Interview with Darby Karchut: author of Griffin Rising (YA Fiction)

Not only do Darby and I share a publisher, Twilight Times Books, but we are both simultaneously launching our debut novels. To say we’ve bonded is an understatement. Loved her book, and adore her, so I convinced her to allow me to share an interview she did with Lillie Hill on her Blog, Read My Mind. http://aliseonlife.blogspot.com/2011/...

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your book.
Besides writing novels for teens, I also teach social studies at a junior high school. I live in Colorado with my husband, where I run/bike/ski the Rocky Mountains in all types of weather.

My debut novel, Griffin Rising, is a younger YA urban fantasy set in Colorado Springs.

For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.

But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever. It is their father-and-son relationship, sometimes turbulent, often hilarious, always affectionate, that is the heart and soul of the story.

Masquerading as the average teen next door, Griffin struggles to learn his trade, navigate the ups and downs of modern life among humans (including falling in love with the girl next door), and prepare for the ancient trial-by-combat every apprentice must pass at sixteen or be forced to become mortal.


2. How long was the journey from the idea to the physical book?
From first sentence to publishing contract: eleven months. Then twelve months from signed contract to physical book. Bizarre, huh? Considering I had never written a thing, never even thought about being a writer, until I wrote Griffin Rising.

3. Who is one person that helped to inspire you to write your book?
Not so much a person as an obscure legend from the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages about angels who were believed to control earth, fire, wind, and water. And thus the Terrae Angeli were born. Griffin, however, is the classic hero-on-his-journey figure.

4. A little more on your characters. Which was the hardest to bring to life on the page?
Katie, Griffin’s girlfriend. I have trouble writing female characters. Weird, since rumor has it I am one.
The easiest?
Basil. I have a crush on him.

5. If you were a biographer, who's life would you choose to write about? (not your own!) Genghis Khan. I like his management style.

6. I want to hear your elevator pitch!
Griffin Rising: Jedi Apprentice meets Touched by An Angel.

Tidbits:

Coffee or tea?
What’s tea?


Early riser or night owl?
I’m a dawn greeter. If I’m not up by 5:30 am, I’ve wasted half the day!


Sun & sand or hot chocolate & a fireplace?
Mud, snow, wind, rain, sweat, then hot chocolate and a fireplace. Luxury is in the contrast.


Wings or teleportation?
Neither. I suffer from acute motion sickness. I once threw up on a chair lift.


Knight protector or ruler of a kingdom?
Since Assistant Pig-Keeper is taken, I’ll go for knight protector. Then maybe I can have a horse again.

And finally, Why write for younger readers?
Because grown-up stuff is boooooring.


Visit her at her website and learn more about her books.
http://darbykarchut.com/