Magnolia Lake

March 18, 2016

I’m pleased to welcome Emily Paige Skeen to Embrace Adventure today. Let’s get to know Emily and learn a little more about her young adult novel, Magnolia Lake.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Kim! I’m excited to share a little about myself with you and your readers.

Please tell us a bit about your latest book.

My debut novel, Magnolia Lake, was just released on March 11. (Yay!) It follows high school senior Cora Stephens through her personal trials - everything from typical teenage drama to being kidnapped from the mall. As Cora’s world crashes down around her, she begins to lose faith in God and humanity. Magnolia Lake tells the story of her journey back to happiness.

Which is your favorite character, and why?

Definitely Landon! He’s just the ultimate “perfect boyfriend” type. He’s loyal, caring, romantic, funny, and sensitive. But he’s also athletic, so he never comes across as weak.

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

I’m able to write easily in the Young Adult genre because I can really put myself back into my own younger years. I can still feel the heartache, the joy, the overwhelming emotion of a teenager.

I think the teen years are vital in forming the people we become as adults. The relationships, failures, and successes of those days stay with us forever - for some people more than others. Personally, I’ve always felt a strong connection with that time of my life, and that connection gives me a passion for working to inspire young people.

Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

I’ve always loved to read! For as long as I can remember, I’ve gotten a thrill from losing myself in a good book. Stories have so impacted my life that, as a child, I would constantly imagine various scenarios and act them out - even past the age of having imaginary friends (as embarrassing as that is to admit!).

My family and friends would probably tell you I’m a bit of a drama queen. Although my dramatics have calmed down significantly as I’ve gotten older and had children of my own, I think that personality trait strongly influences my writing. It allows me to really create.

What do you like to read in your free time?

I really enjoy all kinds of novels. But if I had to choose, romantic suspense - both contemporary and historical - would probably be my favorite. I do love the occasional vampire story, though. I’m a HUGE Twi-hard! (And yes, I admit it!)

What projects are you working on at the present?

Currently, I’m working on short stories for two of Prism Book Group’s anthologies. The first is part of the “Christmas Cowboys” series. It follows a newly divorced woman as she attempts to run the ranch she inherited from her abusive ex-husband.

The second, part of the “Love Is” series, tells the story of Scarlett and Aiden as they navigate through the trials of marriage after losing their unborn child.

I also have a couple of things in the works for my next full-length novel, but nothing is set in stone yet. I’m so excited to get my career going and I have so many ideas, that I often have to tell myself to take one thing at a time!

Buy Links:

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback

Nook

Bio:

Born and raised in a small Georgia town, Emily Paige Skeen takes from her own life experiences to create real, relatable characters for her novels. She loves to intertwine small-town charm with deep emotion and intrigue, creating stories that inspire readers.

When she’s not writing or chasing after her two youngsters - both under the age of five - you can find Emily reading, soaking up the sun whenever possible, or shopping. She, her husband, and their kids make their home in a tiny little town an hour south of Atlanta, on a five-acre plot of land right off a bumpy red-dirt road. Emily loves to sit and listen as the ever-present crickets and frogs perform their harmonious concerts in the still, quiet evening hours.

Writing has always been Emily’s passion, ever since she crafted her first sloppily hand-written story plastered over spiral notebook paper at the emotionally-charged age of thirteen. Now, she strives to encourage and inspire girls and young women with her writing. She believes that with a little bit of faith and a whole lot of love, anything’s possible.