Just in time for summer, we’re kicking off our brand new series: Five Minutes…
The Cherry Blossom Crew will be interviewing amazing authors of young adult books in all genres. We’d love to introduce you to some new books, as well as authors you might not have heard of. Our series is designed to give you a little glimpse inside the mind, and maybe a peek into the life of successful authors writing for teens right now. First up, we’re pleased to have New York Times Bestselling author, Brenda Drake, spending five minutes with us.
Brenda Drake writes young adult paranormal fantasy books with a strong romantic hook. She’s the author of the Library Jumpers Series and the Fated Series for Entangled Teen. If you enjoy books in this genre, or are looking for a new fantasy read, check out this talented and imaginative writer.
Welcome, Brenda. Tell us about your latest project.
I just finished writing ASSASSIN OF TRUTHS (Library Jumpers Book 3). The final book is a bit darker. There’s more exploration of the wizard havens, Mystik covens, faery realm, and, of course, libraries. Since it’s the final book in the series, it was such a difficult one to write. I even cried when I had finished it. I’d been in the Library Jumpers’ world for years now, so it’s a bittersweet finale. I’m sort of at a loss about it ending. I’ll miss the characters.
What was your favorite childhood book?
My favorite book was The Secret Garden. Discovering it on my grandparents’ bookshelf was what made it more special than the other books I read as a child. I used the book as a theme throughout the Library Jumpers series to pay homage to my cherished memories of spending time at my grandparents’ house and reading from their many old books.
What was your hardest scene to write?
The hardest scene was the final battle. There’s so much going on in it that I had to make sure all the ends were tied up when it concluded. Plus there are casualties and I always get emotional when a character dies.
Do you hide secrets in your books for only a few people to find?
Yes. There are secrets hidden in my books for special people in my life. It’s a wink at them, but only two victims have figured them out. I also use special dates connected to my family and friends, like birthdays, for those in the book.
Can you share one piece of advice for our readers who are aspiring writers?
Learn your trade. The best way to do that is to read in the genre you’re writing in and research how the publishing industry works. Write something every day. It doesn’t have to be much. Something as simple as a page a day would work, and you never know, by the end of the year, you’ll have written a novel.
Thanks, Brenda, for spending five minutes with us. If you’d like to learn more about Brenda Drake, visit her webpage for book information and links to her social media.
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