Katy Walker's Blog, page 3

Interview with author Derek Borne!

Please welcome Author Derek Borne to THE KATY today! Derek has a new release this Saturday, May 13th! Be sure to check out the link below his bio to preorder. 

[image error]Derek Borne is the name, and superhero espionage is his game. An up-and-coming science fiction author, he will be releasing the first novel in his “Ultimate Agent” series later this year. A construction worker from Canada, when he’s not writing, he’s playing guitar, randomly breaking into song, and geeking out over whatever Marvel project is coming out next.

Amazon Pre-order – https://goo.gl/upz2UR

Goodreads – https://goo.gl/Y0MK9K

Official Website – www.derekborne.weebly.com

Twitter – @db_ultimagent

Facebook – www.facebook.com/Derek.Borne.Author/

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/derekborne/

How did you decide to become an author? Any books, movie, or people that inspired you to pursue your dream?

When I was little, my mom bought me one of those old-school tape recorders. I’m pretty sure I wore it out by the number of stories I would tell into it. Listening to and reading Robert Munsch stories kindled my love of being a storyteller.

Over the years, I attempted to write my own movie sequels just for fun, followed by some original work to let my imagination go wild and improve on my writing. It quickly became a hobby and a passion that I couldn’t let go of.

Are you self-published or traditionally published? Why did you choose to go that route?

Originally I self-published my novels, because I never thought about trying to make it big in the “author world”, but to only be able to say “I did it!” It was only a few months ago when I joined a rather awesome Facebook group called “Band of Dystopian Authors”, and made connections with some crazy-amazing people who encouraged me to really put myself out there and take pride in my work. I wouldn’t be getting as far as I am without those wonderful people!

Are you a plotter or a panster? 

Is it possible to have a plot in your pants, and have the ideas randomly trickle… okay, sorry, too far… but that’s kinda how it’s worked for me. When I wrote my first novel at the age of 14, I was definitely a panster. I knew my basic plot, and found that I never knew what was going to happen next until something popped into my mind that somehow worked.

Imagination is an amazing thing, why hinder it’s abilities to surprise even yourself?

What draws you to writing about superheroes?

For those who don’t know me well, I’m a HUGE “Marvel” fan. Their ability to take a character with superhuman powers, yet remind you that they’re still human is fantastic.

[image error]Heroes are something that’s far and few between these days, so to create my own was an exciting venture, bringing to life characters that readers can look up to and hopefully identify with. Also, the thought of adding to the genre and telling my own story was exciting to undertake, while trying my best to put a new spin on it.

If you could have any special powers (and could actually choose what those powers were), what would it be?

Oh man, this is the question to top all questions. Would it be cheating to say I’d have the ability to use any power I wanted? I guess that’s bordering on omnipotence…

I guess if I was to choose only one, I would want the ability to take away people’s pains, physical or emotional.

Tell us about the Ultimate Agent!

He’s a really nice guy who saves people… Oh, you mean what’s the book about?

“The Ultimate Agent” is about a civilian who unconventionally becomes part of an American espionage group called the “Ultimate Agency” or UA for short. Through the use of genetics they’re able to ‘give’ people super powers or abilities. Their reason for doing so, a Russian spy organization can do the same thing. It becomes an ‘arms race’ for super powers between the two.

But there are questions when it comes to super powers. Should everyone rely on super powers to take down the threat? How far can you push with how genetics work? And how many super powers can the human body handle?

Do any of your characters represent you as a whole or someone you know? Or are they qualities you admire in others?

I’ve been told by a friend that every character has a little bit of ‘me’ in them. For the most part, each character is based on someone in my life that has made an impact in one way or another. What better way to honour that person than putting them in a novel!

Are there any genres of literature or movies that you won’t read or watch? What’s your favorite genre to read/watch?

I stay away from horror and erotica, and anything over-the-top gory.

As I mentioned before, I generally stick to my Marvel movies and shows. Anything sci-fi, really. Although, I’m a sucker for musicals and rom-coms, but that’s the singer/romantic in me. Book-wise, I’ve been getting into some dystopian by M.A. Phipps, and I’m hooked!

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? 

