Book Review: Guardian by Katie Hines

Title: Guardian


Written by: Katie Hines

Soft cover: 172 pages

Ages: 9-12

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC

Print ISBN: 9780984070886

Published: January 2010

Price: $15.50

The promise to his dying mother intertwined with the talk of a treasure and one’s destiny at first intrigues Drew, until mysterious events plague Drew and his friends. Sent to his Grandpa Ian’s for his own safety, Drew convinces his friends to tag along for what he believes will be the chance to uncover a long ago lost treasure.


“I guess Dad is going to ship me off to Grandpa Ian’s. He lives close to the island where the treasure is, so maybe I can hunt for it.” His face brightened as a thought occurred. “You know what? Mom didn’t say I had to hunt alone. Why don’t you guys come along?”

En-route via ferry to Grandpa Ian’s and upon their arrival bizarre occurrences continue and Drew’s doubts grow. What is he to do? Forgot about his promise to his dying mother and return home or discover the lost treasure and his true destiny? Good versus evil is at every turn. Knowing who to trust and who to be wary of is a constant struggle for Drew and his companions. The internal dilemma of trusting ones instincts above what the Guardian says and what the Brother says sends Drew into a tailspin. Who wins out, good or evil? Find out in this fast pace fantasy within reality.

Come along for this roller coaster ride through the mysterious old age sect and discover who is truthful and Drew’s true destiny.

To learn more about author, Katie Hines visit:

http://www.katiehines.com/

http://katiehines.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Katie-Hines/1442953493

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/katiehines

Slip into the Creative Mind of the Creator Behind Guardian

Katie and I first met through the Muse It Up Club several years ago and have stayed in constant contact with each other since our initial cyberspace meeting. It has been a thrill to watch Katie’s career blossom over the last several years. Join me today in welcoming Katie as my guest author and learn about her fascinating writing career through a personal one-on-one interview. Katie will be checking-in throughout the day, so be sure to leave a comment and/or question.

As an added BONUS, by commenting you are automatically entered into a drawing through Katie's 10-day virtual book tour to win a FREE copy of Guardian.

DMc: Your novel Guardian has been released by 4RV Publishing. Please describe to us the process you went through from the time your manuscript was accepted to publication.


KH: It was a longer process than I thought it would be. I signed my contract October31, 2008 and thought everything would fall into place in a couple of months. Wrong! I’m not sure of the whole procedure on the publisher’s end, but I spent the time that I was waiting learning about promoting and marketing. Lots of time. Media kit. Creating a blog. Creating a website. The cover was done first, and it is beautiful. Diana Navarro with 4RV did a slam-dunk job. Although originally scheduled for earlier, the book was actually released in January, 2010. There were a few miscommunications when emails that I sent didn’t make it through to 4RV, so that caused delays. Finally, in December, 2009, the copy editing began, and once that was finished, it was a mere matter of weeks before I held the book in my hot little hands.

DMc: How have you approached your marketing of your novel Guardian?


KH: I think it has helped that I already have a blog and website and media kit. I have hired a marketing firm to do some of the marketing for me. I have also guest blogged, do an author interview once a week on my blog, joined various groups that are either relating to writing or to groups that I think would be interested in my book. I have done a few radio spots. I also have a blog tour set to begin March 1, and I’m looking forward to that.

DMc: What did you find to be the most frustrating step/process of getting your first novel published?


KH: The length of time between the contract and the finished product.

DMc: When did you decide you wanted to become an author? Do you have another job besides writing?


KH: I toyed with the idea of being a writer on and off throughout my life. I always knew I wanted to write some books (like a lot of people), but actually did something about it (unlike a lot of people). I knew I wanted to write, but I didn’t want to write journalism, and didn’t want to teach English. I really didn’t think I could write a book until I sat down and began the actual writing process. I do not have another job outside the home, but I’ve got the same kind of housework, etc. schedule that other moms have. I consider “being there” for my kids, grandkids and husband to be my number one priority and writing comes after that.

DMc: Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?


KH: I’ve been reading since I was 4, and never stopped. My early love--to this date--is fantasy. Back in the late 60s and early 70s, there simply weren’t fantasy books written apart from Lloyd Alexander. Finally, in the mid-70s Terry Brooks wrote “The Sword of Shannara” and I fell in love with the book and couldn’t wait for the others to come. So, fantasy is my first love. But, I read all the fiction bestsellers: murders, thrillers, some horror, romance, you name it and I’ve read it. Thank God for the public library. There is no way I could personally finance my love for reading!

DMc: What has been your personal experience with social networking to gain a presence in the children’s publishing world? Blogging?


