Diana Peterfreund is no stranger to the jungle…she’s guest blogged with us before, of course. But I am SO EXCITED about her new book, RAMPANT, I absolutely positively had to have her come back to Plotmonkeys to share the excitement of her newest release! I’ve read RAMPANT. Months ago. However, I can’t wait for my shelf copy to arrive from Amazon (should be today or tomorrow…not sure why it didn’t arrive on release day…grumble, grumble, grumble…) and I’m going to read it again. It’s a Young Adult book, perfect for the teen in your life, but it’s also a fabulous story and perfect for adults, too. It’s a modern day fantasy where…well, let me let her tell you about it!
My first young adult novel, RAMPANT, just hit shelves. It’s also my first fantasy novel, and the combination of the two is the realization of a childhood dream.
In high school, I was massively into fantasy novels. I was reading Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series, my best friend and I were obsessed with Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Mists of Avalon, and I bought every Christopher Pike horror/paranormal that I could get my hands on. And now I have my own YA fantasy novel. Right this moment, RAMPANT graces the teen shelves next to the novels of Christopher Pike (which, I’m sorry to say, I may have gushed in fangirlish enthusiasm about to Pike’s agent at the RWA convention last month).
Though there is quite a bit of what fantasy and science fiction writers call “worldbuilding” in my four secret society girl novels, it was mostly based on the real-life paradigm of actual secret societies in actual Ivy League schools. Writing a fantasy about killer unicorns—yes, venomous, deadly, man-eating killer unicorns—presented a whole new opportunity to make up the rules as I went along.
Or so I thought.
Turns out, crafting the rules of a fantasy world is a lot more limiting than I’d thought. My friend, YA author Carrie Ryan, likens the process to looking at an endless hallway filled with open doors. Every time you make a choice and walk through a door, all the other options vanish. For instance, once I decided to base the unicorns in my book on actual unicorn legends of Europe and Asia, the Pegasus/unicorn hybrids (you know, the ones with the wings commonly found leaping along rainbows on the covers of 80s Trapper Keepers) no longer fit into the story. But every time I left a hallway behind, a new set of endless opportunities presented themselves, more intriguing than the last. For instance, once I decided to set the book now, I had a whole host of interesting topics to explore. How do the rules of unicorns-and-virgins fit themselves into the modern era? What about the modern concept of protection for endangered animals, even the really dangerous kind?
Writing RAMPANT was a labor of love. I adored reliving my teen years in the head of my spirited, smart, exceptionally strong protagonist, Astrid Llewelyn. I relished the chance to take a research trip to Rome with my husband, eat Italian food, drink Italian wine, look at Italian art, explore Italian monasteries, and climb into ancient Etruscan tombs in the Italian countryside. I enjoyed every minute I spent poring over medieval bestiaries describing the dangerous and magical properties of unicorns; listening to the music of the 12th century nun, naturalist and mystic Hildegard von Bingen (an inspiration for the powerful magical nuns in my book); visiting the zoo to see oryx, wild horses, and large predators in action; and climbing into treestands with an expert bowhunter to get a feel for the kind of challenges my unicorn hunters would face.
In short, I lived the fantasy – not just the fantasy of the teenage unicorn hunters that populate my novels, but the fantasy of the teenage bookworm I used to be, the one who dreamed of one day growing up and writing her own novel, one filled with myth and magic, adventure and romance, dangerous monsters and the even more dangerous women whose destiny it is to battle them.
And though I know Julie might laugh at me for using the term, I feel it must be said: RAMPANT is a book of my heart, and I feel exceptionally fortunate that I’ve gotten the chance to share it with readers.
Julie here…I’d never laugh at Diana. Never in a million years.
OH! I forgot to add…I’m so in love with this book, I’m going to send a copy to one of the commenters today. So do post! I’m telling you…you’re going to love this book. I’ll announce the winner tomorrow, so if you don’t win, you can RUN OUT AND BUY A COPY. Trust me, it’s that good!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
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Hey Diana, lovely to have you back. Oh my you had to go bring up the unicorns and Trapper Keepers. That was so me. And yes, I even had my collection of unicorn figurines. I was such a dork, but loved them dearly.
Your YA book sounds amazing, and just like something I would have read 25 years ago, as well as today, in my 30′s. I love strong heroines of any age. I’m glad you got to experience the history and culture of Rome to enrich your story. Sounds like an incredible trip, and now I’ve added RAMPANT to my tbb list. Any plans for more books in this series?
