Rockstar Tours: THE THIEF OF TIME (Vivi Barnes, Christina Farley, and Amy Christine Parker), Interview & Giveaway! ~ INT

Interview:

YABC Q&A – by Amy Christine Parker, Christina Farley, and Vivi Barnes (Infinity House Creative)

For The Thief of Time

1. What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

We were at a book festival years ago when we heard writers speak about a collaborative project they were promoting. That was what gave us the idea to write a book together. We were already friends but realized we’d probably be the perfect collaboration team. The idea for The Thief of Time came later (at another book festival) when we decided to combine our love for librarians, mythology, and adventure.

2. Who is your favorite character in the book?

While we love all our characters (and have a special place in our heart for the dragon), Homer has got to be our very favorite. He was SO much fun to write—this old man from ancient times who is trying to understand the modern world. Bridgette becomes especially fond of the old man, and writing the scene where she gives him her spare eyeglasses gave us lots of laughs.

3. Which came first, the title or the novel?

Definitely the novel. We had this idea for years, and put a placeholder title (cleverly titled “Untitled Middle Grade Project”) when writing it. It wasn’t until we finished drafting and revising the book that we came up with the title The Thief of Time.

4. What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

This one took some extra thought, as we are proud of all our scenes. They were thought out for years! We are especially proud of the battle scene that takes place toward the end – because we all had equal part in making this as strong as possible. Each of our characters play a very important role when they fight against the enemy, and it was gratifying to see them working together doing what they each do best.

5. Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

This was our first time to collaborate with each other, so we had to learn how to plot together, write chapters separately, and—most importantly—listen to each other and compromise when needed. While we may have disagreed on occasion about certain elements (I’d be worried if we didn’t!), we worked together to come up with solutions that we all got our arms around and are proud of.

6. What do you like most about the cover of the book?

We are so proud to have the incredibly talented Brandon Dorman as our cover designer. We honestly love every single thing about our book cover, from the dragon to the library itself. But probably our favorite part is how well he illustrated our characters. We were in tears when we first saw the trio—he not only accurately depicted their look, but he captured their spirit as well!

8. What’s up next for you?

We are in the process of writing our next book in the Library of Alexandria series – The Curse of the Scarab Scrolls. We are super excited about this one because part of it takes place in Egypt—and in a pyramid!

9. Is there anything that you would like to add?

Advice for anyone wishing to collaborate on a novel with other writers—be sure that you are working with people who are on the same page as you about how things should be done. Not that you have to agree on everything, but you absolutely need to be able to work together to compromise when needed.

11. Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?

That would easily be chapter one. Chapter ones are HARD! It is the reader’s introduction to the characters, not to mention your world, so it has to have the perfect amount of pacing, worldbuilding, and emotional hook. I think we revised that chapter fifty times. But at the end, we can honestly say it’s one of our favorites, and we love it!

13. Which part of the writing process do you enjoy more: Drafting or Revising?

When writing collaboratively, our favorite part is brainstorming the novel: plotting out the overall story, then each individual chapter. It was so much fun to devise what was going to happen with our characters and how they would each grow, not to mention discussing details that went into the worldbuilding. We bounced ideas off each other both in person as well as virtually (including the occasional late-night text). We also had to discuss how this story would connect with the goal of the overarching series, not just the one book.

14. What would you say is your superpower?

Our superpower would absolutely be related to our collaboration – compromise! We often may have difference of opinion, but we talk through it and come up with even better ideas. Just like our characters, we are amazing friends, and that friendship is the foundation of our process.

15. Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is one that we absolutely love. Through her organization, Dolly offers free books to children around the world regardless of income level, inspiring a love of reading in the next generation

About Vivi Barnes, Christina Farley,
and Amy Christine Parker:

Vivi Barnes, Christina Farley, and
Amy Christine Parker are
best friends who bonded over their love of telling stories and going on
adventures. They live in sunny Central Florida with their families, where
inspiration is just a beach day away.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram

@amychristinepar

@christinaLFarley

@vivibarnes

 

 

TikTok

@AmyChristineParker

@ChristinaFarleyAuthor

@ViviBarnes82

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $25 gift card to the book vendor of their choice, International.

Ends May 21st, midnight EST.

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