Thursday, May 17, 2012

Myra McEntire Author Interview


Book Nerd Interview

Myra McEntire knows the words to every R&B hit of the last decade, but since she lives in Nashville, the country music capital of America, her lyrical talents go sadly unappreciated. She’s chosen, instead, to channel her “mad word skills” into creating stories infused with her love of music. Hourglass is her first novel.


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What was your first introduction to YA literature, the one that made you choose that genre to write?

I’ve always wanted to write in this genre. I devoured the Trixie Belden series as a kid, and I’ve always liked the idea of a group of kids coming together and using their combined skills to solve problems.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I didn’t start writing with the intent for publication until after my second child was born. And I was … older.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Inappropriate, well-intentioned, and real.

When/how did you realize you had a creative dream or calling to fulfill?

I always knew I wanted to write, but the minute I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I hit the ground on my knees and surrendered to it. Succeed or fail, I was going to finish a book.

What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?

Stubbornness. That’s the biggest one. There are so many times it would be easier to quit than persist, at every point in the process. You have to want it. Also, a willingness to take constructive criticism and to revise is paramount.

For those who are unfamiliar with Emerson Cole, how would you introduce her?

Hopeful, broken, strong, weak, sarcastic, sad.

What inspired you to write this particular book?

Hourglass actually started as a prompt for a writing club I attended one time. The prompt was a woman’s name, Ann Something I Can’t Remember, and the first chapter of Hourglass came out. I was writing another book at the time, but I couldn’t stop wondering why the man in Ann’s (Emerson’s) room knew her name.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing Michael?

How responsible he was! He takes on a lot of responsibility that he doesn’t necessarily want. This makes him seem emo sometimes, but he’s really carrying a lot of weight, not just for himself, but for Emerson, too.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

One of my college professors, Sandra Ballard. (Yes, Kaleb has her last name on purpose.) I went through four years of school CONVINCED she hated me, but she didn’t. She saw talent I was wasting, and she wanted me to grow up. Eventually, I did. Sort of.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I’m working on a book with a Welsh back story. That’s all you’re getting. J

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?

As a teen, I never felt like I measured up to the rest of my friends. I never felt good enough. I think a lot of teens feel this way, and it’s a LIE. You are precious and special and have a purpose only you can fulfill. When you’re older, you’ll have days when you still feel bad about yourself. But you’ll have days when you own who you are and how you got there. Hang on for those days. They’re awesome.

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

Coffee. Right now with Almond Joy creamer.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

How old are you?

Do you have any fun experiences you can tell us?

I did a LOT of things before I became a writer. One of them was working as the general manager for a minor league affiliate of the New York Mets. I have stories for DAYS.

Where can readers stalk you?

I’m on Facebook rarely, but I’m a big fan of Twitter!



One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.


You can purchase Hourglass at the following Retailers:
    




You can pre-order Timepiece at the following Retailers:
    


And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you Myra for making this giveaway possible.
1 Winner will receive a Signed copy of Hourglass by Myra McEntire.

Click the Banner below to Enter my current Giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

87 comments:

  1. OH MY GOD!!
    I already love Emerson! ~though for the record that's a name used for boys here in my country~
    I LOVE how she described her!! >.< and HIM! ~swoons~
    T_T lol that's a really convenient question to answer with a lie XD
    And THANK YOU FOR THAT ADVICE! Myra! <33333

    thanks for the inerview Jean! lol I was just stalking the giveaways when I saw this interview posted hehe

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  2. my cats. i love my girls they are my life. some people have kids, i cant, so i have my two girls :) oh and books :) and also my wonderful friends :)
    thanks for the giveaways :)

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  3. My 2 beautiful girls & my hubby. And of course, my books! ;)

    Great giveaway & interview! Thanks Jean!

    (:

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  4. I am passionate about autism my son suffers from it

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  5. Having a healthy relationship with my bf and my boys.
    kathyross906@gmail.com

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  6. My upcoming trip to my cousins after almost 7 years

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  7. I'm most passionate about my little family, they are my everything. My three gorgeous children and my wonderful husband.

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  8. I am most passionate about getting my reviews written, watching the show Scandal, and reading my book!

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  9. Oh, you know, just reading books. ;)

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  10. Reading books. Watching television shows and movies. Blogging. Goodreads. Disney.

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  11. My family and of course my books!

    Thanks for the great giveaway!!

