Author Q&A ft Kelly Brady Channick | Asbury High and the Thief's Gamble Book Tour and $20 Amazon GC #Giveaway

Asbury High and the Thief's Gamble by Kelly Brady Channick is on virtual book tour. The young adult mystery stops at Readeropo...

Asbury High and the Thief's Gamble by Kelly Brady Channick is on virtual book tour.

The young adult mystery stops at Readeropolis with an author interview.

Be sure to enter for a chance to win the giveaway for a $20 Amazon GC and follow the Silver Dagger book tour (for other dates see the link at the bottom of the post).

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

All of the scenes in Asbury take place near the ocean, so I would say I would want the scent to be a fresh ocean breeze, with hints of boardwalk nostalgia (think cotton candy, funnel cake, ice-cream)---however, because it is a mystery series, I would love it if when the candle blew out there was a mysterious, lingering scent, that you just can’t put your finger on.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

This was a difficult one! Other than JK Rowling being number one, the rest are honestly in no particular order. And clearly, I’m a sucker for a good series.

Any JK Rowling books—both as herself and Robert Galbraith
Red Rising Series
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Series
Sammy Keyes Series
Anything Stephen King
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
The Paperbag Princess (still!)
Holes
Atlas Shrugged
Anything by Gillian Flynn

What book do you think everyone should read?

Everyone probably says this, but honestly Harry Potter. Not only are the characters iconic and (I believe) there is at least one who everyone can relate to, but the storylines are fantastic. I have reread each of the books four times, and each time picked up on something I had missed. JK Rowling is the absolute Queen of hiding important tidbits of information throughout her books, and therefore weaving the perfect mystery/overall plot.

Furthermore, when I discovered Rowling had based much of Harry Potter of the Holocaust, I couldn’t believe I didn’t see it sooner. The fear and hate Voldemort breeds is so despicable and terrible that one would hope the real world would never need to witness the same atrocities he inflicted on others. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case---BUT I do believe by reading Harry Potter many life lessons and morals could be taught. Hopefully, the readers would feel encouraged to think twice before they act, and stand up for what’s right, no matter the cost.

How long have you been writing?

Novel-wise, I wrote my first book, Asbury High and the Thief’s Gamble, when I was 18. Although, I did go back and add much more details and fine tune it multiple times over the years. Writing-wise, I have kept a daily journal (that I honestly write in EVERY SINGLE DAY) since I was 14! Before that though, I have journals dating back to age six--- but I didn’t write every day, although I wish I did. Nothing is funnier than reading how I used to think or act back in the day.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

I actually do loads of research before outlining the finer details of each story, as well as during the actual writing of each chapter. I love mysteries, but because I don’t have a photographic memory (how cool, would that be?!), nor am I trivia-mastermind Ken Jennings, I need to look up the finer details to make sure what I’m saying is accurate. In fact, I recently learned that Agatha Christie’s novels were so true to detail, that she saved a baby’s life, for the nanny had just finished reading one of her novels and told the police and doctors what she thought was wrong with the child---she was right! Therefore, I strive to make sure my facts and figures are accurate and up to date. Especially if the information ends up being crucial to solving the crime.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes! My dream has always been to be a writer--- or an FBI Agent, but I figure I could just write about FBI Agents at some point. Anyway, after recently having a big, beautiful baby boy, I have had the fortune to stay at home with him, while my awesome husband goes to work each day. Therefore, while our little man naps, I finally have time to write out all of the crazy stories that have been in my head since before I could remember. I’ve always believed that you should do what you love for a living, and I’ve always enjoyed entertaining others and telling stories--- it’s pretty much as if I don’t have any other choice.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I consider myself a voracious reader and try to read at least two to three books a week--- even when I was working full time as a teacher, or playing basketball in college (the latter is definitely akin to a full-time job, I did have to earn my scholarship to pay for college). Anyway, I will read anything that anyone recommends, even if it is not something that I would usually pick out for myself---such as nonfiction. BUT my absolute favorites are mysteries of any age. From middle grade to adult, I devour mysteries almost as quickly as I devour homemade chocolate chip cookies. Believe me, that’s fast.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

Noise, but this is more out of necessity. My two lovable, but crazy and over attentive dogs will bark at the smallest of sounds. Therefore, if my little man is asleep upstairs and the dogs hear something outside, they will bark their heads off, wake up my little man, and force me out of my world of words. Therefore, I’ll either have the music on very low, or put something on the TV that I’m not particularly interested in--- for me, think: The Weather Channel.

