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.
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!
Thanks for taking the time to read about Autumn and her experience. I hope you were entertained!
UnraveledAuthor: S.X. BradleyPublisher: Evernight Teen, 2013Genre: YA MysterySixteen 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.
