Tahereh Mafi is the author of Shatter Me, Destroy Me and the soon-to-be-released Unravel Me. She drinks far too much coffee and the film rights for the trilogy have been optioned by 20th Century Fox. Check out our interview below and enter to win a finished copy of Unravel Me.
Tell us five random facts about yourself.
1. I used to breakdance. Like, competitively.
2. I once spelled “Ludicrous” as “Ludacris” on a spelling test because I was so sure Ludacris knew how to spell his own name.
3. I am probably the pickiest eater on the planet.
4. I’ve never broken a bone.
5. For many years I wanted to be a fashion designer.
What was your favorite chapter/scene to write and why?
In Unravel Me? Chapter 62. That was fun.
At what point in the development of an idea do you know that it will become a full-length novel?
I actually don’t know until I’ve written the entire thing.
What was the most challenging part of writing your second novel?
The whole thing, probably.
The relationships in your novel are complicated. How do you decide/create those relationships?
I don’t – I try to let them take on lives of their own.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
Too much chocolate is bad for you.
What has been the best compliment?
Hey nice shoes.
Do you most relate to your main characters, or to secondary characters?
I relate a little bit to all of them, I think. One of my favorite in this series, however, is Kenji. He’s hilarious and inappropriate and is basically the amalgamation of all my older brothers, which makes him a really easy, super fun character to write.
Do you have things you need in order to write (i.e. coffee, cupcakes, music)?
Yes! I need lots of tea and coffee and chocolate and noise-cancelling headphones.
Where’s your favorite place to write?
In a quiet corner, cut off from the world.
What is easier to write: the first line or the last line?
The first line.
What one YA novel do you wish you had when you were a teen?
The Sky is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson.
What are you working on now?
Revisions on Shatter Me #3! Also other secret stuff. :D
Shatter Me | In stores now
Destroy Me | Download now
Unravel Me | February 5, 2013
www.taherehbooks.com
About ‘Shatter Me’
Shatter Me follows the narrative of Juliette Ferrars, a young teen who has been incarcerated for a murder caused by her fatal touch. While in prison, Juliette is given a new cellmate by the name of Adam Kent. Juliette develops a wary, uncertain friendship with Adam, not knowing that he was sent to Juliette’s cell with the mission of spying on her for Warner, the son of the leader of The Reestablishment. But when The Reestablishment arrives to collect Juliette in hopes of utilizing her as a weapon, Adam’s true motives are revealed, and the reader learns that he’d known (and recognized) Juliette from childhood. Adam ends up falling in love with Juliette and together they escape to join the resistance.
Fill out the rafflecopter below to enter for a chance to win one of three finished copies of Unravel Me. The giveaway will close on February 8.
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