Loading ...Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Megan Crewe
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prizes being offered up.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 12:00 pm Central. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat.
PLEASE KEEP SPOILERS TO A MINIMUM. Not all of the readers today have read Megan’s books.
Interview:
Hi Megan!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of Megan’s newest book Give Up the Ghost.
BBB: What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
MC: The most challenging aspect is definitely taking an exciting idea and getting it to translate onto the page. What you imagine in your head never leaps straight into concrete words the moment you try. It’s like the difference between picturing your dream house and then actually building it. Sometimes you realize that an idea you absolutely loved just isn’t going to work, or at least you can’t see how to make it work right now. That can be heart-breaking.
But there are lots of times when an idea does end up working, and I think those are the most rewarding. I get a rush when I see how two separate elements of a story can end up building off each other, or I come up with the perfect solution to a problem I’ve been struggling with. Feeling that mysterious, often unconscious sense of creativity at work is magical.
And of course, I also love getting reader responses to a finished book. It’s one thing to feel you’ve accomplished all you intended to with your own story, and something else altogether (and even better) to know that other people are affected by it the same way.
BBB: We’ve seen a lot of paranormal fiction with vampires lately. What inspired you to choose ghosts as your paranormal entities?
MC: The short answer is, it came with ghosts included. The initial inspiration for the idea was the scene that opens the novel: a teenaged girl having an everyday conversation with her older sister… who just happens to be a ghost.
The longer answer is, I think I’ve always found ghosts the most fascinating of all paranormal entities. They seem the most “real,” because they’re just human beings who have died–and all human beings die. (Whereas, obviously, most human beings do not get turned into the walking dead or shapeshift into different animals.) And they can represent so many themes: memory, regret, moving on, the past, and of course death. So it’s not surprising to me that the idea that came to me had a ghost in it instead of a vampire or werewolf.
BBB: How much does your tutoring of teens with special needs influence your writing?
MC: It’s given me ideas of the different ways people might see the world, different perspectives. Certainly my study of psychology in general (I majored in it) has helped me write characters who’ve experienced things I’ve never gone through.
BBB: What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?
MC: I had a character in a work-in-progress who died, but I really liked him. I gave probably more thought than I should have to trying to figure out if there was some bizarre way I could have him believably come back to life if I wrote a sequel.
BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?
MC: I work things out on paper, brainstorming, figuring out the rules of the paranormal aspects of the story. But for the most part, once I have it figured out, I just keep it in my head, and that seems to work just fine! If I was writing a series, though, I think I’d want a well-organized notebook to keep all the details in order.
BBB: What do you feel are the benefits of the new electronic readers such as Kindle 2 or Sony Digital Book Reader
MC: Honestly, I don’t know–it’s not something I’ve looked into. I’ve never enjoyed reading off a screen, so I haven’t done any research into e-readers. I do think it’s great that a lot of review copies are now being offered electronically, which allows them to reach more reviewers without printing all those copies that aren’t even finished books.
BBB: What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?
MC: I think e-readers are great for authors! It seems to me anything that gives readers another way to buy and read an author’s work is a good thing for writers. As long as fair payment structures are in place, so that authors are compensated for their work (which has nothing to do with the technology itself, only how the publishing industry handles it), I’m happy to have them around and would love for my books to be available on them, even though I don’t use one myself.
BBB: Can you tell us about your book and the general storyline that drives it?
MC: Give Up the Ghost is about Cass, a 16-year-old girl who started seeing ghosts after her older sister died. Around the same time, she was stabbed in the back by her best friend and ostracized at school, so she’s ended up hanging out only with ghosts and distrusting the living. She finds out about the nasty things her classmates have been up to from her ghostly friends and then confronts them with it, trying to show that they can’t get away with it. Then one of the popular kids, whose mom recently died, comes to her wanting her help.
So the main storyline is about Cass deciding whether or not to help Tim, and the consequences of her becoming entangled in his life, for both of them. She also has to deal with her long-held anger against her former best friend, about whom she’s finally gotten some information that could hurt, and issues within her family, which has fractured since her sister died.
BBB: What else do you currently have in the works? When can we expect your next book?
MC: I always have at least a couple projects on the go! Currently everything I’ve been working on is YA, paranormal or fantasy. I can’t yet tell you when my next book will be out, but I hope to know that soon.
