It’s time for another Fall into Fantasy post!
There’s been a bit of confusion, so I’m posting an interview that was originally scheduled for Clandestine Sanctuary.
Today, we’re getting to know the lovely Brenna Yovanoff, author of The Replacement, a haunting story that I absolutely loved!
For more info about the book, you can read my five-star review or check out the review at Clandestine Sanctuary.
Welcome, Brenna!
Could you please tell us something about yourself?
Hmmm . . . I’m short, blond, vague, and I love dresses, Sweetarts, and zombies.
What was your inspiration for The Replacement?
While I didn’t have a particular inspiration—a contemporary changeling story was just this random idea that I’d been thinking about for a really long time—I did know that I wanted to capture the totally creepy atmosphere of Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.”
What was your writing process with The Replacement?
Let’s see . . . I don’t know that I have a process, exactly. I mean, I do—but it’s not very glamorous or eccentric. When I’m writing a first draft, I try to write at least 1,000 words a day until it’s done, and The Replacement was no exception. Then I revised. A lot.
Who inspired you to write?
I think it was more a combination of things than any one book or incident or person, but here is a specific incident anyway: When I was 12, I read a book and didn’t think it was very good (and no, I won’t tell you what it was), and that was the first time I’d ever consciously thought to myself, “Hey, I bet I could actually do that.”
What was the last book you read?
Matched by Ally Condie—and it’s romantic and suspenseful and beautifully written! When it comes out on November 30th, I highly encourage you all to check it out.
What was your favorite book as a kid?
I’ve had a lot of favorites, but I think the book I came back to again and again would have to be The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros. When I was 15, I would carry it around with me in my bag and reread parts of it when I was waiting for the bus or the bell or for soccer practice to start.
If given the chance to have coffee with three authors, who would they be?
This is such a hard question! Neil Gaiman, because I think he’d be cool, and E. Lockhart because I think she’d be fun, and John Green because he would be totally nerdy in the very best way.
What was the best advice you have received?
Don’t be lazy—if you know that you’re not doing something right, then take the time to figure out a better approach, even if it winds up being more work. Take the time to do it right.
What are your future plans? Can you discuss upcoming books in the future without giving away any spoilers?
I’m currently putting the finishing touches on another standalone. This one is about demons, monsters, true love and moral ambiguity, and should be out from Razorbill/Penguin next fall!
Do you have a message for your readers?
I just want to say, I’m really glad to be here, and thanks for reading!
Thanks so much to Brenna for being flexible with the interview posting. I’m so happy to have the chance to post it here! I have to say — I’m a fan of Sweetarts and zombies, too.
Oh, and of course, nerdy boys like John Green. 🙂
Be sure to check out The Replacement if you haven’t read it yet.
Happy Reading!
Author Brenna Yovanoff talks about her debut novel, The Replacement, and her future projects.
Great interview! I enjoyed reading it!
Kristen
My Bloody Fairy Tale
Thanks so much for posting this, Arena! =)
I recently bought Looking for Alaska and can't wait to read it! I've heard so many people rave about John Green =)
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