Interview w/Kelley York, author of Hushed

My blog has quickly become a gushing, love-filled, advertisement for Hushed by Kelley York, but I can't help it. I love it so darn much. Today, I'm lucky enough to have Kelley here for an interview.

Before we begin I want to thank Kelley for allowing me to be a part of her blog tour. This is an incredible book. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I read it.

1)      First, I have to know what inspired you to write Hushed?

Thank you for having me! Inspiration. Yes. I was working on a few other book ideas, trying to get into the groove with one of them and nothing was 'sticking.' I didn't have a WIP that I was excited to work on. Along came the idea for Archer, a boy who killed people for the girl he loved, I latched onto it—and him—and worked from there.

2)      How long did it take you to write Hushed?

I don't have an exact answer for this one, but my guess is around 5 months from start to finish, edits/revisions included.

3)   Archer & Vivian are two of the most compelling characters I’ve encountered in a long time. The entire time I was reading, I was conflicted, alternating between hating them and sympathizing with them. Did you find the characters difficult to write?

Not at all! There were two points in the book where I got stuck, and it took me a bit to write through it. But that was a plot problem rather than anything with the characters. Archer was the easiest. There were moments I had to make sure he was a sympathetic enough character for readers to cheer for, which was kind of a daunting task because, at first glance, he isn't a good guy. Nothing makes me happier than seeing readers relate to Archer and want him to have a happy ending, because it means I did something right.

4)   Evan has to be my favorite character. He’s so understanding and amazing and absolutely perfect for Archer. Do you have a favorite character?

Evan is definitely the fan favorite! Archer is my favorite, though. I love him to pieces. I have a soft-spot for the broken, sad boys who just need a hug. When it comes to Evan and Vivian (even Marissa and Archer's mother), you'll notice Archer doesn't do things out of malice, but out of love and loyalty and a desperate want to fix everything.

5)    I absolutely loved Hushed. Are you working on anything new for your readers?

I am! I have another contemporary story with a male/male pairing. I don't know yet if it will fall into the 'thriller' category, though.

Now just for fun I always like to do a few getting to know you questions, so here we go…

1)      What is your favorite book? And why?

If we're talking classic books...either THE LAST UNICORN by Peter S. Beagle or MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. If we're talking something more recent, then GONE, GONE, GONE by Hannah Moskowitz, or BROTHER/SISTER by Sean Olin.

2)      How about your Favorite movie?

Oh, this is hard... Probably "Help!," "The Labyrinth," "Dragon Heart," or something along those lines.

3)      What 3 things would you have to have on a desert island? 

(1) Electricity, (2) a fully staffed hotel, (3) my computer. ;) (Is that cheating? I'm sure it is.) LOL. I would wish for the same things so I'll allow it.

4)      When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

When I finished my first book, I thought, "I love this. I want to keep doing this." But I was worried that book was some sort of a fluke. After I finished HUSHED, which was my second book, I had more confidence in myself and my ability to write. Looking back between book 1 and book 2, I can see my growth, and how much more comfortable I was with my characters. By the time I finished my third book, I definitely knew I wanted to write for a living.

5) Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Pantser. I try plotting and it never works out for me. Everything in HUSHED was written as I went. Most of my 'plotting' just stays in my head. Usually I have a vague idea of an ending, like, this goal I need to reach, but all the middle is empty space. With HUSHED, I didn't even know how I was going to end it up until I started writing those final chapters.

In closing, a lot of my readers are aspiring writers. If you could give them one piece of advice, what would it be?

Learn, learn, learn. And keep writing. Don't get so stuck on one project that you don't move on and work on something new. As soon as you're finished with book 1 and you're querying, get your butt in the chair and work on book 2.

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About The Book:

'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this wasunputdownable!!!' --- YA Fantasy Guide ---

'How exciting that we live in a time when gay teen protagonists can be just as screwed up as straight ones -- and their stories just as creepy!' --- Brent Hartinger, award-winning author of Geography Club and Shadow Walkers ---

Synopsis:
He's saved her. He's loved her. He's killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn't protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he's never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn't matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another - Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who's ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer's committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn't get what she wants...And what she wants is Evan's death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Author Bio:

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a
fascination with bells, adores all things furry - be them squeaky, barky or meow-y - is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she's a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real
unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Kelley's website: http://www.kelley-york.com/blog 

Where to Buy It:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hushed-Kelley-York/dp/1937044742
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hushed-kelley-york/1033904538

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