GHP Counts Down To Summer! - featuring Kimberly Mitchell

We are now more than halfway through April, which means summer is lurking just around the corner, teasing us with those extra sunny, warm spring days!

Our fifth summertime interview is with another new Glass House author, Kimberly Mitchell, who says that if it is between the hours of 2pm and 4pm during the summer, you can bet that she has found her way to a local Sonic for Happy Hour half-price drinks and slushes.

Kimberly is looking forward to the long evenings and swimming this summer, but also admits that fall is her favorite season. The hot, humid days in Arkansas can certainly put a damper on a lot of outdoor summer activities.

“August used to be my least favorite month of the year, but my daughter was born in August so it's moved up on the list!” she says. With the birth of her daughter, perhaps summer is now a close second to fall?

What is the THE event of this summer that you’re most looking forward to?

We're heading to Colorado at the end of the summer for a little Yemen reunion--friends we knew when we lived in Yemen for three years. It's been over ten years since we've seen them, so yes, we're excited!

FOLLOW UP Q: Why were you in Yemen?!

I spent three years in Yemen teaching English and studying Arabic. It was probably the most pivotal experience of my life, at least up to that point, and it also got me started writing. I had a lot of free time in the evenings and finally started writing the book I'd always wanted to try to write. It was also the inspiration for Traders of Incense, a middle grade series to be published by Glass House Press.

Where do you live? Describe this winter in your area in three words.

I live in Northwest Arkansas and this winter was warm, dry, and disappointing!

What do you hope to accomplish in your writing over the long summer days?

By summer I should have the second book in the #Dreamers series finished, so I'll be outlining the third book in that series, as well as looking over the #Traders series! A writer's work is NEVER done.

FOLLOW UP Q: Tell us more about Dreamers.

Seven years ago, the Nas attacked my people, the Abed. Water is scarce in my land. The Nas mostly live in the City and leave us alone, but when the Abed refused to allow them access to the wells that have been in our villages for centuries, the Nas firebombed our villages. My brother and I, along with the other children, fled into the desert. My parents and the other Abed were either killed or rounded up and taken to the City to live in refugee camps … but we survived in the desert. After the war, the giftings came. I'm a Dreamer. I dream of the water hidden in the desert that helps us stay alive another day--and I’m wanted by the people hunting us for that very reason.

What trend or catch-phrase are you going to start this summer?

I don't know. But I do usually know when it's Sonic Happy Hour and where the closest Sonic is.

What is the BEST summer story from when you were a kid?

My best summer memories are of things we did all the time. Swam all summer. Stayed up late playing outside with the neighbor kids. Listening to the frogs and whippoorwills sing. Visiting grandparents in southern Arkansas. We took vacations every year with the family, and some of the most memorable are the marathon driving trips to Washington, D.C. and Yellowstone.

What is the WORST summer story from when you were a kid?

Probably getting stuck on Lake Ft. Gibson in a two-man sailboat with my twin at sailing camp. The wind died and we spent nearly all day on the lake, until the ski camp finished their day of waterskiing and came to tow us in. Stupid water skiers. Also, sunburn. Ouch.

Summer blockbuster you are most looking forward to watching and why:

I'm so busy with the baby/writing/farm I don't even know what's coming out this summer!

Rapid Fire Questions:

The All-Time Best Song of Summer is: Here Comes the Sun b/c The Beatles ALWAYS wins best song.

Your Summer Guilty Pleasure: Happy Hour cherry Cokes from Sonic or Coke slushies from the gas station. Oh. Man.

Daylight Savings Time for Summer: yes or no? YES. All that light!

Beach or Mountains? Mountains (and we're going this year, so I'm excited!)

Swimsuits: yes or no? Yes, please, yes.

Sandals or Bare Feet? Sandals. I used to love being barefooted as a kid. But gravel. And rocks. And dirt. And BUGS.

Ice Cream or Popsicles? Ice Cream. I mean, who would choose popsicles?

Memorial Day or Independence Day? Independence Day has the fireworks so...

Put these words in order: Swimming, Baseball, Hot Dogs, Ice Cream, Air Conditioning, Vacation

Swimming, Vacation, Ice Cream, Air Conditioning, Hot Dogs, Baseball

Sum up Summer 2017 in five words:

Hot, Humid, Head for Mountains!

Catch up with Kimberly on social media and visit her website for more information about her upcoming books:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlymitchellauthor/

Twitter: @KSMitch17

Instagram: @KSMitch17

Website: http://www.kimberlymitchell.us/

Meet Our New Author-- R. K. Brainerd

We are so excited at Glass House, because we've just signed on an amazing new author! Her book is scheduled to come out Fall 2018, and is steampunk meets fairy tales ... with conspiracy theories mixed in for awesomeness, and of course a kickass heroine!

