So Hard to Say Goodbye

It is with a heavy heart that the Operation Awesome Team must say Goodbye. 
We have seen a severe drop in views and comments. (See above.)
I, J Lenni Dorner, have been unable to continue with the Debut Author Spotlight since my primary sources to find the authors derailed. 
Pass or Pages stopped functioning because the methods we used to communicate with agents stopped getting results. 
Everything has been in decline. 

The Team, though it evolved over the years, has always done our best to support writers in every stage of the journey. We hope there are success stories out there, hundreds we have yet to hear beyond the dozen or so of which we have been made aware. Dig through our archives, and perhaps our past wisdom will help you achieve success. 

We all wish you the very best. Please, always feel free to reach out to us. Every member of the Operation Awesome Team was dedicated to helping fellow writers because we care. 

Thank you for reading. 

Read a Book Day - #ReadABookDay #DebutAuthors

Read a Book Day - #ReadABookDay

Today's holiday is Read A Book Day. I suggest picking up the debut book of a first-time author. Do you have such a book to suggest?

Our Debut Author Spotlight has depended on Twitter as a source for finding such books and authors for many years. With the recent changes, it has become more difficult to find them each week. They're still out there! Just more difficult to track down due to certain changes on that social media site. 

Today is also the twelfth anniversary of the Insecure Writers Support Group. #IWSG

If you're a writer with a blog, consider stopping over at the monthly bloghop which has provided support for twelve years. 

insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

#AtoZChallenge K is for Kate Larkindale #giveaway

Established Author Name: Kate Larkindale

1- April 13 is Celebrate Teen Literature Day. How could we best promote and cultivate the love of reading among teenagers?

I think the best way to make and keep teens reading is by ensuring that libraries, especially school libraries, have books that speak to as many different experiences and realities as possible. Kids need to see themselves represented in the books they read and if the only books available don’t reflect their lives, they’ll look somewhere else. Teens are at such a fragile point in their lives where the person they will grow up to be is forged, so they need to see and understand that their feelings and experiences are not theirs alone. That they are not freaks. I’m horrified that at a time when publishing seems to be finally catching up on the fact that diversity and representation matter, conservative leaders in all kinds of communities are demanding that the books demonstrating diversity are being removed from library book shelves.

2- In what category/genre do you write? Why?

I write YA for the most part. Maybe because I’ve never really grown up…. But I feel like there’s so much you can do in the YA space. It’s such a tough time as well as being an exciting one. It’s a time of life where new feelings can be overwhelming. The changes happening to one person may not be the same as the changes that happen to another. Friendships that have endured throughout childhood may be strained to breaking point when friends change in different ways and find new tribes that better suit their new interests and ideas.

It’s a time in life where the adult you grow up to be is formed, often through trial and error, experimentation and failure. Hormones run wild and with them come confusing feelings and possibly even attraction to someone - maybe not the person you’ve always believed you’d end up with. I love to write these big emotions and characters who still believe they have the ability to change the world and be whoever they want to be.

3- What part of one of your stories was the most fun to write? The most challenging? 

I think I had the most fun writing Stumped. My main character, Ozzy, is a really funny guy, even though he’s a total douchebag at the beginning of the book. I had a great time throwing him into all kinds of horrible situations and as a result, he finishes the book as a fairly decent human.

The most challenging is probably the book I’ve been working on (off and on) for the last couple of years, tentatively called A Stranger to Kindness. The main character is electively mute, and as someone who uses dialogue to do a lot of the storytelling, having an MC who doesn’t talk at all is a whole new way of thinking about writing a novel. The subject matter for this one is pretty challenging too, hence why I’ve only been working on it sporadically.

4- Would you please, in 160 characters (not words) or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Don’t try and write a book (or story) that will sell. Write something you’re passionate about, something you want to read.

5- You spent a lifetime traveling the globe. What was your favorite place so far?

That’s such a hard one! I have so many favourite places for so many different reasons! I love New Zealand because it’s been my home for the last 17 years and where I’ve raised my kids. But I think my favourite city overall is Berlin. Or maybe Melbourne. Or New York….

6- What do you love and hate most about being a published author?

I love knowing my books have made a difference to readers. I’ve had some beautiful emails from people who have read my books and reached out to tell me how much they meant to them. And these aren’t reviewers or anyone I’ve asked to read the books - just average people who happened to pick one up and found something to connect with.