KH: I have a small presence on a few social networking groups, but I spend most of my time with Facebook and some on Twitter. I tend to get frustrated with Facebook because a lot of time is spent scrolling past all the Farmville and Yo’ville junk to get to personal and writing friends’ posts. I think the most important thing is exposure. For me, blogging has been a much better use of my time, but my blog tends to be geared towards writers rather than children. I did a website at one point for kids, but it wasn’t very good, and I let it lapse.

DMc: Do you feel it is essential to a writer to attend conferences? If yes, why?


KH: Essential, no. Wise, yes. Sometimes one simply doesn’t have the money to go, except for the excellent free online conference presented by Lea Schizas. By not going to conferences, you miss out on the opportunity to network, which is an important part of a writer’s life and presence.

DMc: What piece of advice would you offer to the newbie writer?


KH: Don’t be afraid to spend pre-writing time on research. There were many times when the research I did for Guardian resulted directly in integral chapters for my book. Be sure and write, write, write and read heavily in your chosen genre.

DMc: What would you be if you were not a writer?


KH: Bored.

DMc: What can we expect from you in the future?


KH: More books. I have a few I am working on. A couple chapter books, a young adult novel, another middle grade urban fantasy, and an adult book. I will continue to guest blog, and write for an online Catholic ezine.

To learn more about Katie Hines, please visit:

Website: http://www.katiehines.com/

Blog: http://katiehines.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Katie-Hines/1442953493

Twitter: http://twitter.com/katiehines

NOW AVAILABLE! "Guardian" a middle grade urban fantasy

Order from http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/

Creative Writer Blogger Award

I was bestowed the honor of an award by Donna Shepherd. Thank you Donna - http://www.poodleanddoodle.blogspot.com/.


First the rules:


1: Thank the person who gave you the award and link to them.

2: Add the award to your blog

3: Tell six outrageous lies about yourself and One Truth.

4: Nominate six creative liars... I mean writers and post links to them.

5: Let your nominees know that they have been nominated.

You can either do it from your point of view or your dog’s (and since I don’t have a dog, I’ll do it from my girlfriend Michelle’s King Charles Spaniel dog, Misty.


Can you guess which statement is the truth?

1. Donna loves peanut butter as much as I do.

2. Donna only enjoys the snow from the comfort of being inside.

3. Donna is an identical twin.

4. Donna has three children.

5. Donna doesn’t like eggs.

6. Donna doesn't highlight her hair, it's natural.

Here are my recipients:

Katie Hines - http://katiehines.blogspot.com/

Terri Forehand - http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com/

Katie Carroll - http://observationdesk.blogspot.com/

Lori Calabrese - http://loricalabrese.com/blog

Kristi Bernard - http://memelynne.blogspot.com/

Have a great day!

Warm regards,
Donna

Katie Hines - Author of Guardian - Bio

BIOGRAPHY FOR KATIE HINES:

Katie Hines has been writing snippets here and there as long as she can remember. When in 8^th grade, she wrote a short story called, “Underworld.” Then, in high school, she wrote several poems that were published in an anthology.

Marriage and raising two children contributed to putting away writing for a few years, but she came back to it while in her 40s. Since that time, she has been a contributing feature writer and columnist for a local newspaper, has written several features articles for another area newspaper, and wrote religious and humor articles for an online Catholic ezine.

Her short story, “My Name is Bib,” was published by the Loch Raven Review in October, 2008.

Finished with “Guardian,” Hines is currently working on another middle grade urban fantasy novel, as well as a couple of chapter books, and is extending “My Name is Bib” into a full young adult novel.

To learn more about Katie visit:

http://katiehines.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Katie-Hines/1442953493

Twitter: http://twitter.com/katiehines

Katie Hines - Author of Guardian - Synopsis

Synopsis

Imagine you have made a secret promise that can lead you to the discovery of an incredible treasure and an ancient power. But in order to fulfill that promise, you must defeat an age-old sect that is determined to claim the treasure and power themselves.

Drew Newman is ready to tell his friends a secret, but two strangers burst on the scene, demanding an ancient, magical, book. He plummets into a world of uncertainty and fear as his home is invaded and he desperately tries to find the book.

Aided by the mysterious Jean-Paul, Drew’s search takes him and friends to Oak Island, Nova Scotia, where he continues his search. Joined with his Grandpa Ian and cousin, Zea, the tension ratches up when Drew is kidnapped and he encounters the head of a sect that wants the book, a magical talisman and a treasure, for themselves.

Sprinkled with magic, “Guardian” explores the commitment of a boy determined to fulfill his promise to his mother and claim an uncertain destiny.

Guardian may be ordered from www.4rvpublishingllc.com or Vivian at

president@4rvpublishingllc.com or from Katie directly: katiebug1957@nctv.com.

Katie Hines - Guest Author

I recently had the opportunity to chat with children's author, Katie Hines, about her soon to be released novel, Guardian, published by 4RV Publishing.

