When Judith and I started Wolfy Chicks nearly three years ago we were new at everything. Being published authors blogging the works. One of the most joyous things about this journey has been our followers and supporters. Awhile back we had the pleasure of featuring Shannon Delany, who was one of our first Wolfy Chick Followers. She is now a sensational YA author with her 13 to Life werewolf series. We have yet another opportunity to share another talented author that has been very supportive of our journey. Heather McCorkle debut novel just came out this month. Please give her a Wolfy Chicks howl and welcome her!
What projects are you working on / have published?
My debut novel, a young adult urban fantasy titled The Secret of Spruce Knoll, just released this August (it feels totally surreal to say that :). I'm currently working on editing the sequel which is due out next spring.
What's your "road to publication" story?
It has been a rocky road for me, as with many people in this changing industry. I've had two agents and two different manuscripts that failed in the editorial submission rounds. This last one felt it was all about timing and the tumultuous state of the market though. We parted ways because he was downsizing like so many others lately. I never stopped writing and improving though, and I started submitting to editors of publishing houses myself. A few interested houses later I finally found my path to success.
Why YA?
I took my adult fantasy novel to a writer's retreat where I met YA authors Aprilynne Pike and Sarah Rees Brennan. They showed me that YA wasn't what I thought it was. It was fun, quirky, daring, and very cutting edge. I realized it was what I was meant to write.
Best writing advice you've heard?Keep writing even when you've landed an agent and you're manuscript is on editor submission. That advice is why I'm published today.
What inspires you?
Life! LOL, I know that's a bit vague. I'm an active outdoor person and my surroundings are very inspiring to me. So are people, animals, movies, great books, art.
Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?
Definitely! I've been writing novel length work since I was twelve. My writing is better but still carries a lot of the same tone and atmosphere it had when I was a teen writer. I think that helps make it something they can relate to.
Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.
I don't have an office yet, but I hope to soon! In the meantime my work space is the kitchen table, the end next to the bookshelf with all my necessities on it. ;)
Who is your favorite character in your work? Why?
Oh no, you're making me choose favorites! Well alright, but only if you don't tell the others. That is so hard, I love them all so much. I would have to say Aiden though since he had such a challenging childhood it made him very interesting and deep to write. I love characters that push me and he definitely did that.
Thank you for having me over, it's always a pleasure!
