How much do you LOVE How To Love by Katie Cotugno? If you've read it, let us know what you think! I can't stop talking about this one. Check out our Q&A with Katie-find out more about how she created these characters.
-We’re both charmed and frustrated with Sawyer at the same time-we can’t help it. Was it difficult to get into the mindset of that type of character? For me, badly-behaved characters are always the most fun to write, and Sawyer definitely falls into that category. His heart's in the right place--at least, I think it is--but he's got a lot of growing up to do, especially in the Before chapters. He makes one dumb decision after another, pretty much, but for me that's way more entertaining than a character who's already got it all figured out.
-Reena is admirably strong, thoughtful, and capable for someone so young. Where did you draw her strength from? Reena's a tough cookie for sure--too tough sometimes, I think. I'm grateful to have a ton of amazing women in my life to inspire me, though, and who've taught me that sometimes things are crummy but you just have to keep going. That's what Reena's real strength is, I think--she just keeps going no matter what.
-What has been your favorite part about your publishing journey so far? Oh my gosh, I've gotten to meet--and work with--so many amazing people over the last couple of years; it's been incredible. I've learned so much, I've made thirteen funny, fierce, and talented new girlfriends thanks to the Fourteenery, and I get to wake up every day and make up stories in my head. I feel so insanely lucky.
-If you could go back in time and give your 15 year old self some advice on falling in love, what would it be? Hey girl: relax.
-Have you traveled anywhere internationally? Or do you have a list of places you hope to visit? I've traveled a bit internationally, though not nearly as much as I'd like to. I was in London and Dublin a couple of years ago, and back in high school I went to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji (with forty other girls; it was a YA novel in itself). Plus: Canada and Mexico! I'd love to make it to Paris and Rome sometime soon, and I'm dying to see Santorini.
-We’re both charmed and frustrated with Sawyer at the same time-we can’t help it. Was it difficult to get into the mindset of that type of character? For me, badly-behaved characters are always the most fun to write, and Sawyer definitely falls into that category. His heart's in the right place--at least, I think it is--but he's got a lot of growing up to do, especially in the Before chapters. He makes one dumb decision after another, pretty much, but for me that's way more entertaining than a character who's already got it all figured out.
-Reena is admirably strong, thoughtful, and capable for someone so young. Where did you draw her strength from? Reena's a tough cookie for sure--too tough sometimes, I think. I'm grateful to have a ton of amazing women in my life to inspire me, though, and who've taught me that sometimes things are crummy but you just have to keep going. That's what Reena's real strength is, I think--she just keeps going no matter what.
-What has been your favorite part about your publishing journey so far? Oh my gosh, I've gotten to meet--and work with--so many amazing people over the last couple of years; it's been incredible. I've learned so much, I've made thirteen funny, fierce, and talented new girlfriends thanks to the Fourteenery, and I get to wake up every day and make up stories in my head. I feel so insanely lucky.
-If you could go back in time and give your 15 year old self some advice on falling in love, what would it be? Hey girl: relax.
-Have you traveled anywhere internationally? Or do you have a list of places you hope to visit? I've traveled a bit internationally, though not nearly as much as I'd like to. I was in London and Dublin a couple of years ago, and back in high school I went to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji (with forty other girls; it was a YA novel in itself). Plus: Canada and Mexico! I'd love to make it to Paris and Rome sometime soon, and I'm dying to see Santorini.