DIANE BELL
FROM B1
“Sinister Summer: Fathoms of Fear,” also published by Delacorte and set to debut next June.
“My goal always has been to have writing be part of the rest of my life,” White says.
That’s why she is diversifying from the young adult niche that characterized her “And I Darken” trilogy, her “Slayer” series and “The Camelot Rising Trilogy.”
Her 2018 young adult novel, “The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein,” winner of the prestigious Bram Stoker award, has been optioned by Sony Pictures TV. She keeps fans updated on social media where, with her characteristic humor, she cautioned them: “Please note: I will never have a say in any casting. I cannot get you a role.”
But White is not holding her breath, as many TV options remain just that and, without money and backing, don’t materialize into shows. She laughingly tells her agent to let her know only if something is actually happening or if a check is coming.
White’s next public appearance in San Diego will be at the Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in the Midway District on Dec. 7, to sign copies of “The Excalibur Curse.”
Next on the horror horizon is her second adult book, the plot of which is simmering in the back of her active mind.
Born in Utah in 1983,
White moved to San Diego because her husband enrolled in law school here, and she isn’t about to budge. “I’m lucky to have married into San Diego,” she says.
On the day I spoke with her, she already was revising the first draft of her ObiWan Kenobi Padawan book.
To prepare, she had rewatched Star Wars films, episodes of Clone Wars and animated series. She researched Star Wars’ record books, encyclopedias of characters, creatures and locations, consulted the Wookiee online database and digested stories told about young Obi-Wan and what was known about this time in his life.
In what seemed like a nanosecond, she had a synopsis written and presented it to the “Star Wars” story group of Disney’s Lucasfilm’s editors and writers.
“They come up with their feedback, and it unlocks a new level of the book,” White says. She embraces the editorial comments because they help her see new possibilities.
White secreted herself away at the Cape Rey Hilton Resort in Carlsbad for three days recently for some uninterrupted creativity.
“I can only work on one book at a time,” she says, “but I work very, very quickly. I draft a book quickly, do a revision, turn it in, then move on to the next thing.”
When her kids were toddlers, she wrote from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Now she fits writing in where she can between the activities of two teens and a third-grader.
“Honestly, this is all I ever wanted to do,” she says.
Telling stories, connecting with readers and providing them with an escape from reality is her personal fairytale life.
“I can’t believe I’m getting to do this for a living. It’s an honor and also really fun.”