Transition Blog Tour

So this is my first time taking place in a blog tour, and it has definitely been an interesting experience thus far. I had the privilege to receive a copy of the book, "Transition," by Paige Walker. It was not a book I would typically have picked out, but I enjoyed the story, and even more appreciated having the chance to get to know a little about the author and her process.

As an indie writer, making connections and supporting other authors is hugely important. In a field that is awash with options, it is always challenging to know how to gain recognition and find an audience. I believe it is important to find ways to get involved in the writing community, and encourage others to keep reaching for their goals. I have really appreciated the NaNoWriMo organization for that as well. As we all strive to make our dreams come true, it is important to remember that this should be about cooperation, not competition. It is also about helping one another to push our art to be the best it can be.

When I came up with questions to ask Paige, I wanted to hear more about her personal connections to the story, and the ways in which she created and grew with her characters. Every writer has their own individual process, and I think learning more about that process is fascinating. Here are the questions I asked and her responses:

Which of your characters would you say that you identify with the most?
I don’t really relate 100% with any one of my characters. I’d like to think there is a little of me in each one. However I can relate to Nichole’s stubbornness, Casey’s quirkiness, and Jade’s addiction to shopping.

Before you started writing did you have a clear picture of where the story would go, or do you like to wait and see what develops after you get things started?
Before I started writing I already knew how the story would end. I wouldn’t say I had a clear picture of the whole story in general. I’d like to think it’s a little bit of both. I knew where it was headed but I also let it develop as I wrote.

What is something about your main character Nichole that you didn’t share in the story? For instance, who is her favorite action hero or what did she dream of becoming when she was a little girl?
Nichole dreamed of becoming a chef simply because she likes to eat. She never gets the chance though and it’s not something that she thinks about after all that’s happened.

When you’re writing do you prefer to listen to music, or have total silence so you can concentrate? If you do listen to music, did you have a particular playlist that helped to inspire you?
I prefer silence when I write. I get distracted if I’m doing something else. Listening to music does inspire ideas but when I’m listening to music I”m usually not writing. I don’t have a particular playlist. I usually just listen to songs that I like at the time.

At the end of the book, you seemed to be opening things up for a sequel, do you have a longer series planned?
Yes! I do! I am currently working on part 2 and part 3 of the Transition Series. Hopefully part 2 will be published in 2016. I don’t currently have a title for part 2.



As far as the story itself goes, I would most likely recommend it to people who enjoy books like Stephanie Myers' Twilight Saga, or Amanda Hocking's My Blood Approves series. While it was not exactly my personal style, it was a fun quick read, and very much in line with the work of these other writers. Paige included some fun twists in her plot, and it was evident that she really had a good time while she was writing her story. If you check out her website, paigewalkerauthor.com, she is currently hosting a giveaway for a free signed copy of her book, as well as a t-shirt.

I would like to thank Paige, and happylittlebooknook.com for giving me the opportunity to take part in this blog tour. I'm really hoping to have the chance to continue making more writerly connections in the months to come.