Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Colleen Oakes (Eleven Houses)!
Meet the Author: Colleen Oakes
Colleen Oakes is the bestselling author of books for both teens and adults, including the Queen of Hearts Series, The Black Coats, the Wendy Darling Saga, and Sister of the Chosen One. She recently moved to New England with her husband and son, and now spends most of her time marveling at trees. Colleen has her Master’s in Library Science and would love to chat with you about building diverse book collections.
Website * Instagram * Facebook
About the Book: Eleven Houses
Twilight meets The Mist in this epic romantic tale of a mysterious island and the houses who have stood for centuries to guard against the dreaded nightmare of beings waiting to strike from the ocean’s depths.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I wrote this book in the pandemic when I – like everyone else – was feeling anxious, nervous and leaning into a growing sense of dread as the pandemic stretched on and on. That was one spot of inspiration; the other came from my love of violent, rocky shores, big seaside houses, atmospheric gothic settings, cults and the ghost stories of seaside towns. My ancestry is linked to Nova Scotia, and so that also contributed. All this mixed together into one bubbling cauldron of dread, an angry sea holding the dead and the secrets a family can hide.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
While I love Mabel, the main character, I am also fond of Jeff, the finicky Guardian of House Beuvry who has a knack for baking, reading Mabel’s emotions and protecting the house from any unwanted visitors.
YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?
I write in a linear fashion, so when I type “The End”, I know it’s complete. I see my book finales in my mind long before they happen, so once I have given myself the gift of writing that finale, I know that it’s time to wrap it up and get some space from the story before I begin my edit.
YABC: What research did you do to write this book?
As I mentioned, my ancestry traces to Nova Scotia, so I was already interested in learning more about that area. For this book specifically, I did a lot of research about isolated towns and communities, booby traps, the building of older homes, and weather patterns for that area of the country.
YABC: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Many essential pieces came together to make me a writer: the books I read growing up, the encouragement of my parents and teachers, my love and passion for writing, and the winding path of education that was always directed toward my craft. I get to live in worlds I create and that’s such a privilege.
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
I talk to teens and listen to them; but at the same time, I don’t try to capture all the phrases of that exact time as slang changes constantly. I try not to lean too hard into adult decisions and their concept of “good” or of consequences. Teens are fully realized people; they don’t need someone to try and interpret them – I can just let my characters be who they are.
YABC: What type of scene do you love to write the most?
Action-packed finales or moments of quiet beauty with just the main character and their experience in nature.
YABC: What word do you have trouble overusing?
“Just.” It’s just a real problem, which is why I always do a find/replace for it.
YABC: What is your favorite writing space?
After many phases of this answer (coffee shops, my husband’s office during COVID, my kitchen table), I can now say that I have found the best possible solution: my own home office. I have a built-in desk that’s just the right height, a comfy (expensive) writing chair, a keyboard and monitor to enhance my text, and lovely art on the walls that speaks just to me. I cuddle up with a tea and creamer, clear off the desk and I’m good to go for a few hours every day.
YABC: How do you plan to celebrate the launch of your book?
That’s a great question! While I don’t have any concrete plans yet, I think a day spent at a misty seaside would be a wonderful reward for the years spent working on this novel.
YABC: What hobbies do you enjoy?
I love kayaking, reading, drinking tea (is this a hobby?) nature and beach walks. I also love discussing books, library culture and watching videos centered around Golden Retrievers.
YABC: What’s your least favorite word or expression and why?
As for words I avoid, I hate the word “Got.” A friend’s Mom once remarked that “got is a weed in the garden of words” and I’ve never been able to shake it
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m currently writing my first adult thriller and working on a Writing Memoir and possibly an Eleven Houses sequel. We’ll have to see who lasts the night.
Title: Eleven Houses
Author: Colleen Oakes
Release Date: October 22nd, 2024
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Age Range: 11+
