I had seen that Jillian Cantor was going to be at Mysterious Galaxy and it was on my schedule to go, but it wasn’t a for sure thing. As it got closer, I was pretty sure that I was going to attend. And then Michelle showed me a tweet from Bloomsbury that there was going to be a local blogger meet up with Jillian before the event. After confirming the event info, it was definitely something I was attending.
I met Michelle at the Starbucks for a pre-date. We chatted about all things books before heading to the bookstore to buy things. We chatted with Rob and David about MG moving to a new space [in August!!] and pre-ordered our copies of Ruin & Rising. David gave me the last packet of swag {which included an awesome poster and signed bookplate} that they had for all of Leigh’s pre-orders.
We got back over to Starbucks just before 1 and got tables and coffee. Alethea and Alyson joined us and then Jillian joined us right after that. The four of us introduced ourselves and said what our blog names and Twitter handles were. Jillian told us that she was here on vacation and that today’s stop was the only event that she currently has planned for Searching for Sky. We chatted about all sorts of things book and publishing related. After 40 minutes or so, we decided to end it so Jillian could spend some time to herself before the event started.
We got back to the store around 1:45 and scoped out our seats in the front row.
The event started at 2pm and Jillian discussed the synopsis to Searching for Sky. She also talked about how we think our world is pretty amazing, but the island was really idyllic, maybe Sky had more than we do. Jillian then read a bit of the book before it was opened up to questions.
Did you have a lot of problems with thinking of what Sky would know while you were writing?
I was working on Margot at the same time. I would have Sky go to turn a light switch on and would think that she wouldn’t do that. I had to remember to what she knew on island and what she learned in San Diego. I had her capitalize certain things. On the island, he world was really small, so the places like Falls sort of acted like her cities.
Are you working on a sequel?
Not yet. I would love to write a sequel to the story. My son have me a great plot point, but I haven’t worked on it.
Have any of your books been optioned?
Not yet. I would love it.
How did you think of language with what she had with adults on the island versus what she wouldn’t have in her vocabulary?
There’s spoilers, I don’t want to give anything away. Her mother wanted to get away from civilization. There were things that her mom knew, but wouldn’t have shared.
Did you have to do any research?
A little, mostly about what animals and plant life would be in the South Pacific. There were these little animals that she calls rabbits, but they weren’t really rabbits. I can’t remember what they were actually called.
What’s one thing about publishing you wish someone would have told you?
This is my fifth book, so I feel like I’m a bit immune to the publishing world. I would say that one thing would be how long it takes. From the time I drafted it and it’s now come out, I’ve drafted 2 other books.
Another thing is that authors don’t really have any say in their cover. There was an entirely different cover, but Barnes & Noble didn’t like it, so they switched to this one. Scholastic just picked it up for their fairs and there’s a whole different cover on it. Then the UK cover is also different.
I guess that there’s just more beneath the surface.
What’s the most drastic thing you’ve done for a deadline?
I’m pretty good with deadlines. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything drastic. If I have a deadline, I can manage my time.
After that, we lined up for the signing portion. I didn’t buy a book because I’m on a serious book buying ban right now. I’m sure I will come to regret this later… Anyhoo. While Michelle was having her book signed, I chatted with David and Rob.
We said our goodbyes to everyone and headed out, making plans to meet up again on Tuesday for the Fierce Reads tour.
The meet up beforehand was pretty cool. The conversation was really laid back and it was quite a unique way to be able to meet up with an author. Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for putting it together and to Jillian for taking the time!
The whole idea of a meet up with bloggers before the event sounds so cool!
And look at that amazing tryptic with Alina as soldier, summoner and saint! Love it!
It was a pretty cool thing for both Jillian and Bloomsbury to offer up. And yes, that poster is pretty gorgeous!
Thanks for reading and commenting!!