Today’s special guest author is Lauren Wagner and we’re chatting about her new young adult fantasy novel, Awaken.
During her virtual book tour, Lauren will be giving away a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!
Welcome, Lauren. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I then continued my education and earned a Master’s in Teaching. I presently reside in the western suburbs of Chicago, where I currently teach upper elementary school. Awaken is my debut novel.
Please tell us about your current release.
Natalia is the story of a young Mesoamerican girl chosen to die as a human sacrifice. She is honored and embraces the chance to give up her life for her people. But then her death is stolen from her. She is kidnapped by her guards and forced into an eternal sleep.
Hundreds of years later, Natalia is woken up by an archaeological team looking for Estancia, the lost city of gold. She agrees to show them the way in exchange for assistance on her quest to find out what went wrong with her sacrifice.
While they journey through the treacherous jungles of Argentina, Natalia stumbles upon the alarming truth of her past. Her life’s prophecy must be fulfilled to restore the balance of her people, but only she can decide if that balance is worth her life.
What inspired you to write this book?
Awaken was inspired by several documentaries I had seen regarding the Incan and Aztec Empire and the myths behind El Dorado, the lost city of gold. Many notable explorers have tried to find the lost city over the past few centuries but to no avail. Although there have been remnants of gold flakes found in a lake in present-day Colombia, no vast amounts of golden relics have been found. In my head, I needed to figure out a reason why. Estancia became my El Dorado and the gold payment to Natalia’s family in exchange for her sacrifice. When her sacrifice never happened, the gold was taken back and never seen again.
Excerpt from Awaken:
They groomed me as a child. They taught me how to look, listen, and even how to die. They prepared me to live entirely for others. Die for others. I am destined to be the queen of Estancia, to live in a noble house filled with my own personal court and guards sworn to protect me at all costs, right until the moment of my death. Even as they tear me from my bed in the dark of night, I must remember this is their purpose, just as much as it is mine.
“May I say goodbye to my father?” The confidence in my voice covers the fear trembling in my gut.
“No, milady. There is no time.”
The guard throws a musty cloak over my soft linen nightclothes. The stale smell overpowers the eucalyptus of the lotions on my skin, making my eyes water in disgust. I feel no better than a horse being led by the reigns.
I grip my golden slippers and run out of the house. My bare feet touch the wood of the floor and memorize the soft pitter-patter that vibrates in response. The same guard places me on top of the nearest horse. Black as midnight, silky as the hidden clothes under my cloak. My hands fumble for the reins as I lean forward and fight for my balance. I am not accustomed to riding horses.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I recently finished a dystopian novel in which there is very little fresh water available to sustain human life. Those, who survived famine and wars past, live inside the government-created safety zones. Sara, the main character, knows she is safer inside the gates but can’t tolerate the unethical values forced upon her town. When she discovers her best friend is stealing water from the government, her life rests on the line between justice and condemnation.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I didn’t consider myself a writer until I finished my first manuscript. Something about completing a manuscript helped me feel like I had accomplished something. I feel more like a storyteller than a writer.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write, and how do you find time to write?
I do not write full-time. I teach 5th grade, where I encourage the love of reading and writing to others. Therefore, most of my writing comes after my children go to bed at night, and I am trying to relax and unwind from the day.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I can’t start writing something new unless I have read what I wrote the previous day. Sometimes it can be very time-consuming because I end up editing as I read, but I find it hard to reestablish my connection to the plot or characters without that rereading.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a psychologist when I grew up. I wanted to listen to people’s struggles and help find resolutions. I wanted to be able to make a difference in someone’s life. Over time, I discovered my love for children and adapted my desire to help others. I still wanted to listen and advise while also teaching.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
In every story I have ever written, there is the name of a bottle of wine. The first time I did it, I used the name for inspiration. The second time it was coincidental. After that, it just became fun.
Links:
Twitter | Website | Amazon
Thanks for hosting!
Sounds like a great read.
nice interview