Hushed Blog Tour – Author Interview – Kelley York

Book Twirps is super excited to have Kelley York with us today as part of the blog tour for her YA debut, Hushed. I seriously can’t recommend this book enough. It was one of my faves this year! [review here]

Check out our interview with Kelley, and keep reading after the interview for more information on Kelley and Hushed. Also, don’t forget to enter our December New Release Giveaway Hop to win your very own copy of the book!

I must admit, Hushed wasn’t at all what I expected. I was completely blown away by it. Where did you come up with the idea?

Thank you! I’m a very character-oriented person. The idea for HUSHED came from Archer. He came into existence first, and the plot built itself around him.

When you started the book, did you have an ending in mind, and if so, did you stick with it?

I did have an ending in mind, and it was nothing like the ending I have now. In the original, Archer was much more a villain while Evan and Vivian were innocent people caught up in his chaos. Obviously, that’s not how it turned out.

Your characters are all very distinct and well-rounded, especially the three leads. Which of them is your favorite and why?

Archer is definitely my fave. I have a soft spot for the “broken” boys. The ones who are struggling and trying so hard to do what’s right, even if they’re only making things worse. His loyalty is his biggest strength and his biggest flaw.

Were any of your characters based on people you know?

No. Now and again my characters will have a small trait—maybe something they like to eat, or music they enjoy—that’ll come from someone I know. I also had several friends in high school who were a lot like Vivian in terms of the relationships they got into, but that’s as far as it goes.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, does Hushed have an unofficial soundtrack?

I do! Music plays a big part of my writing process. In fact, I have an unofficial soundtrack posted here.

Are you currently working on another book? If so, what can you tell us about it?

I have another contemporary in the works with a male/male romance. It’s not really a thriller in the sense that HUSHED is. I don’t want to give too much away or I’ll jinx myself!

What is your favorite thing about writing?

Learning about my characters. I don’t think of writing a book as making things up, because I develop my characters…and they write their own story through me. (How corny does that sound?)

Now for the fun questions. If you could visit any past decade, which would you choose and why?

Probably the sixties. Beatle-mania!

The world is ending, and you’ve been chosen to board an awesome spaceship that will whisk you away to a brand new planet. You can take three things with you. What do you choose?

I’ll assume this means “things” and not “people.” My Nook (it has my books and my music!), a sketchbook to write and draw in, and…hm. Maybe my leopard-printed throw to keep me warm and cozy.

If you could go on a road trip with any three literary characters, who would you choose and why?

Howl Jenkins from HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE because his magic would come in handy, Gale from HUNGER GAMES to intimidate Howl into behaving (and to sit there and look pretty), and Craig from GONE, GONE, GONE so I have someone to just cuddle the entire way. (He needs a hug!)

‘Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was unputdownable!!!’ — YA Fantasy Guide —

Author Bio:

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry – be them squeaky, barky or meow-y – is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Kelley’s website: http://www.kelley-york.com/blog

Hushed – Synopsis:

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another – Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is. But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants…And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hushed-Kelley-York/dp/1937044742

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hushed-kelley-york/1033904538