Q&A with Becky Wallace, Author of THE STORYSPINNER — Plus Giveaway
Happy Monday! We’re kicking off the tour for THE STORYSPINNER (S&S, March 3rd) today, and we’re beyond thrilled to have debut author Becky Wallace here with us today, answering a few questions about her book. If you missed it, last week, Asma and I reviewed it together, and rave about just how much we love it. A special thanks to Rockstar Tours for giving us a chance to be on the tour! Read on for the synopsis, then check out our questions and Becky’s fab answers, and enter to win prizes!
Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.
In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.
The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.
With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.
IceyBooks: Hi Becky! Thanks for stopping by IceyBooks!
Becky Wallace: I’m so happy to be here! I’m a huge fan of your reviews and your design work!
IceyBooks: Tell us a little bit about your debut, THE STORYSPINNER.
Becky Wallace: When I started writing THE STORYSPINNER, I intended to do a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Once I really got into the process, I realized that there are a LOT of fabulous retellings out there, and a book where the main character sleeps the whole time isn’t very…exciting. Some of the original elements are still in play—like a missing princess, and girl meeting a handsome prince/duke in the forest—but they’re twisted around to be almost unrecognizable (if any of you have read Chapter 2, you’ll know what I’m talking about!). I hope it gives fans of retellings and original fantasies something they’ll both really enjoy!
IceyBooks: I loved THE STORYSPINNER, as you know, and when I learned there were a few different narrators to the story, I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to pull it off as brilliantly as you did. Was this a difficult task to pull off?
Becky Wallace: The original manuscript I submitted to Simon & Schuster only had three point of views. It was definitely my editor’s idea to flesh out the other three characters. I’m not going to lie, the suggestion totally gave me a panic attack. I mean, SIX NARRATORS?!? Are you kidding? But once I got into the process, it came together pretty easily. The hardest part was deciding which character should tell which chapter, and how their emotions/backstory would influence the overall story arc and pacing.
IceyBooks: THE STORYSPINNER is fantasy, my favorite genre. Is it yours? If not, which genre do you find yourself always straying towards?
Becky Wallace: Fantasy is totally my favorite, and has been since I was a very young child. But, I read everything! Historical, paranormal, science fiction, contemporary, steam punk, dystopian, you name it! I also love narrative non-fiction and autobiographies. I should probably just wear a badge that says, “Books are my favorite!”
IceyBooks: While we’re on the topic of fantasy, tell us three of your all-time favorites in the genre.
Becky Wallace: THREE?? Narrowing the field is hard!! So…I’ll stick to more recent fantasy series. I love Cinda Williams Chima’s Seven Realm Series (there’s one scene in book 2 that I think about ALL THE TIME). I also loved Seraphina by Rachel Hartman and am DYING for the sequel! And of course, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (Gavriel Duval is my book boyfriend).
IceyBooks: Are you still working on the sequel for THE STORYSPINNER or something new?
Becky Wallace: I just turned in the revision for Book 2! Hooray! Right now, I’m working on two projects—one loosely related and the other something completely new, but still fantasy. I’m not sure what will happen with either, but they’re reminding me how much I love to draft!
IceyBooks: Thanks again for stopping by! This was fun.
Becky Wallace: Thanks for having me!
About the Author
In second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything besides princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she’s been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own, real-life prince charming. They have four munchkins and live in a happy little town outside Houston, Texas.
Find Becky on Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook
And now for the giveaway! Thanks to Becky and Rockstar Tours, we’ve got FIVE signed and personalized copies of THE STORYSPINNER our lucky US/Canada readers. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
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