Monday, December 17, 2012

Celebrating Debutantes: Author Rachel Carter (Interview + Giveaway)


Meet the author who cried again and again..and again because of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars!



Author Rachel Carter

"SO CLOSE TO YOU blends romance, time travel, sci-fi and family drama, and therefore doesn't fit into any one genre. If you're looking for a unique story and you like  conspiracy theories, then definitely give this book a try. Plus there are hot WWII soldiers! And the jitterbug! And at one point that all mixes together and you get hot soldiers dancing the jitterbug! What's not to like?"

- RACHEL CARTER, debut author of 2012









How was the feeling of being a published author, at last?

It's incredible. Being a published author has been my dream since I was a little girl and to finally have it happen is a little surreal. I still freak out when I see SO CLOSE TO YOU in a bookstore.

What do you think you're up to now if you're not writing?

When I'm not writing I can found watching Korean Dramas or watching romance novels in the bathtub. Party like a rockstar, right?

In a larger sense, if I weren't a writer I would probably be a cake decorator or a professional synchronized swimmer (obviously). I can't ever see myself having a normal 9-to-5 job!

Did you plan, all along, to write/publish a book with the genre of what you got right now?

I knew I wanted to write YA, but I didn't know I would end up writing sci-fi. It makes sense though - I've always loved time travel novels, especially the idea of a destined-love. It turns out writing time travel is a lot harder than I thought it would be (there are so many loop-holes when you're playing with time!), but I'm grateful for the chance to push myself in terms of genre.  

Are you interested in writing with different genre or audience?

I love writing fiction, but someday I want to write a memoir aimed at a YA audience. It's not done that often, and I definitely feel like I have a story to tell. Plus creative nonfiction is what I got my degree in.  

Do you read reviews about your book?

I try not to these days. When your book first comes out, I think it's important to get a general feeling for what people are saying, but the minute that stops being productive and starts becoming emotional then it's time to take a break from reviews. But that doesn't mean I don't value and respect all of the reviews (good or bad!) that people have worked so hard on. Constructive feedback will always be a huge and vital part of the writing process.  

What is your (best/fun/unforgettable) moment with a fan?

A ninth grade girl recently wrote a book report about SO CLOSE TO YOU and sent it to me. It was awesome to hear how she interpreted the characters and what she sees as the themes of the book. I hope she gets an A! 

Who is the character on your book who has the most response from your readers?

People seem to be very intrigued by Wes, since he's such a naturally mysterious character and we don't learn that much about him in this book (There's much more Wes in the sequel - THIS STRANGE AND FAMILIAR PLACE - I swear!). Mary has also had a very strong response. She's so bubbly and sweet, I think readers are drawn to her.

Author you dream to work with?

I would love to work with writers like John Green or Sara Zarr. One of my goals is to move into writing contemporary YA, and I know they would have a lot of great advice for me!

Fave character from a book (not yours)?

Adam Wilde from Gayle Forman's IF I STAY. His devotion to Mia is crazy-sweet, but he's also flawed and damaged in a way that makes him feel like a real person. He is definitely my YA-crush.

(Sidenote: I love Gayle Forman. And If I Stay. And Adam Wilde!)

Did you read your book (like, from first page to last)? If you did, what did you felt?

The last time I read my book cover to cover was during copy-editing. I haven't read it since it came out - I'm too scared! What if I find something I want to change or fix? Da Vinci said, "Art is never finished, only abandoned." Artists have this never-ending desire to edit and edit their work, and I am no exception. I think reading through my book and knowing it's too late to change anything would be a form to torture.  

Tell us about your next project.

Right now I'm working on two collaborations, a contemporary novel, and a fantasy series. It will be a race to the finish to see what gets done first!


Share us one embarrassing moment you've had. (I won't ask for the most embarrassing. I understand, it's embarrassing enough and we won't want the world to know that. LOL But if you insist... :D)

When I was in sixth grade I had a solo at the big annual Christmas concert. The whole town was there - which for rural Vermont meant about 200 people. I sang the first few words and then my mind went blank. I froze, hummed the rest of the song, and then ran off the stage crying. I still remember how awful it was. Even now I'm cringing as I type this.

