under your feet, and warm fuzzy sweaters! ʕ □□□ ʔ *:･ﾟ✧

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish SHADOW FROST? 

The first three books I’m going to be reading after I finish revising the sequel are Serpent & Dove, Gideon the Ninth, and The Priory of the Orange Tree! Not to sound like I don’t enjoy revising, but I cannot wait to read something that I did not write myself!!!

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book? 

Reworking plot points that you did not plan out properly or forgot existed, haha.

What’s next for you? 

Sequel to Shadow Frost! Make sure to read all the way to the end of the book to catch a sneak peek! ;) I’m also heading to YALLFest in November, which I’m crazy excited about!

Coco Ma is a Canadian-Chinese author and pianist. She wrote her first novel, Shadow Frost, at the age of 15. Since she began playing the piano at the age of five and a half, she has also performed on some of the world's greatest concert stages and graduated with a pre-college diploma in piano performance from The Juilliard School in New York City. Currently, she studies at Yale University. When she isn't practicing piano, writing, or studying, you might find her bingeing Netflix or eating cake. Lots of cake.

Follow Coco on Twitter @shadowfrost2019 and Instagram @CakeForCoco or visit her website at Coco-Ma.com!

Blackstone Publishing is giving away to the first 150 entrants (1) signed bookplate, (1) Shadow Frost bookmark, (1) Shadow Frost button, and (1) Blackstone Publishing tote bag.

All you need to do is, pre-order Shadow Frost (links above) and fill out the form (click on this link).

Shadow Frost pre-order prize pack, sponsored by Blackstone Publishing, will open September 12th, 6 AM PST and close on October 1st 11:59 PM PST. The first 150 entrants will be selected and notified by email by October 22nd, 2019.

US and Canada residents only. Must be 13 years of age or older to enter. By entering the pre-order prize pack, you agree to sign up for the Blackstone Publishing Newsletter.

For more information go to Blackstone Publishing (https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/shadowfrost).

The giveaway will start on October 1st!

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Interview with Nancy Richardson Fischer for The Speed of Falling Objects

The Speed of Falling Objects

by Nancy Richardson Fischer
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: October 1st 2019
Genre: Young Adult

Synopsis:

From the author of When Elephants Fly comes an exceptional new novel about falling down, risking everything and embracing what makes us unique. Don't miss this compulsively readable novel about the most unlikely of heroes.

Danger "Danny" Danielle Warren is no stranger to falling. After losing an eye in a childhood accident, she had to relearn her perception of movement and space. Now Danny keeps her head down, studies hard, and works to fulfill everyone else's needs. She's certain that her mom's bitterness and her TV star father's absence are her fault. If only she were more-more athletic, charismatic, attractive-life would be perfect.

When her dad calls with an offer to join him to film the next episode of his popular survivalist show, Danny jumps at the chance to prove she's not the disappointment he left behind. Being on set with the hottest teen movie idol of the moment, Gus Price, should be the cherry on top. But when their small plane crashes in the Amazon, and a terrible secret is revealed, Danny must face the truth about the parent she worships and falling for Gus, and find her own inner strength and worth to light the way home.

Can you briefly describe THE SPEED OF FALLING OBJECTS and its characters? 

Danger “Danny” Danielle Warren is no stranger to falling. After losing an eye in a childhood accident, she had to relearn her perception of movement and space. Now Danny keeps her head down, studies hard, and works to fulfill everyone else’s needs. She's certain that her mom’s bitterness and her TV star father’s absence are her fault. If only she were more—more athletic, charismatic, attractive—life would be perfect. 

When her dad calls with an offer to join him to film the next episode of his popular survivalist show, Danny jumps at the chance to prove she’s not the disappointment he left behind. Being on set with the hottest teen movie idol of the moment, Gus Price, should be the cherry on top. But when their small plane crashes in the Amazon, and a terrible secret is revealed, Danny must face the truth about the parent she worships and falling for Gus, and find her own inner strength and worth to light the way home. 

Danger Danielle Warren, nicknamed Danny, is a timid young woman who sees herself as defective, inferior and an embarrassment based on an accident that caused her to lose one eye, childhood teasing, and her father’s abandonment. Her journey through THE SPEED OF FALLING OBJECTS forces her to question the past, discover her unique abilities and redefine herself in order to love herself, allow others to love her, and become the hero of her own life’s story. 

Cougar Warren is a charming, handsome, TV survivalist. His past has created his needs and persona and the plane crash in the Amazon will uncover many of his amazing abilities and terrible flaws. Whether he will recognize the latter and reconnect with the daughter he abandoned is uncertain. 

Gus Price has been a famous actor since childhood. He supports his mother and three brothers, is on autopilot in terms of work, and allows others to shape his image. The plane crash, loss, and tragedies in the rainforest will set him on a journey to question who he wants to be in the future and whether that future will include Danny. 

Jupiter Jones is the sound tech for Cougar’s TV show. He’s the product of a tough single mother’s love, knows who he is and what’s most important to him. He overflows with kindness, especially toward Danny. 

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why? 

