But enough about me, let's get into the fun part of this post. This past week I had the privilege of reading the book, Blue City
by Charlay Marie, prior to it being released. There's always something special about getting information in advance, so it was fun to know that I was part of the pre-show for this book. Due to it's infancy, I have yet to post any reviews, but I'm hoping to be able to do so shortly.
I really enjoyed the story, and can see a lot of directions that the author can take with it as she continues on with her series. I also had the chance to tap into the mind of this author and here are her answers to the questions I sent to her.
1) My current favorite topic in the writing world right now is the discussion between "plotters" and "pantsers," (writers who just go for it and fly by the seat of their pants.). Which of these camps would you say represents the way you tackle a writing project?
I'm a HUGE pantser! In fact, plotting for me is really pointless, as my story always takes on a mind of its own and goes left field! I just finished a new Wattpad story called White Fire with over 100k views in less than a month, and when I started it, I completely winged it! It's amazing how the story writes itself allowing you to enjoy it as much as the reader.
2) Do you typically create detailed character sketches, or wait to see how they will evolve along with your story?
No, not really. I start with the title and character names. I picture how they look in my head and that's about it. I give each character one strong personality trait and as the story unfolds, I make them react based on their personality. at that point, they begin to evolve on their own.
3) Can you give us any details about your characters that you don't reveal in the book? ( for instance favorite color, biggest phobia, book or musical preference, etc.)
Asher - the protagonists love interest - has a favorite color ... and it's midnight blue! I chose it because it's also my boyfriend's favorite color! Easy to remember! He also prefers futuristic metal.
Jen - the protagonist - is a lover of pop music, but also enjoys Greek music (her father is Greek). Her favorite color is pastel pink.
4) You mentioned in your acknowledgements at the beginning of the book that your faith in God is very important, does this theme also come up in the story in some way?
I definitely tried to incorporate God into my story. My main character, Jen is definitely a believer in God and often reaches for the cross around her neck when faced with hardships. It's my way of saying that one should always rely on God's strength during our storms.
5) If you were stranded on a desert island, which one of your characters would you want to have rescue you and why?
I would want Lark to rescue me. Lark is a 14-year-old boy genius who has lived his entire life surviving the cold streets of Blue City. He could build a boat with bamboo sticks and get us off the island in no time!
Title: The Portal Series : Blue City
Release Date: July 20, 2016
Author: Charlay Marie
Synopsis from Author's Website:
Jen Kallis never forgot the night her father vanished into a strange, white light from inside her closet. Even though no one believed her, Jen knew what she’d seen and refused to accept that her dad had abandoned her and mom. Ten years later, Jen, now 17, remains haunted by his disappear-ance when, without warning, her closet door bursts open and reveals a bright white light.
Stepping through the light, she time travels to the year 2222 to a world far different from her own. Everything in Blue City is strange, with buildings that soar too high in the sky, hover cars that zoom on transparent blue streets, and robots that look just like humans.
When Jen is confronted by Asher, an attractive commander with a bad attitude who warns that her life is in danger, she convinces him to help her escape and find her father. Together they embark on a wild journey where she has to battle Asher’s fierce ex-girlfriend, Rogue, for his love, and Jen dis-covers that there’s something far bigger than her quest to find her father: the fate of the world—past, present, and future—is in her hands.
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31136983-the-portal-series
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"Then let me go! Tell your people that the criminal escaped before you got here!"
Asher outright laughed and then quickly sobered.
"You're serious, aren't you?"
"Please help me. You know I'm not a criminal. I'll find my own way out of this place if I need to."
Asher sighed, looking up at the sky. The officials would be there any minute. Even if he let her go, she wouldn't be able to escape on her own, knowing nothing about Blue City. Her strange clothes would also be a giveaway, preventing her from blending in. Any officer or solider could stop her for questioning along the way, and he knew she wouldn't have the kind of answers needed to get past them.
Asher entertained the idea of helping her. He had an uncontrollable pull toward a thrill, and this little adventure would definitely satisfy that desire. If anyone could get out of the situation they were currently facing, it would be him. Asher was almost as high as authority went and having a father directly associated with the president would help him get out of this ordeal if they were caught. Asher groaned deeply, having made a decision.
Without a word, he pulled Jen by the arm and ran to a door on the side of the building. He opened it, surprised it hadn't been locked, and pulled her inside. They found themselves at the base of a stairwell that ventured to the top of the skyscraper.
"Come on," he said, pulling her up the stairs.”Quickly."
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About the Author:
Charlay Marie always knew she wanted to be an author, having gained internet rave over her fan-fiction stories as a teenager. Seeing how well she could move her readers, she continued writing and published her first poem at the age of fifteen. In 2012, she began writing her debut Christian fiction
novel, Under the Peach Tree, after developing a close personal relationship with her Lord and Sav-ior. She also writes young adult fiction, with Blue City soon to be released. Charlay has hopes to publish at least one book per year and has plans of starting her own independent film company. Her biggest inspirations is none other than God Himself, and she knows that without Him none of this would have been possible. To Him she gives all the Blessings and Glory. Charlay Marie currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.
*Over 50K reads on Wattpad & her newest story "White Fire" has ranked #1 in Fantasy!*
AUTHOR LINKS: Website: http://charlaymariebooks.wix.com/charlay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/724396601046137 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bluecitynovel
Giveaway Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 18th: Jen D. (http://www.happylilbooknook.com)
July 19th: Jordan (https://readbyroe.wordpress.com) Suhani: (http://nicheofabooknerd.wordpress.com)
July 20th: Tegan (http://twrshelton.wix.com/bookdragondreaming)
July 21st: Charlotte: (http://taleasoldastime31.wordpress.com/)
July 22nd: Sarah (http://transientdrifter.blogspot.com)
July 23rd: Megan (http://www.thestoriedshelf.blogspot.com)
July 24th: Jen E. (http://paperandpageblog.wordpress.com)
Blog Tour Organized by: Happy Lil Book Tours
*Hosts were provided with a copy of the book for review purposes in exchange for their honest reviews and opinions.*
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