First of all, can I start of by apologizing for not writing a single blog post in absolutely ages! Everything's been a tad crazy but it's beginning to settle back down again and I am finally reading once more, it's now the holidays so I will have a lot more time for reading, so do not fear my lovelies...
Anyway, as you've probably guessed by the title, I am lucky by enough to have Tessa Emily Hall on my blog, with her new book "Purple Moon", and I decided to ask her a few questions about her first book, which you will get to see in the Q & A
So here is her beautiful book cover and the blurb, so you can get the jist...
Selena's life isn't
turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid. That hope seemed to vanish long ago
when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally
hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena ... but having to live with her
snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab
wasn't how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to
wonder why she committed to give up her "bad habits" for this.
Things don't seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that's been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin's nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom's example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?
Things don't seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that's been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin's nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom's example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?
"Purple Moon" by Tessa Emily Hall (Q & A)
What inspired you to write “Purple Moon”?
I wanted to write a character-driven
story about a teenager who has fallen way from the relationship she once had
with God after her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. In the story,
Selena is forced to leave her apartment in NY and stay with her snobby cousin
in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab. It was initially
inspired by the song “By Your Side” by Tenth Avenue North, as well as the skit
that many churches have performed to the song “Everything” by Lifehouse.
In
what ways can you relate to your protagonist, Selena?
Even though Selena has a completely
different past and family situation, I did incorporate a little bit of “me” in
her. For example: she’s passionate, a dreamer, an artist, somewhat of an
introvert, has the same style as I do, a romantic, and loves coffee a little
too much. I've also given her some of my flaws. However, when I wrote “Purple
Moon”, I mainly tried crafting Selena in a way that I hoped many teenagers
would be able to relate with—whether they share the same backstory as she does,
possess many of the same qualities, or are experiencing some of the same
struggles that Selena deals with in “Purple Moon”.
When
did you start writing Purple Moon, and how long did it take?
I started writing the first version
of “Purple Moon” when I was fifteen. When I was sixteen, I completed the first
draft and landed a publishing contract with Lighthouse Publishing of the
Carolinas. It’s difficult to pinpoint how long it took to complete “Purple
Moon”—the more I learned about the writing craft, the more I continued wanting
to go back and rewrite the story or add a few changes. However, I have finally
reached a point where I am happy with the story and can’t wait to get it in the
hands of my readers.
What are you working on now?
I just completed my second book,
“Unwritten Melody”, which is going to be a stand-alone novel. As of now, I am brainstorming
and beginning to write the first draft of “Fallen Leaves”, which will be the
second book of the Purple Moon Series and a continuation of Selena’s journey throughout
the next season of her life. I am also going on a blog tour
this fall and will continue to write the
teen column for Whole
Magazine.
What do you hope to accomplish in your writing career?
I hope to never stop writing,
whether or not that includes having my work published or seeing my name on the
best seller list. I hope to never stop encouraging people—especially
teenagers—to follow their dreams. But more than anything, I hope that my
stories will represent the power of God’s unending love and His transforming
grace. That’s my number one goal, my number one reason for wanting to pursue writing
for the rest of my life.
Tessa is being incredibly generous, and running a giveaway where you can win lots of great prizes. To enter simply use the box below.
“Purple Moon” Blog Tour Stops:
Don’t forget to stop by
the blog tour’s next stop to increase your chances of winning the PURPLE MOON
Prize Pack!
Wednesday, September 18th: Purple Moon Blog Tour Launch: The Story Behind the Story: Christ is Write
Tuesday, September 24th: Release Day! Selena’s Diary Entry + Creative Photo Contest: Writing for Young Adults
Thursday, October 24th:
How Much of My Personal
Life Did I Put Into “Purple Moon”?: Read For Your Future
Website: www.tessaemilyhall.com
Blog: www.christiswrite.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemily
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tessa.h16
Blog: www.christiswrite.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemily
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tessa.h16
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