Interview with the author of The Last To Die, Kelly Garrett!!
BookWyrms,
I am so excited to bring you this follow up post because it's my interview with the author!
Kelly kindly agreed to let me interview her after we got chatting about the giveaway we are running for ARC's of The Last To Die! Head over to my instagram for all the details on how to enter: @lottie.pacey
Kelly is currently travelling but set time aside (while at the airport no less) to sit and answer some questions I had about The Last To Die and about Kelly herself.
I'd like to take a moment to thank Kelly for the interview and for the giveaway, it really was a pleasure to chat with you! You can follow Kelly at the following places:
Instagram: @writerkellygarrett
Twitter: @garrett_kelly
So wihtout further adue here we go:
Questions about The Last To Die:
1. What was your inspiration for your debut novel The Last To Die?
The Last To Die was the third YA manuscript I'd finished. In feedback from my first two books, I kept hearing the main characters felt young. So I wanted to write something edgier. I also love anti-hero stories, and so writing one with a tough narrator who doesn't back down, even when she should, intrigued me.
2. Was any of it based on real life events or people? If so which or who?
TLTD wasn't based on real-life people or events. Although, when I finished the first initial rough draft, I read an article about the (then upcoming) movie The Bling Ring. Which is based on a real group of teens in Los Angeles who used social media to find out when celebrities would be out of town, and then they'd break into their houses. I ended up pitching my novel as The Bling Ring meets Heathers with a touch of Patricia Highsmith. Although one review compared it to Pretty Little Liars meets Rebel Without a Cause, which made me happy.
3. Describe TLTD in five words.
Teenage burglary ring gone wrong.
4. Do you identify or relate to a character from TLTD, and if so who and why?
Hopefully, part of all the characters feels relatable, although flawed. One thing I like about the main character, Harper, is that she's direct (sometimes too much so), and doesn't back down from anyone. I don't know if I'd want Harper as my BFF, but I'd like her forthrightness.
5. Who was the best character to write about and why?
I loved writing Harper—who is the point-of-view character—because she's supposed to be an anti-hero. I've always found unlikable characters fascinating and writing a teenage girl who's dealt with some serious baggage and doesn't expect any hand-holding about it felt intriguing to me. Harper always says what's on her mind, even when she shouldn't. While editing the novel, my editor and I actually softened Harper a bit. She still has a sharp edge, but we analyzed the line between what's unforgivable and what's authentic.
6. Did you learn anything while writing TLTD?
While revising, I learned a lot about pacing. I wasn't bad at it before, but I learned a lot when focusing on making sure every scene moved the story forward. Since this is my first published novel, I've also learned a lot about how the publishing industry works.
7. Although the ending of TLTD is pretty definitive, would you ever write another book following any of the characters? If no - then what do you think happened to them once you wrote that last page?
While I don't plan on writing a follow-up, I've thought about what I could do if I changed my mind. In TLTD, Harper has to basically make a moral choice, and accept the fallout. It would be interesting to see how this affects her future. It would also be interesting to solve a future mystery from Harper's younger sister's POV since she was pulled into the events of TLTD through no fault of her own. That being said, I think Harper moves forward and make something good from her life, although she'll never lose her tough edge.
8. What was your favourite scene to write and why?
The opening scene was incredibly fun to write. It gives hints of Harper's character as she breaks into a friend's house, while also laying out the ground rules of her burglary ring.
I also enjoyed the scenes where Harper interacts with Maggie, her younger sister since we see Harper's softer side. Harper is highly protective of her sister—even if she keeps things from her sister instead of telling her the whole truth—and I enjoyed writing a flawed but loving relationship.
9. USA and UK/Europe official publication dates?
Good question! I'm fairly sure it's being published on November 5th in the United States. But I just checked Book Depository, which says October 15th, and Amazon UK, which says December 1st. So I'm confused as well as far as the publication date in the UK. Fingers crossed my book comes out on November 5th worldwide.
10. Are you working on your next writing project? Can you give us any clues?
I'm always working on new projects! But it can be hard to talk about them since nothing is definite (publishing-wise) at this point. I write for both teens and adults and hope to have news soon. I don't know if anything will happen with it, but I'm proud of a YA mystery I wrote earlier this year that's set in a small Oregon town similar to where I grew up. My main character solves both a modern-day crime that sheds light on a dark mystery from her own past. Of course, she solves that mystery, too.
