My interview with1st Author Interviews, from November 1, 2011.
THE INTERVIEW:
Why did you write this book?
The book is a result of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I always wanted to write a novel, but saying you’re going to write one and actually doing it are two different things. I’m a member of a great writing/critique site, and some fellow writer friends persuaded me to give NaNoWriMo a try. Writing a novel in a month is perhaps a crazy idea, and it’s a very intense time, but I work better under pressure and with a deadline, so it was great for me. I had a good support group and we challenged each other with things like word count wars and dares. There are a couple of fun nods to NaNo in my book. For example, there’s a rather obscure reference to a Canadian province that was included because of a dare, and I have a character named Nina Morow. If you scramble the letters in her name, it spells NaNoWriMo.
How did you come up with the title?
The title actually just popped in my head and I rolled with it. The book is about four friends who made a promise to meet for their ten year reunion, so it seemed to fit.
How did you choose your genre?
As for the genre- I read mostly women’s fiction, about friendships, relationships, etc., so it seemed natural I would write in that genre as well.
What inspired you to be a writer?
As far back as I can remember, I have always liked to write. I have a vivid imagination, and I enjoy creating characters. I loved writing stories when I was in school. I had a teacher back in sixth grade who once gave a class assignment to write the first chapter of a book. I did, and then I wanted to write the whole thing. I told my teacher that and she said to go right ahead. I never finished that one, but I guess you could say it all started back then.
Do you have a favorite character in the book?
Even though I think an author naming a favorite character is kind of like a parent naming a favorite child, I do have a favorite character. It’s Kelsey, who is actually one of the supporting characters in the book, but I love writing her. She has strength in her convictions- she’s someone who knows who she is, is comfortable with who she is, and doesn’t put on airs. She’s never afraid to speak her mind, and when she does, she does so with humor, integrity and compassion.
How about a favorite scene?
I do have a favorite scene. It actually comes in the second to last chapter of the book, when Jordan and Sarah are watching a movie. It’s a pretty short scene, but I like it because here you have two women who, in many ways could not be more different and who are at such opposite places in their lives, but yet it turns out they aren’t so different after all. I think it says something pretty powerful about friendship and the importance of being honest, not just with yourself but with your friends.
I do have a favorite scene. It actually comes in the second to last chapter of the book, when Jordan and Sarah are watching a movie. It’s a pretty short scene, but I like it because here you have two women who, in many ways could not be more different and who are at such opposite places in their lives, but yet it turns out they aren’t so different after all. I think it says something pretty powerful about friendship and the importance of being honest, not just with yourself but with your friends.
Does anyone ever ask if one of the characters is based on your own life?
I have been asked that, and the short answer is none of them. But there are certainly parts of me in all of the main characters because I think there is a tendency among writers to write what you know. I definitely drew on some of my own experiences to write this book
I have been asked that, and the short answer is none of them. But there are certainly parts of me in all of the main characters because I think there is a tendency among writers to write what you know. I definitely drew on some of my own experiences to write this book
What would you say is the most important theme or message of the book?
I would say acceptance. Each of the main characters, at some point, is faced with a certain realization or truth that they have to accept, be it about themselves or another person, in order to move forward and achieve their happiness.
I would say acceptance. Each of the main characters, at some point, is faced with a certain realization or truth that they have to accept, be it about themselves or another person, in order to move forward and achieve their happiness.
Are you writing another book?
I am. It’s actually a spin-off of this book. I mentioned that Kelsey was my favorite character. She’s a bit of a scene stealer and pretty much demanded her own book, so I had to give her one. I am working on that now and I hope release it next summer.
I am. It’s actually a spin-off of this book. I mentioned that Kelsey was my favorite character. She’s a bit of a scene stealer and pretty much demanded her own book, so I had to give her one. I am working on that now and I hope release it next summer.
