I am thrilled to have my guest on the blog today. I have made several appearances on her blog so it's only fair she come on mine. I'd like to introduce you to Bonnie Gwyn. She is a debut author of the book Escaping Safely, a distopian book that is sure to make a hit in the YA market. Bonnie is also one of the host on the Authors' Think Tank Podcast. I'll first hare a brief synopsis about the book then it's onto a terrific interview with her.
Book Synopsis: Christina has grown up
literally ‘sheltered’ in a sanctuary run by mysterious Officials who offer
safety in exchange for captivity. She’s already suspicious of the Officials
when she meets Tyler Andrus, commander of the T-Squad: a group of rebels on a
quest to destroy the sanctuaries and bring light back into the world. Having
yearned for freedom all her life, she joins them in a journey of hope, terror, and
self-discovery.
What first inspired you to
write Escaping Safety?
Bonnie Gwyn: It started as a really
simple idea I got after a nap – regarding bubbles. The more I thought about it,
the more those bubbles grew into a world of their own, and they became the
sanctuaries. It really just grew a little every day. I had no idea where it was
going at first – or if I’d even write more than the first page. But look at it
now!
I am always curious to see
authors’ creative process. How did you start the book; with an outline, a scene
in your mind, or like me with a character’s name?
Bonnie Gwyn: I started with the opening
scene in mind and, thanks to NaNoWriMo, jumped right in and (truly by a
miracle) wrote the book. :)
What did it take to get this
book to where it is now? Do you use beta readers, proof readers, or editors?
Bonnie Gwyn: I honestly wasn’t very
traditional with this book. It happened so fast! But I did have a couple beta
readers and my editor was absolutely amazing.
If you could pick a favorite
character from your book who would it be and why? Is there a favorite line they
say you’d like to share?
Bonnie Gwyn: Wolf. I think I’ve been in
love with him from the very first. ;) He’s a really goofy fellow, but has serious
potential for greatness. One of my favorite lines: “Don’t call me little
doggie.” Hehe
What do you hope readers take
away after reading Escaping Safety?
Bonnie Gwyn: I want this book to serve as a reminder of the value of
freedom, and of agency. Sometimes “safety” sounds really nice, but as those in
the sanctuaries have found out, it can have a price. To put it simply: Keep
your eyes open, and don’t let visions of perfection blind you towards the
beauty of reality. :)
Okay, it’s the question
everyone is dying to hear. If you could be any flavor of ice cream what would
that flavor be and what’s the name you’d give yourself? Personally I’d be a
very sweet vanilla bean with jelly beans, gummy bears, and sugar cubes. I’d be
called “Sugar, Sugar, Buzz, Buzz, Buzz”.
Bonnie Gwyn: I’d like to be peppermint
with a topping of Dove chocolate. Just because that sounds really good! I’d
call myself “The Birdy Surprise” or something cheesy like that. ;)
What should readers expect
when they read this book?
Bonnie Gwyn: Escaping Safety is fast paced, and as one of my most recent
reviewers mentioned – there are no guarantees. Expect characters that will win
your heart and a story that’s truly just beginning. :) There are two more books
in the making!
This book is dystopian. What
kind of mindset do you have to be in in order to write this genre?
Bonnie Gwyn: You have to think a lot
about what can go wrong in society – and what problems we have now that can be
adapted to a futuristic, fictional atmosphere. Anything can happen. And you
can’t underestimate your characters. Sometimes it’s truly shocking to see how
far they’ll go. That’s part of why it’s so awesome.
Is there anything else you’d
like to share today about you or your book?
Bonnie Gwyn: Escaping Safety is my debut novel, and I’m very excited to share it
with the world. :) I have another series that's been in my mind for years, and
I hope to get that written someday soon as well. But for now, this trilogy is
my focus, and it’s thrilling!
Where can we find more
information about you and your book?
Bonnie Gwyn: My website, Bonniegwyn.com,
is currently under construction. But feel free to visit my blog: Bonniegwyn.blogspot.com.
Most of my posts there are spiritual and revolve around my LDS (Mormon) faith,
though I do intend to start blogging more about my writing as well. :) Also,
stop by my Facebook page! (Facebook.com/AuthorBonnieGwyn) – I’ll be keeping my
fans updated throughout this blog tour and the writing of Sanctuary 2. :) Thanks
so much for having me! :)
Author Bio: Bonnie Gwyn wrote her first
book, about a talking grandfather clock, when she was six–and hasn’t stopped
writing since. In fact, she can’t “not write,” and she wouldn’t have it any
other way. She hasn’t missed a day of writing in her journal for the past four
years! As a winner in this year’s National Novel Writing Month challenge,
Bonnie produced her latest dystopian novel, Escaping Safety, and is now working
on its sequel. She is also close to completing a fantasy romance series, The Legends of Elldamorae, whose
characters have captured her heart and can’t wait to have their stories
revealed. Bonnie’s mantra is, “I write because I believe every story deserves
to be told.” You can learn more about Bonnie, and read her inspirational blog
posts, by clicking on the links below:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bonniegwyn
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bonniegwyn/
BUY HER BOOK:http://goo.gl/bQmVf6
I liked the review, Mikey. Great job, very informative. Congratulations to Bonnie on the novel. Sounds great. I'll probably get around to reading it if I can fit it into my schedule. Definitely sounds like something I'd like.
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