Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Interview and Giveaway - Wheels by Lorijo Metz

Kindle Edition
Publushed Apris 3rd 2012

Premise:

McKenzie Wu doesn’t know her great-great grandmother married an alien or that her great-great-great uncle is alive and systematically eliminating a race of beings on a tiny planet light years away—she has enough to worry about. Molecules keep rearranging themselves to suit her slightest wish, but only at the most inconvenient times. If that weren't enough, she’s been dreaming about an accident; one she’s had no memory of until now and, if true, means McKenzie is responsible for her mother’s death. 

When McKenzie stumbles upon a portal, transporting her and her friend Hayes to the tiny planet of Circanthos, she learns the inhabitants believe she is the “One” destined to save them from H.G. Wells, a name that sounds strangely familiar, and his Tsendi warriors. But while her newfound ability might give her superhero status back on Earth, halfway across the galaxy it’s commonplace—all Circanthians can particle-weave—and if they can’t stop H.G. Wells, what can she hope to do?

With the portal closed and no idea how to get home, McKenzie must learn to use a power she does not want and accept her mysterious past, or risk losing everything—her father’s love, her new alien friends and the boy.

WHEELS is a sci-fi adventure filled with mystery and romance—a coming-of-age tale that proves it takes more than super powers to save a planet.

Please help me welcome Lorijo Metz to Colorimetry!!

I'm a sucker for a beautiful cover... so I was interested in Wheels despite myself. Lol. The recent discussion about Eon sparked my interest even more. I had never really thought about a disability as platform to write from, but some reviewers had a good point. I can't wait to read about someone who is amazing just the way she is.

1. What inspired you to write Wheels?

The short answer, which I’ve given to several bloggers is:

WHEELS began with a sentence about a girl racing down a school hallway and the desire to write a science fiction novel in which the gifted protagonist was also somehow disabled. That first sentence is long gone (as are most first sentences), but I did end up writing a story in which the heroine, McKenzie Wu, who has the ability to manipulate matter (inherited from an alien relative), is also a paraplegic.

Interestingly enough, only one of the reviews (so far) has mentioned McKenzie using a wheelchair. This pleases me no end, for my goal was to have people see her not as a disabled person—but as a person. Well…a person with an extra special ability.

However…since I’m only answering 3 interview questions for you, I’ll add a bit more.

It’s always bothered me that, whether it’s a physical or technological superiority, superheroes always seem to have an advantage. So, in Wheels, I transported my superhero (superheroine) to a planet where her superpower was merely commonplace. Rather like asking Superman to save Krypton.


2. Do you have a favorite scene or character?

Oddly enough, I loved writing the scenes between Professor Revolvos, McKenzie’s father and Principal Provost. I laughed out loud as I wrote their eccentric, curmudgeony exchanges.

3. Please share something personal about you!!

Pet Peeve: It makes me unhappy when people use (or should I say, abuse) religion as an excuse to promote intolerance and bigotry.

Favorite food: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines

Favorite Hangout: Mornings at the local coffee shop with my friends. 



Lorijo Metz lives with her husband and little brown dog in a hamlet just north of Chicago, IL. Though she has a degree in acting and directing, she much prefers the anonymity of the keyboard, allowing her characters to revel in the spotlight while she sits quietly sipping tea or coffee, nibbling on cookies, and dreaming up ways to complicate their lives.
Lorijo is the author of the picture book Floridius Bloom and the Planet of Gloom, illustrated by Matt Phelan and published by Dial Books for Young Readers; as well as the author of over 25 nonfiction, educational books for kids, published by Powerkids Press.
WHEELS is her first YA novel and first venture into indie publishing. In 2013, Lorijo will have another first as she makes her début as a lyricist on children’s singer and songwriter, Owen Duggan’s new cd, Puppy Dog Jig, for which she wrote the lyrics for the title track.
To find out more about Lorijo, visit her on her website at: www.Lorijometz.com.

Find & Follow:


Get Your Copy:

You can purchase WHEELS online at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RGPGH2


Giveaway:

Enter to WIN one eCopy of Wheels by Lorijo Metz. This is an international giveaway. Must be 13 to enter. For all my rules, see the About tab. Thank you!!  (If it doesn't come up, the small print just says that the author and host blogger as well as book suppliers are not at fault for any issues in delivering the winnings.)

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