Ultimately, figure out what you’re writing for. Are you doing it for the glory/money? Chances are if you are, it’s going to be a hard road to travel with some emotional bumps along the way.

But if you’re doing it for yourself, for the love of the art, and for those who appreciate you and your talent, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts in more ways than you can imagine. And I know everyone says this, but, keep writing. No matter what. Listen to your heart and your imagination.

Any upcoming projects you’d like to share?

I’m currently into revamping the 2nd book in my “Ultimate Agent” trilogy, but before I undertook it I was halfway done working on book #4 in the series. So once the 2nd and 3rd book rewrites are finished, I’ll be back to tackling that one.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Don’t focus on the ‘what-I-could’ve-done’s, focus on the ‘what-I-can-do-today’s. Why not be someone’s hero today?

Can you tell us about the fabulous prize you’re giving away today?

The winner will be receiving their choice of a UA hero t-shirt, personalized mug, and a signed copy of “The Ultimate Agent”!

Thank you for joining me on THE KATY today, Derek! Everyone be sure to enter the giveaway below! It will give you the option to share for more entries after you complete the form.

Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology Author Interview with Grey Nebel!

I’ve enjoyed interviewing these young authors so much over the last few weeks. I know that their stories and interviews will inspire other teens to pursue writing (or anything else they put their minds to)! One last interview for you and release day is on Monday (5/1)! Be sure to preorder your copy of the Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology!

To learn more about Alternate Ending Publications and the project titled the Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology, visit their Facebook page! To preorder the anthology, click here!

[image error]Grey Nebel, a young Atlanta-based writer, finds herself entirely guided by her right brain. As an actress, technical theatre worker, writer, and all-around nerd, she has enjoyed stories since she has enjoyed walking (hint: a long time).

She suffers from a severe tea addiction, prides herself on her knowledge of world history, and learn languages to fill her free time (what better way to improve on English than writing a story, right?). Led by spontaneity, she hopes to make her dreams come true. Be it writing or climbing a mountain, Grey has hopes to do it all- after all, she only gets to live once!

How long have you been writing? Did any person, book, or movie inspire you to write?

I have been writing for as long as I can remember- it started small as one-act plays and short stories about my dog, and gradually evolved into NaNoWriMo entries, and now a publication (!!). Because I have been writing for so long, I can’t exactly say what exactly made me start, but it’s certainly not something I regret!

Where did you get inspiration for your new spin on a classic fairy tale?

Oddly enough, my grandmother. We were talking one day at her kitchen table and out of nowhere, inspiration struck.

If you could live in any book world for one week, what fictional place would you choose and why? What does your world look like?

Hogwarts. I grew up with the Harry Potter series, and whenever I read it (which is far too often) it’s just something that really resonates within me, y’know? There’s something about the idea of J. K. Rowling’s version of witches, wizards, and magic that fascinates and enthralls me, and out of all the fiction novels I’ve read, hers is the one I wish I could spend more time with.

What excites you most about being chosen by Alternate Ending Publications to take part in this innovative anthology project?

Oh, dear… probably the reality that it’s my writing and my ideas being read and well-received, if that makes sense. Again, I’ve been writing for a long time and this is the first time I’ve ever actually let my stories do more than sit on a flash drive. The mother of a friend of mine showed me this competition and I kind of told myself to just do it- what did I have to lose? So being told that I was chosen for this was… insanity. I mean, my writing is considered good by other people? Professionals, at that? I still find it crazy (in all the right ways).

What was your favorite fairy tale growing up?

The Little Mermaid, no doubt about it. Actually, when I was younger I would reenact a scene with my mom every night before I went to bed, where I played Ariel and she was Ursula. I was just a little bit obsessed.

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What is your favorite genre to read and what makes you gravitate to that particular type of story?

Honestly, my favorite books are the classic books. I’ve truly never been big on YA novels, as odd as that sounds coming from a YA writer. Classic books have a certain grace to them, a raw aspect of writing in their diction that is something truly special- each word seems to be almost hand-crafted to make the story as perfect as can be. Classic books, fiction or otherwise, are home to plots that are always deep and thorough as well, even down to the smallest detail, and often show some odd resemblance to my life and my surroundings. There is, after all, a reason they are marked as “classics” and remembered for so long!

