Ask Colleen

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "I know you don't make the big decisions as far as the Tiger's Curse movie is concerned, but do you know when the movie is expected to come out?"

I wish I did. As soon as I know and am able to tell you, I will. As of right now, there's still no word.

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "since Rachel Vincent's new book is being read for the book club this month, I was wondering if you have read any other books by her? if you haven't, you should because they're incredible :-)"

I have. I think I've finished a couple of her soul screamers series so far.

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "what was your weirdest and greatest moment with a fan?"

I loved meeting a fan in Utah who drew the entire Tiger's Curse cover in chalk art for the sidewalk chalk festival. That was pretty cool, but I meet lots of fans who do the coolest stuff.

[karlipagemaster]

what similarities can we expect between Tiger's Curse and Reawakened? What differences?

[karlipagemaster]

Have you finished writing Tiger's Dream and are you still looking for a publisher for it? Why isn't Splinter publishing this one?

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "what similarities can we expect between Tiger's Curse and Reawakened? What differences?"

I don't want to give away any specific spoilers but the main similarity is the mythology. I focus primarily on Egyptian mythology but, like the tiger series, I borrow freely from other stories that fit the theme. My heroes are ancient princes just like Ren and Kishan. A difference would be the brother thing. Though the three men in my book consider themselves brothers and call themselves brothers, they are not in fact, related.

As for the differences, you'll have to wait and see for yourselves.

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "Have you finished writing Tiger's Dream and are you still looking for a publisher for it? Why isn't Splinter publishing this one?"

I have not finished Tiger's Dream. It remains where I left off writing it, around chapter 8 or so. There are no immediate plans to publish this one but I will begin seeking a publisher around the time I finish the Egyptian series.

[Colleen]

Louise wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Karli wrote: "I know you don't make the big decisions as far as the Tiger's Curse movie is concerned, but do you know when the movie is expected to come out?"

I wish I did. As soon..."

The concept art on Ineffablepictures is legitimate. =) They do post fan art on their instagram and twitter handles too though.

[Miranda -]

When writing a story such as Reawakened, how do you keep track of everything? Do you use visual timelines or collages?

[Colleen]

Miranda wrote: "When writing a story such as Reawakened, how do you keep track of everything? Do you use visual timelines or collages?"

I use Pinterest a lot and I keep lots of notes in the document as I write and move them down as I complete a chapter.

[Carla]

Hello Mrs Houck,
Eu vou escrever em português pois não domino a língua inglesa, espero que conheça a minha língua materna.
Qual o livro que mais gostou de escrever?
Qual o livro que mais trabalho lhe deu a escrever?
Qual o escritor ou a escritora que mais gosta de ler?
Thanks for your time.
Carla Torres

[Imasha]

Are there going to be any more giveaways for your book Reawakened?

[Colleen]

Carla wrote: "Hello Mrs Houck,
Eu vou escrever em português pois não domino a língua inglesa, espero que conheça a minha língua materna.
Qual o livro que mais gostou de escrever?
Qual o livro que mais trabalho l..."

My favorite book to write was Tiger's Voyage since I love anything to do with the ocean. The hardest to write was probably Tiger's Destiny since I had to bring so many things together. I enjoy reading pretty much anything young adult. You can follow me on Goodreads to see what I'm reading. My goal this year is to finish 100 books which is a lot for me.

[Colleen]

Imasha wrote: "Are there going to be any more giveaways for your book Reawakened?"

Yes there's one going on right now. It's a twitter giveaway. Check out my blog for info.

[Carla]

Thanks Collen

[Maria]

What Kishan felt for Durga was stronger than what he felt for Kelsey? Or was Durga just a replacement for her?

[Colleen]

Maria wrote: "What Kishan felt for Durga was stronger than what he felt for Kelsey? Or was Durga just a replacement for her?"

The story isn't quite over yet so you'll have to wait and see.

[Maria]

Thanks Colleen!

[Ashley]

Is it true that Reawakened is going to be released on August 11th???!!!

