Blog Tour: Interview with Shannon Duffy, Author of Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta

Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta by Shannon Duffy
February 12, 2013 
Month9Books

Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta is a magical, fast-paced story that takes readers on a journey they won’t soon forget. It has enough mystery, intrigue and wonder to keep readers up, lamp lit, and reading into the night.

Month9Books, a new publisher of speculative fiction for teens and tweens, launches its inaugural list on January 1, 2013 with the release of Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta, a middle grade title from Canadian author, Shannon Duffy, whose first title, a young adult paranormal romance, Spectral, was published in April 2012 from Tribute Books.

Gabriel Stone is a twelve-year-old boy still reeling from the unsolved disappearance of his mother. With a dad who’s hard to relate to, and mounting pressures at school, Gabriel lets off steam by hiking in the place where his mother was last seen. There, Gabe and friends find a crystal that proves not only beautiful, but magical beyond their wildest dreams. Only, magic and beauty come with a price: in order to return home, they must save the dying world of Valta.

Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta is perfect for the classroom. Reading and Teacher Guides are available. Contact Caroline Patty at: educationm9b@gmail.com to request guides. Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta also makes a great gift for readers ages 9 and up who enjoy fantasy stories like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Bridge to Terabithia.

1. Tell us 5 interesting facts about you?

Well, I don't know if they're interesting, but okay I'll try.  

1. I'm originally from the most eastern province in Canada called Newfoundland. It's an island and was a cool place to grow up. Interesting fact: Sadly the Titanic sank about 350 miles southeast of Newfoundland.  

2. When I was little I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. Still love them so much!  

3. I worked as a nurse in the geriatric field before starting to write.  

4. I once took belly dancing lessons.  

5. I love animals so much that I've owned a cat, several dogs, birds, and horses at one time. Right now I have three dogs. I have two German Shepherds and a tiny Yorkshire Terrier.

2. Describe your book in one sentence?

Twelve year old Gabriel Stone never imagined anything affecting him after the disappearance of his mother, but then he discovers a magical crystal, one that unlocks a portal into a parallel world...and a secret that will change his life forever.

3. How did you come up with the idea of Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta, what inspired you?

I think reading a lot of books as a kid. Then it was like the idea found me. When I decided to write a book for my son, it was like the idea was just "there."

4. What do you believe is the most important element in a book?

Tension. If there's nothing to propel the reader forward, you'll lose them.

5. What are you currently reading and what are you reading next?

I just finished reading Hopeless by Colleen Hoover, and I'm about to read Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.

6. What was the hardest part about creating your book?

Well, I think the hardest part was getting the word count down to a good number. When I started writing the story, I didn't think about that very important aspect since I was a newbie. So, after I had to pull out the trusty word sword several times. LOL

7. What was the most enjoyable?

The most enjoyable part of creating the story was being able to write my son and my nephew (who are best friends in real life), into the story, and to just let my imagination go wild!

8. Any advice for aspiring writers?

Be patient and don't give up if writing is something you love. Read a lot, take writing courses, find a couple of critique partners, and always have fun with it.

9. Random Question: Who is your favourite superhero and why?

I have to say Thor, the God of thunder. Now that could totally be because of the actor who plays Thor in the movie, *grins*, but hey with that hammer that gives him almost absolute control over space and time coupled with the way he looks, I'm sold.

About the Author:

Shannon Duffy grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada, and now lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and son, Gabriel. She’s mom to one boy, and several pets. Shannon loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions: shopping. Shannon Duffy is available for quotes, signings, video or podcast appearances, and all opportunities relative to Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta.

Gabriel Stone and the Wrath of the Solarian, Book 2 in the Gabriel Stone series will be available from Month9Books in February 2014!

Check out the rest of the blog tour:

February 11- Mundie Kids
February 12- I’m a Reader, Not a Writer
February 13- Wonderful Bookshelf of Jaz
February 14- Fantasy’s Ink
February 15- Rose Garcia Books
February 16- I Write For Apples
February 17- Starting the Next Chapter
February 18- Bookshelf Banter
February 19- Mad Musings of Mastermind
February 20- Moosubi Reviews
February 21- Writer’s Alley
February 22- Jeanz Book Read N Review