Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Janet Lee Carey Author Interview


Photo Content from Janet Lee Carey

Janet Lee Carey is the award-winning author of eight Children's and YA novels. Her YA fantasy is critically acclaimed: "Verdict: This is quite simply fantasy at its best–original, beautiful, amazing, and deeply moving.” School Library Journal starred review. Janet links each new book with a charitable organization empowering readers to make a difference in the world. She tours in US and abroad presenting at schools, children’s book festivals, and conferences.

        



What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
When I’m tired of sitting at my writing desk, I like to go outside and zip around on my son’s razor.

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?

I was a daydreamer and spent a lot of time staring out the window until I reached college. That’s when school clicked for me. I finally got to study things I was interested in. I was thrilled to explore the history of story in my Ancient Literature course. I still use the textbook as a resource.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Karen Cushman gave a speech quoting lines many people use in their spiritual practice, lines that apply perfectly to daily writing. I keep them on a sticky note on my computer.

Show up
Pay Attention
Tell the Truth
Let Go of the Outcome

What are some of the common challenges that new and experienced authors face and what advice do you have for overcoming them?
You can get caught up in the comparison game if you don’t watch out, checking your amazon sales numbers, looking at the bright stars in Teen Literature. My best advice for all that is to be generous, wish others well with their many books, and get back to work. Focus on your own stories, adventure with your characters, dig deeper in, and write your heart out. That’s where the joy and the true fire are.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Dragonswood, how would you introduce it?
Mini blurb:
In a dark time when girls with powers are called witches, Tess escapes the witch hunter and hides with a mysterious huntsman until magical voices draw her deeper into Dragonswood where she learns the secret of her birth. Caught between love and loyalty, Tess chooses the hardest path of all – her own.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Tess?
I was surprised when she pulled her knife on Garth. Of course, she doesn’t know if he’s friend or foe, and she’s determined to protect her friends, still that moment gave me a little thrill.

Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
When I learned the details of the witch trials in medieval Europe, I discovered women accused of witchcraft were not only tortured and made to confess, they were often forced to give up names of other women they knew. The idea freaked me out. I instantly knew there was a story in it. I imagined a tale of friendship and betrayal. The novel explores Tess’s loyalty to her friends, her family, to her first love, and ultimately to herself.

Do you have a favorite quote that you keep visible in your work environment to help inspire you?
Stories allow us to see something familiar through new eyes. We become in that moment a guest in someone else’s life
~ Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.

If you could introduce Garth to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I would love for Garth to meet Sparrowhawk the Archmage of Roke in Ursula K. Le Guin’s beautiful novel The Farthest Shore. Garth and Sparrowhawk would enjoy traveling across new terrain chasing after dragons.

What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
I’m working on Book Three of the Wilde Island Chronicles, picking up 15 years after the end of Dragonswood to tell the next story featuring Jackrun Pendragon.
Dragon’s Gift: Love in a time of Murder and Magic.

What’s the best advice you can give writers to help them develop their own unique voice and style?
Keep a journal. Why? Because it provides a place for you to write with complete honesty. Getting honest on paper is key to finding your authentic style and voice. That said, when you talk about voice, you’re also discussing the writing craft. A fantasy story will have its own voice, and each character should have a unique voice that shows in their dialogue. In first person storytelling, your character is sharing what’s truly happening to her in the story as if speaking to a trusted friend. Okay, I’ve said enough. Voice is one of those wriggly things so hard to define!

Where is the best place in the world you’ve been?
Happily, my book tours have taken me places I’ve dreamed of since childhood. A few years back, I toured the British Isles and explored castles in Scotland. (I was also interviewed on BBC, which was a thrill!) In 2008 we flew to Japan when my book Wenny Has Wings became a movie. We stayed in the penthouse suite in a posh hotel in Tokyo (paid for by Sony Pictures) and later toured Japan on our own. I especially enjoyed staying in Buddhist monastery up in the mountains where we hiked through a mystical pine and bamboo forest.

What book are you reading now?
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
My husband.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
Hum . . . Usually I simply refuse to answer. For example, when I do school visits some students ask, “How much money do you make?” and “How old are you?” I respond by smiling and pointing to someone else. “Next question.”

What's the worst summer job you've ever had?
Berry picking. Talk about a sore back.

