My dear friend Young Adult Author Sara Ella shares all kinds of insights about her debut novel, Unblemished, which is launching October 11th, 2016. Scroll down to see the YouTube interview. As a resilience expert, I dig deeper into character insights and choices Sara made while developing the plot and character aspects. Sara shares interesting tidbits to watch for, like the influence of musical theater on the chapter titles, and even about a character that took over the whole story line. He just wouldn’t keep in check! Check out my review of her wonderful adventurous book and connect with Sara Ella. Her Facebook launch party, hosted through Author Nadine Brandes, will be on October 19, 2016 too.
The Backstory
Sara Ella and I became friends before we almost got sick from terrible nerves. It’s true. I met her in person after being in writing classes together on line. We practiced words with each other under the arch in St. Louis at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference two years ago. We were pitch partners, testing our prowess at sending our babies – I mean our manuscripts – out to test the waters and find their home bases. I got to watch Sara win prestigious awards and read her book before many fingers touched it. She and I have helped one another’s work reach a bit further as critique partners too. I’ve loved having a sneak peek not only through her fabulous YouTube channel HERE, but also watching the story unfold, layers added to enrich every element like rich hues on a master painting.
I admit I was nervous reading the final ARC. Would it be like a dance party that Sara is famous for on-line, or not? I’m so happy to say it definitely is, and Sara’s beautiful story is excellent.
The Interview
The Story
(From the back cover) Eliyana can’t bear to look at her own reflection. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world exists where her blemish could become her strength?
Eliyana is used to the shadows. With a birthmark covering half her face, she just hopes to graduate high school unscathed. That is, until Joshua hops a fence and changes her perspective…. (Full description HERE)
Haven’t we all felt unworthy in some respect and been teased ruthlessly when in high school and those difficult years? As a survivor myself, I speak about bullying issues to kids from youngsters to teens and love the underlying voice saying in Unblemished that looks don’t determine character, and you really aren’t defined by what others decide to say or judge about you externally.
What I love even more about this book is Sara’s unyielding quick pace, and sense of mystery, as Eliyana chases down evil men—from another dimension—who’ve kidnapped her mother and are seeking her own life. In every place, she deftly composes scenes that immerse me in the thick streets of New York, or the tangled woods in another land. The twists and turns are anything but predictable and the unexpected tension of a third character who takes over the story makes for a great read for teens looking for adventure with modern touches and rules that defy this world and mystify in the next one.
While high on the adventure scale, Sara’s story is a clean read for those in high school years and although there is kissing, even the kisses are used with contractual powers you really will be blown away by.
Connect with Sara Ella!
Website: http://saraella.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraellawrites/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz5T9Tp6cXUAHro86jpflww
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Thank you so much for having me! It was so much fun to talk with you, my dear friend.