Our new author Rebekkah recently sat down and answered ten questions (plus a bonus round), including things like what one thing she's not afraid of--that most people are--and what she likes to munch on when she's writing. For a little insight into the new member of the family, read on!

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I feel like I've always created stories in my head, but it wasn't until I was 11 or 12 that I started writing them down. It started as pretending that my consciousness would travel to another world at night, and every morning I'd write down what adventures happened there. (Does anybody remember the lego toys Bionicles? Yeah. I was a new character: Toa Galru.) 

It was a few years later that I started writing original content: a series about a girl who was actually a dragon in human form... but it wasn't until my late teens that it actually hit me to publish. It took me a few years to really query seriously (college takes all your time, you know), and then I ended up putting my dragon series on the back burner for the series GHP is publishing, simply because it's better written and is a little more marketable. 

2. What is your favorite genre to write? 

Definitely fantasy. Not only have I always had a love for it, but there's just something that's found in the speculative genres that satisfies something deep inside me. Also, fantasy (reading and writing) was something my dad and I used to talk about and connect over. So there's a big nostalgia part there too. 

3. What 5 words would you use to describe your new book? 

I suppose it would be... Girl Changes Supernatural Politics Forever. 

4. Tell us about your book.

This book is set in an alternate reality, very Steampunk-esque, in a world where magic is considered a conspiracy theory and relegated to fairy tales. Fairian, my cranky heroine, is determined to find the truth about magic--because years before our book starts, she and her sister were  kidnapped by dark creatures, and her sister was killed. Fairian knows there's more to it than anyone is telling her. At the beginning of the book, her family has moved to a new city, and she ends up discovering one of the most powerful creatures on the planet. She's convinced that he has the answers she seeks--but he won't tell her anything. And the battle of wills begins. 

Of course this is fiction, though, and he fails that battle. Eventually--eventually!--he starts letting her in and teaching her. From there... well, Fairian is set to change the course of supernatural power politics forever. And you'll just have to read the book and find out what that means! 

And if you're curious about how this book came to be ... well, that has an interesting backstory.

This series actually started as an interplay between my two characters, Fairian and Daimyn. I was about 14 when they first showed up, and I had no idea what world they were in or what their purpose was. But I couldn't stop writing their interactions. 

Then my father challenged me by saying that all characters had to have a weakness. So I set out to create a character with no weaknesses (thought now in the book I'm pretty much building him his weakness, but we won't talk about that). And that's how Daimyn began. 

Fairian developed almost without me having to think about it. She got my love of conspiracy theory, learning, and understanding how things work. I wanted to create new and interesting things and really get into the thick of it--but through her eyes rather than my own. 

The world they're in started from several points. One, I've always been fascinated by the disappearance of magical creatures in the Middle Ages. Since the time I was small, I've always created stories about where they went (my first series I wrote had them creating a parallel universe to jump to). For this one, I decided ... let's have a mass exodus of them all, maybe to another continent! Say, one where they can make a deal with the local inhabitants to shield them from the incoming invaders if they can stay?

From there, I discovered a theory that if the Americas hadn't been discovered when they were, then the rest of the world would have plunged into environmental distress due to overpopulation and disease. So I ran with it, creating an environmental collapse about a hundred years before my story takes place. 

Then I ran with the theory that there's only so much social power that one generation can use at a time. If all of the energy and change used during the Civil Rights Movement was dedicated to restoring the environment and learning to collaborate, would the Civil Rights Movement have happened at all? I decided for the hell of it, that no, it wouldn't. In the face of disaster, people cling to the familiar. So in this alternate history, people have healthy, sustainable ways of living--but women's and minority rights are dismal. Perceptions are only just starting to change, and that's a big theme in the story. 

And that is my book and its history in a nutshell. 

A very large nutshell. 

Yeesh, I write a lot. 

5. Do you have any quirks when you write? Eat a certain snack? Listen to a certain type of music?

I have a hard time keeping anything the same while writing. Location, position, music style, snacks--I usually have to switch things up every few writing sessions, or even sometimes during a writing sessions. I'll end up in the most bizarre positions to write! 

6. What is your favorite TV show at the moment? 

Oh, crud. This one is hard. Excluding my all-time favorites ... and shows I will love forever because of nostalgia ... and shows I've recently gotten into but haven't stood the test of time ... probably Sherlock. Excellent characters, great mystery, quirky fun, fun plot, women power, guys that are easy on the eyes--what more do you need? (Besides more of the actual show, dang it.)

