Author Interview - Carrie Harris!

Hey All! 

So, yesterday I put up my post about the great upcoming book, Sally Slick and the Steel Syndicate. Today, I'm beyond excited to have the author (one of my favorites!), Carrie Harris, visiting the blog. 

Welcome to the blog, Carrie! I'm so excited you took the time to answer just a few quick questions for me...

1. How long did it take from first spark of idea to final proofs to write Sally Slick?

This book was spin-your-head-around fast. It all started with a tweet. (Honest. Twitter is USEFUL, and I’m not just saying that to justify my tweeting. HONEST. CROSS MY HEART.) Sally is an established character and had already appeared in books, a roleplaying game, and a board game by the time she got to me, so I had a lot of catching up to do! But by the time I’d gone through it all, I knew what I wanted to do. We started talking in January. I started writing in March. Who knew that you could get a book on the shelves in less than a year?!?!

2. If you could write a book under a pseudonym that no one would ever connect to you, are there any genres you would love to secretly explore?

I love the idea of pseudonyms, and I already have one picked out (but can’t tell you because then how pseudo would it be, right?!?). But I’m not sure I have any secret genre loves. I’d love to write a New Adult...so I am. I’d love to write an adult comic fantasy…so I am. I also have a YA WIP about a possessed Mr. Bacon figurine. And really, I’m not too proud to claim all that weirdness. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say that I AM proud to claim all that weirdness. I think weirdness is pretty awesome. 

*I, for one, think that your particular brand of weirdness is extremely awesome, Carrie!*

3. If you could cross one thing off your bucket list tomorrow, what would it be?

I’d go to Australia! It’s very cold here in Michigan right now, and I do not like the cold. The cold turns me into a cranky old person who complains about her joints and tells everyone to get off her lawn. It’s not pretty. If I had a flowered housecoat, I’d be wearing it right about now. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not.

4. Quick picks list:
Favorite vacation destination?
I went on an epic cruise with my best friend once, so I’ll pick that. Anything in the middle of the water where it’s warm and people can’t walk on my lawn is good. J

Favorite childhood book?
The Hobbit! I did book reports on it for four years in a row before anyone caught on that I’d been recycling them.

Favorite writing snack food?
Anything salty combined with Diet Dr. Pepper. Not in the same bowl though, because ewww.

*OMG, I also love Diet Dr. Pepper, even though people keeping telling me diet soda will kill me... I just can't give up the Diet Dr. P!*

Favorite clothing item?
My zombie unicorn dress, naturally!

5. What's next on your writing horizons?
Well, I kind of already spilled the beans on my current projects, but there’s still more because I’m nothing if not an overachiever. In 2014, I have two books hitting the shelves—Demon Derby (YA about a cancer survivor turned demon fighting derby girl) and War of Ashes: Off on a Ylark (game tie-in about cute muppets facing an invasion of not-cute muppets). But there’s also a Sally Slick sequel in the works…Sally Slick and the Miniature Menace. Sally’s going to deal with a nefarious villain, the threat of WWI, and the beginnings of a very complicated romantic life. I’m super excited to write it!

*I CANNOT WAIT TO READ ALL OF THESE. REALLY. ALL OF THEM.*

Thanks so much for letting me visit, Jessica! You are the bestest. That is too a word.

Thank YOU so much, Carrie, for letting me interview you. It was a pleasure!

For more information about Carrie and her books, check out her (AH-MAZING) website, blog, Facebook page, or stalk follow her on Twitter like I do.  Believe me, you won't regret it.  

The Cadet of Tildor Scavenger Hunt - Guest Review and Interview! (Oh, and a giveaway, LOL!)

Welcome to this stop on THE CADET OF TILDOR online scavenger hunt. If this is your first stop in the scavenger hunt, please go here (http://cadet.alexlidell.com/scavenger-hunt/) to learn how to collect all of the online clues that will lead to fun, prizes, and more! Don't forget, you have until midnight (eastern standard time) on Mon. Nov. 12, 2012 to enter the grand prize drawing. Good luck!
Today, I am really pleased to welcome Jessica Noreault to the blog.  :)

As you can see, Jessica was lucky enough to snag an early copy of THE CADET OF TILDOR!!! *turns green with envy* Anyway...she was kind enough to not only let me post her early, and non-spoilery, I promise!, review, but to also let me badger her with ask her a few questions. 


So, without further ado, here is Jessica's review:

Amazing, kick ass scenes, that leave you craving more!
All I can say about this book, is that it was better than I had hoped. It left you guessing the whole time, and came together at the end very nicely. You never get bored with it, and the second you think you have something figured out BAM Lidell hits you with a new twist to it!

Overall summary of the book
De Winters is a young girl who just wants to protect her people from the vicious deeds of a group called 'the family'. To do this she is working to become a cadet and serve the crown. Unfortunately, she is the only girl left among several powerful guys, and this is her last chance to prove that she can be just as good as them. Along the way she learns so much about herself, her family, and her friends. Her beliefs are put to the test, her true strength is forced to show, and she has many difficult choices to make.

Renee De Winters is a girl that many females will be able to relate to. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Tamora Pierce, Maria V Snyder, Kristin Cashore, and so on. Lidell weaves a beautiful story with many wonderful characters that you find it easy to fall in love with - or hate, depending on the scene. I went back and forth many times with a lot of the characters. They all have very distinct personalities, innocence, loyalty, strength, and honor. It is all slammed into this wonderful story. I honestly cannot wait for book 2, and Lidell has someone hounding her for any little tid bits she would give. Unfortunately D: she's not giving me anything! Haha, but seriously people. Keep an eye out for this book!

Okay, now I am just a little insanely jealous that she's already read this and I CANNOT wait to get my hands on it!! So, let's talk a little more about it, shall we? LOL.

You mention that Renee is the only girl training amongst the guys. Did she have to pass a special trial to gain acceptance? Was there a lot of hostility that she was training with them?

She's actually the only girl LEFT training among them. There were others, but they did not have what it takes to continue. As far as a trial thing goes, well you'll just have to read the book to find out, won'tcha. ;D Finally, there really isn't a massive amount of hostility towards her, it's more typical, 'we are guys, thus we can do better' sort of thing, but that's all. Each boy handles things differently when it comes down to having a girl in their ranks.

You mention how all of the characters are fully faceted. Do you have a favorite?