My favourite character is definitely Danny. She has an incredible journey from a scared young woman to a fierce, one-eyed warrior, who faces hard truths and buried secrets yet still finds empathy and compassion for those who have hurt her, and maintains the ability to be kind while struggling to survive in the Amazon rainforest. 

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere? 

First, I am a HUGE fan of survival stories whether they’re on the high seas, atop remote mountains, or in jungles or deserts. People under intense physical and emotional pressure truly discover who they are, at their core, and can become heroes if they have what it takes. 

Second, I wanted to dig into the idea of how we define ourselves. Many of us, myself included, use the past, which contains tragedies, stories, misperceptions, and even lies to create who we believe we are. The idea, with Danny, is to take a young woman who defined herself as defective and allow her to understand that the building blocks of the persona she created aren’t true. Once Danny realizes that, she’s free to create the person she wants to be… if she’s brave enough to try. 

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be? 

When I wrote this novel I listened a fair bit to the A Star is Born soundtrack. Something about the lyrics from Shallow resonated with me and made me think of Danny. The plane Danny was on has crashed in the Amazon. Some are dead, others injured. Everything in the rainforest terrifies her. And yet, as the story progresses and Danny faces her many fears and comes to terms with the past, she becomes so much more than she ever dreamed, and she starts to metaphorically fly. The danger of flying is hitting the ground, but in Danny’s case, if she believes enough in herself, she’ll soar. And, perhaps, Gus will find the strength to eventually soar with her. 

Below are the verses from Shallow that I loved… 

I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in 

I'll never meet the ground 

Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us 

We're far from the shallow now 

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters?

Cougar: Bradley Cooper 

Danny: Elle Fanning 

Gus: Ansel Elgort 

Sam: Reese Witherspoon 

Jupiter: Daniel Kaluuya 

Fall is here, and we love to go out and find the perfect cosy spot. What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date? 

I’d say an iced tea and anywhere without bugs, snakes scorpions and tarantulas, so that you can feel peaceful while immersed in the terrifying atmosphere of the Amazon rainforest. 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish THE SPEED OF FALLING OBJECTS? 

Day Zero by Kelly deVos for an edge-of-your-seat ride. The Guest Book by Sarah Blake for a gorgeous story about identity. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell for a thought provoking read. The Black Witch series by Laurie Forest for an epic fantasy adventure.

What’s next for you? 

My next novel is called THE STORY COLLECTOR. It’s about twins, Hugo and Kat, who live in the same house but couldn’t be more different. Kat is driven, goal oriented, and certain. Hugo is rudderless, attends tons of concerts, and does his share and more of drugs. On their 18th birthday Hugo attempts suicide and as he teeters between life and death, Kat learns that she’s his medical proxy, responsible for making the decision of whether to terminate life support. But Kat barely knows Hugo or what he’d want. The Story Collector is about her journey to truly understand her brother before she makes this decision, by attending a fire sculpture and music festival he loved. Over three days she faces the past and deeply buried secrets in order to know her brother, herself, and to embrace an uncertain future.

I'm a published author with children's, teen and adult titles including: The Golden Globe, Lyric's World and Promises (Junior Jedi Knights Trilogy) for LucasFilm (Berkeley Press), Feel No Fear, The Power, Passion and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics (Hyperion), Monica: From Fear to Victory (HarperCollins), A Journey: The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno (Simon & Schuster), Nadia Comaneci: Letters to a Young Gymnast (Basic Books), and Winning Every Day with Shannon Miller (Bantam Books). 

I've written for a circus, a graduate school, tried my hand at waitressing (I was terrible!), baking carrot cakes (I was messy but good!), and been lucky enough to ultimately do what I love - write.

I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and our mostly wonderful (but sometimes vorpal) Vizsla. When I'm not conjuring a story, I love to kite-board, bike, ski or plan adventures with my two guys, who both make me laugh for different reasons and are the best partners in fun a gal could ever imagine.

If you want to learn more about my latest novel, When Elephants Fly (publication date September 04, HarperCollins/Harlequin Teen), please visit my website: www.nancyrichardsonfischer.com

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Interview with Lindsey Duga for Glow of The Fireflies

Glow of the Fireflies

by Lindsey Duga
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Release Date: October 1st 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

Briony never planned to go back to the place she lost everything.

Firefly Valley, nestled deep within the Smoky Mountains, is better kept in her past. After an unexplained fire gave Briony amnesia, her mother disappeared and her dad moved them to Knoxville.

But now her grandmother needs a caretaker and Briony's dad volunteers her to help. The moment she returns, her whole world shifts. She feels a magical connection to this valley, as if it's literally part of her somehow.

And when she meets a hot guy who claims he was her childhood friend but now mysteriously keeps his distance, Briony starts piecing together her missing past...and discovers her mother didn't leave to start a new life somewhere. She's trapped in the hidden world within the valley.

Now, Briony will do whatever it takes to rescue her, even if it means standing up against dangerously powerful nature spirits. Even if it means giving up her first love.

Can you briefly describe GLOW OF THE FIREFLIES and its characters? 

