Book Details Book Title: Unbetrothed Publisher: Iron Stream Media Back Cover Copy: Around Agatha Sea, princesses are poised, magically gifted, and betrothed. So, when seventeen-year-old Princess Beatriz still fails to secure a betrothal, her parents hold a ball. Forming an alliance could mean the difference between peace and war, but Beatriz doesn't want just any suitor. She's in love with her best friend, Prince Lux. Marrying Prince Lux will always be a silly dream as long as she has no magical gift. Princess Beatriz will do whatever it takes to obtain a touch of magic, including making a deadly oath to go on a quest to Valle de Los Fantasmas. A valley where no one comes out alive. If she can manage to succeed, Princess Beatriz could have everything she desires and secure peace for her kingdom. If she fails, she'll lose not only her greatest dream but also her kingdom, and maybe even her own life. Endorsements: “Candice paints a colorful Latin fantasy in Unbetrothed. It’s a journey of change for a giftless princess and an enemy prince who must overcome their shortfalls and secrets if their countries hope to have a future. A definite read for fans of fantasy.” --Morgan L. Busse, award-winning author of the Ravenwood Saga and Skyworld series “It is overall a fun read for readers who like their fantasy mixed with a bit of romance.” –Kirkus Audience: Teens 13+ Genre: Fantasy Release Date: Unbetrothed- February 2022 InterviewBrock: How did you come up with the idea for this book or series? or What was your inspiration for writing this book or series? Candice: My inspiration came from leading a group of youth group girls and not finding the YA book I wanted to read. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique? Candice: My main character has a false belief that she needs extra powers to be special. She’s inadequate and compensates by treating others poorly. It’s something I’d see often in real life but not something I saw in books. This girl’s story needed to be told. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Candice: Beatriz’s looks are based off one of my cousins. Zichri’s name comes from the Bible. Blas was originally named Oz. Gonzalo’s name was Omar. The cast is very long so I am going to stop there. Brock: What is this book about? Candice: An inadequate princess makes a deadly oath to go on a quest for magical powers. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Candice: This story was my first novel I ever finished. I started just writing in January. Took a long break to write something else and returned to it in July. That entire July I stayed away until midnight enjoying my story. I had no idea where the story would lead. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Candice: I believe many people have been Beatriz in one way, shape, or form. Feelings of inadequacy can creep in and take over. Some people become people pleasers and others stomp all over people. Without God, it’s hard to keep the right perspective. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Candice: I love historical and fantasy books. I much prefer writing fantasy books because of the endless possibilities. You make the rules and get to play with fun what ifs. What if God gave us super powers? What if we could fly? What if I could read people’s emotions and not just look for signs of them? Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Candice: I have no answer to this one. I wrote a sequel, but I also wrote a prequel so I can thoroughly know what happened to other characters in the story. Then, I wrote a novella so we could read about Beatriz’s mom and dad. Then I wrote a follow up to that one that gives more information. I planned out about three more novella’s in Beatriz’s mom’s series. I guess I will see what happens with publishers and sales. If people want the books, they will be released. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Candice: I may write fantasy, but I do a crazy amount of research on small possibly insignificant details. How fast can a galleon travel and how long would it take to travel 300 miles in rainy weather? There’s also human anatomy for the fight scenes and research on food, dresses, and goblets. Yes, I have done research on goblets only to end up just using the word goblet with hardly any description. Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a male/female protagonist? (Select which is applicable.) Candice: I focus on females because I really enjoy diving deep into teen girl problems. I spent years mentoring youth group girls. Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned? Candice: The book had a different shape. I cut out at least five and half chapters and I added two chapters. Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example? (If you have an actual unreleased scene you would like to share, please attach it separately and label it with the book name) Candice: Beatriz had a scene where she interacted with another suitor. Originally, we didn’t have the chupalama in the story, but there was another big cat attack on the road. Brock: Where do you like to write? Candice: I wrote Unbetrothed at the dining room table after everyone went to bed. It was my favorite spot. Now, I write at my desk. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Candice: I’m a full-time homeschooling mom and a part-time writer. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Candice: It depends on the book. I can finish a chapter book in a week, a novella in a month, and a novel in two months. