Q: What was the inspiration for Born to be a Dragon?
The inspiration came in many forms. The biggest, though, came from my children. They have such grand imaginations and are always playing army men, safari, race car drivers, dragons, etc. One day I was watching them play dragons and wondered what the adventure would be like if the two were best of friends (dragons and humans). I wrote the first chapter the same day and read to the kids (to gauge their level of interest). To say they were just interested is an understatement. For the next two months, they lived and breathed dragons until the book was complete. I revised, trimmed, and edited, then read it to them again, and they were just as thrilled with the outcome.
Q: Have you always liked dragons?
This family has always loved dragons. The PBS dragon show stole my children's hearts when they were little and even back then they would imagine they were Emmy or Max and wish on a scale.
Q: How many drafts did it take to get the finished product?
Twelve? Thirteen? Seriously though, I can't say exactly how many drafts, but a good baker’s dozen might be a good number to go with. Usually, I finish a draft and let it sit for a bit while writing another, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Amazingly enough, this works wonders and I'm able to see things I hadn't before.
Q: It says on the front cover of your book that Born to be a Dragon is the first book in the Dragons Forever series. Are you planning more books?
Oooooh yes. Meia and Deglan's adventures have just begun.
Q: Do you have any special rituals or things you like to have around while you write?
Music. Always music when I write. The type of manuscript really decides the type of music. For Dragons Forever - Born to be a Dragon, I listened to a lot of Owl City to keep the pace whimsical and light-hearted (because it was middle grade). For my young adult novels, the music is usually more moody and driving. It keeps my pace moving at a good clip and the tension tight.
Q: Whenever you see a dragon now, do you automatically think of your book?
Yes. A resounding yes! The kids and I always try to think of "this" dragon’s name or if he exists in the Dragons Forever world. It's fun and creates great conversation between the children and I.
Q: Say that you’re walking down the street and you spot someone holding a copy of your book. How would you feel?
I think I would feel like a kid at Christmas who had just opened up the ultimate gift.
My greatest suggestion is to write, write, write, write. Write the good, the bad, the horrible, the fantastic. Just write it out. Because whatever you write can be molded into something beautiful. But if you don't write it, you have nothing to work with. Writing is a work of art and like all art it takes time to see the picture on the canvas. Sometimes you have to take words away only to add more and in different places. You take a step back and admire the work and add some more. But if you don't write, you won't have anything to play with. So, write, write, write, write.
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Thank you for letting me interview you, Eisley Jacobs! And now, for the GIVEAWAY!
I am giving away one copy of BORN TO BE A DRAGON! The winner can get it in regular book format (bonus: this one will be signed by the author!), Kindle format, or Nook format. It's completely free. :)
RULES:
You may only enter once.
You should get your parents permission before entering, because I will have to have your address. This address will be given to Ms. Jacobs, and she will send you your book. However, if you do not want the book format, then you won't have to give your address.
To enter, post a comment on this post with your name saying that you'd like to enter. And that's all!
The giveaway ends July 31st, 2011. The winner will be picked on August 1st. If you win, please send me an email enclosing which format of book you'd like to have (my email can be found on the Contact Me page up top there) and we'll go from there.
I hope everyone enjoyed the interview and likes (and will enter) the giveaway!
Thank you again to Eisley Jacobs for making this possible. :)
I hope everyone has a great week!
~Quinlyn
26 comments:
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions! :)
Awesome interview, Quinlyn!
Is the author Iona's mom?! I think she talked about it on the message board a while back... I'm so excited if it is! I will totally have to buy it on my kindle :)
What an inspiring interview! And the book sounds really neat. I'm going to take Eisley's advice about listening to music while I write. I'm not sure why I never thought of it. I suppose I'm too old and too connected to sign up for the book, but it's great you're doing the giveaway!
Hey Q! I'm entering. But you already noes that. My name is Jeneca. Epicness, right?
OK, I'll enter :), you already know my name :P
Hi Quinlynn, My 10 year old daughter Annie would love to enter the contest. She loves AG too!I've known the author for over 11 years and am so excited for her. You have a wonderful blog! Mary
I'd love to enter! What a great interview!
Super interview with a super writer! Love it!
Ugh, should have added, I want to enter! My name is Jill. :)
I'm entering! This sounds like a great read. Good interview!
Thanks for the interview, Quinlyn! You did a great job. I like the questions and her answers about seeing a dragon, seeing someone with her book and suggestions for writers-to-be. :)
I'd like to enter the contest. Thanks!
Check out comments number 9 and 10, Ms. Jacobs. :) Easter egg? Love ya!
What great questions you asked Quinlyn! Your blog looks great, I'll have to send my daughter over here. Thanks for entering me into the contest, I'd love a Nook and a book! :)
Great interview!
And yes, I would love to enter. If I win the book, I plan on reading it with my kids.
What a neat blog, thank you for sharing it with all of us. You definitely have great interviewing and writing skills. Keep it up!!!
You did a great job on this interview! I would like to enter your contest and anxiously look forward to reading Born to be a Dragon. I will be giving this book as a gift to my nephew! thanks again, myndi
I would love to be entered!
Hi Quinlyn...Please enter me in the drawing for the book!I would love to have one.
Entering on behalf of Sammy, who can't because her computer won't let her. ;)
I would love to enter! ;P
My name is Jo March! Mwahhahahahahah :D
~Britts
Hey! I'm Doodledog, I'd love to enter! I love dragons, I think they're just so beautiful :)
How cool! I'm Leah, I have permission, and I'd love to enter!
I would like to enter and want it to be for the Nook!
I would love to enter Quinlyn! Sounds like a great book!
I would like to enter the contest & win this fantastic story book!
Aunt Paula
pjcsullivan@gmail.com
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