[Brittany]

Who's hotter, Ren or Amon?
And on behalf of many of us, i apologize for our incessant, repetitive questions about Tiger's Dream and the TC movie. News about these two is rare and we seem to crave it like water in the desert.
Edit: Oh and how many Reawakened books are you planning to write?

[Shelby]

Hey there! I'm just reading some of these comments and seeing that you might have to find another publisher for the fifth book. How come you can't use Sterling? After all, you use Sterling for your other books.

[Ashley]

Any updates on the movie?

[Colleen]

Brittany wrote: "Who's hotter, Ren or Amon?
And on behalf of many of us, i apologize for our incessant, repetitive questions about Tiger's Dream and the TC movie. News about these two is rare and we seem to crave ..."

Three books in Reawakened plus a novella. Technically Amon is hotter since he channels the power of the sun ;)

[Colleen]

Trudy wrote: "When do we find out what August's book is?"

If you look on the upcoming book selections you'll see all the books I'm planning on through next year. August is Beth Revis' book The Body Electric.

[Colleen]

Shelby wrote: "Hey there! I'm just reading some of these comments and seeing that you might have to find another publisher for the fifth book. How come you can't use Sterling? After all, you use Sterling for yo..."

That kind of thing happens sometimes. Publishers switch up gears and focus on new things or other projects.

[Colleen]

Alison wrote: "Any updates on the movie?"

Just that we're in the casting phase which is a very cool time.

[Veray]

Colleen wrote: "Brittany wrote: "Who's hotter, Ren or Amon?
And on behalf of many of us, i apologize for our incessant, repetitive questions about Tiger's Dream and the TC movie. News about these two is rare and ..."

LOL! I love that answer.

[Colleen]

Louise wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Brittany wrote: "Who's hotter, Ren or Amon?
And on behalf of many of us, i apologize for our incessant, repetitive questions about Tiger's Dream and the TC movie. News about these ..."

They are. It's pretty standard. I have a recommended reads list on my Goodreads page if you're looking for something new. =)

[Krystol]

Hello everyone! My name is Krystol and I'm a writer also. But, I love reading books. I am looking to joining a book club and i am glad that I found this one. I will be buying the book today at the book store. Please feel free to add me. I am also looking to make new reader friends.

[Imasha]

Dear Mrs Houck

I am still anxiously awaiting for your book to arrive to my house! I was just wondering, will you continue to write more books after this current Egyptian-themed series?
Also, when will you be announcing the July Contest of the month winners?

[Colleen]

Imasha wrote: "Dear Mrs Houck

I am still anxiously awaiting for your book to arrive to my house! I was just wondering, will you continue to write more books after this current Egyptian-themed series?
Also, when ..."

The July contest winners were announced. If you missed out on that and want to check in, email contests@colleenhouck.com. Yes! I will absolutely be writing more after Egypt.

[Saiokuo]

I don't believe this question has been asked but if it has I apologize. In Reawakened what language are you using for Amon? I've tried to figure it out by testing several and I can't seem to place it.

[Colleen]

Saiokuo wrote: "I don't believe this question has been asked but if it has I apologize. In Reawakened what language are you using for Amon? I've tried to figure it out by testing several and I can't seem to place it."

I've pieced together a few phrases from some notes on transcriptions of Egyptian hieroglyphs.

[Ashley]

Re-reading the Tigers Curse series. :) I was just wondering if Kelsey's likes/dislikes of the various Indian dishes she tastes throughout the books reflect your own likes/dislikes of those foods?

[Colleen]

Alison wrote: "Re-reading the Tigers Curse series. :) I was just wondering if Kelsey's likes/dislikes of the various Indian dishes she tastes throughout the books reflect your own likes/dislikes of those foods?"

Yes. I gave her my dislike of curry. This is mostly because I'm not a fan of strong spices. I don't like Mexican food either and even bell peppers are not my favorite. Kelsey is more like me than any other character I've written.

