6x3 Interview at the Dragon Blog
My CP Melissa A. Petreshock's blog ("The Dragon Blog") has posted my 6x3 (six questions, three answers per each) interview. You can read it there, on my blog or continue scrolling.
Her Introduction to Me: Today I'm thrilled to welcome my friend and beta reader, Zara Hoffman onto my blog for the 6x3. Zara's a talented young author releasing her first YA book, The Belgrave Daughter, next month, a book I'm looking forward to telling you more about during her blog tour visit here November 27th, and a book you should definitely add to your TBR list on Goodreads!
My dragons adore her and are quite happy to roar out a generous welcome to this lovely young lady, so let's get started and find out how 6x3=Zara Hoffman!
Aw, thanks, Melissa, for such a wonderful introduction! And now, I'll repost the actual interview.
1. The blurb summary for The Belgrave Daughter sounds interesting, yet at the same time, there’s been a host of angel/demon books coming out on the market recently. Tell us 3 elements to your book that make it stand out from the crowd, give it a unique twist readers will feel makes it compelling and well worth their time and money.
Well, for one thing, it's based in a very mystical magic, as opposed to the showy magic done in Beautiful Creatures and the magic in my story The Belgrave Daughter is very connected to one's surroundings (both people and nature).
Another thing that makes it unique is the struggle on both ends of the romance. Fawn isn't the only person with issues to work out. Caleb has many—if not more—problems that are pushing and preventing him from being a great boyfriend to her.
And lastly, there is a huge emphasis on friends and family. Without the real people in my life who hold those titles, I doubt I would be who I am today and I wanted to reflect that in my novel. Also, I can't stand the stupid or negligent parenting that seems to be a trend in YA novels.
2. You’re fortunate to live the exciting NYC life. What are 3 ways you’d say living there has affected your interest in writing and decision to pursue a career as an author?
One, the public library and bookstores are only a few blocks away from where I've always lived (even though I've moved 3 times in my 15 years of living in Manhattan). That's a blessing because the convenience has fostered my love of reading (in addition to my Grandma's influence) and also a curse because I never seem to have enough money to buy all the books I want.
Many of the Big 5 publishers are in NYC. In the past, some of my writing camps have taken trips to some of them like Penguin (which was a lot of fun). Also, it's easier for me to network through my friends and their business connections in the writing world. I can also turn to them for advice on writing and my career as an author.
It's the "city that never sleeps." There is always something new and interesting going on in NYC. Even its history is rich with inspiration. I think that has to be my favorite part of living here. Broadway musicals have always been a big part of my love for story telling, and while I'm no actress or playwright, or composer, I can attribute my desire of being a writer to the theater.
3. Some people may not know when I say you’re a “talented young author” I seriously mean young, as in sixteen. Besides already having a book coming out next month, how would you say you stand out from your peers, the 3 things that make you a serious professional despite your age?
Well, I'm sixteen and spent three years of researching the traditional path of publishing. I think that whole sentence has two reasons right there. How many teens can most people say have written a book and spent the remaining free time doing such arduous research for a career that may or may not take off immediately? Besides Go Teen Writers, because that's where all my like-minded friends go to chat about our crazy, evolving stories.
I've been to Book Expo America, know the producer who adapted Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass into a movie, and a long-time employee of Wiley Publishing. All three of those have put me at a great advantage of networking and researching this awesome, albeit difficult, career choice.
I'm self-publishing. Even though this is an upward trend, most self-published authors are adults with day jobs—a payroll—while I'm just starting my junior year of high school. In between homework and SAT studying, I'm spending my saved money to hire a cover artist, editor, and formatting in addition to writing the sequel of The Belgrave Daughter. So yeah, it's busy, but at least I'm never bored!
4. Now, getting down to the seriousness of being a teenager, what 3 books are you fangirling most over right now? Be sure to name the title and author so people can look for them!
The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth. I finished the first book in a day two summers ago while visiting my cousins in the Hamptons. I don't think I was the best guest that time, but I repaid them by reading out loud the first half of the book. They have this weird thing with me narrating YA novels. I did the same for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins the Thanksgiving before. The third book in the trilogy, Allegiant, drops October 22nd (something I'm counting down to almost more than I am to my own book debut), and the movie adaptation comes out March 21st (the day after my 17th birthday. What a great gift for me!).
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha Van Leer. It's about a girl who falls in love with a guy in her favorite fairytale–and he returns the sentiments. Now, that always was a childhood dream of mine, and I'm sure it's one shared by all the fangirls of all the fandoms around the world. I read that in a day too (can you see the trend? I'm an impulsive reader, and when I love something I don't put it down even to eat or sleep). Also, since I love Once Upon A Time and am planning a fairytale retelling series after I finish The Belgrave Legacy trilogy, it was also very entertaining. In the same genre, I also like The Faerie Tale Collection by Jenni James.
