Interview with AOTM Tina Ferraro

What sparked the idea for How To Hook a Hottie?

No single thing. I liked the idea of a girl putting her
ambitions before her experience and talent, and liked
the idea of hooking hotties (whatever that meant) and
just started writing until the storyline and the characters
became clear.

How long did it take you to write?

About two months to write the first chapter, then about
four months to finish the book. I always labor over the
first chapter.

What's your favorite quality about Kate?

Her self-confidence. At her age (17), I was still very
unsure about myself and my place in the world, but
she's convinced that she's special and can do it all.

What was your favorite scene to write?

I liked the date with Brandon. He is one of my favorite
characters, and the words simply flowed. It felt more
like copying than writing.

Describe the story in three words.

High school matchmaker

Who would you say you're more like, Nic or Kate?

Nic--hands-down. I'm talkative and outgoing and I
over-think everything, just like Nic.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

That in my teen years, I won a first place golf trophy.
The reason this would really surprise people is that I
don't play golf. It was during a phase that I was trying
to learn, and since I was the only girl who entered the
tournament, I won. I promptly quit the lessons...just
like Jerry Seinfeld, I believe in going out on top. :)

What's one thing you can't write without?

Well, I really like my array of hand creams and body
sprays, which line the corner of my desk.

What are you working on now?

My fourth contracted book, presently untitled, and
all I can say is that it involves a girl, a really good guy
and one really bad fling...

Enchanting Interview:Kimberlee Mendoza

Interview with November AUTHOR OF THE MONTH Kimberlee Mendoza

How long have you been writing?

I started writing when I was 7, but I wrote my first full

novel when I was 13. It was originally called, "My Sister,

My Enemy." It is now published by Wild Rose Press under

the new name, "Love thy Sister, Guard thy Man." It's very

cool to see my first "baby" finally born.

What do you like best about being a writer?

Having my imagination come alive and being able to go into

any world.

Why Young Adult?

I love teenagers. I know that sounds cliché, but I teach a

young adult acting class and direct a young adult traveling

drama group. Most of my best friends are under 21. I just

think teenagers are cool. It is fun to write a book and

return to high school. I also tend to write with a young

voice without trying.

"Love thy Sister" was originally rejected by The Wild Rose

Press because the voice was too young. Then they opened the

young adult line and contacted me to be the "launch" book.

What's your writing process like?

I concentrate on the characters and the storyline as I'm

driving my kids to school, trying to go to sleep, or waiting

in line at the grocery store. Then when I finally have a

moment to sit down, I just start typing. I rarely outline,

because I like to see where the characters take me. Once

I've "finished" a story, then I go back through and

tighten it…again, and again.

Do you have any writing rituals?

MUST have chocolate before sitting down to write.

I sit on my couch, with a laptop in my lap, three pillows

behind my back and a bottle of water tucked between the

cushions.

What inspired this book?

I was a teenager when I wrote it, so maybe life. Of course

it's taken many rewrites over the years. My older sister is

afraid the story is about her, but I keep telling her that

the younger sister is the evil one.

How did you come up with the title?

As already mentioned, it was originally,

"My Sister, My Enemy." But other books were released this year

with the same name. So, I just started writing down every

idea I could come up with. Somehow I got to it.

Favorite character in the book?

Oh, I love April. She's my main character's best friend.

She's not afraid to say what she thinks and I love that

about her. She is a lot like a friend I had in high school.

Hardest scene to write?

The beginning. I wrote it four different ways before ending

where I did.

Do you have any sequels planned?

Yes. Actually, I've already contracted two books and have

one more to write. Each book in the "Russell Family Series"

is about one of the four siblings. The other books are

titled, "Oh Brother, You're Not My Keeper,"

"Seek Ye First My Heart" and

"Fried, Scrambled & Unequally Yoked."

"Brother" should be out early 2008.

"Seek Ye First" some time in mid-2008. (I've been told

this is the best one of the three. It is the story of the

"evil" sister.)

What's next for you?

I have "Fried, Scrambled & Unequally Yoked" to write still.

That'll keep me busy for a few months.