From A Youth A Fountain Did Flow - Book Tour and Giveaway

Supernatural meets The Raven Boys in this thrilling young adult fantasy horror novel about a girl who has lost everything and finds herself in the center of a war between witches and demons.
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From a Youth a Fountain Did Flow
The Fountain of Youth Book 1
by Miranda Levi
Genre: YA Dark Urban Fantasy Horror 

Supernatural meets The Raven Boys in this thrilling young adult fantasy horror novel about a girl who has lost everything and finds herself in the center of a war between witches and demons. In a world where anything is possible, can she find the things that keep her human? Or is she doomed to a dark destiny?

Love. Fate. Courage. Darkness.

Thrust into a timeless battle between an ancient network of witches and the demon underbelly who will stop at nothing to possess her regenerating body. Scarlet Singer must decide what is worth fighting for in this life. Love, fate, and a greater destiny are all at stake.

When Scarlet stumbles upon a poem written in a journal for her more than a hundred-and-fifty years earlier, she must face her greatest fears and accept the possibility that she is the fountain of youth personified.

Only a Telepath named Marcus and a Void named Zig stand between Scarlet and the battle over her future. Whom can she trust when both sides have enough reason to end her? If any of them knew the truth, her life would be forfeit.


Praise for From a Youth A Fountain Did Flow

"Pursued by demons, a teenage girl must confront darkness and a terrible destiny in Levi’s YA fantasy novel. In Washington State,17-year-old Scarlet Singer is haunted by nightmarish shadows and a feeling of wrongness. Her bad dreams come true when her home is invaded by a monster in the guise of a man. Her mother sacrifices herself to give her daughter time to escape, and a teenage telepath named Marcus Castillo is drawn to Scarlet, sensing her distress. His grandmother, a witch named Kara, accompanies him and slaughters the demonic killer with magic, and Scarlet’s perception of reality is forever changed (“I know magic isn’t real, and demons are like fairytales designed to scare children. Except, I am now swayed to the argument that demons are real, and magic seems to exist despite my reservations”). Packed with demons, humans reduced to “meat suits,” blood-letting and blood-drinking, witches, telepathy, time-shifting, and supernatural realms reachable through magic portals, the novel is never dull. The abundance of fantasy and horror tropes could have been overkill, but the author weaves them into a neat twist on the concepts of the fountain of youth and reincarnation. The catalyst is the 19th-century journal of a young woman named Kelby, which causes Scarlet, sheltered by a powerful Witches Council, to begin to wonder who—and what—she is, leaving her with a secret she can’t share, hunted by demons and ostensible friends alike. Throughout, Scarlet’s closeness to Witches Council members Marcus and the handsome Zig complicates things... The author effectively keeps the plot moving forward by shifting narratives between Scarlet, Marcus, Zig, Kelby’s journal, an enigmatic witch named Azeltha, Scarlet’s demonic nemesis, Dagon, and a few minor but essential characters. The shocker of a cliffhanger at the end signals a sequel to come. An imaginative fantasy-horror tale anchored by a relatable teen hero, engaging ..." Kirkus Reviews

“A fast-paced, intriguing, richly written puzzle box of a book. Every twist and turn left me breathless. That first paragraph grabbed me and wouldn't let me go.” –Aaron Michael Ritchey, award-winning author of The Sages of the Underpass and The Cunning Man series.

"This is a captivating tale about witches and demons and a battle as old as time. It is a story of love, loss, and being captured by purpose. The main character is likable and brave, and her growth as she discovers the truth about her past and her power over the future makes a story well worth reading. I highly recommend Mrs. Levi's 'From a Youth a Fountain Did Flow'" ~Cheree Alsop, author of the Werewolf Academy series.


