Author Spotlight: Becca J. Campbell

Author - Becca J. Campbell

Those of you who stop by often may remember a recent post called Psst! Wanna see something cool? In this post I was fortunate enough to be part of a select group of bloggers to unveil Becca J. Campbell's book cover for her debut novel      Foreign Identity.

Now that the novel has been officially released, Becca is on a blog tour and today she's stopped by Write Me Happy. Each day she will be posting a bit more of her novel on her blog Inspiration for Creation so make sure to check out the tour schedule below to gain access to the goodies.

But that's not all! You can also enter for a chance to win copies of Foreign Identity.

Oh and did I mention I've read the novel? Oh yeah I have and it's AWESOME! Check out my review on Goodreads. Foreign Identity is now on sale at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble in paperback and eBook format.

I'd like to wish Becca a HUGE congratulations on publishing her first novel and continued success in the future. Don't forget to scroll down to read the interview with Becca!

Blog Tour Schedule:

May 22^nd – Melody with Words

May 23^rd – Cover Analysis

May 24^th – Write Me Happy

May 25^th – Have You Heard My Book Review

May 26^th – Court Can Write

May 27^th – Yearning for Wonderland

May 28^th – Catharsis of the Bogue

May 29^th – Aaron Pogue

May 30^th – Pen and Whisk

May 31st -- Stormy Night Publishing

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Q&A with Becca:

Q: When I started reading Foreign Identity I quickly realized that this novel was going to keep me on the edge of my seat! Tell me about what inspired you to write this novel.

A: The short answer is: a writing prompt. A list of ten little words on a website called the Creative Copy Challenge (http://www.creativecopychallenge.com) was the initial spur for Foreign Identity. (Check out that blog because it’s loads of fun and an excellent community.)

The long answer is a little more complex, though. With those ten words I was the only one (of maybe twenty or thirty writers) who went the science fiction/thriller route and launched into a full-fledged novel. What really drove the story was my own desire to solve a puzzle.

At the time, I was in the height of my Lost-watching days and I wanted to create a story with that same feel. I wanted to emulate the pull I’d felt when watching the show—the way it teased me with questions and yet made me believe if I tried hard enough I could solve the mystery behind everything. That’s one thing about me—I love puzzles. I enjoy trying to put all the pieces together when I read any story, and the best ones are those that I can never quite solve because of their unexpected twists and turns.

So, (logically or not) the way that I began Foreign Identity was with a puzzle of my own. I wrote the first scene with the man and woman who couldn’t remember their pasts and were trapped in a room with interlocking chains and a closet full of keys. Beyond that there was nothing. I had no outline, no character sketches, no plan for where in the world the story would go. But what I did have was a puzzle. That situation alone stirred up a myriad of questions. Who were the people? What did they have in common? Why did they have amnesia? Who imprisoned them? Why was the answer to escape left for them? And what was on the other side of the door?

Through that one scene, I’d already created a mystery for myself that rivaled the thrill of watching Lost. All I had to do was figure out the answers to those questions. When I came up with an answer, I had my story. Then I just had to write the rest.

I’ll admit, this isn’t a standard way to go about writing a novel and I wouldn’t recommend it to a new writer. But it worked for me in this case. Every book I’ve written since has had a full outline before I started writing.

Q: Foreign Identity is a fabulous blend of science fiction, mystery and romance. When you first began writing, did you know it would turn out this way?

A:Other than wanting it to have mystery, I didn’t really think about genre when I started. I’ve written four full novels and all of them have contained fantastical elements and a romantic sub-plot. Those are the types of stories I like to read so they are the ones I end up writing. I plan on hanging out in that sort-of real, sort-of speculative world in most, if not all, of the novels I publish. And yes, I plan on publishing more books—as early as later this year!

Q: How long did it take you to write, start to finish?

A: I started April 20^th, 2010, so it’s been just over two years. The first draft of the story took me about a year and a half to finish, and that version underwent massive changes, including the addition of 14,000 new words. The reason it took so long is because Foreign Identity was always my side project. I had other books I was focusing on, so the first two thirds or so I only wrote in snippets. Also, I started out writing it as a series. Using the given prompt words on the CCC, I’d write and post one section at a time on the website, twice a week. That kept me working on it regularly but also kept me from progressing very quickly. Eventually I stopped doing the posts and wrote the ending much quicker than I’d written the first part.

