Media Kit and Interview Package

"Awake in Olaiya" takes readers on a gripping journey of mystery and self-discovery. Nat finds herself in the unfamiliar community of Olaiya, where pleasant appearances mask terrifying dreams and a forgotten past. As Nat struggles to uncover the truth, she must navigate a dangerous balance between secrecy and survival. Joining the Rebs, a secretive group, Nat seeks answers about her lost memories. But trust is scarce, and even allies withhold vital information. With the cruel Olaiya Masters closing in, Nat is driven to find out who is truly awake in Olaiya. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Growing up immersed in captivating stories, I knew my destiny was to become an author. Homeschooled and surrounded by books, I found solace in middle-grade literature's hope and adventure. When I started writing, I aimed to infuse my adult and young adult novel with friendship, loyalty, and hope. Words, a symphony of rhythm and rhyme, bring solace and strength. As a student of hope, my eclectic collection of books includes Narnia, Lord of the Rings, poetry, Holocaust survivor stories, the Hunger Games, and the beloved Green Ember series. I aspire to create soul-settling literature that uplifts you with courage, joy, and wonderous suspense. My Quote: Words are rhythm and rhyme, and cadence. They’re meant to settle down into you and give you courage, strength, and humor. ---- BOOK SELL SHEET Awake in Olaiya By M.E. Duffield Genre: Dystopian Audience: Young Adult/ New Adult Hardcover: $29.99 USD - ISBN: 123-1234567 Softcover: $17.99 USB - ISBN: 123-1234567 Pages: 250 Publication Date: September 1, 2023 Synopsis: In the mysterious community of Olaiya, Nat is plagued by terrifying dreams and complete amnesia. She discovers careless words have dire consequences and longs to escape the dangerous yet seemingly orderly place. Joining a secret group called the Rebs, Nat seeks answers about the community, and her lost memories while evading the scrutiny of the Olaiya Masters. The question of who is awake in Olaiya becomes a central focus as Nat navigates this mysterious world. Formats Available: Hardcover Paperback eBook Available on: Amazon Barnes & Noble Goodreads IndieBound And other major retailers Worldwide distribution For more information, please visit: www.meduffield.com ---- SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What inspired you to write "Awake in Olaiya" and explore the themes of memory loss and dystopian society? 2. How do you believe personal growth and self-discovery can impact an individual's overall well-being and happiness? 3. The synopsis mentions terrifying dreams and the danger of careless words leading to people going missing. How do these elements contribute to the story's overall sense of tension and suspense? 4. Nat joins a secret group called the Rebs in search of answers. Can you provide some insights into the dynamics of this group and their role in the narrative? 5. Building 8 is described as both orderly and dangerous. Could you elaborate on the dangers Nat faces within the community and the challenges she encounters while trying to blend in? 6. The Olaiya Masters are determined to identify those who are awake in Olaiya. Without giving away spoilers, what can you share about the motivations and actions of these characters? 7. Memory loss is a central aspect of the story. How does Nat's struggle with amnesia affect her interactions with the other characters and her perception of the world around her? 8. The book is set in Territorial California. How does the historical setting influence the dystopian society of Olaiya, and what role does it play in the story? 9. Nat longs to escape from Olaiya. Can you discuss the themes of freedom and confinement in the book and how they are portrayed through Nat's desire to leave? 10. Without revealing too much, can you provide any hints about the revelations and twists that readers can expect while uncovering the answer to the central question: "Who is awake in Olaiya?" 11. Can you discuss the importance of presenting a clean dystopian world that is accessible to readers of various age groups and how you achieved this balance in your writing? 12. Can you share any insights into the research process for "Awake in Olaiya"? Did you draw inspiration from any particular sources or references while crafting the story? 13. Can you provide any hints or teasers about potential future developments or sequels related to "Awake in Olaiya"? 14. "What sets 'Awake in Olaiya' apart from other dystopian novels, and why should readers be excited about it?" ---- 5 IMPORTANT IDEAS FROM THE BOOK 1. Identity and Memory: The protagonist, Nat, grapples with her own identity and lost memories. She doesn't know who she is or why she's in Olaiya, which creates a sense of mystery and raises questions about the nature of personal identity and memory. 