Interview: S.X. Bradley - Unraveled

Everyone, please welcome S.X. Bradley, debut YA author of Unraveled.

Hi, Susan! Welcome to Amy’s Book Den and congratulations on your debut! How does it feel to have your first book out in the world?

      It’s a very surreal feeling. As a writer, you dream of sharing your writing with others and you hope they are entertained so when it happens it takes a while to get used to.

I bet! Did you always know that you wanted to be a professional writer?

      I always knew I wanted to write, but it wasn’t until about nine years ago that I started to pursue writing seriously. I had no idea what I was doing, but I joined the organizations: SCBWI and the Writers League of Texas. I also completed my first novel, and sent it out into the world. It didn’t get published, but I learned that I could finish a novel and that was vital for me.

Finishing a novel is a huge step. I think it’s the point where we realize we actually can do this, that we are one inch closer to hopefully becoming like those authors we admire. Who would you say has influenced your writing?

      Edgar Allan Poe and Carolyn Keene really cemented my love for mysteries. Even though Carolyn Keene isn’t an actual person, Nancy Drew was my hero and I knew I wanted to write about strong, smart female protagonists. Nowadays, I’m really inspired by Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter, Jeffrey Deaver, and Tess Gerritsen. They are masters of suspense, and weaving plot with characterization.

I’m embarrassed to say I’ve only read Poe! But I know the Nancy Drew mysteries are very popular. Now, is there anything you must have when you sit down and write? Coffee, Music, Cookies?

      I usually have iced tea and popcorn with me. Depending on the scene, I will play music especially if it’s dramatic or emotional. I have a list of songs I use to invoke a feeling in me so I can translate it to the page.

Music is often key to making me focus on a scene. I can only imagine what kinds of music you used for Unraveled, because that is one thrill after another. Could you tell us, what sparked the idea for Unraveled?

      When I was in high school, there was a rumor that one of my classmate’s sister had been murdered, and that it was still an unsolved case. That story always stayed with me and it bothered me that the killer was never found. It was the inspiration for Unraveled.

That certainly would leave an impression! It’s also a perfect example of how we integrate real life into our stories. So, Unraveled has a lot of cool moments. What is your favorite scene?

     It’s the opening chapter when Autumn finds Celeste. In the first draft, that scene didn’t happen until Chapter 5. The first chapters had Celeste living, so when it came time to write the death scene, I cried while I wrote. I felt like I’d really grown as a writer. I understood how J.K. Rowling felt when she killed off Sirius Black.

That is one powerful scene. I couldn’t read it in one sitting. I had to put the book down, breathe, then come back to it. But I think starting with that scene makes the whole book stronger.

Now the fun part! If you could spend an afternoon with one of your characters, who would it be, and what would you do for fun?

      I’d love to hang out with Eduardo. He’s such a fun, laid back character. He has a strong work ethic and loves his family, but has a great way of adding some much needed humor to some serious situations. I’m sure he’d take me to Taco Bell.

Yes! Tacos with Eduardo. Totally.

Quick. Describe Unraveled in five words or less.

      Suspenseful ride for whodunit lovers.

Couldn't have described it better. Anything else you'd like to say to your fans and future readers? 

      Thanks for taking the time to read about Autumn and her experience. I hope you were entertained! 

Unraveled

Author: S.X. Bradley

Publisher: Evernight Teen, 2013

Genre: YA Mystery

Buy: Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Overview

Sixteen year old math whiz, Autumn, spends her days reading about serial killers and dreaming of becoming an FBI Profiler. She never dreams her first case will be so personal. Her world is shattered when she comes home from school and discovers her murdered sister’s body on the living room floor. When the initial evidence points to a burglary gone wrong, Autumn challenges the police’s theory because of the personal nature of the crime. Thinking that finding the killer will bring her family back together, she conducts her own investigation using her affinity for math and forensics, but her plan backfires and her obsession with the case further splinters her family.

When her investigation reveals the killer is someone she knows, Autumn offers herself up as bait and sets a dangerous trap to unmask his true nature and to obtain a confession for her sister’s murder.