Welcome back!! We’ve been busy busy busy finishing up our WIP (squeeeee!), and have lots of exciting stuff coming up. We’ve both read some amazing books and have recs on the way, as well as a new Swoony Boy Alert. And have you all read the exclusive Insurgent excerpt (sequel to Divergent)??
Today we’re thrilled to have agent-mate and all around adorable gal, Myra McEntire, author of HOURGLASS and the upcoming TIMEPIECE, here at SWOONTINI!
Lo & C say: HAY GIRL HAAAAAY! *high fives*
MM: *booty dance* HAAAAAAY GIRL! *looks around for Gosling* *is disappointed*
Lo says: Oops. Sorry about that. He was just here, I swear! So, I love how you’re still speaking to me even though 0.25 nanoseconds after meeting you I basically started emailing you pictures of my Dream Kalebs. Some of them shirtless. Thanks for not blocking my gmail account. [Um… Christina is totally wondering why she hasn’t seen these. *looks at you both* *cries a little*]
MM: Well, my sweet Lo, as Anne Shirley taught us, one recognizes kindred spirits rather quickly. *SMOOSHES YOU*. Christina, I have done you wrong. (Shut up, I’m southern.) I shall rectify immediately. *ALSO SMOOSHES YOU* *waits for email*
Lo & C: After some really TEDIOUS and GRUELING research, we found a picture. Here’s how we sort of see Kaleb…high fives or facepalm?
MM: *RIGHT CLICK SAVE * THAT IS … THAT IS … I DON’T EVEN. *STAAAAAAAAAAAAARES* *digs around in purse for inhaler* *doesn’t use an inhaler* *steals husbands* *prints out picture*
Yeaaaaah. That’s pretty close. Ahem.
Lo & C: How did Hourglass unfold for you? Were you like, *type type type* OH MICHAEL YOU ARE LE SWOONY and then BAM Kaleb Ballard entered the picture with his piercings and tatts and all hell broke loose? Or was Kaleb there from the start? (TWSS)
MM: Kindred spirits and That’s What She Said jokes. My heart, it is full.
- Actually, Michael was in two other stories I tried to write. In both, he showed up as sort of a mentor for my main character and her love interest. So I started paying attention to him because I knew he had a place. When I started writing Em, I realized that he was the exact sort of solid influence she needed. I didn’t know they were going to fall for each other until I wrote the scene where they met. And then I was all ….. HOWDY PARDNER.
- Kaleb. Oh, Kaleb. He was supposed to be about fifteen, blond, and sort of wimpy. The scene where Em overhears Kaleb and Michael talking was written with that Kaleb in mind. (Obvs, I had to go back and change it.) But when I wrote the scene when Em sees him on the couch … all hell broke loose.
Lo & C: Indeed. Kaleb, he is the Hell Breaker Looser. IYKWIM. *cough* You’re such an enthusiastic cheerleader for fellow authors, and are so sweet to your readers. What is some of the best advice you’ve received since you started writing? Since you’ve been published? *takes notes*
MM: You are so sweet to say that, and I hope I am. There were a lot of people who encouraged me when I started writing, mostly online, because those are the people who know what you’re talking about. Friends IRL try, but they don’t get it (and they probably don’t want to). As far as readers, I am still sort of in shock that I actually have those? And it makes me giddy? So. I always, always try to answer at replies on Twitter, and emails. Deadlines don’t always allow for that, not because it takes so much time, but because when I’m drafting hard, Twitter is noise in my headspace. It’s distracting, and I’ve just learned I can’t do it at ALL. (Sounds like an addiction. Shut up.)
The best advice? Be nice.
My advice? 1. Don’t engage The Crazy. 2. Don’t BE The Crazy.
Lo & C: SO MUCH AGREEMENT HERE. You are so hilarious on twitter and your stories about Small Son crack us up. Where did he get his strong personality? From you or Mr. Myra?
MM: Mr. Myra is a professional businessman who’s very interested in matching his ties to his shirts. He says words like “loss ratio” and “going forward” and “out of pocket.” But I know the REAL Mr. Myra. The one who likes to run into my office and moon me when I’m on deadline, and who brings me cupcakes, and who makes sure the children eat if I’m working.
My oldest son is quiet, and thinks his brother is the worst thing we ever did to him. We buy him stuff out of guilt. He’s kind, and funny, and thoughtful, and he’s approaching puberty. So … that should be awesome.
