Kim Baccellia's Blog, page 17
May 15, 2011
Human pin cushion
I hate having my blood drawn. Why? Well, I'm a hard draw meaning my veins are deep and to top that they roll. Not fun. When I was going through infertility treatments in which I'd have up to 3-4 blood draws a week, well, the techs would hide when I came upstairs.
Yes, I'm that hard.
I tell them I'm a hard draw and not to take it personally if they can't find a vein.
Well, today at Quest guess how many times I was picked until they found a vein?
Not once.
Not twice.
Not three times.
Not even four times.
Nope, five times.
I swear I felt like this afterwards:
Plus I had to fast so I thought I'd pass out like this one huge guy in the chair next to me did.
But thank you April! She was able to find the mysterious vein and get 6 small tubes filled. I told her if she did I'd love her forever.
So glad that's over. Afterwards I went and treated self to a Diet cherry chocolate fountain drink.
Yeah, I deserved it.
Yes, I'm that hard.
I tell them I'm a hard draw and not to take it personally if they can't find a vein.
Well, today at Quest guess how many times I was picked until they found a vein?
Not once.
Not twice.
Not three times.
Not even four times.
Nope, five times.
I swear I felt like this afterwards:
Plus I had to fast so I thought I'd pass out like this one huge guy in the chair next to me did.
But thank you April! She was able to find the mysterious vein and get 6 small tubes filled. I told her if she did I'd love her forever.
So glad that's over. Afterwards I went and treated self to a Diet cherry chocolate fountain drink.
Yeah, I deserved it.
May 12, 2011
Friday Five
1. ARE YOU GOING TO KISS ME NOW?
This is a hilarious romp where celebrity and reality worlds collide. I was in stitches, I laughed so much.
Here's my YA Books Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=books.review&review_id=22977
2. HOURGLASS
Regina, the editor at Egmont, found out I didn't receive a copy of this book and asked me if I'd like to read it. Uh, yeah?
Egmont is so great! And this book is so exception. I thought it was a paranormal but no, it's much more. Think time travel/romance/mystery all rolled into one. Loving this story.
3. VAMPIRE DIARIES Stefan's Diary 3
This is Vampire Diaries based on the TV show. Need I say more?
4. DARK PARTIES
Ooh, loving dystopias. This one looked really good. I'm reviewing it for Dark Faery Book Tours.
5. Pandora Internet radio
Tricia(PJ) Hoover told me how Pandora has an app for the Nook Color. I ended up having dh set up an account. Let's just say I'm looking this! I ended up putting in artists that reflect the mood of the book I'm working on.
**Guilty pleasure:
I have to wait what I eat because I have to have blood drawn tomorrow for my specialist appointment next Friday. But afterwards I plan on having a Ruby's Diner Diet Cherry Coke with chocolate. Nom.
This is a hilarious romp where celebrity and reality worlds collide. I was in stitches, I laughed so much.
Here's my YA Books Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=books.review&review_id=22977
2. HOURGLASS
Regina, the editor at Egmont, found out I didn't receive a copy of this book and asked me if I'd like to read it. Uh, yeah?
Egmont is so great! And this book is so exception. I thought it was a paranormal but no, it's much more. Think time travel/romance/mystery all rolled into one. Loving this story.
3. VAMPIRE DIARIES Stefan's Diary 3
This is Vampire Diaries based on the TV show. Need I say more?
4. DARK PARTIES
Ooh, loving dystopias. This one looked really good. I'm reviewing it for Dark Faery Book Tours.
5. Pandora Internet radio
Tricia(PJ) Hoover told me how Pandora has an app for the Nook Color. I ended up having dh set up an account. Let's just say I'm looking this! I ended up putting in artists that reflect the mood of the book I'm working on.
**Guilty pleasure:
I have to wait what I eat because I have to have blood drawn tomorrow for my specialist appointment next Friday. But afterwards I plan on having a Ruby's Diner Diet Cherry Coke with chocolate. Nom.
