Teen Interviewer Talks to Kitty Keswick

Teen interviewer Anna interviews Leap Books author Kitty Keswick:

When did you know that you wanted to be an author?

I have always written stories. I wrote to escape, to entertain myself, to get the stories that were in my head...out. I write from my dreams and if I don't work on the stories that I'm dreaming about ("they" can be very persistent), I don't sleep until I do. I started out as a journalism major because I enjoyed writing. I didn't care that much for non-fiction and switched my major. The idea of being a novelist was always in the back of my head. I had been writing full-length stories since high school. It was until 2004 that I started to do something about it and joined RWA (Romance Writers of America). There I learned more about the craft and started attending conferences and sending out queries.

Have you always specifically liked supernatural stories?

Yes and no. My stories have supernatural elements, but they are more character driven and based in folklore and mythology.

Do you consider romance a necessary component in all your stories?

Yep. I am and always will be a romantic sap. It's a blessing and a curse. Love can be wickedly cruel and totally earthmoving amazing. There's always something to write about when love is involved, good or bad. Love changes you, it shapes you. Whether it's for better or worse is up to you.

What is your favorite genre of stories to read?

Right now, it's mysteries and sci-fi. It changes. I am re-reading One for the Money and Game of Thrones.

Why did you choose to write young adult books instead of adult books or children's books?

I wrote general romance first. Several novels and got close. I had many editors tell me they liked my character building and worlds and snarky humor, but felt my voice was a little young for general romance. I took their advice and went back to my roots, YA. I started writing, really writing as a teen. I used the basic elements of those stories to formulate my YA novels. I keep a dream journal and often get my ideas from my dreams. Freaksville started out as a strange conversation between two best friends.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Study your craft, never stop learning. Read. And never give up.

More about author Kitty Keswick:

 Kitty Keswick has been an Anglophile since age four when she saw Robin Hood and fell head over heels in love. As she grew up on her grandfather’s California vineyard, Kitty’s imagination was her best friend. At a very tender age, she started writing her stories and reading them to the grapes.

Kitty now lives with a bossy tabby cat and maybe even a few ghosts. She spends her days with Werewolves, Valkyries, Vamps and other creatures that go bump in the night.


Her books:

Having a family whose skeletons in the closet lean toward the paranormal is not a topper on anyone’s list. Sophomore Kasey Maxwell is busy juggling the typical teen angst. Add visions, ghosts, and hairy four-legged monsters into the mix and you get FREAKSVILLE. It’s a wonder Kasey has survived.

Sixteen-year-old Kasey Maxwell left Freaksville behind when her family moved from California to rural Pennsylvania. But she didn't leave her troubles behind. As her Valkyrie side grows, the spirits become more haunting. When her visions turn bloody, Kasey must trust new support systems—paranormal ones.

Get entombed in stories of Egyptian treasures, shudder at tales of malevolent spirits, and become enthralled with the adventures of witch-hunters, ghost seekers, and lost souls. From steampunk to cyberpunk, our collection spans past, present, and future hauntings. One story actually leaps off the page with 3D augmented reality. Go ahead. Turn the page if you dare. We won't tell if you sleep with the light on. Because after all, there's no rest for the wicked.

Freaksville Book Trailer




Spirited Book Trailer

Author Kitty Keswick appearing October 1, 2011

Living the Dream: New Indie Bookstore

For our first installment of Leap Book authors reaching their dreams, we're featuring Kitty Keswick, writer of the Freaksville series. Kitty is not only a storyteller, she's also a booklover. In addition to her large personal book collection, she considered it a privilege to work in a bookstore. Now she's on the verge of realizing a lifelong dream: opening an Indie bookstore.

Leap is thrilled that she's taken this step during times when so many bookstores are shutting their doors. Instead, Kitty is infusing new life into downtown Logansport, Indiana, with her Some Kind of Wonderful bookstore. The store, which will also have a coffee shop, is slated to open on Main Street in the Greensfelder Building. This historic edifice has been renovated on the exterior; now work will be done on the interior to turn it into a haven for booklovers.

