Congratulations on your recent release of Bewitching! I love your fairy tale re-tellings. Do you have favorite fairy tale from either growing up or one you've enjoyed incorporating into your books?
I liked a lot of fairy tales, but my favorites were Sleeping Beauty, which I used as the basis of my novel, A Kiss in Time, and Rapunzel.
In Bewitching, I really enjoyed getting to know more about Kendra. What's something you've come to admire about Kendra's character?
Which author had the biggest impact on you as a teen reader?
I was actually a huge fan of Victor Hugo. I liked dark stuff.
Is there a YA book you've read as an adult that you wish you had read as a teen?
Definitely The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier. The book was around, of course, but I didn't know what it was about. When I finally read it, I identified strongly with Jerry Renault. It would have been nice to know that Cormier got me.
What's the biggest piece of advice you would tell to aspiring teen and even adult writers?
For teen writers, I would tell them to be patient. I meet so many teens who want to write and publish a novel, and they want to do it yesterday. There's time. For anyone else, read a lot (including books about writing), write what you want to write, not what you think is trendy, and set aside time for writing on a regular basis.
What's one thing you do to help you get through those "dark days" of writing?
I make myself try to write anyway. I go someplace with fewer distractions and try to make lists of what might happen, lists of things about my characters, etc. Also, I reread what I've already written.
Are you able to tell us a little bit about your next project?
I'm not that far into it, but it's a gothic fairy tale, sort of a cross between Rapunzel, the myth of Perseus and his mother, Danae, and Wuthering Heights.
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Thank you Alex for stopping Mundie Moms today! I can't wait to hear more about your project!
To find out more about Alex's books you can visit her Website | Live Journal & follow her on Facebook
2/21- Lauren Oliver at All Things Urban Fantasy
2/22- Claudia Gray at A Life Bound By Books
2/23- Alex Flinn at Mundie Moms
2/28- Dan Wells at Bookalicious
3/1- Lauren Oliver at All Things Urban Fantasy
3/6- Claudia Gray at A Life Bound By Books
3/7- Alex Flinn at Mundie Moms
3/8- Dan Wells at Bookalicious
Great interview! Her next project sounds really interesting :) She also gave some really great advice for other writers, advice I struggle with.
ReplyDelete-Kate the Book Buff
The Book Buff: Book Reviews for Regular People
Thank you! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the advice. :)
DeleteGreat interview! Loved her advice. I purchased the book based on your enthusiastic review. I can hardly wait to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sophie! I'm excited for your to read Bewitching.
DeleteGreat interview!
ReplyDeleteThank you Erin!
DeleteOh, my GOSH. That last question has me totally excited. A super cross between Rapunzel, Greek mythology, and Wuthering Heights?!? Give me more please!
ReplyDeleteI know! i can't wait to hear more about this book
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