May 11, 2011
Pandora
Totally loving my Nook Color and also found out about another app feature:
I can download Pandora on my Nook Color!
http://www.pandora.com/#/
This is Internet radio at it's best. I ended up chosing some artists I love and they use their songs plus others that reflect that same kind of music.
My favorites so far?
Linkin Park
Plumb
Paramore
These reflect the mood of my sequel CROSS FIRE.
Taylor Swift
Is perfect for NO GODDESSES ALLOWED
Still trying to find some for my sekrit project. Looking for something futuristic with a Latin beat. Any ideas?
I can download Pandora on my Nook Color!
http://www.pandora.com/#/
This is Internet radio at it's best. I ended up chosing some artists I love and they use their songs plus others that reflect that same kind of music.
My favorites so far?
Linkin Park
Plumb
Paramore
These reflect the mood of my sequel CROSS FIRE.
Taylor Swift
Is perfect for NO GODDESSES ALLOWED
Still trying to find some for my sekrit project. Looking for something futuristic with a Latin beat. Any ideas?
May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers and mother's to be out there. Here's a little something that reminds me of my mother who loves Elvis Presley:
A photo of my mother--on the far left hand side and skinny me back in the early 80s visiting family in Oregon.
A photo of my mother--on the far left hand side and skinny me back in the early 80s visiting family in Oregon.
Yay, back to writing
I'm done with scoring! Now it's back to writing. I was going through YouTube to find more songs to help inspire me and found this from Linkin Park:
http://youtu.be/kXYiU_JCYtU
I really think it reflects how Stephanie feels toward her mother. Numb after all the lies and secrets she's held.
http://youtu.be/kXYiU_JCYtU
I really think it reflects how Stephanie feels toward her mother. Numb after all the lies and secrets she's held.
May 5, 2011
THE MIRROR OF YU-HUANG
Today I'm hosting MG author Christine Norris on her virtual book tour. I really enjoyed her book THE MIRROR OF YU-HUANG Book three of The Library of Athena series and was happy to get a chance to interview her.
Here's some interview questions I had for Christine:
My first question has to be what inspired you to write The Library of Athena series?
Oh, gosh I can't even remember, it was so long ago. I want to say that I think I planned on writing a book with a magic library; I wanted something different from my first book, which was more of a standard fantasy story. I love Greek mythology and I think the idea to include other world mythologies came after I started.
I knew I wanted to write a series. This was all before Percy Jackson came out —I think the first of that series came out in 2005, and I was thinking of the first book in the series, started writing in late 2004. I spent most of 2005 laid up with a broken leg, so I didn't get out much. I wrote the first two books in the series that year, and spent the next year revising them and getting them out to publishers.
What character gave you the toughest time to write?
I think Megan, the main character, was the hardest to write at first. The other girls seemed to come much more easily—Rachel especially. Some of the reviews of the earlier books I think reflect how hard it was to write her. But she and I have gotten to know each other over the years, and she's getting easier. She's still trying to figure herself out in many ways, and she still stumbles every now and then.
You probably know that Eihab, my brother-in-law, is an Egyptian national. He helped in my own upcoming book with the Egyptian mythology. What were your favorite places to do research for your book?
I use different sources. For THE MIRROR OF YU-HUANG, I bought a couple of Chinese Fairy Tale and Chinese mythology books. Then I used the internet to hunt down some other stuff. I always cross-reference (like a good librarian) my sources, to make sure I'm not using some myth that someone made up. Chinese mythology is really different than any of the others I've used; there's not as many hero stories to choose from.
Which scene was the hardest for you to write? Which scene was your favorite?
It was the most fun to write the ball scene. I am a total girly-girl at heart, so pretty dresses and flashy bling make my inner-little-girl squee. My favorite scene? Oh man, I don't know! I think maybe the ball scene was also my favorite—there's a lot in there to like. But I like the scene leading to the climax too. I can't tell you about it, that would spoil it.
Who would your ideal cast be if a movie was made?
I cannot think of anyone! I know I'm completely lame, but I can never think of anybody to fill those characters. Sometimes I think Ana Mulvoy Ten would be a good Harriet, but I think that's because the character she played in House of Anubis is similar. I think I'd like to find some 'new' talent, discover unknown actors like they did with Harry Potter. That'd be fun.
