Interview with author Shannon Duffy

This morning I am fortunate to be hosting Shannon Duffy, author of the fabulous new middle grade fantasy, GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA!

Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta is a magical, fast-paced story that takes readers on a journey they won’t soon forget. It has enough mystery, intrigue and wonder to keep readers up, lamp lit, and reading into the night.

 

ALR: Shannon, thank you so much for joining me today! Congratulations on the release last week! How has everything been so far?

SD: With the anticipation of the release over, I'm still excited/nervous to see how my little story will be perceived. It's a whole journey, and I love it all.



ALR: I'm thrilled to have a new adventure series to recommend to the middle graders in my life. Can you tell us a bit about the book?

SD: Gabriel Stone is a sixth grader and while hiking with his two best friends, Brent and Piper, he finds a magical crystal. After getting sucked into a dying parallel world, they are sent on a quest to save Valta. But this quest comes with a lot of danger along the way and if they don’t succeed, Valta will die and they’ll never get back home to Willow Creek again.

ALR: How did the idea for Gabriel Stone come to you?

SD: Well, once I decided to write a book for my son Gabriel, the idea was just there, honestly. I know that sounds weird, and I did plot more out as I went along, but the basic story was just there waiting to be told.

ALR: And when readers flip to the final page of your novel, what do you want them to feel?

SD: I hope they feel both satisfied and longing for the sequel to the story, GABRIEL STONE AND THE WRATH OF THE SOLARIANS.

ALR: What has been your favorite part of the publication process?

SD: One of the best parts is seeing your cover for the first time. It’s such an adrenaline rush to see your book come to life before your eyes. I think I may have even cried.

ALR: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

SD: Don’t give up if this is something you truly love, take a writing course, find critique partners, read, and practice, practice, practice. And if you can afford to hire a freelance editor, even better. It’s like having your own personal coach. Be patient, and above all, have fun with it!

ALR: Anything you can share with us about what you're working on now?

SD: I'm currently working on a contemporary thriller that I'm having fun with.



ALR: Okay, some random quick picks!

If your life was a song, which one would it be?

SD: Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

ALR: Pick one superpower.

SD: Definitely to heal sickness and disease.

ALR: If you could go back in time, where/when would you go?

SD: To see my grandmother. I’d tell her how much I love and miss her and get in one last hug.

ALR: Shannon, thank you so much for taking the time to swing by the blog today! Congratulations again, and I can't wait to continue the journey with Gabriel in The Wrath of the Solarians!


About Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta:

Gabriel Stone is a twelve-year-old boy still reeling from the unsolved disappearance of his mother. With a dad who’s hard to relate to, and mounting pressures at school, Gabriel lets off steam by hiking in the place where his mother was last seen. There, Gabe and friends find a crystal that proves not only beautiful, but magical beyond their wildest dreams. Only, magic and beauty come with a price: in order to return home, they must save the dying world of Valta.

GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA is perfect for the classroom. Reading and Teacher Guides are available. Contact Caroline Patty at: educationm9b@gmail.comto request guides. GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA also makes a great gift for readers ages 9 and up who enjoy fantasy stories like THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA and THE BRIDGE TO TARABITHIA.

Goodreads GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15841297-gabriel-stone-and-the-divinity-of-valta

ABOUT SHANNON DUFFY

Shannon Duffy grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada, and now lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and son, Gabriel. She’s mom to one boy, and several pets. Shannon loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions: shopping. Shannon Duffy is available for quotes, signings, video or podcast appearances, and all opportunities relative to GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA.

GABRIEL STONE AND THE WRATH OF THE SOLARIAN, Book 2 in the Gabriel Stone series will be available from Month9Books in February 2014!

 

Goodreads SHANNON DUFFY: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3873156.Shannon_Duffy
Shannon Duffy Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShannonDuffyLit
Shannon Duffy Website: http://www.shannonduffylit.com/

 

 

ABOUT MONTH9BOOKS:

Month 9 Books is a publisher of speculative fiction for teens and tweens… where nothing is as it seems. Month9Books will donate proceeds from each of its annual charity anthologies to a deserving charity. Individually, authors may donate his or her advances and royalties to a charitable organization. Month9Books will also release 10-12 non-charitable titles annually. GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA is Month9Books’s first Middle Grade release. Month9Books is distributed by Small Press United, a division of IPG. You may visit www.month9books.comfor more information.

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