My favorite is a toss up between three. Obviously, De Winters, but everyone should love her. Savoy is another wonderful character, but once more he is just someone that everyone will love.  My final favorite is Diam who is just and wonderful. I cannot tell you anything about him, just that he is probably one of my MOST favorite characters in existence. Or non-existence. Ha ha.

Can you describe the world that Renee lives in using 10 words or less?

Unique and well thought out. 'Bout all I can say about that. :P

Once again, I want to thank Jessica for stopping by and giving us a little more insight into the book!

Don't forget to check out all the other stops in our Scavenger Hunt to get more info, win prizes, and collect your letters for the secret password that unlocks the grand prize giveaway here (http://cadet.alexlidell.com/novels/hunt/ )!!

Speaking of letters...today's password letter is N!

Scavenger Hunt Schedule:

Monday 11/5 - Marieke @ www.mariekenijkamp.com
Monday 11/5 - Jessica @ http://ireadtorelax.blogspot.com
Tuesday 11/6 - Yiota @ http://splashofourworlds.blogspot.com
Tuesday 11/6 - Ashley @ http://firestarbooks.blogspot.com
Wednesday 11/7 - Candace @ www.loveydoveybooks.blogspot.com
Wednesday 11/7 - Lena @ http://ilovebooksclub101.blogspot.com/
Thursday 11/8 - Frankie @ http://frankieblooding.wordpress.com
Thursday 11/8 - Ntzee @ http://maybethisbook.blogspot.com
Friday 11/9 - Frankie @ http://frankieblooding.wordpress.com/
Saturday 11/10 - Jessica @ http://ireadtorelax.blogspot.com/
Sunday 11/11 - Ashley @ http://firestarbooks.blogspot.com/


Oh, and last but not least... we all love to win prizes, right? Well, in honor of the Scavenger Hunt and THE CADET OF TILDOR, I am hosting a giveaway here on my blog.  You can enter to win a pre-ordered copy of THE CADET OF TILDOR by Alex Lidell and a sweet leather bracelet anytime between now and the end of the day on Sat. Nov. 17th, 2012. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Gold Star Interview - Jordan Sonnenblick!

Hello All!

As you all know, when I LURVE a book, I give it a Gold Star Review here. Well, to liven up the blog a little, I'm going to (try to) interview the author of each book that receives a coveted Gold Star! I hope you'll enjoy these quick, little interviews. :D

Today's guest is the fabulous Jordan Sonnenblick! I'm so excited. I've loved every one of his books so far, and you can find my original Gold Star Review of his newest book, CURVEBALL: The Year I Lost My Grip, here.

Welcome, Jordan! Thank you so much for stopping by to chat with me. I have just a couple of quick questions for you:

1.      How long did it take you, from first spark of idea to final proofs, to write Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip?

Each of my books takes between twelve and eighteen months from the “eureka” moment to the big nap when I am completely done with the project.  Curveball was probably right around the eighteen-month mark, only because the deadlines happened to be very relaxed.  Publishing is often rush-rush-rush kind of business, but for this particular book, we had about a year between the writing and the publication date.  One very happy result of that was that the publisher, Scholastic, really got to lavish a lot of time and energy on the marketing of the book.  That meant a great cover design, a lot of sending me to conventions to publicize the book, and even an awesome promotional video.  I was thrilled -- writers love it when their publishers do stuff like that for them!


2.      If you could write a book under a pseudonym that no one would ever connect to you, are there any genres you would love to secretly explore?

Hmmm ... I would secretly love to write superhero comic books for a year or two.  Marvel, are you listening? *LOL, I would vote for that!!*

3.      I really loved how you explored Alzheimer ’s disease, which affects so many families, in a touching and informative way, yet without sounding like a medical textbook.  Was this based on research or personal experience?

Unfortunately, I didn’t have to do much research.  My maternal grandfather, Solomon Feldman (who, incidentally, was also the inspiration for the character of Solomon Lewis in my book Notes from the Midnight Driver) was a dementia patient, and almost everything that happens with the grandfather in Curveball happened with him.  Watching a loved one succumb to dementia is an awful, awful thing.  Of course, it’s also a source of heightened emotion all around -- lots of laughter and love in with the terror and tears -- which means it’s a great source of literary material.  And I suppose I keep coming back to my grandfather’s story because it’s personally cathartic.  Dementia is so painful that I am still coming to grips with the slow loss of this man -- who was really my hero and mentor, both in his life before he started losing his mind, and in the courage of his fight right up to the end. *Thank you for sharing such a personal story with us. I'm glad he was able to inspire you!*

4.      If you could cross one thing off your bucket list tomorrow, what would it be?

As soon as my first book, Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie was published in 2004, my bucket list became obsolete.  My dreams in life were to live abroad, get married, have healthy kids, and write a book.  Now everything else is just gravy.

Still, I suppose if some producer felt like making a blockbuster movie based on one of my novels, that would be A-OK with me.

5.      Quick picks list:
Favorite vacation destination? 

London or San Francisco; I’m a city person. 

Favorite childhood book? 

The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper. 

Favorite writing snack food? 

Coffee, although I admit it’s not technically a food -- but it has more calories than most foods by the time I am done dumping cream and sugar in it. 

Favorite clothing item? 

Well, for writing, I like to wear any one of the dozens of middle-school t-shirts I have been given during school visits.  They help me feel connected to my characters.

Thank you so much, Jordan, for letting me interview you. It was a pleasure!

For more information about Jordan and his books, check out his website at http://www.jordansonnenblick.com/

What Makes YA Fiction So Hot? A Virtual Panel Discussion on Jonathan Maberry's Big Scary Blog

Hey! Just wanted to point y'all over to this panel discussion on Jonathan Maberry's blog. It was a lot of fun to participate in!! I hope you'll check it out. :)

Get to Know....Kelly Keaton!

Today, I am lucky enough to have Kelly Keaton on the blog answering a few quick questions! Kelly is the author of Darkness Becomes Her, the first book in the Gods and Monsters series. (You can read my raving gold star review, here!!) Book two, A Beautiful Evil will be out in February 2012 and I can't wait!!



1. I loved the way that you explored the decadence and rich history of New Orleans to create New 2. Have you ever lived in New Orleans? Did you do a lot of research into the city’s history?

No, never lived there, though I have dreamed of that for ages! I started my love affair with NOLA over twenty years ago and have just been gathering details in my mind with each trip, each fact, photo, or book I read. A lot of the info in DBH was pulled from what I already know about the city or from previous notes I’d made that I found interesting. Most of my research beyond that was map checking and fact checking or digging through my personal photos and such.
*I have to say that I've never wanted to visit New Orleans so much as I did after finishing this book!*

2. What was your inspiration in deciding to have New Orleans become its own independent nation, outside of US government control?

