Teen Author Tuesday Presents Jessi Kirby and MOONGLASS!
I'm excited to welcome another Elevensie to the blog today! Jessi Kirby's debut novel,
MOONGLASS, releases May 3, 2011 from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. It is
Contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.
Welcome, Jessi! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Loss, mother, romance, beach, summer, sea glass, mermaids
Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Another of my favorite characters from Moonglass is the crawling man on the beach. He’s actually based on a real man I used to see and wonder what his story was. In Moonglass, I got to give him a story.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
I worked as a lifeguard for four years, which is where I got many of my ideas for this story. I found a red piece of sea glass on my birthday this year. I have a thing for mermaids and all the myths that surround them.
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
The most surprising thing so far has been that it’s actually happened! I still only kind-of believe it. The other thing that’s surprised me along the way is just how long a process it is to see a book through from its initial draft to it hitting the bookstore shelves. I had no idea how many steps are involved along the way, but they’re all well worth it.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Read as much as you possibly can! It’s the best way to study the craft and artistry of writing. Read the authors you love and pay careful attention to why you love their stories so much, how they speak to you, and what they inspire in you. Then go write!
Great advice, Jessi! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you
give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
Right now I’m working on revising my second novel, IN HONOR, along with writing the first draft of my third. Busy days!
What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
Ooh, it’s like you knew me! I did the first three-journals, terrible poetry, and overly dramatic stories. I wrote all the time, and most of it was terrible.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson. Hands down the best I read last year. I wanted to wrap myself up in its pages.
I couldn't agree more! I loved that book. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Jessi, where should they look?
My website: www.jessikirby.com
My blog: http://beachjess.livejournal.com/
Great! Thanks so much for visiting today, Jessi, and all the very best with your book launch!
MOONGLASS, releases May 3, 2011 from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. It is
Contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.
Welcome, Jessi! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Loss, mother, romance, beach, summer, sea glass, mermaids
Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Another of my favorite characters from Moonglass is the crawling man on the beach. He’s actually based on a real man I used to see and wonder what his story was. In Moonglass, I got to give him a story.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
I worked as a lifeguard for four years, which is where I got many of my ideas for this story. I found a red piece of sea glass on my birthday this year. I have a thing for mermaids and all the myths that surround them.
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
The most surprising thing so far has been that it’s actually happened! I still only kind-of believe it. The other thing that’s surprised me along the way is just how long a process it is to see a book through from its initial draft to it hitting the bookstore shelves. I had no idea how many steps are involved along the way, but they’re all well worth it.
What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Read as much as you possibly can! It’s the best way to study the craft and artistry of writing. Read the authors you love and pay careful attention to why you love their stories so much, how they speak to you, and what they inspire in you. Then go write!
Great advice, Jessi! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you
give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
Right now I’m working on revising my second novel, IN HONOR, along with writing the first draft of my third. Busy days!
What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
Ooh, it’s like you knew me! I did the first three-journals, terrible poetry, and overly dramatic stories. I wrote all the time, and most of it was terrible.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson. Hands down the best I read last year. I wanted to wrap myself up in its pages.
I couldn't agree more! I loved that book. If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Jessi, where should they look?
My website: www.jessikirby.com
My blog: http://beachjess.livejournal.com/
Great! Thanks so much for visiting today, Jessi, and all the very best with your book launch!