I have the pleasure of welcoming Kelley York as she stops by Xpresso Reads for an interview today as part of the Hushed Blog Tour, which is a book that I really enjoyed. Also, there is a chance to win a copy.
Before we get started with the interview, let's take a look at the book and what people have to say about it.
Kelley York
Release date: December 6th, 2011
by Entangled Publishing
Goodreads / Purchase
He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.
Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.
Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.
But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.
'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my
seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was
unputdownable!!!' --- YA Fantasy Guide ---
'How exciting that we live in a time when gay teen protagonists can be
just as screwed up as straight ones -- and their stories just as creepy!'
--- Brent Hartinger, award-winning author of Geography Club and Shadow
Walkers ---
Other places to buy hushed: Amazon / B&N
Interview with Kelley York
Q. Can you sum up your book in 10 words?
HUSHED is about a boy who kills, and the one who changes him.
HUSHED is about a boy who kills, and the one who changes him.
Q. Where did you come up with the names for your characters?
Sometimes I’ll look up name meanings, but I don’t do it as much as I used to. Something just has to click. I’ll spend time once in awhile browsing through naming websites. When I see one I like, I put it into a text document for later use. When I need a name for a character, that document is where I start. Archer’s name had been added at some point, and I thought...yeah, okay, that works. His last name came about in a silly way. Try Googling ‘Archer Pond’ and see what comes up!
Sometimes I’ll look up name meanings, but I don’t do it as much as I used to. Something just has to click. I’ll spend time once in awhile browsing through naming websites. When I see one I like, I put it into a text document for later use. When I need a name for a character, that document is where I start. Archer’s name had been added at some point, and I thought...yeah, okay, that works. His last name came about in a silly way. Try Googling ‘Archer Pond’ and see what comes up!
Q. Archer is a really misguided and often misunderstood, how did you go about creating such a vivid personality?
I ask a lot of questions! Which might sound weird. I had this initial idea—“I’m going to write a boy who kills people for the girl he loves.” And went from there by asking questions. Why? How long? When was the first time? Does he try to stop? How does he feel about what he does? What makes him want to change? And so on. Every single thing my characters do, from the way their room looks, the clothes they wear, the way they speak...I question ‘why?’
I ask a lot of questions! Which might sound weird. I had this initial idea—“I’m going to write a boy who kills people for the girl he loves.” And went from there by asking questions. Why? How long? When was the first time? Does he try to stop? How does he feel about what he does? What makes him want to change? And so on. Every single thing my characters do, from the way their room looks, the clothes they wear, the way they speak...I question ‘why?’
Q. And what about Vivian, she can be really destructive, did you have a hard time writing her character?
Not at all. Probably because I knew a lot of girls similar to her back in high school. I was often on the receiving end of their manipulative and self-destructive behaviors.
Not at all. Probably because I knew a lot of girls similar to her back in high school. I was often on the receiving end of their manipulative and self-destructive behaviors.
Q. Which was more fun to write: the dialogue or the action scenes?
Dialogue, definitely. I think I’m better at it. Action scenes are more difficult. Though Mickey and Archer’s fight in Vivian’s apartment was surprisingly fun to write.
Dialogue, definitely. I think I’m better at it. Action scenes are more difficult. Though Mickey and Archer’s fight in Vivian’s apartment was surprisingly fun to write.
Q. Is there anything about you that would surprise your readers?
I’m painfully shy and awkward talking about my writing in person. Anytime someone asks me what my book is about, I just...shut down. I mutter and mumble, and get flustered and feel like I’m going to cry. It’s completely ridiculous. It’s gotten a little bit easier as time goes on, but I always feel so silly and embarrassed.
I’m painfully shy and awkward talking about my writing in person. Anytime someone asks me what my book is about, I just...shut down. I mutter and mumble, and get flustered and feel like I’m going to cry. It’s completely ridiculous. It’s gotten a little bit easier as time goes on, but I always feel so silly and embarrassed.
Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry - be them squeaky, barky or meow-y - is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she's a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid. Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.
Next stop on the Hushed blog tour:December 30th: Ren’s Bloggin About
Giveaway
Entangled Publishing has generously offered one ebook copy as a giveaway.
Giveaway details:
Open Internationally
Ends on January 4th.
Use the form below to enter.
*Winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.
WINNER IS: Pinknina