I had this vision of Ari in a dark, lush, creepy world ruled by supernatural beings, and I knew that in order to make that a reality I had to rethink and recreate the city a little bit. I’d always wanted to set a story in NOLA, but never felt I had the right one until Ari came along. It was a very natural fit and the world fell into place perfectly. I wanted the city to retain its unique characteristics and charm while creating a new era where the Novem is in control, where real life rules and laws don’t always apply. So the inspiration came from those ideas, to do something different, make new rules, and create a supernatural playground for my characters that would be incredibly gothic, seeped in history, and had such beauty and hope in the midst of decay.

3. What were your favorite myths to read while you were growing up?

Mostly Greek and Egyptian. Anything that I could get my hands on in regards to the ancients. I love the stories of Pandora, Persephone, Prometheus (what’s with all the P’s?, LOL). I had dreams of being an archaeologist and would lie on my bedroom floor with old National Geographic maps and Time Life books, tracing the journeys of Greek heroes and gods. I was in elementary school when I started doing that, so mythology has been a part of my life for a long time. I adore Arthurian legend as well.

4. I know that book 2, A Beautiful Evil, is slated to come out in February. Are there more books that you would like to write in the series after that?

Absolutely. I would love to write a 3rd book to, at least, wrap things up in a trilogy. But I can see going beyond that as well. I plan to write Violet’s story, too, as her past and what she is has been known to me from almost the beginning – and it’s pretty shocking!
*Oooh! I'm beyond excited to find out!!*

5. What was the last book that you read that you would recommend to other readers?

Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
*I just read this too! I love Sherrilyn Kenyon's books.*

6. Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Beach. Favorite Childhood Book? The Black Stallion. Favorite Movie? The Fifth Element. Favorite Food? Potatoes, in any form (except raw) Favorite Clothing Item? Crazy socks and plain white V-neck T-shirt.
*I'll eat potatoes any way, too, even small pieces raw. I <3 Potatoes!*


Kelly, thank you SO much for letting me interview you!

If you haven't checked out Kelly's book, Darkness Becomes Her, I suggest you check it out ASAP! *Sooo good!!* For more information, you can also check out her website and like her on Facebook!!

Library Lions Interview

I was super excited to be interviewed by author Janet Lee Carey at her blog, Library Lions, which promotes libraries and Children's and YA Librarians.

Not only can you check out my interview here, but I would also recommend that you become a follower of her blog if you are interested in seeing what other libraries and (some really creative!!) Librarians are doing across the U.S.

Hard Bitten Blog Tour - Interview with Jeff Christopher and a Giveaway

In honor of the newest Chicagoland Vampires book, Hard Bitten, which comes out next Tuesday, May 3rd, I have a special treat for you all!

My absolute favorite character from the series is shifter, Jeff Christopher. Jeff is in his early 20s, works in the Ombudsman's Office, and is a full on computer wiz. He continuously makes me laugh and generally gives Merit a little extra fun in her life.

Jeff has very graciously granted me an interview to help entice you all to pick up The Chicagoland Vampires books.

Welcome Jeff! Just a few questions for you...

First off…any juicy secrets you know from working in the Ombudsman’s Office? I’m kidding…unless you really do have something you could share?? *wink, wink*
Jeff: *Blushing a little* Aw, there are always secrets here. Since not everyone is out of the closet, we try to keep folks protected. I can say that Catcher likes to eat frou-frou salads for lunch. Like with cranberries on top. Who knew?

Speaking of the office, besides the Chulthu that sits on your desk, any other “interesting” accessories in your workspace?
Jeff: There *might* be a framed photograph of someone special on my desk, but I'll let Chloe tell you about that in the books.

So, how well do you actually know the Windy City’s River Nymphs?
Jeff: Whoa, whoa. Let's not start any crazy rumors. I've got a shifter with an attitude and a gun safe who probably doesn't want to hear any suggestions that I've been dancing the rumba with any nymphs. We only know each other in a professional capacity. *Smooths the front of his shirt* But I could hit that if I wanted to. Not that I want to. I'm just sayin'. Whoops! Sorry, Jeff...definitely don't want to get you in any trouble with Fallon. :)

What would your ideal date be like?
Jeff: Dinner. Walk along the riverfront or down Michigan Avenue. Maybe a boat ride, the two of us together staring out across the water. *Snatches up pen and paper, mumbling as he scribbles* River . . . front . . . Boat . . . ride

What was the last book that you read…or, um, thumbed through?
Jeff: I read a lot of the tech magazines. WIRED. POPULAR MECHANICS. DISCOVERY. SHIFTERS WEEKLY. Nah, I made that last one up. *snort*

Describe Merit in one sentence.
Jeff: *Closing his eyes* Tall, superior hotness, easy on the eyes, nice to talk to. *Eyes flash open* And completely off limits because I have a girl! Seriously, are you trying to get me in trouble? *Leaning forward* You aren't taping this, are you? *Shifts eyes guiltily away...writes notes furiously*

If Merit had been born a shifter, what form do you think her animal would have been?
Jeff: Water buffalo? Nah, kidding, kidding. She can be a little clutzy. Something sleek. Quiet. A hunter. Panther, maybe?

Quick picks: Top Vacation Destination? Favorite food? Favorite item of clothing?
Jeff: Vienna. Chicago red hots. A good pair of khakis.

Jeff, thanks again SO much for stopping by! I really enjoyed getting to know you a little better...can't wait to read more about you very soon. I hope that everyone runs out to grab Hard Bitten when it comes out...I know I'll be reading it the night it comes out!

Chloe Neill has very graciously offered to send out a Chicagoland Vampires swag pack to one of my readers. Simply leave me a comment with your favorite character from the series (or if you haven't read any of them yet...your favorite vampire character, in general) and your email address by Friday, April 29th. I will announce the winner on Saturday, April 30th. Good luck!!

Get to Know...Lisa and Laura Roecker!

The hilarious Roecker sisters, authors of The Liar Society, have dropped by to let us get to know them better! I am so excited. They are FUNNNNY. I believe the hot pink hair in their author photo can attest to that!!

Let's get to it!! :)

1. Someone hand dips you an entire crate of chocolate covered twizzlers…how do you thank them?

Personalized copies of The Liar Society, of course. KIDDING, KIDDING. We thank them by sharing the Twizzlers—because after approximately 7, a candy stomach ache of epic proportion sets in, and we write their fabulousness into our next book. After all, Twizzlers aid in our writing process so really we would owe it all to them!

