Category Archives: An Interview with…

Blog Tour – Careful What You Hear by Helen Dunlap Newton

Careful What You Hear by Helen Dunlap Newton is a science fiction action-adventure, middle grade novel, aimed at the 10-15 age range and it is the sequel of Do You Hear What I Hear? Careful What You Hear is due for release next week, Tuesday 18th February 2025.

Blurb

After a surgical mix-up gave 13-year-old Noah Baker mind reading powers, he becomes a spy tasked with stopping the bad guys.

Ever since he accidentally got an experimental cochlear implant, Noah and his secret agent partner, Lena, have been going on secret missions for the government. Now, they’re in for a reward for all their hard work—Space Camp!

But all is not as it seems. When Noah accidentally overhears thoughts that reveal a plot to steal top secret plans from nearby Redstone Arsenal, he must make a choice.

My stop on the tour is an author interview with prize giveaway to win a $15 IndieBound e-book card, which is open to the United States only. To enter please read the Term and Conditions after the interview and then follow the Rafflecopter link below.

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Tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration for Careful What you Hear.

While working on the craft of writing through the years, I’ve heard hundreds of authors, editors, and agents speak at writing workshops and conferences. In the last fifteen years or so, there has been more and more discussion about writing stories with diverse characters. I realized there are all kinds of diversity. I wrote in the margin of my notes at one of those workshops—deaf boy with a cochlear implant. That was the beginning of the first book in the series, Do You Hear What I Hear?

At the end of the first book, I realized Noah and Lena’s adventures were just beginning and there needed to be a sequel – Careful What You Hear.

Talk us through your writing process.

I usually begin with a character and a situation. I give that character a name and age. From there, I build the plot by focusing on what my character’s problem is and how I want them to solve it or at least grow by the end of the book.

The setting is crucial in my writing process. As a veteran sixth grade teacher, I know kids. I know that their emotions and challenges are similar. Very simply, they want friends, their parents to be proud of them, and a place to belong. The setting of a story won’t change that, but it does change the situations they find themselves.

Then I START. Usually, I find where I started is not the best place to begin but that is easy to change. The important part is to START.

What are the underlying themes of Careful What you Hear?

Friendship, forgiveness, courage, patriotism, confidence, family, trust.

Is there an aspect of writing for children you wish someone had told you when you started out?

Because of the years it has taken to learn the craft of writing for kids, I know there were things presented about the publishing world that I wasn’t ready to learn. The amount of marketing it takes to make a book successful has been a surprise to me. I knew I would need to speak and do author signings but there’s so much more than that. I heard speakers talk about this but it’s the kind of thing that didn’t soak in while I was still writing and trying to find a publisher who would give me a chance.

How did you develop your characters and develop their voices so children can identify with them?

Most of the time, my characters are not based on people I know but rather bits and pieces of everyone from my past and present. I am an empathetic person, and I work hard to identify with my character. How would I feel in the situation? Voice is a tricky thing but so important. A good writer makes the voices of their characters distinctive from one another. Those distinctions include word choice, attitudes, speech patterns, internal thoughts, and so

much more. I spend hours of thinking and writing to provide characters whose voices are unique from one another.

Do you have any writing rituals?

Yes, when I’m in the first draft and editing process of writing a book, I work best early in the morning. I only read what I worked on the day before, then work on from there.

Is there a particular place you like to write?

99% of my writing occurs on my laptop at the dining room table.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about your books and writing for children?

I love books and I love kids. Writing for kids is a great privilege. The only thing better than writing the books is talking to kids and adults about the books I’ve written and books by other authors. Kids ask the best questions.

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E-book Card Prize Giveaway Terms and Conditions

US entries welcome ONLY. 

Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. 

The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email.

If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner.

Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. 

Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  

I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494607/?

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Author Bio

Award-winning author Helen Dunlap Newton is a veteran middle grade language arts teacher and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Both Night of the Amber Moon and Do You Hear What I Hear? were finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award and received the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award.

In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, music, and helping her husband care for backyard chickens and an energetic Australian shepherd in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

To find out more about Helen Dunlap Newton take a look at Instagram: @newtonhelendunlap and Facebook: Helen Dunlap Newton.

You can buy copies of Careful What You Hear by Helen Dunlap Newton from the following US outlets:

Or in the UK at Amazon.

I would like to thank Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.

To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule below:

Spotlight – A Blend of Magic by Kate Kenzie

I will be kicking off an extra special spotlight tour with romance novelist Kate Kenzie to celebrate her novel, A Blend of Magic, which was a semi-finalist in the Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) 2024.

About BBNYA and the Spotlight Tours

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 16 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

A Blend of Magic is a 388-page romance fantasy for adults that was published on the 31st October, 2023. Here is the blurb:

Blurb

A witch cannot exist on potions and tea alone.

Hiding in the shadows, staunch singleton Willow Anderson is content running her successful business, The Enchanted Emporium. With Christmas days away, she’s eager to exchange selling bespoke tea blends and spells for extended bubble baths and binge-watching festive movies snuggled next to her Maine Coon, Vincent.

Nate never usually runs away from his problems, but drunk and disorientated, he finds himself in a small fisherman’s cottage in the Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby. After discovering his girlfriend’s affair, he is in no rush to return to the City. His wish for time alone in a Christmas-free zone comes true until an uninvited feline guest arrives.

Neither Nate nor Willow want company, especially from each other, but they have little choice when concussion means they must spend at least twenty-four hours together. Sparks fly and not just the romantic kind. When darkness from Willow’s past returns and threatens to destroy all she has worked for, pursuing a love affair is the last thing she needs.

With meddling ghosts and a teenage apprentice with her own matchmaking agenda, love and change are in the air.

But can Willow face her fears, and the past, to capture the happiness she deserves?

My stop on this spotlight tour involves a author interview. So with no more distraactions here is what Kate Kenzie had to say about the writing of A Blend of Magic.

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Tell us a little about your novel A Blend of Magic.

