It’s finally summer, and you need something great to read. I have the perfect book: The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair, a fabulous novel about a curious young girl investigating the disappearance of her neighbor in the tiny town of Crow, Idaho.
My friend Amy Makechnie wrote this wonderful book, but I promise I wouldn’t gush unless I truly love it. And I do! It has fascinating characters and wonderful themes of loss and acceptance. See my full review of Guinevere St. Clair here. It’s a middle grade novel, meant for readers aged 8-12, but I think any teen or adult would enjoy it too.
To celebrate the release of The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair on June 12, 2018, I’m giving away a copy to someone who posts a comment. Just leave your thoughts by June 14, 2018, and I’ll announce the winner on June 15. Good luck!
Author Interview
I “met” Amy years ago when we were young bloggers trying to figure out the best way to format our posts and share them to social media. She, like me, is a mom of four who likes to run and write. We are accountability partners, checking in each Monday on our writing progress, and I am so grateful for her support. I also think she’s a fabulous writer. You can catch her thoughts on motherhood, reading, technology, and funny things her kids say at her blog, MaisyMak. Amy has stopped by Diary of a Word Nerd today to discuss her book with us. Welcome Amy!
WN: Vienna is the main character’s mother in Guinevere, and she suffers from memory loss and other issues. Can you explain Vienna’s health condition and why you chose to use it in your story?
Amy: The character of Vienna was inspired by a young mother I knew when I was growing up. She lost consciousness and her heart stopped, shutting off oxygen for a dangerously long time. She came out of a coma four months later, but she did not remember anything after the age of 13 – not even her husband or two small children. It rattled me, broke my heart, stayed with me. I knew I wanted to write about it, but because it was so sad, I made it more of a back story, rather than the central plot. As a side note: a couple of kids have read advance copies of this novel, and interestingly, the first thing they’ve asked me is: Does Vienna get better? It bothers all of us to think of being forgotten.
WN: Where did you get inspiration for all the distinct characters in your story?
Amy: Quirky, interesting people are EVERYWHERE. Sometimes I don’t think I have a very good imagination – I just take the writing mantra, “everything is copy” and go with it. Having said that, real people inspired all of my book characters, but then they took on a life of their own.
WN: Tell us about Willowdale Princess Deon Dawn
Amy: Willowdale is Guinevere’s pet cow. Willowdale Princess Deon Dawn isn’t something I had to make up either. She was the real name of my father’s cow in Bear Lake, Idaho, where he grew up on a farm. My dad says, “I never considered a cow a pet – it was a farm animal!” My dad thinks it’s hilarious Willowdale is in the book.
WN: I love the quote at the front of the book by Montaigne. How did you find that? Why did you choose it?
Amy: I can’t remember where I first read it – it was many many years ago. But as soon as I did, I knew it was perfect for Guinevere. Children play games that adults often think are silly and/or inconsequential, when in actuality, they are everything – shaping us into the people we will become. Guinevere is a very imaginative child, and the games she plays with her friends are anything but childish or insignificant.
Aren’t these great thoughts? Makes you want to read the book, doesn’t it? I can help. Leave your comment below to win a copy of The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair, and please spread the word about this wonderful piece of kid lit!
Thanks for getting nerdy with me!
I can’t wait to read this book! I absolutely love the MG writing network that supports and connects people throughout the community, including teachers (like me) that want to share fresh new books with students. I love the idea of accountability partners, and might be implementing that in my classroom this fall!
Love this interview! I’m so excited for Amy and can’t wait to read it~ thanks for the giveaway!
As a CASA volunteer, I am always looking for appropriate books for the foster children I work with. I have a troubled 9-year old who would enjoy this for summer reading. 🌙
I echo all the sentiments from Carol! I’m very very lucky. Thank you for the post, Julia! I will be sharing 🙂
I love that this interesting sounding book is from your accountability partner. How terrific to 1) have one and 2) be so happy for her and 3) like the book. Terrific!