Posts
Shari Maurer
Change of Heart
April 23, 2010
Westside Books
I like to start my days with a laugh. Soo... What makes you literally LOL?
I can't always start my days with a laugh, so I try to end them with one. I fall asleep to Jon Stewart and The Daily Show most nights. And I know it's totally un-PC, but Family Guy is also pretty funny. My warped sensibilities often get a good giggle from The Onion. Maybe it's trite, but my kids and my husband have wicked senses of humor, so there's a lot of laughter in our house.
Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (Other than getting published?)
Sometimes it's the little things that are amazing. I was speaking to a seventh grade class and at the end one girl came up to me and told me I inspired her and she wanted to write a book. That was amazing!
How about something EMBARRASSING?
As a writer or just in general? Because plenty of embarrassing things have happened to me, but so far, the writing has been pretty low-key.
How did you celebrate getting published?
I still have the bottle of champagne chilling that I promised myself I'd open when I sold my book. I guess it's time to drink it, huh?!
What/Who inspired you to become a writer?
I've always been a huge reader, so it felt very natural to want to write. I adapted the sixth grade play from one of my favorite books, so in a way the writer in my has always been there.
If not an author, what would you have been?
I worked in the International Production for Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop) in a former life. If the writing didn't work out, I think I would do some sort of event production.
Can you in any way relate your like to your book title, Change of Heart?
I married my first serious boyfriend (we met when we were 17) so I really haven't had any changes of heart.
I'm 17...and am now crossing my fingers. :)
Where did the inspiration for Change of Heart come from?
I had been watching a television progran on heart transplants when I saw a little girl who needed a transplant. They wheeled her into the OR and I saw the look on her face---unsure whether she was going to live or die-- and I was haunted by her. I knew I wanted to write a YA novel and tell the story of a girl going through a transplant.
In Change of Heart, Emmi gets a heart transplant, have you ever had any major surgery?
I've had two semi-major surgeries, but my daughter has open heart sugery, so I've seen it from both sides.
I really like the title Change of Heart, does it hold a double meaning as to the events in Emmi's life?Absolutely. But I can't tell you why---you'll have to read the book! I actually had the title and built the plot from there.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Staying in bed and reading on a weekend morning.
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
My ratty, old (I won't tell you how old) Duke sweatshirt that I bought Senior year of college.
it keeps the memorie alive, nothing wrong with that. :)
What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?
I think it's a tie between sushi and SoCo Creamery's Mexicali Chocolate ice cream.
so i've never heard of that type of ice cream before but i suddenlly have this craving for it. it just sounds sooo good.
What's your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?
When my kids were little I used to tell them a version of the Three Little Pigs with their dad and their uncles as the pigs (sorry, guys!). I doubt it would be fit for publication, though.
you never know. they publish some crazy things now-a-days. :)
When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?
I often take a walk or drive. I think much better away from my computer. Also, if I'm really stuck in a story, I'll sometimes create letters or journal entries from the characters to try to get further into their heads. I've found it helps to figure out their motivations, which is great for plotting.
What's something you can't live without?
Sad to say, these days, I'd say it's coffee, tea or any other caffeinated beverage.
Write a mnemonic, using your name, which describes you.
She Hopes All is Right In the World. (okay, this one was a stumper, but I tried!)
and that's all that counts, that you tried. :)
Is there any moment in your life you'd like to relive?
I'd love to go back to summer camp during the first few weeks I was dating my husband. It would be fun to see our 17year oldselves and to experience that joy of new love again.
What's a random fact about you?
I still know the lyrics to most of the songs on Sesame Street.
Do you have any words of wisdom on life?
Always try something once. If it doesn't work, don't do it again..
Now it's time we put things in reverse. Do you have a question for me?
What makes you pick up a book and know it's something you'd like to read?
In no particular order: the cover, the author, the synopsis, the reveiws(if any).
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A GREAT thanks to Shari for being with us today!!
