Interview with Kimberly Derting

With The Body Finder out today in stores, I have a special suprise for you! Kimberly stopped by to answer some questions! Thank you so much Kimberly for taking the time!

BC: How many books do you envision, Violet sharing with us? I know there's a sequel, which I can't help but be soo excited to read, yet so disappointed it's not going to be out until 2011, will there be just the sequel, or do you think Violet has more to share after that?
KD: I have written notes for two more books in The Body Finder series beyond Desires of the Dead, because I would love to spend more time with Violet and Jay, although nothing is planned yet. *crosses fingers* :)

BC: I read somewhere that Desires of the Dead is nearly finished, anyreason it's not coming out for a while?
KD: I think the plan is to release the books about a year apart. It’s hard to think about Desire right now because I’m still trying to get ready for The Body Finder launch! :)

BC: Can you tell us anything about Desires of the Dead? A favorite line, or some little sneak peek?
KD: I promised my editor that I wouldn’t do this, but…I will tell you that there is going to be a dead body! Promise me you won’t tell anyone (HA!).

BC: As a character, Violet is so strong if I had her ability, I am not sure I could have handled myself with such grace, strength and bravery. Did you model her after anyone you know?
KD: I will tell you that Violet is definitely NOT modeled after me because I’m with you, what she does is just too scary! I should start telling my friends that each character in the book is modeled after one of them, and then sit back and watch them try to figure it out. :)

BC: And since I asked about Violet, I think Jay deserves the same, did you model him after anyone?
KD: I’m so boring, I didn’t model Jay after anyone either! For my next book, I promise to model SOMEONE after someone I know. And when I say next book, I mean the next book I write….starting now!

BC: OH and I gotta ask, with in the pages of The Body Finder, Violet's parents are supportive, loving and authentic, which I found so original, most parents in YA novels are well, not at all loving or supportive. Was that intentional? Did you want to make sure that Violet had parents that wanted to help even if they did not know, all the time what to do, like most parents?
KD: I think I was just trying to make Violet seem as real as possible. Just because she has a creepy ability, doesn’t mean that she can’t have people in her life that love and support her. I will totally support my daughter if she ever starts sensing the echoes the dead leave behind! :)

BC: Ok, I think I need to stop asking questions about the book(s), as you can tell I am to interested in learning more! Do you mind if I ask you more about yourself?
KD: Not at all, but keep in mind, I lie for a living!

BC: What is your favorite thing to do when your not writing?
KD: Lion Taming! See, that is an example of a lie. :) Actually, I really love going camping in the summertime, which is crazy because if you would have asked me two years ago, camping would have been at the BOTTOM of my list….and then we bought an RV, which makes it camping-but-not-really-camping. There’s no real “roughing it” involved…I have a coffee maker, air conditioning, and a shower. But, really, it’s a great excuse to spend time with my kids for the weekend. In the middle of the woods, they’re forced to hang out with me!

BC: Who is your favorite author currently, does it change or have you loved them for a long time?
KD: My all-time favorite authors are Harper Lee and Stephen King (I know, talk about opposite ends of the spectrum, but they’re both great story tellers). Those two haven’t changed in a long, long time. More recently, I love Irene Latham, Pam Bachorz, Kami Garcia and Margie Stohl, Saundra Mitchell, Carrie Ryan…(this list really could go on forever…).

BC: Do you have any upcoming signings or tours coming up?
KD: Yes, I have several coming up and I’m so excited! There are a few more that are not listed yet because I’m still waiting on confirmations…check my website for updates!

Oh, and please come see me so I’m not sitting at my table all alone. :(

Book Launch!
Saturday, March 20th at 2:00PM
BORDERS
Tacoma, WA

April
Book Signing!
Saturday, April 3rd (Time: TBA)
Powell's Books—Cedar Hills Crossing

First week of June 2010
HarperTeen's Supernatural Summer Tour
Chicago, San Diego, Dallas, and Houston

September 2010
Smart Chicks Kick-It Tour!
I will be joining Melissa Marr, Kelley Armstrong, and Alyson Noël
My stop is Sept 17th in Phoenix, AZ at The Poisoned Pen

BC: Randomness - If you could meet 4 people, living or deceased, over coffee - who would you invite and what would you want to know?
KD: OMG, seriously?!?! First, Oprah, because, duh, it’s Oprah! Second, Stephen King (I think you know why). Third, J.K. Rowling (one word: GENIUS). And lastly, I’d have to invite you because you’re letting me meet Oprah, Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling. Greatest. Day. EVER!

BC: Anything else you would like to add?
Just thanks for having me, this was so much fun, Jenn!

Thanks again!

Kim

Thank you again Kim for joining us, some of your answers had me laughing so hard, and oh thanks for the HUGE sneek peek into Desires of the Dead, not sure we could have guessed that one! *GASP*

If you have not read The Body Finder it's out today in stores! You can read my review here - I loved it, and gave it 5 mushrooms!