Interview with Kimberley Griffiths Little + Giveaway

Yesterday, I reviewed the lovely novel The Healing Spell by Kimberley Griffiths Little and today I will get a few of my questions answered by her! Stay tuned for a giveaway of her fantastic novel at the end of the interview.

Describe your book in five words or less.

Secrets. Sisters. Guilt. Gators. Magic.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing "The Healing Spell"?

Definitely, it was digging and digging with my spade and shovels to dig deeply into the layers of my characters and bring them fully alive so they felt like real people. From reader’s comments, I think I did pretty okay! Also, I spent a lot of time (years researching) getting the Cajun life and lingo right, but that was a pure joy, too, meeting wonderful people and having a blast on several road trips.

Do you have any writing “must haves”?

Must have computer, purple pens, 3x5 Note cards--and snacks. And my bed for daydreaming.

What are some of your favorite books?

I always find this to be one of the hardest questions because I love so many books! I’m a very eclectic reader and I love historical, mysteries, contemporary, gothic, paranormal, humorous, quirky. Long time favorites from my childhood include Harriet the Spy, The Little White Horse, Magic Elizabeth, The Westing Game. From the Mixed-Up Files, The Giver, Bridge to Terabithia.

Books from the last year that I really loved are The Hunger Games, How To Say Goodbye in Robot, Heist Society, Olivia Kidney, Picture the Dead, A Drowned Maiden’s Hair, Angel Monster, Wintergirls, I am Rembrandt’s Daughter, A Crooked Kind of Perfect, How to Steal a Dog, The Secret Year, When you Reach Me. Um, I could go on and on . . . and on.

If you weren't a writer, what would you be?

I’d be a children’s or Young Adult librarian or a historical researcher. But I’m so glad I get to stay home in my jammies and daydream and read and write!

What's next for you?

I just turned in the revisions for my next novel to my editor at Scholastic. It’s called CIRCLE OF SECRETS and will be out October 1, 2011. It’s got secret notes, a very cool charm bracelet, a ghost, and blood on a pier.

Thank you for stopping by Kimberley!

To win a copy of this book, please fill out the form below. Extra points will be awarded for commenting on my review and this interview. US addresses only (sorry!). Ends December 15th.