About the Book:
Title:
Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series,
Book 1)
Author: Christi J. Whitney
Publisher: HarperCollins/HarperVoyager
Pages: 400
Genre: Young Adult (Urban Fantasy)
Format: Paperback/Kindle
Author: Christi J. Whitney
Publisher: HarperCollins/HarperVoyager
Pages: 400
Genre: Young Adult (Urban Fantasy)
Format: Paperback/Kindle
Sebastian Grey always thought he was a
fairly normal teenager – good friends, decent grades, and a pretty sweet job in
his foster brother’s tattoo shop.
But when strangers arrive in town,
Sebastian soon realizes that his world is nothing at all what it seemed.
Secretive gypsies surround him, shadowy figures stalk him, and the girl he’s
been dreaming about turns up at school.
Now Sebastian must protect this girl at
all costs, even if it means he will never be normal again.
For More Information
- Grey is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
- Get it for your Nook at Barnes & Noble.
- Discuss this book at PUYB
Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
- Watch the book trailer here.
- Read Chapter One here.
‘Sebastian!’
I hear my name, but I can’t answer. I’m trapped by the image in my head.
It flashes again.
Rainbow-scorched leaves. Gypsy music.
Caravans of faded paint.
‘Sebastian Grey!’
Dark and nothing.
I struggled for words. ‘Yes, sir?’
Are you joining this group or not? I need to get a list . . . ’
Another flash.
Bonfires. Starless night.
A girl dancing. Ribbons in her hair.
‘For the last time, Mr Grey, wake up!’
My mind ripped free. I jolted, launching papers into orbit. For a split
second, I wasn’t convinced of my surroundings. Then, as fluorescent lights
bored through my skull, it hit me.
I was in the middle of class.
And twenty-five pairs of eyes were staring straight at me.
All my school supplies littered the floor – textbooks, papers, colored
index cards. Everything except the pencil that I’d somehow snapped between my
fingers. I coughed and hunkered in my seat. Across the aisle, Avery leaned
sideways in his desk, giving me the look I’d seen way too many times: the one
that questioned my sanity.
About the Author
Christi J. Whitney is a former high school
theatre director with a love for the arts. She lives just outside Atlanta with
her husband and two sons. When not spending time with them or taking a
ridiculous number of trips to Disney World, she can be found directing plays,
making costumes for sci-fi/fantasy conventions, obsessing over Doctor Who,
watching superhero movies, or pretending she’s just a tad bit British.
Her latest book is the young adult urban
fantasy novel, Grey
(The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1).
For
More Information
- Visit Christi J. Whitney’s
website.
- Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.
- Find out more about
Christi at Goodreads.
- Visit Christi’s blog.
- Contact Christi.
Interview:
Where are you from?
I’m from Atlanta, from a great suburb just north of the city. I love living here because we’re close to so many things, yet it’s easy to get away from it all as well.
Tell us your latest news?
Of course! My debut YA novel just came out digitally on April 30 with HarperVoyagerUK – the global science fiction and fantasy imprint of HarperCollins. Grey is an urban fantasy, the first in a series. It follows the story of eighteen-year-old Sebastian who is pulled into a hidden world of Outcast Gypsies, guarded secrets, and a mysterious girl.
When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote frequently growing up, but it wasn’t until 2009 that I really decided to set out and finish an entire book. There were so many stories in my head, and I just had to finally get one out on paper.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably when I received my first rejection. Granted, I defined myself as a terrible writer, but I think that’s the first time I actually used the word. I would tell people I wrote stories before that, but to say I was a “real” writer made me feel uncomfortable. I believe that continued on with the additional title of author. We creative types sometimes have huge self esteem issues.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Oh goodness, I’ve always wanted to write books like this. I absolutely love fantasy, especially the idea of magical or unearthly things existing right within our normal world. I’ve always been drawn to stories about the underdog, the average Joe, or the sidekick—the person you wouldn’t normally peg as the hero or the typical leading man/woman.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I’m sure my critique partners would tell you that I do. Sometimes it’s more difficult to see something like that in your own writing. I do enjoy dialogue. It comes a bit easier for me than description. I tend to be wordy, and I have to edit myself quite a lot. I also have a natural inclination to write in first-person. I like the intimacy of literally being in my character’s head, though I’m focusing on third person in my other projects.
How did you come up with the title?
Grey is the main character’s surname, but it also refers to the entire situation he finds himself in throughout the course of the novel.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
If anything, I believe Grey brings to mind the old adage of not judging a book by its cover. We all have hidden depths, and it’s important to embrace who we are and to find our place in the world.
How much of the book is realistic?
Well, as an urban fantasy, I felt Grey needed to have a believable setting. The town of Sixes is based off several places I know personally.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
My time as a high school teacher definitely helped to shape a portion of Grey, and there are a few characters that were directly influenced by particular people I knew. Others were sparked from bits and pieces of the world around me. The main character Sebastian isn’t based on anyone in particular, but rather is a culmination of many types of characters I’ve loved and related to my entire life.
What books have most influenced your life most?
The Chronicles of Narnia will always have a special place in my heart. Those books were my gateway into the stunning world of fantasy when I was a child.
