This month, we have author Katie Williams here as our Twitterview guest. We’re talking about her new book Absent, about creepy YA, ice cream, and much, much more.  I reviewed Absent yesterday and it’s one of my 2013 favorite readers. I am going to give away a copy to one lucky winner at the end of this interview.


For now, Katie!

What inspired Absent?

Staying after hours when I was in high school. It feels strange to be in a place built for crowds when it’s empty.

If you had to put a genre label on Absent, what would you call it?

A ghost story through the looking glass? Or post-death coming-of-age? I like to mess with genres.

There are ghosts in this book, and they aren’t necessarily Casper-nice. What inspired the ghostly aspects of Absent?

My ghosts are facing this incredible loss. It makes them look at who they were and how they’ll be remembered. They have tough moments.

What sort of research, if any, went into Absent? Feel free to link to relevant media that influenced/informed your story.

I read ghost stories to decide how I wanted my ghost world to be. Recommended
ghostly reading: here, here, here, here, and here.

Paige can “press into” anyone and BECOME them, altering their destiny (at least briefly). If you could “press into” someone, would you?

I want to say no because it’s a truly unfair thing to do. But honestly, who could resist that sort of masquerade?

Who would it be and why?

See? You knew I’d say yes. Maybe not any one person, but a lot of different people, not to change things, just to walk for a bit.

Stereotyping is a big theme throughout the book. What do your characters learn about this through their journey?

Viewing others with nuance and generosity allows you to view yourself with nuance and generosity. We should do more of both.

What, if anything, should readers walk away with from Absent?

That quiet, complete feeling of having read a good story. (This is what I hope!)

If you had to give a “______” meets “_________” pitch for your book, what would you say are the 2, 3, or 4 titles it’s a combination of?

Since you’ve asked for a Hollywood pitch, I’m going to give you movies. How about “The Breakfast Club” meets “The Others”?

Both Absent and The Space Between Trees are creepy reads. What inspires your writing in this way?

So macabre, I know! But I see them as about identity, the stories we tell about ourselves and others. And fear is a great revealer of self.

What gets you jazzed to write?

Reading good books. Taking long walks. There’s also a fair bit of procrastination masked as apartment cleaning.

Who or what do you write for?

I write YA for my sixteen-year-old self.

Why YA? What’s compelling about this arena to make you want to write it?

YA takes risks; it’s sleek and fiery; it doesn’t care what genre. Readers demand both pleasure and knowledge, in short, a damn good story.

What scares you the most about writing or the writing process?

Representing people or experiences in a reductive way.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to explore in your writing but have been too fearful to do yet?

I’m terrified of the 1880s setting of my current project. Our time period shapes us, and we also recognize each other across time, both.

What’s been the most satisfying part of your career to date?

Hearing from readers. I also love seeing the covers because I wish I could draw.

Who are your top three writing influences?

Tops is Ursula K. Le Guin. Two others: Jennifer Egan and Kelly Link. All three take risks and trust the reader.

What was your most influential read as a teenager?

I read everything Stephen King had ever written…under my desk during class. I think my parents had to take a special meeting.

Who do you believe is breaking ground in YA right now?

Kristin Cashore astounds and amazes. All hail.

What’s the best writing advice you ever received?

Read your first drafts like your sweetest friend and your final drafts like your snarkiest critic. Wisdom from writer Charles Baxter.

What’s your best writing advice to give?

It’s normal to feel foolish or frustrated (or both!) when you write. Be brave. Keep going. You will get somewhere true.

Do you have a writing soundtrack? Care to share some of it?

I don’t. I start typing the song lyrics! But my mom says this song reminds her of Absent:

(It’s pretty uncanny.)

What’s next for you?

Next: Low-magic fantasy in late-1880s American West. Then: Near future science-
fiction about a teenage reality TV show.

Favorite ice cream?

Cinnamon. Try it. Trust me.