A Blend of Magic is a paranormal romance with elements of Practical Magic, Netflix’s The Good Witch and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. Set in Whitby, North Yorkshire, modern witch, Willow Anderson, discovers she needs more than making potions and blending tea for her customers but she is reluctant to face her dark past to have the life and love she deserves.  Heartbroken Nate arrives in Whitby to escape the festive season and wants to be alone, until a ginger Maine Coon leads him to the door of an old apothecary, The Enchanted Emporium, and a grumpy Willow. With meddling ghosts and an interfering teenage apprentice, can love flourish or is it destined to fail?

What draws you to writing paranormal romance?

I adore magic and am drawn to anything paranormal. Whether it is witchcraft or hauntings, I am fascinated by how things fit in our everyday world, so I’m surrounded by books and boxsets on the subjects. It felt natural to eave this into my writing and it is a genre I also love to read. Paranormal romance is the ultimate escape without being full on high fantasy – I don’t think I have the skills for that yet – and at times, everyone needs the comfort of a happy ever after.

Talk us through your writing process.

I’m not sure I have a process and if I do, it isn’t efficient or recommended. I’m disorganised and my brain constantly hops from one thing to another. My writing process reflects this especially in the beginning. Usually, I start with a character and setting. Once these are fully formed, I can discover their story, who they are now, where they want to go and where they came from. Willow began as a side character in an unfinished WIP about her apprentice, Amber, but an exercise in my local writing group prompted her to demand a story of her own. As I loved The Enchanted Emporium, I was happy to accept the challenge. While I always know the beginning, middle and end, I struggle to write in chronological order, so I have a hotchpotch of scenes, dialogue and ideas smothering my desktop and hidden in notebooks which I then weave together to make a coherent plot and first draft.

Why Whitby? Talk us through the research you did to recreate this atmospheric setting.

I adore Whitby and it has been my happy place ever since we moved to Yorkshire. If it wasn’t so hilly and I wasn’t so scared going down slopes in my wheelchair, I’d love to live there. The Abbey ruins and the quirky buildings and its links to gothic literature make it hum with the past. It has a magic of its own. Once there walking down its cobbled streets, it was easy to imagine the Enchanted Emporium nestled down one of the many snickets and yards. Research wise, it was mainly absorbing the atmosphere while visiting, photographs and imagination. I have several books on its history which I hope I’ll use more in other books I have planned for the Whitby Witches.

Do you have a favourite character in your book?

My favourite character is Mrs Marley, one of the emporium’s resident ghosts. A gossip, she is comfortable in herself and always speaks her mind. I can’t wait to explore her character more in the next book I’m writing.

Have you got any writing rituals?

I try to write in the morning before everyone wakes, with a strong cup of tea made in a teapot. The ritual of teamaking always helps me get into the creative zone. Each book has its own playlist, and each character has their own song which is either relevant to their story arc or personality. Listening to their music helps me connect to them and their story.

Is there a particular place you like to write?

I’d love to write in cafes but getting out alone is difficult so I mainly at home. I have created a writing space in the tiny spare room.  My old desk is surrounded by books on witchcraft, ghosts, folklore and writing. With my cauldron, candles and crystals, it is my own little enchanted space.

What writing advice would you give to people wanting to write paranormal romance?

There is so much advice out there for would be romance authors. Apart from making sure you have the required happy ever after, I’d say have fun and try to enjoy the process. Excitement for your characters or book helps with motivation and determination to tackle any obstacles which there are many. As a genre, there are many threads you can follow – witchcraft, ghosts or other paranormal entities so you can experiment and allow your imagination to fly.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about A Blend of Magic?

Only that I hope those who read it, enjoy visiting the emporium and meeting its residents as much as I did writing them. If you want more from the Whitby witches and Rosa, they have their own book blog, The Enchanted Emporium’s Bookshelf, where they share their love of reading, particularly fantasy, paranormal or magical books. Rosa also reviews any romance books that arrive in-store or on her Kindle. They also interview authors for their Monday Merry Meets slots.

The Enchanted Emporium’s Bookshelf blog: https://theenchantedemporiumbookshelf.com

Where is the best place for people to buy your book?

While A Blend of Magic is available at Amazon and on Kindle Unlimited, I am a huge an of indie bookshops and libraries so they can be ordered from them too. I am privileged have signed books stocked at The Whitby Bookshop. It is a lovely shop to pop into if you are ever in Whitby soaking up the sea air and atmosphere.

Signed copies are also available direct from me and through my ko-fi page if you’re in the UK.

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Author Bio

Kate Kenzie may not be Yorkshire born and bred, but it’s where her heart is and why her fictional worlds are set in the Moors and her favourite haunt, Whitby. Creator of the Enchanted Emporium and its residents, she blogs book reviews and author interviews at The Enchanted Emporium Bookshelf.

Part-time writer, and full-time dreamer, if she’s not reading from her over flowing TBR pile, she is writing or drinking tea. Like many, she always dreamed of being an author but notebooks of half-finished novels and children’s stories were pushed aside in adulthood until a random Facebook conversation rekindled her passion for world building. By receiving a bursary for the RNA New Writer’s Scheme, she found her tribe.

Awarded the Katie Fforde bursary this year, she writes romantic and paranormal fiction, especially witch lit.

Her short story, The Ghost Writer, is available in an anthology, Byline Legacies by Cardigan Press.

You can find ouut more about Kate kenzie by subscribing to her newsletter: http://subscribepage.io/katekenzie and by following her on her social media:

To read reviews of A Blend of magic by Kate Kenzie take a look at:

Amazon Links:

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198956715-a-blend-of-magic

The Story Graph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2acb90e8-ea3b-4a7c-89ef-092cd111082e 

Blog Tour – The Red Tunic by Kate Wiseman

It is my stop on The Write Reads book tour for The Red Tunic by Kate Wiseman, published by Neem Tree Press this month, August 2024.

Blurb

History and gender are intertwined in this fast-paced arresting account of the First World War and its devastating impact on familial and romantic bonds.

As headstrong as her twin is gentle, Nina has never fit the womanly mould society expects of her. Alfie and Nina Mullins have always relied on their shared world of hope and make-believe for comfort, but as the pressure on Alfie to prove himself at the Front mounts, Nina is presented with more possibility than she had ever imagined and the two are pushed in wildly different directions.

