Character Interview: Juliana Russo of Sad, Brown Eyes

Sarita C. Waldorf: I have some very exciting news! Today I have a special guest interview. I'm pleased to introduce, straight from New Tuscany, Juliana Russo! How are you today, Juliana?

Juliana: I'm great, Sarita. Thanks for having me.

Sarita C. Waldorf: I'm happy you're here. Did you know that you're my first character interview on my blog?

Juliana: Really? I'm honored. Thank you.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Pleasures all mine. I'm excited for my readers to get to know you a little better. So, let's get down to it. First off, how do you pronounce your name?

Juliana: I get this a lot when people read my name. It's Juli-aa-naa.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Beautiful name. I love it. So you live in a world that's completely frozen. Snow all the time. How is it living in such a frozen world?

Juliana: To be honest I don't have an answer. That's all I know. To live in a warm world seems so bizarre.

Sarita C. Waldorf: I can understand that. I'm from Texas so snow is practically foreign to me. Okay the, can you tell me what its like living alongside mechanical animals?

Juliana: The Anichanicals are great! They are quite expensive, though. My father gave me mine for my eighth birthday. I could hardly believe it. When I say they are expensive I mean they are expensive. My father was a wealthy man but... they are expensive.

Sarita C. Waldorf: *laughs* I'm guessing they are expensive. *both share laughter* Tell me more about your parents. What is your relationship with them?

Juliana: My parents disappeared when I was young. I still don't have a clue as to what happened to them. But I loved them. They never told me I could not do something. I loved history and the idea of animals... can you imagine a world with living animals? It is mind boggling. Most kids didn't think twice about them but I did and my parents were proud of my wonder. My father gave me books. Tons of books. I love books.

Sarita C. Waldorf: We share that interest.

Juliana: That's great. Books are my entire life. Books about anything, but my favorite is science. Biology. History. Okay, I don't think I have a favorite. Anyway, I am grateful to have had parents who praised my curiosity, even when it got me into trouble.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Did you even get other kids in trouble?

Juliana: Oh yes. My dear friend Nathaniel was always getting me out of trouble. Not that he didn't like helping cause the trouble.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Are you and he an item?

Juliana: Nathaniel? Oh God no. No, he's my friend. I'm not interested in anyone. My job and hobbies keep me busy.

Sarita C. Waldorf: What is something most people don't know about you?

Juliana: That I secretly write poetry.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Oh really?

Juliana: Most people know I love to study and go on adventures by myself but sometimes when everyone is asleep I like to write random words down. Most of my poems don't even rhyme. I just like putting my thoughts on paper.

Sarita C. Waldorf: That's great. I love words. They bring me peace.

Juliana: Peace and happiness. That's hard to find for me these days. I've had a good life growing up with Nathaniel and his father but it is hard not having parents. It's had not knowing what happened to them.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Have you even tried searching for them?

Juliana: I've never seen another city outside of New Tuscany. I would love to someday travel the world but it's not easy at the moment.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Where would you like to travel?

Juliana: I goodness, there are so many places. I'd say New Paris first. There are so many reasons why but, I mean, it's such a lovely city. Who couldn't want to visit New Paris?

Sarita C. Waldorf: I know I want to visit Paris. I wonder what it's like during the Freeze.

Juliana: My world and your world are very different.

Sarita C. Waldorf: True fact, Juliana. Okay, I have to wrap things up but before you go I have a very important question for you.

Juliana: I'm all ears, Sarita.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Here it is.... What is you favorite color?

Juliana: *giggles* Oh thank you for asking that. This is investigatory work. I'd say my favorite color is green. I love green probably because the world is mostly white and the idea of rolling green hills sparks something in me. Oh yes, I love green.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Thank you for being here, Juliana Russo. This has been a blast.

Juliana: I'm happy I was able to answer your questions for your readers. I love being a part of Sad, Brown Eyes.

Sarita C. Waldorf: Thank you. And thank you, readers, for tuning in and learning more about my character, Juliana. She was a joy to write and I hope you all enjoy reading her story.

                           Juliana Russo Inspiration

Why Sarita C. Waldorf?