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Hey, stacey! I love your avatar. yes, there will be at least one more book int eh series, out fall 2010. In fact, I just finished it today! And then who knows? I’ve also contracted a short story out in fall 2010 set in the killer unicorn world. Thanks for asking. I hope you enjoy it!
(I had the trapper keepers too…)
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Welcome back Diana! My copy shipped out from B&N yesterday and I’m hoping to have it by the weekend. Congrats on the release of Rampant!
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THanks so much, Liza!
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Welcome back to the Jungle, Diana.
Congratulations on the release of your first YA!
I must be honest here, I’ve never actually read a YA.
Not even Twilight et al. Well, I take that back. I tried to read Twilight but I couldn’t get into it. For those out there who love Meyer’s books please don’t throw rotten cyber eggs at me. I’m probably the only person on the planet who hasn’t read them. It’s still on my shelf and I’m debating whether to give it another try.
I LOVE the cover of your book. It’s gorgeous. The story sounds fascinating. I’m so glad it’s not about vampires or werewolves. For that reason alone I’m going to pick up a copy.
Thanks again for being here.
Have a great day everyone,
Cher
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Cher,
I read the Meyer’s books, and I agree with you the first book is difficult to get into, but after awhile, I finish all of the series in a week. Once you get passed the middle of book it starts to flow. But each person is different and has different feels of the book. Does this make sense? lol.
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Yes, it does. Thanks, Elisa :-)
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You are NOT the only person on the planet. I can’t get past chapter two and I’ve been trying for two years.
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Julie, I’m so glad I’m not the only one. I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me. My copy of Twilight has been on my shelf for quite a while.
Cher
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Thanks, Cher! I love YA — I think I read more YA these days than any other kind of book. The nice thing is you can get whatever you want — romance, mystery, family drama, fantasy…
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Welcome back to the jungle!!
I love the concept. For the record, at 50, I still have my collection of Unicorns and Dragons. I tend to collect stories about them still, so I will be picking up your book. You mentioned most of my favorite authors growing up- except Pike, my daugther read him. McCaffrey is one of the few who I buy in Hardcover (and that includes Todd’s books, who I have come to know as a friend).
And, no Cher, you are not the only one who hasn’t read Meyer’s books. I couldn’t get past page 24 and my daughter threw book 2 at a wall and she barely finished book 1.
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Thanks, Ev. I feel better now. I was beginning to think I was the only one.
Cher
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ev,
Ever since starting work on this series, I have amassed quite the unicorn collection myself! My friends and family are so into it — I have unicorn gum, band-aids, posters of Neil Patrick Harris (my fave) riding a unicorn, spoon rests, dolls…..
How cool that you’ve made friends with Todd. I always think it’s so interesting when book series can turn into a family legacy.
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Wasn’t here all day yesterday, so just getting back to the comments.
Knowing Todd definately was fate- yesterday my daughter got very ill and he took her to the ER. It’s tough being so far away and helpless.
And yay!! I won the book!! It’s always funny how many people tell me I have wyrm spelled wrong in my screen name (and license plate). I always get a chuckle out of it!
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Hi Diana,
Welcome back to the jungle! I am going to add Rampant to my to be read pile. Sounds like a great read.
Congrats on the first YA!!! I love your Secret Society so I am sure I will love Rampant. I still have my first unicorn stuff animal. Its over 30 yrs old.
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Thanks, Elisa, and thanks for reading my secret society books!
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Diana…I have to tell you I love, love, love the Secret Society Girls (and I am sure I am not your target audience, I am older). I wish you were writing more!
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NEVER too old! :-) Sorry, no more of those — I thought it was time to let Amy’s happy ending stick for once. Have you read the secret stories? You can find them all, for free, on my website!
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Beautiful cover Diana! Congrats on your new book!
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Thanks, Barbara!
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Congratulations, Diana! I’m a huge fan of your Secret Society books and I love YA, so I cannot wait to read this book!! Wishing you a ton of success!
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Thanks, Robin! I hope you enjoy!
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Congrats on your new book release, Diana!
Great post and I love the cover!
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Thanks, Terri! I’m kinda in love with it myself.
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Congrats on the release Diana!
I love the premise of the book, and what a great setting your picked. Rome is one of my all time favorite places to visit. Definitely looking forward to reading this.
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I love Rome! I’d go back again and again if I could.
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I’ve heard some great things about Rampant and would love to read it. It sounds very unique and like something I’d really enjoy. Congrats on writing your first YA/first fantasy novel!
