Sunday, June 24, 2012

THE ELITE OF THE WEAK - Precarious Yates - One Free Book


What has drawn you to writing for the YA market?
First of all, I love to read YA! Then, I began to run out of books I felt 'safe' reading. I'm a sensitive soul. Even though I love to read, images in books will stay with me for months or even years after I put the book down. I wanted to write something I felt safe reading, and enjoyed reading, so I write for the YA market. I love how there is a huge suspension of disbelief in this genre. I love to immerse myself into worlds far different from my own little sphere of reality.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I'm the queen of quirky. Or at least the princess. I took my daughter to a book signing and ended up reading Frog and Toad to her instead of engaging any potential readers. Fun, but quirky. And not recommended!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
When I was six, I wrote my first story, “Timmy the Flying Turtle.” I had so much joy writing it, I knew this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love the classics. LOVE THEM!!! Every time I go to a used book store, I try to find a copy of a classic I don't have yet. Russian novels are my favorite, as well as French novels. My favorites of the classics are The Brothers Karamazov, The Count of Monte Cristo, or Les Miserables. Then again, I never laughed so hard reading a book as I did reading Don Quixote.

When it comes to YA, I love G.P. Taylor's books, from Shadowmancer to Mariah Mundy. Eoin Coffer's series about Artemis Fowl is absolutely brilliant! I like most of the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz. The Gallagher Girls books by Ally Carter are just plain fun.

I've read almost everything C.S. Lewis wrote. Some of his books I've read so many times I can quote them from memory. My very favorite novel ever is one of his: Till We Have Faces.

All the rest of the books I read are for scholarly research—history, physics, biblical commentary, etc.

And then, of course, there's Frog and Toad!

What other books have you written?
Well, that's top secret! ;)

Okay, I'll let you know, but don't tell anyone else. Got it? ;)

After “Timmy the Flying Turtle,” I wrote about sixteen half-novels. When I was 15, I discovered plays. I wrote a five act play, as well as numerous shorter plays.
Since I returned to novels at the age of 22, I've written seven books, including a fantasy trilogy and a coming of age Contemporary Fiction. The first two books of the fantasy trilogy will be available this summer.

Once I finished writing my first novel, finishing became so exciting it spurred me to finish more. If you haven't finished writing a novel yet, I challenge you to do finish—it feel so good!

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
My five year old daughter is run, run, run, but in all the best ways. If I make sure to stop running for me and play tag with her, my sanity returns quickly.

Since I'm a night owl, I settle into bed reading the word of God. His word, when I pray it back to Him, always turns me back peace and sanity. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Is. 26:3)

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?
Finishing and self-publishing several novels.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I have a personal fondness for dolphins and orcas. I mean—to have sharks fear you! Also, I’d be able to swim, dive, eat tuna all day and have “play” as one of my main activities. Wait, I’m a mom, so I get to do that anyway J!

What is your favorite food?
Either pasta with garlic bread, or sushi. But since I can't eat too much wheat, sushi takes preeminence.

Is it hard to break into the YA market?
To break into any market takes both hard work and favor. I don't have that favor yet, but I'm working hard. Like with any market, it takes getting the book into the right hands, and if that person loves it, well, then you’re set.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?
My advice? Write the very best you can, and then GIVE to others. Give to other writers. Give to readers who can't afford the book. Give to authors who write in the same genre. You will reap what you sow!

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
One of the reasons I wrote this book is to challenge myself to think about others even in the midst of difficulties.

Also, the issue of human trafficking is an awful plight in our day and age. I knew nothing about it for so long, but when I heard about it I needed to do something. I've given myself to two things: 1. write, 2. Pray—and pray fervently that the Lord would bring justice.

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." ~Bishop Desmond Tutu~

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Twitter: @precariousyates
Pinterest: Precarious Yates


Thank you, Precarious, for spending this time with us.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Elite of the Weak: Revelation Special Ops, book 1 - paperback
The Elite of the Weak (Revelation Special Ops) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

18 comments:

Stephanie Landsem said...

Great interview, Precarious. I, too, love Til We Have Faces. So awesome, I think I need to read it again.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for stopping by, Stephanie! I'm glad to run into someone else who had read that C.S. Lewis book. I tend to have 2 or 3 copies of that book on hand to give away to those who haven't read it. So powerful!

Mary Preston said...

I'm building up my 'library' with classics. I have some amazing reads among them.

I am enjoying YA more & more.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Amy C said...

What a great interview and the book looks great! Thanks
Amy Campbell
Southwest VA

rubynreba said...

I enjoyed the interview and would love to read this book.
Beth from Iowa

Faith's Grandma said...

Human Trafficing ! Wow! this book sounds great, hope to win a copy....Faith's Grandma/ OH

Anonymous said...

Thank you, everyone, for the comments. It's great to know there are others who enjoy YA and classics! I wish I could give a free paperback to each one of you! If you have a Kindle, though, keep an eye out for days the book will be free throughout this summer!

Dee-Dee's Grandma said...

Timmy the flying Turtle eh? Cute, what age group would this be ? The free book sounds very interesting....would love to win....Dee-Dee's Grandma/Bucome IL.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dee Dee's Grandma! The Elite of the Weak is geared toward 14+ because it deals with human trafficking. Even though I stay away from any strong images of modern slavery, the topic is not one I generally recommend for younger kids.

Timmy the Flying Turtle is hidden in a box somewhere! If I'm ever brave enough to show that story to the world, I'll let you know! LOL!

Unknown said...

Great interview! The book sounds really good...and I love your name, Precarious!

brendon8@bellsouth.net

Brenda
Lake Worth, FL

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Brenda and Sharon!

Mozi Esme said...

I'd love to read this!

Jane in Oregon

Jackie Tessnair said...

I would love to win and read this book...sounds great.Thanks.Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

misskallie2000 said...

I have read several books on human trafficking and can't imagine how these victims can survive their ordeal. Great interview ladies.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

Brenda from GA

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Kristie said...

Hi! I feel bad that I've never read ANY C.S. Lewis (gasp!). I think that I will now. Thanks for the recommendation. I heard that a town near me (Toledo, OH) was really big into human trafficking. Hard to believe it takes place these days in the U.S. of all places. Oh my! I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

daysease said...

OH, my goodness... you have opened up a whole new list of books I have never heard of. The classics I am familiar with, though... I live in Italy... hope that is okay!

Thank you for this interview.. I love quirky, and reading, and that we can have so much fun in blogland... :-)

Celita
mrsdayseye at tiscali dot it

daysease said...

By the way, I have recently been praying for this topic... it has become near and dear to my heart, and while the subject is not pleasant, I would love to read this book. thank you...