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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Christine Brodien-Jones, THE OWL KEEPER (GIVEAWAY ALERT NOW – 04/20/10)

Posted on April 13th, 2010 by Christine Brodien-Jones · Email post Email post · Print Print

Christine Brodien-Jones

Christine Brodien-Jones

This week, we’re celebrating Christine Brodien-Jones’ debut! Christine Brodien-Jones grew up in LeRoy, New York, and is a graduate of Emerson College, Boston. She spent much of her childhood inventing fantastic stories and sitting in trees reading books. A former teacher and editor, Christine lives in a creaky house near the sea with her husband Peter. They divide their time between Gloucester, Massachusetts, Buenos Aires and an old country house in Maine. Random House/Delacorte Press will publish her post-apocalyptic novel THE OWL KEEPER in April 2010. Her next novel is a fantasy adventure set in Morocco. Christine is represented by Stephen Fraser of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.

Here’s a little bit about THE OWL KEEPER (Random House/Delacorte Press).

Maxwell Unger has always loved the night. He used to do brave things like go tramping through the forest with his gran after dark. He loved the stories she told him about the world before the Destruction — about nature, and books, and the silver owls. His favorite story, though, was about the Owl Keeper.

According to Max’s gran, in times of darkness the Owl Keeper would appear to unite owls and Sages against the powers of the dark. Gran is gone now, and so are her stories of how the world used to be. Max is no longer brave. The forest is dangerous, the books Gran saved have been destroyed, and the silver owls are extinct. At least, that’s what the High Echelon says. But Max knows better.

Max Unger has a secret. And when a mysterious girl comes to town, he just might have to start being brave again.

The time of the Owl Keeper, Gran would say, is coming soon.

THE OWL KEEPER by Christine Brodien-Jones

THE OWL KEEPER by Christine Brodien-Jones

If you had to give your book a movie rating: G through Rated R, which one would you give and why?

I’d rate THE OWL KEEPER PG because there are some harrowing scenes featuring dangerous creatures–some are biogenetically engineered, others are ravenous and infected with disease—which younger readers might find scary.

What topics, issues, or themes does your book address? What drove you to write about them?

THE OWL KEEPER touches on a number of themes: courage, friendship, loss, loyalty and betrayal, family relationships and, ultimately, hope. The story is also about book banning, oppressive governments, adults who are deceptive, prophecies and underdog heroes.

I’ve always been drawn to the idea of what the world will be like in the future. “On the Beach,” a 1950s film about the world after a nuclear explosion, had a profound effect on me when I was young, along with John Wyndham’s novel THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS. When I started writing THE OWL KEEPER in November 2001, the world felt truly bleak and dark, and I wanted to write a story about hope. Max and Rose appeared seemingly out of nowhere, both vivid heroes, surprising me. I connected straightaway with Max—maybe because I grew up an only child too—and, like Max, I’ve always loved the night. The idea of Max being allergic to the sun came from an article I’d read about children with this condition and from a film called “The Others.” As for the High Echelon, I experienced the paranoia of an oppressed society when I lived in Spain under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.

Name three examples of readers who would identify or like your book.

  • A boy who’s quiet and shy and not quite sure of the world around him would identify with Max, an unlikely hero.
  • A feisty independent girl with original ideas would see herself in Rose.
  • Anyone who loves books about dystopian societies, impossible quests, secret experiments and genetically altered creatures would enjoy THE OWL KEEPER.

List a few statistically improbable phrases or sentences one might find in your book. These are phrases or sentences you might never find anywhere else.

“He saw stars scrambled overhead, and two moons floating above the forest – the broken halves of the old moon…”

“…a prophecy, written in the Silver Scrolls: in times of darkness an Owl Keeper would appear…”

“…then there were the terrifying dreams, jolting him awake in the middle of the night. What were the grotesque creatures that flew in and out of The Ruins – hairless … with half-formed faces?”

How can your book be used in the classroom?