I don’t think there’s anything I really hate about being a published author. There are certain things I find irritating (like the fact my publisher’s style guide doesn’t allow semi-colons and I really like to use semi-colons in certain situations - a comma or period changes the rhythm of the sentence and that then changes the whole rhythm of the page), but hate is a really strong word.

7- Do you publish traditional, self, hybrid, other? Why?

I’m traditionally published, mainly because I’d rather not deal with all the minutiae that goes into getting a book out - the cover design and ISBN number and loading it up to retailers and typesetting and stuff like that. I have precious little time to write as it is, without adding all that business stuff into the mix.

8- What question are you dying to answer?

How long does it take you to write a book?
That depends on if you mean drafting or finishing. The last time I did NaNo (in 2020) I wrote the 60K words in about 8 days, but it’s taken until this week to get the book to a point where I’m ready to think about querying it.

9- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

What book are you a total evangelist for? Why?

10- Which book would you suggest readers start with?

I don’t write series, so you could read any of my books at any time. An Unstill Life is my best-selling title, but it’s not my favourite of my books. As I mentioned earlier, I had so much fun writing Stumped, I think that’s my personal favourite. And The Sidewalk’s Regrets is very personal to me, so that one will always have a very special place in my heart.

I recently signed a contract for a new book which will be out later this year. It’s called My Murder Year. So keep an eye out for that one. I wish I had a cover to share, but it’s a little early for that.

Kate Larkindale

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge 2023
a-to-zchallenge.com

#AtoZChallenge D is for J Lenni Dorner #Giveaway

Established Author Name: J Lenni Dorner

Today on the blog we are speaking with our very own J! J is a writer of speculative fiction and writer's reference books. He is also an active member of the writing community, working on both Operation Awesome and the AtoZ Challenge blogs.

1- What is your favorite book you've read? Why is it your favorite?

I have a lot of favorite books. Some of my favorites are debuts and some are by established authors; some are indie and some are Big 5 publishing houses; many are speculative fiction (especially types of fantasy) and have diverse characters. https://diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Here are a few of my favorites:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by J Lenni Dorner (@jlennidorner)

And here is a more complete list: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7120981-j-dorner

2- In what category/genre do you write? Why?

The first book I self-published was a writer's reference book. At the time, I was following the manuscript wishlist on Twitter (#MSWL), and encountered agents looking for settings that felt like characters. Several confused writers mentioned not knowing what that meant. I happened to know how to do it well, so I crafted a book about it. Later, I wrote another reference book, this time to help authors write book reviews faster and easier.

My favorite genre to write though is speculative fiction, especially types of fantasy. I love the possibilities that come with a different world. My favorite are stories that are plausible or could become possible.

3- What part of one of your stories was the most fun to write? The most challenging? (And which book/s are those in?)

From CLIFFHANGER to CLIFF HANGING…

Fractions of Existence ended on a cliffhanger. Proof of Existence includes a scene where a character is hanging from a cliff, in a manner of speaking.
This scene in Chapter 8 of Proof of Existence was fun to write because Heath takes initiative. It turns out not to be the proof that Wend (Gwendolyn) needs, but it's fun watching him make a point. Much like a cartoon character, Wend survives what happens next.

The most challenging scenes to write are toward the end of Proof of Existence, when Heath isn't around. It was hard for me to mentally and emotionally hurt him, though it is necessary for the audience to appreciate and accept what will happen in book three, Cave of Existence. Two scene pieces made up my entry for the Write Edit Publish (WEP) challenge in February. That flash fiction shows the characters distraught because Heath isn't around.
https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/2023/02/wep-flashfiction-sneak-preview-excerpt.html

4- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

#WriteTip Feel like quitting? Write a resignation letter. Passion can hide just below the surface, uncovered by the idea of never feeling it again.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/391109548865369836


5- Do you draw from specific life experiences or influences to inform your writing?

There are several experiences in my life that influence my writing. Briefly living in NYC helped with writing that setting. Some characters are based partly on encounters I've had.

6- What do you love and hate most about being a published author?

I love sharing my stories and having interested fans. One year, my A to Z Challenge story was especially fun because of comments from Ronel, who not only understood the story but also correctly guessed some of what was coming next. Ronelthemythmaker.com

I hate how much promotional work is involved, especially never knowing what to risk spending money on when the financial return may not justify the expense.

7- Do you publish traditional, self, hybrid, other? Why?

I opted to self-publish to keep better control over the story, as it is a myth about creatures of legend that was passed down to me by my Lenni-Lenape ancestors. Also, as multiple reviewers have pointed out, this urban fantasy series is really different. I couldn't find any agents, especially because the ones who did request the first chapters thought that Gwendolyn wasn't in them. In Fractions of Existence, Xavier and Wend meet while playing an online roleplaying game (MMORPG). I failed to find a literary agent who was also a gamer and thereby could recognize a gaming handle.