Greensfelder Building on Main St.

Kitty is the author of Freaksville and the forthcoming Furry and Freaked. For Indiana residents who would like to meet her in person, Kitty will be appearing at the library on October 1, 2011.

Canadian Book Week

To celebrate Canadian book week, we're featuring our Canadian authors and illustrators.

TAKE 2--

Next up is our award-winning, Canadian graphic artist, Val Cox...

Val is responsible for the cool and edgy designs in two of our paranormal books, Freaksville and Under My Skin. Watch for more of Val's work in upcoming books.

Here are a few of Val's designs:

Success for Freaksville

Leap Books is proud to announce that author Kitty Keswick's young adult novel Freaksville has been named by P & E as a 2010 Top Ten Novel for YAs. Teens enjoy the humor and the light paranormal mystery. Here's what one teen reader had to say on Bearamy's Book Club, where Keswick's book was spotlighted for January, "Kitty Keswick is a great writer over all!!"

In addition to kudos for her books, Kitty was chosen as the featured author for the Children's Book Council's January/February column in the American Library Association's publication, Knowledge Quest, a magazine for school librarians. Kitty's article, "D is for Dragons," tells the poignant story of the struggles she overcame to become a novelist.

What's next for this award-winning author? She's hard at work on book two in the Freaksville series. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Furry and Freaked. See the great cover design below. Looks fabulous, doesn't it?

If you haven't read Freaksville, check out the story of four teens trapped in a haunted theater on the night of the full moon. Battling hungry werewolves and angry ghosts, sixteen-year-old Kasey and her friends uncover buried secrets to solve a decades-old mystery.

Whereas Freaksville is told with a lighter touch, readers who prefer their paranormals a bit darker will gravitate to Furry and Freaked, where Kasey's in for some hair-raising challenges.

Both books feature art by the award-winning Canadian graphic artist, Val Cox.

A Book and a Chat with Kitty Keswick

Author Kitty Keswick was featured on Barry Eva's show, A Book and a Chat. Here's the intro:

"Today was one of those shows that I have been looking forward to, partly because in this case I have actually met the author, secondly that I know she loves the English accent *grin*, finally that her book is one a lot of people have read and enjoyed.

A Book and a Chat with my guest Kitty Keswick lived up to all my expectations, as we chatted about her and her 'romance with a bite' debut YA book."

Click below to hear the interview:

A Book and a Chat with Kitty Keswick

Meet Kitty Keswick at Borders in Turlock, CA, Today

Don't forget to stop by Borders in Turlock, CA, between 2-4 pm to hear Kitty Keswick read from her novel, Freaksville. Books will be available for purchase and autographing.

In addition to hearing Freaksville excerpts, you'll get a chance to see the exciting illustrations by Canadian graphic artist, Val Cox.


This is Kasey Maxwell, the heroine of Freaksville. ------->

Interview with Kitty Keswick

Author Kitty Keswick is gearing up for a booksigning in her hometown of Turlock, CA, on Sunday, June 20 from 2-4 pm at the local Borders. Kitty mentioned that the high school in Freaksville is based on Turlock High School, where she went to school. We asked her to tell us a bit more about those high school years.

If you could go back and change one thing about your high school years, what would it be?

Nothing, I loved my high school years.
What was your most embarrassing moment? (If you aren't too embarrassed to tell it)

I competed in Speech and Debates tournaments. (I lettered my sophomore year.) One competition (on a Saturday), I was crossing the street. I had on new flats and I slipped and fell on my butt in front of some of the people that were later on a judging panel. I can’t remember if I won that debate or not, just that I fell in front of a lot of people. I’m a bit of a klutz, so this was one of many mishaps and the least embarrassing one to share.

What is your favorite memory of high school?

Too many… to list or chose. I’d say the overnight stays with the debate team. We traveled all over California. The rest is classified, so, er, my lips are sealed….yeppers, sealed.

Have you been back to Turlock High? If so, what's different? If not, do you plan to go?

