Colleen’s Comments (group member since Apr 21, 2014)

Colleen’s comments from the Colleen Houck Book Club group.

What's the most important piece of advice you've ever been given?

How did you get started writing?

Thanks so much to Brendan for being an awesome author guest! The winner of this chat is Jill! Don't forget to join me next month when my featured guest will be Suzanne Young!

Brendan wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Did you pitch this series as a duology? Is there a chance for a trilogy to see what happens in the, you know, after?"
I pitched it as trilogy, sold it as duology, and now we're goin..."

YAY!

Trishla wrote: Hello! I really liked the names you came up with for everyone! I don't mean to disrespect in any manner, but I believe Kishan is the name of Lord Krishna, a devoted god in the Hindu religion. I know this because I am Hindu myself. It's a beautiful name and I am really glad you chose it!

Really? That is perfect! I only had access to what it said on babynames.com ;) I guess my instincts were correct.

Did you pitch this series as a duology? Is there a chance for a trilogy to see what happens in the, you know, after?

Brendan wrote: "Colleen wrote: "What made you want to set your series in Idaho? Also, have you been there?"

I need somewhere remote and "containable" but I also wanted some place pretty. I'm going this May!"

I lived there while I was going to college. The winters are brutal so you really hit the mark with Genesis!

Brendan wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Have you visited the Biltmore Estate?"

I went several times in college and took my kids recently. It's such a thrilling, weird, amazing place. I want to buy it and liver there. Thi..."
I think they have an amazing restaurant there now. Not sure. It's been 12 years for me. I set a short story there. Love that place.

Brendan wrote: "Ali Kiki wrote: "Who is your favorite superhero?" I like Thor a lot after the last movie. He's a god, and funny, and has great hair."

He does have great hair. =)

What made you want to set your series in Idaho? Also, have you been there?

Janina wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Janina wrote: "Have you been to India? And, if yes, have you been there before you wrote the story? Where exactly have you been (I mean, India is big, like, really big!)?
- In the f..."

Kishan's name came from the babynames website. I searched under names from India and I think Kishan literally means black. Have fun on your trip! I'm so jealous. =)

Natalie wrote: "If there was 1 thing you could change about the characters or the story, what would it be and why??"

I'd feature more Nilima. I just love her and I don't showcase her or her sacrifices for her family enough.

Have you visited the Biltmore Estate?

I lived in Charlotte for 6 years and have since relocated to Oregon. So here's what I miss. Sonny's BBQ, Concord Mills Mall, Sundrop and Cheerwine soda, Bojangles, and dogwood trees wrapped at the base in pine needles.

Natalie wrote: "Hi!! Love your books and can't wait to read Tiger's Dream!! I still get the chills about it when you mentioned in the video of some bones that Ren and Kishan will find

For your book trailers, was ..."

I'm glad you like the trailers! Crush Creative has done all my trailers except for Reunited. Film-14 did that one.

Ellen wrote: "Hi Everyone, I'm Ellen. I just joined this group this week. I look forward to reading and discussing with the members. I see there is a scheduled books to read for the upcoming months. Where do you..."

Reading the book is not a requirement so we haven't really chosen a certain version of a book. Feel free to pick the one easiest for you and then ask the author whatever questions you like. Welcome to the group!

Janina wrote: "Have you been to India? And, if yes, have you been there before you wrote the story? Where exactly have you been (I mean, India is big, like, really big!)?
- In the first book (I guess it is in the first one, it may also be in the second one...) you wrote that "Dhiren" means "strong one" in which Indian language is that. Because, there are like hundred of them...
- Why did you chose a Chinese Martial Art for Kelsey to learn and not an Indian one?
- How did you get the idea of writing about India? And about Durga?
- In fact, where did you get the idea of writing a story with cursed princes at all?."

I have never been to India though I certainly plan to go someday. I'd love to see all the big cities but I'd probably focus on Mumbai.

With Ren's name I focused mostly on Sanskrit. I did this for most of my translations and then asked my editor from India to double check.

As far as I know Indian martial arts are extremely rare in the US. I've certainly never seen a studio in Salem, but rest assured, Mr. Kadam focused on a good one. Don't forget that Ren and Kishan aren't 100% Indian either. They are well versed in many martial arts.

India came because of the white tiger and Durga actually didn't cross my mind until Tiger's Quest or so.

My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast so that's where the curse came into play. Then all I needed was a beast. =)

Shana wrote: "Hi!
I'm Shana, an aspring author (middle grade & YA) and big fan of the Tigers Curse series, and Reawakened!
I was wondering how you came up with the initial ideas for your stories? And how did yo..."

Every author struggles from time to time. In fact, I'm really pushing hard to get through the book I'm writing now. One thing that helps me is to watch movies in the genre you're writing. So for Tiger's Curse it was Bollywood and Indiana Jones. The mummy for Reawakened. Keep a notebook nearby while you do it and just write down ideas, words, phrases, impressions and then sort through them when you're writing later. Good luck!

*Book Nerd* wrote: "Hi, Colleen Houck!
My name is Molly and i'm 14.
I'm a huge fan of your series Tiger's Curse!!!😋
It's one of my favorite series. :D

I was told to ask an author if they could judge our writing con..."
Looks like I missed this one. I probably wouldn't have had the time anyway since I am busy with the Tiger's Dream launch.

Coke or Pepsi?
Cake or cookies?
Cabin in the Woods or Desert Island?
Sky diving or deep sea diving?
Country or Rock and Roll?