8- What question are you dying to answer?

Are there true events in the Existence book series?

Several scenes are based on real events.

One example in the Existence series is a reference to a real record-breaking meteorite that hit Norway in 2006. Though there were witnesses, and at least one person caught a picture of it streaking through the sky, allegedly none of it was recovered.

Fractions of Existence showed the characters knowing it was coming. As it has material not made on Earth, it can be used by the antagonist group, The Eyes in the Shadows, to craft weapons capable of hurting or killing members of the Existence. In Proof of Existence, Heath and Xavier discover what happened to the meteorite.

9- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

#PeepsDay #PEEPS

Peeps Day is celebrated on April 5. I live less than an hour from Just Born, where the treats are made. Most people have a strong opinion about Peeps. I enjoy them. What about you?




10- Which book would you suggest readers start with?

I'd strongly suggest reading book one, Fractions of Existence, before book two, Proof of Existence, which came out yesterday, April 4, 2023.

Proof of Existence

World-ending secrets and threats…

Proof of Existence picks up from Fractions of Existence's cliffhanger, where Gwendolyn is among the hostages of the Eyes in the Shadows, a religious sect that has been trying to free humans from the “prison” of life on Earth for millennia. Rescuing her requires the Existence to expose themselves. As omnipotent beings, their work to protect humanity has been mostly in secret for the last two centuries.

Gwendolyn must remember and embrace what she truly is, though fear and doubt stifle her. She risked everything by acting on her attraction to Xavier, but her religious beliefs stop her from taking the important next step. Life-threatening news has her wanting to go home to see her family. Will they still love and accept her, despite her actions and choices? Or could a secret rip her family apart?

Feeling lonely, tormented, and useless, Existence member Heath goes off the grid. A ransom video from Eyes in the Shadows demands he be traded for the lives of others. Can the Existence find him in time to tell him about the threat? Even if Heath can be reached, would his kind really trade him to potentially save someone else?

The Eyes in the Shadows is set to finally end all human life on Earth forever. Only if the Existence is reunited, with all members at full power, could they stand against them. How many will suffer if the Existence should fail? How much damage could possibly be done in the next twenty years? Proof of Existence, the second book of the Existence mythological urban fantasy series from J Lenni Dorner, is set during the first half of 2006.

Bio

J Lenni Dorner is best known for the Existence book series. Book one, Fractions of Existence, and book two, Proof of Existence, are on Amazon. Author of the short story, Lumber Of The Kuweakunks, on Smashwords. Also known for the writer's reference books, Preparing to Write Settings that Feel Like Characters and Writing Book Reviews As An Author: Inspiration To Make It Easier.
J is part of the Operation Awesome Team, where he runs the Debut Author Spotlight on most Wednesdays. J is an April Blogging from A to Z #AtoZchallenge international bloghop co-host.

(he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, and Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge

https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/JLenniDorner
https://www.facebook.com/WhatAreThey
https://www.instagram.com/jlennidorner

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYN6SG7Y Buy it here.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65150644-proof-of-existence Add to your TBR here.
https://www.bookbub.com/books/proof-of-existence-by-j-lenni-dorner Glimpse it here.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4fa90ac752 Enter the Giveaway here!




Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge 2023
a-to-zchallenge.com

#AtoZChallenge C is for Christine Rains #FreeBook

Established Author Name: Christine Rains

1- Would you tell us a little about being a "Geek mom"?

I call myself a geek mom because I love doing all the things stereotyped as nerdy with my son. When we used to play imagination games, we'd go on adventures and fight monsters and make friends with dragons. I read to him every night until he was nearly 12 years old, and his favorites included Norse and Greek legends. We had a membership to the local children's science museum and went often, and we spent a lot of time at the library as well. These days, my son is into Dungeons & Dragons as much as I am. In fact, he's having a D&D game for his birthday this month. This makes both of us excited!

2- In what category/genre do you write? Why?

When it comes to short stories, I've written in every genre. It's a great medium to try new things and stretch my creative muscles. Most of my longer works have an element of the supernatural in them, be they dark urban fantasy or paranormal romance. I've been fascinated by the supernatural for all of my life. The lure of mysteries, of things just beyond our understanding, and the magic hiding in everyday things.

3- What part of one of your stories was the most fun to write? The most challenging?