Funny, I never planned on returning to Turlock. I left for college when I was seventeen and never really looked back. But Fate has a funny sense of humor (you’ll meet her in Furry), and she likes to throw wrenches in all your well-laid plans. I’m back in Turlock, not by choice. It isn’t the small farm town I remember. It’s grown, and now I get lost frequently trying to find my way around. I’m not sure if this is where I’m landing. It might be a small trip in my life’s journey. You never know where the path will take you. Sometimes it comes full circle, perhaps so you can learn something you missed? I have no clue.

Are any teachers still at Turlock High who taught you?

I have three favorite teachers who really made a lasting impression on me. Interestingly enough, they were all English teachers. Mr. Jack, my English teacher and debate coach, still teaches, but he’s at the new high school. My other favorite English teacher, Mrs. Boyle, retired. I did email her to tell her I finally sold one of my stories. And my favorite teacher who pushed me very hard, Mrs. Dillman, passed on a few years ago. I will miss her candy bars and sense of humor. We’d come into the classroom, and there would be candy bars on our desk. She’d tell us that we could touch them, but would have to describe them in a short essay. After the essay we got too munch on our treats.

Besides writing essays, do you have any writing-related memories of high school?

I used to write stories about werewolves in spiral notebooks…nothing has changed.

We know you still write in spiral notebooks, and you still write about werewolves, but you’ve added ghosts and Valkries and other beasties of the night. One other thing has changed, though. Now your tales are being published. Why did you choose to write paranormal both then and now?

I think it chose me.

When you were in high school, what did you dream of becoming? Have you reached your dreams or are you working toward them?

I always wanted to be a writer. I started out as a Journalism major, but with my dyslexia, I struggled a lot. I switched my major to Interior Design. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my passion, writing is. It is who I am, and my struggles just make the reward so much sweeter. I want to continue writing, because I have so many stories rattling around in my head.

Author Kitty Keswick booksigning in Turlock, CA

Author Kitty Keswick grew up in Turlock, CA, and now she's back in her hometown for a booksigning. Join her at the Borders in Turlock on June 20. Here's the info:

Stay tuned for more info about Kitty and her debut novel, Freaksville, the rest of this week.

Your Last Chance

Today's your last chance to attend a Children's Book Week event. This week, which runs from May 10-16, is coming to end. But don't despair, you can enjoy an exciting program today at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC.

In addition to 6 other fabulous authors from a variety of publishing houses, you can meet Leap Books author Bonnie J. Doerr in person from 1-3 pm today. Pick up an autographed copy of her book Island Sting. And you'll also get to hear readings from Freaksville by Kitty Keswick and Under My Skin by Judith Graves. And get to see the great graphics by Val Cox. If you haven't already snagged a copy, all the books will be for sale at the event. Or get one from our Leap Books store for 30% off from now until May 31, 2010.

Wow, Check Out Voracious Readers' Window!

If you're heading to NY for BEA (that's BookExpo America, for those of you who aren't familiar with this huge gathering of the book world), take a gander at this window. Pictures of all the Class of 2k10 authors and their books are on display. How cool is that?

And best of all, you'll see 3 Leap Books titles in that window. Isn't that fab?? Freaksville by Kitty Keswick, Island Sting by Bonnie J. Doerr, and our newly arrived Under My Skin by Judith Graves. You can meet all three authors in person at BEA or at the Voracious Reader (details below). And be sure to get an autographed copy of all the hottest debut books of 2010.

Thanks for the great publicity, Voracious Reader! And we hope you have a whole host of hungry readers mobbing your store for this event on May 26.

Only Two Days to Win...

Kitty Keswick, author of Freaksville, is giving away some T-shirts. All you have to do is comment on her blog, the Wolfy Chicks, for a chance to win.

Some T-shirts are plain. Others are artistically decorated by Kitty herself. Check the blog for the cool designs.

Are YOU ready to leap?

A Stellar Review

Thanks to The Book Butterfly for a great review of Freaksville, Kitty Keswick's novel. Here's a short excerpt from her review:

"FREAKSVILLE is a unique novel, both in the storyline, well defined characters, artful little illustrations and blog format....the posts themselves were so well written and entertaining, I enjoyed reading them and quickly became engrossed in the plot line.