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  12. Christina K. in the rafflecopter

    I'm passionate about volunteering at the local animal shelter! And it's a no-kill shelter, otherwise I wouldn't volunteer.

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  13. I'm passionate about my boyfriend, and my ever growing book collection :)

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  14. My books/kindle of course......oh and my dog and my comfy bed ahahaha

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  15. I'm passionate about my husband and books!!

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  16. Passionately waiting for tomorrow when I am going to the Kenny G concert! But I am always passionate about my books, no matter the day

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  17. Books, especially Daughter of Smoke and Bone!

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  18. My cat and the beautiful weather!

    Suz Reads

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  19. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I'm most passionate about books & my new home!

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  20. Cassanra Clare's latest book! I just ate it up!

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  21. Books!! haha...and of course my studies.. is very important for me to prepare myself for the future that way I can help my country and then the world!!

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  22. oh wow!
    I think it's somewhere between books, photography and english...those things?!
    Best Things EVER!

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  23. I am most passionate about finally getting a positive pregnancy test after trying, with and without doctors, for the past almost 4 years. That is my biggest passion at the moment. I sure do love my books, though. Not a doubt about it!! Thanks for the giveaway

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  24. I'm super passionate about books and reading. Thanks for the giveaway! :D

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  25. My 3 boys 5 years old and 17 month old twins

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  26. I am most passionate about my kids. They are my life, and they ALWAYS come first!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  27. I'm most passionate about my job as a teacher.

    Thanks!

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  28. My passion, well, right now is my study, books (always) and I'm starting to have a new one, writing. I just found that writing helps me to relax =)

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  29. I'm most passionate about reading and listening to music!
    Thanks for this giveaway!

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  30. Making sure that children can read

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  31. My profession! =) I'm a psychologist!

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  32. Passionate about? Reading more!

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  33. Reading and food! :D

    - Noely Jeleen

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  34. My boyfriend coming over for a dinner :D

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  35. Finishing my current book. And feeling better, I think I have bronchitis!

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  36. I'm not really passionate about anything today... I'm having a lazy day.. Well maybe I'm passionate about being lazy ;)

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  37. In all seriousness, I am most passionate about books, namely, finishing the many books that I have most recently started and not finished. It's so unlike me to do that, but I've had exams :)
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Alyssa Susanna

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  38. I am most passionate about my future, beginning college is kind of scary. It hits you all at once that you're now longer a kid, you're a grown adult who needs to take responsibility of your future and start working for independent financial security and happiness.

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  39. Thank you for the amazing giveaway! And today I am most passionate about finding a new job. I lost my job yesterday and I am a struggling full time college student, so I need to be very passionate about getting a pay check! :)

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  40. I'm passionate about passing my finals. :D

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  41. Hmm. Something I'm most passionate about? It'd have to be my love of books and music. They're how I express myself today in a world full of choas and distance. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  42. Today I'm passionate about going to a concert in two weeks! I'm buting my ticket tomorrow and I'm really excited! :D

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  43. im passionate for my books and got good news about my health

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  44. My nephew and my collection books :)
    Thanks for giveaway!!

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  45. I'm passionate for books and... don't know, maybe I passed my test? jaja

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  46. Today I am most passionate about getting the charity event to raise money for a friend who broke his neck running smoothly! We're giving away so many awesome books to do it and getting the kinks worked out is really my driving force today!

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  47. Today, I am most passionate about this Angelfire Project that i am planning!

    Thanks so much for the giveaway!

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  48. I am most passionate about my children.
    sqwalker2@hotmail.com

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  49. eeks, so many things. I am going with college football.

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  50. The very last episode of House.

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  51. Today I did my exam, and I'm excited about it :)

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  52. Today I'm most passionate about naps. Naps are my friend.

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  53. I'm pissy and passionate about getting people to get things done.

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  54. Definitely reading! :) Thanks for the giveaway!

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  55. Whoa...this is an awesome giveaway. The cover of the book is amazing, liked it very much.
    Now, well..not just now, but almost for my entire life since I was a kid, reading is always be my passion.

    Thank u for this awesonme giveaway.

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  56. Mmm...I've got a HUGE to-do list and so it's been passionately at the forefront of my mind, though I haven't had much chance to tackle it yet.

    Aside from that, it's always my books!

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  57. I am passionate about my husband and hopefully starting our family soon.

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