Jessica Leake, author of BEYOND A DARKENED SHORE, on eventually writing “The One”

by Jocelyn Rish

We’re delighted to have Jessica Leake stop by to tell us more about her YA debut, BEYOND A DARKENED SHORE.

Jessica, what was your inspiration for writing BEYOND A DARKENED SHORE?

I’ve always been in love with Ireland and Celtic mythology. Celtic folklore and mythology has always fascinated me with its multi-faceted gods and goddesses who have beautiful ties to the land itself but are also terrifying in so many ways. When I was researching interesting time periods in Ireland’s history, I found out that the Vikings not only frequently raided Ireland, but they also took over Dublin for a large chunk of time. I got so excited when I read that because I was like Vikings AND Celts?! SIGN ME UP.

What scene was really hard for you to write and why, and is that the one of which you are most proud? Or is there another scene you particularly love?

There is one scene I love later on in the book, but it’s extremely spoilery, so I’ll just say it has to do with blood and ash. I love it because it’s a real turning point for who Ciara is and what she wants for herself. But another scene I love is when Ciara is taking a bath and receives the terrifying visions from the crow…along with the discovery of who the crow actually is. I love it for the creepy atmosphere, the revelation about the crow, and the foretelling of adventure and difficult times ahead for Ciara (sorry, Ciara!)

How long or hard was your road to publication? How many books did you write before this one, and how many never got published?

I have been writing for fun for a very long time—since I was just a kid, really—but it wasn’t until I found myself in between jobs that I started researching how to get traditionally published and really thought about how to make it a full-time career. That was in 2010. I wrote a few really horrible books—the kind that are full of clichés and are just sort of an experiment into the craft of writing and getting published. I queried the third book and received a bit of agent interest—just based on my query letter, I think. But it wasn’t until my fourth manuscript that I thought I really might have had something. In late 2012, that manuscript grabbed the attention of my agent, Brianne Johnson of Writers House, and she was able to sell it to Skyhorse the very next year. It became Arcana, which is my adult historical fantasy. I wrote another book for Skyhorse, The Order of the Eternal Sun, and now Beyond a Darkened Shore is my YA debut. So three books never got published before I got an agent, but actually, there are several books my agent and I created proposals for (1st 3 chapters + synopsis) that never made it either. There’s absolutely hope if you haven’t written “The One” yet!

What’s your writing ritual like? Do you listen to music? Work at home or at a coffee shop or the library, etc?

I have 4 kids, ages 6 and younger, so my ritual is basically writing any time I can! It has enabled me to become extremely flexible in what kinds of conditions I can write in (like kids running around the house playing tag and screaming lol). I take advantage of times when the kids are at preschool or with their grandparents, or even when I’m sitting in the car waiting for my oldest son to get out of art class.

What are you working on now?

My next book with HarperTeen comes out Spring of 2019, and it’s called THROUGH THE WHITE WOOD. It’s set in 11th century Russia, and is sort of a Frostblood meets The Bear and the Nightingale. A girl with a power to summon ice so cold it shatters everything it touches is brought before the Grand Prince of Russia after causing absolute destruction in her village. But instead of condemning her, he asks her to join forces with him and others with power, against those who threaten to overtake their country. Lots of Russian folklore in this one and some political intrigue, and of course, romance. Ciara and Leif, the two main characters from Beyond a Darkened Shore, play a role in this new book, so although it’s not a sequel, fans of Beyond will get the chance to see Ciara and Leif again.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Beyond a Darkened Shore
by Jessica Leake
Hardcover
HarperTeen
Released 4/10/2018

The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores.

The people of Mide have always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn but the entire world.

Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle, the two might have a chance to save their world.

With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

Purchase Beyond a Darkened Shore at Amazon
Purchase Beyond a Darkened Shore at IndieBound
View Beyond a Darkened Shore on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Leake is the author of the adult novels Arcana and The Order of the Eternal Sun, both with Skyhorse. She worked for years as a psychotherapist, but even though she loved her clients, she couldn’t stop writing. She lives in South Carolina with her husband, four young children, lots of chickens, and two dogs who keep everyone in line. Beyond a Darkened Shore is her YA debut. Visit her at www.jessicaleake.com.

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Have you had a chance to read BEYOND A DARKENED SHORE yet? Has research helped you come up with a story idea? Are you flexible about the kinds of conditions you can write in? Share your thoughts about the interview in the comments!

