Here we are again to celebrate the release of Shards of Sky! Its blog tour is in full swing and I have some exciting things to share, things such as an interview with the author herself, a preorder link along with preorder goodies, and quotes from the book itself! So read on to see all these wonderful things!
Shards of Sky Blurb:
Will hope prove itself worth fighting for?
Nestled within the mountains of Colorado, life is anything but perfect for two children and their negligent aunt. Yet it becomes even more of a disaster when a mysterious accident leaves Aryon mute and Jenn terrified for their futures. Battling her own sorrow, bitterness, and distant memories, Jenn journeys through the mountains of Colorado in search of their father, who may only be as real as a wisp of mist. The biggest things standing in her way are the miles of seemingly endless forest, her shattered memories, and a mysterious woman trailing her.
As she journeys on, Jenn is force to confront her past. Has time changed her memories? What will it take to be strong and unhindered by the darkness around her? And does this woman hold the key to her past - her real past?
But no matter where Jenn goes, a shard of sky shines bright overhead as a distant reminder of the hope she's fighting to hold onto - and the person she could become.
Heart-wrenching and emotionally moving, this story delivers a powerful message of courage and the wonder of hope.
Now for my interview with E. C. Colton!
1. What made you want to be a writer/ start writing?
It was my love of reading. At around age six, I started getting into E. D. Baker's fantasy series, and absolutely loved the idea of creating my own. The result was a story about a dragon princess, on a journey to find her sister- and though it was close to terrible, it had done its job. From then on, I fell in love with writing and haven't stopped since.
2. How did you come up with the idea for Shards of Sky?
Shards of Sky blossomed from a random idea that popped into my head- an idea of two siblings with a traumatic accident that left one mute. I started writing the first chapter, and loved the story so much, I had to keep writing. As I kept writing, different layers of characters and themes unfolded like rose petals. It was a really astounding process. Looking back, I strongly believe that God was working there, behind the scenes, because honestly, Shards of Sky was the type of story I've wanted to write for a long while- the type of story that's always been inside of me- but I just didn't realize it until the story was on paper.
3. Do you have a favorite character in Shards of Sky?
Definitely Jenn, the main character- but not just because she's the main character! Jenn was originally a side character in the first draft of Shards of Sky, but she became the main one in a later draft. While I was writing in her perspective, I found myself getting into her head more and more, to the point where she's become a very real person to me. We're definitely alike in some ways, but different in others, and I love her sensitivity and loyalty to her brother- despite the mistakes she keeps making.
4. How did you come up with the title?
Shards of Sky was originally titled Voiceless, which really reflected the main idea in the first draft: Aryon losing his voice. However, I didn't come up with the title, Shards of Sky, until quite a bit later in the process. I remember reading through my fifth or sixth draft, wondering what I could possibly title it as- when I stumbled across a "shards of sky" quote. I got feedback from my betas, and one of them gave me the idea to include more of the "shards of sky" theme into the story. I did, and later on, I realized how well it fit into my message.
5. What keeps you motivated to write? (tea, coffee, friends, encouragement, etc.)
Good question. There are definitely many, too many to count. For one, the idea of glorifying God with my writing motivates me to write. I also love writing because I love storytelling- it's something I believe I was born to do. Many of the writers at the Young Writer's Workshop and their encouragement helped me push through tough spots in my writing.
So in all, I'd say love of my characters, the message I'm conveying, and glorifying God all motivate me to keep putting words down on the page, even when it's hard.
6. Do you have any advice for other writers?
I believe it's really important to co-author with God- after all, He is the great Author of life! That could mean many different things- listening to His voice, reading His word, praying before you sit down to write. Honestly, I don't think I would have gotten through the writing and publication process of Shards of Sky without God's help, because with everything that was going on in my life during that time, I would have crashed and burned out. I've seen Him show up time and time again in not only my day to day life, but also my writing.
Secondly, I'd say: Write the book you would want to read, and tell the message you need to tell.
7. Does writing energize or exhaust you?
I'd say both. It really depends on the time and my energy level at the moment, though! Though, most of the time, I love writing so much that I find it hard to stop when I do get started.
8. What was your hardest scene to write?
Ooh, hard question. I'd say the prologue, because it was definitely hard to get right. I didn't want it to be too boring, but I definitely wanted it to have some weight (especially when one looks at the ending!).
9. What's your favorite motivational writing quote?
"You can edit a bad page, but you can't edit a blank page" is definitely one of my favorites, because it's so true, especially when I feel discouraged about my writing or how "bad" it seems.
Author Bio
E. C. Colton is a Christian, entrepreneur, cat mom, and author of A Change of Heart. She strives to write stories that illustrate deep truths through realistic characters. When she's not writing, you'll find her drawing, designing graphics, and scribbling away in a vintage notebook with a cup of tea.
You can find her at Goodreads here:
Now for what you've all been waiting for! The chance to preorder your very own copy of Shards of Sky and to get some fabulous preorder goodies along with it! So, without further ado, click HERE to preorder your book and HERE for the submission receipt form. Be sure to fill out the submission receipt form to receive the fun goodies displayed in the graphic above!
If you wish to read anyone else's posts on this wonderful book then here is the blog tour schedule!
April 8 - E. C. Colton at Quill of Hope (intro), Cynthia at Achinty (interview)
April 9 - Mia Harden at Windows to Mia (interview)
April 10 - Daniel L. Amador at The Right Kind of Writer (review)
April 11 - J. S. Clingman at My Little Hole in the Ground (interview)
April 12 - Allie Jo Anderson at Allie Jo Anderson (review)
April 13 - Althea Truth at Apple Blossoms (interview)
April 14 - Liesl Brunner at Quote, Unquote (interview), Ryan Elizabeth at Ryan Elizabeth Writes (interview), Hannah E. M. at Precarious Book Stacks (review)
April 15 - Allyson Jamison at Shay’s Scribbles (interview)
April 16 - Addison Vallier at Story Well (interview)
April 17 - Cara from Paper Strider (review)
April 18 (launch day) - E. C. Colton at Quill of Hope (finale), Samantha Hopper at Stuck in a Story (review & interview)
Blessings,
Shay