2. What’s the perfect outfit to compliment a hot pink wig?

For us, something total prepster. The hot pink hair hints at an edge, but the prep is a bit of a twist. Perhaps a fitted blazer, crisp button down shirt and skinny jeans? Kind of unexpected, right?
* I love this! If only I could pull off skinny jeans...*le sigh*

3. What is the credo for your secret society (and I’ll be nice…you don’t have to answer in Latin)?

Sisters4eva. A nod to good ole Fear. Have you ever seen that movie??? Marky-Mark at his BEST.
*I have to confess I have never seen this movie...might have to get is ASAP, though, if it's getting this kind of recommendation!*

4. If you could pick one character from a book, movie, or TV show that would be perfect to be Kate’s BFF if they ever met…who would it be?

We’ve always thought that Emma from Lee Nichols’ Haunting Emma series would be a kick ass BFF. And Emma’s a ghostkeeper. VERY handy.
*I LOVE this series, too. Emma and Kate - whoa! What a combo*

5. Were there any scenes, characters, etc that you had to cut from The Liar Society that you would have loved to keep?

We were very attached to one line that kept on getting changed and eventually ended up on the cutting room floor. Here she is…we still get all weepy when we think of her.

There was now a distinct before and after. Before Grace died and after Grace died. I still hadn’t figured out who I was in the after-Grace.

And the new… There was now a distinct before and after, and I still hadn’t figured out who I was in life after Grace.

Do you see the difference or are we crazy?
*Wow. I actually really like the phrase after-Grace, but hey...I'm no editor.*

6. What was the last book that you read that you would recommend to other readers?

We just read the first book in a new series for middle graders called Alice-Miranda at School by Jacqueline Harvey. The main character had such a sunny disposition and outlook on life it was hard not to fall in love!

7. Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?
1. Hilton Head
2. Anything by Christopher Pike
3. Singles
4. Grandma/Mom’s homemade spaghetti/sauce
5. Yoga pants because they’re so deliciously comfortable
*OMG. I have just recently discovered the wonder of yoga pants...now I'm trying to figure out a workable scenario where I can wear them 24/7...too bad my Library doesn't really think they classify as business casual! :P*



If you haven't already read The Liar Society...what are you waiting for?? Check out my review here and go get yourself a copy!! Don't forget to check out the Roeckers' hilarious blog, Lisa and Laura Write and show them some love. Lisa, Laura, thank you sooooo much for stopping by!!!

Get to Know...Kim Harrington!

Today, I am super excited to welcome debut author, Kim Harrington to the blog! I reviewed her book, Clarity, as part of a blog tour just the other day (check it out here) and couldn't stop raving about it. It's one of my new favorite books!


I am honored that Kim was able to take the time to answer a few quick questions for me!

1. I loved the fact that each member of the Fern family had different psychic abilities. What type of research did you do to decide what would be needed in the story?

I visited a few psychics. They all have their own style. (Though none of the ones I visited were too mind-blowing with their accuracy.) I didn’t do too much research on the particular gifts. I made my own rules for them.

2. I loved the sibling relationship between Clare and Perry. Was their relationship always going to be that strong, or did that develop as the book did?

They’re one of my favorite relationships to write! Yes, I’d always planned it to be strong. I knew they were opposite in many ways and sometimes wanted to strangle each other, but would always back the other up when needed.

3. Clare reminds me a lot of TV heroine/detective Veronica Mars (who I loved, btw!). Were there any strong influences when you were creating Clare?

Veronica Mars was definitely an influence! I loved that show and was so sad when it ended. I still hope they’ll be able to make their planned movie someday. *OMG - Me too! I would love a VM TV movie!!

4. If Clare could go anywhere on vacation, where do you think she would go…considering she’s from the Cape (a typical vacation spot)?

She gets enough of the sand at home, so a beach vacation is out. Maybe she’d travel to Europe —lots of historic sites and interesting things to “touch.”

5. Can you tell us anything about the next “Clarity” book right now? Or any other projects?

I can tell you that it's finished already, and it will be out in March 2012. Clare will have another mystery to solve. And the events of book one have repercussions for many characters. I also have a standalone coming out in Fall 2012, a ghost story, that I’m excited about!

6. What was the last book that you read that you would recommend to other readers?

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins. I think Clare and Sophie would be BFF if their worlds crossed. ;)
*I think you are totally right...maybe you and Rachel need to discuss a crossover book... (wink, wink!)

7. Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Vacation: Disney World. I’m kind of a Disney freak. I’ve been sixteen times and counting.

Childhood Book: I had a picture book that I absolutely adored, but I have no idea what the title is. I blogged about it here: http://kimharrington.blogspot.com/2010/10/do-you-know-this-book.html

Movie: This is going to sound weird, but I think my favorite movie of all time is Poltergeist. It’s a perfectly crafted horror film. Absolutely classic.

Food: Pizza from the Lynwood Café in Randolph , MA .

Clothing: Jeans. Not one particular pair. Just jeans. I wear them every day in fall, winter, and spring.

Thanks so much for having me, Jessica! :)

No, really Kim, thank you SOOO much for stopping by! I loved Clarity. If any of you haven't already put it on your TBR list...go. Go now! Do it! Don't forget to check out Kim Harrington's website, too.

Get to Know... Priscilla Sumner...and her Creator, Sybil Nelson!

As part of the Priscilla the Great blog tour, author Sybil Nelson has graciously stopped by to answer some questions for us!! This book is absolutely hilarious, the start of what I think will be a fantastic new middle grade series, and Sybil is just as spunky as her super creation, Priscilla. :)



1. I have to say I love that Priscilla has multiple powers…but if you could only pick one superpower to have, which would you choose?

I would want to pause time. I tend to do a million things at once and if I could take a break and give myself an extra hour here and there, that would be awesome.
*Oooh! That's a good one. I always say I'd like to be able to split myself in two so that I could be in two places at once, but your idea is EVEN better!*

2. Priscilla has a very overprotective Dad. I love that he’s so actively involved, but I remember being a teen and feeling like parents were such a pain sometimes…Did you draw him at all from your real life experiences?

Oh definitely. If my mother was a superhero she would be Psycho Paranoid Lady. My teenage years were an experiment in covert operations. Thankfully, I had my own car and an active imagination. She never knew what was going on. ;)

3. An older brother that likes to sing Christina Aguilera songs – why Christina Aguilera and not Britney or Lady Gaga or Katy Perry?