I love to write scenes with lots of dialogue, romantic tension, wonder, and discovery. The conversations between my characters in my fantasy LitRPG series, Khthonia, are so much fun as they echo real life chats I've had with my gamer friends. They talk about everything from the rules of the game to love to philosophy. Usually I write too much dialogue, and I have to edit it down when I revise my books. The most challenging part of writing for me is the ending. As a pantser, I know what I need the outcome to be, but I have to trust in the story to get me there. My muse has never failed me, but it causes me a lot of stress. A great example of endings is the one for my urban fantasy series, TOTEM. How to wrap up all those layers and loose threads in a way that made sense eluded me, and I agonized over it for weeks. When it finally came together, it was beautiful and elegant, but I have gray hairs given to me specifically by that last TOTEM book!


4- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Write what you love, not what you think everyone else wants.

5- April 4 is National School Librarian Day. Would you share a happy memory of one?

I absolutely adore libraries, and I've spent a great amount of time in them over the years. I remember in elementary school being chosen by the librarian to help out and how that felt like a great honor. I had no quiet places or much peace as a child, but there, it was always tranquil. I would run my fingers along the book spines as I shelved them and imagine the worlds hiding in those pages. It was my happy place, my escape from the world, and as an adult looking back on those days, I think she knew I needed it. Thank you to all school librarians out there for everything you do.

6- What do you love and hate most about being a published author?

I love writing and sharing my stories with readers. I have so many worlds in my head aching for release, and I'm very lucky I can do so. The aspect I hate most about being an author in today's world is that authors can't just be writers, we have to be businesspeople as well. I have no natural talent for marketing, and I find no joy doing it. I've researched and read so much about how to market your books over the years, that it only brings me misery when I experience everything I've learned hasn't helped. I realize every path is different. What works for one author won't work for another. And what works for one book won't work for another. It's my biggest source of stress. I'd rather just write, because that's where I find happiness.

7- Do you publish traditional, self, hybrid, other? Why?

I self publish because I love having complete control over everything. I can work at my own pace, and I have the flexibility to fit my schedule around my family's. It's important for me to be there for them, but still pursue my own dreams. I have had publishers before, but they have been negative experiences. I do realize that not all publishers practice bad business, but it has tainted my opinion of working solely with a publisher. I believe that going hybrid is a nice compromise. That way you have a publisher to take care of some of your stories, while you still have the freedom to do what you want.

8- What question are you dying to answer?

What is your stereotypical horror movie role?
I would be the scholar or skeptic, and because I would go investigate the strange noise or the weird runes, I would be the first to die.

Answer from Interviewer J: Survivor / Hunter (Daryl Dixon is a fictional character from AMC's horror drama series The Walking Dead. That'd be me.)

9- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

What is your favorite supernatural mystery? (Ex. Loch Ness Monster, the Bermuda Triangle, poltergeists.)

10- Which of your books would you recommend right now?

I recently finished writing the final book in my fantasy LitRPG trilogy, Blight of the Necromancer. It's with my beta readers now, and hopefully will be released by the end of this year. The first two books are available at Amazon, and for this week only, you can get the first book, Shudder of Specters for free!
Website: https://christinerainswrit.wixsite.com/home
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CRainsWriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristinerains
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-Rains/author/B00AZYIAT4

Link for Shudder of Specters: https://www.amazon.com/Shudder-Specters-Fantasy-LitRPG-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0979PJRL8/



Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge 2023
a-to-zchallenge.com

#AtoZChallenge A is for Alex J Cavanaugh

Established Author Name: Alex J. Cavanaugh

1- You regularly publish books, read great books, comment on many blogs, and watch excellent entertainment. Could you share some time management tips?

Tell your boss, screw it, I’m working on blogs and my manuscript today!

Okay, that probably won’t work.

I just know that I need to spread my work out. Blogging gets a good portion of time each day. Reading and watching movies – that’s easy! The writing is the toughest part. I have to force myself to write. But it’s all about setting time to do that, no matter what.

2- In what category/genre do you write? Why?

I write science fiction – space opera. It’s a genre that fits many popular series. Star Wars, Starship Troopers, even Star Trek. I enjoy it and hope my readers do as well.

3- What part of one of your stories was the most fun to write? The most challenging?


In CassaStorm, I enjoyed the banter and friendship growing between Byron’s son, Bassan, and the Rogue, Piten. Originally Piten was to play a small role, but it grew beyond what I’d envisioned. He was a bit unpredictable but likeable, so he became a key element for the ending.