**Kindle countdown deal July 23 – 27! Get it ON SALE now!! **
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SCARLET

With each step, the city sucks a little more light from me. I’ve become a shriveled fraction of my former self. My insides let sorrow and darkness take hold. It grips onto my heart and seems to weave a thread through my core, sewing torn and broken pieces together again. I want to stop walking and lay down to die. But giving up is only an option for the broken. I’m patchwork now. So, I keep walking.
I’m not sure why I follow the old woman and a boy named Marcus. We walk for twenty minutes in silence. I consider leaving, turning right when the others go left. Each step is moving lead. I am dead weight.
I should have called the police myself. I should have stayed behind with mom. When I think about what’s happened, it feels like lies slipping off my tongue to speak my truth out loud. A tightness rises in me, choking out my ability to ruminate rationally. I don’t think I would even believe it had I not witnessed it myself.
The pizza delivery guy crouched over my cat’s slain body. He looked up at me with inhuman black eyes.
I’m going crazy.
The scene plays over and over in my brain. Like a movie on repeat, I can’t shut off. I was backing out of the bedroom, knocking things over along the way, stumbling into Mom as I clamber over the top of the couch to get away from the black-eyed man.
Limp fur, black eyes, and Mom telling me to run.
I don’t let myself think past that. I don’t want to remember.
“Run.”
It is the last word Mom ever spoke to me. She looks at me with chocolate brown eyes and points.
“Run.”
Mom’s voice is calm, collected. It’s not a question.
“Run.”
It’s not a demand either. I want Mom to grab my hand and drag us out of the house together.
“Run.”
It’s a plea.
All I want is her, whole and perfect. To be in her warm arms one more time. Hear her voice whisper me to a safe harbor. Only I know one more time would never be enough. No amount of time would be.
Her screams still echo in my mind.
I can hear her begging for a savior, for someone to help her.
But nobody came.
My mom is dead, and it’s all my fault.

Miranda Levi is an accomplished fiction writer and poet hailing from the Pacific Northwest. Her writing is known for captivating readers with her evocative storytelling and lyrical prose, which transport readers into other worlds and perspectives. With a passion for exploring the human experience, Levi’s works delve into the complexities of life, love, and loss and offer a glimpse into the human soul. She lives in Seattle with her husband, Peter, and their cat Hamilton. 

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Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

Reading is not only a pleasure but an integral part of who I am. I have an insatiable appetite for books, devouring them across a wide range of genres. While I find joy in exploring various literary realms, there is a special place in my heart for sci-fi and fantasy. The allure of these genres, both in adult and young adult categories, captivates my imagination and transports me to extraordinary worlds filled with endless possibilities.
Science fiction takes me on thrilling journeys through futuristic landscapes, exploring complex themes and technological advancements that challenge the boundaries of our current reality. Fantasy, on the other hand, enchants me with its magical realms, epic quests, and intricate world-building. These genres offer an escape where imagination reigns supreme.
However, I’m not limited to these genres alone. I embrace recommendations and willingly venture into uncharted literary territory. The beauty of reading lies in its ability to introduce us to new perspectives, diverse voices, and unexpected narratives. I relish the opportunity to explore different genres, whether it’s historical fiction, mystery, romance, or non-fiction. Each genre holds its own unique treasures and lessons to discover.
When I come across an author whose writing resonates with me, I can’t help but become consumed by their literary universe. I immerse myself in their words, devouring book after book in a voracious quest to savor their every creation. It’s a testament to the power of a skilled storyteller to captivate my heart and mind, creating an insatiable hunger for their stories.
In the end, reading is a lifelong adventure, an ongoing exploration of the written word. It broadens my horizons, sparks my imagination, and nurtures my love for storytelling. Whether I’m traversing distant galaxies, delving into magical realms, or embarking on a journey through the human experience, each book holds the potential to transport me to new heights of understanding and enjoyment.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