Q: The main characters have their own unique personalities despite their inability to remember themselves. Which of the main characters are you most like?

A: Without a doubt, I’m most like Jax. I’ve already mentioned my affinity for solving problems. From scene one it’s apparent that he has that same drive. In fact it’s a bit of a problem for him sometimes, as you’ve seen in the story. Despite his need for logic, he’s also the artistic one, and I can relate to that aspect of his character.

Kel, on the other hand, was a more difficult to write. Her personality needed several transformations before the story was complete. In the beginning she had been too weak; she didn’t have enough backbone to be likeable, let alone to be a protagonist. Then when I added a stubborn streak, it ended up hardening her a lot more than I’d wanted. So I had to go back over the story again and soften her around the edges.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

A: March 29, 2009, during a Sunday church service. Actually, that was the day I first really considered whether I could write a book. I knew all it would take was a solid idea, and that was the day I had the inspiration that led to my first novel. I grabbed a church handout and started hastily scribbling notes for characters in Flawed, an urban fantasy series I hope to publish in the near future. So it’s been just over three years.

Q: Do you have any writing rituals? Perhaps a favorite place to sit or music that just must be playing?

A: My writing habits are more by necessity than choice. I write in the evenings because I’m a night owl and that’s when my kids are asleep. I also like to go out to write pretty often, often at Starbucks.

Q: What and/or who inspires you?

A: I get inspired when I hang out with other Creatives. I’m also inspired to write when I see my friends succeed in their writing, whether it’s overcoming writer’s block, finishing a novel, pulling in lots of blog traffic, getting published, or becoming a bestseller. There’s something contagious about watching others succeed.

Q: Publishing your first novel is so exciting! How do you plan on celebrating?

A: I’m having a local book signing party, so I’m sure that will be fun. Aside from that, not much other than diving back into my next book. I’m planning on publishing my second novel, Gateway to Reality, later this year. Look for it sometime around October.

Somebody has a case of the Mondays!

It's true that Monday is my least favourite day of the week. Some see it as a fresh start for the week, new beginning and all that crap.

Note: I am not part of those some. 

However, this Monday marked the beginning of my holidays. YAY! An entire week off to catch up on all the things I've neglected over the last couple weeks. Or that would be the case if I could pull my nose out of a book.

I have been reading as though it is fueling my existence. The very air I breathe is made of books - okay maybe not literally, but most definitely figuratively. I crave reading. I forgot just how much I love it. Escaping the daily grind into another time, another place. Pure bliss. Plain. And. Simple.

Since I am a good little reader, I must give credit where credit is due. I have stumbled - quite accidentally - into the realm of Young Adult Fiction. I'm not necessarily a stranger to the YA genre. I devoured the Harry Potter series with a voracity that remains unmatched. I dabbled in the vampire-hype with the Twilight series and even agreed to watch the movies - which BTW - are horrible. Mind you, I will - no doubt - be roped in for the final installment. It still amazes me how the books never seemed quite as corny to me as the movies. But that's a story for another post. Let's get back to that original thought - giving credit.

It was after much coercion from multiple friends, that I agreed to read the Hunger Games. My skepticism was purely based on the fact that EVERYONE loved them. Yes, I am aware that makes no sense, but I am highly suspicious of hype. I often find myself resistant to watch or read anything that is super popular. Again, I know how contradictory that sounds having just professed my undying love for Harry Potter (Is it too late to get my Hogwarts letter? I mean it could still come right? I'm only thirty-three!)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was just the spark I needed to rekindle my love of reading. Not that it was extinguished per se, but it was in desperate need of some fuel. I whipped through those books like nobody's business. I loved those novels! <Insert lots of Credit here>

Since reading that series I have moved onto a string of awesome novels:

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Foreign Identity by Becca J. Campbell
Tricked by Kevin Hearne
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

I realize those aren't all YA novels, but they are all fabulous so what the hell, listed! I suppose that's all I really needed - a kick start. Now all I have to do is make some time to write, edit, blog, eat, sleep etc.....Nah...I'll just read!

What are YOU reading?

Digital Break

Just a quick note to explain my sporadic appearances on the blog.

Look! May 1st brought rain & a chance to wear my boots!

I've been spending a tremendous amount of time reading lately, (YAY!) something I've neglected for far too long. As such, I'll be here and there in the digital world. I'll be on Twitter occasionally too - okay probably more than occasionally.

If you desperately need me, you can find my contact info in the tab above. I appreciate your patience while I indulge in some wonderful novels.

Happy May!

Sanctuary, thy name is LIBRARY!

Some people shop. Others head to the gym to tone up those muscles or lose those pesky pounds. Some gather friends for a good chinwag. But when the clock strikes 12:00 p.m. I head to the library. I grab whatever novel I'm reading, a pen and my notebook and leave the world behind in search of solitude. The library has become my sanctuary. A place I can escape the demands work places upon me. It's here I spend my lunch hour, every day.

Winnipeg's Millennium Library

I work about 10 minutes away from the largest library in my city. The Millennium Library boasts four floors of books, resources, computers, meeting rooms, study areas and comfy chairs. The entire south side of the building is constructed of glass and allows the beautiful sun to shine in. (We get a lot of sun in Winnipeg.) It's a book lover's paradise. A writer's dream too!

I always head to the third floor where the Local History Room is kept. The books inside this space hold all the details of our city's past. They are often fragile old books that require white gloves to be touched. The third floor is also home to newspapers - local, international and archived - magazines, and the microfiche machines that I can't believe are still in use.

It's a spacious and quiet floor, perfect for me. I nestle into my favourite grey chair and make myself at home. Usually I read. Sometimes I write. I always enjoy the atmosphere and the sun shining upon my face. Hundreds of people enjoying the written word in all its forms. It's magical!

I'm not sure when my fascination with libraries took root. As a child I remember going on occasion to check out a resource for a school project. It was still exciting to see all those books in one place, but only as an adult do appreciate it.

When I travel - which isn't all that often - I like to check out the libraries. So far I have visited Vancouver's Central Library and the British Library in London, England.

Vancouver's Central Library.

Inside the main entrance.

 
The Central Library in Vancouver is amazing. Not only is this building beautiful, it has seven levels! SEVEN! There are a variety of neat shops to explore before going into the main library. I've been to Vancouver a few times and each visit I make sure to stop by and walk the countless rows of books. It's just wonderful for me to see all of Vancouver's citizens making use of such a fabulous space!

GEEK ALERT! The following will really reveal what a nerd I am.

When my husband, Brandon and I booked our trip to London this past May, one of the very first places I listed as a Must-See was the British Library. I planned one whole day around stopping into see the rows of books. Images of old leather-bound, first additions, swimming in my head. Oh man, was I excited! I dragged Brandon through the streets of London to see this treasure. Okay I didn't really have to drag him, he was pretty stoked as well. We're both geeks. 

When we arrived I was ready to bust through the doors screaming "I'm here! I made it! Let me see all the amazing books!"

Well, it didn't quite go as planned. 

In the entrance was a visitor booth. We stepped up to get a map or something so we would make the most of our time there. Now, I'm not sure if we were duped or what, but the guy plainly told us there was nothing to see. All the books were held in storage facilities beneath the library. In order to see a book, you had to put a request in and since we were not members, well...nothing to see here.

We turned around, our shoulders slumped in disappointment, and made our way to the only place where there was something to see - the gift shop.

Brandon. Can you see his disappointment?!

It was a very nice gift shop, but just not the same. We did take a couple of pictures of the outside.  The red bricks mark out the storage units below the surface where the books are held. Okay, this is what the Dude told us, I have no idea if he was just yanking our chain. He did say that every so often you'll come across a metal "brick" which is where the fire department would insert a hose if - Heaven forbid - the books caught fire inside. *GASP* I hope they never have to use them.

Funky sculpture at the British Library

I've often thought of taking a library job. A chance to spend my days in my sanctuary is pretty tempting. I think they frown upon their employees spending all their work hours reading and writing. Go figure!

I'll just keep my daily jaunts to the library as my escape. My sanctuary. A place where my creative self can exist for an hour out of my work day.

Never growing up. Not EVER!

