Hidden Book Tour

Bloomsbury is delighted to launch Hidden by Marianne Curley, the first in the  Avena series.

Marianne Curley’s debut novel Old Magic established her place as an exciting and original voice in the world of children’s literature in Australia and went on to sell in 13 countries.

Hidden is Marianne Curley’s  first book in 8 years.

For as long as Ebony can remember, she’s been sheltered. Confined to her home in a secluded valley, home-schooled by her protective parents, and limited to a small circle of close friends. It’s as if she’s being hidden. But something is changing in Ebony. Something that can’t be concealed. She’s growing more beautiful by the day, she’s freakishly strong, and then there’s the fact that she’s glowing. On one fateful night, Ebony meets Jordan and she’s intensely drawn to him. It’s as if something explodes inside of her–something that can be seen from the heavens. Ebony still doesn’t know that she’s a stolen angel, but now that the heavens have found her, they want her back.

 I was able to ask Marianne a single question in anticipation of her book launch.

How was writing Hidden different from writing your previous books?

When I thought about this question, the first thing that sprang to mind was technology, and how much more convenient computers, the Internet and telephones had become. I know that makes me sound ancient, but there were seven years between The Key and Hidden, and technology went crazy in that time. I had no need to drive to libraries anymore. All the reference material I required was now as close as my fingertips. And how distracting had a telephone become!

Another difference was the pressure I felt to prove I could still write. It seemed like my life had started again after my cancer treatment, and the longer it took me to achieve publication, the more intense the pressure became.

Another difference was my change in lifestyle. I had a physical disability now and was learning to walk without bumping into walls because my balance was wonky. And I was not able to go for my walks on the beach anymore, or down the broken paths of the local rainforest. These were my thinking times, in the open air, when I worked on a plot problem, or a new plan, or any number of issues. Now, because of my pain treatment, when I closed my eyes to visualise my characters and the scenes I put them in, I fell asleep. I fell asleep while typing so many times I had to remember to save my file every few minutes in case I accidently held down the delete key!

But the best thing that’s different now while I write my new series is my attitude – to everything. The successful transplant gave me a second chance at life, and even seven years later, I’m still excited to be alive. My priorities have changed. Small things don’t bother me anymore. If there’s a problem, I deal with it. Today I’m even taking care of my sleepiness by ensuring I go to bed early, get a good night’s sleep, and take power naps whenever I feel my head slide towards the keypad.

Learn more about Hidden, get access to exclusive extras and enter to win a copy  at the Hidden Books Facebook page

Hidden is available from Bloomsbury and all good bookstores