When it comes to writing, I prefer to have noise in the background. It may sound counterintuitive, but this is a preference that has evolved over time. In the past, I used to require absolute silence, believing it was essential for concentration. However, as I delved deeper into my writing journey, I discovered an intriguing concept that reshaped my approach to the writing process.
Fifteen years ago, I stumbled upon an article that explored the connection between music and productivity. It drew upon the Pavlov dog experiment, suggesting that we can train our brains to associate certain stimuli with specific activities. In the case of writing, the article proposed using a music playlist or a TV show as consistent background noise, playing it on repeat every time I sat down to write.
Curiosity piqued, I decided to give it a try. I created a playlist of music that I found soothing and inspiring. Whenever I embarked on a writing session, I would play this playlist, allowing the familiar melodies to permeate my surroundings. Over time, a remarkable phenomenon occurred—my brain started to associate this background noise with the act of writing itself.
The impact was fascinating. As soon as I heard the familiar tunes or sounds from the playlist, my mind effortlessly slipped into a focused and creative state. It was as if the background noise acted as a trigger, signaling to my brain that it was time to immerse myself in the world of words. The association became so strong that the noise became an integral part of my writing process.
Now, writing with noise has become a ritual that enhances my productivity and creativity. It sets the stage for deep concentration and allows me to tap into my creative flow. While it may seem unconventional to some, the concept of training my brain to associate specific noise with writing has proven effective in maintaining focus and eliminating distractions.
Of course, I understand that each writer has their own unique preferences and needs when it comes to their writing environment. What works for me may not work for others. However, I encourage fellow writers to explore different approaches, experiment with background noise or silence, and discover the optimal conditions that allow them to enter their creative zone. It’s through this exploration that we can find the sweet spot that fuels our writing process and enhances our productivity.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

Personally, I find it more effective to focus on one book at a time, devoting my full attention and energy to the project until it is completed. However, I do engage in other activities related to writing while working on a particular book. For example, I may be outlining another book or editing a different manuscript. This allows me to have a well-rounded approach to my writing process.
Having multiple projects at different stages helps me maintain a continuous flow of creativity and productivity. While actively writing one book, I can simultaneously nurture and develop ideas for the next one. This ensures a smooth transition when I finish my current project and move on to the next.
Of course, this approach may not be suitable for everyone. Some authors prefer to concentrate solely on one book to maintain focus and avoid distractions. Others may find it difficult to switch between different projects and prefer to see one book through to completion before starting another.
In the end, it's crucial to find a writing process that works best for me. Whether that involves working on multiple books simultaneously or focusing on one at a time, I strive to find a balance that suits my writing style and goals.

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
Ready Player One.

Pen or type writer or computer?
Pen for ideas, computer for everything else.

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

My writing process typically begins with a broad conceptualization of the story. I focus on the central idea or concept that sparks my imagination. For example, in the case of "From A Youth, A Fountain Did Flow," the concept was centered around the idea of the fountain of youth being personified. This initial concept serves as the foundation from which I build the narrative.
From there, I delve deeper into the story, filling in the details and exploring the potential nuances and complexities of the concept. I ask myself questions about the world, the characters, and the conflicts that might arise. This process of exploration helps me understand the larger picture and develop an overarching vision for the story.
Once I have a solid understanding of the story's direction, I begin outlining. Outlining allows me to structure the story on a chapter-by-chapter basis. It helps me establish the major plot points, character arcs, and key events that will drive the narrative forward. This outline becomes a roadmap that guides me through the writing process.
When I finally sit down to write, armed with a well-developed concept and a comprehensive outline, the words flow more easily. The deep understanding I have gained through the conceptualization and outlining stages enables me to immerse myself in the world I have created. It allows me to tap into the emotions, motivations, and voices of the characters, bringing them to life on the page.
Of course, the writing process is not always linear, and adjustments may be made along the way as the story evolves and new ideas emerge. However, having a strong foundation through conceptualization and outlining provides a solid framework that keeps the narrative on track and helps maintain coherence throughout the storytelling journey.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

