Author Interview: Kea Alwang
Author Interview: Kea Alwang
Today it gives me great pleasure to introduce Kea Alwang, an author who appeals to teens. That is no small feat.
My Interview with Kea:
What is the title or working title of your current book?
Treehugger (Book One of the Based on a Dream series) is currently available in ebook and print formats.
Please provide us with a brief synopsis of your book.
Planet-hopping is a gift. Righting the wrongs of the multiverse on behalf of a mysterious life form is a privilege. Leading a secret double life has its perks. Being Earthborn? Well, that simply bites.
When Chloe (aka Star of Earth) dares to attend an A-list slumber party the summer before high school, she’s carrying much more baggage than her toothbrush. Still, she does her best to act ‘normal’ by rising above the mysterious loss of her soul mates, the expectations of snooty parents who wish she were more like them, and the ever-present effects of her experiences as lab rat to a twisted scientist. Turns out, trying her best on her homeworld invites more ridicule and the perfect opportunity to snap.
Sick of being the odd girl out and distraught over losing the only people to truly understand her, Star disowns planet Earth. After all, her extraterrestrial life showers her in adventure, offering opportunities to play hero and create change straight from her heart. Unfortunately, slipping skills, evolving relationships, an old enemy, and planets under siege step in to show Chloe it really doesn’t matter where you are when trying to find yourself—especially when a lunatic is trying to find you first.
What genre does your current book fall under?
Fantasy/science fiction. Young Adult.
Do you always write for the same genre?
I have eighteen years of experience writing family, parenting, and human interest non-fiction articles.
Who or what motivates or inspires you to write?
These days, I’m inspired by people and experiences with little patience for “the norm.” I enjoy watching people be themselves at conventions (i.e.: Star Wars Celebration, Comic Con). I’ll never forget the CEO I met who was dressed in a Star Wars outfit at a convention. She said, “I’d never let anyone at the office know I am such a fan!” There are so many closeted geeks among us. I love it! As far as books go, the explosion of books in recent years that focus on off-beat ideas such as the paranormal, magic (Harry Potter) and science fiction/fantasy gives me hope that people are moving toward accepting people for who they are. While I might not dive into all those genres, I think the options available show that many of us are sick of fitting into cookie-cutter personas. Technique-wise, I am a huge fan of Barbara Kingsolver’s imagery. She moves words around like a paintbrush.
Tell us about your writing background.
As mentioned above, I’ve written non-fiction for a family newspaper in Canada, for Boating Magazine, and a community paper in Manhattan. I’ve had a few short stories published in small venues.
How long does it typically take you to write a first draft?
My Based on a Dream series has been written in rough draft for years. However, if I look at the “proper” first draft of the second book in the series, it took me about three months.
Do you employ an editor to assist you in your writing process?
I do have extra eyes go over my work. However, I don’t pay an editor at this time. I hope to be able to do that for book three. I was rather pleased, though, when a self-professed “grammar snob” reader complimented my “editor.” 🙂
Are you self-published or represented by an agency?
I am self-published.
Do you have future projects we can look forward to?
Book two, Risktaker , will be out in the next two months.
Blurb:
A beloved city in danger. Taunts from a twisted genius. Trust and truth in question. Together, it’s enough to make any Jacondorian sentinel’s heart ache with sorrow, yet pound with purpose. Normally, when Star’s heart pounds, she remedies the situation with her blaster, a negotiation table, or a good fight—none of which is useful for taming her pulse when first love adds to her troubles, hitting her like a supernova on steroids.
Do you have any tips or advice to offer fellow writers?
You could have an amazing story, swoon-worthy characters, impeccable editing, and two factors will still make you or break you no matter how phenomenal your work: One – Books are subjective. If the wrong readers find your book and slam it in reviews, you have to find the readers your story appeals to. And that’s where factor two comes in – Luck is a huge factor when it comes to getting your book noticed and enjoyed.
Is there anything else you would like to share with your potential readers?
I have found that Treehugger appeals to teens and former teens of many ages who have felt like the odd girl (or guy) out at some point in their lives. My characters grow through finding and claiming their own power, and that’s the same thing I wish for readers who can identify.
Tell us how we can connect with you in the world of social.
Website: http://www.keaalwang.com
Facebook: #/keaalwang
Twitter: @kea_alwang
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/112399661318864955584/posts?tab=XX
Don’t forget to follow Geek Girl on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Geek Girl USA by Email
Filed in: Author Interviews
The CEO Star Wars fan reminds me of a lawyer gamer friend of mine. A cop was telling him about a perp. "He was one of those, you know, he played DnD." My friend kept quiet about the standing game every two weeks.
I love the fact that she is a people watcher. You can get some truly amazing inspiration from doing that alone. Of course there is the SciFi part that I know would interest me… LOL.
It's so true that authors need to seek the readers their books will appeal to. People-watching at ComicCon would definitely yield some interesting story inspiration as well 😉
It's nice to meet a new Sci-Fi author. I'm a fan of the genre and as someone who has dressed up like Uhura I can also appreciate the CEO story.
Love the way you started this post because its true that its hard to appeal to young adults. Having said that, I'm not usually a fan of science fiction/fantasy, but this book sounds VERY interesting to me. I love the idea of having a "secret" alien be the main character, very cool.
People watching is a great way to get inspiration! Whenever I people watch, I like to imagine interactions and relationships between the people who walk by and fill in the gaps that I don't know about their personal lives, it is a great exercise for the imagination!
Agree with Kelly.
Another point that I completely agree with is the following statement she makes: "Books are subjective. If the wrong readers find your book and slam it in reviews, you have to find the readers your story appeals to. And that’s where factor two comes in – Luck is a huge factor when it comes to getting your book noticed and enjoyed."
It must be an amazing journey writing for a genre of young adults. Honestly, I can't even remember what I was reading as a teenager (Stephen King, perhaps?). But I have to hand it to anyone who writes for that audience, regardless of the times.