I can think of a challenge in almost every book. In CassaStar, it was the grand finale – how could I get Byron in position to make it happen? In CassaFire, what would stop the probe? In CassaStorm, how would they know the code had downloaded into Bassan? In Dragon of the Stars, when the big twist comes, how could I make it believable? And with CassaDark, just how was I going to convince Bassan he needed to go to that prisoner planet?

4- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Write what you enjoy reading. If you don’t, neither you nor the reader will enjoy it.

5- Where did you get the idea for the IWSG, and what most motivates you to keep it going?

An email exchange with another writer who was really down on himself prompted me to say that he needed an insecure writer’s support group – and it was a lightbulb moment! September 2011 I launched the monthly posting. A year later, with the help of a team of amazing writers, we launched the website. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, a newsletter, #IWSGPit, and anthology contests followed. The monthly posting keeps me excited because I see other writers connecting and supporting one another.

6- What do you love and hate most about being a published author?

I love that I’ve connected with so many readers. After several best sellers (five books total), several short stories, audio books, and anthologies, it’s way beyond what I could’ve ever imagined.

I can’t say there is anything I hate. I guess since author wasn’t my career choice and I never planned more than one book, the pressure to write more gets to me sometimes. I never have a ton of ideas in my head.

7- Do you publish traditional, self, hybrid, other? Why?

I am traditionally published. I wouldn’t know the first thing about self-publishing so it was the wisest choice for me.

8- What question are you dying to answer?

Do I really watch a ton of movies and shows?
Yes! I am a big movie buff. We still collect a lot of DVDs and we must have well over a thousand, plus those on digital. And despite multiple big screens in our house, I still believe in going to the theater to see films. How I have time for so many movies when I work full time, play guitar in a band, write, spend time with friends, hobbies, listening to music, and taking care of the house and my wife, I have no idea…

9- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

What’s your favorite movie? Mine is Aliens.

10- Which book would you suggest readers start with?

If you like stand alone stories, begin with Dragon of the Stars. If you like series, start with CassaStar.

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and is the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. His Cassa books are Amazon Best Sellers and winners of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.

www.alexjcavanaugh.com
www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com


Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge 2023
a-to-zchallenge.com

Jennifer Claessen answers #13Questions in OA's Debut Author Spotlight

13 Questions shine Operation Awesome's Spotlight
on this
2022 Debut Author

The October Witches by Jennifer Claessen

1- Are there animals in your book, and if so, what role do they play?

Yes! There is one very, very small pony called Bobby. And she is extremely important to the plot in a way I didn’t plan when I started writing.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Go for a walk.

3- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

I hope for The October Witches to be a very cosy fun read. It is an adventure and it’s about our ‘young hags’ finding their own way so if any young readers feel less self-conscious and a little less alone after reading, I’d love that too. But there’s no right response of course, all reader reactions are valid.

4- Did the Druids, pagans, or religion of Wicca play a part in your choice to use October in your story?

Not necessarily no, I don’t know a lot about Wicca but I do think October as a time of year just has a magical feel.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book in a pumpkin patch?



6- How do you support your fellow debut authors and have any of them supported you?

I’m in a super lovely Debut twitter group which is lovely and reassuring (I’m only here answering these questions because Hannah Moffatt posted about it!)
I’m reading a lot of debut fiction, and of course buying multiple copies of the books to gift to small friends and readers and I’m not great at social media but I’m trying to keep up and shout about the ones I love!

7- Time to double-down on social media! What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?
Also, can you please recommend a favorite #bookstagram account profile?

My twitter is @jclaessen_
I’m really excited for @LucyAnnUnwin’s debut next year
One of my favourite reads of this year is The Whisperling by Hayley Hoskins.
I just met bookstagrammer @pagesofpiper in person for the first time and she’s so lovely and supportive.

8- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

I love cycling, does that count as creative?! I have a wobbly yellow bike I ride all over London and it definitely helps me think up story ideas. I love the theatre, especially children’s theatre and go a lot with my children. I love dancing, mostly in my kitchen at the moment, and icecream, also mostly in my kitchen. My family is half-Dutch so we travel quite a lot too. I also love climbing trees very badly (I always get stuck on the way down), forest walks and of course reading. In October, I love crafting extremely elaborate and absurd Halloween costumes.

9- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

As a cis white female writer, I personally don’t have much ‘own voices’ diversity to offer. The October Witches takes a lot of Arthurian legend and flips it in a fun, feminist way. There are no male characters in my book (there was one but he got cut early on) and after all the centuries of male-dominated narratives, I love books which are unapologetically female. My characters live in a matriarchy and there’s nothing remarkable about the absence of male characters at all, they’re just not necessary.

