The seed of The Fancy Deep came from the marriage of 1) an article in the Boston Globe, and 2) a trip to Japan.
The Globe story recounted the findings of a Loyola University study stating that the occurence of blue-eyed births had dropped from 1 in 4, to 1 in 6 in the last fifty years.
Don't it make my blue eyes brown
by Douglas Belkin, Oct. 17, 2006
Being blue-eyed and a bit of a genenomics junkie, this got me thinking... What would it be like to be one of the last people on Earth with blue eyes? Would people think you were different? Would they accuse you of having special sight?
At the same time, I'd been traveling to Asia quite a bit for work and the face of a girl came into my mind. She was petite, had black hair, white skin, western features and huge blue eyes. I wondered if I'd seen her during my travels, perhaps on T.V. or on the cover of a Manga book in Tokyo.
But, then the typical "I'm a character for you to write about," behavior began and I knew she wasn't from a commercial or magazine cover. She hung around. She haunted me. I couldn't get rid of her.
"Okay fine," I said. "Tell me your story so I can get some peace."
But, then she was tight-lipped. She wouldn't speak. Frustrating.
I was about to give up when I remembered the article and her story came into focus.
It's the future, but not too distant future (no battle stars or little green men)... about 2091. Aysia Martin is one of the last "blue-eyes" on Earth. People call her "future-teller" and "oracle." But, unlike what other people believe about her, her sight is cloudy, corrupted even. Not her physical sight; she's a wunderkind gem-cutter and has perfect vision. But, when it comes to the things and people that matter most to her, that shape her, Aysia is terrible at seeing the truth.
So, I sat down to write on December 25th, 2008 and 88,000+ words later had finished the first draft on April 10th, 2009.
Once I let Aysia speak, she talked fast!
10 comments:
The story is intriging with several plots intertwing that pulls you through the story.
The story is incredibly creative, with elements of science fiction, romance, and adventure. Kristen is a gifted writer, with incredible talent. I have not met a writer before who was able to sit down and write out a story in just a few months, with the ability to truly feel a character speaking through her. I really enjoyed this book!
I read this book very quickly. I couldn't put it down. My house was a mess by the time I finished, but I was happy. :) I want to read the next one! This book has the right amount of compelling plot lines and interesting details that keep you at the edge of your seat and wanting more.
I loved the book. I couldn't stop reading (and I had a 3 month old that took most of my attention). It kept my attention all the way to the end. Usually, once the story reaches its climax it goes downhill fast, but this one kept on going. It was great! I would definetely read it again and again.
I got a couple of chapters in, looked at the clock, and realized that I wasn't going to get any sleep that night. I just had to keep reading to see what happened to Aysia. It was a true page-turner!
This storyline sounds fantastic. I can't wait to get a copy to read. Sounds like the perfect mix of adventure and intrigue.
I agree with Ms. Samiam! As soon as I started I knew I wouldn't end until my eyelids grew heavier than my will power to keep them open! Such an exciting journey. Also, makes me want a fancy deep diamond. Any way fans could get knock off's?
Kristen has a gift for writing. As I read her book, it seemed like she took my hand and pulled me into the story. I felt like I was there, and I didn't want to stop reading. This will not only be an incredible book, it will also be an excellent movie.
There aren't many books that keep me up all hours of the night in order to finish, but this one had me from chapter one. Kristen's book reads like Stephenie Meyer's "The Host", but only in that you feel like you're watching a super cool action packed, and extremely vivid movie. The Fancy Deep has an elegant flavor and style that are distinctly it's own.
LOVED IT! ;)
CAN NOT WAIT to get my hands on a copy. You amaze and inspire me.
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