Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

Congratulations to Kim Bartosch on the release of Ask the Girl

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

My book idea developed over a span of five years. After I attended a SCBWI conference in Kansas in 2014, I was inspired to write a contemporary young adult novel about a girl who suffered from bipolar disorder and her relationship with her sister. It was a combination of my experiences growing up with my sister and my mom’s experience growing up with her sister, whom she had to institutionalize. As I wrote the book, it felt empty, like it was missing something, so I stopped around the middle and set it to the side until I went to a writer’s retreat with local SCBWI in Missouri in 2016. Then - BAM! - it hit me, why am I writing a contemporary novel when I love to read science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and thrillers. That’s when I added my ghost Kate Watkins, and the book took off from there -- and in a completely different direction. Hence the advice, write what you love, know, and don’t write based on trends. While it is a ghost story and mystery it still addresses the issues of coping and dealing with mental illness as I originally planned to write, but more entertaining in my opinion.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

My main theme in the book is forgiveness. When I was a young adult as well as in my twenties, I thought forgiveness was a sign of weakness. So, like many, I wouldn’t forgive those who hurt me, particularly forgive myself from past mistakes I’ve made. Instead, I would let it fester inside me looking for ways to get back at them. As I got older, I realized once I forgave, particularly forgiving myself, it was like a breath of fresh air. A heavy burden lifted, and I began to live with a sense of purpose and focus. So, I hope that my readers will see the strength they will obtain if they forgive and move on. Particularly, when trying to cope with a mental illness, like bipolar. As my sister, who suffers from bipolar disorder tells me, “You must continuously forgive yourself for making mistakes and bad decisions”.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

The most difficult part was writing the chapters at the end. So much emotion and energy went into those chapters. I had to dig deep and remember some horrible moments. I don’t want to say too much because it’s a mystery, so I don’t want to spoil the ending.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

Since my book was published by a new, small press (Woodhall Press), I’ve had to do most of my marketing. Through tons of research, I decided to do a book launch like those who are self-published or Indie authors. Most of my campaign is online, through blog tour services [The Rockstar and Bewitching Book Tours] and interacting with other PR opportunities on Bookfunnel.com with authors and PR firms. I’ve also reached out to local papers, festivals, and schools for author visits, panels, and school visits. SCBWI has been a great tool in marketing and selling my book. In fact, I’m attending the Kerrytown Book Festival, Sept. 18, and Ann Arbor Holiday Fair, Dec. 4, with Michigan SCBWI. Marketing is an ongoing process and I’m learning as I go. The hardest part was figuring out a marketing budget. These services cost money so if your publisher doesn’t pay for it, like mine due to it being a small press, then you must pay. I wish I could tell you what that budget should be, but I think it’s different for each individual and where they’re at financially.

What's next for you?

I have a YA psychological thriller, a YA fantasy novel, and a middle grade contemporary novel I’m currently revising. I hope to have those sold soon. My main goal now, however, is looking for an agent. I learned, through this process, that it would be nice to have a third-party deal with the publisher and the everyday headaches that go with publishing a book so I can concentrate on writing.

A little bit about the book . . .

Nobody believes sixteen-year-old Lila Sadler, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Nobody believes that Lila’s sister Rose is possessed by the ghost of Katy Watkins. As Rose’s health worsens each day, the only way to save her is to uncover the awful truth of Katy's death so many years ago.

And nobody knows what happened to Katy on October 31, 1925. Not even Katy. Unaware that she was murdered, Katy has wandered for a hundred years in complete ignorance, until the day she meets Rose and Lila.

But will Lila be able to find out who murdered Katy in time to save Rose's life? In order to be free, Katy and Lila must forgive the unforgivable.

A little bit about the author . . .

Ask the Girl is Kim Bartosch’s debut novel. She loves ghost stories and has been on many ghost hunts, tours, and walks across the United States with her sister. Her favorite tour was at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas where she photographed a ghost. Kim also has articles featured on About.com, Examiner.com, Lovetoknow.com, and eHow on travel, design, and children’s literature. When she is not writing she is teaching English as a second language online to children in Asia and Europe. Kim lives in Brighton, Michigan with her husband and two sons.

https://www.kimbartosch.com/

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