Q&A: Colleen Houck, Author of ‘Tiger’s Trek’
We chat with author Colleen Houck about Tiger’s Trek, which is the electrifying new installment in the Tiger’s Tale series, set in the captivating universe of the beloved Tiger’s Curse saga. PLUS we have an excerpt to share with you at the end of the interview!
Hi, Colleen! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello Nerd Daily Reader! Thank you so much for this opportunity. 😊 Whew…I’m getting up there in years now, so it’s hard to keep my life story on the short side. I’m from a huge family. Both my hubby and I work from home, and our lives are mostly filled with taking care of our ginormous flock of birds. I love baking and have a large collection of bakeware as a result. Bread and chocolate are my weaknesses.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve loved stories and books since I was very young. In the summertime, my mother took us to the library every week, where we could check out up to ten books. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a library card. I had a habit of reading every night before going to bed. My favorite stories were myths and fairy tales. I began creative writing in high school, but didn’t think to pursue it seriously until I was inspired by the personal stories of J.K. Rowling and Stephanie Meyer.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Frog and Toad are Friends
- The one that made you want to become an author: Twilight
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The one I’m currently writing
Tiger’s Trek is the latest installment in your Tiger’s Tale series and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Adventurous, Unexpected, Magical, Exciting, and Action-Packed
For those who haven’t picked up the series, what can readers expect?
It’s an interesting twist on Russian mythology and a departure from my original Tiger series. It’s set up so that if you have no experience with the original series at all, you can start with this one and not miss a beat.
And for those who have, what’s to come in Tiger’s Trek?
Those who know and love the original should really come to care about these new characters and quite enjoy the unique setting and story. In Tiger’s Trek, my tsarevnas sink even deeper into the curse of the tiger, and everything they thought they knew is turned upside down. They come to rely on new friends and old skills in entirely different ways.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing Pasha Pogodin. His character is awesome. I can completely picture the actor in my mind and his voice is so clear to me when I write him. Some characters are like that. They just speak to you.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Finding time to get the book done was a challenge. I have so many things I’m trying to balance right now that just clocking time in the chair is the hardest thing right now.
What’s next for you?
Finishing book three is the next project as far as writing. But, I’ve always got ideas kicking around in my brain. Other books, a writing workshop, a book con, a bird show…there’s always something.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
I have so many books on my TBR pile, it’s not even funny. I’m finally getting around to reading The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. It’s very excellent. I’m something of a book rescuer as well. I collect old hardbacks and rare editions I find in thrift stores. Recently, I found a worn first edition of Heidi, something I read frequently as a child. I’ve also discovered a first edition of Gone With the Wind. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed reading one called The Best Bird Stories I Know compiled by John Clair Minot, originally published in 1930. The writing is so lovely with pages and pages of description that I just know would never survive an editor’s axe in today’s market.
You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads, along with at her website.
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