When was the last time you cried?
Last week.

Wilde Island is not at peace. The kingdom mourns the dead Pendragon king and awaits the return of his heir; the uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is strained; and the regent is funding a bloodthirsty witch hunt, hoping to rid the island of half-fey maidens.

 
Tess, daughter of a blacksmith, has visions of the future, but she still doesn't expect to be accused of witchcraft, forced to flee with her two best friends, or offered shelter by the handsome and enigmatic Garth Huntsman, a warden for Dragonswood. But Garth is the younger prince in disguise and Tess soon learns that her true father was fey, making them the center of an exciting, romantic adventure, and an ancient prophecy that will bring about peace between all three races - dragon, human, and fairy. 



When Tess, a daughter of a blacksmith, is falsely accused of being a witch, she lays the blame on her friends while being tortured. She decides to flee the kingdom but not before warning her friends. Since all fingers are pointed at her friends, they have no choice but to follow her. They find refuge in Dragonswood, a sanctuary meant for Fey and Dragon, but receive the aid of Garth, the woodsman in charge of keeping the sanctuary from human trespass. The fleeing group and Garth make an effort in trying to set things right while trying to prevent the kingdom and sanctuary from ruin. Tess finds herself in a voyage trying to save a kingdom that drove her out while challenging her life and the way she thinks.

Janet Lee Carey’s Dragonswood has everything that makes a great fantasy story. Aside from the dragons and Fey, the adventure within is truly larger-than-life that plays out themes of friendship, strength, love, and self-worth. Lead by a strong heroine, Tess is a character that readers will cheer for. The twists that come forth throughout the book are like gusts of wind on a hot summer day. They come out of nowhere! And what they bring truly makes the story worthwhile. Janet has formed a story that is very magical with wonderfully multi-layered characters living in a world so fantastic. Young adults and adults will find Dragonswood to be a pleasantly outstanding fantasy read. 


You can purchase Dragonswood at the following Retailers:
    

And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you JANET LEE CAREY for making this giveaway possible.
1 Winner will receive a copy of Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey.
jbnpastinterviews

86 comments:

  1. It would have to be looking into someones eyes while telling them how I feel.

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  2. Looking into someones eyes while telling them how I feel.

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  3. Looking into someones eyes while telling them how I feel.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  4. for me is more diffucult looking into someone’s eyes when I´m telling someone how I feel. (:

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  5. it's more difficult to look into someone's eyes when you tell them how you feel :)

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  6. Looking into someones eyes while telling them how I feel

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  7. Looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel :s

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  8. Both because I hate looking into people's eyes in general especially if they have blue or green eyes. With I knew why.

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  9. Looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel is harder.

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  10. For me it is definitely looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel.

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  11. Looking into someone’s eyes when they are telling me how they feel.

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  12. Looking into someone's eyes while telling them how I feel

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  13. It would be when I am telling someone how I feel. My eyes like to wander when I'm nervous

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  14. For me, it's just hard looking into someone's eyes, period. I'm actually really shy. :D

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  15. When they are telling me how they feel for sure!

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  16. looking at someone and telling them how i feel
    thanks for the giveawy :)

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  17. When I'm telling how I feel. It's always hard for me!

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  18. When they're telling me how they feel. Especially if it's a bad situation. Great giveaway.

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  19. Looking into someone's eyes while telling them how I feel. Thank you for this giveaway ^_^

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  20. Looking into someone's eyes when I tell them how I feel

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  21. Looking into someone’s eyes when I'm telling them how I feel.
    (Ileana-Rafflecopter)

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  22. It's hard for me to look into someone's eyes and them how I feel but I do it so they know that I'm sincere. It's harder to look into someone’s eyes when they are telling you how they feel because I don't know if I can give that back.

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  23. For me, it's harder to look into someone’s eyes when I'm telling them how I feel. But, I suck it up and do it 'cause I think that's the right way to do it.
    Thanks for a giveaway! :)

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  24. Definitely when I am spilling my emotions.

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  25. Looking into someones eyes while telling them how I feel. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  26. Looking into someone’s eyes when I'm telling them how I feel.

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  27. I think both of them are difficult:).

