(Late) May Debut Author Interview + Giveaway

Today on the blog I have the honor of hosting the lovely Kathleen Peacock, who's debut novel Hemlock ccame out on May 8th. You can see my review here and now let's get onto the interview.  Kathleen's answers are NOT in bold.

Before we start let me just say, your book was awesome and I can’t wait for book two!

Thank you!

Let’s start with the regular stuff but how about we spice it up? If your book had a biography what would it say?

I came in like an unruly guest, flopped down on the sofa, hid the TV remote, and howled until Kathleen paid attention to me. I also ate the last of her cereal and drank the last of the milk. (I honestly have no idea…)

What about you, if your life was a book what would the back cover say?

Herein you will find the tale of a girl who sat around and wrote some stuff. (I’m spectacularly dull…)

In your series werewolfism is a disease, if you were to contract it how would it have happened?

Probably from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Why werewolves? Some people could say that werewolves are getting a little old (along with vampires) although I think you did a GREAT job. What do you have to say about that? Do you think the werewolf trend it dead?

Thanks! I don’t think vamps and werewolves are dead. Their popularity tends to go through highs and lows. Right now we’re coming off a period of high popularity. It might taper down, but it won’t die out. There is a reason these creatures have been kicking around for centuries.

Your book reminds me of a supernatural murder mystery, do you watch crime shows at all? If you do do you have a favorite?

I don’t actually watch many crime shows—partly because I don’t have cable but mostly because I’m kind of a scaredy cat. Of the shows that are on, I sometimes make an effort to catch Criminal Minds. I really like Penelope, Morgan, and Reed. They’re great characters and the dynamic between Penelope and Morgan is so adorable. I also love Justified.

The ending leaves room for a book two, and I’ve seen that it’s going to be a trilogy. Can you tell us anything about book two? A snippet? A title? A release date?

Nope. Nope. And Nope. To quote River Song in Doctor Who, “Spoilers.”

How about characters? Did you have a favorite one to write? A least favorite one to write?

I love writing Amy. The dream sequences are just a blast to work with. I didn’t like writing Jimmy or Alexis because they’re such horrible people.

There are lots of talk of camps in the book, for there werewolves, do we get to see inside those camps in later books? They also remind me of Nazi containment camps, is that what you modeled them on?

Spoilers… (Highlight to read them)

The initial idea of the camps was loosely inspired by the Canadian and American internment of people of Japanese descent during World War II. It’s a bleak chapter in the history of both countries and shows how dangerous fear and hysteria can be.

Hemlock is the name of the town in the book, and I think it’s almost a character in the book. Can you tell us a little more about Hemlock the town?

Hemlock is (very) loosely based on the Canadian city of Fredericton. Fun facts about the fictional town of Hemlock can be found on my website at http://kathleenpeacock.com/hemlock-trilogy/explore-the-city/

How about the cover? I don't recall reading about a dress in the book, but maybe I just forgot? (It's a beautiful cover though.)

Thanks! I love how eerie and sad the cover is.

I think the dress may be the one Mac wears to a school semi-formal (mentioned in a flashback). Also, the book initially began with Mac getting ready for Amy’s funeral and wearing a too-big dress that she borrowed from her cousin. Though that scene was eventually cut, it’s possible that’s where the idea came from.

In your book Mac is a little oblivious and Amy is more observent. Do you think that opposites attract in real life, for friends and for lovers? I myself love when characters fall in love with their best friends, are you the same way?

I do think opposites attract with both friends and significant others. I tend to be very shy and quiet while most of my friends are confident and outgoing. I think they balance me out and vice versa.

I love the idea of falling in love with your best friend. When I was in the sixth grade, I fell head over heels for my closest male friend but could never quite bring myself to tell him.

You’re part of a group of 2012 YA debuts called The Apocalypsies, what books would you recommend we look out for in the coming year (no, you can’t pick your own)?

I haven’t read it, but I am RIDICULOUSLY curious about Velveteen by Daniel Marks. If I’m allowed to pick an older 2012 debut, Incarnate by Jodi Meadows (it debuted in January and is phenomenal).

And now for the most important question of all, Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Team Peeta. (Sorry Twilight fans: Peeta BAKES.)

I think I might have to switch my vote to be Team Kyle.

Now, I have some Hemlock swag donated by Kathleen and I'm going to give it away to one of you in honor of Kathleen's interview! All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter.  The contest will run for two weeks and the winners will then be notified.  The contest is open internationally, and you can win one of four prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway