We're happy to have Erica Rodgers with us today talking about her book, Alexis and the Sacramento Surprise. To learn more about Erica and her book, read on!
1) How did this story come to you?
I was really excited when my editor told me that "my" Camp Club Girl, Alexis, was the girl from central California. I grew up is South Lake Tahoe, California and spent a lot of time in Sacramento, so a lot of the things Alexis does in the books are things I did as a child. Except for investigating animatronic dinosaurs. I can honestly say I've never done that.
At one point in this book, Alexis faces a school board that bans field trips to a nature park because it has "Christian elements." I chose to write about this because many students deal with adults who challenge their beliefs. I wanted to encourage them by portraying a young person who stated her views respectfully and was not shaken when others might not agree.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I submitted a different book to Barbour. It too was a girl's mystery, but it wasn't a good fit for them at the time. Later, they contacted me and asked if I would like to write for the Camp Club Girls series. It has been a great opportunity and a lot of fun.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I color when I'm stressed. Yes--in coloring books. Try it. It works.
I am in love with super-heros. Both the literary and the comic book kind. From Aslan to Iron Man, they have me wrapped around their fingers. :)
Writing villains is really fun, and sometimes it's easier than writing about the good guys. Maybe that's because they're not perfect...and no one expects them to be.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently working on a young adult science-fiction novel called Breaking Bedlam: the Chronicles of Jim Christmas. I am absolutely in love with these new characters (what author isn't?) and can't wait for them to find a publishing home!
5) Parting comments?
I am so blessed to be able to write. In the words of my husband, I get to make things up for a living. No cubicle, no reports to file...sometimes no money, but I'm doing what I love. :) To God alone be the glory!
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.ericaivy.com/
guess im first. Great interview
ReplyDeletechaarmedone1512@aol.com
I would love to win a copy of this book to put in my church library (I am the librarian). I think it would appeal to some of the girls in my church.
ReplyDeleteEmma Bedford
elbedford@comcast.net
Interesting interview. I love to color too, and know a few other adults who do as well. It's a stress buster!
ReplyDeletereadingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com
I love the Christian theme in this book and think my granddaughter would reading it too.
ReplyDeleteI'm subscribed via email.
readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com
I am a subscriber to KDawn's blog. Thank you Erica for offering your book for giveaway. I have teen granddaughters who would enjoy your stories very much, as well as their friends. Once they've all passed it around and read, we would then put it in the church library.
ReplyDeleteSharing Christ's Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
My niece would really love this book...
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
My daughter would love this. Thank you for bringing up that not everyone is going to be for us. :O)
ReplyDeleteestrella8888 at roadrunner dot com
Your book sounds like what we are up to with our schoolboard and my sundayschool class. We are fighting for our beliefs right now. I would love to have this to show the children its O.K. to stand up for your beliefs and not let others beliefs hurt your feelings. I have had to deal with a lot of crying but I just keep telling them you are aloud to believe . hank you so much for writing something that sound so great. I thibk it would help me help them. Our church would love this book also....
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Great post
Heidi
heidijohnjeff@verizon.net
We have a church library too. I think there is a big gap when it comes to Christian teen or youth books. Thanks for the contribution. :)
ReplyDeletegahome2mom/at/gmail/dotcom
Please include me in this drawing. thanks
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance. I am a subscriber.
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
thanks for the chance to read & share this book w/ others :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com