#YADebut2019 #MagicMirror

I have decided to continue running the contest for juuust a little longer, to give people more of a chance to win more prizes. Besides, with so many wonderful authors debuting this year, it’s kind of hard to stop!

So don’t forget to comment, share and subscribe, and you just might get your hands on one of those shiny ARCs/books!

JUST SOUTH OF HOME by Karen Strong

Karen Strong’s middle grade novel introduces a spunky science-loving heroine, her troublemaker cousin and a southern town with a secret history. It sounds intriguing and wonderful, and comes out in May from Simon & Schuster!

Thank you, dear Karen, for being here! Was this your first manuscript? If not, how many did you write before this one?

JUST SOUTH OF HOME is my 8th manuscript. I’ve been writing on and off for several years. I started to write for publication in 2006 so a little over a decade.

How long did the writing process take you?

Writing for me takes a little longer because currently I have a career in information technology. So I have about 24-30 hours a week to dedicate for writing. I usually write during the week in early morning sessions (4:30 am – 7:30 am). The bulk of my writing takes place on the weekends. For JUST SOUTH OF HOME, the draft took several years because I was working on it on and off. I started to revise the manuscript in early 2016 and then once I signed with my agent, I revised for about 4 months. When Simon & Schuster bought the manuscript, I revised with my editor for another 4 months before we went into copy-edits.

That’s still a lot of writing time for someone with a demanding career. What was the most fun moment or your favorite part of writing this story?

I really enjoyed writing these kids. They are so full of heart and joy. There are many fun moments, but I think Chapter Nine – Spoiled Supper has my favorite. It involves a bearded dragon named Walter and it always cracks me up. I had a good time writing that scene.

Were any parts of this story based on your own life experiences?

This story is definitely inspired by my country girlhood of growing up in a tiny Southern town. The setting and the atmosphere of family and community are things I really cherish.

Which part of your book are you most proud of or excited about: can you hint at it and tease us?

For most of my friends and/or people who know me, I’m kind of obsessed with astronomy and specifically the moon. There is a scene in Chapter 16 – A Spiritual Problem that I particularly love. It takes place in the public library where Sarah, the star of the story, uncovers a book titled THE WITCH’S MOONS.

Ooh, that sounds so intriguing!

I am excited for your book. Thank you for being here!

To enter — or to re-enter — the contest:

1. One entry: Comment on this blog, and I will enter your name once for every comment during the week of the contest.
2. Two entries: Share the link to this contest on Facebook or Twitter #YADebut2019 #MagicMirror (You can also either tag me or email me with proof at katiawrites@gmail.com.) Instagram is cool too! (Someone needs to teach me how to use it!)
3. Three entries: Subscribe to this blog ( if you haven’t yet.) Or re-subscribe, if it’s been a while!

Planning on one final interview tomorrow! Then — we shall select the prize!

Thank you for participating!

Love,

Katia