Mindy, what was your inspiration for writing GIVEN TO THE SEA?
Part of the idea for Khosa’s pre-disposition to dance into the sea is based on a book I read about Huntington’s disease, which is what killed Woody Guthrie. It’s a hereditary disease that causes spasmodic movements that make it appear that the sufferer is dancing, however the movements are outside of their control. I wondered what it would be like to be trapped in a body you can’t control, headed toward the sea, while onlookers simply let you go because they think you are doing this willingly. *shudder*
What book or books would most resonate with readers who love your book–or visa versa?
SEA has very strong female characters, so I think readers of any of Rae Carson’s fantasy series, Leigh Bardugo fans, or readers of GRACELING will enjoy GIVEN TO THE SEA!
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing GIVEN TO THE EARTH, the sequel to GIVEN TO THE SEA, which will release in the spring of 2018!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Given to the Sea
by Mindy McGinnis
Hardcover
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Y
Released 4/11/2017
Khosa is Given to the Sea, a girl born to be fed to the water, her flesh preventing a wave like the one that destroyed the Kingdom of Stille in days of old. But before she’s allowed to dance – an uncontrollable twitching of the limbs that will carry her to the shore in a frenzy – she must produce an heir. Yet the thought of human touch sends shudders down her spine that not even the sound of the tide can match.
Vincent is third in line to inherit his throne, royalty in a kingdom where the old linger and the young inherit only boredom. When Khosa arrives without an heir he knows his father will ensure she fulfills her duty, at whatever cost. Torn between protecting the throne he will someday fill, and the girl whose fate is tied to its very existence, Vincent’s loyalty is at odds with his heart.
Dara and Donil are the last of the Indiri, a native race whose dwindling magic grows weaker as the island country fades. Animals cease to bear young, creatures of the sea take to the land, and the Pietra – fierce fighters who destroyed the Indiri a generation before – are now marching from their stony shores for the twin’s adopted homeland, Stille.
Witt leads the Pietra, their army the only family he has ever known. The stone shores harbor a secret, a growing threat that will envelop the entire land – and he will conquer every speck of soil to ensure the survival of his people.
The tides are turning in Stille, where royals scheme, Pietrans march, and the rising sea calls for its Given.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mindy runs a blog for aspiring writers at Writer, Writer Pants on Fire, which features interviews with agents, established authors, and debut authors. Learn how they landed their agents, what the submission process is really like, and how it feels when you see your cover for the first time. Mindy does query critiques every Saturday on the Saturday Slash for those who are brave enough to volunteer.
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Have you had a chance to read GIVEN TO THE SEA yet? What do you think of McGinnis’s
inspiration for GIVEN TO THE SEA? Have you come up with any interesting stories based on current diseases? Share your thoughts about the interview in the comments!
Happy reading,
Emily, Jocelyn, Anisaa, Sam, Martina, Erin, Susan, Shelly, Kelly, Laura, and Lori Ann