Coming of age as the First World War breaks out, the Mullins twins’ fates are inextricably interlinked with the turmoil of conflict in this fascinating exploration of gender roles and the extremes to which war pushes us.

About the Author

Kate was a late developer, attending university to study English and Creative Writing in her late 30s. She was one of the real life ‘Ritas’ featured on the Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Programme commemorating the anniversary of the play, Educating Rita.

Kate is a dedicated and licenced mudlark who is never happier than when she is up to her eyes in mud. She has won several literary awards and this year judged the historical fiction and biography category of the prestigious Eyelands International Book Awards.

My stop on the tour is an author interview about the The Red Tunic

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What are the underlying themes of The Red Tunic?

The Red Tunic explores people who defied stereotypes and societal expectations in the First World War. Neglected twins Nina and Alfie Mullins grow up heavily reliant on each other. Nina is headstrong, restless and perpetually in trouble; Alfie is a gentle peacemaker. Coming of age when conscription was introduced for all men over 18, it makes sense to Nina to disguise herself as her brother and take his place on the battlefield. Alfie takes Nina’s place as a nurse in a hospital treating those wounded in the war. As they adjust to their new roles, they discover facets of themselves they didn’t know existed.

So I guess the themes are gender, defiance, love, war, joy, despair, loss, hope, stereotyping… there are more but that’s probably enough!

In the acknowledgements of The Red Tunic, you explain that this book has been a ‘labour of love’. How long have you been working on The Red Tunic and what first sparked your interest?  

My fascination with the First World War goes back as long as I can remember. It was a turning point between Victorian notions of duty to King and Empire, and more modern attitudes. Some of my favourite novels deal with the First World War, and the outpouring of art of all forms from that catastrophic event was, I think, unprecedented.

I grew up with several brothers and was always interested in books and comics considered ‘boyish’ in those unenlightened times. I loved reading Victor and Tiger and Scorcher – comics intended for boys. I think that this fostered my fascination with war. I wanted to imagine what it would be like for a woman to be placed in that ultra-masculine environment. Research revealed that there have always been women who penetrated the battlefield, usually disguised as men, with the exception of the remarkable Flora Sandes, a British vicar’s daughter who ended up fighting as a woman in the Serbian army. She became a sergeant major and has been commemorated on Serbian stamps.

So, to finally get round to answering your question, I have been thinking about the situation in which Nina and Alfie find themselves for years. Researching and checking took a long time. There was so much that had to be verified: the noise of various weapons on the battlefield, for instance, and the order in which would hear them if you were unlucky enough to be involved in the fight, and the make and weight of the rifle issued to Nina. I started putting words to paper in 2016, I think, and worked on the book for about 5 years.

Do you have a favourite character in your book and why?

I love Nina and Alfie, the twins who swap places, but I also love Great Aunt Julia. She’s the family black sheep – an outspoken suffragette who simply disregards rules that she disagrees with. Everyone is terrified of her, but she cares about Nina and Alfie and is there when they need someone. Very different to Cedric, their cold-hearted father. Nina and Alfie must have inherited their non-conformist attitudes from her. I also like Great Aunt Julia’s outlandish taste in clothes. She wears a hat that looks like a guardsman’s bearskin to a family wedding.

Which resources did you find most useful when researching The Red Tunic?

There are so many brilliant modern novels about the First World War. Birdsong and Pat Barker’s trilogy are special favourites. For a heart-breaking contemporary novel written from the German point of view, read All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. Peter Jackson’s documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old, is a real revelation. It features colourised original film of the conflict. It makes it seem as if it happened yesterday. Unforgettable. Finally, Sarah Percy’s Forgotten Warriors explores the lives of many of the women who made their mark in historical conflicts, disguised as men.

Have you got any writing rituals?

Nothing very exciting. I prefer to write in the mornings and always start off by rereading what I wrote the previous day. I don’t use a desk anymore; I lie back and balance my laptop on my chest!

What one piece of writing advice would you give to people aspiring to write a novel set in World War One?

Don’t be put off by what others have written before you, or by how they have written it. We all have our own story to tell, and our own voice to write in.

Tell us where you prefer to write and why.

I find that writing on holidays or on writing retreats works well for me. I think it’s because by removing myself from my everyday life and all its routines, I feel free to explore other lives and other worlds. It’s really liberating. I nearly always start a new manuscript while I’m away from home.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about The Red Tunic?

Nina’s lover – Liam – is based on my sixth form crush. Apparently he liked me too, but we never declared our love, alas! If he reads The Red Tunic, he will definitely recognise himself.

What are your social media links where can people find out about you and your books?

Find me on Instagram: @kittywise999

Twitter (X): @katewiseman

My website is: www.katewiseman.co.uk

Where is the best place for people to buy The Red Tunic?

It should be in all good bookshops. If it’s not on the shelves, they can order it for you. Or buy it direct from neemtreepress.com. Thank you!

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You can read reviews of The Red Tunic on Amazon and Goodreads or follow the tour to discover what othr book bloggers have siad about this WWI historical romance:

I would like to thank Dave from The Write Reads for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour Two – The Legendary Mo Seto

Today is my slot on the blog tour for the fantastic middle grade adventure, The Legendary Mo Seto by A. Y. Chan and publsihed by Simon & Schuster. This exciting action-packed novel was released on June 4th 2024.

I have previously reviewed this book on my blog here: Blog Tour – The Legendary Mo Seto by A. Y. Chan.

My stop on the tour today takes the form of an author interview.

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What are the underlying themes The Legendary Mo Seto?

The underlying themes in The Legendary Mo Seto are ones every kid can relate to—self-acceptance, loving yourself, forgiveness and figuring out how to navigate friendships and family. Mo’s story is all about setting goals and pushing through challenges, but at its core, it’s about embracing who you are and realizing you’re perfect just the way you are. My hope is that this adventure not only entertains but also inspires kids to believe in themselves and see the greatness they already hold inside.

How do you get inside your character’s heads? Talk us through your writing process.

When I get inside my characters’ heads, I focus on their essence—what makes them them—rather than on their physical appearance. I picture their energy, expressions, and how they move through the world. I love blending in traits from quirky people I know and imagining how they’d react in different situations. Then, I play around with dialogue and tweak their personalities until they feel real and relatable.

