Let me just say, I LOVE Simone Elkeles. The first book I read by her was
How To Ruin A Summer Vacation and I've been hooked on her ever since. Everyone of her books are romantic and real but also have their own story. Without further ado.......the interview:
So, pretend we're in school and have to do one of those annoying ice-breakers, what are a few things you'd tell us to get to know you better?
I was never that fond of those ice-breakers, but it wasn't because I was shy. "Shy" is one word that definitely does NOT describe me! I am a mom of 2 incredible kids and I love watching their hockey games! I live in the Chicago area (and have lived there for most of my life) which is why most of my novels are set in Chicago. Speaking of books, I am the author of 7 young adult novels (Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction, Leaving Paradise, Return to Paradise, and the How to Ruin Series). Two of the most exciting moments in my life were when I found out that Rules of Attraction and Return to Paradise had hit the New York Times Bestseller list!
I hate those ice-breakers too!! But mostly because I am a little shy. Are you a full-time writer or do you have another job?
I am a full-time writer, but I am also a full-time stay at home mom. This pretty much means that I am really busy all the time and feel like I am constantly behind in one thing or another.
Do you have a comfort book? You know, one of those books you pick up when you need to feel better? If not, what do you do for a pick me up?
I rarely ever get time to read anymore. When I was a teen, there was only one book I actually liked and that was
Forever by Judy Blume. So, I guess you could say it's a comfort book for me. If I'm in need of a quick pick me up, I really go for a guilty and unhealthy pleasure. . . red velvet cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory!!!
I love red velvet and cheesecake, so I'll have to try that!! As an aspiring author and reader, I've always wondered if authors are inspired by their favorite authors?
Definitely! I don't get to read much, but whenever I read a book that just takes hold of my emotions and makes me think about my own life, I get inspired to write a book like that. I love it when my fans tell me that they felt like they were inside the story or that my characters inspired them to change their lives for the better. It's a surreal and amazing feeling!
As the reigning Queen of YA Romance, in my opinion, how do you come up with your stories?
You are so sweet! I don't know if I've ever been referred to as the "reigning Queen" before. I wish I knew how to answer this question because I get asked all the time! Really, I just get an idea, write "Chapter 1" and the words start flowing. It's weird, I know.
Just a few quickies:
Favorite Movie: The Cutting Edge
Favorite Book: Forever by Judy Blume
Favorite Band: The Fray
Favorite TV Show: Survivor
I saw this question on the 30 Days of Insight posts I particpated in and loved it. A memory that never fails to make you laugh: I have so many, but this one just happened today. I was listening to the radio with my teenage daughter and I said "How can you feel so fly like a cheese stick?" and my daughter said, "Mom, it's 'feel so fly like a G6', NOT 'cheese stick'!" oops!
I love that story!!!! Thanks Simone for finding the time to do this interview with me :-)
If you want to talk more about Simone's books or about other things with Simone's fans you should join
The Official Fan Group !! I'm a member and it's a lot of fun, but I wish I had more time to go on these days.
