Book info:
Title: Rise of the Sea Witch
Author: Stacey Rourke
Publication date: June 19th, 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Details of the sea witch’s banishment have been exaggerated. The body count that preempted it was not. Once an illustrious princess, her hands and tentacles were stained with the blood of thousands. No one could comprehend how the hooks of madness dragged her down from her life of privilege.
Born Princess Vanessa of Atlantica, the ambitious young royal was one of two children born to the great King Poseidon. She and her brother, Triton, were groomed from birth to rule. Yet only one would ascend that coveted throne. While carefree Triton flits through his training with a cavalier demeanor and beguiling charm, Vanessa’s hunger for her father’s acceptance drives her to push herself to the limits of magic, and combat to become a leader worthy of her people.
When war against the humans ravages their once regal kingdom, political sides are chosen. Factions from the seven seas challenge the existing leadership, pitting Vanessa against her brother in a vicious battle for the crown. Traitors are exposed, dark family secrets revealed, and a once strong sibling bond is strained to its breaking point.
Only when the ink black waters from the ultimate betrayal rescind, will the truth be known of how the villainous sea witch rose with one name on her vengeful lips–Triton.
Author Interview:
1. What does your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you start? Or do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants writing)? If you plan it out, how do you do that? Outline, notecards, post-it-notes, etc.?
I start with an outline that I flesh out into plot points on notecards. I go into great detail and think I know how things are going to go … but that is never the case. Once I start writing the story and characters can be counted on to take me in new and exciting directions I didn’t see coming. I love those moments when it surprises even me.
2. How do you come up with your ideas for your stories?
Some have come from dreams, others from brainstorming with friends or family, or—in the case of Rise of the Sea Witch—it’s a backstory I’ve always wanted to hear that didn’t yet exist. I wrote the story I wanted to read!
3. How long have you been writing?
Professionally for six years, personally since I could put crayon to paper.
4. What tips do you have for aspiring writers?
Read. Read as often and as regularly as you can. Reading arms you with the tools of your trade to improve as a writer. Also, don’t get in this for the money. If it’s your passion, pursue it for love not fame.
5. Some favorites:
Books/authors/genres – Recent books I’ve read and loved have been The Martian, Demon Ember, Warm Bodies, and The Coldest Girl in Cold Town.
Movies/TV Shows – Once Upon a Time, Scandal, anything and everything on HGTV
Music – Little bit of everything!
Food/Writing snack – Um … does rum count?
Social Media Site – Social Media tends to be work related for me. Gabbing with my friends I’d much rather do via text.
Author Bio:
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 and Best Teen Book of 2013
Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Crane 2015
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Reel Romance Series. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
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