"Branded" by Kimberley Hawker
Halifax has a
bright new novelist in Kimberley Hawker.
“Branded”, set to release in the fall of 2012 is a
young adult story told from the perspective of Jacob Rovert. Jacob is 16 years old when he discovers that he has a rare
gift—the power to heal. Jacob is quickly propelled into a life of secrets and training
with other Gifted Ones to enhance his gift, but when he experiences a near-death incident
that was no accident, Jake has to consider the effects that his gift is having on his
girlfriend, Anna Taylor. In order to keep Anna safe, Jake must break up with her and watch her
move on without him. But when Anna is kidnapped, Jake breaks all rules for the one
reason he kept his gift in the first place—to protect Anna.
Kimberley first realized she wanted to be a writer at a
young age. She began writing on
what she describes as a “humungous” rock in the woods behind her house around
the age of 12. She started out
writing short stories, progressing into novellas and eventually into writing
full length novels. Kimberley
says, “it took approximately three months to write the first draft of the book,
start to finish. I was writing
everyday for 2-3 hours.
Completely consumed by it.”
Four years ago after the birth of Kimberley’s third child her and her
family made the decision that it would be best if she stayed at home with the
children and focused on her writing.
She describes what it is like to really get into writing a book “When I
have a book to write, it isn’t like another chore, it is like breathing – a
necessity to life. My desire to write was the most surprising part of this
process. I would actually wake up
earlier than my kids so that I could write. That’s not like me at all, I love my sleep!”
When asked what
makes a good story or what compels an author to turn the page of a book she is
reading she says, “ For me a good story requires a bit of danger, a lot of
desire and a great adventure. I
also enjoy learning while I read and enjoy reading non-fiction books about real
world issues. If I don’t get into
a book by the third or fourth chapter, or if I am halfway through a book and
the problem has been solved then I usually don’t bother reading any further.”
Kimberley chose to write a novel for a young adult audience
for admirable reasons. She says, “
My son, who was 11 years old at the time was having trouble reading at his
grade level. He does not enjoy
reading and only reads when he is forced to. I thought if I wrote a book, starring him as the main
character, he would enjoy it. The
idea started off that way but as the ball started rolling, the character became
much bigger than I could’ve imagined and decided it needed a sequel …… and
another. So a trilogy was born. It wasn’t until a couple of months ago
that I “made” my son read Branded and to my surprise he finished the whole
novel in three days – a new record for him! That right there was success.”
Kimberley, like many authors, writes using an outline. The book was planned out in her head
before she began writing. She
further explains that sometimes she will write an outline for each chapter but
more often than not she just has an outline for the beginning, middle and end
of the story and fills in the rest as she goes.
Kimberley says that The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson
Burnett was her favorite book of all time and she also enjoyed reading the
“Choose your own adventure” types of books when she was younger. These were the types of books that
really influenced her as an author.
When asked how she chose a title for the novel Kimberley
says, “I slept on it….. literally.
I read once that if you’re having a problem in life that you are seeking
an answer to, you should write the problem down on a piece of paper, tuck it
under your pillow and sleep on it.
Sometimes the answer comes to you in your dreams. I tried this. I woke up the next morning and the title, “Branded”, was on
my mind. I couldn’t shake it so I
kept it.”
Kimberley describes the process of getting her book
published as “convoluted and frustrating”. Kimberley says that because the publishing world is changing
so rapidly it is getting difficult to find publishers that will take new
authors. Kimberley considered going the self-publishing route through an outfit
like Amazon. She decided that for
her first book she would go through a small publisher who would be able to get
her books on the shelves. “It has
been over a year since signing and we have finally just finished edits. We are still working on a book cover
with an illustrator and then we have to proofread the manuscript one more time
before it goes to print.”
Like many novelists Kimberley dreams about Branded becoming
a movie. She would love to see it
filmed locally, employing local actors.
When asked about the toughest criticisms and biggest
compliments Kimberley has received as an author she says, “ Toughest criticism
was from a literacy agent who rejected my manuscript but added something about
the writing “not doing anything for him”.
I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and not everyone
is going to love my book, but it still stung a little. My greatest compliment
was when my son read my full-length novel in just three days, and he loved
it. That brings so much joy to my
heart.”
Kimberly wraps up the interview by sending a message to aspiring
writers. “Don’t give up. But, make
sure your manuscript (and at least the first three chapters) are PERFECT before
you bother to send it off to literary agents or publishers. Also, a query letter is your first
impression so make sure it stands out.”
To wrap it up Kimberley says, “Branded is set hit the
shelves this coming fall. It is
the first in a series of three novels, which I hope will become national
bestsellers. The series has a
strong message and an overall theme that will help young adults through making
some tough decisions. Plus, it
also has a lot of danger, love and desire – and we know that’s what the young
adult audience really wants to read!”