I imagine THE OWL KEEPER as a springboard for class discussions about themes I mentioned earlier such as courage, friendship and family relationships. There are frightening creatures in THE OWL KEEPER made in secret laboratories: spark your students’ imaginations by asking them to create their own ‘monsters.’ Other topics to explore: book banning, oppressive governments, underdog heroes.

Now tell us about other already-published books that readers of your book might enjoy.

Kids who like THE OWL KEEPER might also enjoy:

  • CITY OF EMBER series by Jeanne DuPrau
  • THE TRIPODS by John Christopher
  • HIS DARK MATERIALS series by Philip Pullman
  • THE NAVIGATOR by Eoin McNamee
  • LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer
  • HOW I LIVE NOW by Meg Rosloff
  • THE GIVER.by Lois Lowry
  • EXODUS by Julie Bretagna
  • THE ROAR by Emma Clayton
  • FLOODLAND by Marcus Sedgwick

Older kids who like THE OWL KEEPER might also enjoy:

  • FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner
  • THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH by Carrie Ryan

Now whet our appetites with a teaser.

“When Max first saw the girl that night, standing beneath the owl tree, he thought she was a ghost or a vision, or maybe a comic-book character come to life. It didn’t occur to him that she might be real. As far as he knew, nobody real had ever come to the owl tree before.”

Are you offering authors visits to schools, libraries, or other organizations?

Yes.

Are you willing to speak nationally?

Yes, if time allows.

List a few example titles of presentations, talks, or workshops you might give for an author visit.

I’m happy to speak to students, librarians, teachers and others about the writing process, inventing ‘monsters’ for fantasies, and creating believable characters.

This concludes our interview with our latest author, CHRISTINE BRODIEN-JONES. We wish her much success with her debut novel THE OWL KEEPER. To see what Christine is up to these days, visit her website at http://owlkeeper.com or her blog at http://cbrodienjones.wordpress.com.

*GIVEAWAY ALERT* Christine is giving away a signed copy of THE OWL KEEPER to a winner, a signed ARC of THE OWL KEEPER to another winner and a hand-painted owl from Argentina, along with OWL KEEPER postcards and bookmarks to three other winners. Tell your friends and leave a comment for the author! Enter by April 20th, 2010 11:59 PM CST. (U.S. and Canadian residents only, please.)

Your email address will not be displayed publicly and will only be used to contact you if you win! And don’t forget to participate in our other AuthorsNow! giveaways.

Categories: Author Spotlight · Contests

About The Author

Christine Brodien-Jones
Growing up an only child in LeRoy, New York, Christine Brodien-Jones spent hours tramping through her neighborhood, leaky fountain pen in hand, inventing fantastic stories, on the lookout for mysterious Other Worlds. Friday nights she watched films like “Dracula” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon” at her local movie theater.  Read more about Christine Brodien-Jones.

Related posts:

  1. THE OWL KEEPER by Christine Brodien-Jones
  2. AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: S. Terrell French, OPERATION REDWOOD (GIVEAWAY ALERT NOW – 11/24/09)
  3. Author Spotlight: Sarah Ockler, TWENTY BOY SUMMER (Giveaway Alert: Now – 08/05/09)
  4. Author Spotlight: Danielle Joseph, SHRINKING VIOLET (Giveaway Alert Now – 10/20/09)
  5. Author Spotlight: Jennifer Jabaley, LIPSTICK APOLOGY (Giveaway Alert Now – 08/31/09)

Comments

  • 1 colleen kosinski // Apr 13, 2010 at 7:47 am

    Sounds like a fantastic book!

  • 2 C. Lee McKenzie // Apr 13, 2010 at 8:50 am

    I loved the interview and the book sounds just right for my nephew. Thanks.

  • 3 Shirley H // Apr 13, 2010 at 9:41 am

    This book sounds terrific!

  • 4 shannon Baas // Apr 13, 2010 at 9:53 am

    Looks like a good book.

