Stacey Lee discusses being a debut author and shares her cover with Hypable. Plus we are giving away two ARCs of the novel.
Tell us 5 random facts about yourself.
I am an incurable night owl, I have perfect pitch, I want to own a hypoallergenic horse one day, I use my Vitamix blender every day, I do all my brainstorming on paper.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a writer.
I took the long way. I’ve had the writing bug since I could hold a pen, but in my family, writing wasn’t considered a serious profession. My parents encouraged it as a hobby. So I got a law degree, practiced several years as a lawyer, then once I got married, my husband encouraged me to retire from the law, and write full time.
Describe your novel in five words.
Chinese girl and slave escape.
Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
The story wanted me to tell it. It sounds so strange, but once I decided on the time period, the general circumstances, and the characters, it took on a life of its own.
What was your favorite chapter/scene to write and why?
Any scene with Sammy and West in it was always fun to write and I can’t tell you why or I’ll spoil it.
Do you most relate to your main characters, or to secondary characters?
Main characters.
Do you have things you need in order to write (i.e. coffee, cupcakes, music)?
Tea and chocolate. There is no better combination.
Where’s your favorite place to write?
In the room known as my writing nook. It has pastel walls that you can write on with dry erase pens, Swiss dot curtains I got on eBay, and an old farm table.
What character do you relate most to?
Sammy, my main character. Though she’s way braver than me. There’s no way I would’ve survived a day on the Oregon Trail by myself. Plus, I don’t eat snake.
What is easier to write: The first line or the last line?
Last! I also appreciate a good last line.
What are you working on now?
Another historical! This one takes place at the turn of the 19th century and involves a big earthquake.
About Stacey Lee
Stacey Lee is a fourth generation Chinese-American whose people came to California during the heydays of the cowboys. She believes she still has a bit of cowboy dust in her soul. A native of southern California, she graduated from UCLA then got her law degree at UC Davis King Hall. After practicing law in the Silicon Valley for several years, she finally took up the pen because she wanted the perks of being able to nap during the day, and it was easier than moving to Spain. She plays classical piano, raises children, and writes YA fiction.
Places to find Stacey Lee
Twitter
Facebook
Tumblr
Goodreads
Pre-order Under the Painted Sky
Thanks to our lovely friends at G.P. Putnam’s Sons, our readers have the chance to win an advance copy of this book. Under a Painted Sky won’t be out until March 17, 2015, but winners will receive an ARC as soon as they roll off the press.
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