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Candice: I hope readers take away that they are more valuable than the things of this world. In Beatriz’s world, gifts give people value. But Beatriz had value before and after she received her gift. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Candice: I didn’t like reading until I was sixteen years old. I became a Christian, and I went through a period where I gobbled up the Bible. I had no idea what Christians did on their free time and decided they couldn’t just read the Bible, so I started reading Lord of the Rings. I fell in love with novel reading. Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why? Candice: I am cowriting a book with some friends from my Christian Mommy Writing group. I wouldn’t change it. I love daydreaming with them. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Candice: Neither. I don’t drink pop. Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos? Candice: I’m Mexican. We eat soft Shell and have flat fried tortillas. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Candice: I’m not much of a vacationer. I like to visit my family in Puerto Rico and Mexico. Brock: Favorite season? Candice: Give me the early fall weather when all the trees look like they’re on fire. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like hot chocolate, raspberry tea, cheese balls, animal crackers, etc? Candice: I love drinking a milky coffee when I write in the morning. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Candice: I have my jams. Give me the Lamentations 3:22-34. Psalm 139. Psalm 40, and all of James. Brock: Thanks Candice for the great interview! Author Details Author Name: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
Author Bio: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz taught in a bilingual elementary classroom for years until she decided to stay-at-home and teach a crew of imaginative children. So in between reading lessons and converting cardboard boxes into pirate ships, she writes YA novels and chapter books with a Latin twist. She lives in her native Chicagoland. Author Website: http://candiceyamnitz.com Author Facebook: http://facebook.com/candiceyamnitz Author Instagram: http://instagram.com/candiceyamnitz Author TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candiceyamnitz
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Book Details Book Title: Dessi and Ky Go Poof Publisher: Concepcion Press Back Cover Copy: On a blustery and wet May day in Chicago, Dessi and Ky get transported to a tropical island where wicked pirates have turned the islanders into birds. Now it’s up to them to work together, defeat the pirates, locate a treasure, and find their way home again—with a little help from a magical crayon. Endorsements: "Fans of the Magic Treehouse have found their next grand adventure, this one in even bigger proportions...Parents will appreciate the beautiful values on display such as apologizing, uplifting different creative ideas, and controlling one's outlook in less-than-ideal situations. What a fun ride!" - Hope Bolinger, author of 25+ books, including The Cassandra Curse "Dessi and Ky Go Poof reminded me of a Magic Tree House adventure intertwined with the magic of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Yamnitz brought in elements kids this age love-pirates, dinosaurs, and sports-and a family dynamic kids understand. References to Mexican foods and traditions makes the story appealing for a diverse audience of readers. I enjoyed this fun story. - Lori Z. Scott, bestselling author of the Meghan Rose series "Dessi and Ky Go Poof sweeps readers into a fun, fantastical, and light-hearted swashbuckler. Candice Yamnitz obviously knows and loves her readers well and offers them a safe passage into adventure! - Amanda Cleary Eastep, author of the Tree Street Kids series Harold and the Purple Crayon meets Dora the Explorer in Candice Pedraza Yamnitz’s Dessi and Ky Go Poof, the first book in a new fantasy series for young children. Dessi and Ky accidentally travel to a magical island where a parrot needs their help to regain his human form. The book shows common conflicts between siblings and how to work through them. Children learn to apply parental advice in this imaginative story whose simple prose keeps young readers engaged. --Lorehaven Audience: Grade school kids 2nd through 4th grade Release Date: Dessi and Ky Go Poof – May 2023 InterviewBrock: What was your inspiration for writing this book or series? Candice: It was Covid, I was pregnant, and I was daydreaming a story for my kids. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique? Candice: Dessi is a spunky little girl who likes to have control of her environment but can’t control circumstances. Ky is a creative little brother who takes joy in playing pranks on his sister yet loves her fiercely. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Candice: Dessi loves dinosaurs but hates spiders. Ky follows in Dessi’s lead and originally was written with a speech delay. The problem was that it’s really difficult to convey a conversation or scene with so many speech impediments. My first readers were confused. Brock: What is this book about? Candice: A sister-brother duo get whisked from their Chicago home by a crayon-wielding parrot to an island where pirates turn people into birds. