Delia can see the future . . . but can she change it?The Art of Disappearing, now available on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Kobo
All Delia wants is to be popular. She has the perfect plan: join the cheerleading squad with her best friend, Ava, and rule the school from the coolest table in the cafeteria. But everything changes the day she watches a boy die—before it actually happens.
After dreaming about a classmate’s demise, she’s shocked when she witnesses his last breath—just like she dreamt it. Ava insists Delia stop acting so strange, but Delia worries her abilities are beyond her control.
Torn between who she is and who she wants to be, Delia wishes she could simply disappear. She doesn’t get her wish, but when someone close to her vanishes, Delia must use her gift to solve the mystery, before it’s too late.
Elena's site
--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140
characters or less.
The Art of Disappearing ; 14yrold Delia Dark is on track to
be the 2nd most popular girl until a seemingly psychic event changes everything.
--How did you get the idea for the story?
The main character of The Art of Disappearing, Delia Dark,
came to me first in one of those flashes of inspiration people talk about. I
knew instantly she was a young artist, I knew she was following the wrong path
because she didn’t really know who she was yet. My next step was to figure out
what dramatic event might kick off that inevitable self-discovery. (Sorry, Gary
Chang!)
Of course, theprocess of becoming your true self is never,
ever without a fair amount of agony. And so, The Art of Disappearing takes us
through Delia’s journey – the confusion, angst and mystery of it all.
--Which character would you most
like to have dinner with?
Besides Delia, I’d love to have
dinner with Delia’s cousin Zach visits from California. He’s got such a strong
sense of self, is really smart and has a creative, edgy sensibility. I feel
like we’d have a great discussion about music and science and hair dye. I bet I
could learn a few things from him, just like Delia does.
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or
release dates?
I’m currently deep into my second novel, a creepy story with
a slightly older protagonist and a very different storyline. It’s too soon to
talk release dates, but keep an eye out!
--What are some of your favoritemost
recently read books? Do you still have much time to read?
Oh, I wish I had more time to
read! There’s so much amazing work out to devour. My most recent read was Fangirl
by Rainbow Rowell. I’m really keen on her writing style – sparse yet so emotive.
I also loved Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, gripping narrative and
characters. I still think about Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, riveting…. I keep
adding books to my wishlist on Goodreads, but I can’t seem to get to most of
them. It’s an issue of time, sure, but also, when I find books I love, I often
want to drop everything and write. That can really get in the way of reading.
--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to fall
down the rabbit hole? I’d stay away from the queen in hopes of keeping my head,
but what a terrifically bizarre adventure that would be. (I’d postso many pictures.) Along the same lines,
I wouldn’t object to a wild rumpus, or a flight over to Neverland. And it might
be nice to have some bread and jam with Frances.
--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
I quit caffeine last year. I
love-love-love coffee but I decided that I was drinking too much of it. So I
quit (almost) and then I just missed that delicious flavor too much, so now I
sometimes drink decaf black coffees while I write. It’s almost the same – and
nice to have a hot beverage on hand while thinking about the next move on the
page.
(Did you know a lot of places
don’t sell decaf anymore? At least, in NYC cafes. And I want to be disappointed
but I can’t really blame them. It is a little bit like filling a car with pretend
gas.)
But back to the question - I sometimes
listen to music when I write, but I have to choose it wisely so it’s not
distracting. I’ve been building a playlist on Spotify to help me through
certain sections of my current book. It’s too soon to share any of those, but
here’s an old favorite from The Cure’s Disintegration that I listened to while
capturing Delia Dark’s alienation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10S1bn1WeM
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Oh, flying would be pretty amazing. I’ve got a healthy fear of heights, but it’s mostly rooted in the fear of falling over a cliff or off a roof – if I could fly, that wouldn’t be such an issue anymore. I’d hang out on roofs and cliffs more, I bet. And in the tops of trees.Definitely in the tops of trees.
--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
Well, we’ve already talked about reading. And I love TV.
Cooking. Walking around the streets of NYC. Biking in the new Citibikes. Dining
out with friends somewhere delicious. Shopping – clothes and grocery. I’m oddly
obsessed with grocery stores, I don’t know why but I find them really soothing.
Travel! In fact, wish I could see more of the world right now. No, really,
right this minute! But I’m probably going to put American Horror Story on
instead.
--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?
Like so many, I remember feeling stuck in my fifteen year
old world. No, it wasn’t a terrible place–it was just suburban and therefore
kind of dull. My friends and I would often take the train into New York and
wander around, shop, exist. I loved those trips – I always felt more
real in the city. And now I live there. So I suppose I’d tell my 15 year old
self, “You’re going to get to spend a lot more time where you want to be, trust me...”
Lightning round: this or that?
Vanilla or chocolate?Vanilla for sure. Vanilla ice cream is
divine. French vanilla yogurt, too.
Video or Board Games? Board Games – I’m feeling nostalgic
right now.
Summer or Winter? Summer – it’s so much easier to get
dressed when socks aren’t required.
Edward or Jacob? Jacob. Edward’s creepy, isn’t he?
Hockey or soccer? Soccer
Ebook or paper?Ebook
Salty or sweet? Salty, though I’m about to eat a cupcake so…
Beach or mountains?It used to be beach without a doubt. Now
it might be mountains… but there needs to be a lake involved.
Phone call or email? Email. I’m a writer.
Early bird or night owl? Early bird, I’m all about the
hushed morning hours..
Dog or cat? Dog, Boo is my infinitely lovable Chihuahua/Jack
Russell with ears like satellite dishes.
Messy or neat? Messy. (Shhh, don’t tell Mom)
Ninjas or pirates? Pirates, because I like the ocean that much.
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Sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteMary
Oh yeah, I want to read this one!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really good! Psychicness is always a good theme in a book!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover and am really liking the sound of this one. The interview was so much fun!! I don't think I would mind flying at all either. Edward's creepy...hehehe. I'm team Edward, but I love it :D Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.
ReplyDeleteLooks good!
ReplyDeletelovely cover, never heard of this one, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interview, Brandi! I had a blast answering your questions, such fun.
ReplyDeleteAnd to all, I hope you enjoy The Art of Disappearing. I'd love to hear what you think - stop by my website or twitter (@elenabooks) any time. ;)