Author Chat with Wendy Spinale, Plus Giveaway!

YABC: What surprised you most while writing your latest book?

Wendy Spinale: I think the thing that surprises me most whenever I write any story is that I may start a story thinking the characters are one way, but as I go along they develop into something entirely different. For example, I’ve just finished a revision on the sequel to EVERLAND and I initially imagined the love interest to be somewhat aloof, but as the story unfolded, it came across as quite intelligent with an interesting back story.

YABC:  If you could live in any fantasy world, which one would it be?

WS: Well, the obvious answer to this would be Hogwarts, but since that one is an easy pick, I would say the world of Pandora in the Avatar movie.

YABC: Do you have a mantra that gets you through the drafting phase?

WS: Ha! There’s a glass of wine waiting when you finish this chapter.

YABC: What is your favorite hobby when you’re not writing?

WS: When I’m not writing I love reading all the latest newest young adult books. I also love walking. I live near a creek and enjoy walking the path along it during the spring because there are babies everywhere! Ducklings, cranes, blue herons, turtles, frogs, and fish. I used to be a huge scrapbooker, but it tends to be a time consuming hobby and time is something I have so little of these days.

YABC: Which character gave you the most trouble when writing your latest book?

WS: My antagonists always give me trouble because I truly believe there is good in most people, even the villains. When I write from my antagonist’s point of view, I know they’re evil, but there’s a reason why they’re evil and I almost feel sympathetic for them. Sometimes I have a hard time writing from their voice because they are driven by broken backgrounds. Especially when it comes to fairytale retellings. Many, many fairytales have either absent or wicked mothers which is bound to tarnish anyone’s sense of self-worth.

YABC: Do you enjoy writing to music? If so, do you have a go-to playlist?

WS: I don’t have a specific playlist per se, but will listen to music that seems to fit the scenes I’m writing. If I’m writing a dark or action scene I usually pick Evanescence or Hinder. For romantic scenes Colbie Caillat or Taylor Swift are really good. Recently, whenever I’m writing and hear “Lost Boy” by Ruth B on the radio, everything seems right in the world.

YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?

WS: DYF (Diabetes Youth Families) and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) have been an incredible source of support for my family. In June 2014, my middle son was diagnosed with Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes. He was a month shy of turning thirteen years old. He spent three days in Pediatric ICU. Watching your child in intensive care, on IVs, and being given injections of insulin in order to save their lives…it’s a horrifying experience. DYF and JDRF both reached out to our family during our first few days at home as we learned to live with this disease that my son will have for the rest of his life. These organizations help thousands of families yearly through family events, camps, providing information on the latest research on Type 1 diabetes, and helping families navigate the expensive costs of insulin, pump supplies, meters, continuous glucose meters, and numerous other supplies. They are also huge on educating the public the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes which are very different. There is no known cause for Type 1 diabetes nor is there a cure. Diet and exercise will not make diabetes go away because kids and adults no longer have a functioning pancreas. It’s really an awful illness, but with the continuous support from DYF and JDRF it gets easier over time.

YABC: What’s a book that you’ve read recently that you would recommend to your readers?

WS: ILLUMINAE by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. If you’re into sci-fi with artificial intelligence, you’ll love this one.

YABC:  Which part of the writing process do you enjoy more: Drafting or Revising?

WS: Definitely drafting! Although in all fairness, I’m in the revising stage right now and there doesn’t seem to be enough chocolate in the world to make it fun. By the time I get around to drafting book three, I may change my mind. 

YABC:  What would you say is your superpower? Is this a real superpower or imagined one?

WS: I’d say perseverance is my strongest trait. If this is a made up superpower, I’d go with flying because sitting in those cramped seats in airplanes is the pits. 

 

 

Meet Everland!

 

 

 

 

Everland

By: Wendy Spinale

Release Date: May 10, 2016 

*GIVEAWAY DETAILS* 

Three winners will receive a copy of Everland (US only). 

*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*

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