My name is Andrea Buginsky. I have enjoyed writing since I was a kid. When I got to college, I decided to turn it into a career, and earned my BA in Journalism. I have been freelance writing for several years now.
I have always wanted to write a book, and decided I wanted to write for children. I love fantasy movies like "The Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter," so I decided to try my hand at writing one of my own. I am very excited to announce my first publication, "The Chosen," a young adult fantasy I worked on for about three years.What motivates Andrea Buginsky the author? Why do you write?
I write because I feel a need to. I’ve heard other writers say this before, and I understand what they’re saying. Now, I’m not one of those writers that write from morning to night, but sometimes, I’ll just feel this pull inside of me, and I know it’s a story that wants to come out somehow. Sometimes, it will be my imagination taking over while I’m sitting, resting, or doing the dishes. And sometimes it’s a big pull that forces me to sit at my computer and write several words or even several pages. My motivations are my own inclinations to write, reading other writers’ words, or watching a good storyline in my favorite TV programs or movies.
When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?
I’m not really sure. It’s just something I’ve always enjoyed doing. I didn’t realize it was my destiny until I was already in college, about to earn my AA degree. I had to switch career fields because I was struggling in the field I wanted to go into, and had a hard time dealing with that. I didn’t know what career path to take. My sister said, “You love to write. Why don’t you do that?” And that’s when the light bulb came over my head. That’s when writing became my destiny.
What is it about the YA genre that motivated you to write a book?
Growing up, I always felt a sense that I was much younger than my actual age. I think it came from living a bit of a sheltered life due to my medical history. I have a heart condition, and was sick a lot, which caused me to miss a lot of school. I grew up at my own pace, and although I grew beyond my years in certain aspects, in others, I think I was held back. Now I feel like a kid all the time, and find that I can relate to the Young Adult audience easily. I also know what it’s like to endure those difficult years, and feel that my stories can help others get through this tough emotional time in their lives.
What was one of the hardest things about writing a novel for young adults?
Knowing what language to use. I didn’t want to write over their heads, but I didn’t want to talk down to them either. It was hard finding the right voice that would fit them.
How did you get into eBook publishing?
When I found my publisher and was offered a contract, it was for an ebook. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed at first that my book would not be available in hard copy at first. But the funny thing is, my book was published just as ebooks were taking off. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect time to be published electronically.
How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?
I don’t have a set schedule. When I feel the need to create, I sit down and write.
Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?
I have a couple: Danielle Steel and J.K. Rowling. I’d love to have lunch with both of them. I’d ask them how they handled the start of their career, when no one knew who they were yet, and what kept them going. I’d ask them how they feel about where their career took them.
What did you do when you found out your first book had been contracted?
I got very excited and started calling everyone (family and friends) to tell them.
Has there been a person or influence in your life that has helped you reach your writing goals?
Several people: my husband, my parents, my sister, and my best friend. They’ve all been very encouraging along the road, and have helped me make it this far.
Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?
Reach for the stars, and make all your dreams come true.
Tell us about your current release.
“The Chosen” was released by Solstice Publishing December 2010. It’s a YA fantasy about a young girl who learns she’s a holy paladin with the power to heal. She must learn to deal with her destiny as she joins a group of warriors, The Chosen, to defeat the evil Prince Gastle, who’s set out on destroying their world.
Halli is a shy, young dwarf who has no idea of her true calling. When the evil Prince Gastle sets out to detroy the world of Phantasma, Queen Laurali of the Elves comes to tell Halli she’s a Holy Paladin with the power to heal, and will join The Chosen, a group of brave warriors being sent to defeat the evil beast and save Phantasma. Will Halli be accepted by her group, and be able to keep them alive through their adventures? Will the evil Prince Gastle be defeated, freeing Phantasma from his destruction? Only time will tell.
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Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?
Several: “The Chosen, Book 2: Nature’s Unbalance”; “My Open Heart,” an autobiography about growing up with heart disease; “The Chosen, Book 3: Striker’s Apprentice”; “The New Avalon,” a new twist on the King Arthur and Avalon lengend.
Where can readers connect with you?
Twitter: @andreabuginsky
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Thanks so much for joining us today!
Ella
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Thanks so much for joining us today!
Ella
Andrea I've struggled whether writing is a "need" for me. But I can recognize like you did when a story must come out. Lovely interview.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Andrea!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Peter
(AR Silverberry)