Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I'm VERY excited about today's interview! The lovely lady I've got here today if one hilarious jokester, and one EPIC writer! She's got lots of spunk and her book is full of swoon. Hello to Bethany Wiggins!!
Who is this Bethany?
Bethany Wiggins has always been an avid reader, but not an avid student. Seriously!!! She failed ninth grade English because she read novels instead of doing her homework. In high school, she sat alone at lunch and read massive hardback fantasy novels (Tad Williams and Robert Jordan anyone?). It wasn't until the end of her senior year that the other students realized she was reading fiction--not the Bible.Seven years ago, Bethany's sister dared her to start writing an hour a day until she completed a novel. Bethany wrote a seven-hundred page fantasy novel that she wisely let no one read--but it taught her how to write. Since then she has completed six more novels, each one a little better than the one before. The fifth book she wrote, "SHIFTING," is represented by Marlene Stringer of the Stringer Literary Agency, and was published by Walker Books September 27, 2011!!! (Visualize happy dance (: )
Bethany's Book:
Shifting
Published: 9.27.11 by Walker Books
Pages: 353
Learn more about her upcoming novel, Stung on GOODREADSAfter bouncing from foster home to foster home, Magdalene Mae is transferred to what should be her last foster home in the tiny town of Silver City, New Mexico. Now that she's eighteen and has only a year left in high school, she's determined to stay out of trouble and just be normal.
Agreeing to go to the prom with Bridger O'Connell is a good first step. Fitting in has never been her strong suit, but it's not for the reasons most people would expect-it all has to do with the deep secret that she is a shape shifter. But even in her new home danger lurks, waiting in the shadows to pounce. They are the Skinwalkers of Navajo legend, who have traded their souls to become the animal whose skin they wear-and Maggie is their next target.
Was there anything that triggered/inspired you to write about Navajo legends and Skinwalkers?
Yes! I used to live in New Mexico, where stories of Skinwalkers are commonplace. I wanted to write a young adult book with a paranormal element (I love paranormal!) and so I picked Skinwalkers.
What is your favorite memory from the process it took to get your book out into the light?
My favorite memory is the day I got a phone call from my sister--my first SHIFTING beta reader. She had just read SHIFTING and she started screaming on the phone, saying: "This is the one! This is the book that will get published! You did it!!!"
What's the best piece of writing advice you've ever gotten?
The best best BEST writing advice I have ever gotten is: "Sit down for an hour a day, for a year, and write. By the end of the year, you will have a book." Writing a book is all about actually WRITING. So many people start a book, and then quit. But if you stick with it, you will finish.
Describe yourself in 5 words:
Mom. Mormon. I like food.
You've written in a few different genres, so you've got a pretty good grasp at them. What's your favorite genre to write in?
You've written in a few different genres, so you've got a pretty good grasp at them. What's your favorite genre to write in?
My favorite genre is young adult. Why? Because teenagers have so many firsts! First love. First kiss. First broken heart. Fist hate. First standing up for themselves.
If Magdalene Mae had to be renamed what would her name be?
Katniss Everdeen. Oh, wait. That's already taken. :) Maybe Amy Brielle.
Do your write by free-hand or by typing on the computer?
Good gracious, if I wrote freehand, I'd have the most muscular hands in the world. As it is, I get cramps in my fingers if I write lots of freehand because I am so out of practice. The computer is my friend. And when I need a quick break, I can pull up Facebook or a game of solitaire. Freehand? Not so much!
What is your favorite quote from your book?
"I just don't see how a twenty dollar plate of fried chicken can taste any better here than what they serve at Kentucky Fried Chicken for five dollars."
You're stranded on a desert island with one book. What is it?
Well, honestly, The Book of Mormon. (Yes, religion is huge with me.)
What is your favorite kind of scene to write?
What is your favorite kind of scene to write?
KISSING!!! I live for those kissing scenes. When I am reading other people's books, I skip ahead to the kissing scenes. I am a sucker (no pun intended) for love--I chased my boyfriend across the country on a Greyhound bus, after all, and then married him in his mom's back yard.
What is one of the first things you do to get your know your character(s) a little more?
What is one of the first things you do to get your know your character(s) a little more?
Start writing! A lot of times, as soon as I put them down on paper, they have their own personalities.
Can you give us any sneak peeks into your upcoming book, Stung?
Why, yes. Yes I can.
Fiona doesn’t remember going to sleep. But when she opens her eyes, she discovers her entire world has been altered—her house is abandoned and broken, and the entire neighborhood is barren and dead. Even stranger is the tattoo on her right hand—a black oval with five marks on either side—that she doesn’t remember getting but somehow knows she must cover at any cost. She’s right.
Those bearing the tattoo have turned into mindless, violent beasts that roam the streets and sewers, preying upon the unbranded while a select few live protected inside a fortress-like wall, their lives devoted to rebuilding society and killing all who bear the mark.