In your opinion what are the essential characteristics of a hero you can root for?

To me, a hero you can root for is someone who’s flawed but still redeemable—imperfect, yet relatable. They take charge, making things happen instead of waiting for life to come to them. They might be defiant or even a bit rebellious, but they never cross ethical lines. A true hero trusts their instincts, isn’t dependent on others to solve their problems, and, most importantly, continually challenges themselves to grow. When I created Mo Seto, I wanted her to embody these traits—a real, relatable hero you can’t help but cheer for!

Do you play music whilst your write? If so what is your favourite? If not, why not?

I don’t usually play music while I write because I’m easily distracted! When I’m deep in a scene, especially one with lots of dialogue or action, I need to “hear” the words in my head, and lyrics tend to steal the spotlight. But when I do use music, it’s all about setting the mood with instrumental tracks. For the fight scenes in The Legendary Mo Seto, I’d search for ‘Martial Arts Music’ to capture the right vibe and keep the energy high. While I usually prefer the quiet, sometimes the right music can really bring a scene to life!

If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which one would you pick and why?

What a fun question! I hadn’t considered a spin-off before, but there are definitely a couple of side characters who could shine in their own stories. Dax, the antagonist, is complex and intriguing—he’s dealing with a tough family situation, and his struggles have shaped him into someone who’s strong-willed but misguided. Exploring his journey as he learns to process his emotions could make for a fascinating story. Then there’s Nacho’s grandfather, Gramps, who has an incredible backstory filled with missed opportunities and dreams of acting. I’d love to dive into his life and see him finally tackle those movie roles he always dreamed of, having the time of his life.

Which part of The Legendary Mo Seto was most fun to write?

The most fun part of writing The Legendary Mo Seto were the fight scenes. I drew on my own experience in taekwondo and all the martial arts movies I’ve loved over the years. In fact, I got to sit down and watch martial arts movies as “research,” which was a blast. Since Mo is trying out for a movie in the story, I wanted the fight scenes to feel cinematic—like you’re right there, watching it all unfold on the big screen. Bringing that energy and excitement to the page was a thrilling challenge, and I hope readers feel that same adrenaline rush when they dive into Mo’s world!

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever been given about writing?

The most valuable piece of writing advice I’ve ever received is to keep writing, even when stuck. It’s better to have something on the page, no matter how rough, because you can always edit and improve it later—working with bad writing is easier than staring at a blank page! Another gem is to treat every character like they’re the hero of their own story. Even the side characters need their own hopes, dreams, and arcs. They’re not just there to support the main character—they each bring something unique and important to the story. This approach really shaped The Legendary Mo Seto and made the characters come alive in ways I hadn’t imagined.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about The Legendary Mo Seto and writing for children?

What I loved most about writing The Legendary Mo Seto is capturing the optimism and innocence that make middle grade books so special. There’s something magical about the way middle grade stories can uplift you, no matter your age. I’m an adult, and it is still my favourite genre to read! Every time I finish a book, I’m left with a feeling of joy and hope, and that’s what I aimed to convey in Mo’s story. I wanted readers to come away believing that anything is possible and to feel inspired to reach for their dreams. Middle grade books aren’t just for kids—they’re for anyone who needs a little extra magic in their life.

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About the Author:

A.Y. Chan is the author of The Legendary Mo Seto, a story about a 12-year-old female martial artist who auditions for a movie role opposite her favorite martial arts movie hero—only to find out she’s too small for the role. Growing up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area, A.Y. read all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres.

After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored a range of other types of martial arts, and she draws upon her experiences in learning new techniques and philosophies to inspire her writing. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.

You can follow A. Y. Chan on Twitter/X: @aychanwrites, Instagram: @aychanwrites and Facebook: @aychanwrites.

Her website is: www.aychanwrites.com.

I would like to thank Dave at The Write Reads for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour – Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea

It is my pleasure to be taking part in the blog tour for Justin Somper’s incredible new pirate series, Pirate Academy.

About the Author

Justin Somper is a creative talent in children’s book publishing. Beginning his career as a writer/editor for Usborne, he joined Puffin Books as a publicist in 1992 and moved to Random House as Children’s Publicity Director in 1996. In 1998, Justin became one of the UK’s first specialist children’s book publicists. He has since worked with Anthony Horowitz, Louise Rennison, the Roald Dahl literary estate and the Narnia literary estate amongst others.

Justin made the transition from leading book publicist to bestselling author, with a roaring success with Vampirates. He has recently released the second book in his new Pirate Academy series, Missing at Sea.

My stop on the tour takes the form of an author interview about the writing of Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea.

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Ahoy Justin. Ye be welcome to me blog.

JS: Thank ye!

When I was invited on the tour I was excited, as I loved your first book in the Pirate Academy series, New Kid on Deck. I am currently reading the second book Missing at Sea and finding it just as good as the first.

 JS: Thank ye again! (Just to be clear, I never talk like this!)

Tell us about yourself and the inspiration for the Pirate Academy series.

I’m a British author (mostly middle-grade) currently living in Perth, Western Australia with my Aussie husband. I’m probably best known for my Vampirates books, which have been published in 35 countries to date and are currently being developed for TV.

Pirate Academy has its beginnings in my other MG series, Vampirates. The Pirate Academy (Coral Sea Province) first appeared in Vampirates 2: Tide of Terror, as did several key characters, including Headcaptain Commodore John Kuo, Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock.

I know there’s a lot of affection for Pirate Academy from longstanding Vampirates readers. Also, during visits to schools over the years, I’ve been asked for pirate stories for younger readers that still retain my typical edge as a writer. For these reasons, I’ve been keen to return to the idea of Pirate Academy for a while and break it out into its own series. When UCLan Publishing released their fab new editions of Vampirates in 2020 and 2021 and I started going back into schools after the pandemic, the strong response I received to my stories from new readers encouraged me to get moving with Pirate Academy. Pleasingly, it came together quite quickly.

If you were a pirate, what would your pirate name be and where would you hide your treasure?