I love the diversity of the work of Katie and Kevin Tsang in their Sam Wu and Dragon Mountain series. And I love reading adventures with black joy like Janelle McCurdy’s Mia and the Lightcasters.



10- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime? #WriteGoal #BucketList #WriterBucketList

I have a little list which includes taking my writing group away on a retreat, going to a literary festival etc and I’ve ticked off some great ones this year. A total dream would be a stage adaptation. My background is in theatre and that would be two worlds colliding in the best way.

11- What was the query process like for you?

I queried projects years ago, got a lot of full requests and a lot of rejections too and ultimately no offer of representation. My rejections from agents probably ran into the hundreds in 2012. Then, after writing The October Witches very quickly in 2019, I was also offered representation by my agent very quickly. They are the Andrew Nurnberg Agency and I just started at ‘A’ and was going to query down the list but my agent is amazing and I didn’t need to! It’s that old case of slow-slow-slow-wow-so-fast.

12- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

If you had magical power for one month a year, what would you do with it?

13- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

My twitter is @jclaessen_




The October Witches by Jennifer Claessen

Dori Aleman-Medina answers #13Questions in OA's Debut Author Spotlight

13 Questions shine Operation Awesome's Spotlight
on this
2022 Debut Author

Juliana Lopez is Fu*king Fire: 21 Boys Later... by Dori Aleman-Medina

1- Any exciting holiday plans this December that you can share with us?

Christmas time is my second favorite (Halloween is first) of the year! Not quite a holiday event, but we’re going to see the Beastie Boys Exhibit in Los Angeles. I love the Beastie Boys. We’re also going to see the IllumiNature at the Fresno Zoo. There is also a Las Posadas event in Barrio Logan in San Diego we will attend. We have family all over so we’ll make a great loop of California.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

#Createflawedcharacters

3- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

I want readers to have a connection to Juliana. She’s flawed, makes mistakes, creates problems by accident. I want readers to feel, “oh girl, I’ve been there, don’t do that.” I hope readers feel as if she’s someone they can relate to.

Empathy, compassion, romance vibes-I hope readers fall in love with her, understand her choices, and even become angry when she does those things….

4- How did you come up with the title "Juliana Lopez is Fu*king Fire: 21 Boys Later... "?

The truth is-she told me that’s what it’s called. I have long, involved conversations with her in my head. 🤣 Juliana Lopez is fire. It’s her mantra. She is a survivor and still believes she’s going to find her true love. It’s been a working title for so long, nothing else felt right.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book with a pet or by a fire?

Yes! I have both-I’ll share both.


6- How do you support your fellow debut authors and have any of them supported you?

Yes, I belong to writing groups that meet here in Southern California and have author friends who trade work with me. We support each other like that. I also read indie authors who are self-published.

7- Time to double-down on social media! What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?
Also, can you please recommend a favorite #bookstagram account profile?

I don’t use Twitter much.

Instagram:
@Read_between.the_wines
@thebookstagramcommunity
@authorkvrose


8- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

I make charcuterie boards for friends. I also run a school-based garden for children with learning disabilities.

9- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

I’m Latino and write Latino romance novels. Within my stories, I try to include neurodiverse characters (ADHD, autism, and other disabilities). I also have characters who use therapy and discuss their own mental health struggles to help normalize needing outside help.

10- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime? #WriteGoal #BucketList #WriterBucketList

Ohhh, to quit my day job and live (in California) as a full time writer. I’d love to have time to finish writing all the ideas I have. Since that might not happen, I want to finish the work I have started. I want people to love my people as much as I do (or at least half as much-I’d be okay with half.)

11- How did you come to the decision not to send a query letter?

I decided to self publish. There are several authors I love who explained their reasons for doing so. I understand those reasons. My market can seem narrow, Latino romance novels? The romance novel market is extremely saturated. I also hit a milestone birthday this year and evaluated what is important to me. I have hit all my professional goals. I was not able to write for a long time. I have a child with special needs who needed my attention. Now that he is in an independent place, I have time for my personal goals again. My husband encouraged me to self publish. He’s a fan of Gary Vee. He’s an all in-just go for it, kind of guy.

12- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

What’s the worst thing your partner did, but you forgave? (I don’t mean something like domestic violence-I mean, he threw away your engagement ring by accident because he has tissues left all over the counter.) No trigger warning responses-I’m a mandated reporter.

13- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

I live in beautiful Southern California with my favorite husband, my son, a cat and a dog, all who are not allowed to read the stories I write. I grew up in Fresno, CA, in a house that was near a Vons and Holmes Playground. I did not attend Roosevelt High School. I love the Tower District and Fresno City College. I’m Latinx, but I don’t speak Spanish. I have fallen in and out of love, gone to therapy, and struggled with emotional regulation. I am educated but I feel like a fraud. I have many stories to write but worry what my mom might think. I’m just like everyone else.

Instagram: 21.boys.later
Facebook: Dori Aleman-Medina, author


Juliana Lopez is Fu*king Fire: 21 Boys Later... by Dori Aleman-Medina

Emily Kenny answers #13Questions in OA's Debut Author Spotlight

13 Questions shine Operation Awesome's Spotlight
on this
2022 Debut Author

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks by Emily Kenny

1- Would you please tell us more about the library cat?

The library cat has a tongue as sharp as her mind! She's a tradition at Pebbles, the school in my story, and takes her role very seriously. Ultimately, grumpy as she is, she is also very loveable and extremely loyal.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Comparison is the thief of joy. Actively try to avoid it.

3- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

Comfort and cosiness in parts and edge-of-the-seat peril in others!

4- How do book reviews help middle-grade authors, in your opinion?

Book reviews help enormously by making the gatekeepers of children's fiction - parents, librarians, teachers, booksellers etc - aware of your book. Assuming the review is positive, they're vital in selling the idea of your story to the people who will then in turn sell it to kids.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book with an animal friend?



6- How do you support your fellow debut authors and have any of them supported you?

I've been really lucky to be in a brilliant Twitter group for debut kidlit authors and I've had enormous support from many of the members. We try to celebrate one another's writing and promote it where we can but it is also a safe place to ask tricky questions that you might not ask publically.

7- Time to double-down on social media! What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?
Also, can you please recommend a favorite #bookstagram account profile?

My twitter handle is @Emilie_London and I would love to shout out my fellow MG debut writer friends
@bookloverJo
@MissDePlume
@FinlaysonPalmer
and @kfosterauthor .

One of my favourite bookstagram account is definitely
@goldenbooksgirl as she does so much to champion diverse books and brilliant disability rep.

8- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

When I have time, I love art journalling.

9- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

The main way is that the protagonist, Alice is Autistic like me. It was important to me to not write a book about autism but where an autistic main character had all the adventures!

10- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime? #WriteGoal #BucketList #WriterBucketList

I would LOVE to have a fandom! I have been a member of several fandoms and loyal fans are so creative. They're the best!

11- What was the query process like for you?

I was really lucky in that I met my dream agent very early in the querying process through an event so I didn't need to write too many of those pesky query letters. I feel super privileged in this regard.

12- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

In 'The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks', Alice's favourite place to escape to is the library. Where is your favourite place to sneak off to and why?

13- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

About the Author

Like Alice, Emily Kenny is autistic and wanted to write her debut novel about an autistic child protagonist. Emily studied English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, completed the MA in Children’s Literature at Roehampton University, and was part of the Spark Mentor scheme with WriteMentor. Emily works as a secondary school English teacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, and lives in London.

Twitter: @Emilie_London

Alice Tonks would love to make friends at boarding school. And, being autistic, she just wants people to accept her for who she is. But after a rather strange encounter with a talking seagull on her first day, she suddenly has a new challenge and a lot of questions.

Animals are going missing and Alice can’t solve the mystery alone. With new friends behind her, can Alice harness her magic powers and become the hero she never imagined?

A story about finding your voice, friendship and unlikely heroes, for fans of A Kind of Spark


The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks by Emily Kenny

Ross MacKay answers #13Questions in OA's Debut Author Spotlight

13 Questions shine Operation Awesome's Spotlight
on this
2022 Debut Author

Will and The Whisp by Ross MacKay

1- Why did you decide to set the unfortunate incident in the boy’s toilet?

It was always a big myth at my primary school that when you went up to secondary school, you would get your head flushed down the toilet. I always thought that sounded awful - so naturally I wanted to put my hero through the process.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Give your head the chance to dream and solve story problems away from the desk. Don’t feel guilty for taking a walk. Short breaks give space for your brain to find new paths to explore.

3- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

I would love it if my readers came a way with a sense of hope. Really I want my readers to feel their imaginations ignited. I want them to want to dive back into the world and to dream.

4- How did you get into kayaking?

