Q & A

NEVER CRY WEREWOLF

Why did you decide to write about werewolves?

I wrote a ghost communicator YA novel in 2005.  Just as I began to submit that manuscript, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s CBS series came on.  Yeesh!  I felt a little behind the wave – it was so frustrating.  I wanted to stay in the paranormal realm, so I thought, what does YA need more of?  Definitely no more vampires!  And then I fell in love with the idea of werewolves.  They’re not dead, first of all, and second of all, what if there was a really cute one?  Wait — what if he was the son of a rock star and therefore totally werewolf material?  Yes.  I had the perfect hero.  And, P.S. I’d never date a vampire – dead is creepy.

At the time, did you have an actor in mind as you wrote Austin Bridges III, the werewolf hero?

Yes – Heath Ledger, my fave young actor.  I’m still sad he’s gone.

What is your favorite thing about Shelby Locke, the heroine of Never Cry Werewolf?

I love Shelby’s fearlessness.  She dives into things without thinking them through – which is a blessing and a curse.  Also, I love the way she’s tough on the outside but very, very soft on the inside.  I really wanted to write a character people could relate too – someone you would want to have as your best friend.

Who is your biggest influence as a writer?

My dad.  He’s a former English teacher, and when I was little, I used to find pages of his unfinished manuscripts.  I remember there was one story about a boy riding in the back of a flatbed truck, a birdcage in his hands.  I took that character and wrote my own story about him.   I’m happy to report that these days my dad is writing again.  So far, he’s had several poems published and is working on some memoir-type essays about his life growing up.

If you weren’t an author, what would your dream job be?

Stand-up comedian – or lawyer.  Seriously!  If there’s any kind of fantasy camp for comedy, I’m so going to it someday.  Did I tell you when I was ten, I carried around a little notebook in which I wrote down jokes?  I know, right!  The lawyer thing is just because I always wished I’d applied to law school.  I love how lawyers can take all the information about a case and make sense of it, and then present it to the courtroom in the best light.  I think it’s a fascinating career.

What authors do you like to read?

For humor, I love to read Meg Cabot’s books.  She cracks me up.  I’m also a huge Scott Westerfeld fan.  Lately, I’ve been reading more David Levithan and John Green.  Also, I love, love Libba Bray.

If you could be any supernatural character what would it be?

I honestly would say werewolf.  Hopefully, I would be evolved like the Bridges family and not attack people.  It would be so cool to transform into another being, just for awhile.  Can you imagine what that would be like to run and jump and howl?  The waking up naked in a field the next morning wouldn’t be my fave part, though.

Is there going to be a sequel to Never Cry Werewolf?

I always hoped there would be because I am not done with Austin and Shelby.  There is a lot of story left to tell.  If you’ve read the book, you will know exactly why I say that.  Unfortunately, we don’t have anything scheduled with my publisher – so the sequel may not come to be for a while.  Sad face.

** UPDATE**  Yes, there is going to be a sequel to Never Cry Werewolf!  I received so many letters from readers asking for a sequel, that I decided to write one and publish it myself.  It’s called Sometimes by Moonlight.

It’s an e-book original novella, so will be able to read it on Kindle or Nook, or on your computer.  Planned release is June 2011, so I’ll be giving you more details and links to where to buy it soon!  

P.S. You probably know this, but a novella is a shorter version of a novel.

Will you be doing booksignings and school visits?

Absolutely!   I can’t wait to get out there and meet readers.   If you want me to come to your school or bookstore, have your event coordinator email me.

Who is your favorite werewolf?

Uh… Austin Bridges the III, of course.  My favorite movie werewolf is David Naughton in An American Werewolf in London.  Scott Speedman’s werewolf guy is pretty cute in Underworld.