Hard to believe that this time last year I was wigging out, going crazy-nutso with preparations for the Under My Skin online and live launch parties. Wow. Talk about a lifetime ago. I was (and continue to be) so thankful to my fellow Class of 2k10 authors and my 2k mentor from the Class of 2k9, the talented, Joy Preble. Joy is the author of Dreaming Anastasia and Haunted (Sourcebooks Fire). If you enjoy folklore, Russian history and romance - be sure to scoop up these bewitching reads. Joy not only mentored me, but Kitty as well, and still proves to be a source of inspiration for both of us.




Today, I'm thrilled to introduce my Class of 2k11 mentee, Kiki Hamilton, author of The Faerie Ring, (Teen/Macmillan) to be released October 1st! I can't wait to get my greedy paws on this title and will be giving away a few copies during launch festivities for Second Skin (also in October). So...let's get to know her, shall we?



Kiki kindly answered my questions below:



1. How has your experience with 2k11 and The Elevensies helped with all the demands of promoting a debut novel?

Both groups have been a wonderful support network and resource for the millions of questions that come up along the way to publication. It’s nice to have someone (or many someones!) going through the same process as you are, and it’s especially nice to be able to share the path with someone who understands. It takes so long to get published (usually 18-24 months from the time you sell your book) that your family and friends sort of get a glazed over look after a while. They couldn’t possibly know or care about the many day-to-day details of being an author.

2. You're also a founding member of the blog, The Enchanted Inkpot - can you tell us about it?

The Enchanted Inkpot was started two years ago from a conversation over on the blueboards at VerlaKay.com about the need for a site that was dedicated strictly to fantasy novels. A group of us banded together and worked very hard to get the site up and going and it continues to grow. There are fantasy related posts twice a week on a wide variety of topics and then news relating to the members on Saturdays. It’s a fun site! Check it out at this link: The Enchanted Inkpot.


3. What's the premise of The Faerie Ring?

London, December 1871

Orphaned and picking pockets in London’s Charing Cross station to support not only herself, but her ‘family’ of orphans, sixteen year-old Tiki steals the Queen’s ring and thinks she’s solved their problems. That is, until Rieker, a pickpocket from the North End, suspects her in the theft and tells her that the ring is really a reservoir that holds a truce between the British and Faerie courts.

When he warns her that the fey will do anything - including murder - to recover the ri