How long have you been writing?
I wish I could say some witty answer such as since I could hold a pen, but that would be a lie. In March 2009 I got inspired. The next morning I sat down to the computer and decided I would write a novel. Then I started typing knowing I would finish. There was no doubt in my mind I would have a complete novel. I had no clue how long it would take me or whether I would publish it, but I knew I would finish. It was the first time in my life I was so confident about something so big (that's before I realized my writing sucked and needed a lot of work).
What inspired you to write your first book?
He said "You like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I read there are vampires in this one so I thought you'd like it."
Then, he poured me a glass of wine and went to put the kids to bed. I watched the movie by myself, loved it, saw that it was based on a book and ran to the computer to find out more. That's when I found Stephenie Meyer's website. I read her biography and how she got to write her novels. I could see myself right there in her shoes *sighs with daydreaming eyes*. I decided I would write a novel too.
The funny part is, (and I haven't told this to anyone - not even on my blog) is that just like Ms. Meyer I had a dream. The first paragraph of Chapter 1 of Two Halves was that dream. I didn't see the characters, but I saw myself as a half breed vampire, who couldn't scar, yet she foresaw it happening. (Yes, Twilight had a huge impact on the dream) I went with that idea for the book.
Are you planning on turning Two Halves into a series?
Which of your characters do you relate to most and why?
What is a secret about Sarah that nobody else knows?
If your real life as a teenager was a Young Adult book, what would you, the main character, be like?
Who I would actually be like? Is there a character who cannot eat without spilling food on herself? That's me. My husband says I have a hole in my chin.
What book have you read too many times to count?
The Hobbit
Since I've began writing there are so many novels I became exposed to, I wish I would have time to re-read some of them (Hunger Games), but my to-read pile is too high.
What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Two Halves?
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!
To learn more about Marta Szemik, visit her Website and follow her on Twitter.
You can purchase Two Halves through Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon!
Excellent interview, ladies. Marta, your cover is so striking! I'm a Hobbit fan too, and Hunger Games is waiting for me on my Kindle.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cate :)
ReplyDeleteSee? Movies can inspire great books! I feel so validated now.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yes, they do inspire :)
ReplyDeleteLove the story of how you started writing. You are a model of persistence.
ReplyDeleteLee
Have you heard about the A to Z Video Challenge?
Blogging from A to Z
This is a really good interview. I can so relate to you in so many ways. I started writing in March 2009 as well, and I'm a huge fan of the Twilight series. It's amazing how something as simple as a book or a person sharing their experience can change yours. Best of success to you on your novel. I'll add it to my list!
ReplyDeleteI love the story of how Two Halves got started. :)
ReplyDeletegreat interview.
Arlee, yes I will try to do the Video Challenge.
ReplyDeleteLaura - thank you. I'm still in awe of how a movie has influenced me.
Lynda - thank you.