The tension between Kasey’s family and the Johnstone clan added some depth to the plot line and I look forward to this aspect being explored in FURRY & FREAKED, the fabulously named sequel to FREAKSVILLE."

Other bloggers also were intrigued by the Maxwell-Johnstone feud, which will play an even greater part in later books. In Bed with Books mentioned it:

"FREAKSVILLE was fun, and not just because of the cute illustrations. Kasey has a strong voice, and I liked her habit of making lists. I liked her relationship with Gillie. The two girls supported each other without getting jealous of the other's relationship. I liked the background feud between the Maxwell and Johnstone families - I can't wait to see that expanded as Kasey and Josh further their relationship."

Curious about the Johnstone-Maxwell clan wars? Although Freaksville is fiction, Kitty Keswick researched a centuries-old feud between the Maxwells and the Johnstones to gather background information for her novel. She even traveled to England and visited the site along the Scottish border that was the setting for clash between the clans. Here's a photo of the remains of Lochwood Castle, destroyed by a fire set by the Maxwells in the sixteenth century.

Want to find out more? Feel free to ask Kitty a question about her research. And be sure to stop by the Wolfy Chicks blog for some special giveaways.

Sassy Voice

Thanks to Teens Read and Write for a great review of Freaksville. Here are a few of the many glowing comments:

If you like a sharp, snappy female protagonist embroiled in danger, mystery and action, Freaksville is for you.

The strongest thing about the story is Kasey's sassy voice. And talk about energy. This girl has got plenty and it leaps from the pages with a manic pace....

Kasey is a screech. Her sarcastic wit had me laughing often, and she is full of spunk and determination. She and her best friend Gillie have a wonderful relationship, open, honest and loyal. Having boys enter the picture didn't interfere with their love for each other....

It's a good, lighthearted read with funky characters, a hefty dose of paranormal and layers of mystery weaving throughout. I'd recommend it, especially for younger teens and anyone who loves all things British. 

 
 Of course, we here at Leap Books love Kasey, too, and think she's fab. And the art by Canadian graphic designer, Val Cox, just adds to the fun.

Pick up a copy now and enjoy a 30% discount during our Leap Books Spring Special** anytime between 3-20-10 and 5-1-10. Just type in the special code: SPR30 when you check out!

Here's the link for Freaksville, but you can order our other titles, too, including the soon-to-be-released Under My Skin by Judith Graves. If you love all things paranormal, these are not to be missed.

**NOTE: Coupon not valid with any other discounts, including booksellers discounts.

Team Freaksville vs. Team Redgrave: The Interviews

 This is Kasey Maxwell from Freaksville (left) blogging with Eryn McCain from Redgrave, Alberta (below).

K:   So hiya, Eryn, word has it you have a little vampire problem up in the vast North, eh?” [Note I added a little Canadian flavour. I really dig accents. British is my fav, but Canada is a colony of England, isn’t it…] Oops, sorry, back to the question at hand—VAMPS.

E:  Yeah, we have some nasty bloodsuckers in Redgrave, but currently me and my hunter crew—well, it's Alec's crew really (that's part of the guy problem I was telling you about)—are fighting off a pack of werewolves. I hear you have some wolfy issues yourself…as in potential love interest avec fur. I sure hope you’re not allergic, like some people I know…

K:   So what does a hunter do exactly? Do you get to wear cool boots? I love boots, I think every girl, whether she’s kicking butt or not, should have a pair of cool boots.

E:  Um...boots. Yeah, I have some s#^*kickers, but I still cling to my Vancouver-purchased Mary Janes. I'm completely against snow. (Although, I really don't get why there's zero white-stuff action for the Olympics...British Columbia usually has the best ski conditions—if you're into that sort of thing.) Anyway, Redgrave's been quite the shock to my system, in more ways than one.

K:   Err, Canada grows their guys on the hot side… *fans self* I want to know who do you really want Wade or Alec? Come on we’re friends here.

