Author Uncovered: Kimberly Derting (Author Interview)

Hi guys! Today, I have the completely and utterly awesome Kimberly Derting! She's THE best author I've ever talked to, and she wrote THE best book ever!!! Here's a little more about her! Enjoy!

Why did you choose to write Paranormal YA?
It wasn’t actually a decision, it was just the story I ended up telling. My husband was actually the one who came up with Violet’s ability (kind of…) when we were driving one day and he said: “What if there was someone who could find dead bodies?” Of course, my imagination took over from there, and by the time we got home, I had already worked out most of the details of Violet (and her creepy ability).

What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
My strength is probably that I can become totally obsessed when writing, which sounds kind of like a bad thing. My husband calls it single-mindedness. I like to call it passion. I truly love what I do!
One of my big weaknesses is that I’m not an outliner, which makes it nearly impossible to synopsize a novel in advance (which agents and editors tend to like). But I really enjoy working on the fly. I pretty much know where my story is going (in fact, I usually have a really good idea how it’s going to end), I just don’t know exactly how I’m going to get there. But that’s half the fun…figuring it out as I go.

Who is your favorite character from The Body Finder?
I love them all, they’re kind of like my babies. But I do have a special soft spot for Chelsea of all people. You’ll get to see more of her in Desires of the Dead, the sequel to The Body Finder, but I just really like her smart-ass (can I say ass?) sense of humor. And in Desires, she reveals (just a little) of her softer side as well.

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
Interesting, hmm? I recall a reader emailing to tell me that she dropped her copy of The Body Finder in the bathtub when someone walked in on her.
Wait! Was that you…???

How does it feel to be anticipating the release of your debut book?
Honestly? Terrifying. I mean it, the closer it gets to my release date, the more I’m freaking out [insert eye twitch here]. It can be a little crazy-making, but I’m kind of loving the ride!

Is being a 10'er fun?
Fun doesn’t begin to describe it. The Tenners are hilarious, smart, and just an all-around supportive group of extremely talented authors! In other words, they’ve got my back! What more could a girl want?

Book you've faked reading:
I usually don’t fake reading. I did, however, pretend to be reading on the plane one time just to avoid talking to the guy next to me. When the book wasn’t enough to make him leave me alone (he actually said to me: “So, you like reading?”), I tried my iPod (headphones and all). Eventually, he got the hint and I got some peace.

That’s still one of the funniest pick-up lines I’ve ever heard!

Book you've bought for the cover:
Wicked Lovely. I was perusing Amazon one day, when I came across it and fell in love with the colors, the image, just everything about it. I’d never read a fairy book before, and thankfully it delivered…I can’t wait for the next installment in this fabulous series.

Book you're an evangelist for:
LEAVING GEE’S BEND!!!!!!! Did you hear that, people???? Here, let me try again: LEAVING GEE’S BEND by Irene Latham.
I loved this book so much that after I read it I emailed the people that run the Scholastic Book Fairs (you know, the book clubs in schools?) and told them they should include it in their lineup. I still don’t know if my begging suggestion had any impact, but it really is a beautiful story of hope that everyone should pick up!

Anything else you'd like to add? Are you working on any new projects?
I’m almost always working on something. I just finished revisions on Desires of the Dead. And I have a super-secret project that I just turned in to my agent. I have no idea what will happen with that one…it’s completely different than anything I’ve done before, but I will say that I’m completely in love with it! Hopefully I’ll be announcing something soon (which in publishing lingo means in the next year or so!).

Oh, and the next time you’re reading THE BODY FINDER in the bathtub, don’t forget to lock the door!

Haha! That's one of the most hilarious interviews ever! Now you know the reason why I dropped my ARC in the bathtub!