Being a writer is hard work. No, I mean like it kind of sucks sometimes. If I had known how difficult it was I probably wouldn't have dreamed of becoming one. When I was a young teenager I wanted to watch the first Harry Potter movie which, at the time, was the only Harry Potter movie. My dad told me I needed to do something else to "stimulate my mind". I was thirteen and wanted to fill of Potter for the week so you can imagine I wasn't to pleased. So, in my passive-aggressive way of getting even I decided to read the book instead! How shocking! I sat in my closet and opened to a random page. That was the moment everything changed for me. I loved the way the words flowed together an dhow it almost felt like a song. It inspired me.

After my first attempt at writing a novel (longhand on loose leaf paper) I learned I had, well, a lot to learn. Fast forward eight years and I'm still learning. I have come a long way. I've read countless books of all kinds, attended book festivals and conventions, written and re-written and RE-written, and have received heartwrenching rejections from agents. By now I would have given up, but I can't.

My current novel I am trying to publish is titled Fitzgerald. I started writing the book from an old journal entry I wrote in my creative writing class. The teacher projected a painting on the screen of a child in a closet with toys lining a shelf. A light shining in the room cast the toys shadows on the wall, making them look like scary monsters. With this picture we were suppose to write a story or poem or anything that inspired us. Never did I think that page and a half journal would one day inspire an entire novel. Things about it have since been tweaked but that's what happens when you're a writer.

The book is a Young Adult take of "the monsters in your closet". In my novel, there are monsters in your closet, just not how you expected. Do you like evil queens, worlds within worlds, mysterious strangers, and sassy side-kicks? If you answered 'yes' to one or more than my book is for you.

I'm not a one trick pony, however. I love writing YA fantasy (all types of fantasy) but I also love Sci-fi. Even though I'm focusing on getting Fitzgerald published that doesn't mean I haven't written other things. I have the classic alien Sci-fi and also Steampunk. I even have a romantic YA book that is my most realistic book to date. Writing is my passion and even though I may not be recognized by the literary world yet that doesn't mean I'm not going to be. My plan is to push on, get noticed, and get published. I'm not even looking for money. I'm wanting to share my talent and have people say, "Now this girl can write!"

If you would like a taste of my writing style before my novel, you can read my novella, Sad, Brown Eyes, here on my blog or on Wattpad. http://www.wattpad.com/story/22263714-sad-brown-eyes.
Thank you so much for your support of me and my work. I hope I can publish my novel soon for you to further enjoy.

An Amazing Year

This has been one amazing year. I finished my novel "Fitzgerald", started searching for an agent, went to a teen book festival, and started a new novel. Nothing has come from my agent search. I expected as much. The life of a writer is a lonely one. Finding publishers is no simple task. I must admit, I had hoped to find an agent this year. Don't most writers feel that way? Our work is flawless so everyone must love it. Well, we gotta get off our high horses quick before we get bucked off. It is a long process. Even so, I won't give up. No matter how long it takes I will be published one day.

On top of all of my writing, I went on a massive Disney vacation. My family and I went to Disney World the week of Halloween. It was beautiful and festive and... come on it was DISNEY!!! You can't go wrong with Disney. The day after Disney World we went on a week long Disney Cruise. The ship, The Disney Fantasy, is drop dead gorgeous. Let me tell you, I never wanted to leave. Disney knows how to keep a girl happy.

The best thing about this year was that I got married on November 22^nd. It poured rain the entire day but I was able to take some amazing pictures despite it all. I mean, not everyone gets to take pictures in the rain on their wedding day. I looked on the bright side during the cloudy day. There were breaks in the rain throughout the day so we could get pictures. All in all, it was a perfect day. For our honeymoon we went to Pigeon Forge, TN. I'd never heard of the place before and expected this...

                                                                           HAHA!!!

But it was so much fun and really beautiful. We also spent a day in Gatlinburg, TN. Christmas decorations were up so the whole area was sparkling and bright, swimming in Christmas cheer. My heart fluttered and I cannot wait to go back someday.

I'm now settled into married life with three dogs and ready to continue writing. I know that 2015 will be filled with even more adventures. Maybe this will be the year I find an agent? Wish me luck! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!!

Texas Teen Book Festival 2014

   This year I was able to attend the Teen Texas Book Festival, formally known as the Austin Teen Book Festival. I went alone so I expected to remain quiet and shy for most of the day. However, I found myself talking with quiet a few people. I was able to open up to readers and writers about all things bookish. Being in a room with people who love what I love was a breath of fresh air.