I’d be Captain Swashbuckle Somper, I guess. Keep it simple, right? I’d hide my treasure in a complex underwater safe, protected by various mechanisms and a good deal of seawater above it.

Asking for a mate – Can ye send a map?

I’m afraid not. But maybe a coded clue?

How did you develop your characters and their voices so children can identify with them?

I do try to give the characters distinctive voices and points of view and work hard not to “duplicate” characters. Depicting the fifteen members of Barracuda Class has been a next-level challenge in this regard. I hope that I’m getting it right most of the time and that Jasmine, Neo, Jacoby, Leif, Shay and co all have distinct voices. There were points in the second book where I worried that Ocean was sounding too like Jasmine and Cosmo too much like Jacoby, so I went back and thought further about the nuances of their different mindsets. I’m writing Book 3 at the moment and I’ve done a chapter where all fifteen Barracudas have a line of speech. This was very fun and satisfying to do. I enjoy writing dialogue and I like listening to how people talk to each other in real-life, so I can carry some of that onto the page.

What was your favourite children’s book and why?

My favourite book series as a child was Helen Cresswell’s The Bagthorpe Saga, so it would be one of those books – maybe Absolute Zero. I think I really identified with the big, noisy family life it depicted. (I am one of four kids.) I was lucky enough to meet Helen Cresswell and tell her how much those books mean to me.

As a teen, I adored The Outsiders and Catcher in the Rye.

Talk us through your world building for Pirate Academy.

How much time do you have?! There are so many different aspects to world-building for these books – and again, I’m enjoying the challenge. I’m on a schools tour in the UK at the moment and one aspect of world-building I am talking to young audiences about is the lessons at Pirate Academy. I think it is central to the success of this series that the lessons need to be believable but also fun and also full of jeopardy. My starting point was borrowing my nephew Matt’s school timetable and swapping out his weekly lessons for more piratical ones. Once I’ve devised the lessons themselves, then I like to take things to the next level once we are “in” the class. So in Knots Class, we see Captain Quivers getting as excited as her students with “attack knots”. And in Swords Class, we find that the floor tilts to mirror conditions on the deck of a ship.

Another key aspect of world-building is thinking about the kids’ pirate families and their ships. I’ll build up extra back-story in my head to deploy when the time is right. For instance, from the beginning, I’ve had the thought that the Lermentov and Corsini families are deadly rivals and wouldn’t tolerate Ocean and Cosmo being friends. And, of course, Cosmo and Ocean ARE great friends, but it’s only in Book 3 that we will become aware of the pressure from their families. It’s good to have these reserves of extra story to plug into as and when.

Tell us about your Pirate Academy school tour and upcoming events planned for this summer.

Ha! I’m about halfway through the schools side of it and I’m having a wonderful time. In just over a week, I’ve visited 14 schools, several of which have invited other schools to join the sessions. I’ve been working with students across KS2 and I’m excited that Pirate Academy seems to be hitting the mark for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 – which is broader than I anticipated. I have more visits scheduled for the next week and my final one is really special because it’s the school in East London that my two great-nephews go to!

After that, I’ve got two days of public events on The Golden Hinde (August 3rd) and the Cutty Sark (August 9th). Tickets are (I think) still available for both of these via their websites.

What writing advice would you give to people aspiring to be a children’s book writer?

  1. Read often and widely
  2. Write often but in realistic chunks – say 90 mins or two hours at a time
  3. Don’t give up!
  4. If you’re an adult, don’t talk down to your audience

    Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about your books and writing for children?

I think we’ve covered a lot, thank you! Oh you could check out my lesser-known “duology” for young teens, Allies & Assassins and its sequel A Conspiracy of Princes.

What are your social media links where can people find out more about you and your books?

I’m easily found as I’m @JustinSomper on Insta, X and Facebook. I’m most active these days on Insta. I dabble with TikTok but I suspect I’m not going to become a BookTokker.

Where is the best place for people to buy your book?

You can find multiple links in my linktree on my socials. But why not just pop into your local bookshop – be it an indie or a chain bookstore – and ask for it. Even if they don’t have it right there, they can speedily order it in for you. As I’m based in Australia for the forseeable, I am exploring a relationship with one or two indie booksellers through whom we can always offer signed and personalised copies of my books. Check my insta for more news on this as it develops!

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You can read my review of the first book in the series, Pirate Academy: New kid on Deck here: Book Review: Pirate Academy – New Kid on Deck.

You can purchase copies of both books in the Pirate Academy series by Justin Somper from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

I would like to thank Graeme Williams for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.

To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule:

Blog Tour (Part Two) – The Templar Sword

I was lucky to be allocated two spots on the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award tour for the 5th place finalist, Sam Clarke, with her gripping fantasy novel, The Templar Sword.

My second post for this tour will take the form of an author interview with Sam Clarke.

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Tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration for your The Templar Sword

The inspiration came from a combination of my love for adventure stories (from “Treasure Island” to “Indiana Jones”) and my fascination with history and archaeology. I have always been intrigued by the mysteries of the past and the idea that there are still undiscovered secrets waiting to be found. The thought of uncovering a long-lost artefact or solving an ancient puzzle is incredibly exciting to me. I wanted to create a story that would transport readers to exotic locations, immerse them in thrilling adventures, and make them feel the same sense of wonder and excitement that I felt as a teen.

Why did you decide to write a book about the legacy of the Knights Templar for young adults?

The Knights Templar have always been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and their story is filled with adventure, bravery, and secrets. I wanted to bring them to life in a way that would resonate with young adults.

What does being a Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) finalist mean to you?

It means a lot because it shows that my story has resonated with readers. This recognition is not only validating but also motivating, as it encourages me to continue writing and sharing my stories.

Tell us a little about the first book in the series, The Twelfth Ring, and your plans for the series.

The Templar Sword can be read as a stand-alone, but if readers want to find out more about the start of Noah’s journey and how he came to reconnect with his father and join his treasure hunting crew, they should check The Twelfth Ring out. A third book is in the pipeline, but I’m currently promoting my first YA fantasy adventure novel (The Walls of Shimar) so it won’t be published this year.

How much research did you need to do for this series and what was your most unusual research? 

