Author Interview with Emery Lord + GIVEAWAY

Earlier this year, I gave into many pressures from other bloggers to read Open Road Summer by Emery Lord. It became one of those "why did I wait so long to read this?!" kind of book. Fast forward to in the middle of my first stressful and emotional semester of college and I just received an ARC of The Start of Me and You (thanks, Bloomsbury!). Perfect timing. I can't recommend both of Emery Lord's books enough, especially to those who are stressed. Fun contemporaries are key.

Below is an interview I was able to do with Emery Lord and because tomorrow is Christmas (!!!), I'm giving away an ARC of The Start of Me and You, which comes out in March of 2015.

What is one thing you think readers should know about you? 

I love reading and creating complicated teenage girl characters- strong in different ways, flawed, slowly evolving. In each book I write, I try to both create a heroine or anti-heroine who pushes back at the reader a little bit and tackle at least one subject that is really emotionally uncomfortable/challenging for me.

I know people have been asking about a sequel for Open Road Summer, but do you think you'd ever write a series instead of your amazing standalones? 

It's definitely something I think about! I'll have 4 standalones- one a year from 2014-2017, but, after that, who knows?! 

The Start of Me and You is basically about Paige finally moving on after her boyfriend's accidental death and not being known as The Girl Whose Boyfriend Drowned. Was this idea from personal experience? 

I've never had a significant other die. But I have absolutely dealt with the kind of grief that changes you and, once the darkness starts to dissipate, leaves you unsure of who you are anymore. I wanted to explore that in-between space- when the loss isn't quite as raw, but you're still trying to figure out how to be. 

Confession: I've done something very similar to a Quiz Bowl and you described Paige's experience perfectly (oh, so much blushing occurred for me). Did you do any of the things on Paige's list as well? 

None of those specific things- I love swimming, I travel quite a lot, etc. But I've definitely always pushed myself to try new activities- not necessarily to overcome fear or move on- but just because new experiences are the best!

Did you like writing Open Road Summer or The Start of Me and You more? 

I couldn't choose! They were both difficult in different ways and fun in different ways!

If you could write a book in any genre except contemporary, what would it be? 

Fantasy. Or sci-fi. I love all genres!

What's a book you recently read that you loved? 

Rites of Passage by Joy Hensley (My add-on: YES!)

Choice of drink while writing? 

Coffee, water, and Diet Coke if things get dire ;)

Thank you, Emery! 

GIVEAWAY: 

1. Winner gets an ARC of The Start of Me and You, which comes out in March of 2015. 

2. Winner has to reply back with his/her address in 48 of hours of receiving my notification email or I will pick another winner. 

3. Must not lie/cheat in any entries. 

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Merry Christmas Eve!