Today’s special guest author is Torina Kingsley and we’re chatting her new YA, Beyond the Birch.
Click here for a giveaway opportunity: Beyond the Birch, Torina Kingsley
Bio:
Torina Kingsley has always dreamed of becoming a published writer. By the time high school came around, her mind was swirling with tales ready to be told. She finds inspiration for her stories from viewing things from a different perspective, including her most recent book The King’s Decree, a chapter book that is a spin on the well-known Russian folktale, The Princess Who Never Laughed.
Kingsley believes that a great story needs to be relatable and completely captivating, that it needs to drop the reader into a whole new world. She hopes that her young readers are made to think by her stories. For instance, Kingsley has seen that, although very few children’s books reflect characters afflicted with depression and anxiety, it’s something that kids and teens deal with every day, and she wanted to share that in her story. It is also important to Kingsley that characters are diverse characters who can fall in love with anyone, not just those who one might expect. As an author of Hispanic heritage, representing a diverse audience in her books is meaningful to her.
When she isn’t writing thought-provoking and socially conscious young adult stories, Kingsley teaches music and loves working with her students. She lives with her husband and two rescue dogs in the Chicago area where she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Please tell us about your current release.
In Beyond the Birch, eleven-year-old Macy dreams of action and adventure that will take her far beyond her family’s farm but then, adventure finds her! In this twist on The Wonderful Birch, you won’t find kings, queens, or evil stepmothers. Instead, you’ll find two courageous pre-teens from the outskirts, ready to defend Odele from the magical forces that threaten it.
Beyond the Birch is an imaginative spin on an old folktale that reminds us all to hold our loved ones close and always believe in own our capabilities.
What inspired you to write this book?
I love writing fairytale twists and this one just came to me! I wanted characters that were captivating without a romantic storyline and to build a mini-world where things weren’t as they seemed. It’s a puzzle, mystery, and a fairytale all in one book!
What exciting story are you working on next?
I have several more books in the Fractured & Fabled series that I’m working on. The next two are derived from The Arrogant Princess and The Wild Swans.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always had a love for the English language but I didn’t really view myself as an author until my first book was published. Even then, it was strange to start calling myself a writer!
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I am a full-time author. Previously, I was a teacher which I loved but the hours and poor pay put a strain on my health and my family. Since leaving, I’ve never felt this relaxed! I miss the students but I can’t pour from an empty cup.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t write things in order and most of the time, I write on an app on my phone. This is what happens when you’re juggling a job and kids! I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher! Always a teacher. But in a lot of ways, I still educate our youth, just from a different lens.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I took a risk writing books that are between niches but I did this intentionally–there aren’t enough books out there for older children that are short but they are needed, especially for English language learners or children who struggle with confidence and motivation.
Links:
Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook
One thought on “Interview with young adult author Torina Kingsley”