Please welcome our latest featured guest, Emlyn Chand, author of "Farsighted". She was kind enough to accept my interview invitation and offer an e-book giveaway. I hope all my visitors will enjoy reading about her journey to bring Alex Kosmitoras, the main character to life. Though her audience is geared toward young adults, I believe people of all ages will find her work cultural, inspirational and modern.
Published by: Blue Crown Press
Publication date: 10/2011
Format: E-book
A brief book synopsis:
Alex Kosmitoras’s life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.
Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to “see” the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.
INTERVIEW WITH EMLYN CHAND:
1. At what age did you begin writing?
(Emlyn)-I was born with a fountain pen firmly grasped in my left hand, at least that is what my Twitter bio says. But, seriously, I do believe writers are born into the craft-we haven’t got much choice, but it’s a great calling to have. As a child, I always had a story to tell. I also loved illustrating my own books and comics. I first became a writer when I began doing a book review column for the local paper. That taught me the importance of deadlines and letting the words flow out even when I had no idea what direction they would take me in.
2. What inspired you to write, Farsighted?
(Emlyn)-Everything started with a single image-my face in these tacky oversized sunglasses reflecting out at me from the car’s side mirror. I was daydreaming while my husband drove us across Michigan for my sister’s wedding. Something about my image really struck me in an almost horrific way. I felt the glasses made me look blind but found it so weird that there was still a clear image within them; it seemed so contradictory. At the time, my book club was reading, The Odyssey, which features the blind Theban prophet, Tieresias. I started thinking about what it would be like to have non-visual visions of the future and began forming a modern Tieresias in my mind. Lo and behold, Alex Kosmitoras was born. I didn’t want him to be alone in his psychic subculture, so I found other characters with other powers to keep him company. Thank God for my poor fashion sense.
3. How long did it take you to write the book in your writing career?
(Emlyn)-I’d say about a year. I need time to brainstorm before officially beginning to write-I read tons of books for research’s sake and to help build my worlds(?). Then I write in bits and spurts, and I also need to leave a lot of time for self-editing, beta reader critiques, and professional editing. Yeah, one year sounds about write.
4. Did you do any research prior to writing, Farsighted?
(Emlyn)-Absolutely! I spent about three months trying to talk myself out of writing Farsighted. It’s too ambitious, my inner critic pointed out. You’ll never get it done, not in the way it deserves to be done, it pressed. But there was another part of me that couldn’t resist; I knew I had to at least try before giving up. I started by reading tons and tons of books-I read about world folklore and superstitions, religions especially Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, psychic powers, the occult, blindness and even Nostradamus. I learned how to cast runes and perform a ten-card Celtic Cross tarot reading. I had nightmares for several weeks, but then they eventually stopped, and I started writing.
5. I understand this book is geared towards the young adult fiction genre but what age group would you say best fits your book?
(Emlyn)-The beauty of Young Adult literature is that it truly can be enjoyed by any age group. The primary audience is, of course, teens. But younger kids also enjoy reading about what the big kids are doing, and adults like reliving their glory days too.
6. Did you experience writer’s block while writing Farsighted and if so, how did you overcome it?
(Emlyn)-Not often, but when I did, I took it as a sign that I needed to give myself a little space from the story. I’d take some time off and then approach it again with a fresh outlook. I also found changing my environment helps.
7. Do you have advice for aspiring writers?
(Emlyn)-My advice is this: Have fun with your writing. Don’t put pressure on yourself or your story and don’t try to fit either into some type of mold. Not every work HAS to be published, but every work will teach you something, and it will make you a better writer. Find the joy in writing, and you can’t go wrong.
8. What do you do in your spare time when not writing?
(Emlyn)-I like to work, haha. No seriously, I run my own company, and I love my job. Work is relaxing. When I’ve worked too hard and have to call it quits for the day, I like reading on my Kindle, taking bubble baths, and watching Glee.
9. Are you interested in speaking engagements, book signings, and other promotional gigs? If so, how would interested parties contact you?
(Emlyn)-Of course, I love getting out and about. My full contact info is available through my website’s press kit at www.emlychand.com/media
10. Where can your book be purchased?
(Emlyn)-All the usual places, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles & Smashword
One lucky winner will win "Farsighted," as Emlyn Chand has kindly offered to give away (1) E-book, The winner will be chosen at random by a third party drawing service. Entering is easy!
DRAWING RULES-
No purchase necessary to win.
Deadline to Enter: 12/20/2011
Drawing Date on or before 12/22/2011
Open to US & International residents
Entrants ages 13+ (and older) are eligible to win
Must read 'Official Rules' located at the top of this page, click on official rules tab to read.
Enter all information listed on the entry form below. For all entry forms not completed, that entry will be considered 'void'.
Prize winner will have 2 calendar days to respond to 'claim prize e-book code' email notification.
If original prize winner does not claim prize within the allotted time, (1) alternate winner will be chosen at random.
Winner(s) under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian's permission to redeem prize. Winner's name will be announced on this blog no later than 12/27/2011.
**Disclaimer**Terry's Treasures is hosting the Farsighted giveaway for author Emlyn Chand, she is solely responsible for all entry details, including the acceptance of entrants under the age of 18 years of age and providing the prize being offered.**