Happy Reading,

Jocelyn, Halli, Martina, Charlotte, Anisaa, Erin, Susan, Shelly, Kelly, Laura, Emily, and Lori Ann

Jocelyn Rish

Jocelyn Rish is a writer and filmmaker who loves researching weird and wonderful animals and sharing what she learns. Her debut was BATTLE OF THE BUTTS, about ten animals that do weird things with their butts. Her latest book is BATTLE OF THE BRAINS, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection about ten animals with mind-blowing brain abilities. When she’s not writing, she tutors kids to help them discover the magic of reading. Jocelyn has won numerous awards for her short stories, screenplays, films, and novels and lives in South Carolina with her adorable dog. Find out more at www.jocelynrish.com.

Post @ Jocelyn Rish and/or Adventures in YA Publishing. All rights reserved.

Posted: Apr 12, 2018

Category: Imported from AYAP

Tags: YA Author Interviews

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The first slide is an animation of a science/magic room in a castle. A cartoon character of a mad-scientist looking man in in the foreground says: “Hello! Dr. Frankenstein here to say, Well Done on kid lit zombie week! I’m an expert at reviving the dead, and let me assure you, with a little spark, you can bring dead projects to life. Especially if you dig up parts from other dead things. I’ll even let you have a sneak peek at my laboratory’s store room to consider potential parts for your dead project. If you see something with a yellow glow, that means you should click it. Have fun!”

He points to the right side of the screen and a new scene slides in of a castle science/magic storage room. There are various cartoon Frankenstein body parts scattered around. Some of them have a yellow glow. If you click on them, the images below appear (I’ve added alt text to them, so I hope it works).

The Heart of your story is the main character. The protagonist is the beating core that truly brings your story to life. If your MC doesn't make kids (and their grown-ups) care within the first few pages, your story will flatline. </p>
<p>Your main character needs to be:<br />
• Relatable enough for kids to see themselves<br />
• Unique enough to stand out in the slush pile<br />
• Active enough to drive the story<br />
• Memorable enough to survive multiple readings at bedtime</p>
<p>Where do you find this amazing donor heart? It might be the very thing you loved so much about the manuscript you want to revive. It might be the younger sister from your shelved YA novel. Or maybe it’s the hilarious kid you blogged about meeting at a school visit. Find a character beating with potential and place it in the center of your story.<br />

The Brain of your story is the theme or central message. The theme is the big idea that controls everything else. Picture books are more than stories - they're tiny life lessons disguised with humor and heart.</p>
<p>But your theme needs to be:<br />
• Subtle enough not to trigger the dreaded "didactic" rejection<br />
• Clear enough for a four-year-old to grasp<br />
• Universal enough to speak to both kids and adults<br />
• Fresh enough to prevent agents and editors from responding with "Not another sharing/bedtime/first-day story!"</p>
<p>Check your other dead manuscripts to see if there is a recurring theme, something that really seems to be speaking to you. Find the bit of poetry you scribbled on the back of a receipt to see what theme inspired it. Reread the pep talk you texted your critique partner at 1am. Pick the theme that will drive your story, giving it purpose, direction, and deeper meaning.<br />

The Legs of your story is the plot. Not to be confused with a grave plot.🤪 The plot is what keeps everything upright and moving, as well as providing support for all the other elements. You have very few words to use in a picture book, so you need to do a lot with each plot point.</p>
<p>In general, your plot should:<br />
• Hook readers fast<br />
• Build tension that a child can follow<br />
• Create page turns that feel natural<br />
• Wrap up in a way that satisfies</p>
<p>You can borrow a plot twist (a leg) from one manuscript and the opening (the other leg) from a different manuscript. Consider if the subplot of the middle grade novel you trunked would work better as a picture book. Or maybe your Facebook post about a disastrous camping trip could become a story for kids. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other until you have your storyline.

The Arms of your story are the side characters.

The Torso of your story is the setting. Setting helps a story breathe and connects all the elements of the story. It isn't just where your story lives, it's what makes your story ALIVE. It's the difference between "this happened in a park" and "this happened in that park, the one with the twisty slide that burns your legs and the creaky swing that sounds like a baby crying.”</p>
<p>Your setting should:<br />
• Make your character's world feel real<br />
• Contain your story in a way that makes sense to young readers<br />
• Connect different scenes and moments organically<br />
• Give your illustrator enough room to add visual subplots</p>
<p>Half-finished manuscripts are a great place to dig up settings, since you worked out the place details before the plot petered out. Or maybe you had to cut a second fantastic location from your chapter book. You can also revisit the detailed caption from your Instagram carousel documenting your tour of that delish candy shop. Disinter a robust setting that can house all of your story's vital organs.

After you press the Click When Done circle button, the lights flash with the sound of electricity buzzing. Then the screen goes black and lightning zaps across the screen with the sound of thunder.

The screen then lights up to show the storage room, and all the Frankenstein pieces have been assembled into the whole monster. An upbeat song plays in the background. Then a speech bubble pops up with the words, “I’m alive! I’M ALIVE!” Then the screen goes to black.

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