Questions about you:
1. Favourite book? And favourite author?
The favorite book question is a hard one! Like many people, the Harry Potter series was revolutionary for me. Some of my must-buy writers/series include Sarah Hilary (and her DI Marnie Rome series), and Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London/Peter Grant series. I'm also a big fan of classics, including Pride and Prejudice (and, honestly, all of Austen's novels), and also Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I also enjoy nonfiction on the quirky side, like AJ Jacobs and Malcolm Gladwell. I think I have all of Cat Winter's books (gothic YA horror). I've also read all of Agatha Christie's work, and also enjoy Dorothy L. Sayers and Ngaio Marsh.
2. If you could be a character from any book you've ever read who would it be and why?
In a way, it'd be fun to be Miss Marple. She goes to interesting places, frequently invited by a mix of fascinating old friends, and has a highly developed sense of character, which allows her to solve mysteries. Plus she has a twinkle in her eye instead of a chip on her shoulder about being underestimated, even though she's always one of the smartest people in the room.
Harry Potter's world—at least after Voldemort is defeated—would also be a wonderful place to live.
3. What are you currently reading?
I just finished Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear and really enjoyed it. The voice is perfect. The storyline ticks appealing boxes (e.g., a mystery from the character's past intertwined with a modern-day case). I'm writing this as I'm getting ready for a flight, and I have Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore in my bag, and I'm looking forward to starting it!
4. Favourite quote from a book and why?
The Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón has some of my all-time favorite quotes about books and reading. Plus, it's a book I love. For example:
"I was raised among books, making invisible friends in pages that seemed cast from dust and whose smell I carry on my hands to this day."
"In the shop we buy and sell them, but in truth books have no owner. Every book you see here has been somebody's best friend."
"Once, in my father's bookshop, I heard a regular customer say that few things leave a deeper mark on a reader than the first book that finds its way into his heart."
5. Favourite season?
I'm a huge fan of autumn! I live in Oregon—which is on the west coast of the United States—and the fall is the perfect time of year. Crisp days perfect for hiking, and cool evenings perfect for sweaters. It's fairly mild here, so winter is also fun—although rainy—and there's a mountain nearby with great snowshoeing. And traveling to the Oregon Coast in winter is wonderful, since the weather can be gloriously stormy and, occasionally, warm enough for beach walks in a light jacket despite being in the middle of winter.
6. Favourite drink?
About a year ago, Oatly came to the USA. I've fallen in love with lattes made with Oatly.
8. Dream destination?
Another hard question! I'm lucky that I've been able to travel. Hiking in Scotland is high on my list, and I've never been to Thailand and Vietnam, and I'd love to visit.
9. Song of the moment?
"Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton. It's a great love song with a unique feel. The Turnpike Troubadors also make a regular appearance in my listening rotation.
If you're interested in music related to TLTD, I created a Spotify playlist for the novel. It features songs I either used to get myself in the mood for writing/editing the book, or tunes that fit the ambiance.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1QiHITQQlhu7BtKmi5kQFx
10. Other than writing epic YA murder mysteries what do you like to do?
I'm a huge fan of hiking. My rescue dog—a Great Pyrenees-Labrador Retriever mix (in the UK, you might use the breed name Pyrenean Mountain Dog)—is a fun partner-in-crime for everything in the outdoors. In the winter, I enjoy snowshoeing. I also run and lift weights, which is a great mental break from writing. I also read prolifically. I love to travel and researching ideas for my trip is always fun.
I'm also a big football fan, although, of course, we call that soccer in the USA. I used to play, and I'm a fan of both the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns. Fun fact: the Thorns—our professional women's soccer team—draws over 17,000 people per game, and has sold out Providence Park (over 25,000 seats). If you read The Last To Die, you'll see a soccer influence in some of the scenes.
Writers Advice:
I know you must get asked this all of the time but what is your number one/top tip for aspiring writers?
Don't negatively compare your journey—and process—to anyone else. Figure out your own method and what works for you. For example, being a pantser is fine, even another author swears being a plotter is the way to go. Some people write every day; others schedule a writing session a few times a week. While the advice to "always write daily" or "always outline your book before starting" isn't inherently wrong, it doesn't mean it's right for you. So don't feel like a failure if someone else's process doesn't work for you. If you're a pantser who sits down three times a week for an hour, and it works for you, that's awesome. If you're an outliner who writes daily, that's equally wonderful. This being said, listening to how other writers work can be useful to give you ideas on how to fine-tune your own process.
Also—take time when you read books you don't like. Meaning, when you find a book that isn't working for you, figure out why. This doesn't mean slog through books you don't like, but do take it as an opportunity to critically assess what works and doesn't work for you as a reader since that will help you analyze your own writing. Sometimes, looking at what doesn't work is more valuable, craft-wise, than reading work you love.
That being said, also take time to read books you adore and let yourself just read—try to turn off the critical side of your brain. It's good to remind yourself why we write!