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  28. When they are expressing there feelings to me.
    Thanks :)

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  29. When I am telling them how I feel definitely, I am very awkward

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  30. When I am telling them how I feel...I would much prefer not to see there reaction lol

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  31. Looking into someone’s eyes when I'm telling them how I feel, definitely... I'm a very shy and sort of closed off person, so...

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  32. It's definitely harder when I'm telling someone how I feel

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  33. When I'm telling them how I feel 'cause I'm not a vocal person.

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  34. It's harder for me to look into someone's eyes when they are telling me how they feel about me because you never know if it's going to b what you want to hear & if it isn't, well, you don't want that person to see the disappointment in your eyes!

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  35. I find both difficult, but I think it's even more difficult when I'm telling someone how I feel.

    -Enna P.

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  36. i Def. have to say looking into someones eyes when telling them how I feel!!!!! what a great question!

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  37. For me its both.. I grew up with self esteem issues and rejection.. so that fear of looking into their eyes to see their true feelings on both. Never thought about that question before.. good one!

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  38. It's harder for me to look at them in the eyes when I'm telling them about my feelings... I'm not too good at sharing them, except with a few people.

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  39. For me, it's much more difficult to look into someones eyes while telling them how I feel. :/

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  40. Both but it's harder to look into their eyes when I tell them how I feel

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  41. Looking into someone's eyes when I tell them how I feel, I always get so scared!

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  42. Both... But when I feel strongly about someone it's easier for me to tell them how I feel, especially if I'm sure they feel the same way, and I hate when someone I don't like tells me that he likes me. It makes me uncomfortable!

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  43. looking into their eyes when i'm telling them how i feel

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  44. Looking into their eyes when they are telling me how they feel!

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  45. When I am telling them how I feel.

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  46. looking into someone’s eyes when I'm telling them how I feel

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  47. looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how I feel for sure

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  48. Looking into someone's eye when they're telling me how they feel. The nerves and wonder at what their about to say.

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  49. both - i am not good with emotions - whether expressing them or shown to me

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  50. When I am telling them how I feel.

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  51. Telling them how i feel!! Big tIME!

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  52. telling them how i feel! though i dont have that issue anymore since i found my love :)

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  53. It is more difficult for me to look at someone else when I am telling them how I feel. I can look at them when they are talking to me better than the other way around.
    Thanks for the giveaway

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  54. Looking into someone's eyes while telling them how I feel is comparatively more difficult for me than the other. Also, it doesn't help that I have trouble maintaining eye contact. If I try to hold their eye while expressing myself I'd more likely flush, make it awkward or lose my flow and jumble up my words.

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  55. Definitely looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel. I find it hard enough to even try to get words out about how i feel, im always afraid that others with judge me on what i saw :(

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  56. Both!!! I really think both are difficult! Thanks for the chance.

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  57. when they are telling you how they feel! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  58. Definitely when they tell me how they feel!

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  59. Looking into someones eyes while telling them how I feel.

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  60. Neither because honesty isn't hard to do it's just hard to come by but If anything its hard when they tell me because I hate blushing

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  61. Looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel.

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  62. I think looking into someones eyes while telling them how I feel. I'll start to get nervous and get all awkward. Thanks for the giveaway

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  63. I think it is much harder to look in someones eyes when they are telling me how they feel, just incase it isn't something I want to hear, Thankyou for the wonderful giveaway x x

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  64. Looking into someones eyes while telling them how I feel. *sigh*

    (Carla C. on the raffle)

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  65. just looking into someones eyes is hard! LOL

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  66. Both I have Social anxiety disorder so either for me is hard

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  67. looking into someone’s eyes when I'm telling someone how I feel

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  68. To me it's more difficult looking into someone’s eyes when I'm telling them how Ifeel

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  69. Looking into someone’s eyes when I'm telling someone how I feel.

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  70. looking into someone’s eyes when they are telling you how they feel

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  71. When they are telling me how they feel. Def I find it weird to look them in the eye.

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  72. I can listen and help people all day long, but I have a hard time expressing myself and asking/accepting comfort and help.

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  73. Definitely when they are telling me how they feel. I struggle with that.

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  74. When I'm telling them how I feel. When they are, if I'm uncomfortable at all I'm usually so shocked I can't look away!

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  75. Looking into someone’s eyes when I am telling them how I feel

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