Kristin Halbrook Interview and Giveaway

You may remember I reviewed this awesome book Nobody But Us a little while back. I really liked it and felt it deserved some extra attention. Today I have the author, Kristin Halbrook, stopping by for an interview and a fun giveaway!

1 Describe Nobody But Us in three words

Hopeful, lovers, tragic

2 What three words would Zoe use to describe Will?

Desperate, hot-headed, caretaker

3 Did you research anything specific while writing Nobody But Us?

I did! I researched a lot of maps and also drove some of the path Will and Zoe drive to make the trip as authentic as possible. I also researched state-specific programs for foster care youth and the process of becoming a ward of the state for several states. I researched the current state of shop classed in high school curriculums for my German translator and even types of cars for Will to drive. I love research.

4 Now that your first book has been out for awhile, what would you say was the biggest surprise of release week for you?

That it was rather anticlimactic. And even more so, a relief to get past. There was so much to do beforehand that I felt like I was being twirled in a million directions. Once NOBODY BUT US released, I was able to let go, to let the book be out in the world, knowing there was nothing I could do to change it.

5 What is the last book you read that you'd recommend to others?

I recently finished Sarah Skilton's BRUISED, which I loved. Fantastic writing and raw characters with real hurts to overcome. It's a book about trusting yourself and trusting those who love you and want the best for you. The themes of gender equity particularly spoke to me.

6 Who is the first person that gets to read your writing?

My beta readers--all members of YA Highway. Sometimes it's just snippets of work that get posted in the group, while other times I'm sending partial or full manuscripts for critique. They're the most amazing group of readers!

7 What three items do you need while revising?

Great editorial notes, stretches of silence AND a playlist, and espresso.

8 If you could go back in time to any time period and any place, where and when would you travel to? 

Oooh, tough one. I like the modern era a whole lot. I like indoor plumbing and laptops and not being thrown into insane asylums because I'm a woman with an opinion. The sobering realities of living as a woman in the past overcome the romantic notions of pretty dresses and such, for me. Having said that, I'd fancy a trip to Minoan Crete, a society that appeared to be as egalitarian and fascinating as any in human history.

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Now that you've checked out Kristin's interview, be sure to enter the giveway by using the Rafflecopter form below.

There are 3 winners in total

1 prize - a copy of Nobody But Us and a swag pack
2 prize - Nobody But Us swag pack
3 prize - Nobody But Us swag pack

Good luck to everyone. It is open to international entries as long as Book Depository ships to you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway