Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Kristina McBride and ONE MOMENT


This week I'm featuring my sweet friend and 2k10 sister Kristina McBride, whose new novel, ONE MOMENT, debuts today! I'm so excited for her and loved her first novel, THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES, so I know I'll love this one, too. Here's Kristina on first and second novels and the writing life:

Please give us a synopsis of your new release. Is it available now?

ONE MOMENT will be available June 26th – and I cannot wait!

Here’s the synopsis (from Goodreads):

"This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you."

I adored your debut, THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES. What was the primary difference for you in writing this novel as opposed to TofO? Was this harder? Easier?

Thank you! To be honest, I’m not sure that there were many differences. I mean, I had successfully taken one idea and seen it through to a finished novel, so my confidence was a bit higher compared to when I was working on THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES. But I still faced the same ups and downs as far as my creative process: all the doubt and self-criticism that I tend to pile on myself as I begin writing a new project, then the super-cool feeling of being swept away by the story one I get going, and of course, the difficult process of facing what feels like a mountain of revisions. I suppose that ONE MOMENT was easier in the sense that I knew what to expect – the various highs and lows at each stage of the game – and that made me a little more prepared to do everything that needed to be done without my emotions getting in the way.

How are you handling publicity this time out?

Publicity is so hard! I never feel like I’m doing quite enough, so I have to remind myself that I can only do what fits with my life as a wife and mother of two little ones. To promote ONE MOMENT, I’m going on a blog tour, as well as offering up several copies for different giveaways during June, the month of the release. I also have a few events scheduled throughout the summer. I’m super excited for my launch party in Dayton, Ohio on June 29th, and also a group signing in Cincinnati on August 4th with a panel of super cool authors. A detailed listing of my events is posted on my blog.

Has anything in your writing life changed? New habits? New approaches that work better for you? New craft techniques that you’re experimenting with?

I’m fortunate enough to be raising two incredible little ones, so for me, it’s all about using my time wisely. The major difference this school year is that I’ve had four mornings a week to devote to my writing. This change has really given me the time I need to dive in to my latest projects. My approach is simple: When the kids are at school, I’m writing. No exceptions. No breakfast with friends, running errands, walking in the woods, hitting the gym – nothing but me and my characters and my computer (and, okay, maybe a little Facebook/Twitter time if I need a few minutes away from a tricky transition or difficult chapter opener). The bottom line is that I’ve learned to protect my writing time, because if I don’t, no one else will.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on two different projects right now – one a series, the other a stand-alone. I’m pretty excited about both and can’t wait until I can share them with the world. For now, though, both must remain top secret. (Sorry! I hate when people do that to me! But you asked, so I answered.)

Please give us contact information – website, Facebook page, Twitter addy, Pinterest location – anything you’d like to share!







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