Kersten Hamilton is author of Tyger, Tyger, which is her young adult debut. It will be available November 15.
KBB: Why did you decide to write a novel for young adults?
KH: I first wrote Tyger Tyger as a dark, scary fairy tale of about 2,000 words. And then I read Beastly by Alex Flinn, which is a YA retelling of The Beauty and the Beast. I loved it.
I wondered if I couldn’t expand my fairy tale into a YA…the question was answered when Teagan met Finn and things started to sizzle. It was young adult all the way!
KBB: In what ways do you relate to your MC, Teagan? How do you think teens will relate to her?
KH: Creating characters is all about telling the truth. The truth about human hearts. The truth about the world we live in. If a writer is honest enough, her characters will resonate with readers of any age. Here is a little of the truth which seeped into Tyger Tyger:
When I was ten years old, I rescued an abused dog. He was very sick, but I nursed him back to health and named him Joe. He was my best buddy. My family was very poor. I had no money to buy Joe a city license, and so the dogcatcher took him away. The dogcatcher told me I had two weeks to get enough money to buy Joe a license or he would be put down. I worked as hard as I could, earning money any way I could think of. I didn’t earn enough. I couldn’t get enough money. On the day they killed Joe, I was sitting on a rooftop wishing I was strong enough to fight the world and save him. From that moment, I knew that this world was broken. And I needed to grow into someone strong enough to change it.
That truth is wrapped up in Teagan. I believe I have been honest enough in Tyger Tyger that teens will love not only Teagan, but the rest of the characters as well.
KBB: If you could pick one guy to play Finn if Tyger Tyger was made into a movie, who would it be? Why?
KH: I wouldn’t pick one. When you read, magic happens. You co-create, adding your real-life experience, imagination, and emotions to what the writer has done. Characters you love become uniquely your own. Right now, Finn lives in that magic. He is different and perfect for every reader. I think I like him that way.
KBB: What do you think makes your book stand out in today’s market?
KH: Chemistry. Here’s how Ello, of the Enchanted Inkpot put it, “Teagan is smart and brave and doesn’t do dumb things that make you want to pull your hair out. Meanwhile Finn is absolutely sexy and cocky and sexy and brave and sexy… They’ve got great chemistry.”
Yep. Chemistry.
KBB: Can you tell us anything about what is next?
KH: I can tell you that this is a dark fairy tale. Some things are not what they seem… and nothing is gained without paying a price!
Thank you for interviewing me, Katie!
KBB: Thanks so much for the interview, Kersten! I loved Tyger, Tyger and I can’t wait for more of the Goblin Wars series.
- This is the second stop on a blog tour hosted by The Teen {Book} Scene.
- Each stop will be posting a letter that, when unscrambled, will form a word related to Kersten Hamilton.
- At the end of the tour please visit the link above and enter your name, email address, and the unscrambled word for a chance to win a KINDLE!
Rules:
That dog story is so sad :´(
Thanks both for sharing!
xo,
Ella
Yes, chemistry is something that lots of us teens look out for. 🙂 Oh, and the story about the dog? So sad!!
Thanks for the blog tour, interview and contest. 😀
Ooooh.. that sounds really yummy – chemistry. That is SO sad about that dog, Joe.. 🙁
Ok, the dog story made me want to cry. I’m very attached to my puppies. On another note, I can’t wait to read this book. I love it when characters are so well developed that their chemistry is electrifying and you feel like you have a stake in their actions and decisions. So exciting.
You got an award: http://intheforestbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/more-awards.html
Looking forward to great chemistry! So many books lack that important element.
Great interview! Can’t wait to read this book!
I agree, the dog story is really sad 🙁
I loved Tyger Tyger! I can’t wait for the second one!
This is a really good interview. That story about Joe is so sad. 🙁
Poor little Joe. I’ve actually always wanted a doggy.
Wonderful interview, Katie. After your review on Tyger, Tyger, I can’t wait to read it! =)
Hi!
that is so cute, ‘tyger tyger’
This is so cool!!!
regards,
Ello got it nailed in the head, I am one of those readers who really hate stupid protagonists… Sorry about Joe, Kers!
Cherry Mischievous
cherrymischif-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com
Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for all the comments about Joe, guys. It’s strange how something that happened to you as a child can really still hurt.
But I guess that’s part of what makes us human, and part of what makes us able to write and read books — the ability to share pain and joy.
When I know that people understand about Joe, it feels like hugs.
I hope you guys like Tyger Tyger!
Kersten
I feel so bad about Joe. If I could rescue every animal in the world I would. I even get upset when I see an animal on the side of the road no matter what kind it is.
Poor Joe! Can’t even imagine how that felt.
I can’t wait to read what’s next! A dark fairy tale sounds awesome 🙂
Thank you 😀
DONE! thank you ;D
Oh my gosh, poor joe. That is so sad. I hate stories that end up that way. 🙁
just awwww stories about dogs like that make me feel a lil too emotional greta post tho
Poor Joe. I enjoy reading dark fairy tales so I’m looking forward to reading this.
Thanks for the interview and the giveaway.