Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Across the Bridge of Ice by Ruth Fox Interview & Giveaway






Across the Bridge of Ice
The Bridges Trilogy
Book Two
Ruth Fox
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Hague Publishing
Date of Publication: 31 January 2015
ISBN: 9780987265296
ASIN: B00Q20I4YQ
Number of pages: 175 pages
Word Count: 55,000
Cover Artist: Ruth Fox

Book Description:



In 'The City of Silver Light', Keira Leichman spent the night lost in a wild snowstorm that struck Cassidy Heights. But what really happened that night? Not even Keira can be sure. What she does know is that she's been having strange dreams since the accident, and now she's stuck with a broken ankle and the possibility of never playing soccer again. That is, until she finds Jake's telescope, and is drawn across the Bridge of Ice to Shar.

Now Keira is marooned in the City of Silver Light with Daniel, Jake’s younger brother, with no way to get home. But that is the least of their worries, for the secrets they discover in Shar are more dangerous than Kiera could ever have imagined. And the fate of both their worlds are in their hands.


About the Author:



Ruth completed a Bachelor of Arts/Diploma of Arts in Professional Writing and Editing in 2006. Her other published works include “Monster-boy: The Lair of the Grelgoroth”, Book 1 of the Monster-boy Series, and “Sand Dog”, an illustrated picture book for younger readers. Both are available from Amazon.com.

Ruth has been an avid reader her entire life and, inspired by the books that engrossed her as she was growing up, she aims to create stories that can draw readers in and enthral them for days or weeks. She writes every day and lives in Ballarat, Victoria, with her partner, her cat, and an ever-expanding library of books.

Interview
Where are you from?
I was born in Ballarat, a city in Victoria, Australia. I’ve lived here all my life.
Tell us your latest news?
‘Across the Bridge of Ice’, the second book in The Bridges Trilogy, has just been released! I’m so excited to continue to tell this story.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started putting down stories when I was twelve. I’ve always loved to read, and since I have an over-active imagination, writing books of my own was inevitable!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Even though I was writing these stories at an early age, I still didn’t think of seriously becoming a writer. It seemed like an utterly unattainable goal! Instead I decided to be a fighter pilot, a dollmaker, a photo-journalist, and finally, a graphic designer. It wasn’t until I unsuccessfully applied to university for graphics that I considered writing as a viable option as my second choice. It just so turned out that the University course in writing and media was the best choice I ever made. I know now I would never have been happy if I’d followed the path I initially set for myself.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve been inspired by everything I’ve ever read, seen, watched, or talked about. The human mind is an incredible machine, capable of processing so much information and spitting out wonderful ideas! My first book was inspired by a picture I had in my head of a beautiful girl lying in the grass, her eyes closed, her origins unknown. The story grew around this.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I strive to capture specific feelings and create realistic characters that resonate with the reader.
How did you come up with the title?
Titles are tricky things. Sometimes I write an entire book before I decide what it’s called, and this one was no exception. I wanted something that suggested a journey, because that’s exactly what happens. The draft versions were called ‘City Book 2’ until it was completed, but once it was, the perfect title just popped into my head.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There are definitely allegorical messages in this book. There is a strong message about the environment and the precarious balances we are responsible for, which is something that’s very close to my heart. Keira also faces some difficult issues, such as dealing with death, the tricky subject of euthanasia, and discovering her true purpose in life. I think it is great for us, as human beings, to look around at this world, our world, and be appreciative of what we have – but, that being said, this is an adventure story. I want people to enjoy reading the book more than anything else.
How much of the book is realistic?
We’re definitely facing the issue of climate change! That forms a major part of the underlying story of this trilogy.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I sympathise with Keira! She is completely my opposite, being confident and outgoing and talkative, but I think she’s someone I wish I could be! But she also hates being trapped, or ill, which are also qualities I identify with – having an extended stay in hospital when I was younger, I can’t stand being ill or being stuck inside or in bed.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Definitely ‘The Hobbit’. My mum read this to me and my brother when we were children, and it started it all. When I was older, I started to read more and more fantasy and science fiction – one of the most memorable is Ian Irvine’s ‘The View from the Mirror’. These are deliciously thick books full of unique characters and descriptions of fantastic worlds that kept the 13-year-old me engrossed for many months.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Sally Odgers, undoubtedly. She has helped me so much! I’ve always been a fan of her work, and she continues to be an invaluable resource!
What book are you reading now?
Call me crazy, but I never read just one book. There are too many good books out there to only read one at a time! Currently I’m re-reading ‘Grim Tuesday’ by Garth Nix, ‘The Coming of the Whirlpool’ by Andrew McGahon, and ‘The Miniaturist’ by Jessie Burton.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I’ve just discovered a book called ‘Withering-by-Sea’ by Judith Rossell. I loved this book!
What are your current projects?
Currently I’m working on a comic series with my husband, called ‘Outbreak’. You can view it for free at http://www.sinars-studios.com/outbreak.php
I have a number of other projects in the works, and you can stay up-to-date via my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RuthFoxAuthorandArtist
What would you like my readers to know?

Thank you for reading this interview! And a huge thank you to Deal Sharing Aunt! 

Twitter: @_ruthfox_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthFoxAuthorandArtist
Website: http://thewordsandpictures.com/

5 copies of the eBook, The City of Silver Light, Book 1 in The Bridges Trilogy


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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