All About Middle Grade Interview: Jo Malizia (Author of Wands and Wings) +Giveaway

So, it has been a little over a month since I was last able to do an All About Middle Grade Interview. Allergies, life, puppies, and a broken email account kept me from getting things done. On a happier note, I am excited to welcome Jo Malizia, author of Wands and Wings, to keep things back into gear.

About the Author:

Jo Malizia grew up in Minnesota. She has been an ASL interpreter for many years and loves to translate stories into sign language for children. She is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). She currently lives on the Central Coast of California.

She still remembers.

You can haunt Jo Malizia at-
Website 

Interview

1.    Could you introduce the Faylinn sisters and share a little about each of the girls? 

The five Faylinn sisters come from a long line of Fairy Royalty. Their 16 times Great Grandmother, the Fairy Queen, fell in love and married a human prince. This threw a wrench into the royal Fairy line, so it was decided Fairy Queens would only rule until their 13^th birthday. At the moment they turn 13, they lose their wands and wings and become fully human with no memory of the Fairies or The Realm.

Aubrey, 16, is the oldest sister - she wears that badge proudly and takes full advantage of her “being the boss” rights.

Regan, 15, is a cheerleader in every sense of the word. Her head is in the clouds and her feet are at the nearest mall.

Next is Tia, our 12-year-old protagonist. She is the current Fairy Queen and tries to balance those duties along with life in middle school. Her ability to lead the Fairies is severely tested when the very essence of life on Earth is in peril.

Allie is next in line to be Queen of the Fairy Realm. She is an 8 year-old gymnastic whiz and an honor roll student at Neptune Falls Elementary.

And last, but certainly not least, is Fairy Princess Rory. This feisty kindergartener is usually in the middle of the commotion in the Faylinn household. Tia and Allie have to constantly keep an eye on Rory and her magic.

2. While writing Wands and Wings, what was your favorite part when it came to building the fairy world part of your book?

Oh, this is a tough one! There are so many components to this world. While it was great fun to build the Fairy Palace and the shops and eateries in the village of the Fairy Realm, my favorite part was crafting Fairy Central (the high-tech center of The Realm.) The Fairies who work there and the branches it holds, such as The Birthday Wishes Bureau and The Fairy Godmother Department were so much fun to create.

3. Why fairies?

They fly at the speed of light, wear gorgeous gowns, pop in and out of Fairy Tales, and have glistening wands which hold incredible magic. They use this magic to make wishes come true and bring all types of beauty to Earth. Fairies live in an enchanted Realm where every day is one big party. It sounds pretty sweet to me.

4. Keeping with the theme of fairy books, what are your three favorite books featuring fairies?

My very favorite book featuring a Fairy is Cinderella. Without her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella would still be sweeping around the hearth of her stepmother’s house! I’ve always adored Tinker Bell from the Peter Pan stories, except when she is being mean to Wendy. And my third favorite Fairy is The Blue Fairy from Pinocchio. I know I’m letting the movie version creep in here, but it is so enchanting when she turns Pinocchio into a real little boy.

5. Song(s) that you think best describe the Faylinn girls?

“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge. I know all the Faylinn gals would love singing, “I got all my sisters with me.” There is even a line in this song that says they “fly like birds of a feather.” I can imagine this song playing in the background as the sisters soar across the sky.

6. So, Jo, could you share with us why you write?

I write because I love stories. It doesn’t matter if it is a story from literature, history, a movie, or a 90-year-old grandpa – a great story is a treasure.

For me, the best part of writing is when I first come up with the plot of a story. The ideas tumble into my head faster than I can type. I live in that world as I write and it is a magical place to be.  

7. Last book you wanted to fling across the room and why?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – because it ended.

8. The world has fallen to a robot invasion and only one heroine/hero can possibly save the day, who do you choose? 

Well, since the Faylinn sisters are busy with their battle in the Fairy Realm, I’ll go with Supergirl. She would take care of those robots in no time at all.

9. Care to tell us about your writing cave (include picture if you want)?

Oh, how I wish I had a writing cave! My cave is wherever in my house I land with my laptop. Now all I can think about is going into the woods and finding a cozy little cave somewhere…

10. Any upcoming projects that you can share with us? 

Yes! I’m currently working on another Wands and Wings book. I have many ideas about this magical world, so I can’t wait to see where the Faylinn sisters take me next!

Thank you so much for your questions, Orchid. You have a fabulous blog and I’m grateful and honored to be included in it.

Jo, thank so much for stopping by and answering some questions. The final Chronicles of Narnia book always leaves me feeling like I want to throw it because I hate that it ended.

Readers, today is your lucky day to win a copy of Jo Malizia's middle grade book Wands and Wings. A big thank you to Ms. Malizia for offering up a copy of her book for a giveaway.

Just fill out the Rafflecopter form (at bottom of post) to enter. Open to US only.

Wands and Wings by Jo Malizia, September 8, 2013.

How does a 12-year-old girl manage life with four sisters, middle school, and being Queen of The Fairy Realm?

Tia Faylinn comes from a long line of Fairy Queens. She and her two younger sisters live a magical life between Earth and The Fairy Realm. But Tia's reign is about to come to an end because she will soon turn 13 - the age a Fairy Queen loses her wand and wings and all knowledge of the Fairies to become fully human.

However, Tia's final days as Queen are not very enchanting. A split that occurred in The Fairy Kingdom 400 years ago produced a bitter descendant who has returned to reclaim the throne.

Queen Tia must now convince her two older teenage sisters to remember they were Fairies so that all five Faylinn sisters can return to The Realm. The girls must rely on their magic, wits, and cheerleading skills to battle the evil queen, Neferria. It's a battle that affects Wishing Stars, Fairy Tales, the Birthday Wishes Bureau, the Department of Fairy Godmothers, and the very essence of life on Earth.

You can add Wands and Wings to your Goodreads shelf.

a Rafflecopter giveaway