December 31, 2007

W

I’m so excited because the fabulous Wendy Toliver has agreed to be interviewed. Her debut book The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is simply amazing. I know you’re going to love it.

What inspired the plot for Teenage Siren?

Ooo! I love this question. I was doing research on Greek mythology and I found myself intrigued with sirens. According to classical literature such as the Odyssey by Homer, there were three sirens who lived on an island, and whenever a ship would sail past, they’d entrance the sailors with their beauty, music, and sweet promises, and the sailors would crash into the jagged rocks that surrounded their island, and die. It was said that if a man heard their music and lived to tell about it, they would jump into the sea and drown. Only as much research as I did, I only discovered an account of one of these sirens’ bodies being found. So I asked myself, “What if one of the sirens didn’t die after all, and what if she passed her sea nymph gene down to a daughter? Could there still be sirens today? And if so, what would a modern-day siren be like?”

Why did you decide to write for teens?

I really love teens. I have fond memories of being a teen myself, and I wanted to be one of those amazing YA authors who entertain, enlighten, and inspire teens all over the world. Haha, that sounds like a Miss America answer, but it’s the truth.

What is your writing process like?

I do much of my “writing” in my head, mainly because I don’t get much time to physically sit in front of a computer and belt out a chapter. By the time I’m typing my manuscript, I’m familiar with my characters as if they’re real people, and I miss them when I can’t write for a few days.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my second YA novel, MISS MATCH. It’s scheduled to come out spring of 2009 with Simon Pulse. I’m really excited about it!

What do you know about publishing now that you wish someone had told you earlier?

Great question, Sara! Let’s see … I think having a wonderful agent is a definite bonus. Sure, you can get your book published without one, or with a mediocre one, but it’s a lot nicer ride when you have professional, proven, and passionate representation. (Hey, that’s catchy, huh?)

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Read. Write. Network. Repeat.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Dishes, laundry, floors, dirty diaper-changing, frog chasing, trampoline-jumping, snowboarding/skiing, cooking, homework-overseeing, fight refereeing, community volunteering, bubble bath-soaking, entertaining, sleeping.

Who do you like to read?
Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, and Sara Hantz (THAT’S WHY I LOVE THIS GIRL - Sara speaking!!)

 

Thanks so much, Wendy, for stopping by.

 

YA author Wendy Toliver lives in the Utah mountains with her husband, three young sons, and other various wildlife. She’s more of a ski bum than a beach bunny, but hyperventilates with the mere mention of a boat trip. She collects dolls (both voodoo and Bratz) and splurges on chocolate-covered cinnamon bears. Visit her online at http://www.wendytoliver.com or find her blogging on http://www.teenfictioncafe.blogspot.com and http://www.simonpulseromanticcomedies.blogspot.com.

1. On December 31st, 2007 at 12:06 pm
   Joanne Says:
   

   Hey Sara and Wendy - great interview. Congrats on The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren, it sounds like a lot of fun!

2. On December 31st, 2007 at 2:24 pm
   Wendy Toliver Says:
   

   Thanks so much, Joanne! And thank you Sara for interviewing me. It was so much fun!

3. On December 31st, 2007 at 6:24 pm
   amanda ashby Says:
   

   Wendy, great interview - I sooo can’t wait to read this book!!

4. On December 31st, 2007 at 7:21 pm
   Christina Phillips Says:
   

   Wow Wendy, I LOVE the premise of this book! Can’t wait to read it!

5. On January 1st, 2008 at 5:02 am
   Jessica Burkhart Says:
   

   Yay, Wendy! I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

6. On January 1st, 2008 at 6:24 am
   Alyson Noel Says:
   

   WOW! Great premise– wishing you much success in 2008!

7. On January 1st, 2008 at 10:19 am
   Barrie Summy Says:
   

   Thanks for the great interview, Wendy and Sara!! Your book sounds GREAT, Wendy! (I already know Sara’s is great because I’ve read it!). Happy New Year to you both!

8. On January 1st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
   Vanessa Says:
   

   Happy New Year, Sara and Wendy!

   Wendy, I loved your story behind SIRENS. I’m so looking forward to reading your books.

   Vanessa

9. On January 1st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
   Wendy Toliver Says:
   

   Wow! Thanks for all the sweet comments, folks! You all rock!

10. On January 1st, 2008 at 2:33 pm
    Sara Hantz Says:
    

    Thanks so much, Barrie. Happy New Year, to you too.

11. On January 1st, 2008 at 2:34 pm
    Sara Hantz Says:
    

    Happy New Year to you too, Vanessa!

12. On January 12th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
    Anna R. Haze Says:
    

    This is the best of all of Wendy’s interviews. You have such an unbridled enthusiasm and you love Wendy’s book. Wendy is my friend and I loved her book so much I bought one for all my friends.

13. On January 12th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
    Sara Hantz Says:
    

    Anna, thank you. You’ve made my day!!!!

14. On January 12th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
    Wendy Toliver Says:
    

    and mine!

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website