I really have no idea. I happen to be a big Christina Aguilera fan myself and one day I got an image in my head of a cute boy singing his heart out to “Ain’t No Other Man.” I thought it was hilarious so I went with it.

4. Speaking of music, what would be on Priscilla’s iPod?

What an awesome question. She’s actually not that big on pop music and likes more eclectic stuff believe it or not. She hosts a weekly theme on her blog called “Music the Radio Doesn’t Play.” Some of her favorite bands are Travis, Kent, Julie Slonecki, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, The Influence, David Ford, Robyn, The Smiths, Tuatara, Grandaddy and The Flaming Lips. But on the other hand, Priscilla is an amazing hip hop dancer so when she needs peppy music to get her going, she usually looks toward Usher or one of the Justins.
*I'd love to borrow her iPod for a day!! Don't forget to check out Priscilla's blog here.*

5. Are you working on any new books that you can tell us about right now?

I’m the type of author that always has about a million books going at once. I’m working on book 5 of the Priscilla series. I’m also working on a Young Adult Historical Fiction novel called Shadows of St. Louis. It’s an interracial love story about the race riots that occurred in that city. I also got another idea for a book today which I will start writing as soon as I’m done with this interview.
*Whew! This is one busy author-bee!! I can't wait to read books 2-5 in the Priscilla series myself!*

6. What was the last book that you read that you would recommend to other readers?

Another tough question. I don’t usually recommend books because everyone’s tastes are so different. I think the last book I read that would be a hit with the most people would be Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. I just read that book last week. I don’t know why it took me so long to jump on that bandwagon, but I’m on now and I can’t wait for the next stop.

7. Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Disney World, (Can’t decide) ,The Wedding Singer, Bacon, Sunglasses

Well, I'd like to thank Sybil again SOO much for stopping by to answer my questions... Please go check out her website, Priscilla's blog (which is hilarious and fun), and the actual book, of course, Priscilla the Great. Check out my review of the book here.

Get to Know...Andrea Cremer

photo by Gina Monroe

I am beyond excited to welcome Andrea Cremer, author of the awesome Nightshade, to the blog today! Recently I reviewed Nightshade and told you all how much I loved it...you can check out the review here.

Nightshade, published on October 19, 2010, is the beginning of a trilogy. The main character, Calla, is a Guardian (werewolf) that has always known her purpose in life and her destiny to marry fellow Alpha wolf, Ren. Things change, though when a mysterious new boy comes to town. Shay challenges, not only Calla's relationship with Ren, but also her unflagging loyalty to the Keepers.

I love the “Guardians” in Nightshade. The way that they truly are wolves in “human clothing.” How did you create such primal feeling werewolves?

I grew up in the woods of Northern Wisconsin and spent as many days outdoors as I could. Traditional werewolf tales didn’t appeal to me because they were lacking in comparison to the beautiful, mysterious wolves I admired in the wilderness. In the Guardians I wanted to create a new wolf mythology that reflected the traits I love in wolves and wolf packs.

The wraiths and other enforcers employed by the Keepers were also awesomely terrifying. What type of research did you do to decide what creatures to use and what they should look like?

The wraiths and Keepers didn’t require research – they’re simply products of my crazy imagination. Wraiths appear in many different types of myths and can range from zombie-like to demonesque. I wanted my wraiths to resemble smoke or shadows because I think that the most frightening creatures are those that easily slip in and out of sight.

I have to say that you have one of the best love triangles I’ve read in quite awhile in Nightshade. Did you develop one guy before the other? Did their developing personalities affect each other? (I am firmly Team Ren btw…)

Thank you! Both Shay and Ren surprised me (most of my characters do at some point) when I started writing Nightshade I thought I knew both guys and what their “type” was, but fortunately for me and them their histories and emotions were much more complex than I realized. Neither affected the other’s development – they each just managed to assert their individual quirks, strengths, and flaws on their own. *Wait until you read this book! Each guy is awesome in their own right. Very, very well done.

I know that Wolfsbane is scheduled to come out next year. I can’t wait! Are there more books planned for this world?

Nightshade is a trilogy. Wolfsbane (book 2) will be published on July 12, 2011. Bloodrose (book 3) will be out spring 2012. I’m also writing a fourth book which is a prequel to the series about the origins of the Witches War – it’s set in the 1400s. *I'm over the moon excited to read all of these, and am especially intrigued about the origin of the Keepers, which will be explored in book four.

If you could give one piece of advice to Calla what would it be?

Find your own path.

What was the last book that you read that you would recommend to other readers?

I just read Beth Revis’ Across the Universe, which will be out in January. It’s an amazing book!

Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Vacation: Italy
Childhood book: Watership Down
Movie: Last of the Mohicans
Food: Spaghetti and Meatballs
Clothing item: Silk blouse, pencil skirt, and tall boots

Andrea, thank you again so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I encourage everyone to read Nightshade immediately! :P Also, check out Andrea Cremer's website and blog for more information.

Get to Know...Valerie Thomas

Photo by Julienne Schaer
(click on photo to go to the Karma Bites website)

Recently I reviewed Karma Bites, an adorable, fun, and soul-searching middle grade novel. Valerie Thomas, one of the authors, very graciously granted me an interview for my blog!!

1. I love the title Karma Bites because it not only speaks to all of the great little recipes that are mentioned then shown in the book, but also because it references how karma can come back around if someone is constantly awful. How did you come up with that specific title?

As is often the case, we had a hard time coming up with a title at first. We had a few that were quite long, too long, and some that were just bad. The phrase “Karma Bites” was in the book before we realized it would make a great, punchy title. And we love it because it really is what the book is about. The idea that your actions matter, and that they will come back to you, good or bad.

2. If you could ask for one recipe from the Karma box…what would you want it to do?

In all honesty I think I wouldn’t want one, because, as Franny finds out, once you begin to tinker with things like that, it’s a bit of a domino effect. But…if I had to choose one, I would say a recipe that keeps my whirling mind at peace a little more. Especially as a writer, I find that my constant stream of thoughts, good and bad, gets in the way of my work, and my life, so I’d love a recipe that could counter that.
*Ohhh! That's a good one...

3. How was the process of working with another author to create a novel? Different from working with other authors for TV/movies?