Why do you think people are so drawn to fairy tales?

Honestly, fairy tales are some of our greatest teachers. Though they are only stories, they teach so much of what we need to know to be better people in a better society. Fairy tales tell us these messages in an indiscreet way; we not only get to fall in love with characters, but we get to fall in love with a story with the best ulterior motives for its readers. It’s a fun way to learn good morals, and I feel like that’s why those types of stories are so timeless.

What’s your next project going to be? Any hints?

I’m working on a full novel now, actually. I’d give some hints if I could, but plots are a heat-of-the-moment thing for me. All I know for sure about the novel is that it’s YA fiction and deals with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

If you could bring one mystical or magical thing into reality what would it be?

The Millennium Falcon. Hands down.

What advice do you have for other kids who are interested in pursuing a path as an author? What lessons have you learned along the way?

To just go for it, and to go for it with a positive outlook. Not going to lie, I’m still expecting an e-mail from Alternate Endings reading, “YOU’VE BEEN PRANKED!” or something along those lines. If anything, that really just goes to show that it is possible to achieve your goals. Make your story something you’re proud of, and send it off! It can be scary, yeah, but when you really think about it there’s no true way to lose. If you get rejected, you became a better author along the way. But if you get accepted, you’re making your dream come true, and that’s an amazing thing. Just remember to balance your schoolwork too- grades are still super important!

Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology Author Interview with Polaris Jiminez

How about another author interview today?

Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology Author Interview with JM Bach!

Another young author interview for you today for the Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology! To learn more about Alternate Ending Publications and the project titled the Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology, visit their Facebook page! To preorder the anthology, click here!

[image error]J.M Bach believes that home is where the heart is. She’s moved six time and lived on both coasts. She now resides colorful Colorado with her parents, two sisters, three dogs, and as many books as she can find space for. She is a third-generation writer; both her mother and her mother’s mother are published authors.

From an early age, J.M. believed the best stories had a bit of magic. When she’s not writing, you find her in the barn surrounded by horses. She is also an avid superhero fan and is always waiting for the next big superhero movie to debut.

How long have you been writing? Did any person, book, or movie inspire you to write?

I have been writing for about three years, just short stories that my mom and Nana read. They were the people who inspired me to write because they were both such great storytellers.

Where did you get inspiration for your new spin on a classic fairy tale?

I was thinking about how to modernize it a little and I had just finished watching a Supernatural episode so I thought, why not not make them demon hunters? It’s a cool spin and I love to make girl characters who can kick butt.

If you could live in any book world for one week, what fictional place would you choose and why? What does your world look like?

I would choose Narnia because even if I’m not magical, like the main characters, I get to see a lot of magical creatures. My world is pretty normal looks wise, the anything thing not normal are the characters.

What excites you most about being chosen by Alternate Ending Publications to take part in this innovative anthology project?

I was the most excited by actually being chosen by people who actually write for a living. It’s really cool to be able to do my own twist on a fairy tale as well.

What was your favorite fairy tale growing up?

Jasmine and Aladdin was probably my favorite fairy tale growing up.

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What is your favorite genre to read and what makes you gravitate to that particular type of story?

Paranormal/Fantasy is my favorite genre by a long shot. I think it’s my favorite because I love the idea of a world with magic in it.

Why do you think people are so drawn to fairy tales?

It gives an escape and intrigues people with the magic of it all.

What’s your next project going to be? Any hints?

I honestly have no idea, I have almost thirty story ideas on my phone. Any of those would probably work.

If you could bring one mystical or magical thing into reality what would it be?

Camp Half-Blood from the Percy Jackson series because that might make the rest of the series real too, which would be awesome.

What advice do you have for other kids who are interested in pursuing a path as an author? What lessons have you learned along the way?

It’s okay to be nervous about letting people read your stuff, I certainly am. Don’t let it stop you from doing what you want, you never know what will happen. I’ve learned that story ideas come from everywhere and your fans, be they your family or friends, will always be there for you.

Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology Author Interview with Alexander Hartman!

 

How about another interview today? For fun?