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May 8, 2012

Blogger Birthday Bash: Molly M. Backes- Interview +Giveaway


   


Why did you start writing books for young adults? And why this genre?
When I was in middle school, my mom and my teacher both ganged up on me and informed me that I needed to stop reading teen books (because they weren’t challenging enough) and start reading grown-up books. Even at twelve, this seemed like a huge injustice to me; after all, I was twelve! Why shouldn’t I be reading about people my own age? I didn’t want to read about old people and their boring old-person lives!Ten years later, I was in college, studying to be an English teacher, and I discovered books like Rob Thomas’s Rats Saw God, Chris Crutcher’s Whale Talk and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, and John Green’s Looking for Alaska, and realized that books about and for teens could be complex, challenging, and literary – and I decided I wanted to write them myself!
Are you currently working on anything new? If so can we get a clue on what it is ;D?
I am! It’s another young adult novel, also set in the Midwest, but the protagonist is a boy, and it’s told in 3rd person, both of which are totally challenging me right now!
Who was your favorite character in the whole story? And why?
I think Nikki might be my favorite, because she always makes me laugh, and because of all the characters, I think Nikki is actually the kindest and the least selfish. All the characters have faults, and Nikki’s certainly no exception, but while most of the other characters are focused on their own wants and needs, Nikki’s thinking about keeping the peace, maintaining friendships, and trying to make positive change.
What is the best part about having your book released in May?
It means my book is a Taurus, which says that it’s creative, kind, steady, loyal, and enduring – in other words, it will stick around for a while! Also, because half my friends have birthdays in May, I can pretend it’s a birthday present for all of them.

Speed Round 

Favorite food ?
Ice cream from the Dari Barn in Grinnell, Iowa.
If you were stranded on an island what 5 things would you take?
My laptop (the island has wifi, right?)
my dog
one of those giant literature anthologies with tissue-thin pages
a cell phone
sunglasses.
Favorite City in the world?
I don’t know! There are so many great places I’ve lived and visited -- and even more I haven’t! If I have to choose just one, I’ll say Chicago – despite the non-stop construction & recent abundance of rainy days, Chicago is beautiful this time of year!

Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway




~Fishy >O

18 comments:

  1. Nope. I have NEVER ever been on a road trip.

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  2. thanks for doing a giveaway! Hope I'm lucky. :)

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  3. Yes I have been on many road trips....my favorite thing is finding little restaurants that are different and special....also stopping at little shops or markets.

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  4. Yes- well sort of.. the scenery you see:)

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  5. I go on a lot of road trips. I love going off the beaten track and finding quaint diners and tourist stops. I always collect matchbooks and cocktail napkins in the towns I pass through and have found some great resale stores.

    laura thomas

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  6. iam never going to trip..poor for me.
    thanks for thegiveaway, success for you ^^

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  7. I love road trip because i could spend time w/ my family
    Thanks for the giveaway

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  8. Oh goodness, I used to go on road trips at least once a year, I absolutely LOVE them. I've not been on one since 2009 now and miss it tons (I hope to change that come August!). My favourite thing has to be the music. Filling in the spaces with music and finding the perfect one to fit the mood, either anticipation of where you're going or the sadness of leaving from where you've come...it's powerful and wonderful.

    Thank you for the giveaway!

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  9. I have been on road trips and my favorite thing about them is chilling and listening to music

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  10. I've actually been on tons of road trips. My favorite things is the anticipation of getting to the end.

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  11. I love seeing new things. Little towns and big mountains, oceans, lakes, you name it, and meeting new people is great fun too.

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  12. No i have not been on a road trip...:( I really want to though, seems like sooo much fun:)
    -JennyC

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  13. I haven't ever been on a real road trip but that will change this summer! Im SO excited!

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  14. Yes I have! Lots to go visit family. :D Love stopping for Ice Cream and all the reading time I have!

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  15. I love roadtrips! The possibility of having something great just around the next corner is just great.

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  16. I've been on many road trips with my family while growing up. I love the chance to find all those little quirky places you'd miss if you were just flying to your destination.

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  17. Oooh! I hope I win this! It looks awesome! :D

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  18. Yes I love road trips! I love eating Pringles, singing songs, playing word games, reading, buying ice creams along the way, playing I-spy :D

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