I am so excited to bring you this follow up post because it's my interview with the author!
Kelly kindly agreed to let me interview her after we got chatting about the giveaway we are running for ARC's of The Last To Die! Head over to my instagram for all the details on how to enter: @lottie.pacey
Kelly is currently travelling but set time aside (while at the airport no less) to sit and answer some questions I had about The Last To Die and about Kelly herself.
I'd like to take a moment to thank Kelly for the interview and for the giveaway, it really was a pleasure to chat with you! You can follow Kelly at the following places:
Instagram: @writerkellygarrett
Twitter: @garrett_kelly
So wihtout further adue here we go:
Questions about The Last To Die:
1. What was your inspiration for your debut novel The Last To Die?
The Last To Die was the third YA manuscript I'd finished. In feedback from my first two books, I kept hearing the main characters felt young. So I wanted to write something edgier. I also love anti-hero stories, and so writing one with a tough narrator who doesn't back down, even when she should, intrigued me.
2. Was any of it based on real life events or people? If so which or who?
TLTD wasn't based on real-life people or events. Although, when I finished the first initial rough draft, I read an article about the (then upcoming) movie The Bling Ring. Which is based on a real group of teens in Los Angeles who used social media to find out when celebrities would be out of town, and then they'd break into their houses. I ended up pitching my novel as The Bling Ring meets Heathers with a touch of Patricia Highsmith. Although one review compared it to Pretty Little Liars meets Rebel Without a Cause, which made me happy.
3. Describe TLTD in five words.
Teenage burglary ring gone wrong.
4. Do you identify or relate to a character from TLTD, and if so who and why?
Hopefully, part of all the characters feels relatable, although flawed. One thing I like about the main character, Harper, is that she's direct (sometimes too much so), and doesn't back down from anyone. I don't know if I'd want Harper as my BFF, but I'd like her forthrightness.
5. Who was the best character to write about and why?
I loved writing Harper—who is the point-of-view character—because she's supposed to be an anti-hero. I've always found unlikable characters fascinating and writing a teenage girl who's dealt with some serious baggage and doesn't expect any hand-holding about it felt intriguing to me. Harper always says what's on her mind, even when she shouldn't. While editing the novel, my editor and I actually softened Harper a bit. She still has a sharp edge, but we analyzed the line between what's unforgivable and what's authentic.
6. Did you learn anything while writing TLTD?
While revising, I learned a lot about pacing. I wasn't bad at it before, but I learned a lot when focusing on making sure every scene moved the story forward. Since this is my first published novel, I've also learned a lot about how the publishing industry works.
7. Although the ending of TLTD is pretty definitive, would you ever write another book following any of the characters? If no - then what do you think happened to them once you wrote that last page?
While I don't plan on writing a follow-up, I've thought about what I could do if I changed my mind. In TLTD, Harper has to basically make a moral choice, and accept the fallout. It would be interesting to see how this affects her future. It would also be interesting to solve a future mystery from Harper's younger sister's POV since she was pulled into the events of TLTD through no fault of her own. That being said, I think Harper moves forward and make something good from her life, although she'll never lose her tough edge.
8. What was your favourite scene to write and why?
The opening scene was incredibly fun to write. It gives hints of Harper's character as she breaks into a friend's house, while also laying out the ground rules of her burglary ring.
I also enjoyed the scenes where Harper interacts with Maggie, her younger sister since we see Harper's softer side. Harper is highly protective of her sister—even if she keeps things from her sister instead of telling her the whole truth—and I enjoyed writing a flawed but loving relationship.
9. USA and UK/Europe official publication dates?
Good question! I'm fairly sure it's being published on November 5th in the United States. But I just checked Book Depository, which says October 15th, and Amazon UK, which says December 1st. So I'm confused as well as far as the publication date in the UK. Fingers crossed my book comes out on November 5th worldwide.
10. Are you working on your next writing project? Can you give us any clues?
I'm always working on new projects! But it can be hard to talk about them since nothing is definite (publishing-wise) at this point. I write for both teens and adults and hope to have news soon. I don't know if anything will happen with it, but I'm proud of a YA mystery I wrote earlier this year that's set in a small Oregon town similar to where I grew up. My main character solves both a modern-day crime that sheds light on a dark mystery from her own past. Of course, she solves that mystery, too.