Tell us about a favorite character from a book.

One of my most favorite characters of all time is Darrow, from the Red Rising series. I admit I am late to the Red Rising party, but obsessed nonetheless. What I ABSOLUTELY LOVE about Darrow is his consistent growth throughout the series. Too many characters either become stagnant or won’t learn from their mistakes--- whether that’s the author’s doing or the character’s--- either way, Darrow constantly makes mistakes or his plans go awry. Honestly, that couldn’t mirror real life anymore truly! However, Darrow is able to step back and consider his obstacles from every angle, before proceeding. And most of the times he does the complete opposite of what he originally intended. Not only does this make me love Darrow, but it allows the books series to be unpredictable and original. Bravo Pierce Brown!

Advice they would give new authors?

If you are writing because you love it and can’t seem to get the story or the characters out of your head---DO IT UP! Don’t listen to any naysayers, and write everyday---or as often as you can. BUT be sure to take a break from whatever you finish and return to it a few weeks later. You will be amazed at what you can pick up or think up with fresh eyes.

Asbury High and the Thief's Gamble

by Kelly Brady Channick

Genre: YA Mystery

Asbury, although a haven to shoobies (tourists) in the summer, is a divided coastal town. With the rich half living in the East, and the rest living in the West, most friendships stay within their boundaries. Luckily for a spunky-smart tomboy, a clever billionaire athlete, a gossipy-in-the-know cheerleader, and a wrong side of the tracks technological genius, boundaries are a foreign concept. In fact, Maddie, Cornelious, Carly and Pilot have been Asbury’s strongest quartet for years, despite their vast differences. Nevertheless, after a few weeks of starting high school, the foursome’s friendship is tested.

After a string of burglaries in East Asbury, the gang decides to solve the crime as a reason to make time for each other. The further they investigate, the more they find themselves constantly side-stepping tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum-like policemen, outsmarting local bully JB and his gang of misfits, and dealing with Cornelious’ billionaire father and Governor---who has disapproved of his son’s choice of friends for years. In addition to these obstacles, the foursome must also adapt to their evolving friendship with each other and their peers.

With upperclassmen, teachers, and teammates vying for their attention, the gang must work even harder to root out the red-herrings from the true thief. Aided by Carly’s gossip, Maddie’s boldness, Cornelious’ quick-wit, and Pilot’s knack for technology, the gang soon discovers its edge over the local police department.

Goodreads * Amazon

For as long as she could remember, Kelly Brady Channick loved making up stories, and leaving her listeners/readers on the edge of their seats.

Perhaps that’s why she always managed to talk herself out of trouble...

After graduating from NJ’s own Ocean City High School, Kelly accepted a basketball scholarship to Holy Family University, in Philadelphia. As a lifelong athlete, Kelly understands the importance of teamwork and overcoming adversity, something she hopes translates into her books.

Before writing page-turners, she taught first, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade — like a dessert menu, she simply had to test them all out. But her favorite job is the one she’s now doing full time: writing. Kelly loves to craft whodunit mysteries, leading readers through various twists and turns filled with red-herrings, hidden clues, and more peculiar characters than a reality show.

Kelly lives in South Jersey with her handsome husband, energetic baby boy, two cookie-stealing dogs, and an awfully smart cat.

If you want to know when Kelly’s next book will come out, please visit her website at http://www.kbchannick.com, where you can sign up to receive emails providing updates for new releases, or contact her directly, as well as win fun giveaways, and receive up to date news.

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