 E:  Yeah, they're mildly attractive (understatement of incredible magnitude). But there's the whole, one guy might kill me, I might kill the other guy thing. Sounds like I'm taking it lightly, right? Believe me...I'm not. I'm just the laugh-at-a-funeral type, you know?

K:   I recently discovered that I’m a paranorm and, well, after that Freakfest, I’m learning to deal with my gifts. What’s been challenging to you?

E:  I've always known what I am, part human/part shapeshifter. But I've never had the chance to explore my paranorm side. You're hearing me, yes? At least your father never plied you with drugs to keep your "talents" at bay....screwing with your paranorm metabolism....turning you into something unknown and dangerous. And I'm supposed to care about passing my physics exam? Good lord.

K:  I heard you actually had a run in with a werewolf...seems he had a little pet shopping on his mind. Poor Thumper, it’s bad enough people wear  cute bunnies as fashion statement—note, I wear faux fur, not Thumpers---but now they have to worry about being werewolf chow, too?  So not fair! Anyway, what were you really thinking when you slipped and fell in the bunny blood? BTW, were those jeans thrashed? I hope they weren’t cute, because bloodstains are tough to get out of denim.

 E:  Kasey, Kasey, Kasey. *shakes head sadly* You'd have a tough time in my world. Why do you think I keep my hair up in these functional (yet funky and cute!) ponytails? I get messy. Hunting is a gory job. Sometimes I shower three times a day. I'm not kidding. Yeah, that werewolf was in a for a little dine-and-dash at the pet shop. But I handled the situation….with some help from an unlikely source.

Hear Kitty Keswick on Blog Talk Radio

Have questions you'd like to ask Kitty? Here's your chance. She'll be appearing on Book Bites for Kids tomorrow, February 11, 2010. If you wonder what inspired her to write Freaksville, or want to hear about her future plans for the series, tune in to Blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids at 2pmCST.

And the following Thursday, February 18, also at 2 pm CST, Bonnie J. Doerr will be a guest on the same show.

If you miss the show, you can check out the archives and listen in later.

And the winner is...

BELETH! Beleth has won a copy of Freaksville by Kitty Keswick. Congratulations! Contact us at contests@leapbks.com to let us know where to send your book.

Who Says Werewolves Can't Be Fun?? And Sexy...

Love paranormal, but don't want a dark, depressing tale? Author Kitty Keswick has laced her edgy, mysterious tale of ghosts, Valkyries, and Lycans with plenty of humor.

Sixteen-year-old Kasey may appear to be a typical teen, but with both of her parents hiding their own paranormal secrets, Kasey has more than her share of problems. She thinks life can't get any worse, but when British hottie Josh Johnstone arrives on the scene and she falls for him, she discovers her troubles have only begun.

After she and her friends get trapped in a haunted theater on the night of the full moon, Kasey discovers that ghosts are the least of her worries. Dark secrets, vengeful spirits, and hungry werewolves leave her battling for her life.

Love werewolves?  Pick up a copy of Freaksville today. Or enter for your chance to win an autographed copy. Leave a comment for Kitty about why you think werewolves are FUN &/or SEXY either here or at author Joy Preble's blog at http://joysnovelidea.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-kitty-keswick-and-freaksville.html. Or better yet at both places for 2 chances to win.

Ever Been Snogged??

First kisses are magical, aren't they? Or maybe not...

If you're with the person of your dreams and you're prepared for that special moment, that first kiss can be heaven. But what if you're Kasey Maxwell--the heroine of Freaksville by Kitty Keswick--and you're taken totally by surprise?

Here's a sneak peek at Kasey and Josh’s first kiss in Freaksville:

“Have you ever been snogged?” Josh asked.

“What? Ohmigosh no! It sounds awful!”

“Really? I should like to prove you wrong.” His voice dropped an octave lower.

