Please
tell us a bit about yourself:
By day, I work in real estate and social media
marketing. By night, I’m a Young Adult writer and mother to a beautiful 2
year-old girl, who is so ambitious that she has been described as an “Alpha
Female” by strangers. Any day now, I will also be mother to another baby girl. So,
I have a lot going on in addition to a brand new release!
Aww, huge congrats! You will be busy!
Tell us about Quintina:
Quintina is the second book in The Starseed
Series, which follows the story of a high school senior who comes to learn that
there are secrets about herself that she doesn’t even know. The first book, Anna, reads like a Young
Adult/Contemporary novel. As the story moves into Quintina, the Young Adult/Sci-fi becomes much clearer. The number
of Young Adult/Sci-fi readers is just a fraction of the overall Young Adult
audience, and I believe it’s due to the overwhelming amount of hard sci-fi that
doesn’t often appeal to teenage girls. So, I wanted to write a story that would
ease them into the sci-fi elements.
What inspired you to write this particular story?:
This
story was sparked by true life. As a kid/teen, I had freckles on my leg that
resembled The Big Dipper. I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if they
turned out to be more than what they seemed. This led to the story of Anna. All
the best stories start with “what if?”
Which comes first for you – a character's looks, personality or name?:
Definitely
personality. For the majority of the time I spent writing Anna, I didn’t have a
clear picture in my head what she looked like, other than her freckles. She was
an “every girl” to me, someone many girls could relate to in some way. It
wasn’t until I realized she needed some set of physical indicators for
comparison for later in the story did I settle on some features and even those
remained pretty vague.
Any tips for aspiring authors?:
Write for fun. You’re not going to get rich off
writing. Eventually, you’ll make a living, but it very, very rarely happens
with the first book. You need to have multiple releases. If you aren’t having
fun writing, you’ll burn out before you even get there. Also, join a writing
group, even if it’s just on Facebook, and go in with the attitude that you have
a lot to learn. If you do, you will, and you will see real success.
Questions for fun:
If you had the power of time travel, is there anything you would go back and change? Why/why not?:
I don't think I'd ever go back in time and change anything
if I could. I'm a big believer that changing even the smallest of things could
lead to disastrous effects.Questions for fun:
If you had the power of time travel, is there anything you would go back and change? Why/why not?:
What super-power
would you choose?:
I would choose flight as my super power. Ever had a dream
you could fly? Those are my favorite. I'm also short, so hovering to the top
shelf would be very useful.
If you
could have three wishes, what would they be?:
1. A large residual wealth so I can just focus on writing.
No need for a day job. 2. Universal religious respect, so fewer wars.
3. A cure for cancer.
Coffee, tea or wine?:
I’m drinking more black tea now, because I’m pregnant, but I love my coffee! I usually start my writing with a cup of coffee and two Oreos.
What is your favourite book? (aside from one of your own!):
It’s really hard to choose just one. 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke was the book that got me into sci-fi, but I’ve experienced so many loves along my literary journey. Douglas Adam’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy…J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter…Lois Lowry’s The Giver…Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game.
Favourite genre and why?:
I love Young Adult books. They portray a time of life when everything is so new and exciting. I lean toward the sci-fi/paranormal/fantasy sub-genres. I also enjoy a straight up sci-fi or fantasy book. I rarely read non-fiction, because I love books with worlds that break from reality and provide a place to get lost in.
Favourite colour?:
Scarlet Red. It’s the color of strength and passion.
Upcoming news and plans for the future?:
I’m taking a small break while we get acclimated to having a new baby in the house. Then, I’ll be back to work on the third book in the Starseed Series.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us!
Quintina (The
Starseed Series #2)
by Meghan
Riley
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Release Date: 2016
Summary from Goodreads:
No longer on Earth, Anna must now piece together her memories on the strange, new world of Enki. Guided by Julianus, the mysterious man who brought her back, she soon realizes this isn’t the same world she was starting to remember, making it even more difficult to figure out why she was sent to Earth. Will she be able to solve the mystery before the people who sent her away realize she’s back? Or will her memories forever remain lost?
The Starseed Series on Amazon:
About the Author
Meghan Riley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from
the University of Maryland and immediately pursued her lifelong passion for the
written word. Her debut novel, Anna, presented itself as a way for Riley to
inspire teenage girls to expand their interests beyond the typical teenage
quandaries, ultimately encouraging females toward an interest in science. She
is currently hard at work on the next book in The Starseed Series.
Author Links:
Book Tour Organized by:
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