June 21, 2008
I am very excited to tour Read My Lips, by my author friend Teri Brown. And what’s even more exciting is that in just over five weeks I’ll be meeting Teri in person at the RWA conference in San Fran….. there will be lots of hugging and squealing…..
So here goes……
1. What inspired the plot for your book?
My niece is profoundly deaf and I was always fascinated with her ability to read lips and keep up with conversations when the family got together. There were times when as a youngster she would tell her grandmother, “too loud!” because we were all talking at once and the noise was overwhelming through her hearing aids. My Mother in law was very active in deaf advocacy and I learned a lot from her. I think the seed for Read My Lips was planted during some of those conversations.
2. Why did you decide to write in this genre?
I enjoy teens. I “get” them. I remember very clearly what it’s like to be in high school and I get along with my children’s friends really well. In fact, my daughter was talking to some of her friends about texting other people’s moms and they all agreed that it was weird… except for her Mom. I guess I’m different, because my kids’ friends text me a lot! So writing a book for them wasn’t that much of a stretch.
3. What is your writing process like?
You mean beyond panic? Is there a writing process other than, “Oh crap, I better start on that?” I usually come up with an idea and let it perk a bit. Then I try to write a synopsis. Sometimes the characters are so compelling that I jump right into writing, but that doesn’t workout so well. I like to have a roadmap first. Sometimes I do a collage while writing the synopsis and other times I do a brain map on a program called Inspiration. Then I just sit and write as often as I can.
4. What are you working on now?
What am I not working on? LOL! I am juggling an inspirational young adult, my Pulse option book and a YA paranormal. I usually don’t work on so many at the same time, but I couldn’t help myself. It’s just the way it turned out.
5. What do you do when you’re not writing?
Like most writers, I READ! A lot. I also spend a lot of time hanging out with my kids. Or as much time as I can… they lead very busy lives, so when they have a moment to hang with Mom, I grab it. Sometimes I even bribe them with fast food or trips to the mall. Hey, whatever works!
6. Who do you like to read?
So many! Right now, I am loving Rachel Vincent and Cassandra Clare. And I love anything by Kate Brian and Scott Westerfeld.
Thanks so much, Teri.
Posted by Sara Hantz in Uncategorized @ 8:25 am
Barrie Summy Says:
Great interview!
Alyssa Goodnight Says:
Great interview–the book sounds great, and the cover is lovely! I wish I were as cool as Teri seems with teens!
And I wish I were going to SF!
Sara Hantz Says:
I wish you were going to SF too, Alyssa!
Jessica Burkhart Says:
I loved this book!