Questions about you:
1. Favourite book? And favourite author?
The favorite book question is a hard one! Like many people, the Harry Potter series was revolutionary for me. Some of my must-buy writers/series include Sarah Hilary (and her DI Marnie Rome series), and Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London/Peter Grant series. I'm also a big fan of classics, including Pride and Prejudice (and, honestly, all of Austen's novels), and also Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I also enjoy nonfiction on the quirky side, like AJ Jacobs and Malcolm Gladwell. I think I have all of Cat Winter's books (gothic YA horror). I've also read all of Agatha Christie's work, and also enjoy Dorothy L. Sayers and Ngaio Marsh.
2. If you could be a character from any book you've ever read who would it be and why?
In a way, it'd be fun to be Miss Marple. She goes to interesting places, frequently invited by a mix of fascinating old friends, and has a highly developed sense of character, which allows her to solve mysteries. Plus she has a twinkle in her eye instead of a chip on her shoulder about being underestimated, even though she's always one of the smartest people in the room.
Harry Potter's world—at least after Voldemort is defeated—would also be a wonderful place to live.
3. What are you currently reading?
I just finished Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear and really enjoyed it. The voice is perfect. The storyline ticks appealing boxes (e.g., a mystery from the character's past intertwined with a modern-day case). I'm writing this as I'm getting ready for a flight, and I have Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore in my bag, and I'm looking forward to starting it!
4. Favourite quote from a book and why?
The Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón has some of my all-time favorite quotes about books and reading. Plus, it's a book I love. For example:
"I was raised among books, making invisible friends in pages that seemed cast from dust and whose smell I carry on my hands to this day."
"In the shop we buy and sell them, but in truth books have no owner. Every book you see here has been somebody's best friend."
"Once, in my father's bookshop, I heard a regular customer say that few things leave a deeper mark on a reader than the first book that finds its way into his heart."
5. Favourite season?
I'm a huge fan of autumn! I live in Oregon—which is on the west coast of the United States—and the fall is the perfect time of year. Crisp days perfect for hiking, and cool evenings perfect for sweaters. It's fairly mild here, so winter is also fun—although rainy—and there's a mountain nearby with great snowshoeing. And traveling to the Oregon Coast in winter is wonderful, since the weather can be gloriously stormy and, occasionally, warm enough for beach walks in a light jacket despite being in the middle of winter.
6. Favourite drink?
About a year ago, Oatly came to the USA. I've fallen in love with lattes made with Oatly.
8. Dream destination?
Another hard question! I'm lucky that I've been able to travel. Hiking in Scotland is high on my list, and I've never been to Thailand and Vietnam, and I'd love to visit.
9. Song of the moment?
"Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton. It's a great love song with a unique feel. The Turnpike Troubadors also make a regular appearance in my listening rotation.
If you're interested in music related to TLTD, I created a Spotify playlist for the novel. It features songs I either used to get myself in the mood for writing/editing the book, or tunes that fit the ambiance.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1QiHITQQlhu7BtKmi5kQFx
10. Other than writing epic YA murder mysteries what do you like to do?
I'm a huge fan of hiking. My rescue dog—a Great Pyrenees-Labrador Retriever mix (in the UK, you might use the breed name Pyrenean Mountain Dog)—is a fun partner-in-crime for everything in the outdoors. In the winter, I enjoy snowshoeing. I also run and lift weights, which is a great mental break from writing. I also read prolifically. I love to travel and researching ideas for my trip is always fun.
I'm also a big football fan, although, of course, we call that soccer in the USA. I used to play, and I'm a fan of both the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns. Fun fact: the Thorns—our professional women's soccer team—draws over 17,000 people per game, and has sold out Providence Park (over 25,000 seats). If you read The Last To Die, you'll see a soccer influence in some of the scenes.
Writers Advice:
I know you must get asked this all of the time but what is your number one/top tip for aspiring writers?
Don't negatively compare your journey—and process—to anyone else. Figure out your own method and what works for you. For example, being a pantser is fine, even another author swears being a plotter is the way to go. Some people write every day; others schedule a writing session a few times a week. While the advice to "always write daily" or "always outline your book before starting" isn't inherently wrong, it doesn't mean it's right for you. So don't feel like a failure if someone else's process doesn't work for you. If you're a pantser who sits down three times a week for an hour, and it works for you, that's awesome. If you're an outliner who writes daily, that's equally wonderful. This being said, listening to how other writers work can be useful to give you ideas on how to fine-tune your own process.
Also—take time when you read books you don't like. Meaning, when you find a book that isn't working for you, figure out why. This doesn't mean slog through books you don't like, but do take it as an opportunity to critically assess what works and doesn't work for you as a reader since that will help you analyze your own writing. Sometimes, looking at what doesn't work is more valuable, craft-wise, than reading work you love.
That being said, also take time to read books you adore and let yourself just read—try to turn off the critical side of your brain. It's good to remind yourself why we write!
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