Author Interview: Sarah Beth Durst

In honor of Enchanted Ivy's book birthday today, I asked the lovely Sarah Beth Durst to honor me and my little blog with an author interview (my very first) and she agreed... squuueeeee!  Obviously I was excited.  Now, I must first say that I am a novice when it comes to author interviews... why?  well I had never done one before - but I am very excited about Sarah's newest title and I really wanted to hear about it from her.  Here's what she had to say: 

I am fascinated by your latest release Enchanted Ivy. Give us a little insider detail on what it’s about? 

It's about getting into college. You know, taking the campus tour, talking to the gargoyles, flirting with the were-tigers, riding the dragons... While visiting the campus of Princeton University, 16-year-old Lily discovers a secret gate to a magical realm and must race against time to save herself, her world, and any hope she has of college admission.

How did you come up with such fascinating ideas as secret Legacy’s, talking gargoyle’s, etc.?

I had this image of tigers stalking through a college campus at night... Princeton's mascot is a tiger, so that made it a logical choice. The rest of my inspiration came from the campus itself: the gothic towers, the wrought-iron gate, the ancient oaks, and the bizarre gargoyles.

I love books set in boarding schools, universities, etc. Did you have to do any research in order to get a good grip on the setting of Enchanted Ivy?

I drew on my memories for the basics, plus I took two trips to the campus with my camera and my notebook for the details. I traced every step of Lily's journey. I am fascinated by the intersection of fantasy and reality, and I wanted my reality to be as accurate as possible to contrast with the magic.

I love the fantastical feel all your books have. What made you choose fantasy?

I love fantasy, and I think it's important to write what you love. (In fact, I think that's much more important than the old adage "write what you know.") Plus, you know, dragons and were-tigers and talking gargoyles are AWESOME. And I think it's important to write about things that are awesome.

I think fantasy is a vital and often undervalued type of literature. I believe that it restores a sense of wonder and empowerment to people in an age of debilitating cynicism.

Has it been hard to write any of your books? And if so, what advice would you give an aspiring author?

All books are hard sometimes. Every writer I know has days when he or she wants to crawl under the desk, sing lullabies, and wait for the laptop to finish typing the book on its own. But the trick is to figure out ways to coax yourself out from under the desk and write anyway. I recommend chocolate.

Seriously, don't wait for inspiration. And especially don't wait for that glorious chunk of uninterrupted time when you are free from other responsibilities or distractions. It won't happen. Life is busy. If you want to be a writer, you need to squeeze the time out of your day (even if it's just fifteen minutes) and write (even if it's just a paragraph).

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about Enchanted Ivy?

If you're interested in reading the first chapter, it's here on my website: http://www.sarahbethdurst.com/EnchantedIvy.htm

What does Halloween mean to you? Any childhood memories you’re willing to share with us?

Growing up, I always thought Halloween was the most stressful holiday ever invented (right up there with Valentine's Day). I'd agonize for months about the perfect costume, and then at the last minute, I'd choke and end up wearing a box and saying I was a robot. I have a vivid memory of hurrying through the trees after my older neighbors and getting stuck between the branches... Also, I was so shy that the thought of knocking on a strangers' door was enough to make me want to dive into the shrubbery.

Halloween got much better for me when I was old enough to stay home and help my mom answer the door. Also, this afforded continuous access to our bowl of candy. Win, win.

Are you Team Vampire or Team Werewolf? Or are you another team altogether?

Both and all. I pretty much love all paranormal creatures. Lately, I've been dying to read a book about a were-hedgehog... I think that would be so random that it would slide directly over into awesome.

If you were able to go trick-or-treating with three authors or characters - who would they be, and what would y’all be dressed up as?

I'd be a fairy (because I've always wanted wings and somehow went through my whole childhood without a fairy costume). And I'd want to trick-or-treat with Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Dr. Seuss, all dressed as Star Wars characters. Just because.

Any guilty pleasures you’re willing to share with us?

My primary guilty pleasure is Raisinets. *offers half-eaten bag*

Thanks so much for interviewing me!

And there you have it my lovelies  -  my very first interview.  You can learn more about Sarah Beth Durst, Enchanted Ivy and Sarah's other titles at her blog.  And in celebration of Enchanted Ivy's release *throws confetti and blows party horns*  I have a little something special for you guys.  Not only did I go out and buy myself a copy of Enchanted Ivy, but I also got 2 lucky winners a copy too.

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.

GIVEAWAY:  I have 2 copies up for grabs! 

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, my spiffy All About {n} button, etc.) Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open internationally! Winners will be drawn Saturday, October 23.