Wednesday, July 29, 2015

#PursueTheImpossible: Interview with Teen Author, Caroline George



What is #PursueTheImpossible?

This is a blog series that features teens and young adults who are striving to reach their dreams. 

If you've followed my blog for any time now, you know that I am a huge supporter of teens who go after their dreams.  I love stories about teens and young people who defeat all odds, ignore those who may try to stop them, and strive to pursue their passions. Stories about teens who make the most of their youth and refuse to give into idleness.  

Can anyone request an interview?

Definitely! If you are a teen or young who is consistently working towards a specific passion/goal, leave a comment or send an emailThis hobby can be anything, such as: knitting, photography, music, baking, etc.     

Join the movement!

Become one of the few teens who refuses to give into the widely accepted behavior of idleness in the youth culture today.

Encourage your friends to discover their passions, tap into their potential, and pursue the impossible.

How can you do this?

Simply post on the social media(s) of your choice and show us what you are doing to pursue the impossible. 

{Instagram}
For example: If you're a writer, perhaps take a picture of your notebook/laptop and tell us what you're working on! Or maybe post a tweet that simply describes what your dream is. 

On every blog in this series, I will feature the posts I find on social media that is involved in this movement.

Just make sure to use the hashtag #PursueTheImpossible.   


Now, for the second post in this series, I am very happy to have my talented best friend, Caroline George, stop by for an interview!  

About Caroline George: 

Caroline George’s life-long love of literature and science-fiction inspired her to write and publish her debut series, The Prime Way Program, at age fifteen. Since publishing, she has been nominated twice for the Georgia Author of the Year Award, gained readership worldwide, and has spoken at various libraries, schools, tradeshows, and coffeehouses.

Caroline grew up in Georgia but is now pursuing her goal of becoming a bestselling author in Nashville, Tennessee. She spends most of her time writing, traveling, playing guitar, changing her hair color, and spreading her passion for young-authors throughout her community.

She is currently preparing her latest novel to pitch at a conference in New York City.

“Age shouldn’t limit a person from pursuing their dreams. If they’re willing to fight for what they love, the opportunities are endless.”


Interview:

When did you start writing, and at what age did you decide to pursue publication?


I’ve been writing stories since the moment I could grasp a pencil. Being an avid reader inspired me to write books of my own. I wanted to create something that would connect with readers as much as I connected with the works of other authors.

In middle school, I wrote two novels and posted over sixty short-stories on a teen writing website. It was during this time that I set the goal of being published by sixteen. The Prime Way Program: Be the Victor was released twenty-five days before my sixteenth birthday.


Tell us about your book. What was your inspiration? How does this trilogy differ from other books in the sci-fi/dystopian genre?


When the Prime Way Program is shut down and a majority of its recruits are locked away, Kyle Chase and Cora Kingston, both genetically modified soldiers who managed to escape the initial imprisonment, try to adapt to normal, civilian life. They live with Cora’s aunt, brother, and cousins in a bungalow on the beach. And for a while, everything seems to be going great. Kyle surfs. Cora learns how to cook. They’re happy. But when their covers are blown and tragedy strikes, Kyle and Cora must return to their aggressive world of deception and mutation, and wage war against a strengthening enemy.

The Prime Way Trilogy delves into the themes of sacrifice, honor, and choosing to be different when it’s easier to succumb to normalcy. When writing the installments, I was inspired by events in my own life, movies, music, and books.

The trilogy blurs genres and dares to have a unique structure and character voices, which makes it stand out in a sea of novels.

What were the advantages of pursuing publication as a teenager? Any disadvantages?

Pursuing publication as a teenager allowed me to have the time and financial backing to develop my craft. I’ve been able to focus on my books without having to worry about another job, providing for myself, etc. In my opinion, there isn’t a disadvantage of pursuing publication as a teenager. If a teen loves to write and is motivated to publish their work, what could possibly be a negative?

Why did you choose self-publishing over the traditional route? What are its perks?

As a fifteen-year-old wanting to publish my debut novel, self-publishing offered me the chance to have control over the released content of my book, the cover, and a large percentage of profit from sales. Originally, I had hoped to take the more traditional publishing route; but after several setbacks, it became clear that self-publishing was the route God wanted me to take.

For those of you who are considering self-publishing, I do have a few tidbits of advice. First, be aware that self-publishing requires you to be the author, publisher, agent, cover-shoot coordinator, and publicist. You are in control of every aspect of your publication, which is both a gift and a burden. Second, always aim for quality. As a self-published author, you will be constantly trying to prove that your book is worth reading. There won’t be an agent or a publishing house vouching for you, so you must do everything possible to create a product of topnotch quality. Invest the money! Find a great editor! Pick an original cover! Do not give anyone a reason to criticize the format and presentation of your book. Lastly, don’t be discouraged. It’s easy to feel defeated during and after the publishing process. Keep working! Stay strong! Never give up!


