I love it when we have a chance to bring Party listeners some of our favorite things. In my case this weekend, it's a chance to introduce you to Bonnie Hearn Hill. She's a California-based author who spent time working at a radio station in Fresno, CA that I once worked at. In fact, SEVEN different people who've been here at Clear Channel Las Vegas worked at the same station as Bonnie and I at one time or another.
Bonnie is a former newspaper editor who has become a much-in-demand conference speaker and writing teacher. Her latest work is the Young Adult STAR CROSSED SERIES for Running Press Book Publishers. The first novel is ARIES RISING.
First a few questions for Bonnie. After the interview you'll find the details on how you can win the novel ARIES RISING, and how you can win an iPod Touch!
Q: Bonnie, tell us about your background. What brought you to this point in your writing career?
A: Well, I worked for a newspaper for 22 years, and before that, I wrote copy and did voiceovers for two rock radio stations. All I ever wanted to do was write novels, but when I started, there was no internet and no fiction mentors locally. Twenty-three years after finishing my first novel I finally signed my first two three-book novel deals.
Q: After a successful career writing thrillers, you're now writing Young Adult Fiction. What's the state of YA today?
A: I love young adult fiction. When I read a book like 47 by Walter Mosley, I'm blown away by the variety of what is available. (47 is young adult paranormal told from the point of view of a slave.)
Teen lit is not all about getting a guy, and the quality of writing is amazing. Right now the trend is still paranormal series, and again, there's a great variety available. I think teen fiction is the most exciting and diverse genre around.
Q: What's the most surprising thing you've found about the READERS of Young Adult fiction?
A: They're mature. Their interests are much more far reaching than my generation's were. They're also extremely loyal to writers they like.
As you may recall, at my debut signing for ARIES RISING, a young woman told me she had purchased the book the day before, read it that night, then returned the next day to get it signed. That's not unusual with YA readers.
Q: Is there a strong theme or message that you try to bring to young readers of the STAR CROSSED SERIES?
A: I want the reader to know that the stars offer possibilities, not a life sentence. I also want them to know that they have the power within themselves, and that no one--not their guys, not their parents, not astrology--can do it for them. Also, my protagonist and her friends are fiercely loyal to each other. The sooner readers can learn the importance of good friends, the better.
Q: How did you focus on Astrology for the series? Is it something you were already interested in?
A: I've been fascinated by astrology ever since Hazel Dixon-Cooper (humorous astrology writer/Cosmopolitan magazine columnist) joined my writing workshop some 16 years ago. You can't be around Hazel without being influenced by astrology. She helped me with the astrological sections of the book, and she continues to amaze me with her knowledge.
Q: Does Astrology influence you in your life choices?
A: Since I'm not as knowledgeable as Hazel, I use it primarily when I'm meeting someone for the first time. If someone is, say, a Scorpio, a Pisces, or (cough cough) an Aries, I will make certain assumptions, and I am usually right. I use it kind of like a shorthand way of getting to know someone. My agent, for example, is a wise and loyal Taurus. Perfect sign. My editor is an Aquarius--like Logan, my protagonist.
Q: A lot of your fiction is tied to Central Calfornia. How are these settings a part of you? How do they affect your writing?
A: Although I've done my share of traveling, I love California, especially northern California. The current series is set in the fictional beach town of Terra Bella Beach, which is around the Pismo Beach-to-Cambria area. I think the central coast is less pretentious, more blue collar. Originally, the series was set in Napa Valley, and after I sold the book, I realized a kid in Kansas isn't going to care about wine country. So I changed it to the beach I love.
Q: You've made being a mentor a priority in your life. What advice do you have for young writers?
A: Create characters who are both proactive and sympathetic/empathetic. Remember that there is a reader out there. You aren't writing a journal. You are writing to someone who wants to be inspired, entertained or informed. Read and read widely--not just the classics--read what is selling right now. Finally, don't let anyone, yourself included, sabotage your dream. Write every day and read every day. Refuse to give up.
Q: Since we're talking to The Party's radio audience this weekend, let's talk about radio. Your career in broadcasting started you on the road to where you are now. What is the most important thing you learned in those early days?
A: A radio friend reminded me that other day that I told her back then, "If we can write a 30-second commercial, we can write a novel." She said she thought I was crazy at the time. I do think learning how to write a 30-second commercial taught me focus. It showed me how to pare a clump of words down to the essentials. I loved radio, and I learned much there that I continued to use long after I left.
Q: When we were kids, we turned on the radio and the nightly news to hear updates on what was going on in the world. Today, we get breaking news on cell phones with text messages and twitter updates. Have you found it challenging to reach young readers using these new platforms?
A: I love it, especially since I'm a gadget-savvy Gemini. I'm very fortunate to mentor writers who also happen to be social media experts. I ask for guidance and welcome their advice and assistance.
Q: What's coming next in the STAR CROSSED SERIES?
A: TAURUS EYES, a ghost story, in May, and GEMINI NIGHT in August. I'm also fooling around with another possible series.
HOW TO WIN A COPY OF ARIES RISING:
Text the word ARIES to us at 68683! We'll put you in the drawing automatically. Remember, your standard text plan rates apply.
HOW TO WIN BONNIE'S CONTEST for an IPOD TOUCH:
Qualify in three ways, and enter as often as you wish:
1. Be an ARIES, like me! Just send your birth date (month and day) to: starcrossed.contest@gmail.com
2. Write a review of ARIES RISING and post it anywhere. Send the link to the same email address.
3. Become a fan of STAR CROSSED SERIES on FACEBOOK. Click here to go to the page. Then post a FAN BADGE on your facebook page and send the link to the email address above.
That's it! Contest ends on or about 4/1/10!
© 2012
