Author Interview: Megan Crewe

Today I have the pleasure of introducing Megan Crewe, the author of the just released novel Give Up the Ghost. Megan was kind enough to take time away from her busy book release schedule to answer a few questions. So here's my interview with her with my questions in bold.

Give Up the Ghost is your first novel. How does it feel to be a published author?

Incredible! I've been dreaming about this ever since I first started trying to write a novel in junior high, and I'm so excited to have it actually be happening. It's taken a lot of work, and it hasn't been a totally smooth journey, but every day I'm happy to be where I am.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Cass is like my cynical side amped to maximum volume. Her sarcastic sense of humor and the way she thinks about the world are a lot like me, but she's far more pessimistic and guarded than I've ever been.

Recently you had a contest where you asked readers to submit their secret deeds from middle school and high school. Do you have one of those stories of your own?

The worst thing I ever did to someone wasn't horrendous, but it wasn't particularly nice either. There was a girl I'd hung out with now and then in junior high who was kind of awkward and avoided by the "popular" crowd. Once I noticed the way other people reacted to her, I stopped talking to her and ignored her when she'd try to say "Hi."

Based on your bio it sounds like you do a lot of reading. Any current favorite books you can recommend?

A few books I've read in the last couple months are really enjoyed are Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr, and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

Can you tell us more about your two cats?

Sure! They're both about four years old, and named after characters in the book Watership Down: A Novel. Fiver looks like one of those Halloween black cats and likes to try to talk to people on the other side of our apartment door. His nickname is "Brat," for good reason. Hazel is an orange tabby and a real softie (I call her a teddy bear cat). We adopted her from the city animal rescue and she started out shy,
but has really come out of her shell.

Do you have a new project you’re working on?

I'm always working on new projects! :) Mostly paranormal and fantasy, always YA.

Best of luck on the new book! And thanks for stopping by.

If you'd like to learn more about Megan and the new book, simply visit her website. You'll find a lot of neat things there, one of which is a page of reader secrets sent in to Megan for a contest. My story is one of them. Can you figure out which one?

For those of you haven't seen this yet, here's a trailer for Give Up the Ghost:


And if you've made it this far it's time for the last giveaway of the blogoversary. Megan will be sending a Give Up the Ghost Swag Pack (ghost scent, friendship bracelet, paper lantern, bookmark, stickers, button) to one lucky winner. If you'd like to win, simply leave me a comment on this post.
+1 for comment (mention you would like to win)
+1 for linking to the contest (MUST post a direct link to count)

Rules: The contest is open until September 30th, 2009. One commenter will be chosen as the winner. You will have one week to claim your prize. Rules about claiming prizes can be found here.