In a not-so-distant future London, riots have become the norm. But when the government suddenly stops distributing Concentr8--a behavioral modification "miracle" drug akin to Ritalin--the city's residents rise up fiercer than they ever have before.Amidst the chaos, five teens pick a man seemingly at random and chain him up as a hostage in a warehouse. Blaze is their leader, and Troy has always been his quiet sidekick--the only person he has ever trusted. But even Troy didn't see this coming, and as their story unfolds over six tense days, one thing is clear--none of them will ever be the same again.
Told from the perspective of multiple characters in a world familiar to our own, this searing look at a group of teens who push back from the margins of society is perfect for fans of thoughtful fiction like Panic and The Program series.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository
Today we welcome William to The Cover Contessa for an interview!
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?
When I was
younger I wanted to be a musician for a while, but I wasn’t nearly good enough.
I think in my heart of hearts I wanted to be a writer from my late teens, and
it still seems kind of incredible that it came off.
How long does it take you to write
a book from start to finish?
From one to
two years usually, but it varies depending on how much research is needed, and
how much other stuff gets in the way. Life often gets in the way of writing,
but life is what your writing is made of in the future, so I think it’s all
part of the process. As a writer, you are living and gestating future projects
while you work on the idea that is currently on-screen.
How do you come up with themes for
your stories?
I try to keep
my eyes and ears open to the world around me. In a world full of distractions,
I make sure that I take time to unplug, disconnect and sometimes just think.
Do you have a schedule of when you
write?
I have three
young children, so whenever nobody needs looking after, I sprint to my computer
and write.
How are you able to balance other
aspects of your life with your writing?.
I’m not sure
I do. Balance is a lovely goal, but at the moment I’m settling for invigorating
semi-chaos.
What elements do you think make a
great story line?
1)
Interesting and engaging people. 2) Surprising things happen to them. 3) You
care about the outcome. 4) These events make readers think about the world
around them after they close the book.
What was the hardest thing about
writing a book?
Getting through the inevitable
periods of the process when it seems like the whole thing is useless.
How many books have you written so
far? Do you have a favorite?
I’ve written
seven books for adults or young adults, and two for children. It’s impossible
to choose a favorite.
Do you have a favorite character?
I am very
fond of Troy in Concentr8, for his
strength and willpower in the face of very difficult life circumstances.
Where do you write?
I have an
office at home, but when I’m getting interrupted too much, I often head out to
local cafes. I quite like writing in cafés, where there’s a bit of life going
on around you, but nobody is going to bother you.
When deciding on how to publish,
what directed you to the route you took?
I talk
everything through with my agent. She’s very experienced, and has always given
me good advice.
Have you gotten feedback from family about your book(s)? What do
they think?
My wife is
always my first reader. She is also a novelist. She gives me invaluable help
every time. And if I need
straightforward encouragement I have a Jewish mother, will tell me that
whatever I’ve written is wonderful, even if it isn’t.
What kinds of things do you like to
do outside of writing?
I listen to
music constantly, even when I’m writing, especially jazz, classical and
electronica. I love sport, especially football. Movies and box sets, obviously.
Walking. The usual, really.
What kinds of advice would you give
to someone who wants to start writing?
Just do it. Don’t
wait for any help or instructions or some kind of invitation, just put words on
the page and see where it takes you.
What is your favorite book?
favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to
write?
My favourite YA novel is probably Holes by Louis Sachar. The adult writer
who inspired me to get started is Philip Roth.
Do you have any go to people
when writing a book that help you with your story lines as well as editing,
beta reading and such?
My wife.
Are you working on anything
now?
Yes. But I never talk about
unfinished work.
Thanks so much for being here today, William. So great to have you with us!
Thanks so much for being here today, William. So great to have you with us!
William Sutcliffe is the author of the young adult novel The Wall, which was published in 2013 to much critical acclaim, including being short-listed for the 2014 Carnegie Medal and long-listed for the 2013 Guardian Fiction Prize. He also wrote five adult novels, including the international bestseller, Are You Experienced, and a middle-grade novel, Circus of Thieves and the Raffle of Doom. William currently lives in Edinburgh.a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule:
Week 1:
1/21: Kelly Vision - Review
1/22: The Cover Contessa - Q&A
Week 2:
1/26: Go Read A Book - Top 10
1/29: Avid Reader - Review
Looks like a great book. I like the premise. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGreat Interview, really enjoyed it!
ReplyDelete