Tell us a little about yourself.
Let's see... I live in Bucks County PA with my family. I also work full-time for a series of fitness magazines. Fairy Tale may be my first published novel but I've written dozens of trunk novels, ever since I was in grade school. I'm one of those people who likes to hide in a room, scribbling away, more than anything else!
What got you started writing? What brought you to YA?
The first novel I ever wrote was a young adult novel--why? because I was a young adult! I've wanted to be a writer ever since I can remember. And I guess you can say I never grew up, because I tried writing adult books and they bored me. When, as an adult, I decided to try writing for teens, something just clicked for me. The emotions and issues that teens deal with are far more interesting to me.
Tell us about your most recent/ upcoming release?
Fairy Tale is about a teenage girl who learns her boyfriend is a fairy, and that he's due to leave her and return to Otherworld on his 16th birthday. She decides to fool the fairies and fight to keep him with her.
Do you plot out in advance, or just start writing and see where things go from there?
I just start writing, but somewhere, maybe halfway through, I learn where I want things to end up. And then I'll start to briefly sketch out the scenes that will take me there. I am not much of a planner. I know people who have giant wipe boards or thousands of index cards and that's not me.
Many authors have told me their characters talk to them, and sometimes even have different ideas of where the story should go than the author. Do you hear your characters?
Nope. I have a hard enough time hearing myself. Most of the time my mind is completely devoid of anything other than what kind of lunch or dinner or dessert I want to have. I like to eat. Mention anything with chocolate and caramel and I lose consciousness for a few moments.
Who is your favorite character (of your own)?
I love Pip. I always root for the underdog. And he's just sweet and naive and humble. He proves that guys don't need brawn or good looks or lots of flash or ego to make girls swoon.
What hobbies do you have when you're not writing?
I guess it goes without saying that I'm a big reader. I'm a bit of a runner, which is necessary in my line of work, since I work for a running magazine. Other than that, I am one of those people who can do a crossword puzzle, though I don't really ever have time for them! I get that from my dad, who is a crossword puzzle master. I've also had to make changing diapers my hobby, since I have young kids. Yep, I know how to party.
If you had not become a writer what would you have done instead?
Well, I am in marketing, which is what I went into when everybody told me I couldn't succeed as a writer! But I think if money wasn't an object I would own my own bookstore, since I always get a thrill whenever I walk into one. Or a company that makes things out of chocolate and caramel.
Where can readers find you online?
Your turn. What question do you have for readers of Want My YA?
What has been your favorite book of 2009 so far?
Thanks so much Cyn! It was great interviewing you.
Thanks to all the readers for stopping by, be sure to pre-order your copy of Fairy Tale today. :)
2 comments:
Great interview - can't wait to read this book!!
Great interview and what an amazing cover! It's gorgeous!
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