P.J. Hoover: The Emerald Tablet

Title:  The Emerald Tablet
Author: P.J. Hoover
Publisher: Blooming Tree Press
Hardcover: 304 pp
ISBN: 9781933767130

1. First off, congratulations on the big novel sale! Give us the elevator pitch. What’s your book about?

Thanks!

THE EMERALD TABLET is the story of five kids who find out not only are they from a hidden continent under the Pacific Ocean called Lemuria, they aren’t even human. And if that’s not enough, there’s an age-old war going on against Atlantis, and they need to save the world. And summer was supposed to be normal.

THE EMERALD TABLET is aimed at readers of the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books. It’s a middle grade sci-fi/fantasy, first of a trilogy, and was a total blast to write!

2. Most new novelists have an interesting story to tell about their journey to publication. What’s yours? Did you use an agent? Make sure to tell us about the day you found out you’d sold a book.

My story involves two main things: networking and the willingness to revise.

I met my editor at the NY SCBWI conference, and because she’s a nice person, she offered to read my manuscript and give me feedback (sidenote: anytime you can get feedback from an editor, take it). After I got her feedback, I performed the major revisions she suggested and asked if I could send it back. She said yes. Long story short. She was amazed at how much I was willing to listen to her suggestions and how quickly I turned it around. This went on a few more times until one day she told be she was ready to acquire it.

3. Do you have another book in the pipeline? What are you working on now?

THE EMERALD TABLET is first of a trilogy. The second book, THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD, is due out in Fall 2009, and the third book, THE NECROPOLIS, in Fall 2010. I’m also working on a MG urban fantasy series with an Egyptian twist along with a YA urban fantasy.

4. What’s your process like? Morning writer, night writer, or something in between?

Night writer. In fact, until I quit my day job (electrical engineering) back in April, nighttime was the only real time for me to write. I have two young kids, so weekends during the day were out, also. That said, once I did quit the day job, I had time during the day to focus on writing or marketing. I split the time, based mostly on what really needed to get done, but nighttimes are still reserved for writing.

5. There seems to be an unusually high percentage of writers who own cats. Here at The First Book, we‘re doing a study to find out if there’s a direct relationship between writing success and cat ownership. Do you own a cat? If so, tell us about him or her. If not, tell us what you have against cats.

I don’t own a cat. Never have. Probably never will since my husband is allergic to them. Not to mention the claws are a bit intimidating. Small lap dogs seem to be my style. My sister did get a cat once back in college, and they seemed to be cute, likeable animals. The kids would love one, but the husband and the dog would most likely move out. My current dog, a Yorkie, hangs with me in my office all day long. Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my two tortoises who will live to be 180 years old.