  • 5 Gina // Apr 13, 2010 at 10:33 am

    I had heard the buzz about this title several weeks back and have had it on my “seek-out” list since then. I love the fact that the author suggests additional reading options for those that enjoy her book….often times a reader can experience the “okay, what do I read now” dilemma after completing a great book…crisis avoided. The teaser…I like the imagination shown in the short passage. Her character thinks they are seeing a ghost, a vision, or a comic book character….comes from left field but still fun. Congrat’s on the book reaching publication! ^_^

  • 6 Rita M // Apr 13, 2010 at 11:44 am

    This book sounds wonderful, and I told my daughter about the giveaway.

  • 7 Amber G // Apr 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    This book really looks neat! I’m looking forward to reading it. I posted a link on Facebook!

  • 8 Lindsey // Apr 13, 2010 at 1:24 pm

    Sounds wonderful! What drew you to writing about Owls instead of another animal or humans?

  • 9 Raelena // Apr 13, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    This book sounds great! Very pretty cover :)

  • 10 Christine Brodien-Jones // Apr 13, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    Thanks for all your wonderful comments about my book! You’ve made THE OWL KEEPER’s birthday even more special!
    Cheers,
    Christine
    OvO

  • 11 Joanne Schultz // Apr 13, 2010 at 2:26 pm

    This book sounds really good! I’ll lend it to my niece after I read it if I win!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  • 12 Carol Harrity // Apr 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    I’m a reader-I even read can labels and box tops. Your books sound great and I would love to read all of them.

  • 13 Yan // Apr 13, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    I loved these books: HIS DARK MATERIALS,
    LIFE AS WE KNEW IT, THE GIVER, and THE MAZE RUNNER so I’m hoping to love The Owl Keeper as well! Plus a hand-painted owl from Argentina!? HOW AWESOME :D

  • 14 Ann F // Apr 13, 2010 at 4:27 pm

    This would be a wonderful book for my daughter

  • 15 Sheila // Apr 13, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    Sounds like a terrific book!

  • 16 Kelly H. // Apr 13, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    Congrats, Chris, on your book birthday! I would love to read The Owl Keeper. It sounds really interesting. I have never read a novel about an owl before. :D

  • 17 Dawn Lairamore // Apr 13, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    I’ve been eagerly waiting to read this book. So glad its release is finally at hand. Many congratulations!!

  • 18 Elizabeth D // Apr 14, 2010 at 4:30 am

    I am so intrigued by this book Christine! I would love to win a copy, but look forward to reading it either way! :) e

  • 19 Heather R // Apr 14, 2010 at 6:27 am

    It sounds great. I am have assisted with Owl rehab so of course I think its great.

  • 20 barbara wright // Apr 14, 2010 at 6:37 am

    The cover of this book reminds me of one of my kids’ favorite childhood books – Owl Babies.
    I love owls. This book sounds great!

  • 21 Shari D // Apr 14, 2010 at 7:17 am

    This sounds like a really interesting book. I live a good suspense.

  • 22 Steven R. McEvoy // Apr 14, 2010 at 8:15 am

    Sounds great.

  • 23 Jessy B. // Apr 14, 2010 at 8:25 am

    I’m glad she wrote a book geared toward middle grade boys because most books are written for girls. I think the boys need more written for them. Thanks for the interview.

  • 24 Shirley Hodge // Apr 14, 2010 at 8:50 am

    I disagree with one of your points that this booy would only attract younger or youngish readers. I am 74 and have loved the genre since I learned to read. Just reading the excerpt made my mouth water. Also love owls, my dearest aunt collected them and when she passed there were so many we gave most of them away but kept a few and would love to add this Argentenian one to my quasi collection. Fingers crossed here in the Poconos.

  • 25 Shirley Hodge // Apr 14, 2010 at 8:51 am

    OOP’s book not booy, sloppy proofing. Sorry.

  • 26 Deedles // Apr 14, 2010 at 9:38 am

    Thanks for the interview. I would love to be entered.

