I am thrilled today to be hosting an interview Heidi Kling--the mastermind behind the amazing series The Spellspinners of Melas County. We have a treat for those of you participating in Winter Wishes--a chance to win a copy of Spellspinners of Melas County Season One! Read on for your chance to win a copy for yourself. :-) **Book Shimmy**
Spellspinners of Melas County
By Heidi Kling
ISBN: 9781937804367
Publication Date: January 21, 2014
Reviewed from: an ARC provided by the publisher--thank you Coliloquy!!
1)What drew you to write in the fantasy genre?
HK: My agent actually suggested witches. She said, and I quote, "What do you think about witches?" I took this to mean I should write an epic 9-book fantasy series. Also, I'd always loved fantasy as a kid, and later paranormal romance was such an exciting genre to read.
By Heidi Kling
ISBN: 9781937804367
Publication Date: January 21, 2014
Reviewed from: an ARC provided by the publisher--thank you Coliloquy!!
My Interview with Heidi:
Welcome Heidi! What a treat it has been for me to be able to get to interview you today for Love. Life. Read readers and Winter Wishes participants. Congratulations on finishing up Season One of Spellspinners!
HK: My agent actually suggested witches. She said, and I quote, "What do you think about witches?" I took this to mean I should write an epic 9-book fantasy series. Also, I'd always loved fantasy as a kid, and later paranormal romance was such an exciting genre to read.
2)If you could choose to be any paranormal being/creature. which would choose?
HK: Hmm. I think I'd choose to be a witch if I could have powers like Lily and Orchid and Daisy. They are so cool! Plus, I want to live by the beach again.
HK: Hmm. I think I'd choose to be a witch if I could have powers like Lily and Orchid and Daisy. They are so cool! Plus, I want to live by the beach again.
3)With book three just being released and season one bundled as well, can you tell us what is up next for you?
HK: Book 4 is nearly complete and I'm SO excited to share this one with the world. I don't want to lend any spoilers to DEVIL'S FROST, but let's just say Lily is experiencing some personal challenges and this affects all of her relationships. Plus there's a magic boat that is my favorite setting EVER.
HK: Book 4 is nearly complete and I'm SO excited to share this one with the world. I don't want to lend any spoilers to DEVIL'S FROST, but let's just say Lily is experiencing some personal challenges and this affects all of her relationships. Plus there's a magic boat that is my favorite setting EVER.
4) With the digital format, you give readers an unique experience of deciding which pathway they will take to get to the ending. It seems like this would pose an interesting challenge when writing Spellspinners Season One. At what point do you determine these tangents?
HK: When I get to and end scene that feels like a commercial break would be on a televised drama, that's when I think about a choice point. In Spell 4 there's a pretty twisty one. I go about it very organically, though. There's no set time beforehand.
HK: When I get to and end scene that feels like a commercial break would be on a televised drama, that's when I think about a choice point. In Spell 4 there's a pretty twisty one. I go about it very organically, though. There's no set time beforehand.
5)What's the best piece of writing advice you have been given?
HK: Write the book you want to read. I do this each time. Sometimes it takes multiple revisions to spin a draft into something I'd love to read.
HK: Write the book you want to read. I do this each time. Sometimes it takes multiple revisions to spin a draft into something I'd love to read.
6)If you were stranded on a deserted island for the rest of your life, what five books would you take with you?
HK: Honestly, and this is boring, but they'd probably be nonfiction: How to Build a Hut, How to Purify Water, How to Build a Boat out of a Banana Tree...
HK: Honestly, and this is boring, but they'd probably be nonfiction: How to Build a Hut, How to Purify Water, How to Build a Boat out of a Banana Tree...
7)Where would you go on your dream vacation?
HK: You know those huts perched on stilts overlooking blue, blue waters? Where is that, Tahiti? That's where I'd go.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions and for the thoughtful answers. I know I am looking forward to book four!!
After earning her BA in Literature & Creative Writing Literature from UC Santa Cruz and finding her voice in YA, Heidi went on to earn her MFA in Writing for Children from The New School. She has directed and written children's theatre on both coasts and lives with her husband and two children in Palo Alto, CA.
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HK: You know those huts perched on stilts overlooking blue, blue waters? Where is that, Tahiti? That's where I'd go.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions and for the thoughtful answers. I know I am looking forward to book four!!
My Thoughts on Spellspinners of Melas County, Season One:
Do you remember the Choose Your Own Adventure type stories from your childhood? Well, if you are a fan of these stories then Spellspinners of Melas County Season One is going to be something that you are going to want to add to your to be read list!
Witches and warlocks must fight each other in order to maintain the balance of their powers--white and black magic; good and evil all must maintain order for the world to survive. Season One focuses on Lily and Logan and the two of them cannot deny the attraction they feel for each other. Can their love survive the Gleaning? Filled with secrets, family, suspense, magic and more--these stories are a delight to behold!
Taking advantage of the digital format, these books have an interactive feature that adds a sense of fun and unique reader experience to them. You can decide which pathway Lily and Logan will take to reach the ending. Try out multiple pathways if you like or if you cannot help but race to the end, stick to your gut and the first one you select. The Season One bundles is a perfect way to get caught up in time before Book Four is released. I know I for one, am anxiously awaiting the next installment!
Witches and warlocks must fight each other in order to maintain the balance of their powers--white and black magic; good and evil all must maintain order for the world to survive. Season One focuses on Lily and Logan and the two of them cannot deny the attraction they feel for each other. Can their love survive the Gleaning? Filled with secrets, family, suspense, magic and more--these stories are a delight to behold!
Taking advantage of the digital format, these books have an interactive feature that adds a sense of fun and unique reader experience to them. You can decide which pathway Lily and Logan will take to reach the ending. Try out multiple pathways if you like or if you cannot help but race to the end, stick to your gut and the first one you select. The Season One bundles is a perfect way to get caught up in time before Book Four is released. I know I for one, am anxiously awaiting the next installment!
About Heidi:
After earning her BA in Literature & Creative Writing Literature from UC Santa Cruz and finding her voice in YA, Heidi went on to earn her MFA in Writing for Children from The New School. She has directed and written children's theatre on both coasts and lives with her husband and two children in Palo Alto, CA.Connect with Heidi:
Giveaway Time!
Up for grabs is TWO Prizes for Winter Wishes participants!!
- An eBook set of Spellspinners of Melas County graciously donated by Coliloquy--THANK YOU!!
- $30 Amazon e-Gift Card or The Book Depository provided by Tamara and myself
I also have up for grabs a copy of Nantucket Blue. Be sure to check out my interview with Leila Howland for that giveaway.
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I read Spellspinners of Melas County, Season One in January 2013.
Oh wow. I didn't know these were like Choose Your Own Adventure books. That definitely adds to the appeal. I must say that the book covers for the series are just gorgeous! I actually have books 1 and 2, but have yet to read them. I also didn't know there would be 9 books. Wow. I should start at 'em if I want to catch up. Lol.
ReplyDeleteYup--they have that feel to them. They are not completely the same but definitely give a similar vibe. :-) The covers are just gorgeous!!
ReplyDelete