News
If you want to see my thoughts on Elizabeth Scott's newest novel Love You Hate You Miss You, check out my review
here! And also, my review of Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
here!
Interview
1) How did you get the idea for Fairy Tale?
Well, first I wanted to write something about how perfect love can sometimes fall apart, but I also wanted to write a paranormal. And I am a sucker for fairies, but the pretty, Disneyfied kind. This was before the "fairy boom", but even then, it seemed like it was always the girl who learned she was the fairy princess. How dull is that? So I thought it would be much more fun to make the guy the fairy. And it was; I had a blast writing it.
2) You grew up on the Jersey Shore. Tell us about growing up there and any fond memories you have of living there.
I spent every summer of my childhood living in my grandparents' house in Seaside Park. Someone I know has a poster that says "Heaven is a little closer in a house by the sea," and it is so true. My actual home was inland, but I do believe that that house in Seaside was my spiritual home. I wrote my first YA book sitting on the front porch there. Sea breezes do wonders for the creativity. We've since sold that house (sob!) but I tell my family that if I ever make it big, the first thing I will do is buy that house back.
3) What book(s) are you working on now? Can you tell us anything about it?
My second book is entitled SLEEPLESS, and it's about a sandman who falls in love with a mortal girl whose sleep he controls. I am soooo done with fairies. Um, unless FAIRY TALE becomes this huge hit and everyone begs me to write a sequel.
4) What brought you to the YA genre? Have you always been a fan, or are you still fairly new to it all?
I've been writing YA since I was a YA, which is um, a few years ago. Back when I was growing up, there wasn't much of a selection. Then, maybe 10 years ago, everything started to explode, and I was so excited to be a part of it. I've tried writing adult novels but it's really nowhere near as fun as writing for young adults.
5) What is your favorite Jelly Belly jelly bean flavor?
I like Pina Colada. And getting caught in the rain...
6) What book(s) are you reading now, or are about to start?
I am reading DULL BOY by Sarah Cross, a fellow Deb! It's so cool, about superheroes! I am also about to dive into CATCHING FIRE, which I am deliriously excited about. And of course, my crit partner Mandy Hubbard's book, PRADA & PREJUDICE, just came out, so I can't wait to read the finished copy! I'm probably just as excited to see her book come out as my own!
7) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Yes, I can give advice all day long, but my advice for today is... go online and network with as many published and unpublished writers as possible. Start up a Livejournal and friend all the writers you can find. That is how I ended up getting my first and second agents. Writing may be a solitary business but getting published is not...never underestimate the power of networking!