To be published March 3, 2015 by Margaret K. McElderry.
Synopsis:
In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.
The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.
With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.,
I think The Storyspinner is going to be one of many fantasies that will make 2015 a banner year for the genre and Becky is here to share why this one should definitely be on your list! Welcome, Becky!
Five Secrets of THE STORYSPINNER
Secret #1: Judge a book by its cover.
The cover for THE STORYSPINNER incorporates some really cool elements that give it a sense of action and movement—a definite trend for YA covers. But what makes the cover extra special are the details. The girl pictured is supposed to be the main character, Johanna, and the model is a perfect fit! Her bow and arrow were handmade for the photo shoot. Including the feather fletching! The picture itself was taken in an off-limits area in Central Park. The cover designer said that the park ranger kicked them out soon after this photo was taken!
Secret #2: Life imitates art. Or vice versa.
Soccer is a beautiful sport, folks. It’s intense and precise and tactical. If none of that interests you, may I suggest you watch World Cup for the eye candy? Now you’re wondering what Soccer and THE STORYSPINNER have in common. The answer is simple: Cristiano Ronaldo.
I remember watching the World Cup and thinking, “Man, he would make an incredible character in a novel. The good looks, the attitude, the intensity. Yes. That.” And so, Rafael DeSilva, my fictional crush, was born. Tall, dark, handsome, a little cocky, and incredibly devoted, loyal, and honorable.
Yes. THAT.Secret #3: The beginning is not always the beginning.
The first chapter of THE STORYSPINNER was written during my second round of editorial revisions. The third chapter was the original first chapter, and it came after a prologue that got cut completely. I hope to someday share those chapters with the world! ;)
Secret #4: Truth in nightmares.
I have an unrealistic, over-powering fear of water creatures with big teeth. Sharks, crocodiles, alligators with their silent approaches and chomping attacks are the fodder of my nightmares. I live in Texas and will never, ever get in a lake here and will only get in the ocean if the water is clear.
And in case you were wondering, writing about these nasty beasties did not help my nightmares. It made them worse!
Secret #5: Good things take time. Sometimes.
I wrote the first three chapters of THE STORYSPINNER in December of 2011 and then ignored it for more than a year, certain it was too big of a story for a little newbie writer like me to handle. So I wrote lots of other things (two thrillers and a contemporary) before circling back to those measly little chapters. When I opened them back up, I realized I had something and decided to give it a shot. I’m a notoriously slow writer, but I finished the first draft in less than six weeks, and six weeks later it was pre-empted by Simon & Schuster. It was the longest—and shortest—amount of time I’d ever worked on any one project. And I’m so happy with how it turned out!Thank you, Becky! Those are some pretty great secrets and that picture of Ronaldo right in the middle certainly doesn't hurt anything. ;)
If you're excited about this fantasy (which you should be!), preorder The Storyspinner here: Amazon US // Amazon Canada // Barnes & Noble // Chapters Indigo // The Book Depository
About Becky Wallace:
In second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything besides princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she's been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own, real-life prince charming. They have four munchkins and live in a happy little town outside Houston, Texas.
Find Becky here: Facebook // Goodreads // Pinterest // Twitter // Website
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