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy fanned the flame. But I also loved adventure and mystery growing up. Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes were some of my favorite characters. Outside of my writing career, I’d say Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life had a huge influence on my spiritual life.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Oh, that’s a crazy difficult question! There’s really not just one, but I’ll pick C.S. Lewis this time around. His life story is as inspiring as his books.
What book are you reading now?
I just started Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, thanks to a friend of mine who is a fellow sci-fi and fantasy geek. He reads like nobody’s business, so I take his recommendations seriously!
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
There are several debut authors among the HarperVoyager list that I’m very interested in reading as soon as I come out of my writing hovel, and Francesca Haig’s The Fire Sermon looks pretty amazing.
What are your current projects?
Grey is the first installment of The Romany Outcasts Series, so I’m busily editing the second book now. I’ve also just started another project, which is a bit more sci-fi.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members?
Oh, without a doubt, my fantastic critique group. They provide such great encouragement but also some vital accountability to me as a writer.
What would you like my readers to know?
Grey was so much fun to write, and a lot of research went into the series as a whole, something that becomes more evident as the story progresses. But if it hadn’t been for a handful of sweet and encouraging students, I don’t think it ever would’ve happened. They made sure I kept at it, and several even read chapters and made notes for me. Because of them, I have a finished work going out into the world. For anyone aspiring to be a writer, find people willing to go on the journey with you. Find a critique group who will make you better. Don’t go at it alone, and don’t give up!
I’m from Atlanta, from a great suburb just north of the city. I love living here because we’re close to so many things, yet it’s easy to get away from it all as well.
Tell us your latest news?
Of course! My debut YA novel just came out digitally on April 30 with HarperVoyagerUK – the global science fiction and fantasy imprint of HarperCollins. Grey is an urban fantasy, the first in a series. It follows the story of eighteen-year-old Sebastian who is pulled into a hidden world of Outcast Gypsies, guarded secrets, and a mysterious girl.
When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote frequently growing up, but it wasn’t until 2009 that I really decided to set out and finish an entire book. There were so many stories in my head, and I just had to finally get one out on paper.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably when I received my first rejection. Granted, I defined myself as a terrible writer, but I think that’s the first time I actually used the word. I would tell people I wrote stories before that, but to say I was a “real” writer made me feel uncomfortable. I believe that continued on with the additional title of author. We creative types sometimes have huge self esteem issues.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Oh goodness, I’ve always wanted to write books like this. I absolutely love fantasy, especially the idea of magical or unearthly things existing right within our normal world. I’ve always been drawn to stories about the underdog, the average Joe, or the sidekick—the person you wouldn’t normally peg as the hero or the typical leading man/woman.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I’m sure my critique partners would tell you that I do. Sometimes it’s more difficult to see something like that in your own writing. I do enjoy dialogue. It comes a bit easier for me than description. I tend to be wordy, and I have to edit myself quite a lot. I also have a natural inclination to write in first-person. I like the intimacy of literally being in my character’s head, though I’m focusing on third person in my other projects.
How did you come up with the title?
Grey is the main character’s surname, but it also refers to the entire situation he finds himself in throughout the course of the novel.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
If anything, I believe Grey brings to mind the old adage of not judging a book by its cover. We all have hidden depths, and it’s important to embrace who we are and to find our place in the world.
How much of the book is realistic?
Well, as an urban fantasy, I felt Grey needed to have a believable setting. The town of Sixes is based off several places I know personally.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
My time as a high school teacher definitely helped to shape a portion of Grey, and there are a few characters that were directly influenced by particular people I knew. Others were sparked from bits and pieces of the world around me. The main character Sebastian isn’t based on anyone in particular, but rather is a culmination of many types of characters I’ve loved and related to my entire life.
What books have most influenced your life most?
The Chronicles of Narnia will always have a special place in my heart. Those books were my gateway into the stunning world of fantasy when I was a child.
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy fanned the flame. But I also loved adventure and mystery growing up. Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes were some of my favorite characters. Outside of my writing career, I’d say Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life had a huge influence on my spiritual life.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Oh, that’s a crazy difficult question! There’s really not just one, but I’ll pick C.S. Lewis this time around. His life story is as inspiring as his books.
What book are you reading now?
I just started Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, thanks to a friend of mine who is a fellow sci-fi and fantasy geek. He reads like nobody’s business, so I take his recommendations seriously!
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
There are several debut authors among the HarperVoyager list that I’m very interested in reading as soon as I come out of my writing hovel, and Francesca Haig’s The Fire Sermon looks pretty amazing.
What are your current projects?
Grey is the first installment of The Romany Outcasts Series, so I’m busily editing the second book now. I’ve also just started another project, which is a bit more sci-fi.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members?
Oh, without a doubt, my fantastic critique group. They provide such great encouragement but also some vital accountability to me as a writer.
What would you like my readers to know?
Grey was so much fun to write, and a lot of research went into the series as a whole, something that becomes more evident as the story progresses. But if it hadn’t been for a handful of sweet and encouraging students, I don’t think it ever would’ve happened. They made sure I kept at it, and several even read chapters and made notes for me. Because of them, I have a finished work going out into the world. For anyone aspiring to be a writer, find people willing to go on the journey with you. Find a critique group who will make you better. Don’t go at it alone, and don’t give up!
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