Do you think every aspiring teen author should strive towards publication at a young age?

No. Pursuing publication is a 24/7 job. It takes a ton of time, determination, and resourcefulness. If a teen loves to write but doesn’t have those three elements, they should continue to write, develop their craft, and pursue publication once they’re ready.

As a Christian, how do you avoid not compromising your beliefs when it comes to writing secular fiction?

God has given me a passion for storytelling. He’s blessed my efforts and continues to provide opportunities. I owe everything to Him!

I believe a great story can be created without excessive profanity and immorality, and I strive to prove this belief when I write. When it comes to not compromising my beliefs, I feel that if John Green can publicly share his atheist beliefs in his writing, I have the right to share my Christian beliefs in my secular writing. How could someone argue with that logic?

Do you see writing as a life-long career for you? Are there any other areas that you’re interested in pursuing as well?

Writing will definitely be my life-long career. This fall, I’m attending Belmont University to major in Publishing and minor in Motion Pictures. Stories, in all forms, are my life, whether that be film, songwriting, or books.


What are you currently working on?
           
I’ve recently completed my latest novel and am now in the market for an agent,

Is there any advice you’d like to share with aspiring teen authors?


1.     Find a way.
I learned at an early age that success wasn’t going to be handed to me on a platter. People weren’t planning to give me their time because I was Caroline George, little girl with big dreams, who asked for it. If I wanted something, I would have to work for it. Relentless. Perseverant. If someone told me NO, I’d find a YES.

The publishing industry isn’t going to hand you an agent and contract on a platter. You have to work hard. Relentless. Perseverant. And if someone tells you NO, find a YES.

2.     Don’t let other people hurt your confidence.
Everyone experiences days when they feel inferior and unsuccessful. I often have these days.
Get up. Look in the mirror. Cringe.
Check email. No messages. Cringe.
Scan sales report. No sales. Cringe.
It’s easy to allow situations to injure your confidence, but in my opinion, people are the worst confidence-wreckers. One cruel remark will tear down any and all your self-esteem. And to be honest, there isn’t a foolproof way to prevent confidence-wrecking attacks. I can, however, advise you to keep your priorities in check. Believe in your purpose. Trust in the talent God gave you. Stay focused.

3.     Love what you do. Fight for what you love. And love the fight.

Connect with Caroline!:


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Monday, July 20, 2015

Monday's Minute Challenge: Writing prompt contest for teens and up!


A quick writing challenge (and contest) to help get your creative juices flowing for the new week.


  1. The entry must be between 150 - 300 words. (In order to see how many words your entry is, write it in Microsoft Word, or you can copy and paste it here.)
  2. The deadline for the contest will be the Thursday after next. 
  3. The winners will receive a badge for their blog, as well as extra points (see the point system below).
  4. The winner will be chosen based on the judges's preferences, as well as the following questions: Does this entry capture my attention immediately? Does it make me want to continue reading? Is the writing clear? They will also take into consideration the writer's voice and style--not necessarily technical issues, such as grammar, punctuation, etc. 
  5. This is only for fun and to stretch your writing muscles--not necessarily to be taken too seriously. =)


Since the point system has caused a bit of confusion recently, I have decided to take a different approach.

From now on, I will host a monthly giveaway, and one winner will be announced every four weeks. 
Keep in mind that you are in charge of your points from now on. If you win a contest, the only way that you will receive your points is by clicking the entry below. 

Also, if you have already liked my Facebook page, followed me on Twitter, etc. then make sure to click those entries as well in order to receive your points. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Prizes:

There will be one randomly-selected winner chosen from the above raffle each month. They will have the choice of receiving one of the following prizes:

  • A critique on of one of their MMC entries
  • A blog critique
  • A 300 - 600 word critique on your novel, short story, blog post, etc
  • The opportunity to judge one of the contests
  • A free ebook of PURPLE MOON
  • A special surprise sent to your mailbox (snail mail, not email)


 




The judge panel chooses these winners based on a point system (not to be confused with the point system mentioned above!).

Keep in mind that the judges are not aware of which entry belongs to which participant until after the judging is complete.

The entries that the judges thought were the most intriguing (based on rule #4) are ... 




Third
 place winner: 