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Thanks so much, Rachael! Always nice to hear there’s good buzz!
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Welcome, Diana. The entire world building, especially unicorns, sounds fascinating! Glad you returned to the jungle to play!
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Thanks for having me by, Carly! What a cute puppy! This book was a blast to research AND write!
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Welcome back.
This book looks terrific. I think I will pick it up for my daughter. I am not sure if she has ever read fantasy. So, this looks like a great place to start. I like for her to read a book, then my son (if it’s his type) then I do, and we all discuss the book. It’s like our own little book club.
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Debbie, that’s an awesome idea! I hope when I have kids I can do the same thing. My mom’s a big reader, but we’re the only ones int eh family who were when I was growing up (my brother discovered SF in the Navy, though, and now he’s a big reader).
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You forgot to mention Lisa Frank artwork and My Little Ponies, Diana.
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Lisa Frank’s the one who designed the Trapper Keepers. My Lisa Frank namedrop count is irreproachable.
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Hi Diana,
Congratulations on the new release and I must say, the cover is beautiful.
I have to comment on the ‘hard life’ of an author and those ‘research trips to Italy’….ahh…such a hardship! LOL
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LOL! I know, i have to figure out what new exotic place to set a book in.
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Hi Diana, Congrats on your new release. I love reading YA books and I love the cover of this one, its beautiful! I am reading The Twilight series and loven it right now. I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for sharing with us today!
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Congratulations on your new book Diana. It sounds good. I love the cover.
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Diana – I’m so excited the book is out. The cover art alone is amazing and I’m sure will have it flying off the shelf.
I can’t wait to read it. :)
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Ohh, sounds good! Even if I don’t win this one definitely sounds like one I’ll have to buy!
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Diana,
Congratulations on your first YA novel. I know that I can’t wait to read it. I loved your first series, and spread it around to my coworkers and friends, and now they’re all excited about Rampant as well.
-Lizzy
Cornucopiaofreviews@gmail.com
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Congrats on the release of your first YA!
I have never read YA, but I like the premise of this one. I love unicorns.
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Hi Diana, welcome back to the jungle…I really love the Secret Society girls books. Rampant sounds very interesting, and if I am not fortunate enough to win a copy, I will definitely pick it up. I envy your having the chance to visit monasteries and just visiting Italy in general. Congrats on your first YA novel. I can think of a few of my students who would love this book. Sorry, I didn’t get here earlier to interact with everyone in the chat. Jules, you always have such great recommendations.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Welcome back, I remember your last visit! Love the cover!!!
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They need a unicorn dohicky up there. I hope everything is doing great with the Rampant release. I keep spotting you all over the web, so the word is out!
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I already have Rampant on my wishlist because I think it sounds awesome. I love fantasy novels and when I read what this was about I was immediately intrigued by the unusual plot. Thanks for guestblogging Diana!
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Ooooooo … Must. Read.
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Sounds great!
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Hi Diana,
Congratulations on your first YA . I am such a fan of fantasy. I read my daughters fantasy books. I remember reading fantasy when I was a teenager and was transported to other worlds through an authors words. I guess my love of historical books grew from my interest in fantasy years ago.
I thought the cover the art department did was fantastic and the title sounds very smart to the ear.
Again congratulations
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I’ve been really looking forward to reading this book! I may just have to go out and buy a copy if I don’t win one. Nothing like a new twist on unicorn legends. I’m jealous she went to Rome for research! Nothing like a good overseas trip to put you in a writing mindset. Can’t wait to read this Diana!
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Diana I love YA novels and I share them with my niece!
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RAMPANT sounds excellent, and I love that cover!
Thanks for the interview and the contest!
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My grand daughter loves to read and this book sounds right up her alley.
Thanks for visiting the jungle.
Leslie. Black at Heart. WOW….I am loving it…
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http://www.plotmonkeys.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/people-snoopy4.gif
I am skipping for joy just like the snoopy above me is for you and this NEW book!!
I love the cover and I loved the 1st cover you did before this one.
Do you have much say in the cover art as the Author? Well anyho Congrads to you and may it sell 1 million copies in the 1st week!!!
Winks & Smile ;o) Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
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Hi Diana,
Rampant sounds so interesting. I’ve read a lot of fantasy books but never one about unicorns. I’ve been fascinated with unicorns since watching “Legend” with Mia Sara and Tom Cruise in the late 80′s. I’m really excited to read ‘Rampant.’ The cover is beautiful, too.