One of the most common traps that aspiring writers often fall into is the pursuit of perfection. It's natural to desire to create a masterpiece, to write the next bestseller or produce flawless prose from the get-go. However, this fixation on perfection can become paralyzing and hinder the creative process.
To overcome this trap, it's essential to give yourself permission to "suck." Embrace the notion that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Writing is a journey, and the first draft is merely the starting point. By allowing yourself to write without the pressure of perfection, you create the space for ideas to flow freely and for creativity to flourish. Remember, the first draft is not the final product; it's the raw material from which you can mold and shape your story.
Editing and revision are integral parts of the writing process. After completing the initial draft, you can revisit your work, make it stronger, refine the plot, flesh out characters, and polish the prose. This is where the true magic happens. You have the opportunity to fine-tune your story, cut out what doesn't work, and add depth and complexity. Embrace the iterative nature of writing and recognize that the path to perfection is through multiple rounds of revision.
Another common trap aspiring writers encounter is getting caught up in the pursuit of external validation or comparing themselves to others. Writing is a deeply personal and subjective craft, and each writer has their own unique voice and journey. It's important to stay true to your own voice and not be swayed by the opinions or successes of others. Focus on honing your skills, nurturing your creativity, and telling the stories that resonate with you.
Lastly, procrastination and self-doubt can also be traps for aspiring writers. Overcoming these challenges requires discipline, commitment, and self-belief. Set aside dedicated time for writing, establish a routine, and find ways to stay motivated and inspired. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow writers or seek guidance from mentors who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

The time it takes me to write a book can vary significantly depending on various factors. My first novel, "A Tear In Time," took approximately nine months to complete the initial draft. However, it took several years of honing my craft and gaining confidence in the story before I felt ready to bring it to completion. The process of refining and perfecting the manuscript extended the overall timeline.
In contrast, my second novel, "From A Youth A Fountain Did Flow," was written in a relatively shorter period of about three months. By this point, I had gained more experience as a writer and had a clearer understanding of my writing process.
The timeline for my third novel, "Mo(ther) Na(ture)," is a bit more complex. The first draft was completed in about four weeks. However, after receiving feedback from agents and editors, I decided to make significant changes and rewrite the novel as a young adult story. This rewriting process took some time as I wanted to ensure that the story aligned with my vision. It went through multiple iterations before reaching a point where I felt it was exactly what I had envisioned. The final rewrite, which captured the essence of the story, took around two months.
Currently, I am working on the second book in the Fountain of Youth series, titled "The Sea Withdrew." I have been writing for about four weeks, and I’m about halfway through the initial draft. Outlining has proven to be an invaluable tool, as it helps me streamline and move through the writing process more efficiently.
It's important to note that these timelines are specific to my own writing journey and may differ from author to author. The writing process is highly individual, influenced by factors such as experience, complexity of the story, and personal circumstances. Every book presents its own unique challenges and demands, which can impact the time required to bring it to fruition.

Do you believe in writer’s block?
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I don't personally experience writer's block in the traditional sense. Instead, I view those moments of creative stagnation as natural ebbs and flows in the writing process. Life can bring distractions, challenges, and moments when inspiration seems elusive. However, I don't let these moments hinder my progress.
When faced with a creative slump, I remind myself of the intrinsic joy of writing. I shift my focus away from perfection or accomplishment and simply write for the sake of writing. By embracing the act of putting words on paper, I rekindle my passion and reconnect with the reasons why I pursue this craft.
If I find myself struggling with a particular story or idea, I don't label it as writer's block. Instead, I engage in a reflective process. I ask myself if the story is truly ready to be told. I delve into questioning the characters, their motivations, and the plot. Sometimes, I even write out these answers for myself, allowing me to explore different angles and possibilities.
This process of introspection and exploration often leads to forward progression in the story. It helps me gain clarity and reignite my creative spark. However, there are instances when I realize that a story may not be ready to be written just yet. It may need more time to percolate, or perhaps I need to shift my attention to another project for the time being.
Ultimately, I believe that writer's block is a concept that can be overcome by adopting a proactive mindset. Rather than getting stuck in the notion of being creatively blocked, I approach these moments as opportunities for reflection, exploration, and growth. By giving myself the freedom to write without expectation and by engaging in a process of self-discovery, I navigate through these periods of creative lulls and emerge with renewed inspiration and purpose.

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