My youngest son. Is a spider monkey. On crank. He makes me laugh, he makes me cry, he makes me clean up art projects on the coffee table that include whole bottles of Elmer’s glue and ten tubes of glitter. (We had to throw that coffee table away.)
What was the question?
Lo & C: Haha, never mind, I am pretty sure you answered it perfectly. Tell us a little about teenage Myra. What current books would she be devouring? What boys would make her swoon and what girls would have her cheering?
MM: Teenage Myra loved to dance (surprise) and read and take naps. I can’t even imagine what life would’ve been like if I’d had the rich and spectacular choices of YA the kids do today. *takes out dentures* *soaks*
The Bad Boy with the Good Heart has been my downfall from way back, so Jacob. Jace. Gale. Damon. Dean. Or Sam. Or Dean. (Somehow I’ve wandered into television, so let me just throw in Luke Duke.)
I would’ve cheered Em. I would’ve wanted a Lily. (I want one now.) I would’ve aspired to Katniss, but she would’ve scared the shizzle out of me.
Lo & C: What upcoming 2012 release are you MOST excited for? (other than Timepiece in June! *dancing cats*)
MM: I must give props to my crit partner (and friend of six years), CJ Redwine. I wish I could tell you how many times I called her and either made screeching noises or blubbered into the phone while I read DEFIANCE (August, Balzer + Bray). Y’all are in for a TREAT.
[Lo says: OMG I JUST STARTED THIS. Honestly, I curse the fact that I have to work for a living and feed my children right now. It is so engrossing. I am so excited for the world to get its hands on this book.]
Lo & C: ACK! You’re running late! Choose one: ___No pants ___Bed head
MM: It would have to be Bed head. Pants aren’t a valid choice, because I never wear them.
Lo: HIGH FIVES on that answer. I know PQ would be pantless too, but that’s because she’d never leave the house without prom hair. C: sigh. It’s true
Lo says: You know who I love? Feisty Emerson. She is one badass chick. Her voice is so strong – was it initially hard to leave that and take on Kaleb POV? (WOOF, btw *fans self*)
MM: Here’s the thing about Kaleb.
I started writing HOURGLASS in the spring of 2008. Once I figured out who Kaleb was (not fifteen and wimpy) he started talking. And talking. Sometimes he was louder than Emerson, and he tried REALLY HARD to convince me that he was the man for Em. But, like a good writer mama, I told him I knew what was best for him and that he needed to be patient.
You’ve read TIMEPIECE. You think he’s glad he listened? 🙂
Lo: OH, hell yes. *vowel sounds*
Lo & C: Do you read reviews of your books?
MM: Nope. Sometimes Mr. Myra or a friend will point out a particularly lovely one, and I’ll read it. There’s a lot of complex reasoning behind this, so short answer, nope.
Quickfires:
Best writing snack: TWIZZLERS. Slightly stale.
Favorite TV show: AUGH. Too hard to choose! Vampire Diaries. [Lo & C: You and Holly are in so much trouble for introducing us to The Vampire Diaries. It’s like *gasp* *NO HE DIDN’T* *pearl clutch* *dies*]
You’re currently reading: Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson, Song of the Red Cloak by Chantel Acevedo
Person who makes you laugh out loud a LOT: CJ Redwine. Holly Root. That’s two. Sue me. [And, then Myra had to add Rachel Hawkins, too, who MM says she didn’t include because with Rachel she never STOPS laughing. LOVE IT.]
Buttered popcorn jelly bellys, yes or no: NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. [Lo cries] [C nods. WORD, MYRA. SO MUCH WORD]
Lo & C: Thanks for coming by and playing with us. We love you like WOAH, but you already knew that! Can’t wait to have you back in June to celebrate the release of Timepiece!
MM: I am so, so, so happy that y’all are Team Root. I just adore you both, and I meant what I said about kindred spirits.
Lo & C: Isn’t she adorable??? And we want you to share in the Hourglass love so we’re giving away a copy & will preorder Timepiece for you, too! Leave us a comment, share a pic of your ideal Kaleb, or just say howdy. We’ll announce the winner Friday morning on twitter.
Next week’s interview: The Amazing Nathan Bransford. He is fun and adorable and this is not one to miss.
Amy says
LOVE this interview!!! All three of you make me smile 🙂
Can’t wait for Timepiece and KALEB ♥
Jennifer C says
Well howdy ladies, 😉
I have yet to read Hourglass but this post certainly made me laugh and excited for the book.
