Wednesday, November 16, 2011

VIRTUOSITY author, Jessica Martinez

 How often have you read a fabulous book and then within a week have the chance to meet the author? These sorts of things don't happen to me. So it was with great pleasure that I got to listen to and visit briefly with Jessica Martinez at Third Place Books in Seattle earlier this month. What a lovely person. I encourage you to get yourself a copy of this book. It's one of my favorite contemporary reads of the year. 
 
On Writing:
Favorite thing about writing a first draft:
Finishing!  First drafts are torture for me.  Aside from finishing though, I love the excitement of the first few chapters, when the idea is so big and wonderful, and I’m just getting to know my characters, and none of the plot-crippling flaws have bubbled up yet.
Best thing about writing for kids and/or teens:
Writing for kids is incredibly liberating.  I can put aside my need to be profound and depressing, and just write good stories.  (And occasionally they end up being profound anyway.)
Favorite word?:
Tip-toe.  (Is that weird?)
If I could have two dream careers, I’d be an author and a:
Violinist
On Life:
If I could snap my fingers and solve one of the problems here on earth, it would be:
Women are allowed to be treated with extraordinary cruelty in many countries (legally, culturally, etc.).  I’d fix that.
One question I wish I had a definitive answer to:
Why is moderation so hard?  (I’m an all-or-nothing sort of girl.) 
Best thing about being a child:
Feeling safe.
Worst thing about being a child:
Being controlled.
Best thing about being a teenager:
Falling in love for the first time. 
Worst thing about being a teenager:
Having your heart broken for the first time.  And acne.
One thing I’d like to say to my teen self:
Chill out.  Have fun.  Stop thinking everyone is staring at you.  They aren’t.
A quote I live by:
“Be kind to yourself”  -Wendie Low (my mom)
My dream vacation:
Schlepping around Europe with a backpack and my husband, avoiding the tourist stops and finding our own hidden gems.
In My Perfect World…
Everyone would get massage and a new book at least once a week. 
There would be an abundance of ice cream and kissing.
No one would be deprived of alone time.
Every child would have loving parents and a trampoline.
No one would ever get sick.
Pie would be free for everyone.

8 comments:

  1. I like this perfect world where everyone gets a new book every week!

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  2. Free pie?! That's the best thing ever! I got to meet Jessica Martinez too and, seriously folks, what a nice lady! The material she shared from Virtuosity was very compelling and sticks with you. Great interview.

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  3. A massage and a new book every week? And pie, free pie! Wheee! I want to live there. :D

    Loved the interview. Thanks so much, Angelina and Jessica. I can't wait to read Virtuosity!

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  4. I look forward to reading VIRTUOSITY. It sounds like a fantastic contemporary book!

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  5. I love hearing authors speak; it's so motivating. This interview was wonderful--and tip-toe is a very cool word.

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  6. Your world sounds heavenly.

    I was just wishing today that I could run around Europe with my husband.

    I love this interview. So fun.

    Thanks both of you, ladies.

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  7. While we're at it can we make the pie non-fattening, but still tasty? (Or is that cheating?)

    Fun interview.

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