He placed his hands at my waist and tugged me closer. I stumbled slightly, then steadied myself on the solidness of his chest. His lips brushed mine. The sensation of a million little fingers tickled my entire body. At first, I didn’t know what to do. I followed his lead and relaxed as much as I could. I squeezed my eyes shut and immersed all thoughts in the task. My brain liquefied into slush.

It was finally happening, the moment I had waited for! Cue the choir and the bright lights! 

His skilled tongue darted out and licked my lips, urging them open. Josh smiled against my mouth. Suddenly, something slick flicked against my teeth.

Whoa! I sooo didn’t see it coming. Otherwise, I would have eaten a case of Tic-Tacs.

The kiss deepened and so did his tongue’s advances. Shocked by the tongue tango, a murmur escaped me as I concentrated on not biting off such a nimble instrument.   Relax, breathe, breathe.

Josh's hands traveled up my side, creating more chills, and found my face. His mouth continued to work mine as his fingers rubbed tiny circles on my cheeks. He was skilled in the art of snogging. If his kisses got any hotter, my fillings would melt.

Gad! Did I remember to floss? Flossing was important. What if I had a chunk of something gooey between my teeth and it fell off? Ack ! I can’t think about…whoa!

Want to read more? Get your copy of the book NOW at our online store. And don't forget to take advantage of our BLUE MOON special.

And for even more fun, share the story of your first kiss. Was it good, bad, or so-so?  Author Kitty Keswick will be sending an autographed copy of Freaksville to one lucky commenter this week. So respond to any of our posts about Kitty throughout the rest of the week and you might be our lucky winner.

And the Winners Are...

We waited until 1:11 on 1/1/2010 to post our first list of winners on our first day of business, which is the first day of the New Year. We have lots more FIRSTS coming up.

First of all, a great BIG thank you to everyone who entered our contest. We loved seeing our badges popping up on the best blogs on the Internet. You're ALL #1 in our book.

And now, drumroll please...

LEAP BOOKS LAUNCH PARTY WINNERS LIST

Island Sting ARC

Lilibeth Ramos

Karin Perry

Mrs. Foltz

Reggie Cruz

Kristen Nielson

Sara Grochowski

Jamie Blair

Freaksville ARC

Taschima Cullen

Eleni Xekardakis

Elie Nicewonger

April Conant

Pirate Penguin Reads

The Book Vixen

Angela Leonard

Leap T-shirts

Kathleen Kelly

Michaela Lieb

Rachel Rivera

Jazz Sexton

Katie Dahlberg

Bri Meets Books

Falling Off the Shelf

Book Whisperer

Sarbear

Danielle Look

Amy Jacobs

Froggy

Mel (He Followed Me Home)

Erica (Book Cellar)

Lori Hedgpath

The Book Lush

Monster of Books

Jennifer Savage

Minerva Vasquez

Debra Dennis

Milka Väinämö

Ramblings of a Bibliophile

Anne Verga

Kasey Maxwell Charm Bracelet

Riley Heruska

Eryn McCain Necklace

Cindy Bacon

Please contact us at contests@leapbks.com by January 14, 2010 to make arrangements to get your prize.

EVERYONE'S A WINNER

Don't see your name on this list? Don’t despair. If you post any of our badges from now until January 31, contact us for a discount coupon for any Leap Books purchase plus a Leap button/magnet to the first 200 entrants. One coupon per customer.

And we have still more swag headed your way. We will be awarding ARCs for Under My Skin and author Bonnie J. Doerr will be giving away Island-themed jewelry and some copies of Island Sting to celebrate her book debut this week. And stay tuned for author Kitty Keswick's Freaksville giveaways next weekend. To participate in these giveaways, watch for the first Leap badge of the new year. Post that or any other Leap badges, then send us an email at contests@leapbks.com. 

Guess what? We're still not done giving stuff away. Watch for our Blue Moon Special--an added discount for Leap fans who pre-order any of our debut books. And bloggers who host our authors on the Traveling 2 Teens tour will receive ARCs while the supplies last. Contact Public Relations Assistant, Cathleen Cartwright, at marketing@leapbks.com to set up an interview with your favorite author.



HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM LEAP BOOKS!!