What's the recent thing that made you cry?

John Green's THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. I cried for a day, promptly reread it, then cried for two more days. My roommates thought I was nuts, but I didn't care. That book wrecked me.

(Sidenote: I LOVE TFiOS!)

When's your birthday?

April 10, 1984.

Do you read/believe in horoscopes?

The cynical side of me says no, but the gullible side of me sometimes takes over. It's definitely fun to think about! I actually included horoscopes in SO CLOSE TO YOU - Lydia's best friend Hannah believes in them and she tries to give Lydia love-advice based on the fact that she's an Aries (like me!). 

Fave movie?

The Princess Bride. It has everything: true love, revenge, a mysterious pirate. If you haven't seen this movie, go out and rent it this instance. You might be missing out on lines like this: "Why won't my arms move?" "You've been mostly dead all day!"


Fave artist/song?

My absolute favorite song is James Taylor's "You Can Close Your Eyes." It is made of angels. (listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkIiaaXUjlE)




How did you celebrate the publishing of your book? :)

I threw myself a book party! It was 1940's themed, so everyone had to come in costume. I had my hair professionally done in victory rolls, and I wore a blue sailor-dress. A ton of my family and friends came, and we danced and celebrated all night long! It was epic. 

(Sidenote: Wow. That must be really fun!)

*****

Rachel Carter grew up in the woods of Vermont. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont and Columbia University, where she recently received her MFA in nonfiction writing. Rachel has been a teacher, a nanny, a caterer, and a bellhop. She is currently at work on her next book in Brooklyn, NY.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads





So Close To You
by Rachel Carter
(So Close To You #1)

Published: July 10th 2012 by HarperTeen

Summary (Goodreads):

Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices--and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.

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Trailer:


Praises for So Close To You

“Readers will be hooked by the colorful details of life in 1944, the palpable feelings between Wes and Lydia, and a cliffhanger twist at the end that sets up the next book in this planned trilogy.”
— PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“Back to the Future meets The X-Files.”
— ALA BOOKLIST




Buy So Close To You now!
buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery




This Strange and Familiar Place
by Rachel Carter
(So Close To You #2)

Expected publication: July 2nd 2013
by HarperTeen

Summary (from Rachel's site):

These are the things of which Lydia is now certain: 
The Montauk Project has been experimenting with time travel for years. 
The Project’s subjects are “recruits” from across time. Recruits like Wes, Lydia’s ally, friend, and love. 
The Project is now responsible for the disappearance of two members of her family....
And they’re coming for Lydia next. 
The heart-pounding sequel to So Close to You explores the sacrifices we make to save the people we love—and what happens after you change the future.

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GIVEAWAY!
(Please READ these important details before jumping to the Rafflecopter! :)
- win a copy of So Close To You
- open to US only.
- one winner will be picked via Rafflecopter entries.
- the winning entry will be CHECKED. So please be honest in entering each one of them--you never know, it might be the winning entry.
- if the winner has not responded within 48 hours, another winner will be picked.
- all personal details will be kept privately and deleted after.
- Rachel and I are not responsible for any lost or damaged packages.
- ends January 2nd


* Thank you so much Rachel Carter for answering the questions! I'm so glad to find out that we agree to love on some things..and people. ;)
Thanks also for the donation of your book for the giveaway!


a Rafflecopter giveaway








12 comments:

  1. I`m definitely adding it to my TBR list :)

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  2. I've had my eye on this book for awhile now it looks fantastic sounds interesting- A unique Cover :) Watched the book trailer has me hooked :) Thank You for the opportunity to win this giveaway :)

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  3. Love conspiracies! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  4. This book sounds really good! I'd definitely love to read this! Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  5. I have to admit I was a little on the fence and then I watched the trailer and wow, I needsss to read this book. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share with us and for the treat of a giveaway opportunity :)

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  6. The trailer has me interested in this.

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  7. I'm looking forward to reading this book!The author seems nice.

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  8. I love that the author threw a book party that's just classic.

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  9. I've been meaning to read So Close to You, especially since the beautiful cover of the sequel came out. Hopefully I'll get to reading it soon! :D

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