BBB: Was writing YA fiction a conscious decision, or did it just happen that you started writing in that voice?
MC: When I started writing novels, I was in my teens myself, so it made sense to me to write about other teenagers. I figured I didn’t know enough about adult life to write it convincingly. But once I got into my twenties, I found I still enjoyed writing about teenaged characters. There’s just so much that goes on in those years: so much growing and sorting out who you want to me, so many firsts. And I think teenagers are the best audience an author could hope for. They’re enthusiastic and devoted, and I don’t think people ever love books quite the same way once they “grow up.”
BBB: Will any of your My Little Pony stories make it to print? 
MC: Heh, no. To tell you the truth, my mom threw out all my childhood stories (the ones that were only on paper–I still have everything I’ve ever written once I started writing on the computer) a few years back, after I’d moved out. She thought I didn’t want them any more–I’d just forgotten she had them.
BBB: Where do you see the YA paranormal/urban fantasy genre headed? Can you see it slowing down in the near future, or do you think that the immediate future is pretty bright for it?
MC: I’m not much of a trend-watcher. I think the future will always be bright for well-written, engaging books, and some of those books will be YA paranormal and urban fantasy. I doubt that those genres will continue to be the most popular among teens, because there are always ups and downs, and the market is always changing. But they could continue at their current popularity for a long while yet, and I’m sure they’ll always be around.
BBB: Do you have any personal traits that you have written into the characters of your books?
MC: When writing first person, it’s hard not to have a little of your voice carry over. Cass shares my sarcastic sense of humor and borrows from my cynical side (though she’s far more distrusting than I am). And while I’ve never had a friend turn on me like Cass’s did, I’ve certainly gone through the experience of realizing someone you thought had your back really isn’t that great a friend, and my feelings about that went into my development of both Cass and Tim’s characters.
BBB: If your book had a theme song what would it be?
MC: “Trouble” by Lisa Germano, which you can hear on the soundtrack page on my website here: http://www.megancrewe.com/gutg/soundtrack.html. It sums up Cass’s emotional struggle almost perfectly.
BBB: Do you have any plans for book signings/ readings anytime soon? If so, where can our readers find you?
MC: I do! I will be in Barrie, Ontario at the Barrie Chapters on November 21st at 2pm, and in New York City at Books of Wonder on December 6th at 1pm, with several other 2009 Debs. I also have a couple of Toronto events with fellow Debs coming up in January. See the full Debs Holidaze tour listing here: http://community.livejournal.com/debut2009/832443.html
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Learn more about Megan Crewe below:
Read Reviews of her work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 11/14/09 at 11:59 pm Central to do the different things that YOU choose to do.
She will be giving away several great prizes. The first prize is US & Canada only, the second and third prizes are worldwide.
Prize 1: A ghost book prize pack featuring my five favorite ghost books (Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell, A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb, Flying in Place by Susan Palwick, I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder, and Remember Me by Christopher Pike) and a $25 gift certificate for the online bookstore of the winner’s choice.
Prize 2: A large swag pack including a Give Up the Ghost tote bag, samples of all five ghost scents http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31374652, battery-powered paper lantern, signed cover flat, and lots more.
Prize 3: 5 small swag packs including signed Give Up the Ghost cover flats, buttons, bookmarks, stickers, mini paper lanterns, and more.
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Megan’s books.
From Amazon:
From Barnes & Noble:
Give Up The Ghost
Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above.
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.
2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Megan a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions/comments = no entries! You can come by through 11/14/09 and ask Megan your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)
3. Spread the word! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12907 on twitter, at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 100 entries per place you post the event link.
NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.
4. Be friends with Megan by joining her here:
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/megancrewe
Facebook - profile: http://www.facebook.com/megan.crewe?ref=profile
Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Give-Up-the-Ghost-A-YA-Novel/97426963977?ref=s
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/megancrewe
5. Enter the Kindle Contest here: http://www.noobie.com/kindle-giveaway?ref=813331493 AND join us at our daily book chat here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12917. Good for 50 entries per action.
6. Make a purchase in our Bloody Cafe store here: http://www.cafepress.com/bittenbybooks. We are all volunteers so your continuing support is deeply appreciated. Email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies. Good for 100 entries.
