AUTHOR CHAT WITH PAM BACHORZ
So today I have the pleasure of interviewing Pam Bachorz author of Candor and new novel Drought.
Hi Pam and thanks for stopping by today.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in upstate New York, not too far from the woods that DROUGHT is set in. Now I live outside of Washington, DC with my husband and son. DROUGHT is my second published book—CANDOR was my first—and I have been writing YA seriously for about seven years. I also have a full-time dayjob for a textbook publisher.
Why YA?
My favorite books of all time are almost all YA books. I read them over, and over, and over again. You can’t beat teen readers for their devotion to a story, if they love it. Of course these days more adults are reading YA, and I think that’s for many of the reasons I like writing it. You can’t start slow with a YA book, and you have to work to keep your audience engaged. That’s a satisfying challenge—and the kind of stuff I like reading too.
What Inspired you to write Drought?
I started this story after I had a sort of vision, for lack of a better word. I was driving along a small winding road in upstate New York and I passed this red, falling-down barn. I imagined there was an old wood table set in the middle of the barn, with a cloudy cup of water on it. In my mind, I saw a drop of blood fall into that cup. Whose blood was it? Why was it in the water? It took me awhile to figure it out.
What authors have inspired your work or writing style?
I read YA (and some middle grade books) almost exclusively, and every author inspires me. I think one of my biggest inspirations is Lois Duncan—I obsessed over her books, as a teen. She wrote about normal teens caught in extraordinary, creepy situations. Mildred Ames was another favorite of mine, and I loved reading YA sci-fi written by a woman!
What are you currently reading?
Right now I’m catching up on all the books that won ALA honors and prizes. So I’m a few chapters into ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia (loving it) and I’ve also got WINDUP GIRL on my shelf (not because it won an ALA honor but because it was written by this year’s Printz winner, Paolo Bacigalupi).
Ok- now a fun question.....Coke or Pepsi?
Ok- now a fun question.....Coke or Pepsi?
Coke. Especially caffeine-free diet Coke. Don’t ask me what I’m drinking, at that point. I really don’t want to know.
Does Drought have a playlist?
Yes, it’s on my website at http://www.pambachorz.com/drought-music/
Can you share with us what your working on next?
It’s too early to say much, but I can share it’s a YA set in an entirely different, fantastical world with a large and diverse cast of characters.
Sweet...I cant wait to read it....and you drink Diet Coke which of course makes you double the awesome. If you haven't read Drought yet you can check it out Here!! Thanks Pam for letting readers now a little bit more about you!!
I will be reviewing Drought later this week!!
love the cover!! great interview!
ReplyDeleteFun interview Tina and Pam! I'm really excited to read this book:) I love knowing when authors got the idea for their books and whether it was a gradual process or the idea just came to them. Can't wait to read your review Tina!
ReplyDeleteAwesome interview. She sounds pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteCoke or Pepsi? Coke Zero :D
I like the inspiration behind Drought. Can't wait to read it. Great interview Tina :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad we agreed. Its a great story, so I really want more people to read and enjoy. It is make me think.
ReplyDelete