Stacy and I have a great working relationship which we’ve honed over the years. We used to write screenplays together, and though the formats are different, it’s the same basic process when you’re writing with a partner. We are very honest with one another, and we respect each other, so we are able to plough forward without getting our feelings hurt too much. We talk about plot and story a lot, and then one of us dives into a chapter, eventually passing it back to the other. This goes on and on and on, with constant rewrites and polishes, until there’s a draft.

4. Will you and Stacy Kramer be writing another book starring the same characters?

At the moment we are writing a YA novel which we just sold (partial manuscript) to Simon and Schuster!! *squee!!* So, we are very excited about that. It has nothing to do with Karma Bites, but we would be delighted to write a sequel to Karma Bites if that’s in the cards.

5. What was the last book that you read that you would recommend to other readers?

I read a lot, but the last YA book I read that really blew me away was BEFORE I FALL. I thought it was incredibly well crafted, and even though it’s kind of glossy on the surface, it’s very moving and meaningful.
*One of my top picks for this year, too. Excellent book...you can see my review here.

6. Quick Picks: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Hawaii. Island of the Blue Dolphins. Silence of the Lambs (partly because it was the first movie I worked on). My Mom’s Chinese noodles. Perfect tank top.


Thank you so much, Valerie, for answering my questions!
If you haven't already picked up Karma Bites, check it out!!

Get to Know... Chloe Neill! (*and a giveaway...squee!)

I had the awesome opportunity to interview one of my favorite new authors as part of this year's Twice Bitten Blog Tour. Chloe Neill is the author of the Chicagoland Vampires series (so far including Some Girls Bite, Friday Night Bites, and the very soon to be released Twice Bitten) and the Young Adult Dark Elite series (so far including Firespell and in 2011 Hexbound).

1. Did you always feel that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a specific moment when you made the choice to pursue a career in writing?

I actually have a dayjob, so writing is actually my part-time (evening) job. I hadn't been much of a fiction reader for most of my life, but started writing in 2005 after I'd felt like I'd "run out" of things to read. (This was pre-Twilight and before the huge market increase in paranormal novels. I wrote one manuscript, then penned Some Girls Bite, the first book in my Chicagoland Vampires series.

2. Where do you write? Do you have to create a certain mood or atmosphere?

I'm still trying to figure that out! Because I work, I usually write in the evenings in bed with my laptop before I go to sleep. On the weekends I try to get outside - head for a coffeehouse or restaurant (with all-you-can-drink Diet Coke) for a change of pace.

3. I love the covers for the CV series. (I have to admit I even took Friday Night Bites with me to the hairdresser to get the same cut!!) Do you feel that they did a good job representing Merit? Do you think we will ever see one of the guys on the cover?

No, way! That's awesome! :) I think they did a very good job representing Merit, although I'll admit that I prefer Merit with bangs to Merit without (since she didn't actually change her hair in the books). In Some Girls Bite and Friday Night Bites they definitely represented her indie aesthetic; I think with Twice Bitten they've worked hard to represent her transition to a leather-clad vampire warrioress.

4. Would you ever try a different genre?

I really, really enjoy writing paranormal books because I love having the ability to make up the rules as I go along. That said, I've always loved Regency historicals - especially involving pirates - and I'd love to write one someday!

5. You write both YA and Adult books. Is one easier than the other?

YES - Young Adult is much harder, mostly because there are lots of restrictions that need to be accounted for. Lily, the heroine of my Dark Elite series, doesn't yet have a driver's license, she has to be in school all day, and there are curfews that limit when she can get out and about. Those kinds of restrictions don't generally apply to adult novels.

6. What was the last book you've read that you would highly recommend to other readers?

I'm currently reading World War Z by Max Brooks, which is an oral history of a zombie apocalypse. It's not a traditional style of fiction-writing, but I'm really enjoying it.

7. Okay, on to fun things!! Quick picks list: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Vacation: Pensacola Beach, Florida

Childhood Book: The Little House on the Prairie books

Movie: The Royal Tenenbaums and Star Wars

Food: Diet Coke and bean burrito from Taco Bell

Clothing item: Jeans and my current Coach handbag

Chloe, thank you so, so much for taking the time to answer my questions and allowing me to be a part of the Twice Bitten Blog Tour!!

Chloe also very graciously offered a Twice Bitten swag pack giveaway to my blog readers! Included is a TB bookmark, a Firespell bookmark, a CV pen, and a really cute "I've been Twice Bitten" silicone wristband. To enter, just leave a comment on this interview post before Monday, June 28, 2010 and I'll randomly draw and notify a winner on Tuesday, June 29th!! Good luck.

If you haven't read any of Chloe Neill's books...GO NOW and get one! They are great, and would make some fast, fun, summer paranormal reads!

Get to Know...Adam Selzer!

(Click on picture for a peek at Adam's website!)

Adam Selzer, most recently the author of I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It and The Smart Aleck's Guide to American History, graciously offered to do an interview on my blog! Hooray! I loved Zombie and couldn't wait to find out more about the mind that it sprang from!

1. Did you always feel that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a specific moment when you made the choice to pursue a career in writing?

I guess I always wanted to be one - I used to make picture books when I was about 7. And in third grade I was always trying to write an adventure series. The adventure series ended up being eight or nine stories about my friends and I having adventures - they were about 10, 15 pages each. But I never stopped thinking of them as a "real" book series. Then, when I grew up...look, these days, even if you can find a job, it's tough to find a company that doesn't have its head up its butt to work for. I've worked day jobs off and on, but writing is a lot more satisfying. I feel like I've really accomplished something when I finish a book. My credit rating is a joke and I don't have a retirement plan, but I also don't have an assistant manager to deal with. That's a worthy trade-off, I think.

2. Where do you write? Do you have to create a certain mood or atmosphere?

Most of my writing is done at Sip Coffee in Chicago - I'm there every morning, usually the minute they open (in fact, I'm there right now!). Like a lot of writers, I make playlists for projects - songs that have the right atmosphere for the project, songs the main character would like, songs about the right kind of subject matter, etc. I don't know if it actually helps me write, but it's fun. For "Zombie," there were some goth and zombie songs, a few by bands that Alley would like, like Neutral Milk Hotel (who I could never get into, honestly, until I started listening to them on that playlist) and a bunch of songs that just had this sense of ragged glory that I always want my books to have.

3. It says on your website that I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It was based on a song you wrote. How did you go from the song theme to a full fledged book?