Have a lovely day, ladies!
Xoxo, Jenn
Beth says
*waves furiously*
Y’all are all ridiculously adorable. (And yes, I essentially just used y’all all – #southern). When I first picked up Hourglass I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to read it, despite the awesome summary and kickass cover art. My five year old’s name is Emerson, and I was oh-so-conflicted about wanting fictional Emerson to get it on with Michael (and Kaleb). But I’m glad I let the potential for mamabearickies slide.
Your boys sound EXACTLY like my girls. The oldest is kind, sensitive, contemplative, lots of -tives, and my youngest (my Em) is ZOMG SO FUNNY AND RIDICULOUS AND DESTRUCTIVE AND WHERE IS MY LIFE.
But all that to say, I cannot WAIT for more Kaleb! (and curse you all for getting me hooked on TVD).
Amy @ Amy's Book Den says
Thank you for making me smile so early in the morning 🙂 All interviews should be this fun! lol All I have to say is…MOAR KALEB ♥
JP @ Elle Lit says
Such a funny interview! I enjoyed it so much 🙂
Thanks for hosting the awesome giveaway! I cannot WAIT to read Timepiece!
SupaGurl says
*rolls around on the floor for 5 mins* Ok Ok… I cannot tell you all how much I adore Myra! She is the bomb diggity! Thank you all for the awesomness of an interview 😉
and umm yeah… my Kaleb he’s right up there!!!
SupaGurl
Tiffany Mahaffy (@Tiff_Mahaffy) says
UM….VD little flash you have going there… AMAZING! Loved the interview sounded like you guys had too much fun while doing it lol Personally I love your posted pick!!
Lo says
You make US smile! And yes, Timepiece is OH SO GOOD. I can’t wait to see the reactions when it’s released!
Lo says
Thanks honey! Fingers crossed for you – Myra’s writing style is fun and fast-paced, and her characters are fantastic. Thanks for stopping by!
Lo says
Beth, I did not think it was possible for me to love you more. AND YET. Thanks for stopping by and OMG RIIIIIGHT? <--about TVD. I can't wait to meet your girls in person sometime. And you, OF COURSE. KISS.
Lo says
I AGREE. MOAR. And thanks for stopping by! Myra is so fun, I laughed so hard when I read her answers, and everything she does just makes me love her more.
Lo says
I can’t wait for you to read TIMEPIECE! It is soooooo good. Times infinity. Thanks for stopping by!
Lo says
Christina found that gif and I texted her and all I said was: OMG THAT GIF. And she texted back: YESSSSS. So, maybe this particular post is rated PG-13 but, damn, we’ll own it.
Dani Nguyen says
That picture! That GIF! Ahhhh! You guys are killing me.
Really funny interview. Thanks for the chance to win! Can’t wait to read Timepiece.
@Dani_Nguyen
Leiah (Lackadazy) says
The funny thing about this interview is that I know you guys talk like this in real life. The best thing though is that Timepiece does not suffer from “Sucky Second Book Syndrome,” in fact, it’s better than Hourglass. Holy plot! I finished wanting the next book immediately because OMG, WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?!!??!
Having the book from Kaleb’s POV was a brazilliant idea and he reads like a real-life boy! He gets horny, he’s gets mopey, he broods! GOOD GOD, he’s just delightful. I loved watching his interactions with [redacted] as he figured out he was feeling ALL OF THE FEELINGS! The scene in the cab of the truck…*angles sing* All I can say is “more of that, please!”
Thanks, girls, for having such a great interview, and thanks, Myra, for writing awesome books and OMG DAMON’S EYES KILL ME AND HE NEVER NEEDS TO WEAR A SHIRT!
amber says
Seriously, you guys have me loling at the park looking all kinds of crazy to the other moms. Loved the interview, her books are now on my TBR list, Kaleb sounds so delicious.
And congrats on getting close to done on your WIP, that’s amazing ladies.
Carina Olsen says
Great interview! 😀 I must admit though, I do not like Kaleb much.. so beyond depressed about Timepiece 🙁 Love Michael so so so so so much though. <3 😉 And I loved Hourglass so much! 😀 Thank you for this amazing giveaway 🙂
Love, Carina
Denise says
I stumbled upon this little gem of an interview because Myra tweeted it… and I’m glad I had a few minutes to spare at work to read it! It made me giggle… and love TVD even more (as if THAT was possible). Thus, I have bookmarked your site 😀 & I’m off to view those swoony recs…
Lo says
Isn’t he tho?? And yes, Myra is beYOND awesome. I kind of want to stalk her, but the middle of the US between us keeps me from doing that very well. Thanks for stopping by!
