HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE?
It was a title that just popped into my head pretty early on, but we (my editor, agent, writer friends) all kept thinking that maybe there was something better. Months and months we searched. We probably came up with dozens of titles–all of which felt wrong. It took a while to realize that was because Heist Society was right. Now I can’t imagine calling the book anything else.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER IN HEIST SOCIETY?
That’s a hard one. I love them all in different ways. Kat is very independent and savvy about some things–not so much others. Her cousin, Gabrielle, is the only other main female character and she’s very upfront and honest in a wonderfully blunt and refreshing kind of way.
And then there are the boys… Sigh. So many boys.
WHO IS MORE LIKE YOU, KAT OR CAMMIE?
Well, I’m neither spy nor thief, but I’m sure part of me is in both of them. Kat grew up in a male-dominated world and she’s used to being the only girl in the room. That is something from my life/world that I absolutely brought to Kat’s character.
WILL HEIST SOCIETY BE PAPERBACK OR HARDBACK?
It will be hardback at first (February 9, 2010) and it will be out in paperback about a year after (I think).
WHAT’S IT LIKE WRITING TWO SERIES AT THE SAME TIME?
It can be kinda crazy–especially when you have to switch back and forth between the two. But it’s also very fun. I get to spend time with two smart, confident, and highly-skilled characters and in their colorful worlds. I know how lucky that makes me.
DO YOU LIKE THE COVER?
Yeessss!
WERE (ARE) YOU SCARED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW?
At the time I was writing I wasn’t scared because the book and world were new, but because the story itself was just a hard one. Heist stories twist and curve and are always something of a house of cards. Thankfully, I had the wonderful Editor Jen to help guide me along the way, and in the end, I think we made my best book yet.
Now that the book is about to come out, though, I’m TERRIFIED!
What if people hate it?
What if they don’t get it?
What if it sells 3 copies?
What if my fictional boyfriend (George Clooney) doesn’t like how Kat’s dad sort of…resembles…him and he breaks up with me?!?!?
See…there’s plenty of cause for concern.
WHEN WILL YOU START WORKING ON HEIST SOCIETY 2?
Soon. Hopefully soon.
WHAT IS THE PAINTING FEATURED ON THE COVER?
I actually don’t know. All I am certain of is that we weren’t allowed to use a famous/notable painting because of copyright concerns.
Nighty night!
Ally