Hey Word Nerds! Today’s episode is going to be so awesome because I’m talking to debut author Kim Liggett, a fabulous YA author and good friend. Her book, Blood and Salt, is out now, and in this episode she and I chat about taking this project from concept to bookshelf.
At sixteen, Kim left her rural midwestern town for New York City, where she pursued a career in music and acting. While attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she sang backup for some of the biggest rock bands of the 80’s. After settling down to have a family, she became an entrepreneur, creating a children’s art education program and a travel company specializing in tours for musicians. She’s married to jazz musician Ken Peplowski, and has two beautiful teenagers.
About BLOOD AND SALT:
“When you fall in love, you will carve out your heart and throw it into the deepest ocean. You will be all in—blood and salt.”
These are the last words Ash Larkin hears before her mother returns to the spiritual commune she escaped long ago. But when Ash follows her to Quivira, Kansas, something sinister and ancient waits among the rustling cornstalks of this village lost to time.
Ash is plagued by memories of her ancestor, Katia, which harken back to the town’s history of unrequited love and murder, alchemy and immortality. Charming traditions soon give way to a string of gruesome deaths, and Ash feels drawn to Dane, a forbidden boy with secrets of his own.
As the community prepares for a ceremony five hundred years in the making, Ash must fight not only to save her mother, but herself—and discover the truth about Quivira before it’s too late. Before she’s all in—blood and salt.
In this episode Kim and I discuss:
- World-building, sensory detail, and creative descriptions.
- Having an obsession and using it to fuel your writing.
- Organizing the plot to build suspense, with shifting timelines and surprise reveals.
- Navigating the revision and edit process to get the best result.
- Creative promotion for books.
Plus, Kim’s #1 tip for writers.
Link to Episode 62
(Right-click to download.)
To learn more about Kim Liggett, visit her website at kimliggett.com. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Also, if you’re into YA Horror mixed with romance, check out her fabulous debut novel: Blood and Salt.
Plus, OMG how steamy is the book trailer?
Want even more tools to help you master the craft?
Check out the DIY MFA online writing conference:
Writer Igniter Con 2015
October 24-25
Click the link to learn more or register.
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Until next week, keep writing and keep being awesome.
