How did your book idea come about?
This is an interesting question. To tell the truth, I don’t remember when, exactly, I got the idea for LUMINOSITY. I have always been interested in Greek/Roman mythology, and after having taught Oedipus the King for the bazillionth time, I had a discussion with my students about prophets or seers. It kind of stuck in my head after that, what would happen if seers were still respected for what they were back then. At the same time, I was also wanting to write something that my students could read, as they really inspired me that year to push myself as far as writing goes. They kept saying that they wanted to read one of my books in school -- so, I sat down sometime in April and started to write LUMINOSITY, which is about a seer named Beatrice, and her quest to save the city she lives in.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth. I am simply in love with it, and wish I had more discipline to sit down and finish the thing because it’s constantly on my mind. The concept is riveting, sort of like THE GIVER, but so much more.
What is the best book you have read in 2012?
I started to read the Chemical Garden Trilogy by Lauren DeStefano this year. It was an impulse buy at the bookstore, since I loved the cover, and I absolutely loved the concept. I finished the first book, WITHER, in the matter of days, then was pleasantly surprised to find out the next book, FEVER was coming out in just a month. So, as soon as that was released, I ran out and bought it and finished that in the matter of days as well. Now, I’m sitting pretty waiting for the third installment, SEVER to come out.
Who is your favorite character in Luminosity?
I find Mae to be amusing because she’s so small and oblivious to the inherent dangers that take place around her. She finds the good in everything and everyone, and refuses to see any flaws in the world.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Totally chocolate. With peanut butter. Don’t forget the peanut butter.
Do you have a job or are you writing full time?
I am a secondary English teacher. At the time I was writing LUMINOSITY, I was teaching high school. Now I teach middle school. It’s my goal to eventually start writing full time, though.
What is your favorite animal?
I have too many favorite animals. I love animals. Especially cute, fuzzy ones. Pandas are at the top of my list, and if they are in baby panda form, then they are especially my favorite.
Do you have a playlist for the book?
I did come up with a playlist that I listened to while I was writing LUMINOSITY. I don’t think there’s any rhyme or reason to it (I have a crazy taste in music), but here it is:
Winter Song - Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
Back to December - Taylor Swift
Why’s My Name - Rhianna and Drake
Disburbia - Rhianna
The Only Expection - Paramore
Sing - My Chemical Romance
Dance in the Dark - Lady Gaga
All of the Lights - Kanye West
Handlebars - Flobots
Change - Carrie Underwood
Otis - Jay-Z and Kanye West
Super Bass - Niki Manaj
Cheers - Rhianna
Don’t You Wanna Stay - Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite move is Marie Antoinette. I’m obsessed with the French Revolution and have been studying it closely since my first trip to France six years ago. I love Marie Antoinette, and I often watch the movie while I’m writing. My husband thinks I am crazy because I’ve seen it a million times over and still watch it as if it were my first time seeing it...but I don’t expect him to understand the attraction to frilly pink dresses and shoes.