When is your next book coming out?
Running to Stand Still will be published by MTV Books in March 2009.
I heard it was called Boy in Blue.
It was. My editor changed the title. It's very common for editors to change the titles of novels. My original title for Major Crush was Queen Geek, but there was another book coming out with that title. A chick named Elke who worked for my publisher came up with the name Major Crush, which I actually like much better. As a thank-you, I changed a character's name to Elke. You can find Elke on page 58 of Major Crush. I thought it would be funny to give her a boyfriend named Gator.
Are you writing sequels to Major Crush and The Boys Next Door?
My editor has asked me to write a proposal for the sequel to The Boys Next Door. No guarantees. I have to think of something really good. In the meantime, I'm writing a new romantic comedy called The Ex-Games, which will be published by Simon Pulse in Fall 2009.
Do you wakeboard like Lori in The Boys Next Door?
No. I did grow up on a lake in Alabama like Lori, and I learned to waterski when I was five. Wakeboarding wasn’t invented yet.
Is bryozoa real?
Oh yes.
Did someone really smear it on you?
Yes. This sort of trauma makes the most compelling fiction.
Were you in marching band like Virginia in Major Crush?
Yes! I was the first female drum major of my high school marching band. I also played saxophone (well), drums (a little), trumpet (badly), and oboe (very badly). I wanted to be a high school band director myself, so my first major in college was music education. Then I switched to English and got serious about writing.
Did you star in The Notebook?
No, that’s a different Jennifer Echols.
Do you have a secretary?
You’re funny. First I’d get a personal chef.
How can I get my novel published?
The best book I’ve read on the subject is Pat Walsh's 78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published and 14 Reasons Why It Just Might.
Will you read my writing?
I’m sorry but I have a standing rule not to. I don’t have time. In addition to my own writing, I read novels in progress by my critique partners and other writing buddies. I suggest you find your own buddies who love the kind of stories you love and will give you honest feedback. Good luck with your writing!
I've heard getting a novel published is hard. Did you ever want to give up?
Once I got a rejection letter from a literary agent I'd been very excited about. While I was standing there reading the letter, devastated, a bee flew out of the mailbox, zoomed down my pants, and stung me on the butt. Another person might have taken this as a Sign. Luckily I am not that superstitious or self-aware.
Did you design your own website?
Isn't that like asking me if I cut my own hair?
The Boys Next Door
Major Crush
"I have to say that this is one of the best, not to mention funniest, young adult romance stories I've read this year... With well-developed characters, fresh dialogue, and a great cast of supporting characters, MAJOR CRUSH is one story you don't want to miss."--Teens Read Too