Hey Readers!
I think this is going to be an interview week because I’ve gotten an influx of responses from authors. (Yay!) So, today I’ll share my interview with Ally Carter with you. And … in addition to my interview with Ally, I’m running a contest! Courtesy of TBF Chair Stephanie Squicciarini and Disney Hyperion, Ally’s publisher, I have a gorgeous hardcover copy of “Heist Society” to give away to one lucky reader.
In order to be entered to win a copy of “Heist Society,” leave a comment on this post answering the following question: What is your favorite book by Ally Carter? Or, if you haven’t read anything by Ally yet, which of her books are you most looking forward to reading? The contest ends on Monday, April 11. Sorry, this contest is not open internationally.
So readers, enjoy Ally’s interview, and I wish you all luck in the contest!
Carly Reads: Where do you get your story ideas? I am particularly interested in how you came up for the idea for the Gallagher Girls series.
Ally Carter: Story ideas come from all kinds of places. My very first novel (“Cheating at Solitaire”) came to me one night when I was making spaghetti. “I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You” popped into my head during an episode of “Alias.” Really, each book comes along in its own way and, as the writer, I just have to keep my mind constantly scanning and searching for the good ones.
CR: Do you have a favorite Gallagher Girl? I’m partial to Cammie, but I do love Bex’s personality!
AC: I honestly don’t have a favorite. They each serve their purpose for the story and for their friendship. I feel as if the girls balance each other out quite nicely so that, taken together, they’re a much, much stronger force.
CR: Are you currently working on my other projects (new books!) that you can tell us about?
AC: Right now I’m hard at work on the first draft of Gallagher Girls 5. It doesn’t have a title or a specific release date just yet, but I feel confident it will be in stores in early 2012. The next book that will be in stores for me is “Uncommon Criminals.” It’s the sequel to Heist Society and it will be out on June 21, 2010.
CR: What was the last book that you read for pleasure?
AC: I just finished Megan Whalen Turner’s “The Thief.” As a rule, if more than three people gasp when I say I haven’t read a certain book, that book goes to the top of my reading pile. That was the case with “The Thief” and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.
CR: What author are you most looking forward to meeting and/or seeing at the Sixth Annual Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival?
AC: Everyone! It’s an amazing lineup, and while I can’t wait to catch up with old friends like Melissa de la Cruz, I can’t wait to meet new people too. Really, that’s one of the greatest things about book festivals and one of many reasons we authors enjoy them as much as the attendees.
CR: You get a bonus question because Dr. Laura Jones, one of the TBF committee members, requested that I ask you: are you a spy?
AC: Well, if I said yes, I wouldn’t be a very good one!
Ally Carter: Story ideas come from all kinds of places. My very first novel (“Cheating at Solitaire”) came to me one night when I was making spaghetti. “I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You” popped into my head during an episode of “Alias.” Really, each book comes along in its own way and, as the writer, I just have to keep my mind constantly scanning and searching for the good ones.
CR: Do you have a favorite Gallagher Girl? I’m partial to Cammie, but I do love Bex’s personality!
AC: I honestly don’t have a favorite. They each serve their purpose for the story and for their friendship. I feel as if the girls balance each other out quite nicely so that, taken together, they’re a much, much stronger force.
CR: Are you currently working on my other projects (new books!) that you can tell us about?
AC: Right now I’m hard at work on the first draft of Gallagher Girls 5. It doesn’t have a title or a specific release date just yet, but I feel confident it will be in stores in early 2012. The next book that will be in stores for me is “Uncommon Criminals.” It’s the sequel to Heist Society and it will be out on June 21, 2010.
CR: What was the last book that you read for pleasure?
AC: I just finished Megan Whalen Turner’s “The Thief.” As a rule, if more than three people gasp when I say I haven’t read a certain book, that book goes to the top of my reading pile. That was the case with “The Thief” and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.
CR: What author are you most looking forward to meeting and/or seeing at the Sixth Annual Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival?
AC: Everyone! It’s an amazing lineup, and while I can’t wait to catch up with old friends like Melissa de la Cruz, I can’t wait to meet new people too. Really, that’s one of the greatest things about book festivals and one of many reasons we authors enjoy them as much as the attendees.
CR: You get a bonus question because Dr. Laura Jones, one of the TBF committee members, requested that I ask you: are you a spy?
AC: Well, if I said yes, I wouldn’t be a very good one!
Thanks, Ally! We can’t wait to meet you in May!