A lot. Especially when it came to historical timelines and locations. I have been to Venice, but never to Seville or the Dominican Republic. I really wanted to bring those places to life so there was a lot of reading and google-map walking! My characters are really lucky—they travel more than I do! In terms of weird research, the prize goes to cave diving… I didn’t know much about it, and I had no idea how dangerous it was.

Is there a particular place you like to write?

My sofa. With a cup of coffee balanced on the armrest. I should really invest in a desk…

What writing advice would you give to people aspiring to write young adult books?

Go for it.  Embrace the creative process, celebrate your progress, and take pride in the stories you create.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about your The Templar Sword?

Readers sometimes associate artefact hunting with “boring” historical facts, but The Templar Sword is really a lot of fun. A reader told me she’d been noting passages and sending them to friends because the lines were hilarious. She made my day.

What are your social media links where can people find out about you and your books?

Yesssss. You can find me on X (@samclarkeauthor), Insta (@samclarkeauthor), F/book (@samclarkefiction), and TikTok (@samclarkeauthor).

Where is the best place for people to buy your book?

It’s available on Amazon worldwide.

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To find out more about the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award and our the 5th place finalist, Sam Clarke, please see my first spotlight post for this BBNYA tour that went live yesterday. You can take a peek here: Blog Tour – The Templar Sword by Sam Clarke.

A Kindle edition of The Templar Sword is currently available with Kindle Unlimited.

I would like to thank Dave from The Write Reads and the BBNYA for inviting me to do a second post on this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour – Little Lion Girl

I am pleased to announce it is my turn today on the blog tour for Little Lion Girl published by Bloomsbury.

Blurb

The city roared like a jungle.

Leonie roared back at the city.

She shook her mane and swished her tail.

She was a lion girl.

Leonie and her mother are off to the big city!

Inspired by the people, sights and sounds, Leonie can’t wait to discover it all.

Her mother tells her to stay close, but there’s SO much to see.

And surely nothing can scare a brave lion girl, can it?

A wild, spirited tale of imagination and self-belief, beautifully brought to life by Fiona Woodcock.

My stop on the tour takes the form of an author interview with Olivia Hope.

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Tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration for your picture book Little Lion Girl.

I’m an Irish children’s author who loves writing books about children’s experiences in this world. Little Lion Girl was inspired by trips that I took with my mom up to Dublin when we’d visit the zoo, museums and galleries.

What are the underlying themes of Little Lion Girl?

I suppose the main theme is self-confidence and wonder and awe at the world around you. Also when your confidence is knocked that there is always have someone around you who can help you find your way again.

Do you have a favourite spread in the book?

Most definitely the art gallery spread – myself and Fiona have had lots of chats about the type of lion art that has been created by wonderful artists and it was breath-taking to see them brought to life. Rousseau, Durer, Rembrandt and my favourite artist Rosa Bonheur (Who actually had her own pet lions in her castle in Paris!) are all there and beautifully represented in Fiona’s style.

Talk us through your writing process.

My ideas come very quickly, but writing and rewriting takes much longer to find the heart of the story. I write mainly in pencil, then edit stories in my notebooks that are small enough to fit in any handbag or backpack so I can write anywhere – no batteries required! It’s only when I feel the story has a strong shape that I type it up and then I share my editor.

How many unpublished, and/or unfinished, books do you have?

How long is a piece of string?! I definitely start or partially write about 100 stories a year –  that’s two or three new ideas a week. Of those maybe six or seven get my full attention in a year and of those maybe 2 have get acquired by a publisher. When I was a new writer those stats would have probably bothered me but now I see 100 stories with lots of potential that I can always come back to. It’s like having a story bank that I can dip into.

If you could tell you younger writing-self anything what would it be?

All your life experiences count towards you’re writing experience, that and to play more with those ideas. Go outside your comfort zone into that brave uncertain space, that’s where your writing skills grow and develop.

What was your favourite picture book as a child?

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas. It was the most loved, most worn book in our local library all year round. A timeless classic.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about Little Lion Girl and writing picture books?

Leonie is a character who is amazed at how diverse and colourful and interesting the city is. This book is a letter of love to the multifaceted multi dynamic nature of a city. My previous book Be Wild, Little One was about embracing the great outdoors, and I think Little Lion Girl is the other side of the coin appreciating the urban life. I love living among the mountains and lakes but also love visiting the big city, as depicted in both my books. I guess it just shows that ideas are everywhere to be found and the well-worn phrase rings true – write about what you know.

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You can buy copies of Little Lion Girl by Olivia Hope and Fiona Woodcock from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

More About the Author Olivia Hope

Olivia Hope is an Irish writer with a special love for fiction about wild children. Before becoming an author, she was a teacher, creative arts facilitator and even an international athlete.

She currently lives in the wilds of Southwest Ireland with her family. Her first picture book was Be Wild, Little One, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus (Bloomsbury 2022).

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviahopewrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviahopewriter

Website: https://oliviahopewriter.com

About the Illustrator Fiona Woodcock

Fiona Woodcock is an illustrator and picture book author. She studied Graphic Communication at Glasgow School of Art and for many years worked in animation. Her debut book Hiding Heidi was nominated for the 2017 Kate Greenaway award.

Look was the winner of the AOI World Illustration Awards 2019, and A Dot In The Snow by Corrinne Averiss was selected as one of ‘The Times Children’s Books of the Year 2016’ and nominated for the Kate Greenaway Award 2018. Fiona lives in London.

To read my review of Silver Linings by Fiona Woodcock see here: Book Review: Silver Linings

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fionawoodcock

X: https://x.com/fionawoodcock

Website: https://www.fionawoodcock.com

To follow the other stops on the tour here is the schedule:

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour – Ghosts of Mars by Stuart White

It is with great pleasure I join the blog tour for Stuart White who is 7th place finalist in the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2023 (BBNYA) with his middle grade novel, Ghosts of Mars.

The BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

Ghosts of Mars is a fantasy, science fiction novel aimed at the 9+ age range and set twenty years in the future.

Blurb

Mars. 2045. 13-year-old Eva is the first Martian.

And world famous on two planets!

Fame, Type 1 diabetes and a sarcastic AI companion haunt her, but when her dad goes missing on the red planet, she must overcome the ‘Ghosts of Mars’ to save him.

