Former brass staffer Katie Kacvinsky recently published her first novel, Awaken--a story of young Maddie and Justin, who form a face-to-face friendship amidst a world where all actions play out on computers. Despite society's objections, Maddie realizes the importance of togetherness and changes the path of her future. I talked to Katie Kacvinsky for a quick Q & A. The results are a look into the writing process and how to get published.

1. Where did you find the inspiration to write Maddie’s story?

More than anything, I looked at trends happening around me in society and extrapolated them, especially our culture's current obsession with social networking. It seems like people are looking into a screen longer and longer each day (instead of at each other). I wanted to write a story that spread a few warnings about where our digital world may lead if we don't learn to "unplug" ourselves once in a while.

2. How much time did you devote to completing your book? Was this a lengthy process or was it relatively painless from start to finish?

My first draft was written very quickly, in about three months. I tend to get the first draft down fast, then I go back and rework it carefully, adding the details and descriptions. In all, I probably spend about nine months working on a book.

3. What was the process like of attracting and taking on an agent, and how crucial would you say he/she was in landing a book deal with Houghton Mifflin?

I would say an agent is a mandatory step in publishing a book. The big publishing houses don't take unsolicited manuscripts, so the only way to get in the door is to go through an agent. I found mine by sending letters out to agents that were looking for my genre/audience (Young Adult). A lot of writers try to skip the agent step, mostly because they get a few rejections and start to get discouraged. But agents are your key to get in the door, unless you want to self publish your book, which is tempting but it makes it much more challenging to sell.

4. What was the publishing process like once your book was acquired by Houghton Mifflin, and how much input/collaboration was asked of you by the publishing staff?

Once Houghton Mifflin offered me a deal, it took almost two years for the finished product to hit the shelf. (This is pretty common, especially if you're a debut author.) This is where you must learn patience! You go through several rounds of edits, the art team designs the cover, and the publicity department gets your book out to reviewers to help market you. Once the publication date gets closer, it is mostly up to the author to really create a buzz about the book. Publicists help get the word out, but it takes a lot of self promoting and word of mouth to help generate interest.

5. Are there any upcoming events (i.e., book signings or appearances) that you would like me to notify our readers of?

I have a book signing/discussion at Grassroots bookstore in Corvallis, OR at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 25th.

For a longer discussion on what inspired Katie's book, check out her website at katiekacvinsky.com. Also, don't forget to pick up Awaken here or at your local Borders bookstore. 

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