Now Fiona has awakened branded, alone—and on the wrong side of the wall.
Favorite movie/book of all time?
A&E's Pride and Prejudice movie! (swoon)
What's your ideal place to read a book?
In bed, after my kids and husband are all sleeping. It is the only time I can read uninterrupted!
If you could design a fortune cookie, what would it say?
Never underestimate yourself. Dormant talents are hidden inside of you.
Candy Corn or Candy Canes?
Candy Corn or Candy Canes?
Corns!
M&Ms or Skittles?
CHOCOLATE!!! Chocolate always beats every other sweet.
Root Beer Floats or Ice Cream Sundaes?
Root Beer Floats or Ice Cream Sundaes?
Sundaes! Refer to previous question re chocolate.
Thor or Captain America?
Thor or Captain America?
Thor. Hubba Hubba!
Harry Potter or Edward Cullen?
Hmmm . . . how about Mr. Darcy?
Cocoa or Cider?
Cocoa!
Blonde or Brunette?
If we are speaking of the opposite sex, Brunette!
Plaid or Polka Dots?
Plaid or Polka Dots?
Polka dots.
Being a Shifter or Being Stung?
Being a Shifter or Being Stung?
Oooo . . . that's a hard one. Psychotic raging beast or the ability to shift? The winner is: SHIFTER! I would love to be able to change into anything.
But if you have gone broke from the Christmas shopping already, NEVER FEAR! Bethany was TOTALLY Generous and has offered up a SIGNED COPY of SHIFTING to one winner! Open to US Readers only. (Sorry Int peeps!) Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS at the bottom! Thanks.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to Bethany for that! And for the rest of you who are looking forward to Stung you have a chance to win a pre-order in the GIVEAWAY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS! Go enter/share/party! Stay tuned for more interviews this week! XX.
Isn't she awesome you guys?! The Correct answer is Y.E.S. Thanks so much to Bethany, (great name btw, my baby sis totally shares!) for taking the time to answer my questions and stop by! Her book is seriously awesome. You must read it. I'm serious.Whoa! Say what Epic Author? ;)
But if you have gone broke from the Christmas shopping already, NEVER FEAR! Bethany was TOTALLY Generous and has offered up a SIGNED COPY of SHIFTING to one winner! Open to US Readers only. (Sorry Int peeps!) Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS at the bottom! Thanks.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to Bethany for that! And for the rest of you who are looking forward to Stung you have a chance to win a pre-order in the GIVEAWAY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS! Go enter/share/party! Stay tuned for more interviews this week! XX.
13 comments:
Heyo! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I love to hear from my awesome-sauce blog readers. You just made my day! I try to reply to every comment I get so if you have a question check back later! Or just link me up to your blog (if you have one) and I'll visit you! Have a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day! <333 Inky
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OMG I loved Shifting. It was one of the first books that I read this year. ^_^ I really can't wait to read Stung. AHHH I wish it was out already!!!! April is tooooo far away!!!!!!!! LOL Thanks so much for the interview!!!!
ReplyDeleteFun interview. Loved Shifting and this new book . . . *shivers*
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I am so excited for STUNG to come out!
ReplyDeleteI had problems reading this interview because the advertizements blocked the first word in each line. Otherwise I loved it.
There shouldn't be Advertisements! Sorry!
DeleteI loved Shifting! Is there going to be a sequel?
ReplyDeleteI really hope so!!
Eva, as of now, there is no sequel in the works, but maybe one day. :) Sorry!
DeleteI haven't read Shifting, but both it and Stung sound really really good :D
ReplyDeleteLove the interview, you sound so enthusiastic <3
I haven't read Shifting yet but it has been on my to-read list forever. I loved her responses to the interview and if they transfer into her writing I know I'll love her books!
ReplyDeleteFabulous interview! Bethany sounds fantastic, and I can't wait to read Shifting. I LOVE that she wrote about Skinwalkers. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm still no good at sitting down everyday to write! I have zero self discipline and get so easily distracted! Like in church (Relief Society) last Sunday my eyes were repeatedly drawn to the hair of the girl in front of me. It looked like cascading honey and so soft and thick and even though it was straight hair, it caught on her sweater in little swirls at the tips. It was all I could do not to reach out and touch it! *sigh* Oh well, now I simply need to put that in a story, right? That way my distractions could be considered somewhat productive.
ReplyDeleteI have read Shifting. I found it at the library one day and on a whim brought it home with me. I read it in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down. It was fantastic! I loved it, and I can't wait for book 2!
ReplyDeleteI just happened upon this blog and I am so glad I did. I am downloading these books immediately. Shifting and Stung sound amazing! Great interview and I have to agree CHOCOLATE is good anytime and anywhere! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the interview and always the quickie questions at the end! I definitely want to read Shifting now.
ReplyDelete