The Martian for middle-grade, full of science, friendship and adventure, with elements of The Sword in the Stone.

With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn’t sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK.

My stop on The Write Reads tour takes the form of an author interview.

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Tell us a little about yourself, the inspiration for Ghosts of Mars and Eva’s use of artificial intelligence.

Hello, I’m Stuart, a biology teacher, writer and Star Wars nerd (just generally a nerd on lots of nerdy things tbh!). I have a couple of kids and even more book babies, up here in ‘Sunny’ Glasgow.

I love space, and Mars specifically appeals to me as a place to go, and with all the chat of inhabiting it within the next 20 years I thought it would be fun to write about it. Then I thought of the least equipped human to live there – someone born on Mars with Type 1 diabetes has got to be up there! – and started throwing rocks at her. I suppose that’s the basis of most good stories. With it being in the near-future I wanted to integrate an element that I suspect will be mainstream by that time (or at least highly developed) and give her an AI companion who inverts the stereotype of evil AI, and is actually her closest companion and friend.

What are the underlying themes of Ghosts of Mars?

The biggest one is never giving up on the things you believe in. Eva has to overcome so many obstacles that would make most give up, but she loves her Dad more than anything in this Solar System and so will go to the ends of Mars for him. And that defiance to go after what she believes in is both a fault and a strength! I also wanted to explore the feeling of not being where you want to be – which is what almost every kid feels at some point – and yearning for a new future in a new place doing ANYTHING but what you are right now, and to bring her back round to thinking ‘there’s no place like home’ which is a lovely theme, I think!

If you and your family were chosen to join Elon Musk’s project to colonise Mars would you go and why?

Absolutely! I’m not sure my wife would agree though, but my kids are quite adventurous so it might just be the 3 of us! I’ve always been obsessed with exploration, first on Earth, but more latterly on moving beyond our planet and inhabiting other planets (for when we inevitably destroy this one!) and how that might work. To be a pioneer of the human race as one of the first people to step foot on another planet would be quite something, right?

In Ghosts of Mars, Eva is dealing with the death of her mother and the guilt over her father’s accident, creating some very emotional scenes. What is the first book that made you cry and how has this influenced your own writing?

I cried reading LOTR (not sure if that was my first or not!) after the scene (SPOILERS!) when Sam thinks Frodo is dead after Shelob attacks. It was very emotional for teenage me and I always think back to that scene when I think about the book (which I’ve re-read at least half a dozen times since!) 

What does being a Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) finalist mean to you?

It means a lot – being a writer often means existing in a state of doubt and insecurity about the quality of your work. When you self-publish, I think that’s amplified, and so to get that validation from those who read the most (ie bloggers!) is something special and I’m very honoured to have been a finalist this year.

What writing advice would you give to people aspiring to be a children’s book writer?

Write. Read a lot. Write some more. You can do courses etc but they just help refine craft – the hard yards are done in the writing and reading phases and without those two things the other stuff is just icing on raw flour and eggs.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about Ghosts of Mars?

Just that there’s sequel(s) coming (and a prequel already written!) – I love writing in this universe and hope to keep the adventures of Eva Knight going!

What are your social media links where can people find out about you and your books?

All my links are here: https://linktr.ee/stuartwhitewm 

Where is the best place for people to buy Ghosts of Mars?

You can buy my books from wherever you usually do, including book stores and my own website (for signed copies!) – all on the linktree above!

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Author Bio

Stuart is an award-winning author and secondary school teacher. He has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and founded, and now runs, WriteMentor. In 2020 and 2022 he was placed on the SCWBI Undiscovered Voices longlist and named as an Hononary Mention for his novels Ghosts of Mars and Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time. In 2023, he won the WriteBlend award for his middle grade debut, Ghosts of Mars.

Stuart was included in The Bookseller’s 2021 list of Rising Stars in the publishing industry.

Praise for Ghosts of Mars

“A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat ride for all space loving adventurers!” Vashti Hardy, Author of Brightstorm

“I loved this book – not only as a type 1 diabetic – but as a fan of brilliant middle-grade stories. Perfectly paced, hugely imaginative and wildly exciting, I predict readers will adore Eva and this stunning space adventure.” AF Steadman, Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

You can read reviews of Ghosts of Mars here:

Amazon Links:

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63274577-ghosts-of-mars

The StoryGraph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2b3c86c8-ef1b-4708-ad90-d982d93d3ed1

I would like to thank The Write Reads for inviting me to take part in this BBNYA finalist tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour – The House at the End of the Sea by Victoria M. Adams

I’m thrilled to welcome Victoria M. Adams to the blog today as part of her blog tour to celebrate the release of her new novel The House at the End of the Sea.

The beautiful cover art is by Sharon King-Chai.

Blurb

Saffi doesn’t want her new life, living with her dad, little brother and old-fashioned grandparents in their B&B by the sea. She is grieving for her mum and longs for things to go back to normal.

But this new home is anything but normal: the walls change colour, a face appears in the mirror, and the pantry is suddenly filled with fancy food. When a party of extraordinary visitors arrive at midnight, Saffi begins to realise that her family has a dark, magical secret. It will take all her bravery to discover the truth and find a way into another world…

For this tour I am doing an author interview.

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Tell us your inspiration for The House at the End of the Sea.

There are two origin stories for The House at the End of the Sea. One is a lifelong love of all things legend and fairy tale. Bits and bobs of existing medieval ballads found their way into this book, from Tam Lin to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. I also took inspiration from children’s stories like The Dark is Rising or Tom’s Midnight Garden. But the immediate genesis was the gift given me by a friend, part of her grandmother’s Victorian ornament collection, a small silver bowl with a Persian Qajar-era coin mounted in the base. I thought to myself, ‘How did a coin from nineteenth century Persia find its way into an ornament collection of a woman living in Wales?’ No one knew. So this story began.

What are the underlying themes of The House at the End of the Sea?