I am fairly certain I'm just a kid trapped in a 32 year old's body. It's sad, but true. Well, sad for the poor kid strutting around in an increasingly weight-gaining, back-aching, joint-creaking body. But that's a whole other post.

All the really cool things that got my little heart fluttering with excitement back then, still hold all the magic for me. There are WAY more cool things out there now, then when I was a kid though.

* Cue the old lady in a rocker*

In my day we played with sticks and rocks and we liked it!

Okay, that may  be a bit of an exaggeration. I had cool stuff, of course I did, but today's children have a plethora of really cool stuff to choose from. It's what keeps me from growing up. I like cool stuff, more than just a little and I want to play with it! *stamps foot angrily*

Thankfully I am married to a man who also suffers from the Peter Pan Syndrome. This post was inspired by a gift he recently gave me.

Drum roll please.......

YAY!

This gorgeous and super fun book is all mine! There is nothing about it I don't love. Unless you count that fact that it's too short. Books are always  too short.

Now you see me!

Let's get this out of the way early. I haven't actually read the Spiderwick series. I saw the movie, which I'm willing to bet wasn't nearly as interesting as the books. (Are movies ever as good? Maybe a few.) But you see, that doesn't even matter to me. What I love about this book is all the really cool stuff inside.

Now you don't!

There are maps to pull out, secret flaps to lift and hidden notes to read. The colourful pictures and the creative way it's all jumbled together is more than enough to stimulate even the most adult-like mind.

How could you not love this book? Every time I flip through the pages I want to run out into my backyard and build a fort. Perhaps a treehouse, if only I had a tree large enough to hold two grown adults (I'm sure the hubby would want to hang out too.)

Soon I shall be a mistress of the wand!

This isn't the only book I've come across lately that makes me want to squee! I also purchased A Practical Guide to Wizardry, because you just never know when that will come in handy. Heaven forbid I am thrown into a situation where I must wield a wand or cast a spell, then where would I be?

I also purchased a book on weapons which has all the cool stuff like Spiderwick. I call this research  for my new WIP - a fantasy novel with epic battles and...errr...stuff to be determined.

Close!

Open!

Okay I realize this post has been overloaded with pictures - I apologize profusely - but I'm a visual person and pictures make me happy!






If I had books like these when I was a kid, I am more than certain I would have received my Hogwarts letter. Sadly, they were never this cool. The only one I even remember - with some fondness - was Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. I freakin' loved that book! All the kids in my class did. I wanted so badly to:

a) Be able to draw like Jess.
b) Be as cool and free-spirited as Leslie.
c) Have a rope to swing across the creek to Terabithia.
d) Have a creek near my house in which to swing said rope.

I also wanted to be a spy for a short period of time. I can't even recall the book that inspired me to creep around my grandparents house, spying on all their neighbours through the windows. Plus, they had a back lane where the older kids lingered...SCORE! But I digress.

If Bridge to Terabithia had a pop-up-find-the-secrets book, I would have gone insane with excitement. I would still go insane now! Right after I built my fort and read it, oh I don't know, a million times! Read until insanity hits - that's my plan.

A new Unresolution for 2012 has just formed: No longer will I let the shackles of adulthood keep me from buying all the really cool children's books I want. This year I will give into my inner child and have some fun! Hell, I might even build me that fort - once the snow melts of course.

What makes your inner child go SQUEE!?

My Unresolutions for 2012

Like most, I've spent the last few days thinking about the ever popular, New Year's Resolutions. Should I make some? Should I avoid them? Everyone has their opinion and they all make valid points. Resolutions are often made in January and forgotten by February. It's like their M.O.

I read several blogs on the subject and a few really stuck with me. So with all my resolution knowledge, I am going forth with this...My Unresolutions.

They're sort of like resolutions, but different, think of them in the realm of Unbirthdays. Stick with me here, even I have no idea where I'm headed.

I'm not making the obvious resolutions - weightloss, more exercise, save money - nope, those never stick. This year My Unresolutions will be focused on the things I love, reading and writing. Before you start jumping down my throat, there are others things I love (hubby, friends and family included) but since these are MY unresolutions and MY blog, I plan on doing this MY way!
*steps down from soap box*

Now that we've cleared that up, let's continue.

My Unresolutions are a way to set some goals for the year, without the pesky pressure attached to Resolutions. In this way, I'm hoping to avoid the February failure.

