Author Interview: Teri Terry + Giveaway

Teri has lived in France, Canada, Australia and England at more addresses than she can count, acquiring three degrees, a selection of passports and a silly name along the way. Past careers have included scientist, lawyer, optometrist, and, in England, various jobs in schools, libraries and an audiobook charity. The footpaths and canal ways of the Buckinghamshire Chilterns where she now lives inspired much of the setting of Slated. She hates broccoli, likes cats, and has finally worked out what she wants to do when she grows up.

Interview:

1-Introduce yourself. Can you tell us some of the best experiences you've had as a child, teenager, and adult?

I’m an Canadian-Aussie-Dutch-Finnish hybrid who was born in France and lives in England!

Some of the best things (in no particular order): kittens, sleeping in, popcorn (with butter), smiles of friends and family. Writing at 5 a.m. Getting married. Travelling, front row seats at Mark Knopfler, the first time I got short listed and then won a writing competition. Getting an agent, then a book deal (blogged here: http://notesfromtheslushpile.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/its-deal-teri-terry-and-slated-find.html)

2-What inspired you to write Slated and do you share any traits with the characters?

Slated began with a dream – really! – so it is hard to answer that. I always write from character and the rest follows.

I do speak without thinking more than I should, so that is one trait I share with Kyla. Other than that she is her own girl.

3-Slated is narrated in first person. Why? Do you personally prefer third or first person?

To me it had to be in first person – the story needs it to work. You have to know what Kyla is thinking in a way that only happens with first person.

I don’t have a strong preference for first or third; in general, it is whatever works best for a particular story and voice.

4-When did you start writing? What made you think, Okay, I should get my book published?

I’ve been writing since I was 17, but only seriously since I moved to the UK (2004). I did submit my first novel (2006) but with no expectations. Gradually I got more addicted to writing, and got more serious about submitting.

5-What do you personally think of the cover for Slated? I absolutely loved it!

I love it too! I blogged about the cover and how we got to it: http://notesfromtheslushpile.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/slated-getting-it-covered.html

6-What writing advice would you give to people who want to become writers, but aren't very good?

‘Aren’t very good’ in whose opinion? If it is in their own – every writer thinks they’re rubbish at least part of the time. If you didn’t have self-doubt, you wouldn’t get better. And the only way you learn to write is by doing it. So – go for it!

If it is in the opinions of others, part of being a writer is rejection. It is bruising, and awful, but you have to find your own way and not take your self-worth from other people.

7-What are the best and worst parts of writing/getting published?

Best: holding your book in your hands for the very first time. Getting your first good reviews is pretty awesome, too!

Worst: deadlines. It is the word ‘dead’ in there I don’t like…

8-What are some of your hobbies (assuming writing is one)?

Reading and writing are SO important to me, but I wouldn’t call them hobbies. They are part of who I am, and now, my career as a writer.

Other hobbies: walking, watching cricket!, hanging out with friends. Travel and music.

9-Some adults say that reading YA(young adult) or fantasy/fiction/stories aren't beneficial and that you should read things that teach you stuff. What is your opinion on that matter?

I don’t think stories have to have something to preach to be good. I never set out to make readers learn anything as a goal, but if my writing makes them think, that is a bonus. But I don’t agree that fiction has nothing to teach: it allows readers to try on different lives and ways of thinking.

10-I am sure you read a lot. What are some of you all-time favorites? Also, do you have any weird reading habits?

All time favourites are Lord of the Rings, the Dune books by Frank Herbert, the Pern books by Anne McCaffery.

Weird reading habits? If I read a few chapters and have to stop for whatever reason, even if I REALLY like it, I find it hard to come back to something ages later, because I hate re-reading the chapters I’ve already read.

11-How much time do you generally spend time writing? How long does it take to complete a book, and how long does editing take?

Writing time varies: with how much time I have, and where I am at with a project. In the early stages there is a lot of sitting around, thinking. When I’m in the thick of a first draft, I write most of the day, starting early, for days on end – then takes a few days off.

A first draft takes me something like four or five months. Editing takes as long as it takes to get it right (weeks, months, years….).

12-Have you been on tour/book signings? What do you feel when you meet fans? How do you generally like going on tour experiences?

Slated is my first book so I haven’t done much of this yet. I had a launch in London in May, and will be doing a signing July 21 at Waterstones in Aylesbury (Buckinghamshire, England). I’m also appearing at the Edinburgh Book Festival in August; I’ve been nominated for an Edinburgh Anobii first book award as part of this (you can find out more about it and how to vote, here: http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/anobii-first-book-award)

Most fans I’ve met have been online, and it is awesome when someone I don’t know takes the time to say hello.

13-Finally, is there anything you'd like to say to all the fans you have? Maybe some information about future books...anything at all

The biggest thing is: thanks for reading! And come say hello on Twitter (@TeriTerryWrites) or Facebook (TeriTerryAuthor) and tell me what you think.

As for what is coming next… Kyla's adventures continue, in Fractured: May 2013 in the UK.

Kyla’s memory has been erased,
her personality wiped blank,
her memories lost for ever.

She’s been Slated.

The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla’s mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?

 Please read my review of Slated HERE

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