And lastly, I think I'll go with an old favorite of mine that is going to be turned into a movie in the near future (according to MoviePilot): The Giver by Lois Lowry. My cousin (same from the first part of this question's answer) gave me her copy to read when I was eight. Then I reread it in English class, and I've periodically reread it whenever I want to feel better about my own life. I think that's why I love Dystopian fiction, but honestly, even when compared to Divergent and The Hunger Games, this is my favorite novel in the genre.
5. We met when you joined my beta reading team, and I’ve been thrilled to have such an excellent teen reader among my All-Stars. What have been your 3 favorite moments so far getting to be “behind the scenes” during the writing and publication process of Fire of Stars and Dragons as we build to its March release and the current writing of its sequel Blood of Stars and Gods?
Getting to know you! Seriously. Cheesy as it may sound, my favorite part of being a novel fangirl is seeing author interviews and hearing about the process that goes into writing these masterpieces, so getting to be a beta for you has been a great learning—and entertaining—experience.
Immersing myself in your magical world where dragons and vampire kings rule humans. Yeah, humans are great, but among all the dystopian fiction, one has to realize that we're hastening our own destruction, while these awesomely powerful and handsome supernatural creatures have things under control. And yet, it's their human emotions that make me love the characters from the Stars and Souls trilogy.
Reading and asking for the next chapter. I'm sure it's annoying as hell for you, but I feel like it's Hannukah, Christmas, and my birthday combined whenever you send out a new chapter. I never realized how invested in a character (besides my own) I could get, but it's just an amazing experience, and I'm thankful you didn't kick me out of the group when you learned that I was sixteen. Ageism sucks, for the young and old, so thanks for letting me tag along in Cait's crazy adventure.
6. Besides writing, what are 3 other “talents” you have, and feel free to be creatively off-beat with your answers.
I can:
Sing (pop and Broadway tunes).
Dance (ballet, modern, and hip-hop—the last being my favorite).
Haphazardly play the piano (I need to practice more, but never seem to have enough time with all my school and writing work).
Melissa's Closing Note: So, there you go, Zara Hoffman wrapped up in a dragon's egg with magic, the city that never sleeps, and the truth about how she annoys me. ;-)
Thanks for taking part, Zara! The Dracopraesi and I were happy to host you on the blog and welcome you back any time!
MY Closing Note: Hope you had fun reading this interview as much as I did answering the questions! Feel free to comment below, follow me on my social networks (top right corner of the screen), and show some love to Melissa Petreshock by checking out her website, twitter, and Facebook.
Her Introduction to Me: Today I'm thrilled to welcome my friend and beta reader, Zara Hoffman onto my blog for the 6x3. Zara's a talented young author releasing her first YA book, The Belgrave Daughter, next month, a book I'm looking forward to telling you more about during her blog tour visit here November 27th, and a book you should definitely add to your TBR list on Goodreads!
My dragons adore her and are quite happy to roar out a generous welcome to this lovely young lady, so let's get started and find out how 6x3=Zara Hoffman!
Aw, thanks, Melissa, for such a wonderful introduction! And now, I'll repost the actual interview.
1. The blurb summary for The Belgrave Daughter sounds interesting, yet at the same time, there’s been a host of angel/demon books coming out on the market recently. Tell us 3 elements to your book that make it stand out from the crowd, give it a unique twist readers will feel makes it compelling and well worth their time and money.
Well, for one thing, it's based in a very mystical magic, as opposed to the showy magic done in Beautiful Creatures and the magic in my story The Belgrave Daughter is very connected to one's surroundings (both people and nature).
Another thing that makes it unique is the struggle on both ends of the romance. Fawn isn't the only person with issues to work out. Caleb has many—if not more—problems that are pushing and preventing him from being a great boyfriend to her.
And lastly, there is a huge emphasis on friends and family. Without the real people in my life who hold those titles, I doubt I would be who I am today and I wanted to reflect that in my novel. Also, I can't stand the stupid or negligent parenting that seems to be a trend in YA novels.
2. You’re fortunate to live the exciting NYC life. What are 3 ways you’d say living there has affected your interest in writing and decision to pursue a career as an author?
One, the public library and bookstores are only a few blocks away from where I've always lived (even though I've moved 3 times in my 15 years of living in Manhattan). That's a blessing because the convenience has fostered my love of reading (in addition to my Grandma's influence) and also a curse because I never seem to have enough money to buy all the books I want.
Many of the Big 5 publishers are in NYC. In the past, some of my writing camps have taken trips to some of them like Penguin (which was a lot of fun). Also, it's easier for me to network through my friends and their business connections in the writing world. I can also turn to them for advice on writing and my career as an author.
It's the "city that never sleeps." There is always something new and interesting going on in NYC. Even its history is rich with inspiration. I think that has to be my favorite part of living here. Broadway musicals have always been a big part of my love for story telling, and while I'm no actress or playwright, or composer, I can attribute my desire of being a writer to the theater.
