Today, I’m asking Laura Taylor Namey a few questions about her writing process and her new book, The Library of Lost things. This Q&A is part of her the Blog Tour hosted by FFBC Tour. This book hit the shelves yesterday (October 8, 2019) and is published by Inkyard Press.

Learn more about the book and check out the giveaway below. Now, let me (re)introduce you to Laura Taylor Namey and let’s hear what she has to say about her newest book.

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Laura Taylor Namey, Author of The Library of Lost Things – Interview

Q1. What inspired you to write this book?

I am a former teacher, and always loved basing many of my lessons on literature of all types. I’ve also always enjoyed writing, and had a knack for it.

About five years ago, I got more serious and decided to teach myself how to write young adult novels by just writing one while reading a few craft books, and taking some online classes. That novel lives in a drawer, but the next book I wrote is THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS.

Q2. What comes first for you – plot or characters?

Character. Always character. I imagine a certain person, and have them quite fleshed out before it’s time to move on to this person’s world, backstory, and the new adventure I’m going to put them in.

Q3. How much time on average do you spend writing a day? Do you need a particular setup?

My writing time depends on what stage I’m in. If I’m drafting, I’ll usually put in about 5-6 hours per day. Editing and revising are more, and I’ve had some 12-16-hour days when I’ve been on deadline. But there is nothing else I’d rather be doing.

I don’t write every single day, but now that it’s debut season, I’m doing something book related nearly all the time, it seems. I prefer working at home, alone, when it’s quiet. But I wrote THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS on planes, trains, and automobiles, too!

Q4. Is there any secrets with your book that you can share with your readers?

Each one of my books has three Easter egg brand items: A leather jacket, a cherry blossom, and at least one bird or something bird related. See if you can find them! Also, pay attention to the acorn on the front…

Q5. Do you have a favorite character? Or one that seems easier to write in your book?

Darcy’s best friend Marisol is my favorite character, and she was the easiest to write because she is a combination of myself and my best friend.

Q6. What books/authors have most influenced your own writing?

I am influenced by Julie Buxbaum, Nicola Yoon, and Markus Zusak.

Q7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love working out (especially power-walking the hills by my house,) doing all things music, hanging out with my family and amazing teens, and spending time with my fabulous friends. I also love traveling. 

Q8. Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I think deep down I always have, but everything clicked about five years ago when I started writing YA seriously.

Thank you so much, Laura Taylor Namey, for taking the time to answer these questions and Happy Belated Publication Day!

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Synopsis

From the moment she first learned to read, literary genius Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. There, she can avoid the crushing reality of her mother’s hoarding and pretend her life is simply ordinary. But when a new property manager becomes more active in the upkeep of their apartment complex, the only home Darcy has ever known outside of her books suddenly hangs in the balance.

While Darcy is struggling to survive beneath the weight of her mother’s compulsive shopping, Asher Fleet, a former teen pilot with an unexpectedly shattered future, walks into the bookstore where she works…and straight into her heart. For the first time in her life, Darcy can’t seem to find the right words. Fairy tales are one thing, but real love makes her want to hide inside her carefully constructed ink-and-paper bomb shelter.

Still, after spending her whole life keeping people out, something about Asher makes Darcy want to open up. But securing her own happily-ever-after will mean she’ll need to stop hiding and start living her own truth—even if it’s messy.

• Author: Laura Taylor Namey
• Publisher: Inkyard Press
• Release Date: October 8, 2019
• Book Length: 384 pages
• Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary – Romance

GOODREADS I AMAZON I BARNES & NOBLE I BOOK DEPOSITORY I ITUNES | KOBO | GOOGLE BOOKS

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About the Author

Laura is a Cuban-American Californian who can be found haunting her favorite coffee shops, drooling over leather jackets, and wishing she was in London or Paris. She lives in San Diego with her husband and two superstar children.

This former teacher writes young adult novels about quirky teens learning to navigate life and love. Her debut, THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS will be published 10/08/19 from Inkyard Press/HarperCollins. Her #ownvoices sophomore project, A CUBAN GIRL’S GUIDE TO SWEATERS AND STARS is coming fall 2020 from Atheneum Simon and Schuster.

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International Giveaway

Prize: Win a copy of THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS by Laura Taylor Namey (INT)

Starts: October 8, 2019 – Finishes: October 22, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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