The Shadow Portal: Feature: Andrea Buginsky, author of Destiny (New Avalon #1)

Today, I'm featuring Andrea Buginsky, author of The New Avalon Series, as part of her virtual book tour. Be sure to see the end of the post, where you can enter to win a copy of the first book in the series, Destiny.

Elena Baxter has spent her life desperately wanting to fit in. She’s used to being teased and taunted by the popular girls, but when she celebrates her sweet sixteen birthday and receives two amazing gifts—the power of telekinesis, and the truth about her heritage—she has high hopes that things will change. But her wish does not come true, and Elena is bullied just as she was before, only this time her hurt feelings and frustration boil into something even she cannot understand. When an explosion hits, chaos ensues and she learns that her new power just might be bigger than she is.
She embarks on a journey to a secret island to learn how to control her powers, and she’s thrown into a different world, one where she just might be able to fit in. What Elena learns about her heritage forces her to face her past – and the demons it created – head on.

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Excerpt

Elena was getting upset as she defended her family’s honor. She wasn’t thinking about where that might lead. She wasn’t thinking at all.

“Why, Elena, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just meant that-“

“I know exactly what you meant, Barbara Thomas! You think your family is better than anyone else in this town. You always have. Just because your dad happens to be the former mayor’s son doesn’t mean you own this town and everyone in it! I’m so sick of your mock sentiment when all you really feel is that you’re better than everyone. You’re no better than the rest of us!”

As she yelled, things around her felt funny, and she realized she heard screaming. She looked around, and was startled to see everyone staring at her, horrified. She took a deep breath, and realized what had happened. She let her emotions get away from her, and her powers erupted.

The only words she could think of to describe the scene around her were total chaos. Every locker had burst open, and the entire contents – books, folders, papers, pictures, mirrors, backpacks – had come flying out. The posters on the walls were scattered everywhere. Most of the students and teachers were picking themselves up off the floor. Elena knew her powers had gotten totally out of hand, and she made everything around her fly out of control, literally.

She heard footsteps walking toward her, the only sound in the hall. She looked up and saw her counselor, Mrs. Adams, walking toward her. She gently took Elena by the shoulder and guided her to her office. She looked back and saw Barb and the other Bimbettes staring at her, as well as everyone else in the hall.

What inspired you to write this book?

I love King Arthur stories, especially those about the Lady of the Lake, which you don't see too often, so I decided to write one myself. I wanted the story to take place in modern times, and feature teens dealing with everything involved in the magical realm: receiving powers and having to deal with them, while still dealing with everything that comes with being a teen.

Can you give us an interesting fact about your book that isn't in the blurb?

One of the supporting characters, Izzy, is going through some tragic personal issues. It is the spark for book 2.

How did you choose your title?

New Avalon was my original title because the story takes place there. When I realized it was going to be a series, I kept that for the series title. I chose Destiny for book 1 because it's all about Elena learning about and coming to terms with her destiny.

Tell us about the cover and how it came to be.

It was originally designed for a different book of mine, but it didn't quite fit that one. As I was writing Destiny, I kept looking at the cover and realized it was a perfect fit. I asked the designer, Natasha Brown, to change the title, and it came out perfect!

Did you self-publish or publish traditionally and why?

I self-published this book. My first three books were published with an independent publisher. The company gave me a wonderful start to my writing career, but I realized I wanted to do more with my books. I wanted to have total control over them. So, I decided to self-publish this one and see how it went. I'm very happy with my decision, so far.

What do you consider the most important part of a good story?

Characters you can fall in love with, a plot that makes you want to keep reading until the end, and an ending that makes the reader happy.

What is your writing process?

I don't have one. I've tried to create one, but it just doesn't work for me. I write when I feel the muse inspiring me. Sometimes, I'll have to go look for her. To do that, I'll read what I've written so far, then continue the story from there.

How long have you been writing?

Seriously writing? Six years. But I've always loved to write, even as a kid, and enjoyed writing papers for school.

How did you get started writing?

Ah, this is a story I love to tell. I was planning to go into the medical field, but towards the end of my sophomore year in college, I realized it wasn't right for me. So, I was faced with, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" My sister said, "You love to write, why not do that?" And the rest is history.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a pantser, though sometimes I have to plot to get the story moving along.

What part of the writing process is the hardest for you?

Receiving feedback. I listen to it, but sometimes, it stings.

What tips can you give on how to get through writers block?

*laughs* Pretty much what I said earlier: Read what you have so far, and continue from there. Read books or watch movies that are a similar genre to your writing. Sometimes seeing other stories similar to yours will kick off ideas for yours.

What kind of music do you like to listen to while you write?

Adult Contemporary, at least, I think that's what it's called these days. We used to call it Pop Music. I'm talking about artists like Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Richard Marx... But with a mix of country artists like Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Faith Hill. The Celine Dion channel on Pandora works perfectly!

Who is your favorite author?

JK Rowling

Who is your favorite character from a book?

Harry Potter

What is your favorite book?

I don't think I have just one. I love series: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Twilight.

Read anything good lately?

Tons! Snow Sisters series by Melissa Foster, Magical Cures series by Tonya Kappes, An Unfortunate Beginning by Natasha Brown, Priscilla the Great series by Sybil Nelson.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Watch TV

What advice would you give an author just starting out?

Never give up. Keep working for what you want. Write what you want to write.

Have you had anything else published?

Yes, three more books: The Chosen, My Open Heart, Nature's Unbalance: The Chosen, book 2

What's your next project?

Fate: New Avalon, book 2

About the Author:

Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer and author. “The Chosen,” a middle-grade fantasy novelette was her first book, and was followed by “My Open Heart,” an autobiography about growing up with heart disease. “Nature’s Unbalance” is the second story in THE CHOSEN series. Andrea is currently working NEW AVALON, a YA fantasy series. Book 1, "Destiny," is available on Amazon

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