Today Karin’s Book Nook is thrilled to have a Q & A with Caragh O’Brien, the very talented author of BIRTHMARKED and PRIZED (Click on the titles to go to my reviews).
1. You mention on the “About Caragh” section of your website how you came up with the idea for BIRTHMARKED. Is BIRTHMARKED the first book you wrote or is it just the first book you sold? If it is the first book you wrote then all I can say is WOW! How great to have your first book such a success. Describe your feelings when you found out it sold.
First, Karin, let me say how delighted I am that you invited me by. I was so excited when I discovered Karin’s Book Nook was part of the blog tour for PRIZED because I have loved following your reviews for ages. I’m so pleased to be here!
Now, to answer, BIRTHMARKED is the first YA novel I ever wrote, but I wrote for decades before I began Gaia’s story, and I published half a dozen romance novels along the way. I really did not expect that BIRTHMARKED would be picked up, so when I first had signs that it might, like four agents who were interested in it, and then news that my agent had set a deadline for offers because more than one editor was considering it, I had a very hard time accepting, rationally, that anything was happening. My gut went wild with hope and this crazy churning, though, so when I heard at 3:15 on November 21, 2008 that Roaring Brook was offering me a three book contract, I could not contain myself. I was super, super happy, and my family went out to Ruby Tuesday’s to celebrate.
2. Since you were planning BIRTHMARKED to be a stand-alone until Roaring Brook offered you a three book deal, how difficult was it to change your plan for Gaia?
Expanding beyond a stand-alone novel involved thinking of a much bigger story arc, and I found that fascinating. I was very worried at first that there would be no important ways for Gaia to keep developing, and sequels would be of no use to anybody if she became static, but when I turned her loose with new gnarly problems, she changed, not always in ways I liked, either. It was a cool process. I also had to change the ending of the first book to eliminate some closure and leave it more open-ended for a sequel. I think the change made it a stronger ending anyway, so I’m glad I was compelled to rethink it.
3. Are you still a classroom teacher or has it become necessary to quit in order to keep up with your writing schedule?
I’ve had to resign from teaching high school English, and I badly miss being with students. Fortunately for me, a few of my students who graduated recently have stayed in contact, so I’m able to catch up with them still.
4. I notice you are an active blogger, have a Twitter account, and maintain a Facebook page. What do you enjoy most about the social networking?
I eased into social media gradually, with some trepidation that I’d betray how goofy I am. I’m far from being an expert. I’ve liked how blogging for my site has expanded a different side of my writing, and most of all, I like the way I’ve had a chance to connect with readers, other writers, and bloggers. I know you’ve said you like how easy it is for teen readers to connect with writers through social media. I like that, too. It feels like we have a loose-knit community of book people, like we’re a unique species, and I think our goodwill has powerful potential. I think we’re making the world a better place.
5. What do you read in your spare time? Do you ever feel guilty when you are reading because you think you should be writing instead?
Some of my reading is part of my work, like when I’m a moderator for a panel of writers and I read their books in preparation. I read YA and MG books by my friends, too, and recommendations by former students because I like to know what’s being published in my field. I tend to read in binges when I’m between revisions, because I really can’t neglect my writing to read. The writing comes first. Lately I’ve very much enjoyed Doctorow’s For the Win, Forman’s Where She Went, and Hall’s Away.
6. Can you describe your writing process? Do you outline first? Do you write some out longhand or compose completely on the computer?
Oh, my gosh. My writing is a terrible contradiction. On one hand, I’m very disciplined because I write every day, usually all day long, but within that time, my process is a terrifying process of trust. I don’t outline. I can’t. I’ve tried. I have to live the scene with Gaia and see what shows up, and then revise later, chucking out 10 to 50 pages at a time and writing new scenes in the gaps. I compose and revise on my laptop, on my couch, but if I’m out of the house, I’ll sometimes write in a notebook and then transcribe the scene later. I would not recommend my method, but it works for me.
Prized Code #14: M
Karin, thank you so much for having me by. I loved your thoughtful questions, and I hope to see you at the chat on Goodreads in a few days. The next visit on my tour is tomorrow, at Taming the Bookshelf [http://www.tamingthebookshelf.com /].
Thanks again!
All best,
Caragh
