This post is part of a year-long series of blog interviews I’ll be hosting with my fellow 2009 Debut Authors, called "How They Got Here."
It should be an especially helpful series for teens who write, teachers, and anyone who wants to write for kids. 2009 debut authors will be dropping by to talk about how their writing in school shaped the authors they are today, what teachers can do to make a difference, how they revise, and how they found their agents and editors. (You’ll even be able to read some successful query letters!) If you know a teacher or two who might be interested, please share the link!
Today…Cyn Balog, author of FAIRY TALE!
Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They’ve been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they’re totally hot for each other. But a week before their joint Sweet Sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam’s awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away. When Morgan demands answers, she’s shocked to discover the source of Cam’s distance isn’t another girl- it’s another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.
Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and if their "perfect" love can weather an uncertain future.
Welcome, Cyn! Tell us about the first thing you ever wrote that made you think maybe you were a writer.
I remember writing things as a kid and liking them, but once I wrote a mystery story in 6th grade and just had so much fun with it, that was when I knew this was something I wanted to do for a living. Before that, it was just a way to spend time.
What books did you love when you were a kid?
Charlotte’s Web, No Flying in the House, anything by Shel Silverstein.
Is there a particular teacher or librarian who was a mentor for you in your reading and writing life?
Nope. I can honestly say I had NO help or mentoring from any adults in my life, so I can’t figure out how I determined I wanted to be a writer so young. Maybe it was divine intervention!
What’s your best advice for young writers?
Do not let anyone tell you that it’s not possible, that you’re too young to be taken seriously in this business. If you want it badly enough and work hard enough, you can get there.
What’s special about your debut novel?
Have you seen the cover? It’s gorgeous!
Thanks for joining us, Cyn!
You can read more about Cyn at her website. You can pick up your copy of FAIRY TALE at your local independent bookseller, order it through one of my favorite indies, Flying Pig Bookstore (they ship!), or find an indie near you by checking out IndieBound!