   I must be honest... that my main goal of the day was to meet James Dashner. For those of you who know me or read my blog posts you know that I am a HUGE DashNERD!!! I showed up early to buy his book, The Rule of Thoughts, and too hear him speak and sign my books. It went better than I could have hoped. I saw at one point at the start of the day that many Dashner fans were asking him for pictures. I'm not the type to go up to strangers and ask for things, but I took a deep breath and asked for a picture. He, of course, was very kind about it and I got my picture. Taking the opportunity, I told him how much I enjoyed his writing. He was beaming, especially since I talked about a book of his other than the famous The Maze Runner.

   Fast forward eight hours, I made it to the front of the extremely long line for him to sign my books and he looked at me and said, “I met you already, right?”

   You can imagine how thrilled I was that he remembered me. ME! Out of 4,000 plus people. I walked away from that place with my head held high, trying not to grin like a mad woman. He pretty much made my entire LIFE!

Those People (Short Story)

I'm not sure why I came. Curiosity, most-likely. I suppose it doesn't matter. All that matters is that I came.

Those people— I can't take my eyes off of them. What was the man with the camera doing here? Was he a tourist, snapping a picture of the little girl in the red hat? His backpack was probably full of overpriced souvenirs and a snack for later. But he had on a green tie. Maybe he was on his way to a meeting to sell his photos to a magazine.

And what of the girl? She seemed to want to climb the ladder along the wall beside her. Did she want to get to me? Another girl her age was rushing by. Were they friends having a play date? Were one of the two women nearby their mothers? Or were the children sisters? I could hear their laughter as they played. Sweet innocents.

A woman was dressed in a black suit, a white blouse to give it dimension. Was she a reporter? Was she on her lunch break? Maybe she was on her way to meet her husband or pick someone up from the airport.

Some of the people I can't see well. Light reflects in my eyes and blurs their images. I imagine they were happy, going about their business. Nothing could harm them. They must've thought that, same as I do.

What had brought about this event? What brought me here now? Had they all agreed to meet? Did they plan to hold themselves down to await their fate? Had someone taken them, forcing them? I stand at the edge and stare at them. They can't see me. Soon they will be gone. Perhaps that fact is why I came.

I reach down and reel back in alarm. Cold. My heart aches for those people. Was it cold then? Had they been frightened? Why was I here? I couldn't help them now.

Blue. It was all blue and blurry. Their faces were morphed, distorted. Their expressions were unreadable. Were they smiling? Screaming? Eyes open in panic or closed in peace? I turn my back on the scene below. I wipe my wet hand on my pant leg, knocking against my gold badge. I'm not sure why I came back. I only know I will solve the mystery.

Writing the Beginning

    There are many writers who have given their advice on how to begin a novel. I have heard great advice and I have heard advice that I think could mess up a story. Writers should write however they please, but it is always helpful to gather other opinions. Writers wonder how to capture a reader's attention straight away. Do you use a prologue? Start from the beginning of the protagonist's life? Once upon a time? How can you make a beginning pop?

    For me, the beginning of the story should start in the middle. Start the story in the middle of the protagonist's life. Whatever they're going through has probably been going on for a while. Maybe a girl its hiding from the cops. Why? Start there. Something must have happened to cause this. Start with the chase. The reader's mind will race, thinking up all the reasons for the cops to be chasing after said girl.

    Think about it. No one's life simply starts. Even if the story is about a baby. Well... who are the parents? What makes this baby so special? The story wouldn't start with the back story of the mom and dad. That isn't important. That would be a snooze-fest for the reader. The story is about the baby, so start with the baby. Start with the mother going through labor. Throw the reader into a dramatic birth. The agony, the stress. Maybe she won't stop bleeding or the baby is breech. That is the beginning that will make the reader's heart ache. In the back of the writer's mind they will know who the parents are and maybe something in their life will come forward later in the story. Save that.

    Beginnings don't have to be scary. I think writing the beginning is the funnest part. That is the start of a new world. New characters. It is the beginning that expands the imagination. Just start. The story will flow from fingertips to paper. Starting from the middle works for all types of writing. Novels, short stories, poems, even lyrics. Start in the middle and the rest will fall into place. 

