Twell lives in the new world of Como, and has always neglected her telekinetic gifts, desiring to be ‘normal.’ Her biggest drama in life is having to be genetically partnered with a boy she doesn’t know or love by her next birthday. Unfortunately she loves her best friend, who loves the girl she hates most, and Twell is left frustrated & heartbroken.When Twell is requested alongside several other teens to develop her skills for the protection of Como, she reluctantly agrees to the training, and finds herself thrown into all sorts of mental and physical challenges.
Handsome, charismatic Jonaz, is gifted with the power of healing. According to Twell he’s an infuriating prat who delights in provoking her. But first impressions have always been her downfall.
When Como is attacked, life as Twell knows it is changed forever, with devastating consequences. With no choice but to fight, Twell risks her life to protect those who have survived, coming up against unexpected dangers she could never anticipate. Will she survive, and if so will she be matched to a stranger when the one she is growing to love is destined to another?
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Author Bio
After school Kate studied Children’s Literature, and her first drafts of Twell were awarded in writing competitions. Kate’s writing interest is firmly embedded in dystopian fantasy, being continually fascinated with future direction of our world and the concepts of free will and moral vs. lawful obligations. Twell’s adventures will continue to explore these ideas in the Como Chronicles Trilogy.Kate lives in the beautiful Adelaide Hills of Australia, surrounded by rolling hills and wineries and horses, as well as some good rocks to climb when she feels like scaring herself!
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Interview with the talented Kate O’Leary:
Have you ever wept over a character?
– Yes, I sobbed over the death of some wonderful characters in the Harry Potter series. Literally yelled “Noooooooooo” in utter disbelief, when Dumbledore met his end.
Have you ever had to kill off a character? How did you make that choice? Or was that choice taken from you by the story/characters?
Yes I have and it was difficult but I could see it needed to happen to really make the plot work and drive home the seriousness of the theme I was exploring. It felt like such a shame, and was hard to let go of one character in particular, but if it advances the plot sometimes you have to be brutal!
How do you know when you’ve hit your zone?
When I am lost in the world and no one can reach me, despite repeating my name in an irritated fashion. The characters have taken on a life of their own at this point and are telling me what’s happening!
Do you have a daily writing ritual?
No. Sometimes I am in the mood, and other times I know I have the attention span of a goldfish and nothing to offer. However if I am having a dry spell (dreaded writers block) I will try to write anything and see what comes out, even if it’s only a few sentences.
Who have been your greatest influences? Your biggest obstacles? How have you seen these shape you as a writer?
My greatest influences in terms of writers are J K Rowling, Allie Condie and Francine Rivers. They all have completely different styles that are all equally mesmerizing. My biggest obstacles have been dealing with rejections as I am a sensitive soul, and finding the strength to keep believing in my writing and not give up. Developing my own style has also been a journey that has evolved as I have aged and matured and learned as well. I am learning to know my own style and not compare it to others and doubt myself, even though I know I still have a long way to go.
When you feel a moment of indecision or self-doubt, what have you found to be the best method or trick to get out of that nasty funk?
Have some wine and get over myself! A glass of wine for a evening of writing can actually help me to get flowing as well as I relax and let my creativity take over. (Or is it the wine talking?) ha!
What is your favorite part about developing your characters? Why?
Making them evolve to the unexpected, or mature, rather stay one dimensional or stereotypical. Trying not to stereotype in the first place!
When did you get that hunch that told you these characters would continue on in another book or that their story wasn’t entirely done? Did you choose the same main characters or did you explore some supporting characters’ lives?
Twell had so much more to say once I finished book one. I could see where she was going next, and some of the issues she would have, and I also knew there would need to be a third book to complete her story and journey. Some of the main characters have continued on, as well as supporting characters getting a little more air-time. In book two you get to learn a little more about them, and they are changing and making new decisions as well.
Tell me about your book. Why did you write this Twell? Was it simmering peacefully on the back burner or did it startle you like a kitchen flash fire?
The book was originally a short story I wrote for a children’s literature course. Years later I felt the urge to start writing again, and Twell started talking to me…having tantrums actually because she didn’t want to be genetically matched to a boy she didn’t know or love. From there I sat down and churned out the whole book in about two months. After that I have been improving and reshaping it and my writing skills all the way up to Twell being officially published!
Here is the blurb!
Twell lives in the new world of Como, and has always neglected her telekinetic gifts, desiring to be ‘normal.’ Her biggest drama in life is having to be genetically partnered with a boy she doesn’t know or love by her next birthday. Unfortunately she loves her best friend, who loves the girl she hates most, and Twell is left frustrated & heartbroken.
When Twell is requested alongside several other teens to develop her skills for the protection of Como, she reluctantly agrees to the training, and finds herself thrown into all sorts of mental and physical challenges.
Handsome, charismatic Jonaz, is gifted with the power of healing. According to Twell he’s an infuriating prat who delights in provoking her. But first impressions have always been her downfall.
When Como is attacked, life as Twell knows it is changed forever, with devastating consequences. With no choice but to fight, Twell risks her life to protect those who have survived, coming up against unexpected dangers she could never anticipate. Will she survive, and if so will she be matched to a stranger when the one she is growing to love is destined to another?
A memory: You are looking at your very first published book, for the very first time in print or as an ebook. Tell me exactly what you are feeling? Emotions and sensations. Where are you? Who is the first person you tell?
I am almost a bit numb, when the first proof copy arrives in the post. I open it at the kitchen table and am holding it in my hands looking a bit like a stunned mullet, thinking ‘This is my book? Does this mean I am an real author/writer now?’!
I feel proud that I have accomplished a full book, and feel satisfied that I have achieved a dream I have wanted to achieve since I was a kid writing adventures about ponies. I call my parents who squeal and fuss as is expected of them! Then I post a pic of me holding the book and grinning my face off on facebook. Ha!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Kate.
Dear Readers, if you like what you see, use the links and check it out some more. And don’t forget the giveaway!
–Kara xxooxx