Thursday, November 24, 2011

Interview: Kiera Cass, author of The Selection



Interview with Kiera Cass
 Author of: The Selection

Alaiel: First of all, thank you for accepting the interview, Kiera. I know you must be busy.

Questions about yourself.-

Alaiel: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Kiera: Hi, I’m Kiera. I’m 30 years old, married to a spectacular nerd, and have the most entertaining toddler on the planet. I write books, hang out on Twitter, and make videos on youtube. Also, I like cake.

Alaiel: What is your favorite book? Why?
Kiera: It might be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It’s just plain old beautiful.

Alaiel: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
Kiera: I didn’t! I kind of stumbled into it. Writing just happened to be something I needed at one point in my life, and I decided that it might be fun to share my stories. And… here we are!

Alaiel: Where is your favorite place to write?
Kiera: I don’t really have one right now! I sort of have to work wherever, and so long as my son isn’t around to bang on the keyboard, I’ll take it!

Alaiel: Is there some kind of ritual that you need to do to write? Like listening a special playlist or have your favorite drink with you.
Kiera: I do have playlists that I use when I’m writing in public, just to help block things out. I can’t really share any of the songs right now, but I will once The Selection is out!

Alaiel: Are you going to write another book soon?
Kiera: I am hard at work on the sequel to The Selection! I’m very excited to be diving into the next chapter of America’s life.

Questions about the book.-

Alaiel: Could you please tell us a little bit about your new book, The Selection?
Kiera: I’m not very good at this… mostly because I want to just tell everything! But basically, The Selection is about a competition to become the next princess of the country of Illéa. Sounds like fun, right? Well, it is for everyone but America (who is telling this story) because she already has a boyfriend she loves. But it turns out the prince is an okay guy, so she’s a little torn.
It’s fun and girly and full of kissing and action. I seriously love this story!

Alaiel: How did you come up with the idea? Did you have any source of inspiration?
Kiera: The Selection came from thinking about Esther and Cinderella. I just always wondered if Esther liked someone before she was shipped off to the palace to marry this king. Or if Cinderella (who only asked for a night off) really wanted the guy and position she ended up with.
Somehow, those two things combined in my head, and I knew I wanted to write about a girl who was poor, but would get the attention of a prince. But she would already have a boyfriend and not want him. And I knew she would participate in something that sounded cool, but would lead to more than she ever imagined.

Alaiel: The cover of the book is gorgeous, I’m sure you must love it. Do you think it captures the plot of the book?
Kiera: I think it’s wonderful! It gets the whole princess vibe across without being phony, and then the mirrors let you know there’s something different about where this story is happening. I also love America’s slightly hidden face. That’s totally something she would do.

Alaiel: Which of your characters do you feel you relate the most and why?
Kiera: I really have no idea! I will say that one of the things America says is that she loves their national anthem, and I feel the same way about ours! I could sing it all the time!

Alaiel: I would love to know a little bit more about America, the main character. How would you describe her?
Kiera: It’s actually kind of hard to say, and I think that’s because America is still kind of defining herself too. If you asked me when everything was done, I could tell you for sure! But I will say she’s very talented, a bit on the shy side, and stronger than she knows.

Alaiel: Do you have idea how many books is this series going to have?
Kiera: Three! I’m working on the second one right now, and plotting for the third.

Random and quick questions.-

Alaiel: Hardcovers with or without jacket?
Kiera: With.

Alaiel: Christmas is coming soon, is there any special present you want?
Kiera: Just Dance 3 for my Wii!

Alaiel: Do you like e-readers?
Kiera: Nah.

Alaiel: Storms or sunny days?
Kiera: Sun!

Alaiel: Comedies or dramas?
Kiera: Ohh! Both!

Alaiel: Do you like cheese? If yes, which ones are your favorites?
Kiera: Yes! Pretty much anything that is put in string cheese form, I love!

Alaiel: It was a real pleasure having you here, Kiera. I honestly can’t wait to read your book, I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it a lot!



The Selection
by Kiera Cass

Official Blurb:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

4 comments:

  1. Great interview! This is one of my fav. covers of 2012 it's absolutely GORGEOUS!! And I can't wait to read it I love the premise - dystopians are my fav. Kiera sounds like a lot of fun! :)

    Giselle
    Xpresso Reads

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  2. Thank you for taking the time to share with us today :)

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  3. Thanks for sharing! I cant wait to read this book

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Something to share? (cheese would be awesome!) I love to read your comments :]