Guest Post by Author Karen Hooper (Tangled Tides)

1) Did you have any say in that wonderful cover?

Oh my gosh, I had so much say.  I did a whole post about it on the YA Confidential blog that I'm a part of. http://yaconfidential.blogspot.com/2011/11/undercover-wednesday-tangled-tides.html
It shows pics of the process from beginning to end. My cover artist, Melissa Williams was amazing and easy to work with so she gets most of the credit for how wonderful it turned out, but yes, whenever I asked for something, Melissa made it happen.


2) What was the title and plot of the first story you wrote (very first)?

My very first story was called The Kindrily. It's about a group of supernaturally gifted people who perpetually reincarnate. They retain their memories from every lifetime and they're paired up as soul mates so they've been together for centuries. But the MC, Maryah, erased before entering this life. Her brokenhearted soul mate and the rest of the crew are on a mission to make her remember who she was/is. That story WILL make it out into the world someday. I don't care how many times I have to revise it! :)


3) When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Not until my late twenties. I've always loved to write, but I never thought I had the patience and diligence required to write a novel. Then one night a cast of characters barreled into my living room and there was no stopping the story that poured out of them. I've been addicted to writing books ever since.


4) How did you come up with the idea for sea monsters?  Or are they your favorite paranormal creature?

Mermaids are definitely one of my favorite paranormal creatures. My love for them started when I was two years old and collected Sea Wees dolls. I've also had a weird love for Medusa (the gorgon) since I was a little kid. I watched the original Clash of the Titans movies more times than I can count, but I always felt sorry for her at the end when Perseus killed her. I gave her a much better role in TANGLED TIDES. The sirens and selkies were also creatures I've been fascinated with, but I had never read or seen them how I pictured them in my mind, so I brought them to life in my own way through my novel.



5) What was your favorite aspect of Yara's character?

Ah, Yara. I love her to pieces. My favorite part about her is that she isn't afraid to speak her mind, no matter what. She's all, "This is me. Take it or leave it."  I wish I could be more like her.


6) Who was the hardest character to write about?

Hmm, probably Uncle Lloyd. That poor man had been through so much and still continued to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. I had to make him strong but also caring and sensitive toward Yara. Many times it was difficult because as the author, I know so many details about who he is and what he's been through. Caring shouldn't have been his natural reaction to anything, but the fact that he's still such a good guy is what makes him so great.


7) Do you utilize your friends/family/self in your characters?

Absolutely. There is a quote on my blog that says " I am the combined effort of everyone I've ever known." The same goes with all of my characters. Also, people watching is one of my favorite hobbies, so I gather writing material that way too.



8) On a scale of one to ten, how fun was this book to write?

An eleven! My characters are so fascinating (in my humble opinion) and I don't plot or plan anything when I write, so watching their personalities and journeys unfold was so exciting. Plus, I was creating a world full of underwater creatures, beautiful islands, and magic. How could that not be fun?



9) Why did you decide to go into the paranormal genre?

Stories with magical or paranormal elements have always been my favorite. I had to write what I love.


This or That Questions

Chocolate or Vanilla (and there IS a right answer)

BOTH! Mixed! And throw in some cookie dough bites, please. :)



Breakfast or Dinner
Breakfast--even at dinner time.



Ancient Rome or Ancient Greece
Greece all the way!


Saturn or Pluto
Pluto, because it reminds of Mickey Mouse's dog.


Dogs or Cats
Dogs rule! I have two that will agree wholeheartedly with me.


Puzzles or Board Games
Both. I really do love both. You can't make me choose.



Writing on Paper or with a Computer
Depends on my mood and the occasion.



The color Red or Blue
The gorgons in TANGLED TIDES would say both since they have red AND blue blood (good and evil.) I vote to mix the colors together and make purple.