Some writing questions:
What do you like best about being a writer?
I think that it's a way that I can live out all my ridiculous daydreams. I run little movies in my head, where I'm the heroine, doing all these impossible things. My other favorite thing is when a reader tells me how much they liked one of my books. Because I'm totally insecure and need constant reassurance that I'm not just a legend in my own mind. LOL.
Best part of writing MG?
I think that it's being able to just let go and be silly. I have to write a good story, but I can let loose a little and not have to be so serious all the time, as if only good books are serious. I like using teenage sarcasm as voice and not having to apologize for it.
What's your writing process like?
Like a hot mess in a hurricane. I used to be kind of all over the place, just writing and writing and then sort of flailing about while I revised and rewrote. But I think I'm a little more streamlined now; I think more about characters and plot before I write. I have a block diagram that I follow, for a very general plot, and it works most of the time, but sometimes I just have to throw it out and go where the story takes me.
Do you have any writing rituals?
Yes, I sacrifice a Cadbury Cream Egg by the light of the full moon. :P No, not really. My schedule is so crazy, I just go when I get the chance. I'm usually thinking about writing when I'm not writing, so there's no ritual.
What genre would you love to write?
I've tried so many different things, I don't know that I'm looking for a new genre yet. I've read widely, but I'm still not in love with realistic fiction or romance, no real desire to try either. Maybe a verse novel, though I'm a terrible poet.
What's next for you?
I have been working on the next Library of Athena book, and I finished another YA that I hope finds a home—I've gotten a lot of good feedback about it so I hope it's really as good as they say it is! I'm starting a new job later this month, have to finish my Master's degree, and sometime in there I guess I'll find the formula for guilt-free chocolate chip cookies and broker World Peace. Just kidding about the cookies.
Here's my YA Book Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=books.review&review_id=22634
Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book, a beaded bookmark, Chinese rubber duck and paper dragon fan!
Check out Christine's other stops on her virtual book tour:
http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/04/25/the-mirror-of-yu-huang-virtual-book-tour-may-2011/
Here's some interview questions I had for Christine:
My first question has to be what inspired you to write The Library of Athena series?
Oh, gosh I can't even remember, it was so long ago. I want to say that I think I planned on writing a book with a magic library; I wanted something different from my first book, which was more of a standard fantasy story. I love Greek mythology and I think the idea to include other world mythologies came after I started.
I knew I wanted to write a series. This was all before Percy Jackson came out —I think the first of that series came out in 2005, and I was thinking of the first book in the series, started writing in late 2004. I spent most of 2005 laid up with a broken leg, so I didn't get out much. I wrote the first two books in the series that year, and spent the next year revising them and getting them out to publishers.
What character gave you the toughest time to write?
I think Megan, the main character, was the hardest to write at first. The other girls seemed to come much more easily—Rachel especially. Some of the reviews of the earlier books I think reflect how hard it was to write her. But she and I have gotten to know each other over the years, and she's getting easier. She's still trying to figure herself out in many ways, and she still stumbles every now and then.
You probably know that Eihab, my brother-in-law, is an Egyptian national. He helped in my own upcoming book with the Egyptian mythology. What were your favorite places to do research for your book?
I use different sources. For THE MIRROR OF YU-HUANG, I bought a couple of Chinese Fairy Tale and Chinese mythology books. Then I used the internet to hunt down some other stuff. I always cross-reference (like a good librarian) my sources, to make sure I'm not using some myth that someone made up. Chinese mythology is really different than any of the others I've used; there's not as many hero stories to choose from.
Which scene was the hardest for you to write? Which scene was your favorite?
It was the most fun to write the ball scene. I am a total girly-girl at heart, so pretty dresses and flashy bling make my inner-little-girl squee. My favorite scene? Oh man, I don't know! I think maybe the ball scene was also my favorite—there's a lot in there to like. But I like the scene leading to the climax too. I can't tell you about it, that would spoil it.
Who would your ideal cast be if a movie was made?