3. Some people may not know when I say you’re a “talented young author” I seriously mean young, as in sixteen. Besides already having a book coming out next month, how would you say you stand out from your peers, the 3 things that make you a serious professional despite your age?
Well, I'm sixteen and spent three years of researching the traditional path of publishing. I think that whole sentence has two reasons right there. How many teens can most people say have written a book and spent the remaining free time doing such arduous research for a career that may or may not take off immediately? Besides Go Teen Writers, because that's where all my like-minded friends go to chat about our crazy, evolving stories.
I've been to Book Expo America, know the producer who adapted Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass into a movie, and a long-time employee of Wiley Publishing. All three of those have put me at a great advantage of networking and researching this awesome, albeit difficult, career choice.
I'm self-publishing. Even though this is an upward trend, most self-published authors are adults with day jobs—a payroll—while I'm just starting my junior year of high school. In between homework and SAT studying, I'm spending my saved money to hire a cover artist, editor, and formatting in addition to writing the sequel of The Belgrave Daughter. So yeah, it's busy, but at least I'm never bored!
4. Now, getting down to the seriousness of being a teenager, what 3 books are you fangirling most over right now? Be sure to name the title and author so people can look for them!
The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth. I finished the first book in a day two summers ago while visiting my cousins in the Hamptons. I don't think I was the best guest that time, but I repaid them by reading out loud the first half of the book. They have this weird thing with me narrating YA novels. I did the same for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins the Thanksgiving before. The third book in the trilogy, Allegiant, drops October 22nd (something I'm counting down to almost more than I am to my own book debut), and the movie adaptation comes out March 21st (the day after my 17th birthday. What a great gift for me!).
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha Van Leer. It's about a girl who falls in love with a guy in her favorite fairytale–and he returns the sentiments. Now, that always was a childhood dream of mine, and I'm sure it's one shared by all the fangirls of all the fandoms around the world. I read that in a day too (can you see the trend? I'm an impulsive reader, and when I love something I don't put it down even to eat or sleep). Also, since I love Once Upon A Time and am planning a fairytale retelling series after I finish The Belgrave Legacy trilogy, it was also very entertaining. In the same genre, I also like The Faerie Tale Collection by Jenni James.
And lastly, I think I'll go with an old favorite of mine that is going to be turned into a movie in the near future (according to MoviePilot): The Giver by Lois Lowry. My cousin (same from the first part of this question's answer) gave me her copy to read when I was eight. Then I reread it in English class, and I've periodically reread it whenever I want to feel better about my own life. I think that's why I love Dystopian fiction, but honestly, even when compared to Divergent and The Hunger Games, this is my favorite novel in the genre.
5. We met when you joined my beta reading team, and I’ve been thrilled to have such an excellent teen reader among my All-Stars. What have been your 3 favorite moments so far getting to be “behind the scenes” during the writing and publication process of Fire of Stars and Dragons as we build to its March release and the current writing of its sequel Blood of Stars and Gods?
Getting to know you! Seriously. Cheesy as it may sound, my favorite part of being a novel fangirl is seeing author interviews and hearing about the process that goes into writing these masterpieces, so getting to be a beta for you has been a great learning—and entertaining—experience.
Immersing myself in your magical world where dragons and vampire kings rule humans. Yeah, humans are great, but among all the dystopian fiction, one has to realize that we're hastening our own destruction, while these awesomely powerful and handsome supernatural creatures have things under control. And yet, it's their human emotions that make me love the characters from the Stars and Souls trilogy.
Reading and asking for the next chapter. I'm sure it's annoying as hell for you, but I feel like it's Hannukah, Christmas, and my birthday combined whenever you send out a new chapter. I never realized how invested in a character (besides my own) I could get, but it's just an amazing experience, and I'm thankful you didn't kick me out of the group when you learned that I was sixteen. Ageism sucks, for the young and old, so thanks for letting me tag along in Cait's crazy adventure.
6. Besides writing, what are 3 other “talents” you have, and feel free to be creatively off-beat with your answers.
I can:
Sing (pop and Broadway tunes).
Dance (ballet, modern, and hip-hop—the last being my favorite).
Haphazardly play the piano (I need to practice more, but never seem to have enough time with all my school and writing work).
Melissa's Closing Note: So, there you go, Zara Hoffman wrapped up in a dragon's egg with magic, the city that never sleeps, and the truth about how she annoys me. ;-)
Thanks for taking part, Zara! The Dracopraesi and I were happy to host you on the blog and welcome you back any time!
MY Closing Note: Hope you had fun reading this interview as much as I did answering the questions! Feel free to comment below, follow me on my social networks (top right corner of the screen), and show some love to Melissa Petreshock by checking out her website, twitter, and Facebook.
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