INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY
Of Dreams and Shadow:
Forget Me Not Book 1
Forget Me Not Book 1
by D. S. McKnight
Of Dreams and Shadow is currently on tour with Bewitching Book Tours. The tour stops here today for an interview with the author. You can also enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card or a $10 Starbucks gift card. Be sure to visit all of the other tour stops as well.
Description
We live. We die. Is there anything more?
Jenna Barton is about to find out. After moving to the coastal North Carolina town of Parson's Cove, Jenna has unwittingly stepped into the middle of a mystery involving a missing child. Unfortunately, the predator is still on the loose and Jenna has become his new obsession.
With a little luck and a bit of paranormal help, Jenna might survive.
Excerpt
The day was almost over and not a moment too soon. A brisk wind moved through the treetops as Jenna strolled to the large stone at the back of her yard. Sitting down, she leaned against the boulder and closed her eyes. The oyster roast would have been nice, if not for Chase. It seemed as though the shadow of his disapproval loomed over her entire day. Not for the first time, she wished she could go back home. Charlotte was familiar and safe. She didn’t have to worry about why an angry neighbor didn’t like her.
Jenna looked back at her house. Her mom was inside going over reports. It wasn’t like she could talk to her about Chase anyway. Karen was one of those people who took the bull by the horns. She would be knocking on the Williams’ door wanting to talk about “the problem” between their children.
Chase. She didn’t understand him and wasn’t sure she wanted to. But time and again, she found herself thinking about him, wondering why they didn’t get along. She tried to put him out of her mind but he was always there – at school, with her friends, even at home. Part of her wished she had never met him, but the other part of her was intrigued. She would never admit tin, not to anyone, but she found herself comparing Chase to Ethan. Ethan, with his dark hair and blue eyes made her laugh. Chase, whose light brown hair looked as though it had been kissed by the sun, more often than not made her want to cry.
The sun had set in the western sky and as the shadows of the eventide crept close, bringing with it the frosty night air, Jenna’s solitary vigil came to an end. It was as though her thoughts had conjured him.
“Got it, Mom,” Chase called as he walked out the back door carrying a garbage bag. He rounded the corner of the house and dropped the bag into the trash can. Jenna debated on whether to run to her house or to stay hidden in the darkness. Instead, she forced herself to walk. She refused to act as though she had done something wrong.
“Good night,” Jenna said as Chase secured the gate.
Chase whirled around. “What are you doing out here?”
“Nothing illegal.” Jenna shrugged. “Forget I said anything.”
“Wait.” Chase walked to the fence that separated their yards. “That didn’t come out right. I just meant to say you should be careful.”
“Right – because we know how rampant crime is in Parson’s Cove.” Jenna rolled her eyes. “Tell you what, why don’t you come up with a schedule of when I can be outside and then you won’t have to see me.”
“How about this, why don’t you go back to Charlotte? That should take care of the problem,” Chase snarled.
“You’re a real jerk.” Jenna walked the last few steps to her house, refusing to give into the urge to scream. She had to admit it. Chase was right. Moving back to Charlotte would take care of the problem. She’d never have to see his face again.
Book Trailer
Review
By Casey F.
This book was recommended to me by a friend. I usually do not have much interest in fiction, but I found this book different. The characters are awesome, and once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I hope the author continues this story, and I would seriously love to see this as a movie as well. I have recommended this book to a few family members and friends. So far, those who have read it have found it very entertaining. For me this was a great find at a good price.
Interview With the Author
Hi Deb (D. S. McKnight), thanks for joining me today to discuss your new book, Of Dreams and Shadow: Forget Me Not.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
I think Robert Cormier had quite an influence. His novel Tenderness really struck a chord with me. It dealt with very broken people and I think it liberated my writing - I felt like I could tell my story without worrying that it was too dark.
What age group do you recommend your book for?
It’s classified as Young Adult - I don’t think anyone under 14 should read it. When I wrote the book, I had older teens and adults in mind.
What sparked the idea for this book?
When I was little, my mother found me in a state of panic - I was upset because I thought my shadow was going to get me … I had to ask myself “What if it had been trying to get me?” And Of Dreams and Shadow was born.
Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?
For me, the idea for the novel comes first and then the characters start showing up.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
There’s a scene when Liza finds out the truth about her missing child. That scene was really difficult to write. I had to go to places emotionally that I didn’t want to visit.
How do you hope this book affects its readers?
Obviously, I hope the readers enjoy the story. If I have done my job than the readers will be looking over their shoulder making sure nothing is after them.
How long did it take you to write this book?
It took me about three years - but I had very limited writing time during that period.
What is your writing routine?
I wish I was one of those people who can write after work. Unfortunately, my brain won’t shut off if I’m writing at night. This leads to insomnia - not a good thing when I have a full-time job. So, I write on the weekends.
How did you get your book published?
I self-published.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Hire an editor. You only get one chance to make an impression. Most people will be forgiving of an error or two but too many and you’re toast.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I’m not writing, I enjoy going to the beach in search of sea glass, taking pictures, and hanging with my family.
What does your family think of your writing?
They are very supportive but I know if I’ve been locked away too long - they start finding excuses to interrupt me.
Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I grew up in a very small town. When I think back, I was really lucky. I played in the woods, floated on inner tubes in the river, and worked at a fish house “heading” shrimp.
Did you enjoy school?
I enjoyed school with the exception of math. I hated classes like algebra and geometry.
Did you like reading when you were a child?
I loved reading.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My second grade teacher, Mrs. Hardison, would read to us each day. She introduced me to my favorite story - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Who were your favorite authors as a child?
S. E. Hinton (The Outsiders), Jim Kjelgaard (Big Red), William H. Armstrong (Sounder)
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was in high school, I wanted to be a reporter.
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
I think so - probably in more ways than I am aware.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I tend to hear more from people who are familiar with the North Carolina coast. They identify with Parson’s Cove.
What can we look forward to from you in the future?
I’m working on the sequel - as yet unnamed. I’m really excited about it. When I initially wrote Of Dreams and Shadow: Forget Me Not, I intentionally left it with an ending that a reader wouldn’t see coming. I hadn’t decided whether or not, I wanted to continue the story. But - there was a character that just kept popping into my thoughts ... I can’t wait to get finished telling her part of the story because I have another brewing in the back of my mind.
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Deb.
Thanks for inviting me to your blog and for participating with my tour!
From the Author
Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card or a $10 Starbucks gift card.
Links