I wrote the song, "I Thought She Was a Goth," in the shower one day ten years ago, and it just took on a life of its own (you can download it free on the page). For a few years, every time Robert Aspirin (the recently deceased and much-missed fantasy author) and I were in the same place, he'd shove a guitar in my hands and say "play it!" He told me he was teaching it to bands all down Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Then one day Random House decided they wanted a zombie book in a real hurry, and somehow they got ahold of that song and asked me if I could turn it into a book. I had to change a bit around - there's not nearly enough story in the song for a whole book. I reversed the genders of the characters in the song, then tried to figure out how a girl might mistake her zombie boyfriend for a goth without being an idiot. Doug, the zombie, hasn't decomposed much, so it's an easy enough mistake to make - especially in Des Moines, where you never really expect to meet a zombie. Suburban Des Moines is not the world's most diverse place - one of my favorite things in the book is that Doug is just as surprised to find out Alley's Jewish as she is to find out he's a zombie.

4. Did you do any research on paranormals for this book? I love the strained interaction between the different types of post-humans.

A little - I worked a night job in the ghost hunting industry at the time I was writing the book, so paranormal business was always on my mind. I had a bit of a problem with paranormal YAs - they seemed to be full of mean guys who acted like stalkers and girls who thought that being stalked meant they were so in love they should be rearranging their whole life for guys they really just met. I really wanted to explore a lot of the relationship issues that I thought a lot of paranormal YA was ignoring. Love always involves a lot of sacrifice and overlooking someone's flaws, but where do you draw the line? Despite the fact that there were zombies and vampires in the world of the book, I wanted it to be as realistic as possible. There's nothing paranormal about vampires in the book - it's all to do with protein mutation or something like that. The world of the book is how I imagine the world would work if those sort of vampires and zombies turned out to be real.

5. Love, love, love the pamphlet on your webpage, "Vampires, Zombies, and You: Questions and Answers about Post-Humans for Teens!" Should we be keeping an eye out in school nurses' offices across the country for more?

That was another thing that bugged me - it seemed like a lot of those books used becoming a vampire as a metaphor for sex. That's just silly. Becoming a vampire is a WAY bigger decision than having sex. Sex is definitely a big deal, but if you're careful, the fact is it probably won't kill you. You probably won't even get pregnant. But becoming a vampire WILL change your life completely, and FOREVER. Like, for millions of years or however long it takes for someone to tear you apart or whatever. I figured that in a world where zombies and vampires were known to exist - and girls were known to be gaga for them - "conversion" would turn into a much bigger issue than sex or drugs. Only about half the girls who try to convert survive. Actually, technically, none of them do. I don't really think the "Twilight" thing has gotten so extreme that girls are actually trying to become vampires, so nurses probably don't REALLY need these pamphlets yet, but if vampires were revealed to be real and moping around high schools, as they are in the book, I could see it happening. Can I also plug the fake Huffington Post article on there? (Check the comments!!)

6. Your book, The Smart Aleck's Guide to American History, also came out this past December. How do you approach the non-fiction writing process as opposed to fiction? Do you prefer one over the other?

I like them both! The non-fiction is incredibly satisfying and rewarding - you can always tell when you're making progress, which you can't always do with fiction. But non-fiction has a shelf life - sooner or later, nonfiction books start to seem out of date. Fiction COULD last forever. It probably won't - our ideas of what's funny evolves over time. For most of the last 170-odd years it was generally agreed that The Pickwick Papers was the funniest thing ever. It's still funny, but when I read it now, I can't help but think, "well, I guess you had to be there." But then again, practically every classic book that's still read today is fiction. Well, fiction or philosophy, I guess.

The work itself is very different for them - "Zombie" took about three (very frantic) weeks, and "Smart Aleck's Guide" took about three years. But it's really the same amount of discipline - it's still getting up and going to the coffee shop every single morning.

7. Okay, on to fun things!! What is something about yourself that most people would be surprised to know?

Here's a neat story - one thing about being a writer is you never know when you're going to get paid. One time I ran broke about a month before my check came. My electricity got turned off, and I got a call from the landlord's office saying that if I didn't get my rent in, they'd put my apartment on the market. The person who made the call was Crystal Bowersox, who is now kicking butt on American Idol. She used to work the front desk at my landlord's office. I've only seen the show a couple of times, but it's strange to see her up there and think about conversations I used to have with her about broken washing machines! The guy who played lead guitar and accordian on my last couple of records used to play gigs with her.

8. You seem to have a lot of hobbies besides your writing...how do you find the time to do all these fantastical things??

I'm sort of lost when I don't have a project to work on. I live in a small apartment in the city, so I don't have a lot of yard work or anything to keep me busy. Working 2-3 hours every morning on books is enough time for 3-4 books per year, and leaves a lot of time for other projects. Sometimes you can do both at once - a short film I wrote was being filmed while I worked on Zombie, and I'd be sitting in the corner of the set during down time, typing my head off.

9. What was the last book you've read that you would highly recommend to other readers?

"Back Home" by Michelle Magorian - it's a middle grade book from the early 80s (they'd probably call it YA now) about a British girl who was evacuated to the States during World War 2. She comes back to England and the whole world has changed. She has a little brother she's never met. Her mother has learned to fix cars, and her father (who, in all fairness, probably went through some trauma in the war) is still living in the "old" England of rigid class structure and is horrified that his wife can fix cars now. And she herself speaks with an American accent and feels like a stranger in a strange land. It's a knockout of a book - Disney made a TV movie out of it with Haley Mills about 20 years ago that I remember very vividly.

10. Quick Picks List: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Vacation: The food alone makes Disney World top the list, though I'm dying to get back to the U.K. - hopefully we'll go in 2012 for Dickens's 200th Birthday.

Childhood Book: Superfudge was my favorite for years, though I think Spinelli's Space Station Seventh Grade had more of an influence on me as a writer. And The Snarkout Boys and the Advocado of Death by Daniel Pinkwater - I practically based my life on that book. The fact that I live right nearby some of the locations in the book is not entirely a coincidence.

Favorite Food: Roast beef with good gravy and mashed potatoes, probably. We make that a lot.

Favorite Clothing Item: Coats! I love coats. Coats are awesome. I'm always on the look-out for a good Victorian longcoat with a shoulder cape - they're incredibly hard to find these days. I also really want one like the one David Tennant wore on Doctor Who. These days, with the weather warming up, I wear a brown corduroy blazer. I lived in Georgia for several years, and only being able to wear coats and sweaters a couple of months per year was just torture for me!

Adam - Thank you SO much for the interview! It was great!!!!!

Get to Know...Lesley Livingston!