So without further delay, My Unresolutions for 2012!

Photo Credit

1) Read 52 books. I've set this before and managed to come very close. I feel it is completely doable.

2) Finish my two outstanding works in progress. Again, this shouldn't be too hard since I wrote an entire novel in November, I can DO this!

3) Edit my NaNoWriMo novel. I've been letting it sit since November in hopes that my "fresh eyes" will see where my writing faults lie.

4) Write at least  500 words each day. This goal was already in the making, but signing up for #WIP500 will ensure I stick to it. (See previous post for more details on #WIP500)

Photo Credit

5) Edit the to-be-completed two WIPs. This will be a year of editing for me. Not sure how I feel about it, I tend to write and never edit. Therefore editing has become my nemesis. Kill the beast!


So that's it folks. Five Unresolutions that I hope to accomplish...no wait...that I will  accomplish! No more of this wishy-washiness (I'm just making up words now I realize, but again MY blog.)

I wish you all a wonderful 2012. I look forward to chatting with you, writing with you and sharing experiences. Thank you all for the support in 2011! Now let's go kick some ass in 2012!

What are your Unresolutions, Resolutions, Goals or Hopes for 2012?

Circus, Here I Come!

You may have noticed that my blogging has been sporadic, at best. It's not that I don't enjoying coming here and putting my two cents out there. In fact, I enjoy blogging, a lot. But lately I've been feeling like I should join the circus. Or at the very least some street side show. I have become a Juggler.

I have quite a few juggling balls on the go right now: Writing, Working, Reading, Blogging.

I prefer to think of my roles (and the long list of tasks that come with them) as hats I wear while juggling. Wife, Friend, Daughter, Aunt, Sister, Employee, Homeowner. I change my hat while trying to keep all the balls in the air. For the most part it's all about timing. Balls go up, hat gets changed, balls come done. Repeat.

Photo Credit

I like to think I do a pretty decent job, but add Christmas into the equation and things go from hectic to insane.

Some balls drop while others seem to get stuck in the air, hanging motionlessly above my head, just beyond my reach. I try to pull them back down, to rotate in something else, but I fail.

And which ball is stuck up in the air? Writing.

While Blogging has dropped and Reading seems to make an occasional appearance, Writing is a constant (so is Working, but that's not by choice). I'm not complaining. Not even whining a little bit. The fact that my Muse is here and playing nice, thrills me. But I know that in order to keep you folks interested, I need to pick up that Blogging ball and start giving it a toss.

So this is my promise to you. I solemnly swear I am up to no - wait a second, wrong oath. I solemnly swear to post, at the very least, two posts a week until the end of 2011. In 2012, I promise to increase this.

My word has been given. If you see me slacking, please feel free to give me a kick in the ass. I'm sure I'll deserve it.

Don't Forget to Read!

Maggie Smith / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How important is reading for a writer? 

Seems like a silly question right? I mean of course in order to write, you need to read. That's a given!

Except for some reason when I get caught up in my writing, I forget to read.

Reading, for me, is like breathing. I don't just read books, I devour them. I'm a bookaholic. I set myself goals each year on how many books I want to finish. Last year my goal was 52 and although I fell short, I still managed over 40 books.

You see I'm a huge geek. For the last few years I've been keeping track of every book I've read. I keep special journals where I rate each book out of 5 and write a little review.

After reaching a career reading high last year, I decided that come January 2011 I would focus my attention on writing. I was worried that I was using reading as an excuse not to write. With sheer determination, I stepped into 2011 without a reading goal or a new journal.

Biggest mistake ever!

You see, I forgot how important reading is. I went almost 3 months before I finished two books.  My friends were amazed and worried about me. Yeah, that's how much I normally read. People worry about me when I'm not.

I let my creative well run dry. There's no better way to put it. Great writers read a lot and if I'm determined to be a great writer...which I am... I need to read.

When I'm feeling as though my writing is terrible or that no one cares what I have to say, I know that I've neglected my other passion.

I still don't have journal for this year, I'm struggling to find a novel that captures my attention and I'm doubting my ability.

Needless to say this January 2012 I'll be keeping track of my reading habits.

 Oh, and I'll have a pretty new journal too!