  • 27 Christine Brodien-Jones // Apr 14, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Your comments about THE OWL KEEPER are so heartwarming! Thanks to all of you for your well-wishes on the book!
    And, Shirley, I’m with you, THE OWL KEEPER is for ages ten and UP! We’re never too old to fall in love with children’s books!
    (:

  • 28 Jessica // Apr 14, 2010 at 1:34 pm

    This sounds like such a fascinating book, I’m a huge fan of owls and I would love the chance to read this.

  • 29 JAMES LYNAM // Apr 14, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    HOPE YOU KEEP ON WRITING AND THAT ANOTHER BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON.

  • 30 Kate // Apr 14, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful book I would love to read with my kids. And I am so jealous of your country home in Maine!

  • 31 Giane Powell // Apr 14, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    I can’t wait to read this book! I think my grandkids will like it too!

  • 32 JenP // Apr 14, 2010 at 5:15 pm

    Great interview. I’m looking forward to reading this.

  • 33 Janice Golden // Apr 14, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    nice prize keep em comin I might win one

  • 34 Michelle B // Apr 14, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    Sounds like a really great book that my daughter might enjoy

  • 35 angie // Apr 14, 2010 at 6:53 pm

    This looks like a great book.

  • 36 Christine Brodien-Jones // Apr 15, 2010 at 7:30 am

    Yes, I’m working on my next book! Hopefully it will be out in 2011.
    I wish each and every one of you could win a copy of THE OWL KEEPER!
    (:

  • 37 LuAnn Morgan // Apr 15, 2010 at 8:44 am

    Sounds like an intriguing book. I’d love to read this one!

  • 38 Lisa Van // Apr 16, 2010 at 7:40 am

    As a librarian in a small town we are always looking for books that will have appeal to many different kinds of readers. I think this fits the bill! Look forward to reading this one. LOVE the YouTune intro to it too….the art is unreal.

  • 39 Christine Brodien-Jones // Apr 16, 2010 at 8:44 am

    In response to Lindsey who wrote on 4/13 asking why I chose owls: Owls are night creatures, with an aura of mystery about them. In certain societies they symbolize wisdom, the ability to see things that are hidden. In others they represent good fortune, magic, sometimes even death. Owls are very powerful birds: stealthy predators that attack without warning. They’re also eerily beautiful. I loved the idea of owls with silver feathers and creating a myth around these fabled, magical creatures.

  • 40 gwendolyn b. // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:01 am

    this book sounds terrific and I’m especially interested in it for my 9 yo nephew. I’m also intrigued by many titles on the list of recommended books, so thanks for that! And thanks for the chance to win a copy of THE OWL KEEPER, too!

  • 41 Arlene Torres // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    I think that your book, The Owl Keeper, sounds like a very interesting, fascinating, and a “I can’t put this book down until I’m finished” book. My son and I are absolute fans of the fantasy fiction genre and the premise of myth, magic, progressing forward with as much “bravery” as one can possibly muster in light of the circumstances one finds oneself in, and the handing down of wisdom and traditions (esp. Magic).
    I love Owls because they are often represented as symbols of mystery, wisdom, and loyalty. They carry themselves with purpose, refinement, and, dare I say, elegance. I have often believed that they can also symbolize “protection of a home” from evil spirits and are a sign of or foretell good fortune.
    Thank you for a great book giveaway, the book synopsis, and the opportunity to win and learn more about your work.

  • 42 Misty VanEpps // Apr 16, 2010 at 8:58 pm

    wow, what a wonderful book. I hope to get the chance to read it!
    mommy2skie at yahoo dot com

  • 43 Jenn S. // Apr 17, 2010 at 7:49 am

    This sounds like a fantastic book. Would love to have it for my daughter and I to read.

  • 44 Doret // Apr 17, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I love the cover and the premise sounds great.

  • 45 Megan // Apr 17, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    Looks like a fantastic book!

