December 4, 2009
I’m thrilled to be touring Debbie Rigaud and her book PERFECT SHOT.
London Abram’s first love is volleyball, so why does she enter an online modeling competition? Answer: superhottie Brent St. John. London spots Brent signing in contestants at a store, and she gets in line simply to say hi. But she never dreams she’ll make it into the competition!
London’s now up against fourteen hungry fashionistas willing to do whatever it takes to win. All she wants to win is Brent’s heart…but the money prize couldn’t hurt. If London plays this right, she can win the contest, the boy, and the cash. GAME ON!
And now for my usual questions:
What inspired the plot for your book?
I’ve always been inspired by fish-out-of-water experiences, because
however awkward, these situations are also character-building. In
PERFECT SHOT, the main character, volleyballer London Abrams, kills on the court yet feels way out of her league when she is (unexpectedly!) recruited for a modeling contest. Among the fab fashionistas in the competition, London, who is confident on the court, begins feeling like the “token jock” instead. It was fun building on this scenario and exploring what may unfold.
Why did you decide to write in this genre?
Writing YA comes so natural to me—it always has. Plus I adore my YA
fam. My first full-time magazine staff position was at Seventeen, and
that’s where I bonded with teen readers. I haven’t looked back since!
What is your writing process like?
My writing process isn’t as disciplined as I’d like it to be. I work
from home and the distractions there come fast and furious. But
however tempted I get to alphabetize my books by author, I make sure I stick to a basic schedule. I’m in front of my laptop by 10am and I plug away until 5pm. I’m at my most productive when there’s a deadline looming. I suddenly gain the ability to work extended hours, cranking out an impressive amount of pages in the process.
What are you working on now?
Another romantic comedy is in the works, as well as a paranormal
story. Fingers crossed, I’ll be able to share more details about this
early in the new year.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
In Bermuda where the hubby and I live, most people get around on
scooters. Even though I was a big chicken when learning to ride, I
still love riding…as a passenger. I enjoy going around exploring the
island with the hubby on his scooter. And because I live a plane ride
away from family, you wouldn’t believe how much time I spend chatting on the phone with my sisters. On weekends, we skype each other so that I can see my nieces and nephews.
Who do you like to read?
I normally choose books based on its storyline, not its author. But
there are some authors (like Edwidge Danticat) who totally have my
loyalty, whatever book they release. Recently, I’ve added a few more
authors to that list—namely, MG author Nadia Aguiar, Sherman Alexie,
Kristen Cashore and adult fiction author Carleen Brice.
Bio
Debbie Rigaud began her writing career covering news and entertainment for magazines. She’s interviewed celebs, politicians, social figures and “real” girls. Her wide-ranging articles have appeared in YSB, Entertainment Weekly, Seventeen, The Source, Trace, Twist, Essence, J-14, Heart & Soul, Inside TV, CosmoGIRL!, and Vibe Vixen. Her first work of YA fiction, a novella titled “Double Act,” was featured in the anthology HALLWAY DIARIES/Kimani Tru. PERFECT SHOT/Simon & Schuster, her first standalone book, will be released December 1, 2009.
Debbie’s extensive experience with young readers has led her to staff editor positions at Seventeen and Twist and to freelance editing/writing work for seventeen.com, CosmoGIRL!, American Eagle Outfitters and publishing company Just Us Books. She’s written advice columns, inspiring real-life stories, entertainment reports and countless personality quizzes for this audience. Beyond YA, Debbie recently became a finalist in Bermuda Dramatist Society’s annual playwright contest. “All in the Same Boat,” her short play, was selected by professional New York playwrights and produced on stage in Bermuda.
Posted by Sara Hantz in Uncategorized @ 2:23 pm