Find Your Next Favorite Book

I have done a lot of reading and I plan on doing a lot more of it. If you're trying to find your next favorite book here are some that I've read that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone else should too!

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

This is one of my all time favorite books. Don't get discouraged if you start reading it and feel like you don't have a CLUE what's going on. You're not suppose too. The protagonist is thrown into a bizarre place with no memory if himself besides his name. If he has no clue why should the reader? This book starts with your mind racing and it doesn't stop. In fact, there are two other books after it that add more hills and valleys to the epic roller coaster that is The Maze Runner.

The Name of the Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

This books is as crazy as the title sounds. It's a book for younger readers but don't let that stop you. This book and the books that follow take you on what I would call a "participation read". The author (who remains anonymous for your own safety) begs you not to read the books. The Secret is too dangerous! And yet, he can't keep a secret. So... don't you wanna know what the Secret is?

The Transall Saga by Gary Paulsen

Oh... this book. This amazing book. My fifth grade teacher read this to my class and I was captivated. I purchased my own copy —er... my mom did— and since then I've read it, skimmed it, told anyone who would listen about it, and it still makes me smile. Imagine a thirteen-year-old boy falling into a blue light and ending up in a strange land full of odd people and animals. His life is thrown upside down and you are on your toes page after page. It's fantastic!

Dragon and Thief by Timothy Zahn

There are six books total in the Dragonback Adventure series. The first, Dragon and Thief, was given to me by a girl in my church. She said she thought I was someone who would enjoy it. It didn't seem like something I would normally pick up, but I thanked her and.. well.. it was a book! I would never pass up a book. It took a few days but soon I forced myself to pick it up. Long story short, I needed to read the rest! The SF epicness is... EPIC! A boy is framed and needs help from a symbiotic dragon like alien to clear his name. The feels this book gives are numerous.

Existence by Abbi Glines

This book is short but fun. It's a corny teen romance. Girl loves dead boy. Actually, the boy is Death. As in the Grim Reaper Death. The protagonist can see ghosts and… well... Death falls in love with her. It's just a fun story to read though while waiting for other books to come out or on long drives. A book to veg out with.

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

This is a different book than what I normally read. It's a romance. There are five books and each one is from the view point of four sisters and one brother in the Hathaway family. The books are romantic, jaw dropping, exciting, and suspenseful. I recommend them all if you like romances.

These are only a few of the many, many books I've read. All of them hold a special place in my heart. However, there is still room for more. This next list are books that I am planning —itching— to read. I don't know too much about each book for fear of spoilers. What I do know I love and that is what drew me to them in the first place.

The Eye of Minds by James Dashner

Another book by James Dashner. This is the start of a new trilogy. I admit I first wanted to read it simply because it's another Dashner book. However, I started reading the first few pages at the end of another one of his books and I'm hooked already. Due to lack of time in my schedule I have yet to read it all the way, but it is waiting on my shelf and I plan to start it by October. I'm so excited!

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

I am a huge Peter Pan fan, so when I stumbled upon this in the bookstore I did a double take. It's a twist on the Peter Pan story. Basically before Peter meets Wendy he knew Tiger Lily. This is about their relationship and I'm assuming their love story. Different and worth a read.

The Girl With the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

I'm starting to really enjoy Steampunk. Everything about it is fun and imaginative. This book is full of that. From what I understand, a girl is kidnapped and used to help resurrect the protagonists' archenemy. It seems to be a fast-paced, even romantic story. I want to fall into that world.

Landry Park by Bethany Hagen

I was waiting in the airport one day and wandered into the bookstore. Many books caught my eye but this one stole the attention. This follows a young teenage girl and her rich, almost royal life. This life, however, isn't the life she wants. Her family expect one thing from her even though she'd rather do the opposite. The book has rebellion, romance, and questions the protagonist on her values. I'm highly interested.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

This book has been out for quite some time. There are three others that follow. I'd seen it before but it's only been recently that I've paid attention to it. In the story, most of the girls want to be selected to compete for the prince's hand. The protagonist dreads it. The story shows the world of a common life and a world of glittering jewels. I'm excited to read it and learn the entire story.

I hope you've discovered a book you never knew about or agree with the books I have read and plan to read. We can all relate to each other through books and that is the greatest feeling. What are your favorites?