Archive for the 'Interviews' Category

A Q&A with Alice Hoffman

Best-selling author Alice Hoffman published her first novel at the age of twenty-one, and has since written over 30 books, several of which have been turned into movies. Her most recent story, The Dovekeepers, has been called a masterpiece. Set in ancient Israel and based on the siege of the Masada, it took her over [...]

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jon Clinch

I’m going to break from my tradition of regaling you with my own literary thoughts, and instead devote today’s post to interviewing author Jon Clinch, whose new novel The Thief of Auschwitz has just been released. The book is described as follows on Jon’s website: Told in two intertwining narratives, The Thief of Auschwitz takes [...]

Take 5: Lydia Sharp and Twin Sense

Kath here. I’m so very pleased to be able to announce that WU contributor extraordinaire Lydia Sharp‘s debut novel, Twin Sense, will release November 23. Even better, she’s allowed us to pick her brain on her writing process and the inspiration behind her YA novella in today’s Take 5 interview. Lydia’s posts with WU always resonate, and [...]

Take Five: Juliet Marillier and Flame of Sevenwaters (Plus: Giveaway!)

Therese here. It is my privilege to tell you about WU contributor Juliet Marillier‘s latest book release–another in her mega-popular Sevenwaters series–called Flame of Sevenwaters. If you’ve never read one of Juliet’s books, please do yourself a favor and pick up one or half a dozen of them ASAP. Juliet is a beautiful wordsmith and [...]

Interview: Holly McGhee and Elena Mechlin of Pippin Properties Literary Agency

Write children’s stories or YA novels? Then today’s post is for you. I recently had the opportunity to conduct a joint interview with Holly McGhee and Elena Mechlin of Pippin Properties literary agency, an agency specializing in representation for authors of children’s literature–from books for the youngest of readers (Jeremy Tankard’s Boo Hoo Bird), to [...]

Take Five: Donald Maass on His New Book, “Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling”

Therese here. It might be argued that every good literary agent knows a thing or two about story. But having authored several must-have books on the craft of writing–including The Fire in Fiction, The Breakout Novelist, and the book that busted many a writer out of the box, Writing the Breakout Novel–we think it’s an indelible truth [...]

Working in Concert: Editors Support the Author’s Voice

Today we’re excited to share a rare, intimate exchange between author and editor about a book’s process. In this interview, Editor-at-Large Dan Smetanka and author Ilie Ruby discuss the inception and editorial process for Ilie’s latest novel, The Salt God’s Daughter, just published from Counterpoint/Soft Skull Press. Ilie: I should begin by saying that The Salt [...]

Q&A with YA author Kirsten Hubbard

Kath here. Andrea Ellickson, WU community member and second-place winner of our Sizzling Summer flash fiction contest, has a treat for us today: an interview with About.com travel writer and young adult author, Kirsten Hubbard (left). Her debut YA novel, Like Mandarin, was published by Delacorte Press/Random House in March 2011, and her second novel, Wanderlove, was [...]

A Picture-Perfect Interview with Illustrator Debbie Ohi

Today’s interview brings you a detailed look at the process of illustrating a children’s book, and a chance to win a copy of I’m Bored! Therese here. I’m thrilled to bring you today’s interview. Debbie Ohi has been a contributor with Writer Unboxed since early 2010 and a friend of the site for much longer. [...]

An Interview with R.L. LaFevers

Today’s interview of author and WU contributor Robin LaFevers was born out of fan-girl love by WU contributor and author Ann Aguirre. It’s fun, freewheeling, and packed with writerly insights. Robin was raised on a steady diet of fairy tales, Bulfinch’s mythology, and 19th century poetry. It is not surprising she grew up to be a [...]

Take 5: Shadowfell, by Juliet Marillier

Kath here. Well, she’s done it again. Fantasy author extraordinaire, and valued WU contributor Juliet Marillier’s next book, SHADOWFELL, is the first book in what is sure to become another bestselling series for young adult readers. It releases today with huge buzz, and terrific reviews. Tough-to-please Kirkus writes: Marillier’s deep knowledge of folklore and the early-medieval period [...]

Interview with Erika Robuck

Therese here. I’m thrilled to present today’s interview, profiling WU contributor Erika Robuck and her novel Hemingway’s Girl, which releases today! Erika’s book presents a fascinating look at an author we only think we know, Ernest Hemingway. Said Publishers Weekly of the work: Robuck brings Key West to life, and her Hemingway is fully fleshed [...]