Welcome to another installment of STACKED’s Twitterview series. This month, we’re welcoming Barbara Caridad Ferrer, author of the recently released When the Stars Go Blue, as well as Adios to my Old Life and It’s Not About the Accent. She’s stopped by to talk a bit about Stars and at the end, you can enter for a chance to win your own copy of the book.
Without further ado!
A retelling of Bizet’s CARMEN about a fiery dancer, a disciplined musician, a gifted soccer player & the summer that changes their lives.
Why Carmen as your inspiration?
Because it encompasses everything that makes a great story: drama, passion, betrayal, and love.
Take any television show, past or present, and cast Soledad, Jonathan, and Taz in a role. Who would they play?
I think I’d cast them in GLEE. Soledad is Rachel, but not so neurotic, Jonathan is like Finn, but smarter, & Taz is Puck w/o the mean streak
What’s the most surprising comment you’ve heard about WHEN THE STARS GO BLUE?
The many comments on its sensuality. Surprising b/c there are many YA novels more explicit than STARS but sensuality’s different, I guess.
What’s the best advice you’ve received on writing?
You can’t fix a blank page (courtesy of Nora Roberts).
What’s the best advice you’ve given about writing?
Write the story the way it’s meant to be told. Worry about marketing later.
How do you get yourself pumped up to write?
Music. Lots and lots of music. And did I mention, music?
Name three books that have been most influential to you as a writer/reader.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond (Elizabeth George Speare); Heartbreak Hotel (Anne Rivers Siddons); A Song Begins (Mary Burchell).
Who do you think is doing some of the most exciting stuff in YA lit today?
Jennifer Echols, A.S. King, Saundra Mitchell, & Rosemary Clement-Moore. They’re all doing something a little left of center which I love.
You can’t choose between Haagen Dazs and Ben and Jerry, but you certainly can share your favorite flavor, right?
My favorite flavor is actually from Cold Stone Creamery. Sweet Cream ice cream with crush Snickers. Every. Single. Time.
What’s next for you?
I just finished a proposal for a new YA that’s very different from anything I’ve done before. I’m venturing into paranormal (EEEK!).
Want to win a finished copy of WHEN THE STARS GO BLUE? Enter here. I’ll be sending USPS, so entries are limited to US and Canada only. Winner will be picked around the 20th of the month.