Readers, please be sure to leave a comment or question for Katie. She will be checking in periodically to field your comments and questions. Also, as an added bonus if you do leave a comment you will automatically be entered in the drawing for a chance to win a FREE signed book from Katie. Be sure to leave your contact information within your comment.

Q: Katie, you had several poems published in high school and then shelved your writing to raise your family. Did you always know you would go back to writing when time allowed?

Katie: No, I didn’t. At the time, I didn’t realize how hard it is to get a book published the traditional route. When the editor of the anthology approached me about my poems, I was surprised, but not as elated as I would be now!

Q: Your writing career is quite diverse. Please share with us how your articles are planned out for your feature writer and columnist position.

Katie: I have a cushy position with the newspaper. I write the articles of my choice, and he publishes them in the local paper. To be honest, I have pretty much set my article writing aside in order to work on marketing and promotional plans for my middle grade urban fantasy, “Guardian.”

Q: Your novel Guardian is due to be released July/August by 4RV Publishing. Please describe to us the process you went through from the time your manuscript was accepted to publication.

Katie: First of all, there was the huge high I got when I was notified my manuscript was accepted by the publisher. Then I got the contract (which I read carefully, as everyone should), and signed it and returned it to the publisher. Another huge high then! This was October 2008.

Next, I received a copy of the book cover from the illustrator via the publishing company. I have to admit it is a really awesome book cover. Diana did such a great job with it. For Christmas that year, my husband printed out copies of the book cover and copied the signature page of the contract and framed them for me. They now grace my wall in my office!

In December, I began working on marketing and promotional work. I struggled to create a meaningful media kit, but had good writer friends who helped me with that. I also began a blog. I should be creating a website, but I haven’t gotten to it yet.

I also joined several social networking sites, but use Twitter and Facebook most often. I belong to some .ning groups that I feel might have any sort of connection to a theme in “Guardian.”

A couple of weeks ago, I got the edit from the publisher, with changes to be made as indicated. That took me a couple of weeks, and I sent it back to them earlier this week.

That brings me to now. Apparently, they’re doing the layout of the book, and will get back to me to work with them about hyphenated nouns and widow and orphan control.

The final step, I believe, is to actually get the book in my hot little hands.

Q: I have heard many times over authors need to be actively involved in marketing their novel. What actions have you set in place to build the momentum of Guardian?

Katie: I pretty much signed up with social networking groups, and created a media kit. That media kit is really important because it can be sent to all sorts of people: local newspapers, libraries, book stores blog tour hosts, etc.

I also wrote to various writer friends who had already been through blog book tours and marketing, picking their brains for good ideas, and what strategies worked and which ones didn’t and why.

Additionally, I have ordered business cards. Plan to order some bookmarks, postcards, some posters of the awesome book cover. I’d also like to get some book bags made with the cover on it, as well as t-shirts for my family to wear advertising the book. Maybe even ball caps.

Q: All writers have different creative processes. Do you work off an outline or do you write straight from your heart and thoughts?

Katie: I’ve done both. I don’t like outlines, because it seems I always deviate from them. That said, I use an outline for my middle grade books because I want to know how I’m going to get to the end of the book (which I always have figured out ahead of time.) I have a young adult novel that I am writing that uses an outline, but a few chapter books that don’t. The young adult novel I write from an outline, but only in the general sense. That book is mostly from the heart.

Q: The publishing industry is ever changing with the advancement of technology. What is your opinion of e-books versus traditional print?

Katie: I personally don’t like ebooks. I’d rather hold a printed book in my hot little hands. I also don’t like reading off the computer. I can hold an ebook, I suppose, were I to print it out, but then that costs me money for paper and ink. There’s just something wonderful about cuddling under the covers, holding a traditionally printed book and getting lost for hours.

Readers, to learn more about Katie and her dynamic writing career, become an opt-in subscriber of the Write What Inspires You Newsletter by sending an email to dmcdine@optonline.net with opt-in in the subject line.

Katie, thanks for your thought provoking interview, it was a pleasure hosting you today.

Don’t forget to come back on July 2nd to read the synopsis of Guardian.

Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate your time.

Katie Hines - Guest Author to Visit: June 30th

Join me on June 30th when Katie Hines, author of Guardian visits Write What Inspires You! for a three part segment spanning the Write What Inspires You blog and newsletter.

Brief bio:

Katie has been writing snippits here and there as long as she can remember. When in 8th grade, she wrote a short story called, "Underworld." Then, in high school, she wrote several poems that were published in an anthology...

Want to know more, you'll have to stop back on June 30th, July 2nd, and July 20th and subscribe to the Write What Inspires You newsletter to learn more about this dynamic writer. Opt-in at: http://www.donnamcdine.com