I began on a holiday and just fell in love with it. I love being out there on my own. It really connects me to nature. My wife bought me an inflatable kayak that I love. I love getting out onto the water for an hour or two and just gently paddling away.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book somewhere fun?

Here I am with my first school visit with the book.


6- How do you support your fellow debut authors and have any of them supported you?

I am a part of the 2022 Debut Authors group. It has been so supportive- celebrating each other’s wins and sharing books on Twitter etc etc. The thing I was proudest to do was to give away a residency I won. I won a week writer’s residency that I couldn’t attend due to my health but I was able to give it to another debut author. I was so glad it went to good use.

7- Time to double-down on social media! What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?
Also, can you please recommend a favorite #bookstagram account profile?

Yes - @shellymackbooks and
@achapteratatime

8- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

I also work in theatre as a director. I love being in a rehearsal room making shows.

9- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Will has a mental health disability like me. His anxiety is profound. I have chronic anxiety and depression. Although it is an invisible disability, I thought it was important to really reflect it in Will.
I love having a diverse range of books on my shelf. Currently Elle McNicoll’s A Kind of Spark is my go to recommendation.


10- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime? #WriteGoal #BucketList #WriterBucketList

I would love to see my book in a bookshop window display. Might seem small but it would just give me so much joy.

11- What was the query process like for you?

Mine was all over the place. I got signed in a really unusual way and I had an agent before this one. But I am so happy with the agent I have now. My book was very initially picked up by Twitter Pitches. So although it might seem like screaming into the void it does work.

12- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

What is the one book you got rid of, loaned out, lost, which you wish you had back?

13- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

Ross was the recipient of the William Soutar Award for Poetry 2020. 

His debut novel and picture book were released in 2022 in both the UK and USA. 

His plays have been performed across Scotland and his adaptation of Treasure Island will premiere in Cumbernauld this Winter. 

Ross previously worked in theatre as the artistic director of Tortoise in a Nutshell. His productions toured across the world. His shows have received numerous prestigious awards including a Scotsman Fringe First for New Writing and a Critic’s Pick from The New York Times. 

Twitter and Instagram: 

@RossC_MacKay

Facebook: Rossmackaystories

Website: http://Rossmackaystories.com

EXCERPT 

1 
THE NIGHT CHASE 

The Whisp hurtles down a side street and then spins to the left.

Faster and faster, as fast as she can. 

She hears heavy boots on the damp cobbles and the howls and whoops behind her. A glance back shows some of the Hunters grasping electric spears, running them against the granite walls. The sparks crackle in the air as they singe the old stones black. The rain lashes down onto the old slate roofs making the whole city bristle with noise. 

Amongst all this chaos, she keeps running, tries hard to concentrate on the sound that beckons. It's fragile, like fine thread unwinding from a spindle. She knows if she loses it, inside the noise of the chase, it might never be found again. 

The sound is hope. 

The Whisp propels herself forward. She has never heard the song of the Thresholds until this night. She didn't even exist when they were last open. But if a Threshold was open and singing to her, then there was a chance ... A small chance, she might escape with her life. 

The city is woven like a tightly gnarled knot through 

which she twists and turns, doubling back on herself when she comes across another squad of Hunters in the alleyway ahead of her. They are systematic, cutting o streets, encircling her, trying to pen her in. She works fast to plot a new route in her mind, turning towards the sound whenever she has the chance. 

The Hunters are like a pack of wild dogs catching the scent of prey in their nostrils. They will not lose her. She is quicker than them, but they are relentless. And while she may be invisible, the lashing rain runs down her body, making her shimmer. 

They are swooping upon her, again and again. Each trying their best to seize the Whisp in their talons. But agile and quick, she darts across a city square into another crumpled heap of side streets. 

The Whisp tries to turn another corner but misjudges the pivot and crashes hard into a wooden door that rattles on its hinges. Trying to correct her balance, she slips as the wet gravel beneath her gives way. Landing in a heap, she looks up and notices a looming shadow in front of her. 

The only humans ever out at this time of night are Hunters. 

She scurries upwards, grabbing the nearby lamppost. The wet metal squeals with her grip. She freezes as he turns and smiles. 

She knows what he sees: the raindrops are not falling through the air as they should but running down her transparent frame. The outline of her shape is like the film of a bubble, and he aims to burst her wide open. 

The Hunter grips his stinger with both hands and thrusts it forward with force. There is a hellacious crack. With a flash, she is no longer invisible, appearing instead as a stark blue outline of a girl that shines bright in the night air.

Will and The Whisp by Ross MacKay