Briony Redwrell is missing the first ten years of her life. After a fire in her hometown stole her memories and tore her family apart, her father moves them both to Knoxville. The move is a desperate attempt to leave the tragedy, and the fact that Briony’s mother left them, in their past. 

Six years after the fire, Briony’s grandmother breaks her leg and she needs a caretaker. Eager to find out more about her lost childhood—who she was before the fire, Briony accepts the job. 

But she doesn’t go back to Firefly Valley alone. Her best friend, Izzie, accompanies her for moral support. The minute they arrive, Briony gets a phone call from a demolition company that is supposed to be bulldozing down her old home. Knowing this may be her last chance to find clues at her old house, she goes back to the charred house. There, she encounters a handsome teenage boy whom she follows into a world beyond the physical plane. 

In the ethereal plane, nature spirits exist and mana controls the earth elements. It is there where she discovers that Alder—the guy she followed—isn’t just a childhood friend. He’s a nature spirit. It’s also where she encounters her mother who left six years ago. Her mother claims to be trapped within the spirit world and needs these so-called “spirit gates” to be opened in order for her to pass back to the physical world. 

Her mother sends an emissary in the form of a sarcastic fox spirit named Raysh to lead her to the gates. But she needs Alder’s help to open them. And while Alder would do anything for Briony, he fears her getting too close to the world and its spirits who stole everything from her in the first place. Including himself. 

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why? 

Is it cliché if I say my main guy?

Alder stole my heart. When I first wrote him I intended him to be aloof and mysterious, but instead he came out to be this really sweet, endearing, open, and caring guy. He’s also a bit of a dork. He likes puns and old cartoon shows like the The Ninja Turtles. 

One trope that I absolutely adore is childhood sweethearts, and y’all…this book is it. Alder is a one-woman, one-heart kind of guy and ever since he was a kid he’s been absolutely in love with Briony. I’m just really pleasantly surprised with the way he turned out. 

Second favourite character would be Izzie. She just gets to have so many fun lines as Briony’s BFF. 

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere? 

The setting came from a trip that I took to the Smokies when I was in college. My friends and I camped out in a cabin, built a bonfire, made s’mores, canoed across a lake, and went to a small town drive-in. It was one of the best trips I’d ever been on and it made me fall in love with the Smokies. I spent long summers in West Virginia catching fireflies in the front yard with my cousins and my great aunt had the most amazing, beautiful garden…all these things inspired Firefly Valley and one of the main themes of this book: nostalgia. 

We tend to long for the past, but what’s it like if you long for a past you can’t remember? It was that idea that lead me to create Briony’s backstory and the main conflict of the book. 

Besides my own experiences, I drew a lot of inspiration from Studio Ghibli. In fact, three separate Ghibli movies inspired the plot and setting: 

Princess Mononoke (the nature spirits and nature gods were obviously a great inspiration to GLOW. I created the wisps thinking about the kodamas!) 

Spirited Away (Briony also gets transported to a mysterious spirit world and must save a parent!) 

The Secret of Arietty (The aesthetic of the cottage and forest in this film greatly influenced Gran’s cottage in the book.) 

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

Fireflies by Colin & Caroline

I must’ve listened to this song a thousand times when I was editing this book. It’s so representative of the story that even though I came up with the idea BEFORE I heard this song (a friend showed it to me after my second draft) I wonder if I wrote this book for this song. GLOW OF THE FIREFLIES is like its full-length featured music video! 

Fall is here or almost here, and we love to go out and find the perfect cosy spot. What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date? 

This book was written off matcha soy lattes. So I would say grab one of those (or some kind of iced sweet tea) and find a porch swing. There’s nothing better than swinging back and forth and letting your toes drag across the sun-warmed wood as you flip that next page… 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish GLOW OF THE FIREFLIES? 

I don’t know of too many books about nature spirits, but these books have some similarities to mine: 

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater – I’m sure everyone has heard of The Raven Cycle series, but it honestly it can’t be mentioned enough. It’s so GREAT. The setting takes place in Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridges. I’d say the aesthetic is pretty close to GLOW. 

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr – Fae! Faeries are pretty close to nature spirits. If you’re into fae and destined love this book might be for you.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black – A small town with secrets, a mystical forest, and fae!  

What’s next for you? 

My next novel coming out will actually be a middle-grade ghost story called The Haunting. It will be in Scholastic Clubs and Fairs, and also available in B&N. I’m really excited about it since it’s my middle-grade debut and I’ve been dying to break into the age group for a while! Plus, I grew up reading these kind spooky ghost stories when I was a kid. I pretty much consumed all the Mary Downing Hahn and Betty Ren Wright books by the time I was in sixth grade. 

As far as YA goes, I’m actually working on a paranormal romance novel set in the Roaring 20’s! Think Great Gatsby meets This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab. I hope to have news to share on it soon!

Lindsey Duga is a middle grade and young adult writer with a passion for fantasy, science fiction, and basically any genre that takes you away from the real world. She wrote her first novel in college while she was getting her bachelor’s in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University.

Other than writing and cuddling with her morkie puppy, Delphi, Lindsey loves catching up on the latest superhero TV show and practicing yoga.

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