Brummet’s Conscious Blog

Thank you Lillian for hosting the author Lee Bice-Matheson and her book Wake Me Up Inside on your blog. Truly appreciated. Check out Lillian’s blog at: http://www.consciousdiscussions.blogspot.ca/2013/01/world-of-writing-interview.html

BRUMMET CONSCIOUS BLOG INTERVIEW: Children’s Authors

When you started your book, did you plan on writing it as a series, or did it just grow into one? I knew from the beginning it was going to be at least a trilogy. I’ve had many readers write to me directly and say how happy they are it’s a trilogy, but wish it was a series. So I go back and forth on this.

What age group did you write for? Primarily young tweens/teens between the ages of 12-17 but I am surprised at how many people of all ages are reading Wake Me Up Inside.

Why did you write for this particular age group? I feel teens have a rough time figuring out their lives, how to act, who to trust, how to stand up for themselves. I remember it very well! It is not an easy time of life as one is pulling away from parents and trying to become more independent. Choosing new friends can be great or go terribly wrong, depending on shared morals and values. Peer pressure and bullying are rampant and I am pro anti-bullying. The teen heroine, Paige Maddison, does not allow anyone to bully her, for long!

Did you find it difficult to choose the right language, images and writing style for reaching this age group? I seemed to have a knack for writing teen lingo. Seriously though, I have my son and his friends to thank for that. Many teens congregated in our home and I could not help but overhear their conversations. I would also ask our son, Justin, for some of the teen slang and IM words. I feel I am a teen at heart.

How do you plan to promote this book (or series)? I had a book signing in my hometown of Sarnia. It was well attended – just shy of 100 people. From there, I have sold it to bookstores in Sarnia, London, Toronto and Orillia. I sponsored a Halloween party in a haunted house (with my husband) at the Orillia Opera House, on October 31st! 25 teens attended and received a free copy of my book, generously donated by the Kiwanis Club of Orillia. I also performed a reading at the Orillia Public Library and there were 25 people in attendance, the most they’ve had for this kind of event. I just received a glowing review on Allbooks Review International so I share all of this information on my website and facebook pages. And on blogs, like yours 🙂

Is there anything in your book that is based on a real life experience? Yes, I believe all writers have bits and pieces of themselves in their writing. Paige is a part of me,especially the fact that she does not let others mistreat her. She stands up for herself but does it from a place of love.

Why did you feel this book needed to be written? Wake Me Up Inside was written for both genders and it is an homage to those individuals that need to read an empowering, inspirational story to help them in their day to day challenges everyone experiences, at one time or another. Thank you, Lillian, for guest hosting me on Brummet’s Conscious Blog.