7. If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Buh. This one is impossible! But probably ... How to Train Your Dragon. 

8. What is something that most people seem afraid of, that you aren't? 

Heights. Spiders. Over the summer my family and I were rebuilding a house, and I'd always volunteer for the high ladder jobs. My mother, fiance, and best friend would stare at me and shudder as I hung out awkwardly about 20 feet in the air to get that one thing... yeah. Heights don't bother me at all. 

Also, spiders get escorted out of the house, and I think some of them are actually pretty cute. Especially jumping spiders. They're so tiny, with their tiny little legs and big eyes! The other day, however, I did come across a GIANT spider. I had no idea how it got into my house, and it definitely wasn't a daddy long-legs. I did feel a little shudder for that one, so I think I understand what it feels like to not like spiders! 

9. Halloween was last week. Did you dress up?

I did! But not actually on Halloween. A weird quirk of the universe made it so we didn't do anything then. But a few nights before, we went to a show for a local band, and I dressed up as a dragon in human form. Ergo, I put on everything that I own with dragons on it. Which is actually a lot. 

10. What is your favorite color? 

Blue. All of the blue! Though green follows pretty closely, and then red and purple... I despise yellow. And light orange. Dark orange is fine. 

BONUS speed round:

Dogs or cats -

Goats! (They're like cat-dogs. It works, I swear.)

Past or future - 

Future!

Winter or summer - 

Crap. Spring? Oh fine. Probably summer. The leaving of the light really kills all my energy (it's kicking my butt this year!). 

Scary book or funny book - 

Funny, definitely funny. I don't need more nightmares! (I have the most impressionable mind ever, ugh.)

Halloween or Valentine's Day - 

Halloween! 

Shout out to one person who helped you in this publishing journey. 

Only ONE!? That's like saying shout out to one food that keeps us alive. Eek!

... But if I have to, I think I'd have to say my fiance. Not only is he incredibly supportive, but over the past year he's given me the time and ability to really focus on my writing, building an author platform, and querying. It's because of how hard he works that I was able to make this all happen. 

BIO:

R.K. Brainerd has been writing since her pre-teens, mostly in the realm of fantasy and sci-fi. Her characters are pretty much always clamoring for attention in her head, and if she doesn't listen to them, they plague her with insane dreams and nightmares until she does start writing. She also raises dairy goats, the evidence of which can be found on her Instagram. She's just recently began her foray into the writing world, and looks forward to it all with devilish glee. 

Meet Our New Authors: Kimberly Mitchell and J. David Wilcox

This week, Glass House Press is pleased to introduce you to two of our newest authors, Kimberly Mitchell and J. David Wilcox! They both sat down and answered ten questions about themselves, their books, favorite holidays, etc. Look for more information from Kimberly and J. David, as well as their books, soon. We've heard rumors that they might have stories coming up sooner than we expect!

KIMBERLY MITCHELL

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? Bill Wallace (A Dog Called Kitty and many other books) spoke at my school when I was in the 3rd grade. I remember thinking he seemed so normal, but being in awe at the same time because he was an author. That's when the seed was planted. 

2. What is your favorite genre to write? I love science fiction/fantasy, but I also enjoy historical novels and mysteries. Anything I write will include a good adventure and probably a journey of some kind because I love to travel and can't always do it, so my characters get to!

3. What five words would you use to describe your new book? Mysterious, chilling, survival, light, dreams.

4. Tell us about your book.

For seven years, half of Rainan’s life, the Emperor has scoured the desert for the Abed children that survived the war over water. If captured, they’re taken to the City, imprisoned, and never heard from again. Survival is one day at a time. Rainan uses her Dreams to find hidden water beneath the sand and keep her family, the other young survivors, alive.

During a midnight raid on the City’s food supply, Rainan’s worst fear is realized. Young Joel sacrifices his freedom to protect Rainan and is caught by the Emperor’s soldiers. Rainan is determined to save Joel. Hiding is no longer an option. 
  

Rainan must make a choice: she can surrender the family she loves to Joshua, an enigmatic Abed who has established Elior, a secret underground city harboring hundreds of gifted Abed children, or she can strike out on her own for the City, where the Nas rule and the Abed are hated, to find Joel.

One choice brings war; the other, death. In the midst of her struggle, Rainan begins to understand that her Dreams, and the other mysterious giftings the Abed children possess, are more than just a means of survival.