If I had to sum it up: ‘Stay uncomfortable.’ The book looks at grief and loss on a personal level, but also colonial histories. The main character, Saffi, has a mixed heritage, Iranian on her mother’s side and British on her father’s. Her British side includes the added complexity of shady family dealings. She has to confront this truth, which other members of the family would rather avoid through denial or shrugging off responsibility. The story asks: ‘Would you rather live with your eyes shut or face the truth, however difficult?’

What is your schedule like when you are writing a book?

I fit writing around a few other activities – teaching, translation work, script work. So really there’s no set schedule – I write when I can. Sometimes a couple of months will go by before I have time to go back to the novel. I always miss it by then!

How did you develop your characters and hone their voices so children can identify with them?

Usually, I’ll think of real people to serve as a template for a character. Sometimes I make an amalgam of people, or put in bits of my own experience. For the main characters in this book, I used some of my own experience for Saffi and based her brother Milo on a little boy I used to know. Birdy is also a mix of two people, though getting his ‘voice’ in dialogue required separate research into accents and speech patterns in East Yorkshire. It’s a particular regional accent, soft compared to some accents in Leeds or Sheffield. I love it.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Pants all the way. It’s absolute mayhem. If I have to write an outline it quickly falls apart.

The House at the End of the Sea pulls at your heart strings. What is the first book that made you cry?

Thank you for saying so! I grew up on the books of Paul Gallico, who managed to traumatise me with books like Jennie, about the world’s most excellent cat (spoiler, it ends sadly), and Love of seven Dolls. DO NOT GIVE THESE BOOKS TO YOUR IMPRESSIONABLE EIGHT YEAR OLD. The scars, ye gods. Oh, and Watership Down. RABBITS DIE.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about The House at the End of the Sea?

While the story is self-contained, there is space for a sequel and more explorations of the fairy realms. I really do hope I may visit again.

What are your social media links where can people find out about you and your books?

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriamadams1/

On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/victoriamadams.bsky.social

Where is the best place for people to buy your book?

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-house-at-the-end-of-the-sea/victoria-m-adams/9781839134234

Blackwells also does free shipping: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-House-at-the-End-of-the-Sea-by-Victoria-M-Adams/9781839134234

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About the Author

Victoria M. Adams spent her childhood bouncing between Cyprus, Canada and the US with her Iranian mother, trying to achieve first place in the ‘Most Visas Acquired Before Age Eighteen’ sweepstakes.

As an adult, she carried on the nomadic family tradition by adding France and New Zealand to the mix, where she worked as an animator, copywriter, tutor and story coach, in no particular order. Somewhere along the way, she acquired a BA in Film and an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck College. She currently teaches Creative Writing at City Lit and shares her London home with two humans and a feckless cat.

You can discover more about Victoria M. Adams and her books on her instagram @victoriamadams1

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.

To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the tour schedule below:

Blog Tour: The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie by Radhika Sanghani

I am so pleased to welcome Radhika Sanghani to the blog today as part of her The Girl who Couldn’t Lie blog tour.

The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie is a middle grade an hilariously funny comedy farce, released by Usborne on the 9th May 2024.

Blurb

A fresh, funny story about white lies, brutal honesty and a bangle with special powers, from award-winning journalist and author Radhika Sanghani.

Priya Shah lies. A lot. She pretends everything in her life is perfect, so she doesn’t disappoint anyone.

But when she puts on a bangle left to her by her Ba – the one person she was always honest with – she finds herself unable to tell a lie.

Priya is mortified. She tells her dad she hates his cooking, she tells Dan Zhang about her huge crush on him, she shares her best friends’ secrets at school. She can’t get the bangle off, and she can’t stop the truths pouring out of her.

As more things go wrong, and Priya’s truth-telling spirals out of control, can Priya learn to be honest without hurting the people she loves?

My stop takes the form of an author interview.

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Tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration for The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie.

Hello! I’m a writer and The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie is my first children’s book. The inspiration came from me thinking about what kind of book I would have liked to read when I was younger. That’s when the character of Priya Shah came to me – I would have REALLY related to her when I was 12! – and the idea came from there.

Why did you decide to write a book about white lies for children?

I am a big believer in radical honesty. I no longer lie in my personal life – not even white lies – and it has drastically improved my life. I wanted to write a book that encourages children to think about honesty, and to realise that speaking their truth can strengthen their relationships and lead to a happier, more honest life.

How did you make the transition from journalism to writing for children? Explain how you broke into the market.

I’ve been a journalist for 12 years, but I’ve also published four novels for adults in that time. So I was already an author, and when I had my idea for a children’s book, it wasn’t such a challenge to move into this market. I was lucky in that my agent Madeleine Milburn also had an amazing children’s agent working for her – Chloe Seager – and she’s helped me make it all happen!

In your opinion, what makes a great children’s book?

For me, a great children’s book is full of honesty, relatability, humour and definitely a sense of mystery/the unknown!

Which part of The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie was the most fun to write?

I loved writing the comedy parts about when things start to go wrong for Priya when the magic bangle forces her to stop lying. But I also had a lot of fun writing the scenes with her best friends Sami and Mei because they’re both really funny characters.

What writing advice would you give to people aspiring to be a children’s book writer?

I would say to keep on writing – the more you write, the more you have to put out in the world, to see what lands! And also to have fun with it. My favourite thing about children’s novels is that you don’t have to be so serious – I love that my books can be a little bit magical and humorous.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie?

Just that I think anyone of any age could enjoy it – especially if you relate to Priya’s people-pleasing tendencies, and this sense of lying to make other people feel better!

I’d love to hear what you think of TGWCL if you read it!

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About the Author

Radhika Sanghani is an award-winning features journalist, acclaimed author, screenwriter, influential body positivity campaigner and a 2020 BBC Writers Room graduate.

Radhika writes regularly for the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Elle, The Guardian, Grazia, Glamour and Cosmopolitan; was recently featured in Italian Vogue as well BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour and is a regular guest on Sky News and Good Morning Britain. She is also a TedX speaker on body positivity, a yoga teacher and runs a charity initiative with AgeUK fighting loneliness in older women.

You can find her on Instagram @radhikasanghani and Twitter on @radhikasanghani.

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour.

To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the tour schedule below:

You can buy copies ofThe Girl who Couldn’t Lie by Radhika Sanghani from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.