Hello everyone!
Today I have the great privilege to bring you an interview with debut author and friend, Kim Harrington. I first met Kim at a local book signing and our love of books, twitter and Chipolte quickly formed a bond. You know you are friends with someone when you do a silly dance in the outdoor eating area of a restaurant. I'm just glad that Kim's phone is ancient and she couldn't capture any of it on video....I'm not sure my dignity would survive the humiliation. But even though I am friends with Kim I say without bias that her book, Clarity (in stores 01 Mar 2011), is a fabulous reading. Its a great mystery filled with lots of snark, swoon worthy boys and a mystery that I didn't figure out fully. (I still hate you for that Kim, I'm usually very good at that sort of thing.) Now enough rambling....on to the questions!
GFY: First off…tell us a little about you? (ie where are you from? when did you know you wanted to be a writer?)
KH: I’m from Massachusetts. I’ve always wanted to be a writer. The first works I remember writing as a little girl were a poem about my dog and a spooky story about a house that swallowed children. The main character in the story was named Shelly because I was looking around my room trying to think of a name and saw a seashell on my desk. It was far from genius. But I was seven, so there’s that.
Please describe your latest (or upcoming) release in as few words as possible. (Bonus points if you can do it in 5 words or less!)
KH: Psychic chick solves murder.
FOUR WORDS! TAKE THAT!
GFY: You did it!! This means you get this:
GFY: When you finish writing a book who reads it first?
KH: Either my husband or my friend Susan—depending on their schedule.
GFY: Which line do you find more difficult to write? The first or the last?
KH: The last, definitely. Both are so important, but I struggle with the last line the most for some reason.
GFY: When you write, which comes first title, plot or character(s)?
KH: It depends on the project. For the CLARITY books, the characters came first. For the standalone I’m working on, the plot came first.
GFY: In CLARITY, what was your favorite scene to write? And just because I am mean to my blog readers please refer to it by either page or Chapter number and not give any more details than that. Also, if you can explain (without spoiling) why you like this scene then please do.
KH: I had a lot of fun writing Chapter 3. I think I love it so much because Clare does something I’d never have the guts to do.
GFY: *runs of to look at Chapter 3 for a refresher* lol I like that scene too and I'm with you. I'd never be able to do it. Though I'd probably fantasize about it in my head.
Which of your characters is most like you? Are any based on real people?
KH: None of my characters are based on real people, but Clare and I both dabble in the art of sarcasm. Like Clare, I didn’t have many friends in high school. I wouldn’t say I was an outcast like her. More like invisible. But I understand her trust issues and where she’s coming from when she gets defensive. Most of my “words as weapons” was done silently, though. I never had the courage Clare has.
GFY: Dabble? Did you say you dabble in sarcasm? I've hung out with you...dabble is an understatement! lol Sometimes in high school I think I was a little too outspoken for my own good. Still am to some degree.
How hard was it to come up with the setting of your novel? Where did you get your inspiration?
KH: The setting came to me very early on. I knew—because of the nature of their family business—that my characters lived in a tourist town. I picked Cape Cod mainly because I know it best.
GFY: I love how the members of the Fern family all have a gift and how while they connect they are different and unique to each member. If you were related to the Ferns, what sort of gift do you think you’d have?
KH: I would probably have the gift of perceiving danger before it comes because I’m a huge worrywart.
GFY: Of Justin, Gabriel & Perry who would you marry (if you know they were all the same age as you), snog (don’t worry we won’t tell your husband) or push off a cliff (we’ll give you an alibi & keep Clare away from the scene) and please explain your reasons.
KH: I am pleading the fifth for spoilery reasons. ;)
GFY: You...are no fun!
In the book, Madam Maslov, who was a minor character quickly became one of my faves. What was your inspiration for her?
KH: My inspiration for her was those cheesy psychics you see on late night TV commercials. But, like all my characters, I wanted to build a little something extra in her. And I found it interesting to play with the idea of prejudice and dislike from outside AND inside the psychic community.
GFY: If we were able to take a peek at your nightstand, what book(s) might we find there?
KH: Right now it’s ENDLESS SUMMER by Jennifer Echols. I haven’t started it yet, but I’ve very quickly become a Jennifer Echols fangirl after reading GOING TOO FAR and FORGET YOU.
GFY: What’s something that made you laugh out loud today?
GFY: What is the book that you most want to read again for the first time?
KH: Probably THE HUNGER GAMES. I think I will read it again sometime, but it will never be like the first time when you have no idea what’s going to happen.
GFY: What’s a book you’ve been a book bully for? (ie one you’ve liked so much that you practically beat people over the head just to get them to read it)
KH: Again, it was THE HUNGER GAMES. Many friends and family members were basically forced to read it. But all thanked me after!
GFY: What will it take to get you to read Pride & Prejudice? (and yes I am totally outing you! But I won’t give up! And I also won’t be doing any dances on video so don’t even THINK of using that)
KH: Damn, now everyone’s going to know my dirty little secret! Yes, I’ve never read PRIDE & PREJUDICE. I watched it on TV, though! *ducks from flying tomatoes*
GFY: Don't think I haven't noticed that you didn't answer the question!! Know that I will wear you down!
You’re trapped on a desert island, which swoon worthy book character would you want with you? (there are no ages on this island so that isn’t a factor. Also please say the book he/she comes from as well, thanks!)
KH: It’s a tie between Peeta from THE HUNGER GAMES and Patrick Kenzie from Dennis Lehane’s series.
GFY; I'd go with Peeta, he knows how to cook and can probably also make fire. Although since I don't know what Patrick Kenzie is like I am a bit biased in my choice.
GFY: You have been selected for Survivor: Author Edition. How far do you think you’ll make it before you are voted off the island? Who would you like to see as your competitors?
KH: I would lose my first week. I’m the pickiest eater in the world, so I would probably starve to death within days. I am clumsy and uncoordinated so I’d be useless in the challenges. And I fail in nature. One bug bite and I’m gone. I actually can’t think of any competitor who would be worse than me.
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| hehehe Hey Kim...wanna go camping again? ;-) |
GFY: The Zombie Apocalypse has started, do you have a zombie plan? Can you share your it with us? And if you could have any of your characters with you when the Apocalypse starts, which one would it be? Why?
KH: My zombie plan is to hide behind my husband (who has played so many zombie-themed Xbox games that he is, actually, over-prepared). Out of my characters, I would choose Starla Fern to be by my side. As a telepath, maybe she’d hear the “brainssss” thoughts coming and we’d always be one step ahead.
GFY: Smart plan...when the zombies come can you and your hubby swing by and pick me up? I have a 62% chance of survival and I'm looking for a supplement to my plan. And by supplement I mean protector.
GFY: Can you share with us anything about your current project(s)?
KH: Up next is the sequel to CLARITY, coming in March 2012. After that, in Fall 2012, I have a standalone supernatural mystery—a ghost story. I’m super pumped for both of them!
GFY: I'm excited too! I really need to know what happens to Clare and company next! Any parting words?
KH: I just want to thank everyone for reading our foolishness! :) You can find out more info about CLARITY (and watch the trailer) at my website: www.kimharringtonbooks.com.
Thanks Kim for taking time to answer these questions and I look forward to seeing Clarity out in the wild! Also be sure to come back later for a Clarity related contest.
Clarity will be released on 01 March 2011 by Scholastic/Point and can be pre-ordered now via Amazon
, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound and Tatnuc (Local Indie Bookstore).
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