Today I have an interview with the author of The Keatyn Chronicles, Jillian Dodd.
Thank you for being here Jillian 🙂
1. Describe Stalk Me in a tweet. (140 characters or less)
The daughter of America’s sweetheart gives up everything to keep her family and herself safe.
2. Which character can you relate to the most and why?
I’d say Keatyn, for sure. I have to be in her head to write her thoughts. I remember a lot of high school. And what I don’t, I reread my diaries and listen to what my teenagers and their friends go through. I think Keatyn is a cool character. She’s is strong, mature, and smart. And in the first book when she goes through something tramatic, you see glimpses of her strength. Of her coming into herself. She knows money and clothes and the perfect boyfriend aren’t the key to a happy life, but on the other hand, she wants it all. If I think about my goals at her age, I wanted it all too. A sexy husband, adorable children, great clothes, a nice house, and of course, I was going to have a high-powered career and be a millionaire by the time I was thirty. I think after what she went through, she’ll make a few wrong choices in her new setting. Her goals there are something like: Make true friends. Be nice. DON’T fall in love. She plans on thinking with her head and not her heart. After what she went through, this is understandable, but probably not the best way to live life.
3. What do you do when writers block strikes?
I never get writer’s block. I can always think of something to say. If I’m stuck though on a part, or don’t like the way something is going, I take a break. Go for a drive. Listen to music. Or I sleep. I dream a lot of my books.
4. What is a trend you are loving right now in YA and/or what is a trend that you think is a little over played?
I don’t know if it’s a trend so much, but readers tell me that they like my books beacuse they seem realistic, yet they are sort of modern day fairy tales. I’m a fan of Twilight, but my chances of falling in love with a sexy vampire are probably pretty slim. But could I fall for the boy next door, or the hot soccer player at my school? Yeah. I also think indie authors are pushing typical YA boundaries. Because we don’t have to play it as safe, we’re able to include steamier scenes and more realistic characters.
me: I can totally see that in your writing! 🙂 And I completely agree, that is the very reason I love contemporaries.
5. What is your biggest pet peeve?
I hate when my kitchen island is dirty. I swear, I can shine it all up and two seconds later there are bread crumbs, finger prints, and empty candy wrappers on it. It may have something to do with the fact that I have two teenagers. My house can be a disaster, but if the island is clean and shiny, the house feels clean.
6. Do you listen to any music when you write or do you have any writing snacks?
I can’t listen to music while I’m writing. I need it quiet. I listen to music when I need inspiration though. When I’m really on a roll, I tend to forget to eat. I do need Diet Coke though. I’d. die. without. it. My favorite snacks are Lays potato chips with Dean’s French Onion dip. And I really love buffalo wing popcorn.
7. If we looked under your bed right now, what would we find?
Well, the cleaning ladies were here today, so it’s clean, but normally, you would find dog toys, and dog, and probably dog hair. We have two Labrador Retriever puppies. Camber Lacy and Cali Lucy.
Me: awh! Lab puppies are so adorable. I bet your house is tons of fun 😉
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Stalk Me by Jillian Dodd
YA contemporary
Book one of the Keatyn Chronicles
Summary:
Gossip girl meets Hollywood in this new series by That Boy author, Jillian Dodd.
Keatyn has everything she ever dreamed of. Her life is following the script she wrote for the perfect high school experience. She’s popular, goes to the best parties, dates the hottest guy, and sits at the most coveted lunch table. She’s just not sure she wants it anymore. Because really, things aren’t all that perfect.Her best friend is threatening to tell everyone her perfect relationship is a scam. Her perfect boyfriend gets drunk at every party they go to. It’s exhausting always trying to look and act perfect.And deep down, she isn’t sure if she has any true friends. To add to the drama, her movie star mom’s long-time fan has turned stalker.An older man is flirting with her and telling her they should make a movie together. And she’s crushing on an adorable surfer. Dating a guy like him would mean committing social suicide. So she writes a new script. One where all the pieces of her life will come together in perfect harmony. But little does she know, there’s someone who will do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen.
About Jillian Dodd:
Hey everyone!! I’m Jillian Dodd, author of the That Boy series. That Boy and That Wedding. I’m working on plotting out That Baby. I love to read, love hanging out at goodreads, and love to talk to y’all!!
I was lucky enough to find my own prince in college. We have two wonderful teenaged children, a Maltese named Sugar Bear and a new Lab puppy named Camber Lacey.
I have an active blog, which my daughter, Kenzie, helps me with. We’d love to have you visit us there. I am a big believer in giving back, so I donate a portion of my book sales to charity!!
Website: http://www.jilliandodd.net
Twitter: @Jilliandodd
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Rinn
Hey there, I’m visiting because I saw that you’re joining in with the Reaping Me Softly book tour, which I’m also participating in =) I’ve followed, and I look forward to reading your posts! =D
Rinn
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings
I have been seeing this book around the blogosphere and it has peaked my interest, Loved this interview. I have two toddlers so I know about cleaining the floor or,counter or chairs to turn around and find food and fingerprints. I love that she gives back to charity! Awesome!