Interview with Marieke

Well, I'm back from my blogging hiatus, all rested and refreshed and the proud owner of a brand new spiffy laptop (woot!). Must say, I've missed you all, and I can't wait to catch up and find out how all your Christmas and New Year celebrations have been.

Today I'm interviewing Marieke, my legendary critique partner, fellow blogger and Crusader, and wonderful friend who I'm just dying to meet in person one day. Oh, and she's also the co-conspirator in the evil "Something is Coming" plot/plan/teasy-thingy (but more on that later).

To launch straight into the juicy stuff...

Question 1: What inspires you to write?

Life. Cheesy, huh? ;) It has always interested me how people perceive the world. For me the world consists of stories. When I'm at work, when I'm sitting in a coffee shop writing... I don't just see people around me, I see stories. Whether it's the two kids on the street attacking each other with imaginary swords, the lonely girl sitting at the table in the corner, or the elderly couple walking the same route every single day. I want to know what lies underneath the surface.

And apparently I've always been very good at 'What if'-ing too. I have a bit of an over-active imagination sometimes! ;)

Rach: Inteereesting!!!

Question 2: What's your all-time favourite book (and why)???

Ugh, I so hate this question. Please don't make me choose?!

I don't really have an all-time favorite, because it changes with the mood I'm in. I do love quirky books, stories that are different then normal. I recently reread Meg Rosoff's Justin Case: YA magical realism about a boy and Fate. I didn't 'get' it the first time around but I'm starting to appreciate it more and more. (And truth is, I love all her books!)

I also *adore* When you reach me. It's quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read. The voice is amazing, the story is wonderfully complex, and I love how it uses A Wrinkle In Time as inspiration.

Rach: Ooh, I've never read "When You Reach Me." But it's definitely on my TBR list!

Question 3: Do you listen to music while you write? Is there anything in particular that gets you in the writing mood?

It depends. Normally I love to listen to music, but I've learned that, now I'm getting deeper and deeper into Jaime's world in WICK, I prefer working in silence. She has a very typical world view and music isn't part of that. For me to listen to music is actually distracting.

It's a novelty for me, because normally I can block out any and all background noise! But it seems Jaime has a will of her own ;)

Rach: It's amazing how your characters can influence your own likes/dislikes while you're so deep in their world!

Bonus question: Is there anything you'd like to add?

Yep, I hear there's a massive contest and some awesomely amazing giveaways coming soon. If you want a head start check back on Tuesday, January 4 to find out how you can collect your first points.

Rach: (*Rubs hands together*)