Meet Author Katie Carroll

Today I welcome Children's/MG/YA author Katie Carroll and her book Elixir Bound, a YA Paranormal Fantasy.

Katie, tell us a bit about yourself.

I started seriously writing when I was 19 and my 16-year-old sister, Kylene, unexpectedly passed away. She loved the Harry Potter books and insisted that everyone read them. She made a lot of reluctant readers into eager ones. I wrote my first book to give her a fantasy adventure of her own. I learned a lot about writing and about myself in the process and that book eventually became Elixir Bound. Now my husband and I are raising our son in the small city that has been my home for more years than I like to count.

Why did you pick to write books for children and teens?

I didn’t! I just started writing a book. When I finally got around to thinking about who might want to read what I was writing, it just sort of fell into place that teens would. So I kind of ran with that idea and I’ve never turned back. From young adult to middle grade to picture books, I love writing them all.

Here is a teaser from Elixir Bound:

Katora Kase is next in line to take over as guardian to a secret and powerful healing Elixir. Now she must journey into the wilds of Faway Forest to find the ingredient that gives the Elixir its potency. Even though she has her sister and brother, an old family friend, and the handsome son of a mapmaker as companions, she feels alone.

It is her decision alone whether or not to bind herself to the Elixir to serve and protect it until it chooses a new guardian. The forest hosts many dangers, including wicked beings that will stop at nothing to gain power, but the biggest danger Katora may face is whether or not to open up her heart to love.

What types of books do you like to read?

Young adult, young adult, and more young adult. Sure, I throw in the occasional adult book or classic, and I do enjoy middle grade, but young adult is my go-to reading. Whether it be fantasy, contemporary, or dystopian, I love young adult fiction.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I have a one-year-old son who keeps me pretty busy. I also like playing soccer, traveling when I have the time and money to do it, and collecting signed books. I’m also an editor, formerly of puzzle magazines and now I work on books.

What book did you wish you had written?

I’d have to say The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, which is about a 17-year-old girl whose 19-year-old sister has just died. It’s the only book I felt compelled to write in (because I never, ever write in books). I think the author somehow managed to get in my head just after my own sister died and so eloquently put into words how I was feeling.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

I’ve written lots of other books, but I’ll just talk about my newest book that is set to release next month. It’s a picture book app called The Bedtime Knight, which was illustrated by Erika Baird and is forthcoming from MeeGenius! It’s about a young child who, with a little help from Daddy Knight, learns how to turn the scary shadows of the night into fun imaginings.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I’m working on a follow-up to Elixir Bound, which is mostly still in my head. Right now it’s called Elixir Saved. Kylene, the sister of Katora—the main character of Elixir Bound—is the main character. I’ve also got a middle grade adventure called Pirate Island, which I’m hoping to find a home for soon.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Read, read, and read some more. Then write, write, and write some more. Then revise, revise, and revise some more. Then submit, submit, and submit some more. Really, that’s all it takes to be a published writer!

Anything else you want readers to know?

I love hearing from readers, and I’m available for school visits. Please check out my school visit page (http://www.katielcarroll.com/school-visits/) for more information.  

Where can readers find you and your books?

My website and blog are at www.katielcarroll.com. 

Elixir Bound can be found on the MuseItUp website (http://tinyurl.com/95qgrg6), and on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Elixir-Bound-ebook/dp/B0093CL4OM). 

The Bedtime Knight will be available on the MeeGenius! website (http://www.meegenius.com/store/featured) in early November.