Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!
Where we celebrate new books by Michigan's children's book authors and illustrators
Congratulations to Sandy Carlson on the release of her new book, RESCUE, THE WAR UNICORN CHRONICLES
BOOK 3!
Q#1: Congrats on book 3 in your War Unicorn Chronicles! What can we expect from RESCUE and willthere be more?
RESCUE continues the adventures of Aldric (akaRick), a teen magician, and an ancient war unicorn, Neighbor, who run into one or two obstacles in rescuingRick’s family and king. This is actually the 4th of theseries, since I thought the 1st book was a one-off. Silly me to like the characters so. There could be more in theseries, but at the moment I’m writing short stories withthe series characters.
Q#2: As an author of several books and shortstories, what do you find to be the hardest and easiest partof writing? Any advice for new writers?
Hardest: Sharing a computer (and a car – rathernecessary for signings, visits, etc.)
Easiest: TAM (Typing Away Madly); I have no problemgetting words out.
Advice for New Writers: Do not get discouraged. Keep learning! Keep on writing.
Q# 3: Where did you get your inspiration forthis series?
My love out outdoor adventures in real life.Plus, Unicorn & War seemed opposites.
Opposites =Conflicts = Good story potential
Q#4: I read on your website that C.S. Lewis isyour favorite author. How has his work influenced you or howyou write?
Lewis wrote cross-genre and cross-age — a truerenaissance man. He is also one of only two authors whowhile reading, I became so engrossed in the tale that when I
looked up from the book, it took me a while to figure outwhere and who I was.
Q#5: Can you share what you are working on now?
I have a couple of “finished” novels I’d liketo rescue from my I-may-delete-you files. In the meantime:short stories.
Q#6: What are your marketing/promotional plansfor your new book? Where can people connect with you?
Ugh! I hate marketing/promoting. I’d put that last sentence in scary-bold-48 pt font if I could. That said, I do it. Because I have to. But, ugh!Social media announcements (FB, Twitter,Instagram), working on a book trailer and teacher guides,two blogs. Phone and email Contacting schools, libraries,booksellers, and Girl Scout troops. Bookmarks & business cards. (Used to haveflyers, but they’re outdated.) Ebound
You can find Sandy- Outdoors, or...sandycarl642@yahoo.comhttp://www.sandycarlson (dot)com
A little bit about the book:
How can a 15-year-old magician expect to rescue his family and king when no one else is willing? To do this, Aldric and his unicorn companion, Neighbor, must find and rejoin the remnant of the Farhner army, but to reach them, they need to travel through enemy territory with their only companions a band of thieves.
Are a handful of magicians enough to heal a healing unicorn? And what about the ghosts King Segan told Rick to bring? Worst yet, Rick still must outwit his nemesis, the witch Alyse. Is there any hope for Farhner?
A little bit about the author:
S. L. Carlson loves being outdoors more than in. She has climbed mountains, swum in oceans, and crossed deserts with her husband and two sons. She has rounded up cattle, escaped wildfires, hidden from tornadoes, and has had encounters with bear, rattlesnakes and wild boar.
She helped build houses in Iowa and Michigan, and helped paint an orphanage in Mexico, as well as cleared debris in Louisiana after a hurricane.
S. L. is first a story-teller, with a family-comes-first motto. She is a former teacher, and may or may not have seen mythical creatures while alone in the woods.
Congrats on your new book, Sandy. And I think most authors would agree with you on not loving marketing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Best of luck with Rescue (and the entire series)!
ReplyDelete