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Interview with Kirstin Pulioff

     Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Kirstin Pulioff, author of The Princess Madeline trilogy. This was a very interesting series, and you can read all of the reviews here on this blog. Mrs. Pulioff was extremely gracious for allowing me to ask her a few questions and providing some vey insightful answers. I hope you enjoy this interview about her series and writing style. Thank you, Mrs. Pulioff!




What inspired you to write The Princess Madeline trilogy?


I was inspired to write The Princess Madeline Trilogy because of my love for the fantasy and fairytale genres. I wanted to create a modern take on the traditional story. In todays’ society, it’s important to break the traditional stereotypes and paradigms. I wanted to write a story where the princess didn’t need to be rescued…

Did you originally plan to write a trilogy or did it come after you wrote a sequel?


When I originally started writing The Escape of Princess Madeline, I had an idea that her story would take more than one book to complete, but I didn’t know the exact direction her tale would take. The characters spoke to me throughout the writing process, letting me know what direction their stories would go and how the plots would intertwine. I was excited as each new twist and turn of her story unfolded.

Why did you choose to write in the children's genre?

Middle grade stories are close to my heart. When I was young, I was an advanced reader. Unfortunately, the books that were available for me to read weren’t always appropriate. When it came time to write a story, I wanted to write something that would fit into that niche—something that would be appropriate and interesting for an advanced reader and engaging enough for a reluctant reader. Princess Madeline filled that gap.

Do you find it easier writing for children or young adults?

That is a GREAT question! Honestly, I enjoy writing for both. With both genres it’s important to write a compelling story with engaging stories. I tend to go back and forth between age levels, which keeps my mind fresh and writing style growing.

What challenges did you face in writing The Princess Madeline trilogy?

The biggest challenge in writing this series was balance. I wrote this series when my children were very young. Writing and balancing a life as a stay-at-home mom was both rewarding and exhausting! Worth it though. 

Can you describe the writing process of Princess Madeline?

Writing The Princess Madeline Trilogy was an experience! I originally wrote The Escape of Princess Madeline in my car during my lunch breaks at an office job. Writing during that break was one of the ways I kept my sanity. It reminded me of the need for creative release. I let the book go for several years and then picked it up again once I had my children. At that point in my life, it was important to regain a bit of myself and show my children the importance of following dreams. Once I picked the story back up and began editing it, the desire to pursue writing as a career grew. I continued writing and finishing Princess Madeline’s story.

The actual writing process is pretty simple: I write when I can, usually late at night once my family has gone to sleep, and trust in my team of qualified editors and graphic designers to help me bring my story to life. After I write the first draft, there are several rounds of revisions, edits, and beta readers to make sure I have polished the story I wanted to tell. Writing is a long process, and I believe in taking time to make sure every step is completed to the best of my ability.

Do you base your characters on yourself or someone you know?

My characters evolve in interesting ways. Although no character is based entirely off anyone I know, I do pull names and characteristics of people when creating characters. That’s one of the joys of being an author, being able to enjoy the people you love in multiple ways.

How has your writing style changed since you first write The Escape for Princess Madeline?

It has changed quite a bit. The Escape of Princess Madeline was my first novel. As with any pursuit of a craft, the longer you do it, the better you become…and the more efficient. Over time, through careful crafting, hours of practice, and conscious effort, my writing has improved, and my messages have become clearer. I’m excited to see where my stories and characters take me in the future.

What message do you hope readers will take away from your stories?

I hope that when my readers finish The Princess Madeline trilogy, they realize that life is an adventure, and it’s important to stay true to yourself and live your dreams.

What project are you working on now?

Currently I am working on a new middle grade fantasy adventure series, Sky Raiders—Initiation. It is an exciting coming of age story that follows Tommy, an eleven year old boy, as he settles into a new life in Colorado. With the move come new worries and revelations. When he’s recruited for a new job in the sky, Tommy realizes his world is anything but ordinary… and bullies don’t stop in elementary school. 



     Kirstin Pulioff is the author of The Princess Madeline trilogy. She was born in Southern California, but relocated to the Pacific Northwest where she received a degree in Forestry Management from Oregon State. She is a happily married mother of two and now makes her home in the foothills of Colorado. For more information, visit her website, Facebook, Amazon author page, and Goodreads.

Also, check out my reviews of Kirstin Pulioff's The Princess Madeline trilogy:

The Escape of Princess Madeline


The Battle for Princess Madeline


The Dragon and Princess Madeline



Comments

  1. I love to read these author interviews! Thanks for posting them, and keep them coming in the future!

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