Rainan must use her Dreams, wits and the help of those around her, both Abed and Nas, to either save or destroy both peoples.

The choice is hers, but the consequences will shake the Nations.   

5. Do you have any quirks when you write? Eat a certain snack? Listen to a certain type of music? I try not to snack when I'm writing, but when I do, it's usually popcorn popped the old fashioned way on the stove top with lots of salt and some butter thrown in. I listen to NPR a lot because it's easy to tune out their mellow voices. I find I work better when it's not completely silent in the room. 

6. What is your favorite TV show at the moment? We just finished Stranger Things! I can always rewatch a Gilmore Girls and M*A*S*H. 

7. If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be? I'll go with Star Wars.

8. What is something that most people seem afraid of, that you aren't? Public speaking.

9. Halloween is coming up. What would you dress up as if you could? My family dresses up every year! This year I actually have my own Jedi robe so that's probably the direction I'll take. 

10. What is your favorite color? Sunshine Yellow. No sky blue. No Razorback red. Ummm.

BONUS speed round:

Dogs or cats - Cats

Past or future - Past

Winter or Summer - Summer

Scary book or funny book - Funny

Halloween or Valentine's Day - Halloween! 

Shout out to one person who helped you in this publishing journey. My husband has been incredibly supportive of my writing for MANY years. So gotta give the shout out to him, although others have played major roles. More shout outs to come. 

ABOUT KIMBERLY: Kimberly Mitchell loves journeys, real or imagined. She has traveled to five continents, speaks four languages, and holds Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and International Relations and a Master’s degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults. She spent three years in Yemen and can't get the desert out of her blood. She lives on a small farm in Northwest Arkansas with her husband, many animals,  and the best souvenir she ever found, a Yemeni cat. Find out more about Kimberly at kimberlymitchell.us. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @KSMitch17.

J. DAVID WILCOX

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote my first book with my best friend in 2nd grade, and eight-year-old me was really excited and proud of it! I think I've been trying to recapture that feeling ever since.

2. What is your favorite genre to write?

Fantasy is my oldest love, though I also really enjoy hard sci-fi and fairy tales.

3. Tell us about your story in five words.

The tragedy of growing up.

4. Tell us about your book in more than five words.

Nineteen years into humanity's first attempt at interstellar colonization, a horrible explosion occurs. Of the four-thousand souls aboard, only seven teenagers are left alive. The youngest of them, Eden, must face down her own crippling fears to become the leader they need and ensure humanity survives.

5. Do you have any quirks when you write? Eat a certain snack? Listen to a certain type of music?

When I'm in the zone, I usually go hours without eating anything, until I get so hungry I have to run to the kitchen and scarf something down quick. I put together playlists of soundtracks that fit the feel of my project to write to, and listen to those endlessly. Sometimes, if a song hits a scene perfectly as I'm writing it, I'll note it in the manuscript and put it on repeat while I write/edit the scene, until I've squeezed all the juice from it.

6. What is your favorite TV show at the moment?

That's tricky. Comedy? Silicon Valley. Drama? Stranger Things. If Stranger Things counts more as a short series, then my drama would've been The Good Wife before it ended - so that leaves Scandal. 

Can I have more categories?

7. If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Interstellar.

8. What is something that most people seem afraid of, that you aren't?

Spiders, based on the wife and daughter I live with.  

9. Halloween is coming up. What would you dress up as if you could?

Tristan Thorn from Stardust. Unless I could get an amazing prosthetic, then it would be Captain Hook. 

10. What is your favorite color?

Blue.

BONUS speed round:

Dogs or cats - Cats

Past or future - Past

Winter or Summer - Winter in a place that snows, Summer in the place I live now

Scary book or funny book - Scary 

Halloween or Valentine's Day - Halloween 

Shout out to one person who helped you in this publishing journey.

My best friend since the 6th grade, Jeff Brooks (@redjackalope).

ABOUT J. DAVID: J. David is a reader, writer, and martial arts instructor residing in Portland, Oregon. He studied writing in southern Oregon and Utah Valley and now, given the perpetually overcast state of the Columbia River Basin, he dreams and writes of landscapes where one can see - or live amongst - the stars. You can find him on twitter @jdavidwilcox, Pinterest @JdavidWilcox, and Instagram @granitespire

Leave a comment to welcome Kimberly and J. David to the Glass House Press family! We're incredibly excited to have them, and can't wait to see their books in print. Next week, the GHP authors will share their biggest fears ... just in time to count down to Halloween!

Happy Reading,

The GH Family