Welcome to the blog tour for Flashtide by Jenny Moyer! Today I've got Jenny herself, talking about writing sequels. Writers, this is good stuff! And for everyone, stick around for the giveaway at the bottom of the post. =)
On Writing a Sequel vs. Writing the First Book in a Series
FLASHTIDE is the sequel (and conclusion) to FLASHFALL, and it was really exciting to get to take these characters to new places—both physically and emotionally. When I first wrote Orion’s character, I was inspired by her resillience, and I think with this book, it was Dram’s capacity to endure so much darkness, and still find the light—that I wanted to explore. I took both characters to the edge in FLASHFALL, and in the sequel, I push them right over it . . .
Another aspect of writing the sequel was getting to explore entirely new settings, characters, and creatures! The book opens in the mountain provinces, where readers get to experience the Conjies—who can manipulate organic matter—and who are also rebels on the run from the Congress of Natural Humanity. Very quickly, the setting shifts (no spoilers) but I’ll just say that Orion finds herself in entirely new and uncertain circumstances. She is a stranger in a strange land, and I had a lot of fun playing with that as a writer.
On one hand, I found writing a sequel easier because I really knew my main characters, and had established the “world” of the book. I felt like I’d had a lot of time to think through the setting (which really motivates the characters in FLASHFALL,) and work out details of the various people groups, like Conjies and Gems, as well as the government. The biggest challenge writing FLASHTIDE was to make everything fresh and unpredictable, and to give Orion and Dram new character arcs. I found this a bit daunting at first, but it turned out being a labor of love. The characters surprised even me! They had depths (and weaknesses and vulnerabilites) and strengths I didn’t know about until I wrote FLASHTIDE.
There are always moments during the writing process when I’m stuck working on a plot problem, and wondering how I’m going to get my characters from one point to another. I came up with some pretty creative solutions for FLASHTIDE, and I think it will lead to some cool surprises for readers! I love how this reviewer puts it:
"Fans of the unique post-apocalyptic story will be riveted by the blistering pacing and unexpected twists. An intriguing follow-up." –Kirkus
I encourage readers who aren’t familiar with FLASHFALL to check out the book trailer. My husband is a filmmaker, and he did an amazing job. It gives people an exciting glimpse into the world and characters.
Thank you, Jenny!
About the Book:
Flashtide by Jenny Moyer
Book Two of the Flashfall series
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date: November 14, 2017
Summary (from Goodreads):
Orion has survived the tunnels of Outpost Five, filled with mutant creatures and dangers around every bend. She has traversed the cordons, exposed to the radiation of the flash curtain and hunted by forces that want her stopped, dead or alive. Now, with Dram by her side, she has made it to the safety of the mountain provinces, where free Conjurors live and practice their craft of manipulating matter.
But Orion's story is far from over.
With the effects of the flashfall spreading and the might of the protected city of Alara looming, Orion must travel into the hands of her enemies once again. Heart-pounding action and adventure await in this sequel to Flashfall.
About the Author:
Jenny is the author of the YA sci-fi/fantasy FLASHFALL, and its sequel, FLASHTIDE. (Holt/Macmillan 11-14-17) She lives with her filmmaker husband and their three boys in Iowa. Watch the epic, live action book trailer for the novel that Booklist calls "A cinematic page-turner."
Find out more at http://www.jennymoyer.com and connect with Jenny on Twitter and Facebook.
The Giveaway:
Win a Flashtide pack: signed copies of Flashtide & Flashfall, a $50 Gift Card from Amazon.com and swag (INT)
I have seen that cover before and no way can I forget it. Added to my reading list.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
This one looks good! I love the cover! I also like that the sequel builds on the original book.
ReplyDeletethere are definite advantages to writing a sequel like you have here. And its a great experience as a reader to see characters being pushed to the edge of their limits.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks like a "can't put down" type novel, you'll just fall into it and not stop!! I also follow on Instagram-love the photo there as well.
ReplyDeleteYay for lovely blog tour post :D I adore Jenny. <3 And this post was awesome. Thank you for sharing Alyssa :) All the hugs.
ReplyDeleteSounds Si Awesome.
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