Interview with Georgia McBride

Georgia McBride is the author of a new book currently titled Praefatio. She is currently looking for an agent in hopes of getting her work published. I thought it would be fun to see how it goes for her, and follow her on this journey.

You can find Georgia at the following places:

Blog: Here

Twitter: @Georgia_McBride

Facebook: Here

Q: You have currently written Praefatio. Can you give our readers a short summary?
Grace Ann Miller isn’t sure at first why she’s sitting in a police station being questioned by police. When she finds out that it’s because the world’s biggest rock star has been arrested for her supposed kidnapping, bits and pieces of her life come flooding back causing Grace and everyone around her to question her sanity. Grace tells the police that in fact she was not kidnapped, that she is an Archangel--she sets into motion a chain of events with far reaching consequences for more than just herself. Suspected of having Stockholm Syndrome, and making up this elaborate story to protect her supposed kidnapper, Grace tells her story from the police station and later from the psych ward unsure at times of even her own self. Of course with Grace being an angel she interacts with otherworldlies but this book is about relationships above all else.

Q: Where did you get the idea for Praefatio?

Unable to sleep for weeks after being laid off characters from Praefatio started speaking to me at night. Telling their part of the story. I knew I would never sleep until I got the story out of me. I told my husband who thought I was crazy and still does.

THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL COVER

Photo by Mariana Britto

http://skategirl.deviantart.com

Q: How long did planning and writing take?
I wrote the story in three months but the revisions and editing took nine gruesome months.

Q: Now that it is written and edited, you are looking for a publisher, right? How does that make you feel?
I am looking for an agent who will help me find the right publisher. I’m relieved, scared to death and excited all at the same time. I cannot wait to share this story with the world. I’ve felt the entire time this sense that I wasn’t writing this for me that I was writing it for someone else, that the characters wanted or needed to be heard and I was simply the vehicle or person they chose. I know that sounds bizarre.

Q: Is there anything that worries you, now that your book is out there, possibly in the hands of a potential publisher?
No. I think the right publisher will get it and love it and take it and put it out there.

Q: What would you say the scariest part of putting your work out there for publishers to look at?
I’m not worried about publishers. I worry more so about people in general. I’ve seen how cruel some people can be toward other people.

Q: What made you want to be a writer?
I love taking something from nothing, a blank page and turning it into a story with a beginning and end. In this instance with Praefatio, I feel as if I was an instrument somehow. The story simply wrote itself. When I tried to write it, I got in the way and it ended up getting scrapped and edited out. My husband would laugh at me when I would say, “that Grace cracks me up.” He’d say, “what do you mean? Aren’t you writing it?” I’d say, “I don’t know what she’s going to say next.” He’d just shake his head. I would have no idea what my characters were going to say, let alone do next. And on days when they didn’t come around, I would have to wait.

Q: Why did you decide to write a YA book?
Well, I am a kid at heart, and a teen in my own eyes. It’s the age group I relate the most to in terms of music, literature and fashion. So, it made the most sense. Having said that, if the characters that spoke to me were older or younger, then that is the age of the characters that I would write for.

Q: What drew you to the fantasy realm?
I have always loved fantasy but it had nothing to do with me. It just so happened that this particular character turned out to be claiming to be an Archangel. What are you going to do? My other WIPs range from urban fantasy to sci-fi. I have one WIP that is a parenting/self-help/humor book. Go figure.

Q: Are any of your characters based on or inspired by people you know?
Hmmm. Well, I guess in an abstract way. One of the characters, Remi, Grace’s brother is adopted and my son is adopted. I wanted to carry the theme of adoption through the book. I also wanted to carry the theme of sisters who did not grow up together through the book as my sister and I did not grow up together like Grace and her sister Emeria. Also LJ (Olivia) is a name politely stolen from my friend, Olivia. I call her “LJ.” So, these are very loosely based characterizations. Oh, and we can’t forget Tia. I have a daughter named Tia who looks exactly like the character in the book!

Q: Many authors say that music is a big part in the writing of their books. Do you feel this is true with Praefatio?
Absolutely. I listen to music when I write. I have to. I am working on the playlist now. The major theme of the book is Halo by Depeche Mode. Take a listen one day when you have a chance. When I get the playlist done, I will let you know!

Q: Who do you think would be most interested in reading Praefatio?
Hmmm. People who question the norm, feel like maybe the don’t always fit in, maybe kids who have a strained relationship with one or both parents, anyone seeking a little escape.

Q: What is one thing you would like publishers and readers alike to know about your book?
Praefatio has a nice mix of urban fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal romance and even something for people into Christian YA.

A few fun questions:

Q: Favorite book of all time?
Are You There God, Its Me Margaret by Judy Blume

Q: If you could live in any book (besides your own) which would you choose?
Any Little House Book - life was simpler then…

Q: Current favorite Song?
Untouched, The Veronicas

Q: Favorite movie?
Pretty Woman/Jason And The Argonauts - A tie…

Q: Anything else you would like readers to know about you or your book?
It was my absolute pleasure writing this book. I had so much fun and all I could think about was the day it would be on shelves and people would have the opportunity to share my joy. I can’t wait for them to read it! Thanks so much!

Stay tuned for more on Praefatio and Georgia!