I cannot think of anyone! I know I'm completely lame, but I can never think of anybody to fill those characters. Sometimes I think Ana Mulvoy Ten would be a good Harriet, but I think that's because the character she played in House of Anubis is similar. I think I'd like to find some 'new' talent, discover unknown actors like they did with Harry Potter. That'd be fun.
Some writing questions:
What do you like best about being a writer?
I think that it's a way that I can live out all my ridiculous daydreams. I run little movies in my head, where I'm the heroine, doing all these impossible things. My other favorite thing is when a reader tells me how much they liked one of my books. Because I'm totally insecure and need constant reassurance that I'm not just a legend in my own mind. LOL.
Best part of writing MG?
I think that it's being able to just let go and be silly. I have to write a good story, but I can let loose a little and not have to be so serious all the time, as if only good books are serious. I like using teenage sarcasm as voice and not having to apologize for it.
What's your writing process like?
Like a hot mess in a hurricane. I used to be kind of all over the place, just writing and writing and then sort of flailing about while I revised and rewrote. But I think I'm a little more streamlined now; I think more about characters and plot before I write. I have a block diagram that I follow, for a very general plot, and it works most of the time, but sometimes I just have to throw it out and go where the story takes me.
Do you have any writing rituals?
Yes, I sacrifice a Cadbury Cream Egg by the light of the full moon. :P No, not really. My schedule is so crazy, I just go when I get the chance. I'm usually thinking about writing when I'm not writing, so there's no ritual.
What genre would you love to write?
I've tried so many different things, I don't know that I'm looking for a new genre yet. I've read widely, but I'm still not in love with realistic fiction or romance, no real desire to try either. Maybe a verse novel, though I'm a terrible poet.
What's next for you?
I have been working on the next Library of Athena book, and I finished another YA that I hope finds a home—I've gotten a lot of good feedback about it so I hope it's really as good as they say it is! I'm starting a new job later this month, have to finish my Master's degree, and sometime in there I guess I'll find the formula for guilt-free chocolate chip cookies and broker World Peace. Just kidding about the cookies.
Here's my YA Book Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=books.review&review_id=22634
Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book, a beaded bookmark, Chinese rubber duck and paper dragon fan!
Check out Christine's other stops on her virtual book tour:
http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/04/25/the-mirror-of-yu-huang-virtual-book-tour-may-2011/
April 28, 2011
Friday Five
Wow, I've been bad this week. This scoring gig is challenging and tough. Who knew grading 4th grade essays would be this hard?
Here's my Friday Five:
1. Yes, I admit it. I'm a huge royalty fan. I'm setting my DVR to tape the royal wedding of this year. William and Kate.
2. Reading this as part of Dark Faery Book Tour:
This is an unique modern day twist on the classic Hamlet. **Interesting how I'm reading this book during the time of William and Kate's wedding. The one character in this book is a commoner and falls for Hamlet, who's a Danish prince.
3. Got this one to read:
This premise looks intriguing: Girl with a disability gets asked out by high school football player. She thinks it's a dare and says no. Curious to see what happens next. Also it looks really pretty on my Nook Color!
4. This one has a creepy twist:
Second generation Russian American teen hates her private school and has a mega 'tude. She ends up falling into a hole and finds the bones of a girl that had died almost a century ago. Problem is this ghost wants the whole be-together-forever thingy literally. I also liked the twist in the middle of the book.
5. Yay, librarian just informed me my signed copy of CROSSED OUT is now available to check out at our library! Very cool!
Also just got this book in the mail:
I'm really excited about getting this book as my son is both gifted and has a learning disability. I loved her first book GIFTED INTENSITY and highly recommend it. Will get back and report on some of the secrets and how they worked with my son.
Plus, critique buddy PJ Hoover just announced this:
I was able to read this before she got an agent and let me tell you it's flippin' good! I'm so excited for her. Here's the link to her blog:
http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2011/04/and-in-other-newssolstice.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
It's a twist on a Greek tale that's filled with great tension and some hot characters. Loved, loved, loved it!
**Guilty pleasure:
Today need to watch diet as tomorrow is weigh in day. Still think I'll get an iced herbal tea which I'll sweeten with Splendora. My favorite has to be the Peach tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea House.
