Here's where you find answers to your questions for that book report. Or, maybe you're just bored and it's Saturday and you're at a sleepover and you're the first one awake, or everybody's being mean to you at the moment – this is the kind of weird stuff to read during those times.
FREQUENTLY ASKED PERSONAL QUESTIONS
1. Where were you born?
I was born in Holland, Michigan, a fine little Dutch-type city on the shore of Lake Michigan. If you hold your right hand in front of your face so you can see your palm, look on the left edge. About halfway between the base of your pinky and your wrist is where Holland is. Michigan rocks.
2. Do you still live there?
No. I moved to Arizona in 2004 with my husband, Matt, and my two kids, Kilian and Kennedy. No, I am not a snowbird. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
3. What's a snowbird?
Snowbird is the term for retired people who spend the winters at the Applebee'sŪ in Arizona.
4. Isn't it hot in Arizona?
Yes, in the summer it's extremely hot unless you're in the mountains. The first summer we lived here, we totally tried frying an egg on the sidewalk. Basically, it made a mess. We try to go on vacation during the summer to get out of Phoenix, and I usually do a conference or two if it's in a nice-weather city in order to escape the heat. In the fall, winter and spring, the weather here suits me just fine.
5. Stephenie Meyer lives in Arizona. Do you know her?
No, not really. I met her once. We talked for about ten minutes. I'm sure she doesn't remember it.
6. What do your parents do?
My father worked in a factory for 47 years before he retired. My mother is a hairdresser and she used to play the organ at church.
7. Do you have brothers and sisters?
Yes, I have two older brothers and a younger sister, and my husband Matt has two older sisters. They are all married. I also have six nieces and three nephews.
8. What are your hobbies?
I like to cook, swim, read, and hang out with my kids. I also love watching reality TV shows, even the sappy ones that make me cry, and I'm not afraid to admit it.
9. Did you always want to be a writer?
Since 4th grade, yes.
10. When is your birthday?
February 27.
11. I need more information from you. Can you answer more of my questions by e-mail?
I'd love to be able answer your questions, but I'm honestly really busy with writing and touring and all the other behind-the-scenes stuff that makes me able to bring you books fairly regularly. So I'm sorry, I just don't have the time to do that, but some nice people have set up a Wikipedia page about me. There's some more info there.
FREQUENTLY ASKED BOOK QUESTIONS
1. Is there a sequel to WAKE?
There are three books in the series: WAKE, FADE, and GONE. All books are now out in both hardcover and paperback.
2. Is Cabe in all the books?
Yes, he's in WAKE, FADE and GONE, but in CRYER'S CROSS I have a whole new cast of characters.
3. zomg he's so hot!
I know!
4. How did you come up with the idea of a girl getting sucked into other people's dreams?
I had a dream about it. True story. I dreamed that I was in my husband's dream, watching what he was dreaming about.
5. What was he dreaming about?
Rainbows and kittens.
6. Seriously?!?!?!
No.
7. Do you have any other books coming out?
Yep. In addition to the WAKE series, my next book, CRYER'S CROSS is out. After that is THE UNWANTEDS, a dystopian fantasy series. It's about a society where strength and intelligence is rewarded, and creativity is outlawed. Every year, the 13-year-olds are sorted into categories. The strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the creative, artistic Unwanteds get sent to their death. The book follows twin boys, Alex and Aaron Stowe, as they await their fate. THE UNWANTEDS (Book 1) comes out August 30, 2011.
8. Where do you get your ideas?
I'd like to tell you, but I can't. Top secret.
9. Come on, please?
No. Stop whining.
10. How long does it take you to write a novel?
It depends. The rough draft of WAKE was written very quickly. GONE took several months. But normally I write fast and furious.
11. What's your writing schedule like?
Mostly I write during the day while my kids are at school. I also do other author business during this time, like answering interview questions, editing, figuring out what kind of contests to have, updating my various web pages... stuff like that.
12. Can you come to my school or city?
I'd love to! Someone in charge of things has to invite me. Here's the information on how to book me for an event.
I generally tour a bit when one of my books comes out, too. Watch my tour schedule to see where I'll be!
13. You should totally make a movie out of WAKE!
Hmmm. You think? :]
14. Do you have any advice for aspiring teen writers?
Sure. If you can possibly do another job instead of writing and still enjoy your life, do that instead. Writing is hard. There are a lot of disappointments and no guarantees. Be prepared to write a second or third or fifteenth novel if the first ones don't sell. Be prepared to put the words you love in a drawer for a long time while you work and work to get better at writing. Once you've focused on WRITING instead of GETTING PUBLISHED, you're doing the right thing. Then, go find a writing message board where you can learn how this business works – it's pretty complicated. There's a lot of research you need to do to figure it out. But remember, you won't get anything published if you don't put all your effort into simply writing first.
If you're determined, I don't have a big list of tips, but other great authors do, like Ally Carter and Cassandra Clare. So those are great places to look.
15. Don't you have anything positive to say about writing?
Apparently not. But I love it. And I wouldn't do anything else. If you are sick like me, go for it!