Lesley Livingston, author of Wondrous Strange and Darklight, has graciously granted me an interview! *squee* She is one of my favorite YA authors and so this was a fantastic opportunity to get to know her better.

(Click on picture for link to Lesley's website)

1. Did you always feel that you wanted to be a writer? Was there a specific moment when you made the choice to pursue a career in writing?

I've always felt I wanted to be a storyteller. I guess I sort of fulfilled that ambition in two ways - through both the acting and the writing. I know they are two very different mediums, with very different disciplines, but, to me, they've always felt connected. I think the specific moment I decided to pursue the writing aspect as my career focus was when I finished my first novel (which remains, as yet, unpublished). It felt like such an accomplishment and I knew that writing was not something that was going to leave me anytime soon...so I figured I might as well make the most of it!

2. Where do you write? Do you have to create a certain mood or atmosphere?

Most of my writing is done in my upstairs office, which I affectionately refer to as the Nook, whereupon I am routinely interrupted by one of three cats, who will stand on his hind legs and reach up to tap me on the shoulder. Every five minutes. Until I take a break and furiously pat him on the back as if he were a congo drum (this sounds cruel, but it is his absolute favorite thing in the world. He is not right in the head.) But I am also portable. "Have laptop, will travel." And then write. I used to have rituals. Music, a favorite candle, snacks, herbal tea...not so much anymore. Acutally - that's a lie. My ritual now consists of: turn on computer, open file, write dammit. Anytime, anywhere possible. Because time is a precious, fleeting, rare commodity apparently. Especially when you are on a deadline!

3. What was your inspiration for Kelley's world (or in this case...worlds)? Was there a single sparking moment that inspired Wondrous Strange?

As to how that fascination managed to find a home in the middle of an adventure set in NYC, well, I had some time ago written a short story about an actress in a production of DREAM in which some of the characters in the play were actually real Faeries. It was a fun little character piece and it stuck with me as something to expand upon. But, if it was going to become a longer tale, it needed a truly extraordinary setting outside of just the theatre. When I went down to New York for the first time to meet my agent, I - naturally - paid a visit to Central Park. That was my "sparking moment" as you so aptly put it! I fell instantly, irrevocably in love with the place. And with its history. The Park was the most magical place I had ever been and it virtually demanded that I turn it into a setting for a story. For some reason, it was just perfect for this story. It fits so well with the play and the pastoral setting, but there is also a whole bunch of really interesting history behind the building of the Park that just dovetailed wonderfully with what I had in mind.



4. I love the covers. The colorization is beautiful and ethereal. Is there anything you would change about the covers? Have you started working on the next one?

I wouldn't change a thing. I am absolutely thrilled with the job the HarperCollins design team has done on these books and I feel extremely lucky. I also can't take an ounce of credit for them! As for book 3, I have seen the unfinished art and it is absolutely lovely. I can't wait to see the final product!

5. Central Park almost plays a role as its own character in Kelley's world. Why Central Park?
I guess I sort of answered this with question 3 but I'll say it again. It's MAGIC. And, you're absolutely right - the Park is really its own character in the books. That's actually the way I approached writing it.

6. What type of research did you do for this series? I love the more traditional view of the "fair folk," especially the leprechauns. Similar to Grimm's Fairy Tales, I think many traditional folk tales have become too child friendly instead of retaining their cautionary origins.

Absolutely. Faerie stories should be cautionary! Personally, I've been fascinated by Faerie lore in general since I was a kid. The stories that intrigued me the most were never the ones that portrayed the Fae as tiny, sweet, sparkly things. Rather, I was drawn to the idea that these were the creatures that existed beyond the circle of firelight, or just on the other side of the threshold, or just over that far hill; things only ever glimpsed out of the corner of your eye - if you were lucky! I love the dangerous aspects of the Fair Folk. I always appreciated that you got the sense with Shakespeare's chracters. That, given just a little nudge, things could go badly south with those creatures pretty quickly. Like it does with my leprechauns! Glad you enjoyed them!



7. What is your favorite Shakespeare Quote?

Aghhh-urkk...so many...too many...head exploding...can't choose...Okay, okay...I'll choose. But I cannot, in good conscience, choose just one. So, instead, I'll choose just two. I adore:
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio,
Then are dreamt of in your philosophy"
for it's sentiment, and
"Light thickens; and the crow
Makes wing to the rooky wood:
Good things of day begin to droop and drowse;
While night's black agents to their preys do rouse."
for the way it sounds. So lush and ominous. And I love the imagery of light thickening. Gadzooks - the man truly was a genius.

8. What was the last book you've read that you would highly recommend to other readers?

CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins (of course, I recommend reading the first book in the series, THE HUNGER GAMES, first.)

9. Your next book, Once Every Never, is set in Britain during the Roman Conquest. Are you having fun researching the details of that period?

Oh yeah! Buckets of fun! It's actually a time-period that I've always been fascinated with so I already have a fairly broad knowledge base, but I love researching detail stuff and there's a lot of richness in this particular story.

10. Would you ever try a different genre?

Sure! I would have to have the right story to write first, of course, but I read broadly and eclectically and I write things that I want to read so it's certainly not beyond the realm of possibility. But I have to say, that I really, truly enjoy the genre and the age-range I'm writing for now.

11. Okay, on to fun things!! What is something about yourself that most people would be surprised to know?

I'm really quite shy and retiring. Most people who've met me would not believe that if you told them. In fact they would laugh in your face. Loudly. It would go on for some time. And then maybe they'd just think you were talking about someone else... or that you were a crazy person. (But it's true!)

12. Do you miss being the Waitron-9000, source of endless B-movie trivia knowledge?

Hee! I do not miss the false eye-lash application, nor the glitter that seemed to get everywhere...but - yeah, I really do. She was a ton of fun to play, sparkly and snarky all rolled into one!

13. Quick Picks List: Favorite Vacation Destination? Favorite Childhood Book? Favorite Movie? Favorite Food? Favorite Clothing Item?

Wales. Or New York. It's a toss-up.
The Black Stallion
It varies, depending on my mood but right now I'll say the Lord of the Rings trilogy, extended version (and I do consider it to be one long movie).
The Linguine Bolognese at a restaurant in NYC called Scalinatella. Insanely good.
A comfy pair of jeans and the teal knit hooded tunic my boyfriend bought me at Anthropologie in L.A.

Thank you so much!!

No - thank YOU so much!! This was a ton of fun and I really enjoyed your questions!!

Cheers, Lesley.

PS - If you click on the cover of either book, it will take you to the Amazon listing where you can get more information.