Friday, July 15, 2011

Interview with Eisley Jacobs-and a GIVEAWAY!

Hi Everyone!

It's time for the special post I promised you all! I don't know if you've heard of Eisley Jacobs, but she has published a book! Here is the book cover and (funny) info!


Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup... This is what Lord Edric wants you to believe. He will do anything in his power to see that humans never come in contact with dragons again. However, he doesn't plan for Meia, the foster child who dreams of dragons, believing they are real. Or Deglan, the ten-year-old dragon who bears the ancient mark that threatens everything Lord Edric has worked for. Join these two unlikely friends as they discover the truth behind a legend so extraordinary it will alter each of their lives... forever.

Ms. Jacobs agreed to an interview! :) So here it is:

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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.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for people who’d like to become writers themselves?

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:

Eisley Jacobs said...

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions! :)

Denise Grover Swank said...

Awesome interview, Quinlyn!

Karalee said...

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 :)

Meredith Roark Childress said...

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!

welcome to hell said...

Hey Q! I'm entering. But you already noes that. My name is Jeneca. Epicness, right?

Jasmine said...

OK, I'll enter :), you already know my name :P

wrennma said...

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

MSuparat said...

I'd love to enter! What a great interview!

jillyolebear said...

Super interview with a super writer! Love it!

Anonymous said...

Ugh, should have added, I want to enter! My name is Jill. :)

SpecialDarah said...

I'm entering! This sounds like a great read. Good interview!

kelsyColorado said...

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!

Jillyolebear said...

Check out comments number 9 and 10, Ms. Jacobs. :) Easter egg? Love ya!

Melissa said...

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! :)

Lee Eddy said...

Great interview!

And yes, I would love to enter. If I win the book, I plan on reading it with my kids.

Elizabeth Hildebrand said...

What a neat blog, thank you for sharing it with all of us. You definitely have great interviewing and writing skills. Keep it up!!!

myndi hegeman said...

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

Grace said...

I would love to be entered!

Meredith Roark Childress said...

Hi Quinlyn...Please enter me in the drawing for the book!I would love to have one.

Quinlyn said...

Entering on behalf of Sammy, who can't because her computer won't let her. ;)

Brittany-Amelia said...

I would love to enter! ;P
My name is Jo March! Mwahhahahahahah :D
~Britts

Doodledog said...

Hey! I'm Doodledog, I'd love to enter! I love dragons, I think they're just so beautiful :)

AGDollPrincess said...

How cool! I'm Leah, I have permission, and I'd love to enter!

Jerica said...

I would like to enter and want it to be for the Nook!

Madeline Ward said...

I would love to enter Quinlyn! Sounds like a great book!

Paula Sullivan said...

I would like to enter the contest & win this fantastic story book!
Aunt Paula
pjcsullivan@gmail.com