Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Teen Interview #5: Butt-Kicking Girls Wanted!

Every week, we give you an interview with one of your future readers! This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my former students, Kaitlyn--who is now a freshman at a small high school in Virginia. Without further ado...

Tell us about your school. (What are the demographics? Are there any noticeable cliques? Etc., etc.)

At my school, there's basically a mixture of everyone. We have a few Hispanics and a few Asians, but about the same amount of Caucasians and African Americans. Noticeable cliques are what you expect: the populars, the jocks, the quiet ones, the band geeks, the straight-A students...and then my group is a mixture of everyone.

What is it about a book that makes you pick it up when you're browsing the shelves of the library or book store?

Well, I don't usually like vampire books, so I avoid all of them. After bypassing all of those, I look for romance and a lot of action.

What's the best book you've read in the past 6 months?

Any one of the Mortal Instruments series books. They have all of my favorite things: romance, suspense, and action. (Pam's note: They also have vampires, but shh, don't tell)

If you could ban one thing from all books, what would it be?

Well, anything inappropriate for a young adult. I know that all depends on the reader and the author, but for me, it's hard to find a book that I can let my mom read without her raising her eyebrows. I have, though, but it makes book-buying more difficult than it should be.

What would you like to see more of in YA novels?

More tough-girl books. You read a lot about how the guy saves the day, but I like reading books where the girls kick butt!

What's your favorite part of a story? The characters, the setting, or the conflict?

Definitely the conflict! It tells a lot about the author, but it also tells you if the book's worth it or not.

Do you feel like the characters in YA books are representative of you?

Some are, some aren't. I think real young adults are just a little smarter, more hesitant, and a little less passionate.

What's a popular saying you can't stand? What’s a popular saying that you love?

I can't stand EPIC FAIL! It' just been used way too much! Um, none of my sayings are popular. :)

What did you eat for lunch today?

Chicken nuggets. BO-RING! The day before yesterday though, I had paella. It's a Spanish dish with rice, chicken, veggies, and chicken. Of course, I probably spelt it wrong. :)

Vampires or werewolves?

Werewolves. If you anger vampires, they'll throw glitter in your eyes.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The power of water. Y'know, like from The Last Airbender? That would be so awesome.

You write as well. What kind of stories do you write?

I write the kind of stories that I like to read: romance and action. Most of my books are fantasy fiction, but a few are based on real life. I love to expand my imagination and see what I can come up with. I hope to publish someday.

I truly think she will--she's a talented and awesome gal. :)

10 comments:

KatOwens: Insect Collector said...

YAY for young writers! and Super-YAY for kick-ass girls. I am a big believe in girl adventure-type stories.

Marquita Hockaday said...

AWESOME interview! The glitter/vampire response is priceless! And my students really do wear out the Epic Fail phrase.

Alicia Gregoire said...

I really love these interviews. :)

Anonymous said...

"Epic Fail" drives me crazy, too!

Lori M. Lee said...

I love this series. Thanks again for a great interview!

Glenna said...

AHA! Glitter in the eyes! HILARIOUS. <3 Love these interviews, love love love!

Tere Kirkland said...

I want more tough-girl books, too, Kaitlyn! ;) I'm reading Mortal Instruments now, and I like how Clary isn't afraid to speak her mind.

If you want to be published someday, you've got a great head-start. Just keep writing, and reading, and keep reading industry blogs, and I think you'll do well!

Thanks for the awesome interview, Pam!

Pam Harris said...

Thanks, ladies. So glad that you're enjoying this series. :)

Michelle Julian said...

Kick-ass girls rock! I like to write about girls who make their own rules. Glad to know that's something somebody looks for.

Alyssa said...

I love these interviews! Great to know what other teens like me think. :D