Description:
Bonnie and Clyde meets IF I STAY in this addictively heart-wrenching story of two desperate teenagers on the run from their pasts.
They’re young. They’re in love. They’re on the run.
Zoe wants to save Will as much as Will wants to save Zoe. When Will turns eighteen, they decide to run away together. But they never expected their escape to be so fraught with danger....
When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can’t run fast enough.
Nobody But Us, told in alternating perspectives from Will and Zoe, is an unflinching novel, in turns heartbreaking and hopeful, about survival, choices, and love...and how having love doesn’t always mean that you get a happy ending. Described as “beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating” by Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF, Nobody But Us will prove irresistible to fans of Nina Lacour, Jenny Han, and Sara Zarr.
Interview:
First of all, I'd like to thank Kiki for having me on her blog and for these fun interview questions. It's great to share the answers wtih you!
What are some of your hobbies?( Besides, of course, writing)
I particularly love hobbies that get me outside and that offer a different creative outlet than writing. I garden (my dream is to have an entire yard filled with fruit trees and vines, vegetables and herbs; play sports--softball, volleyball, soccer and skiing are my favorites; and love to travel all over. I also like to scrapbook, bake and read, of course!
Where is the farthest place you have traveled in the world?
I actually went to an online calculator to make sure I picked the furthest away spot! So far, Budapest, Hungary is the farthest I've been from Seattle at a distance of 5,464 miles. I was in the city for Christmas a few years ago and it was so lovely. Quiet and snowy on Christmas day, which lent a beautiful, timeless quality to the buildings. On another day, I visited the opera for a showing of The Marriage of Figaro and the Szechenyi thermal baths. The water was so warm while the snow fell upon my head. I still have lots of traveling to do, and hopefully even further than 5,464 miles away.
Do you prefer Skittles or M&M's?
For some reason, Skittles always give me a headache, so I prefer M&Ms. Almond ones, please.
Would you say you are a good or bad cook?
I really enjoy cooking and would say I'm a pretty good cook. I'm one of those people that like to feed my friends and family, so whenever someone comes over I'd try to make something yummy. I like hosting dinner parties, too.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I do! Six brothers and a step-sister. A big family makes for busy times, but good times.
What is your favorite animal and do you have any pets?
I am rather a fan of otters, red pandas and hedgehogs. I'm more prosaic when it comes to pets: my dog is a 14 year old American Cocker Spaniel. He's the dog equivalent of the old man who yells Get Off My Lawn! But he's also a snuggly lover pup.
What is the hardest part of writing a book?
The first revision is usually the toughest part for me. I have a draft, I have characters and plot, but there are ways of making the book better. Ferreting out and recognizing where and how the book needs to be better can be a challenge, but beta readers and time away from the manuscript are the best tools for being able to look at the story with new eyes.
What is the most enjoyable part of writing a book?
I particularly love writing complex, difficult characters, especially in my realistic. People who don't at all resemble the easy "bad guy, good guy" stereotypes. I also find the initial idea brainstorming to be delightful. I love that first moment that I get a spark of an idea and the moments that come after when I'm adding to it, teasing out subplots, imagining the settings and figuring out the direction the story should take.
Are you an early riser or night owl?
But virtue of activity in the house in the early morning, I'm afraid I have to be an early riser. Mostly, though, I just like sleep.
Do you plan on celebrating on the day of the release of Nobody But Us? If so, how do you plan on celebrating?
I don't have too much planned the day of the release. Perhaps my husband and I will celebrate in some small way. The book launch party the weekend after the release day will be the real celebration.
What are some emotions to describe the feeling of completing a book and getting it published?
Lots of excitement and anticipation! But also trepidation that the story is headed out into the world. I find the closer it gets to release date, the less anxious I feel. No going back now, right? I also feel proud. Publishing is a long, demanding journey and, since I have very little patience in general, it's nice to know I survived it without pulling all my hair out. :)
When I was little, I wanted to be a writer, the President of the USA or the first female NFL quarterback. Despite being able to throw a wicked spiral, I didn't really grow to the size needed for the NFL. Then, as I got older and studied more, I came to realize there were better ways to effect positive change than becoming president. The first one, however, stuck. Even when I was pursuing other dreams, I always took time to write here and there. NOBODY BUT US will be published by HarperChildren's in 2013.When I'm not writing or reading (which is what I do all day, in all of my work), I'm spending time with pixies, my Mad Scot soulmate, and one grumpy cocker spaniel; traveling across oceans and time; cooking and baking up a storm and watching sunsets and waves crash on the beach. I currently live, love and explore in The Emerald City, though I occasionally make wispy, dream-like plans to move to New York, Paris or a Scottish castle one day (if just temporarily).
Awesome interview!
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