2. The Illusion of Order: Olaiya appears to be a pleasant and orderly community on the surface, but there are underlying dangers and secrets. The controlled environment creates an illusion of safety, highlighting the theme that appearances can be deceiving and a seemingly perfect society may hide dark truths. 3. Suppression of Free Expression: Nat learns that careless words can have severe consequences, leading to people going missing. This suggests a theme of censorship and the suppression of free expression, emphasizing the importance of being cautious about what one says and the potential dangers of speaking out. 4. Desire for Escape: Nat longs to leave Olaiya and seeks to find a way to escape from the community. The theme of escape represents a desire for freedom and autonomy, highlighting the human instinct to resist oppressive systems and seek a better life outside of them. 5. The Quest for Truth: Nat joins a secret group called the Rebs in her search for answers about the community and her lost memories. This theme reflects the human desire for truth and understanding, as Nat seeks to uncover the mysteries surrounding her existence and the nature of the world she finds herself in. BOOK REVIEWS “Mary's ability to put me intimately inside this character's experience and feel her bewilderment, shock, and terror on a deeply personal level is extraordinary.” - Kori 'Inkling Creative' ---- PRESS RELEASE Introducing a Captivating Tale of Mystery and Hope: "Awake in Olaiya" (oh-lie-uh) by M.E. Duffield. Get ready for an exhilarating journey into a world of mystery and self-discovery with "Awake in Olaiya," the compelling new novel by M.E. Duffield. With a passion for storytelling deeply ingrained in her, Mary weaves a tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, yearning for answers and rooting for the indomitable spirit of the protagonist. In "Awake in Olaiya," readers meet Nat, a young woman grappling with the enigma of her existence. Set in Territorial California, the seemingly idyllic community of Olaiya conceals a dark secret. Night after night, Nat is plagued by terrifying dreams that hint at a past she cannot remember. As she navigates her way through this orderly yet treacherous place, Nat realizes that her every word must be chosen carefully, as a slip-up could lead to people vanishing without a trace. Yearning to break free from the constraints of Olaiya, Nat embarks on a quest for answers, joining a secret group called the Rebs. But even among allies, trust is elusive, and Nat struggles to uncover the truth about her past. As the Olaiya Masters intensify their search for the disrupter in their midst, Nat finds herself asking the same question that plagues them all: Who is truly awake in Olaiya? Drawing inspiration from beloved middle-grade books, M.E. Duffield infuses "Awake in Olaiya" with the elements of hope, adventure, and friendship that have captivated readers for generations. This novel transcends age boundaries, presenting a tale that resonates with young and new adult audiences. It offers a refreshing escape from the monotony of typical adult fiction, replacing it with a delightful blend of courage, strength, and hope. As a true student of hope, Mary imparts her love for literature and storytelling throughout "Awake in Olaiya." Readers will find echoes of cherished classics like the Narnia series and "Lord of the Rings," alongside contemporary gems like the Green Ember series. This captivating blend of influences reflects Mary's aspiration to create a rhythmic, uplifting narrative that settles deep within the reader's heart. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable literary journey with "Awake in Olaiya," a tale that explores the depths of identity, the power of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. M.E. Duffield's unique storytelling ensures that this book will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next creation. For more information about the author and "Awake in Olaiya," please visit: (www.meduffield.com). ### About M.E. Duffield: Mary has been an avid reader and lover of books since childhood. Growing up homeschooled, her passion for literature flourished, and storytelling became an intrinsic part of her life. With a deep affection for middle-grade books, Mary seeks to infuse her writing with the essence of hope, adventure, and enduring themes that touch the hearts of readers of all ages. As a self-proclaimed student of hope, M.E. Duffield draws inspiration from cherished classics and contemporary works that have shaped her worldview.