Colleen’s Comments (group member since Apr 21, 2014)

Colleen’s comments from the Colleen Houck Book Club group.

Rita wrote: "Hi Colleen! Is it possible for you to say what the new exclusive content on the Tiger's Curse edition by Turtleback Books is?"

Hi Rita. From what I can see, the Turtleback book edition is the school and library US edition. On Amazon, the image used is the old paperback edition from 2012. At that time the new and exclusive content included a sneak peek of Tiger's Quest if I recall and/or perhaps a deleted scene. Most of these can now be found on my website by looking under the category, Bonus Material. The only exception at this time is the exclusive content used to produce the hardback editions of Tiger's Dream.

Ashley wrote: "I was wondering if there was a update for The Lanterns Ember audible book?"

Ah, good news! That one is now available as an audiobook. Here's the link to the book on audible.

Rita wrote: "When you started writing Tiger’s Curse, did you know how Tiger’s Dream would end? And did you always want to write a story just about Yesubai (Tiger’s Promise)?"

Hi Rita,

Yes and no. I knew the basics but other pieces were revealed on the journey. I didn't know the exact details of the dragons, for example. That came during the writing. The Phoenix too. But I always knew Tiger's Dream would basically end the way it did. As far as Tiger's Promise, I always thought Yesubai's story needed to be told. She was a brave girl and I thought her story was a tragic one that needed to be shared.

Sarah wrote: "I was wondering you have made a lot of characters seem so real like they actually existed and I have loved every minute of it but I was wondering if there is a historical person living or deceased ..."

That's a great question! I've always been interested in female world leaders. I love the PBS Victoria show and the actress who plays her. I loved her in Dr. Who as well. I think it would be interesting to meet these women and see how they were able to lead during their time. I think that women have always been a strong backbone of our society and it's more that history has forgotten their contribution. I'd love to meet some of my ancestors.

Trishla wrote: "Will you be having any more writing contests?"

That would be fun! I haven't done one of those in a long time. I will definitely think of doing another one soon.

Trishla wrote: "Will Terraformer have a mix of Tiger's Curse and Reawakened? Or is it something completely different? And is there someone like Ren??"

Hi Trishla It's something new for me. I've never written sci-fi before. Something cool about this book, though, is that it contains some elements that could help me tie all my books together into one giant world if I wanted to. That's pretty awesome to think about. As far as someone like Ren...I don't think there's anyone like Ren ;)

Welcome to the chat! Colleen will be answering questions during the month of May 2020. One lucky person who asks a question anytime between now and then will win a prize pack!

edit | delete | flag *

Cheshire wrote: "Will Terra Former only be available in hardcover through barnes and noble?"

Right now. Yes, in the US.

Keki-Chan wrote: "I live in Germany but would love to have the hardbacks of Tiger's Dream. There is no Barnes and Nobles here, unfortunately. Ist there any other way to get them?"

That's the only way to get them right now. They might ship internationally. I don't know. You could try The Book Depository. They ship many editions of books internationally. I use them often.

Rita wrote: "Hi Colleen!
What were some of the best research books you read when researching for the Tiger’s Curse series?
Thanks :)"

Hi Rita, I'll list a few here... The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic, Mythology, Gods, Goddesses, and Monsters: An Encyclopedia of World Mythology. Those are just a few.

Rita wrote: "Hi Colleen!
What’s A Dream Forgotten in Tiger’s Voyage? Is it a bonus chapter? How do I get it? Is it in a special edition of the book? If so which one and how do I get it given that I am from Euro..."

Hi Rita,

Excellent question. Yes, A Dream Forgotten is an exclusive bonus chapter added to the back of the US version of Tiger's Quest. Since it's exclusive to the US edition of the book and the book is still in print, I can't share it online but you can get your hands on a copy through The Book Depository which ships books internationally and usually carries all international book editions. Just make sure you get the right edition. If you've read Tiger's Dream the same information is in that book but this very short chapter is in Ren's perspective.

Cheshire wrote: "Will the hardbacks of Tigers Dream be available through any other stores, or are they Barnes and Noble exclusives."

The hardbacks are self-published and because the only store that offers that option is Barnes & Noble, the answer is yes, they are Barnes & Noble exclusives. :)

Trudy wrote: "Have you always known you wanted to be a writer? Have you held any jobs that weren’t related to writing? If so, how did or didn’t it influence you to pursue a career in writing?"

Good question. No, I didn't always want to be a writer though I did always like creative writing in school and definitely always loved books. My jobs included working in a bakery (still love baking and eating baked goods). I worked at both McDonald's and Wendys. I worked in a group home caring for severely developmentally disabled men. I loved that job too and ended up being an advocate for one of the men who couldn't speak at all. I worked in a deli mostly on the salad bar. Managed a Chinese kitchen at a grocery store. Then most of my adult career I worked as an American Sign Language interpreter working as a freelancer, in the public school system, and then as a video relay interpreter. Writing is only my most recent job. I fell into it by accident when I wrote a book as a New Year's resolution.

Trudy wrote: "Are there any updates to a Tiger’s Curse movie?"Hi Trudy, Nothing new at this time, though the books are still under option so there is still hope.

Thanks everyone for joining the chat in the busy month of December! Our chat winner this month is Trudy! Congrats and happy holidays everyone!

Colleen wrote: "Betsy wrote: "Colleen wrote: "What's your favorite current tv show? For me to escape, I have to watch shows outside my genre. Otherwise, I pick it apart. Do you have that issue or am I a weirdo? ;)..."

Oh and side note about that. Still mad at the hubby for ruining my ONE chance to meet Spike at a Comic Con. He's never watched Buffy. Didn't even know the actor. I had to tell him who Spike was, what Buffy was. Not only did he horn in on the picture, he approached actor, then made a stupid joke, "Hello, Spock, I mean Spike. HA HA. Live, long, and prosper, man." The actor probably thought, finally, a male fan! I was completely ignored. They were best buds signing Spock's live long and prosper sign with their arms around each other in the photo while I stood off to the side. Still upset. : (

Betsy wrote: "Colleen wrote: "What's your favorite current tv show? For me to escape, I have to watch shows outside my genre. Otherwise, I pick it apart. Do you have that issue or am I a weirdo? ;)"

My favorite..."

I LOVE Buffy! One of the very few shows featuring teens...well...actors who are supposed to be teens that had and still has the ability to stir me to emotional tears and make me laugh all in the same show. Great characters. Great writing.

Betsy wrote: "Trudy wrote: "What inspires you when writing?"

My published novels so far have all been inspired by specific fairy tales and myths: so far The Selkie Bride, Cinderella, Robin Hood, and Snow White ..."

I haven't heard of the Selkie Bride. I'm going to have to do some digging and discover that one.

Betsy wrote: "Trudy wrote: "What countries have you been to?"

I was born and grew up in the United States, but I've lived in Ireland since 2013. I've also been to Canada, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germa..."

Ooh! Do you have a favorite dish from each of those countries? I fancy myself a bit of a foodie so I'd be all about trying out new recipes.

Betsy wrote: "(focused pretty exclusively on Han and Leia's wedding)

I think I would have focused on that too if I wrote anything Star Wars. ;)