I'm delighted to host today, multi-published author, Beverly Stowe McClure. Sit down for a spell and enjoy this delightful interview with Beverly and my book review of Just Breeze.
DMc: The emotions of 13-year-old Breeze jump from the pages in Just Breeze. How do you stay so well taped into the life of middle school students?
BSMc: Even though it’s been many years since I was in middle school, I still recall the ups and downs, highs and lows of entering the teen years. Also, teaching fifth-grade students who are fast approaching those in-between years of not being a kid, but not being a grown up either, kept me in touch with how crucial every event is to them.
DMc: When creating your characters do you interview them with a complete outline? Or do you go with the flow?
BSMc: A little of both. I like to interview each character because they sometimes tell me unexpected things. I also make profile sheets for each major character, with physical characteristics, likes, dislikes, fears, hopes, family, etc. With both interviews and profiles I add to them as my characters reveal more about themselves and do the unexpected, which I love. For my YA wip I’m letting the main characters keep journals. Not sure how this will work, but thought I’d try it.
DMc: You have several novels under your belt. All of which are not published by the same publisher. How do you go about determining what publisher to submit to?
BSMc: It mostly depends on what a publisher wants. Are they looking for contemporary or fantasy or historical? What age are most of their books written for? It’s a waste of my time and an editor’s time to send a YA story to a publisher that does PB or early readers.
DMc: What tips would you offer to an author to make their relationship with their publisher a success?
BSMc: As in any business you have to have mutual respect for each other. You have to listen to advice and suggestions. You and the publisher don’t always have to agree on every little detail, but there must be give and take, and understanding. You both want the same thing: the best book you can produce. The only way to accomplish that is to cooperate so the end result is a book you and everyone involved—writer, editor(s), illustrator, and publisher—are proud to show the world.
DMc: No pressure here...LOL. But what can we expect from you in the future?
BMSc: What? You expect something from me in the future? I thought I’d retire. LOL. Just kidding. I do have some stories that will be out in the future. My Civil War novel for YA readers, Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines, has been delayed and will be out, I think, in spring 2010. A chapter book, Kate, Little Angel Sometimes, two MG books, I Live in a Doghouse and Scattered to the Winds, are forthcoming, as well as my first PB, Frankie’s Perfect Home.
Now to my book review of
Just Breeze...
Title: Just Breeze
Written by: Beverly Stowe McClure
Soft back: 196 pages
Ages: 9-12
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9840708-2-4
Published: November 2009
Price: $12.99
Breeze Brannigan has high hopes for her last year at Whispering Springs Middle School. It becomes quite clear on the first day nothing has changed, except for her grade level. Unable to tame her wild curly red hair she feels her awkwardness of her height and large feet as she navigates the school hallways and social scene.
Several new students arrive and life changes quickly. For better or worse is the question. The new girl, Allison, becomes the nemesis of Breeze’s best friend, Amy and the new boy, Cam, befriends Breeze. Compared to the other boys at school, Cam stands out with his polite behavior. Breeze is swept away by this unusual boy. Can boys actually behave like humans? He must be from a different country, more like another planet.
Current circumstances and history collide and what Breeze believes to be true is the farthest thing from the truth. Will Breeze be able to keep Cam’s deepest concerns a secret for his protection or will outside forces uncover what should not be revealed?
Step into Breeze’s shoes and delve into her inner most thoughts, her family and friends, and why she is truly blessed. Beverly Stowe McClure provides the reader with such detail and conversation throughout Just Breeze the reader will feel has if they are walking the halls with Breeze and feeling the essence of her life pouring through their veins.
To learn more about Beverly Stowe McClure’s accomplished and fascinating career visit:
http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com/