Lo says
I KNOW! That gif. Dayum.
Lo says
Leiah I love that we’re watching TVD at the same time! IT’S LIKE WE ARE TOGETHER. Like we will be at SDCC. WOOT WOOT.
Lo says
Kaleb is insanely delicious. It’s almost unfair. Like, in Hourglass, you ROOT for Michael because he is WONDERFUL, but you also kind of wish Emerson just had a drunken night with Kaleb. I AM JUST SAYIN. Michael would understand.
And then you’ll read Timepiece and realize Kaleb is just fiiiiine.
Lo says
I think you’re likely to find yourself in the minority, hon. I’ve read Timepiece and it’s truly stellar. Myra has outdone herself; Kaleb’s voice is PERFECTION! One of the beautiful things about writing is the moment when you learn to write for yourself and your characters. It doesn’t please everyone all the time, but it’s Myra’s story to tell. Thanks for stopping by!
Lo says
YAY! Come join the slumber party!!
C.J. Redwine says
No need to enter me in the giveaway since I already have TIMEPIECE and … three copies of HOURGLASS.
When I fangirl, I fangirl HARD.
On that note, I must say the following in regards to Kaleb. I’ve known that boy for years now. And loved him like WHOA the entire time. You can fight me for him, Lo, but I will come at you like a ninja on Red Bull.
Find a gif for THAT. *dares you and sits back to wait for the results*
=D
Christina says
This was so much fun!!! Huge hugs to everyone for stopping by. xoxo
Thiscitygirl says
I must pick up hourglass!!! This was such a fun, want to put all three of you in my pocket, awesome interview. *group hug*
Myra McEntire says
YOU GUYS. YOU GUYS. I had SO MUCH FUN reading your responses. Thank you so much for laughing with us, and having Good Times, and thank you to Lo and Christina for having me.
There needs to be a real life Swoontini lounge. RIGHT?
And THAT GUY UP THERE THAT LOOKS LIKE KALEB CAN … PRETTY MUCH DO WHATEVER HE WANTS.
Also, thank you for the comments from those who’ve read TIMEPIECE. One day I’ll tell the story of how writing it almost killed me, but for now, know that your kind words make it worth it.
Zareen says
Loved reading this interview! Y’all are so adorable and amusing. 😛
Also, can’t wait to get my hands on Timepiece! KALEB! <3
Carina Olsen says
Yeah, I know. I know Timepiece is most likely amazing, with the plot and all, but I’m just a bit sad because I was hoping for more of the same story. I fell in love with Hourglass because of Emerson and Michael, and I’m just sad that there is no more of that : I might like Kaleb, sometime, but for now I’m just sad there is no more Emerson/Michael ;p
Lynsey Newton says
This is a FAB interview and I had a lot of fun reading it. I love Myra to pieces and I can’t wait to read Timeless. I’m definitely team Michael but Kaleb has my heart a-fluttering 😉
Lo says
CJ, I’ll distract you with objects thrown at the chestal region – I hear things get lodged in cleavage on occasion. THEN I WILL SNEAK LIKE A NINJA and steal Kaleb. BAM.
And oh snaps, the gif challenge i LOVE.
Lo says
HUGS YOU. Please come again soon, ma’am. You’re quite pretty.
Lo says
I think PQ and Myra would fit in your pocket. I would be like shoving a pair of stilts in one leg of your pants. BUT I AM UP FOR ANY ADVENTURE.
ily jamie
Lo says
I keep coming back to this for smiles and lulz. I adore you so hard you can totally have the guy in the pic. *sneaks away with Damon gif*
Lo says
We are way more adorable in person, and do tap dance routines upon request.
Lo says
Thanks for coming by and sharing in the Kaleb and Myra love! I’m team Michael for Em, but Team Kaleb for me. *high fives*
Jordan E. says
Ooh, the shiny has been waved in my face, and results in a comment! I love Kaleb, he is my bb.
Heather@ The Flyleaf Review says
Love this interview! Love Myra, love Kaleb, LOVE that hot Vampire Diaries gif! Wow:) And love your blog! I’m linking this post up at the end of my review of Timepiece because it’s that good. i actually found your site when I was Googling a pic of fantasy “Kaleb Ballard pics.” Nice job on that one, btw;) Linking him up too!