Thursday, September 30, 2021

Iceland Highlight and Meet YA Author E M McIntyre

Before getting to our author interview today, I wanted to share with you how fun actual research can be. We recently spent two weeks in Iceland, part vacation, part research for my next book The Norse Star, book 2 in my Feathers of the Phoenix series. I highly recommend doing your own personal research when you can. You'll also see that our author today agrees.



                 
 
This is Skogafoss Waterfall in South Iceland. Something tells me a Feather of the Phoenix just might be hiding behind all this water. Afterall, Prasi hid his chest of gold behind Skogafoss, and it's never been found. Hope that won't be the case for Rosa and Jerome. You'll have to stay in touch to find out. Coming next year: Feathers of the Phoenix, The Norse Star, book 2.

And Now...
 
Join me in welcoming to 
 
Carpinello's Writing Pages 
 
YA Author E M McIntyre 
 

 
First, here's a bit about our author:

E M McIntyre is the author of the award-winning Red King Trilogy, a mysterious and enchanting Young Adult tale of myth, magic, and friendship. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and lives in Nebraska where she works as a Pediatric Cancer Researcher.
 
 
Why did you pick to write books for YA?

I love the Young Adult age range, where coming of age or more mature story lines can be explored, though I personally prefer to keep my writing clean and easy so it may be enjoyed by all ages.

What types of books do you like to read, and what do you do when you are not writing?

I love all things fantasy, but will gladly read anything scary, creepy, ghostly, mysterious, or thrilling. When I’m not writing or daydreaming of mischievous characters, I’m either reading, crafting, gardening, or playing with my dogs.
 
Tell us about The Phantom of Faerie Mountain, and how the story came to be.

The Phantom of Faerie Mountain is a YA Fantasy (aimed at the lower end of the age range) about a 14-year-old American girl in Scotland who must decipher the connection between a telepathic dog, an ancient prophecy, and two devious faerie brothers. The Red King Trilogy evolved from the combination of a distance-learning writing class I took through the Institute of Children’s Literature and a prior once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Highlands of Scotland. I was fortunate to spend eleven days in central Scotland during the summer of 2001. I fell instantly in love with the Highlands and, well, everything about that land so far from my home. I didn’t know it then, but a day trip I made to climb Ben A’an (a popular ‘miniature mountain’) would shape my future goals.

Here's a I peek at The Phantom of Faerie Mountain:

A telepathic dog. An ancient prophecy. Two devious faeries. 14-year-old Abby Fletcher must unravel their connection when she is thrown into a world of unknowns after receiving a mysterious message from a frightening beast: The Red King must set me free. Determined to discover the meaning of this puzzling phrase, Abby sets off to explore a nearby Scottish mountainside in search of clues. What Abby doesn't realize, however, is that it's not a matter of where she will find her answers but when. Whisked back to the early 14th century, Abby must find the courage to solve the mystery of the Red King and save not only herself but a group of powerless captives wrapped up in a faerie plot.

How do you go about researching for your stories?
 
When I first had the notion to write a book, I started by researching mythical creatures in Scotland via the internet. Once I found my ghostly creature to build upon, I looked for any pertinent books to help study the area of Scotland I wanted to use for the setting. In general, I’ve found Google to be quite helpful with fact checking. I also built on my earlier visit to Scotland.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.
 
In 2018 I completed the final installment of the The Red King. Book 2, The Secret of Berry Brae Circle finds our heroes back in present day Scotland faced with yet another time-sensitive mystery. In Book 3, The Talisman of Darktree Hollow, readers will step into my first go at world building where a sinister evil lurks.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?
 
I’m currently taking a break from writing, but hope to create more adventures for my heroes of the The Red King Trilogy. I also have an idea brewing for an unconnected standalone story set in my hometown. I did complete a short piece (a letter) for a fellow author friend at the beginning of 2020. The letter will be included in a fantasy anthology due out soon. I honestly feel it is my best writing yet, and though quite short at perhaps 700 words, I’m extremely proud of it. 

What advice do you have for other authors?
 
Never ever self-edit! This is okay (and expected) for a preliminary edit to clean things up, but always employ an experienced editor that knows your audience. Also, beta readers are a must when you think your story is finished. Lastly, please, hire a professional designer to create your cover – one that knows the genre.

Anything else you want readers to know?
 
I’m a firm believer in treating others (and yourself) with kindness. I think it helps the world go round a little easier. Also, frozen blueberries are an excellent treat!

Where can readers find you and your books?
 
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