I am fifteen-years old and I speak three languages fluently. I love to read, write and travel. I’ve been to about seven countries so far!
Yasmine Hamdi – 27 September 2015
The Back Flap
Unfamiliar animal tracks and strange nightly noises arouse suspicion at Shady Oaks, a seaside camp on Long Island. Campers become frightened as rumors of dangerous creatures spread. The camp begins to lose its prestige and receive closure threats. Twelve-year old Kyrah Willis is determined to solve the mystery. The camp guards won’t help her, and seem to be hiding something they don’t want the public to know. Why? With her fun-loving cousin Lynn, fiercely loyal dog Scampi and brave horse Comanche, the curious girl embarks on a journey to the most remote parts of the island in search for answers. In the treacherous and unforgiving wilderness, Kyrah discovers there is far more at stake than the future of Shady Oaks.
About the Book
What is the book about?
It’s about two young cousins who are staying at an oceanfront vacation camp with their families. They hear strange noises at night, and see unfamiliar animal tracks. Rumors are created about dangerous creatures. Some of the other campers are scared, and the officials who inspect the camp once a year claim it is unsafe. They threaten to close the camp if the elusive animals are not removed. The girls investigate and make a shocking discovery. The animals are innocent- and need their help! Which leads to an adventure through the treacherous and unforgiving wilderness. But, no spoilers, so you’ll have to read the book to find out what the animals are and what happens next.
When did you start writing the book?
I began to draft ideas when I was eight years old, but the book has come a long way since then.
How long did it take you to write it?
About a year, but the revising and then the editors’ work took a couple more years.
Where did you get the idea from?
Everywhere around me. News articles online, documentaries about animals and wildlife in danger… I am inspired to spread the word and make children aware of what is going on all around us.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
There are a few spots, but I think the biggest one was the beginning. I tried to describe the setting and the characters all at once and sometimes I confused myself, so it led to a lot of revisions.
What came easily?
The ideas for mishaps during the adventure into the wild and the ending.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Most are just fictitious, but some are a combo of both. Like Lynn, the main character’s cousin. I developed her character based on my own cousin.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Definitely! There are actually a lot, but just a couple include John Green, Veronica Roth, Michael Morpurgo, Suzanne Collins, Ruta Sepetys… They’ve influenced me to write and to let my imagination lead me. J.K Rowling has also influenced me a lot because of her extraordinary success, despite the extensive amount of rejections and disapproval she received in the beginning.
Do you have a target reader?
Children ages 8-12
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I usually just sit down at my desk and begin brainstorming ideas on my computer. Then I research and get the details arranged. Once I have a clear plot, I begin the book.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I don’t think I outline extensively.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I wait until I’m finished.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, I have two editors who’ve helped me with this project.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Sometimes! It depends, but recently I’ve been listening to Walking on a Dream, by Empire of the Sun and Lean On by DJ Snake and Major Lazer.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, I submitted work to quite a lot of agents.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
A gradual process. Mainly the fact that it takes a long time to get traditionally published and get an agent. And getting an agent doesn’t always guarantee they can publish your book. I didn’t really mind rejections, but I was just tired of waiting. I also wanted to get some experience and publish a book before I became an adult.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I got the cover professionally done
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’ve been making plans. For the moment, I’m trying to get reviewers to write reviews for my books and do interviews, just like this one. My book is middle-grade and takes place in my hometown, so that works out pretty well. I want to speak at lots of schools, libraries and bookstores, starting by the local ones. I also want to send out press releases. I also want to translate the book and sell it next year in France, when I go visit my family.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Research your field. Make sure you have potential reviewers and a plan to market your book. Because without exposure, the book doesn’t sell. I’ve been learning that lately. And keep writing. The more you write and market, the better your chances of success.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Brooklyn, New York
Where do you live now?
Long Island, New York
What would you like readers to know about you?
I am fifteen-years old and I speak three languages fluently. I love to read, write and travel. I’ve been to about seven countries so far!
What are you working on now?
The sequel to my recently published book, Spirit of the Wind. And then after that, I will work on the third book in the series, one about the Arab Spring. I already know what I want the title to be. Living the Revolution…
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Spirit of the Wind from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
