{ICYMI // Guest Post} How Becky Wallace Came Up with the Idea for THE STORYSPINNER!

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This post was first featured on A Backwards Story on April 23, 2015 during the fourth Fairy Tale Fortnight. 

This year for the event's 5th Anniversary, older posts will be pulled out from the archives and given a brand-new coat of paint as "In Case You Missed It" features!

Last year during FTF, I helped reveal the cover and synopsis of THE STORYSPINNER by Becky Wallace, which officially came out for real LAST MONTH!!! I've already read it and am eager to share the book with all of you this spring when Becky stops by ABS for a visit! I wanted to spotlight this today even though it's not an out-and-out fairy tale (though it IS inspired by one!) because it's a great new release you may not have heard about yet!

~*~

Once upon a time, in a far away land called Twitter, an agent named Queen Jennifer Laughran introduced Princess Becky Wallace and a book deal that sounded amazing...

Yesterday, that book, now titled THE STORYSPINNER, again re-appeared in the land of Twitter, this time with a gorgeous cover and a full summary.

Today, I'm honored to share both the cover of Becky's debut novel AND a special post from her to celebrate the special occasion!

Becky Wallace graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Public Relations and worked in minor league baseball and as a journalist. When she isn’t writing, she’s waging an epic battle against the laundry monster with the help of a handsome prince. They live in a charming village outside Houston, Texas with their four munchkins.

Visit Becky's website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

"How I Came Up with the Idea for THE STORYSPINNER"
by Becky Wallace

I have always loved the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty. The scene where Briar Rose meets Prince Phillip in the forest is so sweet and romantic! But as I got older (and yes, maybe a little more jaded), I couldn't help but wonder what I would do if a stranger--even a hot one--tried to grab me when I was alone in the forest. Good looks and positive intentions aside, I can guarantee that man's face and my fist would have an introduction. So, I started THE STORYSPINNER with that scene in mind. What if Briar Rose attacked Prince Phillip instead of falling into his arms? How would it change their relationship? And what kind of girl would it take to be brave enough and strong enough to throw that punch? 

My character, Johanna Von Arlo, was a girl who grew up with a group of gypsy-like Performers instead of old maid/fairies. She was taught to sing (never with animals), dance, flip like an acrobat, and throw flaming knives. Johanna wouldn't back down when approached by a man in the wilderness. Johanna would always, always fight.

  

O F F I C I A L   I N F O:

Title: THE STORYSPINNER

Author: Becky Wallace

Release Date: March 3, 2015

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry / Simon & Schuster

SUMMARY:

In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer's life can get tricky. 

All Johanna Von Arlo wants to do is become a Storyspinner. But her options are so limited that she is forced to work for the aggravating and handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. While in his employ, Johanna is exposed to a dangerous game of thrones, a game where she will discover that the magically inclined Keepers from her stories might be real after all. 

The Keepers are searching for an heir to a great power and the key to saving their land. They aren't alone in their hunt. Girls matching the heir's description are turning up dead all over the kingdom. Girls who look exactly like Johanna.