Welcome back to the second week of The New Authors On The Block! Last week, we introduced Melissa Gorzelanczyk the author of Arrows!
This week it is time for a Q&A!:
Amber: What is your favorite Element of the story? Why?
Melissa: Hmm, that's tough because there are so many things I love about my book, because well, I wrote it! I mean, obviously I'm a huge believer in true love, but as for my favorite-favorite element, I think I'll go with Karma's determination to follow her dreams. If there's one thing that stuck with me from little girl on, it's that if you try, you might succeed. I was raised on hard work and dreams. :)
Amber: What makes Arrows stand out from other YA books?
Melissa: So I think this is one of the hardest questions for authors to answer, but I'm going say that even though my book was inspired by mythology, it's very much set in the modern world. It's contemporary with a twist of mythology. And my protagonist is a successful teen mom.
Amber: How does it feel to be a debut author?
Melissa: Amazing, terrifying and like I have a lot to learn.
Amber: Try and market Arrows in 140 characters or less!
Melissa: Haha, this should be the easiest question of all since my agent and I met during #PitMad, a Twitter pitch contest. Let's go with an original:
An ambitious cupid is stripped of his power until he fixes a dance prodigy’s life, originally derailed by his arrow. YA myth adapt #PitMad
Amber: Create social media handles for 3 characters!
Melissa:
Aaryn: @OneWrongArrowKarma: @DanceBabyDance
Danny: @Merica
About Melissa:
Melissa Gorzelanczyk is a former magazine editor and columnist who believes love is everything. She is a proud member of the SCBWI, The Sweet Sixteens and the Class of 2k16. She lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her husband and family. Her debut novel ARROWS is being published by Delacorte Press on January 26, 2016. She is represented by agent Carrie Howland of Donadio & Olson.
Stay Connected with Melissa:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Goodreads
About Arrows:
Title: Arrows
Author: Melissa Gorzelanczyk
Genre: Mythology, Contemporary
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Hardcover, 240 Pages
Summary:
A modern cupid story set in present-day Wisconsin combining the fantastical elements of Greek mythology with the contemporary drama of MTV’s Teen Mom. People don’t understand love. If they did, they’d get why dance prodigy Karma Clark just can’t say goodbye to her boyfriend, Danny. No matter what he says or does or how he hurts her, she can’t stay angry with him . . . and can’t stop loving him. But there’s a reason why Karma is helpless to break things off: she’s been shot with a love arrow. Aaryn, son of Cupid, was supposed to shoot both Karma and Danny but found out too late that the other arrow in his pack was useless. And with that, Karma’s life changed forever. One pregnancy confirmed. One ballet scholarship lost. And dream after dream tossed to the wind. A clueless Karma doesn’t know that her toxic relationship is Aaryn’s fault . . . but he’s going to get a chance to make things right. He’s here to convince Danny to man up and be there for Karma. But what if this god from Mount Olympus finds himself falling in love with a beautiful dancer from Wisconsin who can never love him in return. This fast-paced debut novel explores the internal & external conflicts of a girl who finds herself inexplicably drawn to a boy who seemingly doesn’t reciprocate her feelings, touching on the issues of love, sex and responsibility, with a heroine struggling to control her destiny–perfect for fans of Katie McGarry’s novels and MTV’s 16 and Pregnant.
Buy Arrows: Amazon / B&N / Book Depository / Indie Bound
What to expect this month:
- January 3rd: Introduction + Giveaway
- January 10th: Q&A
- January 17th: Excerpt
- January 24th: 5 Facts About Arrows
- January 31st: Dream Cast
Giveaway:
Melissa is giving away a signed Arrows book mark and an Arrows Button! US Only.
Arrows is easily one of the most unique "tough-issue" contemporary novels I've read! I don't typically read a ton of YA books with a pregnant and/or mother protagonists, so at least for me, it was a new-ish experience. And I loved it! I can't wait to see what Melissa has in store for us next.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, ladies!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
I can't wait to read Arrows, I have heard nothing but great things about it!
DeleteThanks Alyssa <3
Looks like a good read. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one! I'm loving that it feels like a mash up of contemporary, fantasy, and magical realism!
ReplyDeleteIt is! From reading the excerpt and interview questions and reviews it seems so!
DeleteI really can't wait to read this one. It sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteAhh, this book looks adorable! That synopsis is really intriguing me, and I can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that it incorporates mythology. I'm not a fan of teen mom shows, so I'm interested to see how it all works together. The fact that it mentions a "successful" teen mom makes me think it's a good topic for kids who find that situation glorified in some way.
ReplyDeleteDianna