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

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

How did you get started writing?

Thanks so much to Jodi Meadows for being such an awesome guest and congrats to our chat winner, Dina! Don't forget to stop in next month when my featured author is Stephanie Garber!

Which literary hero did you want to be when you were a teen?

Which of your characters do you relate to the best?

Jodi wrote: "Dina wrote: "What first got you into writing?"

I've always loved telling stories! I didn't know writing was a job until I was in middle school, but once I did, it just made sense that authoring wo..."

I was the same way. I think I've always been a storyteller but I never thought authoring was a job choice. When I grew up, wayyyyy before Jodi, women were all going to be secretaries or teachers.

Jodi wrote: "It's just a matter of not letting myself get sucked into the internet first thing."

Isn't that funny? The very tool that helps us do our jobs also distracts us from them terribly.

Jodi wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Jane Grey meets The Princess Bride..."

That is brilliant! Perfectly describes it.

Rita wrote: "Have you ever tried mapping out Kelsey’s journey throughout India (and Asia)? Like, on an actual map?"

Yep. I have an actual map I've used for my own reference. It's been tons of fun following Kelsey on her journey. Maybe someday I'll get to go visit some of those places. An amulet or a Rope of Fire would come in handy though.

Louise wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Lauryn wrote: "What are you currently writing?"

I have four projects I'm juggling at the moment. One is a children's/Martha Stewart entertaining type mash up about my fairy gardens..."

Of a sort. It's a bit early for a ten year formally, though I did start writing the Tiger series in 2008. I'll be officially announcing the project during the YA Scavenger Hunt this fall.

Lauryn wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Lauryn wrote: "What are you currently writing?"

I have four projects I'm juggling at the moment. One is a children's/Martha Stewart entertaining type mash up about my fairy gardens..."

I've had stickers in the past. They go in my swag bags when I do book signings. If you write me and send me an SASE I can send you some.

Did you come up with the cover for Incarnate or was that the publisher? I love it!

Do you travel for inspiration?

Do you keep an idea book? How do you come up with new material?

Jodi wrote: "Colleen wrote: "I loved the Jane books! How did that collaboration begin?"

Ahh, thank you!!

Cynthia, Brodi, and I met in 2012, when our publisher sent us on tour together. We became friends immed..."

That is some serious book commitment to skip out on Disneyland. I don't know how on earth you guys were able to pitch that one. I'm horrible at pitching too. I think there needs to be some kind of professional pitching job out there.

Jodi wrote: "I actually love this question because I love hearing how other authors come into writing, too. Everyone's story is different! "

Wow! That is such an interesting path. I also thought books just somehow appeared magically. Actually, I knew they were written...I just thought all authors were dead.

Coke or Pepsi?
Chocolate or Caramel?
Play sports or watch?
Mountains or Beach?
Books or movies?
Relax at home or get out of the house?

I loved the Jane books! How did that collaboration begin?

How did you get started writing?

Thank you all for participating in my book club this month! Rachel will be back to answer questions when she can. The winner is Emma Katherine! Congrats! If you didn't win this go-round, try again next month. I'll be featuring a new book and a new author. In the meantime, happy reading!

Lauryn wrote: "What are you currently writing?"

I have four projects I'm juggling at the moment. One is a children's/Martha Stewart entertaining type mash up about my fairy gardens at my new home. Then I have a YA novel about the Bermuda Triangle. I'm turning Tiger's Dream into a hardback with bonus features, and I have a sci-fi book we've been shopping around in the US for over a year that's finally going to print in the spring of 2020.