Author interview + Giveaway: Chrissy M. Dennis

Happy Book Release day to Chrissy M. Dennis! Her newest MG novel, The Paper Wolf, is available now, and I’m excited to host her on my blog today! Stay tuned til the end, as she”ll be offering up a giveaway to commenters.

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Welcome Chrissy! Tell us a little about your newest release.

Sure! The Paper Wolf is about an 11-year-old girl named Gracie, who has been in foster care half her life. She’s had some awful experiences and has become bitter and resentful. So when she is placed in her twelfth foster home, she’s convinced it will be as bad as all the other ones. But she’s wrong. The Barkmans are different. No matter how hard Gracie pushes against them, they come back at her with love. The Paper Wolf is Gracie’s journey to family and love.

What motivates you to write in the middle grade and young adult genres?

Being a teenager is really hard. I still remember that time of my life so clearly, and I guess I just want to be a voice for hurting teenagers. I want them to know that there is light in the midst of all the darkness and confusion, and that light is Jesus.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I’m partial to my main character. Little Gracie definitely has a place in my heart. Sometimes I forget she’s just a little girl. Her life experiences and precociousness make her seem a lot older sometimes. But she is still that little girl who just needs to be scooped up and loved.

Who is your favorite side character and why?

I’m torn between Jesse and Erin. Erin is such a beautiful soul, a selfless and giving mother, but she has some spunk too. Jesse is a goofy big brother, but his depth and compassion are what draws Gracie out of her shell. Some pretty crazy things happen to Jesse in The Paper Wolf, and it was hard to write because I kind of have a soft spot for him.

What is your plan for this story? Is it a series? A stand alone?

Stand alone. I’ve never been one to write sequels, but I guess you never know!

What is something you’ve learned about yourself or about your writing process, through writing and publishing this story?

That I can be a writer and a full-time mom at the same time. It’s harder, but it’s still possible.

Is there anything significant about this unique book cover? If so, what is it and why?

The title and the cover are obviously connected – if it’s not a spoiler, what is the significance of the title The Paper Wolf?

Gracie’s hobby is origami. I don’t want to say too much, because the title has to do with some profound scenes in the book that I don’t want to give away, but I will say that a paper wolf is fragile, and even though Gracie comes across as strong, she, too, is fragile. She is the paper wolf, and even the image of the wolf howling alone on the cover is extremely telling of this little girl’s life.

What is your favorite social media platform and why?

I’m a fan of Twitter, even though I’m still trying to figure it out. I like that you can interact with so many different audiences and use hashtags to draw more people in.

Where can people find you online?

I’m on Twitter and Facebook.

www.facebook.com/chrissymdennis

www.twitter.com/chrissymdennis

I also have a website: www.chrissymdennis.com

What’re you giving away today?

My 3^rd novel, Safe on Solid Ground, on Kindle.

What a great giveaway! Thank you so much for stopping by and chatting with me.

Your turn, readers! What do you think about this cool cover? I’m fascinated by it! Let us know in the comments!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. You must comment AND enter the rafflecopter, in order to be entered into the giveaway.

LEAVE A COMMENT, THEN ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

The Paper Wolf

About Chrissy M. Dennis

Chrissy M. Dennis lives in Saskatchewan, Canada with her foster daughters and calico kitty.  She is a full-time mom and a part-time administrative assistant for Renovaré Canada. Chrissy also loves to read, crochet and, of course, write, trusting the Lord will use her books for the glory of God and the growth of His kingdom through the healing work of the Gospel.  

She carries a Masters of Divinity in Youth and Family Ministry. She loves working with teens, and has felt the call of God to minister to the needs of youth in this culture. She hopes to continue writing, specifically regarding issues relevant to today’s teens, offering a message of salvation and hope. Her first novel, The Lion Cubs, received positive reviews and deals with themes of abuse and abandonment.