Here's my Friday Five:
1. Yes, I admit it. I'm a huge royalty fan. I'm setting my DVR to tape the royal wedding of this year. William and Kate.
2. Reading this as part of Dark Faery Book Tour:
This is an unique modern day twist on the classic Hamlet. **Interesting how I'm reading this book during the time of William and Kate's wedding. The one character in this book is a commoner and falls for Hamlet, who's a Danish prince.
3. Got this one to read:
This premise looks intriguing: Girl with a disability gets asked out by high school football player. She thinks it's a dare and says no. Curious to see what happens next. Also it looks really pretty on my Nook Color!
4. This one has a creepy twist:
Second generation Russian American teen hates her private school and has a mega 'tude. She ends up falling into a hole and finds the bones of a girl that had died almost a century ago. Problem is this ghost wants the whole be-together-forever thingy literally. I also liked the twist in the middle of the book.
5. Yay, librarian just informed me my signed copy of CROSSED OUT is now available to check out at our library! Very cool!
Also just got this book in the mail:
I'm really excited about getting this book as my son is both gifted and has a learning disability. I loved her first book GIFTED INTENSITY and highly recommend it. Will get back and report on some of the secrets and how they worked with my son.
Plus, critique buddy PJ Hoover just announced this:
I was able to read this before she got an agent and let me tell you it's flippin' good! I'm so excited for her. Here's the link to her blog:
http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2011/04/and-in-other-newssolstice.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
It's a twist on a Greek tale that's filled with great tension and some hot characters. Loved, loved, loved it!
**Guilty pleasure:
Today need to watch diet as tomorrow is weigh in day. Still think I'll get an iced herbal tea which I'll sweeten with Splendora. My favorite has to be the Peach tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea House.
April 22, 2011
Friday Five
Been working on a 4th grade writing project which include grading essays based on a holistic approach. This has been both interesting and also kind of draining.
Also got feedback from J on the first 52 pages of my sekrit project. She says she LOVES the premise. Now I just need to rework the beginning and do some more plotwork.
Here's my Friday Reads:
1. POSSESSION
This is a dystopia where a girl questions the 'Thinkers' and ends up with a guy who's not all he seems to be.
Review coming soon.
2.
This one looked interesting and was only $5 for the Nook e-book. So I downloaded it. The first chapter was pretty good.
3.
Just got this one today. It's about a girl who catches her boyfriend with the high school hootie mama three days before their drama club's trip to Italy.
I'm loving the writing so far and it's a welcome change from all the dystopias and paranormals I've been reading.
4.
Yes, it's true. My first publisher, Virtual Tales, has closed it's doors. But I found a new home for it! Muse It Up publishing is going to do a re-issue of EARRINGS. I'm excited as this means it'll be updated with a better editing job plus a new cover! Who says you can't make lemonade out of lemons! Plus I'll get to work with Lea, who's fab.
5.
And I can't wait for the latest from Meg Cabot! I preordered the Nook version. It comes out next Tuesday. This is my guilty read of the week!
**Guilty pleasure:
Since it's Easter and I'm on a diet to lose weight I need to watch exactly what kinds of treats I can eat. I decided to get one of the kid's Easter treats from Sees filled with hard suckers and a couple small chocolates.
***Also I'm the featured Indie author at Free Friday Reads. Check it out and leave a message for a chance to win a copy of CROSSED OUT and some swag!
http://indie.freebookfriday.com/2011/04/crossed-out-by-kim-baccellia.html
Also got feedback from J on the first 52 pages of my sekrit project. She says she LOVES the premise. Now I just need to rework the beginning and do some more plotwork.
Here's my Friday Reads:
1. POSSESSION
This is a dystopia where a girl questions the 'Thinkers' and ends up with a guy who's not all he seems to be.
Review coming soon.
2.
This one looked interesting and was only $5 for the Nook e-book. So I downloaded it. The first chapter was pretty good.
3.
Just got this one today. It's about a girl who catches her boyfriend with the high school hootie mama three days before their drama club's trip to Italy.