[Karyl]

I always step away for a day or two and come back with a fresh mind. Writers block in my corner is usually due to stress from work or family so I take a deep breath, step back a day or two and go back when I know the house is calmed.

[Colleen]

Trudy wrote: "What do you do when you struggle with writers block?"

I don't really struggle with writer's block. I struggle with being lazy or being distracted. Once I turn on the computer and put my hands on the keys, I'm good.

[karlipagemaster]

do you have any interest in writing a contemporary novel? Or do you think you'll stick with mythology and paranormal stories?

[karlipagemaster]

what are some traditions or rules you follow when writing? I have to be in my bed with a can if Dr pepper while listening to the backstreet boys. haha

[karlipagemaster]

hey Colleen! I got to meet you a couple years back at one of your signings in Arizona. you said my name reminded you of Kelsey's and I thought that was the most awesome thing in the entire world! So I just wanted to say thanks for that! :-)

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "do you have any interest in writing a contemporary novel? Or do you think you'll stick with mythology and paranormal stories?"

My interest in contemporary is akin to my interest in vacuuming. When I finish a novel I'm often happy with the result but it's not the first thing on my list of fun things to do.

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "what are some traditions or rules you follow when writing? I have to be in my bed with a can if Dr pepper while listening to the backstreet boys. haha"

I always write at home and light a candle. I can't listen to music or have noise of any kind and I have a mini fridge full of drinks and snacks.

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "hey Colleen! I got to meet you a couple years back at one of your signings in Arizona. you said my name reminded you of Kelsey's and I thought that was the most awesome thing in the entire world! S..."

No problem! Hope to get back to AZ at some point again.

[karlipagemaster]

just finished Reawakened last night! Loved it!
Have you always had an interest in Egypt?
What is your favorite mummy/Egyptian movie?
Did you just make up all the powers and abilities your three mummies had or were they powers you had read about in your research of Egyptian mythology?
If you had the opportunity to go to either Egypt or India, which would you choose?
sorry for all the questions. love your books! :-)

[Colleen]

Karli wrote: "just finished Reawakened last night! Loved it!
Have you always had an interest in Egypt?
What is your favorite mummy/Egyptian movie?
Did you just make up all the powers and abilities your three mu..."

These are all great questions! Glad you loved Reawakened! I've always been fascinated with Egypt. There's so much mystery surrounding it that I think the world has been enraptured with Egyptian stories for quite some time. I haven't watched a lot of mummy movies but I guess the original Mummy with Brendan Frasier is my favorite. As far as powers go, I pretty much made them up. Not sure Egyptian gods and goddess have a lot of powers assigned. I think if I had to choose between a vacation in India or Egypt, I'd probably pick Egypt since I'm actively working on the series at the moment.

[Colleen]

Louise wrote: "just in case anyone is interested, there is a rumour at the moment that they are going to redo the mummy movie."

I heard!

[Angel]

What do you do if you have been given great compliments on your novel (work in progress) and you feel the pressure to make it perfect and you get anxiety and feel like you'll never be good enough, so you don't know if you should finish writing it?

[Imasha]

Dear Colleen
I've just finished reading Reawakened and I must say it was absolutely phenomenal. I loved every sentence!!!
But The ending was the worst cliffhanger i've ever had to deal with! However will i survive the wait!
Could you be ever so kind as to give me a hint as to when in the fall of 2016 is Recreated coming out? ;)

[karlipagemaster]

I know you probably get asked this a lot, but do you have any advice for an aspiring writing? like about outlining or editing?

[Colleen]

Angel wrote: "What do you do if you have been given great compliments on your novel (work in progress) and you feel the pressure to make it perfect and you get anxiety and feel like you'll never be good enough, ..."

At some point you have to let it go and just move on to the next project. Nothing you write will ever be "perfect" since that's just not possible. All you can do is the best you can under the circumstances. Every author looks back on work they did ten years ago or five years ago and finds things they can improve upon. The fun thing is that often you find things that you marvel that you wrote. That just comes with the territory. But finish it you must and then you begin the next project. =)