 1) How did you get the idea for Oh. My. Gods.?
While playing around with reality TV show names, I came up with the original title of Growing Up Godly. Then I had to find a (non-inspirational) premise that fit the title. How about a girl going to a school where everyone but her was the descendant of a Greek god? That girl became Phoebe and suddenly I had a story to tell.
2) Was it difficult getting the book published? Tell us about your journey to publication.
From the time I first decided to pursue a writing career until I sold Oh. My. Gods. almost four years later, it felt like climbing Mt. Everest in flip-flops. Make a little upward progress--finish a book, final in a contest, get a full request--and then slide back down the rocky slope. But I think the journey is a learning process. Every time I finaled in a contest, I learned a little about my strengths as a writer. Every time I received a "Dear Author" rejection, I learned a lot about subjectivity--after the tears dried, anyway. Every bump along the way helped me grow as an author, and prepared me for the tumultuous world of publishing.
3) Do you identify with any character from Oh. My. Gods. in particular? Is there one that's least like you?
Phoebe is so very me! All through school I was an athlete--mostly swimming and tennis. (Don't tell Phoebe, but I hate running!) Like her, I didn't have a set clique. I had a couple of close friends and got along with pretty much everyone. My unofficial high school uniform was jeans, tees, and sneakers. We also share a general dislike for mornings, a weakness for bad boys, and an obsession with Ben & Jerry's (retired) White Russian ice cream.
Nicole is my polar opposite. She's the cool, go-with-the-flow chick who says exactly what she thinks and will kick some butt if someone crosses her or her friends. I could never be that cool.
4) Since you talk a lot about Greek mythology in the book, who was your favorite Greek god/goddess and why?
I don't think I can have a favorite. The gods were such a diverse group, there are things I admire about many. (And things I despise about most.) The romantic in me chooses Aphrodite, while the book nerd in me identifies with Athena. I wish I had Hestia's baking skills, Hermes's speed, and Poseidon's command of water. That's the wonderful thing about the Greek pantheon--there's a little bit of everything!
5) What's up next for you? Can you tell us anything about your upcoming projects?
The eternally-untitled sequel to Oh. My. Gods. is written and waiting for final revision notes. Yay! The story takes place the following summer and includes the same cast of characters--plus some fun additions. I hope there will be a book three (or more!) but we'll have to wait and see.
I have some non-connected projects in the works, but nothing concrete enough to share just yet. Rest assured, as soon as there's news you'll know! |
A Woman's Triumphant Valor. Delicious Language. Award Winning Novel.