I'm loving the writing so far and it's a welcome change from all the dystopias and paranormals I've been reading.
4.
Yes, it's true. My first publisher, Virtual Tales, has closed it's doors. But I found a new home for it! Muse It Up publishing is going to do a re-issue of EARRINGS. I'm excited as this means it'll be updated with a better editing job plus a new cover! Who says you can't make lemonade out of lemons! Plus I'll get to work with Lea, who's fab.
5.
And I can't wait for the latest from Meg Cabot! I preordered the Nook version. It comes out next Tuesday. This is my guilty read of the week!
**Guilty pleasure:
Since it's Easter and I'm on a diet to lose weight I need to watch exactly what kinds of treats I can eat. I decided to get one of the kid's Easter treats from Sees filled with hard suckers and a couple small chocolates.
***Also I'm the featured Indie author at Free Friday Reads. Check it out and leave a message for a chance to win a copy of CROSSED OUT and some swag!
http://indie.freebookfriday.com/2011/04/crossed-out-by-kim-baccellia.html
April 16, 2011
kbaccellia @ 2011-04-16T15:15:00
I'm the featured Indie author at Free Book Friday Indie
http://indie.freebookfriday.com/2011/04/crossed-out-by-kim-baccellia.html
by Kim Baccellia
Paranormal YA
Lachesis Publishing
www.Kim-Baccellia.com
3 autographed copies will be given away on Friday, April 22, 2011!
About the Book:
Following the light can't be that hard, right? So why don't the dead just do it and leave Stephanie Steward alone?
However nothing is ever as simple as it should be, as Stephanie learns when her hidden 'gift' becomes more than a nuisance, quickly turning into a liability.
If she can't learn to trust someone with her secret, the world as she knows it will go to hell. Literally. But if she doesn't choose wisely, she might just end up learning firsthand how hard it is to follow that light.
Because she's next on the list to be crossed out.
Exclusive Interview with the Author!
1) What genre have you not yet written but really want to try?
I'd really love to write a historical romance.
2) Since becoming a writer, what's the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
Probably having a book reading and signing with other SCBWI writers at an Indie book store that I really loved.
3) Be honest, how many drafts did you have to write for this book?
Ohmigosh, you know I kind of lost track! No seriously, it takes me about a year to write a rough draft and a couple years are spend on the revision process.
4) What's your favorite part of the writing process? What's your least favorite?
My favorite part of the writing process has to be the writing the first draft. I try not to let editing get in the way. During last year's Nanowrimo I gave myself permission to do this. It was very freeing.
My least favorite has to be editing. After a while it gets really hard to find all the typos. Thanks goodness for critique buddies!
5) How did you get the idea for the novel?
The inspiration behind my story Crossed Out came after a full day of attending writing workshops at the Maui Writer's Conference back in 2004. At that time I was pitching my YA multicultural fantasy Earrings of Ixtumea to a couple agents and editors. I was also writing an edgier YA based on the craziness of my teen life growing up with a violent bipolar father. So writing a paranormal was the last thing on my mind.
My husband told me he had an idea for another story. Curious, I asked what it was. Using the 'what if' scenario, he asked what would happen if it was someone's job to make those crosses you see on the side of the road. That person not only made crosses but helped the dead cross over to the other side.
I couldn't help but think of my own sister, Colette that had been murdered by her ex boyfriend back in 1993. That event totally changed my whole family who never in a bazillion years thought someone we loved would be killed in this matter. No matter what anyone says, you never really get over a tragedy like that.
I decided to use a personal experience I had right after the death of Colette. What would happen if those who'd been killed in a violent matter didn't know that they were in fact dead? The main job of the 'rescuer' would be to decorate a cross with something that reflected the life of the recently deceased. This would help the dead cross over.
Only later did I find there are people who are in charge of making those wooden crosses for MADD. One of these gentlemen even joked telling me he didn't know that he had another responsibility with making those crosses!
Another thing that weighed heavily on my mind is why just settle with crosses? Not all people believe in them. My brother-in-law is Muslim so I asked for some input on having a Muslim crossing.
