Blog Tour: The Grimm Chronicles

The Grimm Chronicles

Ken Brosky

200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm unleashed their stories upon the world. Literally. Now the characters of the Grimms' stories walk among us. With every day that passes, they grow more evil. They are the Corrupted, and only a hero can stop them.

For 18-year-old Alice Goodenough, that means taking precious time off from her summer vacation. In addition to volunteering at the local library, Alice must stop the Corrupted who are now actively hunting her down. With the help of her magic pen and her trusty rabbit friend, the world has suddenly gotten a lot more complex. The Corrupted are everywhere, and only Alice can see them for what they truly are.

Author Interview:
1.Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure! I received my Master's Degree in fiction writing from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I've had about a dozen short stories published, and my co-author and I have been working on The Grimm Chronicles for about a year now. We're very much enjoying it. I like reading fiction that lets me look at lives that I'm not used to and takes me to places I wouldn't normally go to (or can't go to). Right now I'm listening to Jack White on my record player. Outside, a block away, a new library is being built. This is generally awesome, except for the truck that keeps backing up and making beep-beep-beep noises. That is generally annoying.


2.Have you always wanted to be an author and what or who inspired you to become a writer?
I realized at some point in my childhood that I couldn't draw very well. But I was always artistic. I love writing because otherwise, what the heck would I do with all the stories gathering in my head?

3.Where is your favorite place to read?
Depends on the situation. With my Kindle, I like to read while I'm exercising; it's convenient and helps pass the time. With a good old-fashioned hardcover book, I prefer to read in bed. Then, when I get tired, I can just hit the hay.

4.Do you have any advice for writers out there who want to become authors?

Sure! Where do we start? Well, definitely make sure you edit your work. This is huge. I did freelance editing for five years, and I can't stress how important it is to go over your own work. Refining your writing is definitely key.
Second, make sure your story and characters stand out. The story doesn't have to be absolutely unique or original, but it should be memorable. Be creative. Take something simple like a classic escape plot and give it your own twist. Maybe the characters are escaping from a a space station! ... Or maybe the space station is escaping from your characters! "Hey, guys, it's time to go. You've been tinkering with my gizmos and circuits long enough. Head back home." In order for your characters to stand out, they have to have real feelings and desires. They should prefer Pepsi or Coke. Always think about that: "Does my character prefer Pepsi or Coke?"
Third, promote your book. Do the legwork. Very few publishers will spend a lot of money on promotion.

5.What is your favorite Brothers Grimm tale?
Right now, I think my favorite is a humorous tale about a bunch of singing farm animals. It's called "The Musicians of Bremen." Great, great tale. Hilarious. Look it up.

Lighting Round!
6. Tea or Coffee?
Iced chai tea. My favorite drink!

7. Summer or Winter?
Summer. But I love when winter begins to thaw. When the temperature climbs back into the 40's, it feels like summer. Rebirth. Excellent metaphors.

8. Harry Potter or Twilight?
The Belgariad!

9. Dogs or Cats?I have two Boston terriers. So I should probably say "dogs." But I'd pick cats if I didn't have to scoop the litterbox.

10. Early Bird or Night Owl?
Both. It depends on what English classes I'm teaching each semester. I like staying up late, but I also like teaching early in the morning, too!