The Rise of Winter, page 27
HOW MUCH OF THE SECOND BOOK HAVE YOU WRITTEN?
At the time of writing this, I have written approximately one fifth of the second book. When I write, I tend to work on several chapters before setting them aside for a few weeks to reflect on them. This allows me to return with a fresh set of eyes that will find mistakes I missed before. It also gives me time to decide where the story will go, as I do not map out my books before I write. While I know the major plot points and how the story will end, the rest is decided as I write. The Rise of Winter took me four years to finish, but I hope to have the second book ready in a year. You can follow my progress on the website: alexlyttle.com.
WERE THERE ANY BOOKS THAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THE RISE OF WINTER?
While there isn’t one book that inspired this one, there are several that inspired my love of the genre and desire to write a fantasy series. My favourites include Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. I also love dystopian novels with which The Rise of Winter shares elements; one of my all-time favourites is The Giver by Lois Lowry.
WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FOR THE GUARDIANS’ ABILITIES?
When I was imagining the Guardians’ abilities, I tried to think of things that were magical but still rooted in science. For example, humans can’t create fire by snapping their fingers, but the principle behind energy transference is true. Likewise, the idea that you could become invisible by moving quickly back and forth like the blade on a fan is theoretically possible (a bit of a stretch, but possible), and Vulpeera’s discussion about movement and proprioception is something I learned in medical school. I had a lot of fun trying to think of ways to use science in a magical way, and I think the powers give credit to how truly magical our world is.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTERS IN THE NOVEL?
My favourite characters are Winter, Proctin, and Vulpeera. I like Winter because she faces challenges with a mix of confidence and humility. When I was training to be a doctor, I always admired staff that were knowledgeable but willing to admit when they didn’t know an answer. I tried to write Winter with this same characteristic. Proctin was an enjoyable character to write because he shares my sense of humor and love of food. Vulpeera is special to me because she is gentle, sweet, and wise, like my grandmother.
Also from Central Avenue Publishing
FROM ANT TO EAGLE
Alex Lyttle
Middle Grade - 978-1-77168-111-7
It’s the summer before grade six, and Calvin Sinclair is bored to tears. He’s recently moved from a big city to a small town, and there’s nothing to do. It’s hot, he has no friends, and the only kid around is his six-year-old brother, Sammy, who can barely throw a basketball as high as the hoop. Cal occupies his time by getting his brother to do almost anything: from collecting ants to doing Calvin’s chores. And Sammy is all too eager—as long as it means getting a “Level” and moving one step closer to his brother’s Eagle status.
When Calvin meets Aleta Alvarado, a new girl who shares his love for Goosebumps books and adventure, Sammy is pushed aside. Cal feels guilty but not enough to change. At least not until a diagnosis makes things at home start falling apart, and he’s left wondering whether Sammy will ever complete his own journey…
From Ant to Eagle.
“Tender, direct, honest.” Kirkus Reviews
“A moving and ultimately hopeful book.” Booklist
ROAM
C.H. Armstrong
YA - 978-1-77168-151-3
Seventeen-year-old Abby Lunde and her family are living on the streets. They had a normal life back in Omaha but, thanks to her mother’s awful mistake, they had to leave behind what little they had for a new start in Rochester. Abby tries to be average—fitting in at school, dreaming of a boyfriend, college and a career in music. But Minnesota winters are unforgiving, and so are many teenagers. Her stepdad promises to put a roof over their heads, but times are tough and Abby is doing everything she can to keep her shameful secret from her new friends. The divide between rich and poor in high school is painfully obvious, and the stress of never knowing where they’re sleeping or finding their next meal is taking its toll on the whole family.
As secrets are exposed and the hope for a home fades, Abby knows she must trust those around her to help. But will her new friends let her down like the ones back home, or will they rise to the challenge?
“Treats homelessness with respect and makes it visible.” Kirkus Reviews
“An inspiring and heart-wrenching message.” Booklist
Alex Lyttle, The Rise of Winter