I also wanted to show a teen that struggles with her gift. I have a hard time believing that all people with paranormal abilities embrace them. And this feeling was reinforced with the recent TV show Psychic Kids.
About the Author:
Kim Bacciella is the YA author of EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA and her recent release CROSSED OUT. Her third book, NO GODDESSES ALLOWED, has a tentative release date of Dec. 2011. She is a reviewer for YA Books Central. Visit the author online at: www.Kim-Baccellia.com
**Please enter to win using the form on the left side bar of our website. Comments left on the post are not used as entry.
http://indie.freebookfriday.com/2011/04/crossed-out-by-kim-baccellia.html
by Kim Baccellia
Paranormal YA
Lachesis Publishing
www.Kim-Baccellia.com
3 autographed copies will be given away on Friday, April 22, 2011!
About the Book:
Following the light can't be that hard, right? So why don't the dead just do it and leave Stephanie Steward alone?
However nothing is ever as simple as it should be, as Stephanie learns when her hidden 'gift' becomes more than a nuisance, quickly turning into a liability.
If she can't learn to trust someone with her secret, the world as she knows it will go to hell. Literally. But if she doesn't choose wisely, she might just end up learning firsthand how hard it is to follow that light.
Because she's next on the list to be crossed out.
Exclusive Interview with the Author!
1) What genre have you not yet written but really want to try?
I'd really love to write a historical romance.
2) Since becoming a writer, what's the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
Probably having a book reading and signing with other SCBWI writers at an Indie book store that I really loved.
3) Be honest, how many drafts did you have to write for this book?
Ohmigosh, you know I kind of lost track! No seriously, it takes me about a year to write a rough draft and a couple years are spend on the revision process.
4) What's your favorite part of the writing process? What's your least favorite?
My favorite part of the writing process has to be the writing the first draft. I try not to let editing get in the way. During last year's Nanowrimo I gave myself permission to do this. It was very freeing.
My least favorite has to be editing. After a while it gets really hard to find all the typos. Thanks goodness for critique buddies!
5) How did you get the idea for the novel?
The inspiration behind my story Crossed Out came after a full day of attending writing workshops at the Maui Writer's Conference back in 2004. At that time I was pitching my YA multicultural fantasy Earrings of Ixtumea to a couple agents and editors. I was also writing an edgier YA based on the craziness of my teen life growing up with a violent bipolar father. So writing a paranormal was the last thing on my mind.
My husband told me he had an idea for another story. Curious, I asked what it was. Using the 'what if' scenario, he asked what would happen if it was someone's job to make those crosses you see on the side of the road. That person not only made crosses but helped the dead cross over to the other side.
I couldn't help but think of my own sister, Colette that had been murdered by her ex boyfriend back in 1993. That event totally changed my whole family who never in a bazillion years thought someone we loved would be killed in this matter. No matter what anyone says, you never really get over a tragedy like that.
I decided to use a personal experience I had right after the death of Colette. What would happen if those who'd been killed in a violent matter didn't know that they were in fact dead? The main job of the 'rescuer' would be to decorate a cross with something that reflected the life of the recently deceased. This would help the dead cross over.
Only later did I find there are people who are in charge of making those wooden crosses for MADD. One of these gentlemen even joked telling me he didn't know that he had another responsibility with making those crosses!
Another thing that weighed heavily on my mind is why just settle with crosses? Not all people believe in them. My brother-in-law is Muslim so I asked for some input on having a Muslim crossing.
I also wanted to show a teen that struggles with her gift. I have a hard time believing that all people with paranormal abilities embrace them. And this feeling was reinforced with the recent TV show Psychic Kids.
About the Author:
Kim Bacciella is the YA author of EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA and her recent release CROSSED OUT. Her third book, NO GODDESSES ALLOWED, has a tentative release date of Dec. 2011. She is a reviewer for YA Books Central. Visit the author online at: www.Kim-Baccellia.com
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April 15, 2011
Rock the Drop
As promised, here's one of my rock the drops!
This is Ericka, the MG librarian at my local library.
This is Ericka, the MG librarian at my local library.
