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Friday, July 5, 2013

First Friday - Five Favorite Things - Debut Novel Day

by Dave Amaditz
and Marcy Collier

Poison by Bridget Zinn

Welcome to July’s version of - First Friday - Five Favorite Things - Debut Novel Day. In this monthly series, we ask five simple questions about a debut novel that will hopefully entice anyone reading this post to pick up the novel and read it themselves, and/or give them at a glance some insight into the author's writing style and voice as well as how some of the characters might think or act. We do this by presenting, first, answers to our Five Favorite Things, followed by the author's answers in a follow-up post.

This month we're pleased to highlight author Bridget Zinn’s debut novel, Poison. Sadly, Bridget passed away at the age of 33 after battling cancer. She never got to see her book released, but her family, friends, critique group partners, bloggers and others in the writing community have pulled together to celebrate her accomplishment and help get her book to readers like you.

Marcy and I really enjoyed  reading the story and wanted to share it with you. Marcy’s answers will be posted today, and my answers will be posted on Monday.  


1) What is your favorite line or paragraph from the novel as it relates to the main character's development and/or growth?

MarcyIt was the most ridiculous thing in the entire world; Kyra, would-be assassin and master potioner, had resorted to hunting down her prey – her best friend the princess – with a piglet.

The main character, Kyra, is strong and fearless. She possesses so many admirable qualities. She doesn’t believe that she needs anyone to help her accomplish her mission. Until she is told that the only way to find the princess is by using a pig to sniff her out. This is the first time Kyra realizes she requires help and must agree if she wants to accomplish her mission.


2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

MarcyAt the edge of the forest she couldn’t help but look back one last time at the home of the Master Trio of Potioners It was run-down and seedy, yes, but it had been her home where she’d made a name for herself, fallen in love with the wrong man, and betrayed everyone she’d ever known.

Back before she’d tried to murder the princess.

Whoa, wait a minute, say what? Talk about cliffhangers of all cliffhangers. I couldn’t wait to swipe the screen and read more and more and more!


3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Marcy – Oh my, Fred. It's got to be Fred. He is such a lovable, fun, quirky character. The scenes with Fred are so unbelievably funny and heartwarming. Fred would be the type of person you’d love to hang out with in real life. And in this scene, there’s a bit of a hint that he may be a little smitten with Kyra.

Fred reached into his pocket and pulled out a small white flower. “They were growing next to the carrot bed.” He tossed it into Kyra’s lap.


4) What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?

Marcy – Let me just say, there were way too many to choose from, so I narrowed the list down to my top three favorites.

Rosie and Langley were sleeping together under a tree the big dog curled around the tiny pig, the pig’s muzzle tucked into the dog’s belly.
(Can you think of a sweeter, more adorable picture?)

If she was going to wish for something, it should be something really important. Like pie.
(Pie – a girl after my own heart!)

How had she come to this? How had she ended up a hungry, friendless fugitive in the middle of a frigid river wearing completely ridiculous lacy underthings? With a pig balanced on top of her head.
(This scene is hilarious. I can’t wait for you to read it!)


5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?

Marcy – I went to college for two years at West Virginia University. Of course this was my favorite line of dialogue – especially because these remarks came from a princess!

Princess Ariana rolled over on one elbow and looked serious. “Have you ever tipped a cow?”


To read more about Bridget’s debut novel Poison and her journey, please go to:

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