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Candice: I didn’t outline this one but since then I’ve become an outliner. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Candice: Brothers and sisters fight. I wanted my children to see themselves in the story but also to see themselves overcoming their problems in a fun way. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Candice: I love portal fantasy because it feels real and we’re experiencing the brave new world with the characters. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Candice: I planned out at least three books. Honestly, I’ve gotten great feedback and worked on the second book for a year, trying to make it work. I didn’t love the book so I scrapped it. I have another one started and if my self-doubt or my YA work doesn’t get in the way, I’ll finish soon. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Candice: I watched a lot of parrot videos to describe my parrot properly. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Candice: I have the next book outlined and some of it written. I have a book launch so after that is done, I plan to get back to this one. Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? (If it’s a series) Candice: The little brother plays a big role in what transpires. Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids? Candice: I’d love for this to be a fun read aloud for a class or something fun to read to all the grade school to late preschool kids. Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series? Candice: I hope they learn to love stories and learn to appreciate their siblings. Brock: Where do you like to write? Candice: I wrote Dessi and Ky Go Poof at the dining room table after everyone went to bed. It was my favorite spot. Now, I write at my desk. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Candice: I’m a full-time homeschooling mom and a part-time writer. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Candice: It depends on the book. I can finish a chapter book in a week, a novella in a month, and a novel in two months. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Candice: I hope readers take away that they are more valuable than the things of this world. In Beatriz’s world, gifts give people value. But Beatriz had value before and after she received her gift. Brock: Thanks for the wonderful interview! Author Details Author Name: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
Author Bio: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz taught in a bilingual elementary classroom for years until she decided to stay-at-home and teach a crew of imaginative children. So in between reading lessons and converting cardboard boxes into pirate ships, she writes YA novels and chapter books with a Latin twist. She lives in her native Chicagoland. Author Website: http://candiceyamnitz.com Author Facebook: http://facebook.com/candiceyamnitz Author Instagram: http://instagram.com/candiceyamnitz Author TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candiceyamnitz Book & Series DetailsBook Title: The Empowered Ones Series Title: The Hollis Timewire Series Publisher: Acorn Publishing Back Cover Copy: Hollis Timewire never wanted to be a hero. But when Arthur Evandrum, the leader of the Pure Ones, forces her to use her incredible power to control and imprison citizens, Hollis has no choice but to fight back. As she struggles to resist Arthur's coercion and grapples with the responsibility of being a leader, Hollis discovers there is more at stake than her own freedom. Mysterious events are unfolding at the lab in Area 7, and she must uncover what they are before it's too late. With the help of her closest allies, Hollis races against time to unearth what’s happening behind the scenes. As she delves deeper into Arthur's twisted vision for the future, Hollis’s own morality is called into question. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice to protect what she believes in? Or will she succumb to Arthur's power and become another pawn in his game? The fate of society rests in her hands. Endorsement: "To say this book wrecked me is a severe understatement. Harrington stabbed my heart, twisted the knife, pulled it out, then tore it to SHREDS. She took my expectations, raised them, and still exceeded them. This story was everything I hoped it would be. And the ending had me sobbing more than any book I've ever read." SOPHIA ERVIN, Superfan of The Hollis Timewire Series Audience: Young Adult Genre: Dystopian Release Date: 3/15/24
InterviewBrock: What was your inspiration for writing this book or series? Danielle: I was a big fan of The Hunger Games and The Giver growing up. Those books got me into reading, and I wanted to write something that felt just as fast paced and exciting. I also was a big fan of the TV show Heroes, and that inspired some of the superpowers in the Hollis Timewire Series. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique? Danielle: My main character, Hollis Timewire, is unique in two regards. One, because of her superpower. She is a puppet master. She can control people. And her power develops heavily over the course of the series. And two, because she starts off as a brainwashed teenager who doesn’t know how to think for herself and feel emotions (emotions are forbidden in society) and she turns into a fearless leader who stands against injustice and does what is right. Her growth over the 4 books is astronomical. She learns from her mistakes and turns into someone readers can truly root for. Another prominent main character is Jonah Luxent. He is Hollis’s ability teacher. His kindness and compassion carries through the series. He stands up for Hollis even when no one else will, and he is the father figure she so desperately needs. His power is to take on another person’s power (hence why is the ability teacher). Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Danielle: Hollis’s favorite color is teal (and so is mine). Jonah loves to read. And he loves to learn about new abilities. He studies abilities, developing theories about them & how they mature over time. Brock: In three sentences (or you can choose three words) what is this book about? Danielle: My series is about a futuristic society that tests its citizens’ blood to find and eliminate people with superpowers. There are four books: The Diseased Ones, The Unseen Ones, The Pure Ones, & The Empowered Ones Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Danielle:With The Diseased Ones (Book 1) I absolutely did not outline. I just wrote and was like, “we’ll see where it goes.” As the series developed, I planned more and more. When I reached The Empowered Ones (Book 4), I had a detailed outline. Mainly because outlining is my style now, but also because I was wrapping up a whole series and there was a lot to cover. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Danielle: I think we all can relate to wanting injustice to end. In my series, people are discriminated against for a biomarker in their blood (one that gives them powers). There is still a lot of hate in this world, and I hope my readers can relate to Hollis’s struggle to fight for her own freedom as well as for a free world. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Danielle: I enjoy dystopian and fantasy! Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series ? Danielle: Jonah Luxent is my Christ figure in a few scenes throughout the series. He takes responsibility for Hollis’s poor actions and speaks on her behalf when people accuse her. But more than that, I think overall, it’s that second chances can happen and people can change. It is never too late to make new choices. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Danielle: This is a 4 book series. The Diseased Ones, The Unseen Ones, The Pure Ones, The Empowered Ones. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Danielle: The only heavy research I had to do was for Book 4 (The Empowered Ones) & I had to learn how to talk to air traffic control. Brock: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? Danielle: I plot big things, and little things come as I write. I’m usually two or three chapters out in my mind in terms of a more detailed outline as I’m drafting, and I know the big moments far in the future of a book, but things still constantly surprise me when I draft a book. And that’s what I love about storytelling! The characters sometimes take over, and it’s great fun to witness! Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Danielle: I am a full-time writer. I am currently drafting my 5th book overall. It is an NA Fantasy called Keyholder. I try to get in words every day. My current drafting pace is anywhere from 1000 to 2000 words a day while I’m actively drafting a book. My goal is write & release a book a year. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Danielle: The Empowered Ones took me 8 months to draft (it ended up being 142k). Keyholder (my newest book, not part of The Hollis Timewire Series) is probably going to take 3 months to draft (and it will also be around 140k). But I’m moving at a much more aggressive pace with Keyholder because I’m actively working toward writing and releasing a book a year since going full-time with this author gig. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Danielle: I hope to make a sustainable income off book sales. I’m not there yet, but the more books I have out, the more sustainable of an income this will become. I would love to keep publishing books my whole life. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Danielle: Coke Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos? Danielle: Hard Shell Brock: Favorite season? Danielle: Fall Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Danielle: Psalm 23 Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples? Danielle: I like to listen to epic movie soundtracks when I write fight scenes or big climax scenes. Like Narnia, Harry Potter, LOTR, etc… Brock: What else do you want readers to know about your books, that I did not cover? Danielle: I shared the blurb and cover for my last book in the series, but I attached all four book covers for the series. Here is the blurb for The Diseased Ones (Book 1): Life is easy in 2647, unless you're a Diseased One... On the morning of her 16th birthday, Hollis Timewire receives the worst possible news. She can't become a citizen of the world. She's a Diseased One. Born with a biomarker that bestows dangerous, brain-altering powers, Hollis is forced to hide underground with other Diseased Ones, who believe that the government falsified history to cover up their genocide. Now Hollis must discover the truth, and is willing to risk anything, including her powers, to go back home. Brock: Thank you Danielle, what an excellent interview. Thank you for all your insight! Author Details
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