Celebrating Debutantes: Author Ingrid Paulson (Interview + Giveaway)

My last featured debut author was the one who wrote about valkyrie .. and well, she said she 'visits' her books at the bookstore every day! 

Author Ingrid Paulson

"So, “readers” are the best thing has happened since the book came out.  I really worried that no one would read it so every time someone tells me they have, I’m over the moon!"
- INGRID PAULSON, debut author of 2012











How was the feeling of being a published author, at last?

It’s amazing.  I still “visit” my book at the bookstore often—there’s a bookstore on my walk home so that’s not quite as pathetic as it sounds.  But I still get a crazy thrill every time I see it on the shelf.

What is/are the best thing/s that happened after your book was published?

I’ve had so much fun doing signings and getting to know book bloggers—you guys are awesome and I’ve had a blast doing interviews and writing posts.  So, “readers” are the best thing has happened since the book came out.  I really worried that no one would read it so every time someone tells me they have, I’m over the moon!

(Sidenote: :D)

What do you think you're up to now if you're not writing?

I’ve been trying to spend more time with my family.  I kind of disappeared for a little while during revisions and again when the book launched.  My three year old knows the names of all my characters, which is a sign I maybe need to dial it down a few notches.

Did you plan, all along, to write/publish a book with the genre of what you got right now?

You know, I tried writing a ‘grown up’ book well before I discovered YA and I couldn’t bring myself to finish it.  I just wasn’t into the characters.  Then I sort of fell into reading YA without realizing what I was doing.  And suddenly I started writing and finished a first draft of a YA novel in about 2 months while working full time.  I was obsessed.

Are you interested in writing with different genre or audience?

I’m very interested in picture books right now.  And I can definitely see writing middle grade.

Do you read reviews about your book?

I did at first, but at some point I decided to stop and asked my husband to skim them every once and while.  I do sometimes look on amazon or goodreads.  It’s hard, because reviews can be very helpful (and I don’t just mean the positive ones) or can throw you off your game by shaking your confidence.

Who is the character on your book who has the most response from your readers?

It seems like people like Tucker a lot, which makes me happy because he was really fun to write. 

Which stresses you more: writing/finishing your book, looking for a publisher/getting your book published, or seeing negative feedback from the readers?

All of the above! 

Did you read your book (like, from first page to last)? If you did, what did you felt?

I can’t read my book all the way through.  I sometimes read scenes I really like but every time I try to read it cover to cover I get really nervous—like debilitating-stage-fright levels of anxiety.  I don’t know why that is.  I just start to imagine someone else reading it and wonder what that reader thinks about every sentence. 

What's your next project?

I’m working on a ghost story about a boy who comes back to avenge his own murder.  And I’m writing a story set in the Galapagos about a bunch of kids on a summer science adventure and end up in the middle conspiracy to destroy the ecosystem.  The second one has a narrator who reminds me a little of Tucker from Valkyrie Rising.

Share us one embarrassing moment you've had.

Oh, there are so many.  I’m incredibly distractable, so I do things like walk into walls and glass doors. 

(Sidenote: Well, you are not alone.)

When's your birthday?

August 21.

Do you read/believe in horoscopes?

Yes. I love horoscopes. And I’m a Leo!  I don’t believe horoscopes can actually predict the future, but sometimes they help you analyze your day in a new way as you fit events into the predictions.  But I’ve definitely had some eerily prescient horoscopes that give me pause.

Fave movie?

I actually have a terrible attention span for movies and tend to wander off or crack open my computer and work.  It drives my husband crazy.  But I do often love movie adaptations of books.  And I think I’ve watched the BBC Pride and Prejudice a zillion times.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book? :)

I had a launch party at a local bookstore.  All of my friends came and both of my parents flew out.  It was super fun.  The day after the book came out was my daughter’s birthday, so we had a cupcake feast two days in a row!

*****


Ingrid Paulson lives in San Francisco with her husband and daughter and enjoys long-distance running, eavesdropping, and watching science documentaries. She has always loved books and writing short stories, but was surprised one day to discover the story she was working on wasn't so short any more. VALKYRIE RISING is Ingrid's first novel. 

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Valkyrie Rising
by Ingrid Paulson
(Valkyrie #1)

Published: October 9th 2012 by HarperTeen

Summary (Goodreads):


Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there. 

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.




Praises for Valkyrie Rising:


"New elements such as the isolated Norway backdrop and the coldly beautiful Valkyries adda fresh touch. Teen girls will empathize with Elsa’s feelings of unsure independence and courage." - Booklist

"Readers who like a strong, talented heroine who can save the day but still lose her heart to a roguish equal, in the spirit of Cashore’s Graceling and Melling’s The Chronicles of Faerie, willfind much to enjoy in this complex, clever fantasy." - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 

Buy Valkyrie Rising now!

GIVEAWAY!

- win a wag pack from Ingrid!
- open INTERNATIONALLY!

- one winner will be picked via Rafflecopter entries.

- the winning entry will be CHECKED. So please be honest in entering each one of them--you never know, it might be the winning entry.

- if the winner has not responded within 48 hours, another winner will be picked.

- all personal details will be kept privately and deleted after.

- Ingrid and I are not responsible for any lost or damaged packages.

- ends January 14th

* Thank you so much, Ingrid Paulson!

And thank you to my readers who supported Celebrating Debutantes. Stay tuned because I will feature the books you guys must check out from the debut authors of 2013. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway