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Kristina McBrideThe Tension of Opposites
May 25, 2010
Egmont USA
Egmont USA
I like to start out my days with a laugh. Soo… What makes you literally LOL?
My husband. He’s hysterical and makes me laugh every day. It’s one of the things I love most about him.
Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (Other than getting published?)
I think one of the most pivotal moments of my author journey was when my agent, Alyssa Eisner Henkin, offered me representation. She’s amazing and I would not have made it this far without her guidance and support.
How about something EMBARASSING?
When my publisher sent me a computer file with my manuscript, all marked up and ready for a serious round of revisions, I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I had to call my editor and ask very specific questions about how I was supposed to make these changes. I’d never felt or looked like such a novice.
How did you celebrate getting published?
I celebrated my first (of 3!) offers by going for ice cream with my husband and two children.
What/Who inspired you to become a writer?
That’s a hard question. When I was young, I lived across the street from an old library, and as weird as it may sound, books have always felt like a part of me. Every character and setting I encounter feel real, like they are simply around the nearest corner. I cannot remember a time when I did not want to create a fictional world for others to experience, to do for others what so many authors have done for me.
If not an author, what would you have been?
I was a high school English teacher for eight years before I quit to stay home with my first child. That’s when I dove into my writing, knowing I actually had the time to make it happen. If I hadn’t been able to make this whole become-an-author dream come true, I’d be heading back to the classroom in the very near future. But the two-book deal with Egmont USA has bought me a little more time. We’ll see what the future holds.
How do you associate with your fans? Are there any who’ve made a strong impression on you that you can’t forget?
Geesh. Fans? I mean, this is all so crazy new, that word seems foreign. Right now, I’m thinking of the blogger at The Hiding Spot who posted my first official review. It was an amazing feeling to read her thoughts on my book! I had leftover pizza in the oven when I read the post, and was so excited to send the link to everyone I know that I totally forgot about my lunch. It burned to a crisp. Oops. Here’s a link, in case anyone wants to check it out: http://bit.ly/5SdDzA LINK
Can you in any way relate your life to your book title, The Tension of Opposites?I think in some ways everyone can probably relate. Opposing forces pull people in many directions every day. Should I eat those M&M’s or work out? Read that new book or write that new book? Buy or save? Speak or remain silent? Back down or stand firm?
I know the feeling. =)
The premise for The Tension of Opposites is not one I’ve heard of before. What was the inspiration behind it?
One day when my daughter was napping, I had a rare moment to watch a little TV. As I flipped through the channels, I was sucked into an interview Oprah was having with a young man who had just been returned to his family after a four-year abduction. His story captivated and inspired me. Within days, the voice of Tessa, the sixteen-year-old main character in The Tension of Opposites, started speaking to me.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate. Hands down.
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
Does my favorite purse count? Because it’s a thing of beauty. (I even blogged about it if you want to check it out: http://kristinamcbride.livejournal.com/1248.html) LINK
What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?
Ice cream (Baskin Robbins, to be specific).
What’s your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?
I can’t pick a favorite – they’re all so much fun. I haven’t thought of using one as inspiration. But you never know what might happen!
When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?
I write. And then I write some more. I know that if a weak scene is in the way of a strong scene, I have to write through the muck to get to the good stuff. It’s hard to make myself sit down and write something that I think will probably be pitched in the end, but that’s how I work.
What’s something you can’t live without?
My family.
Which books are on your Must Have list right now?
I’ve recently been sucked into the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I love everything by Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green, and Sarah Dessen. I think everyone should read Jay Asher’s 13 Reasons Why, and really think about how much the little stuff can affect the people around them. Savvy by Ingrid Law, and When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead are amazing. I also lovelovelove Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. (Are you sorry you asked?)
Is there any moment in your life you’d like to relive?
I’ve had a lot of amazing moments. My wedding. The births of my two children. Many days I spent in the classroom. And, of course, special writing moments: my agent’s offer of representation, the day she told me my revisions were complete, the days I received offers on my manuscript, and the day I accepted a 2-book deal with Egmont USA. But, no matter how wonderful those days were, I think I’d like to just keep going forward and see what other amazing experiences I can add to that list.
What’s a random fact about you?
I don’t like shoes with pointy toes.
I'm not that big a fan either.
Do you have any words of wisdom?
Chocolate makes everything better.
Now it’s time we put things in reverse. Do you have any questions for me?I want to know your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now!
Right now I am in LOVE with cardigans. They are soo cute. and You can easily dress them down or up. It's just great. I have this black one and it looks kinda granish, but I love it. It's just so cute and simple. (<------there it is)
Can we have a little teaser from The Tension of Opposites? Promise to keep our lips sealed.
Since I’m not sure how my publisher feels about this, I’m going to leave it blank for now. If you want to check back closer to the date you’re going to post this, feel free. I’m not trying to be stingy, just trying to make sure I follow all the rules
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A HUGE-O thanks to Kristina for being with us today!
Be sure to visit Kristina on the Web
Website: (Under Construction)
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