Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Interview: Sharde Richardson, author of "Watched"



Interview with Sharde Richardson
 Author of: Watched

Alaiel: First of all, thanks for being here, Sharde. I was incredibly happy when you accepted my interview! :D
Sharde: No problem, Alaiel. I’m glad to be here. And I’m doubly glad your fiancé purchased my book for you. I owe him a thank you, as well.

Questions about yourself.-

Alaiel: Tell us a little bit about yourself, like 4 things that you consider weird and unique about you.
Sharde: Well, for one, I’m lactose intolerant but I love cheese. Two, I like to visit cemeteries, especially cemeteries that aren’t well kept. Three, I prefer country life over city life any day of the week. And four, I find old people hilarious.

Alaiel: What is one of your favorite YA series? Why?
Sharde: Hm, I don’t know. I guess I could say Harry Potter, though I’m not sure that series started as YA. It was more MG in the beginning but crossed ove toward the end. So, yeah, Harry Potter is one of my favorite MG/YA series.

Alaiel: Where is your favorite place to write?
Sharde: I can write anywhere, I just have to be comfortable. Which, incidentally, may involve removing my shoes and socks.

Alaiel: What inspired you to become a writer?
Sharde: I wrote a dramedy comic strip in the second grade while in detention. I was a problem child to say the least. And since I spent so much of my youth in detention, my imagination ran wild and writing became a good outlet for me.

Alaiel: Is there something you need to have to write? (special pen, special music, a particular drink...)
Sharde: Music and a snack, preferably cheese. Though, I have been trying out beer and marshmallows as of late.

Questions about the book.-

Alaiel: Who inspired you to create Mikayla and why the stutter?
Sharde: Mikayla comes from a long line of people (and cat) I’ve met over the years. I firmly believe that if I hadn’t met or known those people (and cat), she would have been a tough cake to bake. But I must say the choice to give her the stutter had nothing to do with any of those people (and cat). The reason for the stutter will eventually pop back up as the series progresses.

Alaiel: The Q-tip thing is really funny, how did you come up with that?
Sharde: I wanted to give her this weird reference tool the reader could identify throughout the story as something Mikayla did in stressful situations. Plus, I just wanted her to be obsessed with something other than drugs, boys, and sex like so many YA characters these days. Though I can’t say which one of these things will change over the course of the novels.

Alaiel: Mikayla is very unique and sharp. I enjoyed reading the book from her point of view. Does she resemble you?
Sharde: Not at all. People say that when writing in first person you always implant yourself in the main character. I believe in some instances that to be true. I have friends that write, and I can always see a part of them in their characters. And maybe that’s valid when they read my work, although I haven’t heard them say it so far. However, I would say it’s a chore to write from Mikayla’s perspective. I enjoy it because it’s a challenge, but honestly, it would be a very dull read if she resembled me.

Alaiel: What is one of your favorite scenes of the book?
Sharde: So many! Because some of your bloggies haven’t read the book, I’ll only say the cliff scene in chapter twenty-one. Oh, and the scene in My’s parlor.

Alaiel: Please, I’m begging you here, tell me you are already writting the second part of the book, please! Do you have a release date?
Sharde: I am! I don’t have an official release date, but I’m hoping to have it out in December.

Alaiel: How many books is this series going to have?
Sharde: There are four books planned so far. But as everyone knows, that number can change.

Random and quick questions.-

Alaiel: When you read a hardcover book, with or without jacket?
Sharde: Without. That damn thing just gets in the way, don’t you think?

Alaiel: Summer or winter?
Sharde: Winter.

Alaiel: Do you like storms?
Sharde: Love them and am terrified of them at the same time.

Alaiel: What was the best present you ever received?
Sharde: My son.

Alaiel: Do you like sushi?
Sharde: I’ve tried it, but I’m not much for raw fish. Now, if you fry it that’s another story.

Alaiel: Can you suggest me two books?
Sharde: I hear Half-blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is pretty good, as well as Meant to Be by Tiffany King.

Alaiel: Do you like cheese? If the answer is yes, what kind of cheese do you like?
Sharde: Of course I like cheese! I have a few favorites but chedder and muenster top the list.

Alaiel: Thanks a lot for the interview, I can’t wait to read what happens with Mikayla and Lucas next! Honestly, you created a story I completely love.
Sharde: Thanks for having me. And I can’t wait to share their journey with you.



Watched
by Sharde Richardson

Official Blurb:

Mikayla doesn’t want much: just to rock out to her favorite band, become the next Kwiki Stop video gaming champion, and keep her Q-tip habit under control. What she does want is the sight of the sudden inexplicable dark auras around everyone to stop. Problem is, those auras are demons and Mikayla is the last trait holder with the power to ban them. Which is a total buzz kill.

To make matters worse, the town folk of Sulphur Springs don’t look the same, and her classmates are a little dark in the eyes. There are murders, suicides, reckless skinny-dipping, gratuitous use of Q-tips, and newfound powers that Mikayla must learn to control.

Her past becomes present when a shape-shifter tells her what her true identity is, and how to keep the demons of Hell from nipping at her Converse. Through him she’ll discover who to trust, who to kiss, and how valuable her abilities are to the right beings. Because the evils of Hell aren’t staying down without a fight.

Or without her soul.

If you want to read my review of "Watched" go to my "Review/Library" tab or click HERE.
I honestly recommend this book to all the people who loves YA Paranormal books, it was an amazing, funny and wonderful read. Now all I can think is "come on December, get here faster!".

1 comment:

  1. Wow, I really enjoyed this interview! I've honestly never heard of the book, but I'm definitely checking it out now! :)

    ReplyDelete

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