Today, I’m delighted to have Kai Strand, author of the newly released middle grade book The Weaver on Ink Spells to talk about moving, writing, and publishing with her small press, Guardian Angel Publishing.
Serendipitously meeting Kai on Twitter and FB is one of the reasons I love the blogosphere. And her novel The Weaver – just out with a small press – fits nicely in with our small press theme from last week.
Me: I read from your bio that you moved to California and fought to lose your Midwestern
accent. I did the same thing in reverse (trying not to stand out as a Valley
Girl in downstate Illinois)! What was/is the favorite place you’ve ever lived?
accent. I did the same thing in reverse (trying not to stand out as a Valley
Girl in downstate Illinois)! What was/is the favorite place you’ve ever lived?
Kai: I have fond memories of each place. You can’t find nicer people than in the
Midwest. The weather and the shimmering ocean made California worthwhile and
the blue, blue sky and stunning Cascade vistas of Central Oregon are a daily
treat for me.
Midwest. The weather and the shimmering ocean made California worthwhile and
the blue, blue sky and stunning Cascade vistas of Central Oregon are a daily
treat for me.
Me: Do the places you’ve lived inform your novels?
Kai: Yes, absolutely.
One advice in writing is, “Write what you know.” I think drawing on
familiarity when developing setting in a novel can free your creative juices to
make up the character and conflict. When
creating the village of The Tales for, The Weaver, I used aspects of a small
village in the French Alps that I visited when I was thirteen. Quaint,
close-knit, isolated community.
One advice in writing is, “Write what you know.” I think drawing on
familiarity when developing setting in a novel can free your creative juices to
make up the character and conflict. When
creating the village of The Tales for, The Weaver, I used aspects of a small
village in the French Alps that I visited when I was thirteen. Quaint,
close-knit, isolated community.
Me: Cool! And that adorable French village looks like it came to life on the cover of your book. Your bio also said that Harry
Potter inspired you to write, which I find all kinds of awesome! Whatever happened to that first novel
completed? Trunk? Deleted? Lovingly bound and shelved?
Potter inspired you to write, which I find all kinds of awesome! Whatever happened to that first novel
completed? Trunk? Deleted? Lovingly bound and shelved?
Kai: I still love that novel. And I have a special place in
my heart for the very first fantastic character I thought up. A “Molly.” A cross between a mole and
a trolley. No better way to get around in the Underworld. As a matter of fact, that manuscript is
currently sitting on my Kindle awaiting a re-read. I’m not one to give up
easily.
my heart for the very first fantastic character I thought up. A “Molly.” A cross between a mole and
a trolley. No better way to get around in the Underworld. As a matter of fact, that manuscript is
currently sitting on my Kindle awaiting a re-read. I’m not one to give up
easily.
Me: Maybe we’ll get to see a Molly come to life some day as well! Congratulations on your debut novel, The Weaver. It sounds like an entrancing tale! Tell us a bit about
it…
it…
Kai: Thank you! I’m so excited to see my little book out in
the world.
the world.
As I mentioned earlier, The Weaver is set in a fictional
town named, The Tales. The villagers are known as word weavers. Mary’s mother, Abigail, is the most renowned
weaver of them all, yet poor Mary suffers through her third year of Novice Word
Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who
grants her a wish. But instead of weaving a better story, she’s weaving
strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales.
town named, The Tales. The villagers are known as word weavers. Mary’s mother, Abigail, is the most renowned
weaver of them all, yet poor Mary suffers through her third year of Novice Word
Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who
grants her a wish. But instead of weaving a better story, she’s weaving
strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales.
The Weaver is a lyrical story with a little magic and a lot
of storytelling.
of storytelling.
Me: Where can we find The
Weaver?
Weaver?
Kai: The Weaver is offered electronically as well as in both
hardcover and paperback. You can order it:
hardcover and paperback. You can order it:
- Direct from the publisher, Guardian Angel
Publishing, where you can also read an excerpt from the book - From Amazon,
where you will find some really nice reviews - Or online from Barnes
and Noble if you happen to be a member.
Me: I’m a fan of small publishers, so I was intrigued by the
fact that your debut novel came through a middle grade (and picture book) small
publisher. Guardian Angel Publishing is a young company, riding the wave of
e-book publishing by offering both middle grade and picture books as e-books,
including some that are “enhanced” e-books with music! Guardian Angel also
publishes in hardcover and paperback. Can you tell us about how you found
Guardian Angel, and the journey of The
Weaver to publication?
fact that your debut novel came through a middle grade (and picture book) small
publisher. Guardian Angel Publishing is a young company, riding the wave of
e-book publishing by offering both middle grade and picture books as e-books,
including some that are “enhanced” e-books with music! Guardian Angel also
publishes in hardcover and paperback. Can you tell us about how you found
Guardian Angel, and the journey of The
Weaver to publication?
Kai: I’m going to
whisper this next part, I used to be a bit of a snob about small publishers. I
really thought the big publishers were where it’s at. Then I met the owner of Guardian Angel and
several of the authors and artists at a local book signing. Hearing them talk about the vision of the
company was so inspiring. It was just before they launched their interactive
online magazine Guardian Angel
Kids which is a wonderful, safe place for kids. GAP has always published
electronically (pdf, .epub and now .mobi for Kindle) and is already publishing
picture books for the Ipad and is poised to launch them for color readers (if
they haven’t already, honestly I can’t keep up). And of course it also does the traditional
print, so as not to leave anyone out. It
struck me as so forward thinking and the group is close and supportive. I’m so blessed to have found such a great
home for The Weaver. I want my book to
do well for GAP as much as for myself.
whisper this next part, I used to be a bit of a snob about small publishers. I
really thought the big publishers were where it’s at. Then I met the owner of Guardian Angel and
several of the authors and artists at a local book signing. Hearing them talk about the vision of the
company was so inspiring. It was just before they launched their interactive
online magazine Guardian Angel
Kids which is a wonderful, safe place for kids. GAP has always published
electronically (pdf, .epub and now .mobi for Kindle) and is already publishing
picture books for the Ipad and is poised to launch them for color readers (if
they haven’t already, honestly I can’t keep up). And of course it also does the traditional
print, so as not to leave anyone out. It
struck me as so forward thinking and the group is close and supportive. I’m so blessed to have found such a great
home for The Weaver. I want my book to
do well for GAP as much as for myself.
Me: I know what you mean, that sense of wanting the publisher to succeed as much as your own book, because of that family feel with a small press! In Michelle Argyle’s series of posts about small publishers, she talks about the different distribution channels for small publishers. What kinds of distribution channels does Guardian
Angel Publishing have access to (i.e. do they mainly go through online
distributors like Amazon and Barnes&Noble, or do they partner with other
distributors like AtlasBooks?) Does Guardian use print-on-demand technology, or
did they make a print run for your book?
Angel Publishing have access to (i.e. do they mainly go through online
distributors like Amazon and Barnes&Noble, or do they partner with other
distributors like AtlasBooks?) Does Guardian use print-on-demand technology, or
did they make a print run for your book?
Kai: The print and
ebooks are available through the standard online retailers, Amazon and B &
N. They are also offered direct from the publisher. Wholesalers, such as libraries, bookstores,
schools and churches can order through the wholesale link on the book’s page,
on the publisher’s website, or through Ingrams.
I think there are a few more distribution channels – especially for
ebooks, but those are the main ones.
ebooks are available through the standard online retailers, Amazon and B &
N. They are also offered direct from the publisher. Wholesalers, such as libraries, bookstores,
schools and churches can order through the wholesale link on the book’s page,
on the publisher’s website, or through Ingrams.
I think there are a few more distribution channels – especially for
ebooks, but those are the main ones.
Guardian Angel does use a print on demand distributor. There seems to be some old wives tales about
p.o.d. or something, because many people hiss when they hear “print on demand.”
I’ve even heard of bookstores refusing to carry books because of it. I simply don’t understand the logic and hope
to help change the bad reputation of p.o.d.
The books GAP puts out are beautiful, high quality books. There is a
return policy. And there isn’t a warehouse stuffed full of books that may never
end up shipping anywhere. For today’s
green and sustainable world, p.o.d. is really practical.
p.o.d. or something, because many people hiss when they hear “print on demand.”
I’ve even heard of bookstores refusing to carry books because of it. I simply don’t understand the logic and hope
to help change the bad reputation of p.o.d.
The books GAP puts out are beautiful, high quality books. There is a
return policy. And there isn’t a warehouse stuffed full of books that may never
end up shipping anywhere. For today’s
green and sustainable world, p.o.d. is really practical.
Me: In addition to The Weaver, you also have several middle grade short stories published. Did you write short fiction at the same time you were working on The Weaver? Or did the short fiction come first? Which form do you prefer and why?
Kai: I work mostly on my novels now, venturing into the world of shorts when the spirit moves me. However writing short stories as well as picture book manuscripts (which I’ve written a number of) have been an important process to learning my craft. Writing for children — whether a picture book or a young adult fantasy – needs to be tight and concise. You really learn a LOT about making proper and strong word choices when you are trying to fit an entire story arc into 1000 words or less.
