Interview with Author Kirstin Pulioff

I'd like to welcome guest author Kirstin Pulioff to my blog today.

Kirstin was born and raised in Southern California and moved to the Pacific Northwest where she was graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Forestry. She is married and works at home raising her two children. Her first fantasy novel, The Escape of Princess Madeline, YA/MG will be released in October 2012.

Since Kirstin has agreed to be on the hot seat today, shall we get started?

Q: Tell us about your fantasy world and your debut novel.

Kirstin: The Kingdom of Soron is know for many things, its rolling landscape, haunting history, fiery sunsets, and its beautiful princess. Princess Madeline woke on her sixteenth birthday to realize that her future had been planned out, a life full of privilege, royalty, and boredom... a life with a husband and knight champion that she did not choose. Using her charm, strength and stubbornness, she defies the King at every turn, determined to keep her freedom on her terms.
Freedom quickly turns to disaster as she finds herself seized by a group of wandering bandits.
With the kingdom in turmoil over her capture, her Knight Champion eager to prove himself, a group of dedicated suitors determined to win her hand, and a group of exiled wizards join forces in the hunt to rescue her. The reader follows Princess Madeline's adventure that is full of twists and turns as she finds freedom and love.

Q: Wow, that's quite an epic adventure, very much in traditional fantasy style. How is this world you've created different than the world of an urban fantasy?

Kirstin: Fantasy is such a fun genre because it offers so many options, focuses and philosophies. In the same way that people who like pizza have different preferences--pepperoni vs. vegetarian--people who like fantasy may like the typical fantasy or urban fantasy. While both have similarities, their settings, characters and talents are completely different.
A few examples of the differences between the two worlds would be:
--medieval vs. contemporary settings;
--heroic knights, kings & princesses vs. vampires, werewolves & witches;
--wizards using magic as a tool vs. beings who are magical.

Q: Vampires and knights are worlds apart (no pun intended!), so how are the worlds similar?

Kirstin: While they are so different in terms of how their descriptions are detailed, the core of the genre remains the same. There is always a sense of magic and enchantment waiting to charm the reader. Even though some of the themes remain the same--good vs. evil and magical vs. natural, I like to think all fantasy is full of new ideas--new philosophies to explore, new worlds to create, new acceptances of people's abilities and functions, and a new way to think.

Q: What drew you to begin writing fantasy?

Kirstin: I have always gravitated toward the fantasy genre. Growing up, even as young as elementary school, I wanted to be whisked away to a far off land with princesses and castles and knights, escape to a magical land, but what I found was that most fantasy novels were a struggle to read due to them being above my reading level. So when I began writing, and as ideas began to flow through my mind, they naturally formed into the fantasy genre. With this story, I really wanted to capture something that a younger reader, a teen or even an adult would enjoy.

Q: Do you read or write in other genres?

Kirstin: Generally my inspiration for stories is in the fantasy realm. It might just be from the years of reading, and dreaming, but when I sit to write, I am almost always transported into that genre.

For reading, I am wide spread. I read tons of children's books to my two kids, so that is a favorite. I primarily read fantasy, but also enjoy historical romance and adventure. I love a well-developed character and the ability to lose myself in a book.

Q: Who are some of your favorite authors?

Kirstin: As silly as it sounds, my favorite author is Dr. Seuss. He has been able to charm me with his words both as a child and as an adult. Whether tackling rhymes and green eggs, or challenging you to think and dream with the Lorax and Places to Go, he writes with clear intent and a positive message.

Q: How would our readers contact you and buy your book?

Kirstin: The Escape of Princess Madeline releases in late October 2012 and will be available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. If you check my website, I will post updates on the book release.
You can contact me through any of the following:
Facebook
Twitter
Kirstin Pulioff Website

Q: Thank you for joining us today. You've been a super guest!

Kirstin: Thanks for having me!