The biting October wind whistled through the broken window of my gray Honda Civic. I shivered and pulled my coat up around my shoulders, glancing nervously in the rearview mirror to insure I wasn’t being followed, and pulled slowly into the parking lot of Starbucks. Turning off the engine, I slid out of the car, careful to lock it behind me before pocketing the key.  Nervously, I strode towards the building, keeping an eye out for the tall, dark haired man I had been warned about. I pulled the door open and slipped into the cozy coffee shop.
It took me only a few seconds to locate the pair I was to meet. The woman, who possessed blonde hair and chocolate brown eyes, looked up and saw me, offering a nod in confirmation. Trying to appear as though I was casually meeting up with some friends, I approached the couple, sliding into the seat across from them.
“Hello?”
“Burkett, is it?” responded the man. “We got you a coffee. Hope you like mochas.”
I nodded my thanks, although coffee didn’t seem very important to me at the moment.
The woman leaned forward confidentially. “So, what do you know?”
Speaking as quietly as I could, I filled them in.
“And that’s all I know,” I concluded eventually.
“Thank you, Burkett,” said the woman sweetly. “You’ve been most helpful. We should be going now. Enjoy your coffee.”
Together, she and her companion slid out of the booth, leaving me to finish my drink. I was feeling pretty good about myself, having accomplished my mission, until I drained the white cup of the liquid it held and beheld the message at the bottom.
You’ve been poisoned.
"They can’t do that," I told myself. But they could. Of course they could...and they did.
Congratulations, Christine! Click here for your badgeand don't forget to claim your points here. =) 

Second place winner: 




They had imprisoned me here in King Lithestuous's palace. They had been kind enough to give me a room, but I was continually checking for traps. Under the lace comforter, in the mahogany wardrobe. The bread, too, needed to be checked for poison. That was how they got me here: with poison. Now, that I was sure that they meant no harm, I needed to figure out why I was here. 
That was when I remembered the locked room. The key was still in the lock, but they had told me to never enter it. Without thinking, I slid off the bed, only to trip over my silk dress and almost break my ankle. That was something else they had given me. I hurried on tiptoe to the locked room where I found the key still in its place. 
What horrid thing could they be hiding? I thought.
Slowly I opened the creaky door and slid inside. What I saw almost made me faint; however, it was not from fear, but from the beautiful enchantment of it all. In the room, and surrounding me were swarms of blue morpho butterflies. They twirled and fluttered around me like huge cyclone of soft sapphires. I meandered through the azure field to a large marble pedestal in the center of the room. There on a silk pillow lay a lemon yellow caterpillar. It had black prints in large circles, and bright red horns flanked its sides. As I watched, it started to shake and tremble as if it were dying. I reached out my hand and picked it up, but when I opened my hand, there was no caterpillar. Only a pearl.
Congratulations, ElizabethClick here for your badge, and don't forget to claim your points here. =)



First place winner: 




Innocent. Innocent is what described the baby. Eyes that had never seen anything. Ears that hadn't heard anything. Fingers that had never touched anything. 
She held the baby in her arms as if it were porcelain. She bent her head and kissed the baby's forehead. 
The baby had been left on a hospital bed; found because of his crying. Evalyn hadn't ever held a baby before. Not before that day. And there was no feeling on earth like holding a newborn baby. 
"His mother can't do that." She told herself. But his mother could. Of course she could. And she had done it. 
Evalyn walked slowly, carefully, to the kitchens. But they were deserted. The only thing that showed that anyone had been there recently was a lukewarm mug. From the smell, she thought that it must be a peach tea and there was a lipstick stain on one side. The tea was so clear that she could see the bottom, and the words written there.
You've been posioned.
The mug slipped from her hand; the handle broke off as it hit the cement floor and the tea spilled out. Now there was another smell that she had not smelled earlier. Laudnum. 
"Someone tried to poison you. And you just ruined the evidence." A familiar voice said from behind her. She turned sharply, his name on her lips and relief flooding her soul.
Congratulations, Mia! Click here for your badge, and don't forget to claim your points here. =)

Honorable Recognitions

These winners will receive a badge, as well as 2 extra points:
  1. Esther
  2. Maddie
  3. Natalie

    Thanks so much to everyone who participated!





    • Submit your response in the comments below, or post it on your blog via InLink (below -- you will receive 2 extra points!). 
    • Your response should range between 150 - 300 words. 
    • The deadline for the contest will be the Thursday after next. 
    • If you'd rather not submit your post in the comments or on your blog, you may email it to me instead.



    Choose at least one:

    Note: You can always combine the prompts into one entry.

    (Optional) Write a passage continuing your entry from last week week (or whichever week you'd prefer). If you can, try to continue it using one of the following prompts.
    • Write a passage using these items: sawdust, note, stairs (submitted by Christine)
    • Write a passage based on this picture (submitted by Maddie)
    • Write a passage either incorporating this phrase OR based on this phrase:  
      I turned around to get a better look and immediately wished I hadn't. (submitted by Natalie)
    *If your prompt was selected, be sure to claim your points here

    Post your entry on your blog!:


    If you're posting your entry on your blog (+2 points), please add your link below rather than in the comments. And don't forget to claim your points here!







    Submit your prompt idea!:

    The prompts that are used for Monday's Minute Challenge are submitted by the participants. Here's how this works:
    • You will be able to submit 3 prompts each week in the same format as above: three objects, one picture, and a piece of dialogue or phrase.
    • On Mondays, I will choose 3 prompts that have been submitted by 3 different people.
    • If your prompt is selected, you will receive 2 points!
    • You may submit in the comments below.

    Current Judge Panel:

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