Me: What other books (or short
fiction) do you have in the works?
fiction) do you have in the works?
Kai: Oh, there is always something, isn’t there? I’ve got a couple out on submission right
now, a middle grade, contemporary fiction (my first contemporary) and a young
adult fantasy. Send up extra good wishes
on those, please. My current WIPs (works
in progress) are a middle grade about a young girl who wants to be princess
material, but isn’t quite made that way, and a paranormal young adult novel
about a couple who is separated by death and how their attempts to reunite
define the lives of their loved ones.
now, a middle grade, contemporary fiction (my first contemporary) and a young
adult fantasy. Send up extra good wishes
on those, please. My current WIPs (works
in progress) are a middle grade about a young girl who wants to be princess
material, but isn’t quite made that way, and a paranormal young adult novel
about a couple who is separated by death and how their attempts to reunite
define the lives of their loved ones.
Me: Wow, that sounds exciting! Please keep us in the loop, especially about that middle grade book! We’re always looking for good middle grade reads here on Ink Spells. Thank you so much for sharing your book and journey with Ink
Spells! Best of luck with The Weaver!
Spells! Best of luck with The Weaver!
Kai: Thank you for
having me, Susan. I always love talking about The Weaver and it’s been a
pleasure chatting with you and your readers.
having me, Susan. I always love talking about The Weaver and it’s been a
pleasure chatting with you and your readers.
What a wonderful interview, Sue! Kai, I love your voice. It's so encouraging. Best of luck with the book. Sounds like I'll be needing to pick it up.
I've recently had an epiphany when it comes to smaller presses. I had a small press take interest in my manuscript. So far, they've been amazingly wonderful! (no news yet but working on it…heee…)
Great interview! The publishing world sure is a changin', isn't it? I think small, adaptable publishers could really be key as we move into this new age.
@Sheri Yay! Good luck with the small press!! I'll be crossing fingers for you!
@Bryan I think you're exactly right, and keeping on top of it all can be a challenge. Thank heavens for blogger friends to help out with that. 🙂
Susan, thank you for such a great interview and for inviting me to visit Ink Spells.
@Sheri – Thanks for the kind words and my fingers are crossed for you!
@Bryan – Adaptable is the key and the big ships take too long to turn.
Thanks for stopping by!
Great interview! I can't believe how much I learned from this. The Weaver (and GAP) sounds awesome! 🙂
Very cool. Great interview! Thanks ladies.
It is really interesting to discover the different paths that can be followed to success.
So wonderful to learn more about you, Kai. The Weaver sounds great. I wish you much success.
Cheryl
I always love hearing about the "business" side of writing. Great post, Sue and Kai!
@Shannon I know, right? I thought I knew a lot already (about small presses), but I've been receiving quite the education lately.
@Matthew More inspiration! 🙂
@Cheryl Thanks for stopping by!
@Darby Thanks, Darby! 🙂
Hi Kai:
I enjoyed getting you know you even better through your insightful interview. Keep up the great work.
I had the honor of reading and completing a book review of The Weaver and it's a wonderful story!
Best wishes,
Donna
Children’s Author
Write What Inspires You Blog
The Golden Pathway Story book Blog
Donna M. McDine’s Website
Great interview! I love hearing about books from small publishers. It's one of the great things about blogging because otherwise these gems might slip through the cracks.
Thank you for all the kind words and encouragement. I'm glad I've offered some hope or inspiration to some fellow writers. We all know we need as much as we can get.
@Everyone Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Very interesting interview. Thanks.
Great interview! The Weaver sounds like a fun story.
Fantastic interview!!! THanks for posting:)
Good to see you here Kai. I ordered the Weaver and have it in my to read pile. (i am so far behind. Have been reading romances since that is what I am rewriting) I want to read the young girl who wants to be princess material. Want to give me the first paragraph as one of my "ringers"?
I am still pursuing first line/paragraph studies.If you are looking for something to read, I just posted ten first line/paragraphs at Pen and Ink. The last five are from First time Authors nominated in the Mid Grade Chapter Book category of the Cybils. Please check it out and tell me which of these writers would you like to follow on their journey.
http://thepenandinkblog.blogspot.com/
Kai,
your book sounds great. I look forward to reading the book.
Susan,
I'm enjoying your blog.
Blessings,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer & Speaker
Children's Author of Klutzy Kantor & Marta's Gargantuan Wings
http://www.jadaykennedy.com
@J. Aday Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Thanks, Leisha, writesby & Lindsay!
Susan, my princess story isn't quite there yet! But I'll let you know when I feel the beginning is more solid. Hope you enjoy The Weaver!
Good to see you Aday! Hope you're feeling well.