Today I have Connie Michaels,
author of Entrusted, stopping by to talk about what influenced her in writing
the story!
I reside in Washington State, which
has more Native American Nations than any other state, although our tribal land
is pretty small when looking at square miles. I grew up in the setting of
Entrusted and the Shoalwater reservation was just as it is depicted in the
book. It is a square mile. Very tiny. Grayland is south of Forks, where the
Twilight series took place. However if you start at the tip of Washington state
there are numerous tribes as you move south down the coast.
The majority of the cities in our
state are named for Native Americans. Seattle was a chief in the area,
Wenatchee is the name of a nation, Yakima, Colville all tribes...you get my
point. All through school I was taught about the influence of our costal
nations.
Then, after suffering a life
threatening illness, my parents offered to take my family on a trip to the
Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, Utah. Monument Valley is the Navajo Nation. I
was having some issues with anger, due to the fact my illness was caused by
maintenance issues at work and caused life long issues with my health...so I
needed a break. I fell in love with the Navajo people. Their culture is so deep
and spiritual. The people are quiet and thoughtful. It was an environment that
centered me and brought my peace back.
Traveling through the area you are
bombarded with the legends, culture, and history. At the Grand Canyon we
watched the Hopi perform traditional dances. So much of Entrusted is based on
these experiences. It is the only book I have written that stems from a lot of
personal experience and although much of it has been edited out and smoothed
over the entire writing experience was very therapeutic and I know it is still
a part of the underlying story.
Meshing the coastal culture with
the Navajo traditions was fun. I did take a few liberties but tried to keep it
as close to the traditions as I could. I chose Raven as my antagonist because
when I was young I was attacked by a Raven. Not just a flyby, but the bird
stalked me and continued to attack me until my Dad finally was able to corner
it and kill it. I feel the Raven is my talisman and I wear a Raven charm along
with a vile of sand filled with the orange sand from Monument Valley, as a way
to keep myself centered.
My family continues to vacation in
the Grayland area as well as we return to The Navajo Nation when we can. I love
the culture, I love the people, and I hope that someday the Native youth will
see what a gift they are to the world and embrace it.
Entrusted
by Connie Ann Michael
Blurb:
Thrust into a world of Native American legends about Skinwalkers
and Ancient Ones, Emma Hunter finds herself in the middle of a battle for a
heart holding great powers – A heart hidden within her.
Seventeen-year-old Emma wants what every teenage girl wants: a
life that revolves around school, her friends, and a boyfriend who only has
eyes for her. Little does she know that in order to get one, she must sacrifice
the other two. After a series of events put into motion by Luke, the boy she
thought loved her, Emma is kicked out of her group home and her school. Her
best friend mysteriously vanishes and now she’s forced to move to a secluded
coastal town, where she hopes to escape Luke’s obsessive control.
Instead, she finds her dreams invaded not only by Luke, but Solomon, a
mysterious Native American warrior sent to protect her.
But when Solomon shows up in her reality to explain he’s her
protector, she soon learns that he’s so much more. As Emma struggles to
understand what’s happening to her, she must also deal with her undeniable
attraction to Solomon. Their connection is stronger than anything Emma has ever
experienced before and now she must decide: can she trust him with her heart?
And just how far will she go to protect it?
You can add Entrusted to your to-read list on Goodreads:
Information about the book:
Title: Entrusted
Author: Connie Ann
Michael
Genre: Young
Adult Paranormal
Release Date: 18
November, 2013
About the Author:
Connie Ann Michael was raised a city girl, but was converted to
a country girl after college and now resides in a speck of a town in Central
Washington State. She is married to her former boss as she worked at the
local Pizza place and has two college age boys that provide endless material
for her books. She loves the outdoors and can be found mountain biking,
kayaking, or camping with her family. Being a busy family, she can be
found working on her newest novel while on long road trips.
You can find and contact Connie Ann Michael here:
- Website: http://www.connie-avidreader.blogspot.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connieannmichael
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/connieamichael
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Entrusted.
- 10$ amazon gift card
- 2 e-copies Entrusted
- 2 swag packs, which contain Entrusted stickers and bookmarks
and an Entrusted charm necklace
- 2 swag packs, which contain Entrusted stickers and bookmarks
and an Entrusted Ghost Bead Bracelet
Thanks for having me!
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