Krista McGee | Featured YA Author

PLUS enter to win a signed copy of Revolutionary!

So last summer I picked up Anomaly by Krista McGee. I was really on a Dystopian streak so when I had the opportunity to review Anomaly it was a no-brainer. Krista quickly became one of my new favorite authors. I absorbed Starring Me within a few days and anxiously awaited the next two books in the Anomaly trilogy, Luminary and Revolutionary. (First Date and Right Where I Belong are on my TBR list as well. To see all the books on my list follow me on Goodreads.)

I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when I contacted Krista and she not only responded quickly AND agreed to be featured on my blog this month, but she has also graciously offered her latest release in a giveaway! Keep reading to learn how YOU can win a signed copy of Revolutionary.

So, without further adieu, it is my honor and privelege to introduce you to this week’s featured YA author, Krista McGee!

About Krista McGee…

When Krista McGee isn’t living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher, and coffee snob. She is also the author of First Date, Starring Me, and Right Where I Belong.

You can learn more about Krista by visiting her website and blog at  www.kristamcgeebooks.com or by connecting with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Anomaly | Luminary | Revolutionary – A Trilogy in Review…

The Anomaly trilogy really kept me on my toes. Krista continued to surprise me at every turn. For those of you who don’t know, Anomaly follows a teenage girl name Thalli. She is an anomaly, born with emotion. Thalli feels things her other podmates don’t. And that makes her dangerous. Especially to one Dr. Loudin, the man who thinks he has the power to play god.

Throughout the series, Thalli learns about love, sacrifice and most importantly, she learns about the Designer, the One who created her. Though she faces many trials, Thalli learns to trust the Designer and to overcome her fears. She falls and love and finds out she is fearfully and wonderfully made–a beautiful Anomaly, just as she should be.

I must admit, Luminary (book 2) was probably my favorite. I don’t know what it is about 2nd books, but for some reason, more often than not, a second book in a series ends up being my fave. Maybe it’s because by then I love the characters, but am not far enough along where I have to say goodbye to them. I will say, however, that Revolutionary (book 3) was my favorite cover. The entire read had me wondering what in the world the water on the front was! Don’t worry, I’m not telling. You’ll have to read it for yourself.

Top Three Reasons to read Anomaly, Luminary and Revolutionary…

A) It’s Dystopian fiction written from a Christian worldview. In other words, the Anomaly trilogy is CLEAN! There are a few kisses, all of which are completely tasteful and well-written. I love the fact that I can share this series with my girls during their teen years. The Anomaly trilogy is Mom Approved!

B) Krista’s writing is phenomenal. Her descriptions are beautiful and vivid. Her dialogue is fast-paced and relevant. All 5 senses were ignited throughout the series. I saw what Thalli saw and felt what she felt. I was confused with her when she had tough decisions to make, and I cried with her over the loss of loved ones, especially at the end of Revolutionary. Her characters are real and three-dimensional. As an author, Krista hasn’t disappointed me yet.

C) Finally, I loved the world Krista built in this series. With so much Dystopian YA on the market today, it can be hard to find something new and unique. I guarantee you are getting that with this series. From the underground world of the State to the modern day Rome of Athens, Texas, Thalli’s world jumps right of the page, drawing you in and making you a part of her generation.

Q&A with Krista McGee…

You asked the questions and Krista answered! Read on to see if your question was featured in this week’s interview. Don’t see yours? I have plenty of interviews coming up. Just send me your questions via the form on my contact page.

Avery, age 14, asks, “What is your favorite movie based on a book?”

I wish I was smart enough to add music to this answer, because if I was, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” would be playing right now. I LOOOOOVE “The Wizard of Oz,” based on the books by L. Frank Baum. A musical based on a book??? Perfection!

Marin, age 11, asks, “Who is your favorite character from Frozen and why?”

I love Olaf. I want to be his best friend. We would sing together at the top of our lungs and drink hot chocolate and lay out at the beach – while he stayed safely in a cooler, of course, because I DO know what happens in summer!

Maxie asks, “At what age was your first book published and how many do you have out now?”

I was 37 when my first book was published (First Date, 2012). Revolutionary is my 6th book.

Chelsea, age 17, asks, “How long does it take for a book to be published after you get a publisher?”

Great question, Chelsea! It takes about a year. For example, I was accepted with Thomas Nelson Publishers in the fall of 2010, but my first book didn’t come out until January 2012. First, it went through two major edits, then one minor edit, then proofreading. THEN, the design department created a cover and the marketing department began to promote it. Finally, it was printed and taken to bookstores or placed online as an eBook.

Jessica asks, “Do all authors have agents? How does an author get an agent?”

Excellent question, Jessica. I don’t believe ALL authors have agents, but most of us do. I found my agent through the Christian Writer’s Market Guide – that is a great resource, updated every year, with info about agents and publishers and even helpful tips on how to find agents and publishers. Another way to find an agent is to attend writer’s conferences. There are many around the country, but the largest is the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Conference.

Megan, age 13, asks, “What is your favorite book?”

Oh, man, Megan! That’s a tough question. It’s probably a tie between Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and CS Lewis’ Till We Have Faces.

Noelle, age 11, asks,”I like to write. What can I do now to be a better writer?”

You are already doing it, Noelle! The best way to improve your writing is by writing. Write all the time about anything. Don’t worry about whether it’s “great” – just write. Writing is like exercise – the more you do it, the easier it gets and the better shape you are in. Also, Jill Williamson has a great book, Go Teen Writers, as well as a blog, that helps aspiring writers like yourself reach your goals. Those are worth checking out.

Thanks, Krista McGee! It has been a pleasure to have you on the blog today!

Enter to win a signed copy of Revolutionary by Krista McGee!

This is my favorite part. Thanks to the awesomeness that is Krista McGee, I get to offer a signed copy of the third book in the Anomaly trilogy, Revolutionary, to one of you, my faithful readers.

You know the drill. Enter via the Rafflecopter through Thursday, July 31st. One random winner will be chosen and announced in my August newsletter (so be sure to sign up via the form on the bottom right of this blog). Also be sure to leave a comment for Krista below. Until then, happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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