  • 46 Charlotte // Apr 18, 2010 at 10:12 am

    I’m looking forward to this one lots!

  • 47 Michelle Kelgard // Apr 18, 2010 at 5:32 pm

    This looks like a great book to share with my daughter.

  • 48 Rhonda Struthers // Apr 19, 2010 at 8:37 am

    I am always looking for new authors so glad I found you. Am looking forward to read this book even if I don’t win.

    rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca

  • 49 Christine Brodien-Jones // Apr 19, 2010 at 9:17 am

    I’m so enjoying all your comments! Arlene I found your thoughts on magic, myth and owls really fascinating – thanks!

  • 50 susan // Apr 19, 2010 at 11:25 am

    Great interview, this is a book I would love to read.

  • 51 Angela Winesburg // Apr 19, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    I’d love to read this, thanks for the chance!

  • 52 Marc // Apr 19, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    Looks like a fun read. Congratulations on your book.

  • 53 Christine Sarkauskas // Apr 19, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    I love to read and this would be a great addition to my collection.

    Hoping I win

  • 54 Ed Nemmers // Apr 19, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    I like the cover photo of this book!

  • 55 Rebecca // Apr 19, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    would like to read this

  • 56 Ron // Apr 19, 2010 at 7:24 pm

    I’d love to soar with the owls and hunt with the creatures of the night.

  • 57 Chris A // Apr 19, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    This sounds like a really great book for my daughter to read.

  • 58 Melissa B. // Apr 20, 2010 at 5:58 am

    I’ve been trying to get my daughter to read more. This sounds like a book she might be interested in.

  • 59 Dorothy Hubbard // Apr 20, 2010 at 7:34 am

    It sounds like a great book

  • 60 Pamela S // Apr 20, 2010 at 10:11 am

    I love the interview and am always happy to find quality books for adolescents and older. I’d love to win. Thanks so much!

  • 61 Betty C // Apr 20, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    This sounds like an excellent book. I’d love to share it with my family.

  • 62 Melanei // Apr 20, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    I like to think Im a feisty independent girl with original ideas..so I should love this book. :]

  • 63 Nikki @ Bookizzle // Apr 20, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    I’ve had my eye on this book for awhile and heard some great things about it – can’t wait to get my hands on it!

  • 64 Susan Smith // Apr 20, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    Sounds like a great book.

  • 65 christa marteny // Apr 20, 2010 at 7:04 pm

    want to read this

  • 66 heather c // Apr 20, 2010 at 10:05 pm

    Loved the interview, especially the book suggestions. I always wonder what authors like about other writers, and if they gather styles from all kinds.h

  • 67 Gianna // Apr 20, 2010 at 10:57 pm

    Please enter me :)

  • 68 Marcy Strahan // Apr 20, 2010 at 10:59 pm

    This book sounds wonderful!
    I would love a chance to read it!

  • 69 Lily Kwan // Apr 20, 2010 at 11:10 pm

    This book sounds very interesting. I’ll definitely check it out!

  • 70 Pothi - Admin Assist // Apr 21, 2010 at 10:53 am

    Congratulations Michelle B, Rhonda Struthers, JenP, Shari D, and Dorothy Hubbard!!!!!

    You have won this AuthorsNow! Spotlight.

  • 71 DOUG SOTAK // May 10, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    Congratulations. Happy Birthday. I saw 2 snowy white owls on my way to visit a friend in Rochester, this winter. Thought of you. One blitzed my truck while the other watched from atop a lightning struck Norway spruce. I was five miles south of LeRoi.

  • 72 woolrich arctic parka // Jul 14, 2011 at 5:55 am

    You have won this AuthorsNow! Spotlight

  • 73 THENORTHFACE // Oct 7, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    Would it be possible to send me the original jpeg files of some of the photos, so that they are printable quality

  • 74 roger vivier shoes // Oct 27, 2011 at 12:33 am

    This book sounds very interesting. I’ll definitely check it out!

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