Over the summer, several people read an advanced copy of Natural Selection by Diane McGyver. Here is what a few said about the young adult dystopian novel.
It was an unexpected tale that could have taken place centuries ago if not for the derelict vehicles. ~ Julia
A gentle love story I’d let my 14-year-old granddaughter read. ~ Ruby
Eloise was my favourite character. She was funny, and I liked that she used a staff to protect herself. ~ Miranda
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Quarter Castle Publishing sat down with author Diane McGyver and asked her about her latest novel, Natural Selection. Here is what she had to say.
QCP: When did you decide to become a writer?
I knew I wanted to a writer in my mid-teens. That’s when I started writing a lot. By the time I was 17, I had written my first novel. However, I didn’t start writing professionally until I became a mom in 1997.
QCP: Do you write every day? If not, how many days do you dedicate to writing?
I write for at least an hour every day. On average, I write for three hours.
QCP: Do you use an outline or do you write free style?
I’ve heard many writers have success with outlines, but I’m not one of them. I’ve tried and failed. I write best when I’m writing free style.
Continue readingQuarter Castle Publishing is proud to announce the release of Diane McGyver’s first dystopian novel Natural Selection.
The book is 111,000 words in length. The paperback with standard print measures 6 inches wide by 9 inches tall and contains 402 pages.
It’s classified as a dystopian novel laced with light romance. The year is 2051, 28 years after The Devastation that destroyed all technology in the world. Life has returned to the 1800s, and only those who survived the environmental disaster remember the lost technology and tell fascinating stories about it to those born since.
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“I hadn’t set out to write a novel young adults could read,” said author Diane McGyver when asked about Natural Selection. “Yet, after reading the first draft, I realised it was suitable for someone as young as 14 years old.”
Natural Selection doesn’t contain harsh curse words (no f-bombs), there is no graphic violence and no sex scenes. A few scenes of conflict result in death, but the injuries are not described in detail. Characters kiss, but it goes no further, and their thoughts are not on intimate activities.
“My stories choose their own path,” said McGyver. “And Natural Selection spoke to me in a simple, mild manner. While I’m certain curse words used today in society will be around in 30 years time, they would add nothing to this dystopian novel.
“Many readers don’t mind reading stories riddled with f-bombs,” she added, “but many other readers don’t want this word in their books. I see negative comments about harsh language in reviews.”
Look for Natural Selection‘s release later this month.
Diane McGyver’s first dystopian novel is set for release this month. Natural Selection takes place in 2051 in North America after the Devastation sets the world back two hundred years. It’s about starting over again but not from the beginning. Those who survived remember the old ways, and many want to reinvent that which was lost.
The cover for Natural Selection reveals many hints of the story within. It’s about a young girl peering into an unknown world. It’s about seeds. It’s about a crafty owl. It’s about the darkness that dwells in the heart of mankind, and those who hold the light to bring hope to the world.
Description
The year is 2051. Almost three decades have passed since the Devastation destroyed civilization. Only the strong and wise survived; the weak and intellects perished. New societies emerged, forging a future with skills from the distant past.
In Green Wood, Eloise has lived in seclusion with her uncle for 12 years. While they receive visitors to Larkspur Cottage, the number of friends they have can be counted on one hand. When strangers arrive and capture her uncle, she is forced to run, but who can she turn to when she doesn’t know the land outside Green Wood or where those friends live?
Diane McGyver has penned her first dystopian novel and it’s set for release October 2021.
Natural Selection starts innocently enough: a young woman living an idyllic life with her uncle in a lush forest that provides the necessities of life. But the tranquility doesn’t last.
The wisdom of seeds grows naturally.
The year is 2050. Almost three decades have passed since the Devastation destroyed civilization. Only the strong and wise survived; the weak and intellects perished. New societies emerged, forging a future with skills from the distant past.
In Green Wood, Eloise has lived in seclusion with her uncle for the past 12 years. While they receive visitors to Larkspur Cottage, the number of friends they have can be counted on one hand. When strangers arrive and capture her uncle, she is forced to run, but who can she turn to when she doesn’t know the land outside Green Wood or where those friends live?
More news to come as production continues.
Quarter Castle Publishing 