7. Be friends with Bitten by Books here:
SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter by clicking here or use the box on the top right hand side of the site. Be sure you VERIFY your subscription, an email is sent with the verification link. Unverified subscribers will not be entered and will be deleted from the mailing list. If you are already a subscriber, just let us know and you will get entries too.
Join The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community! Here: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/ then come back here and tell us your user name and leave the link to your page.
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bitten-By-Books-Paranormal-Fiction-Review-Site/152478347320
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Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry! Email us a copies of ALL of your verification emails to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 150 entries each place you add us.
RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
The contest ends on 11/14/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize bag directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to USA readers except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Hi, I havent read your books yet sorry but they are on my tbr list. My question for you is What inspired you to be a writer ? And what kind of music do you like to listen to when you are writing?
Hello Megan,
I haven’t read your book yet. Will be get and reading it very soon. What was your favorite book as a teenager?
I RSVPed and post here: Posted here http://marvelousbookpage.blogspot.com/ and BBB is permanently posted. I’m a Bitten by Books Subscriber ~ Facebooked
Hello Megan,
What was your favorite book as a teenager?
I RSVped and posted @ http://marvelousbookpage.blogspot.com and BBB is permanently on the blog roll. I’m a Bitten by books subscriber.
whoop sorry about the double post had computer hickup.
Hi Ms. Crewe,
I haven’t read your book yet, but will definitely check it out. Sounds really good.
My question is, what authors are on your ‘must buy’ list? and what are you reading right now?
- I RSVPed for this event.
- sent a ‘friend request’ to Ms. Crewe on Facebook.
- Already entered the Kindle Contest.
- BBB newsletter subscriber
- a fan on BBB facebook fan page
thanks
van
2. I am reading Give up the Ghost right now and loving it.
4. Friends with Megan on Twitter
5. Entered
I RSVPed
Hi Megan! Thanks for being here with us today!
I was wondering what authors are most influential to your writing?
Also, who in your life has been the most supportive of your writing?
I RSVP’d
5.done and done
7.receive BBB newsletter, friends w/ BBB on Goodreads as Amanda Leigh, member of the Blood Bank as Amanda Leigh
Hey Megan,
I am looking for a good series for my daughter to pick up. What sets your book apart from others in this genre? What age limit do your books have?
Thanks so much
I rsvp’d
friended Megan on FB,fanpage,Myspace/vamplubber
5-done
friends of BBB here,fb,myspace/vamplubber
Hi Megan!!! Thanks for stopping by. Have you ever had a ghost ‘run-in’ of your own?
Megan I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your book. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Will your future book be about ghosts as well or are you going to try something else?
I RSVPed
I shared on twitter http://twitter.com/alicia0605
Myspace http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll
LiveJournal http://alicia0605.livejournal.com/
I’m friends with Megan on myspace and twitter and facebook (alicia0605)(alicia hall)
I’m friends with BBB
facebook (alicia hall)
myspace (alicia0605)
twitter (alicia0605)
goodreads (alicia hall)
I subscribe to BBB newsletter
Hi Megan,
What genre’s do you read?
RSVP’d
Already entered the Kindle contest
Friends with BBB on goodreads and subscribe to the BBB newsletter
Do you ever watch any of the ghost investigation shows on TV?
(Which seems to be popping up on every channel lately.)
Hi Ms. Crewe, I was wondering if you’ve ever been ghost hunting or what research you did for your book.
Thanks!
RSVP’d
Entered Kindle 2 contest
Subscriber and member of the blood bank
Welcome Megan,
As long as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of the paranormal too. GIVE UP THE GHOST sounds so interesting. I love YA, so I have already added it to my TBR pile. I also like your take on writing. I’m an aspiring author and love to learn about other authors. I have a quick question. How long were you writing seriously before you got published (or landed an agent)?
Thanks for taking the time.
5 and 7 done and I RSVPed
Hi Megan,
If you could trade places with someone, who would it be and why?
Bridget
Shared:
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbittenbybooks.com%2F%3Fp%3D12907&t=Interview%2C%20Chat%20and%20Contest%20with%20Author%20Megan%20Crewe#/posted.php?id=1084897775&share_id=199265601254&comments=1#s199265601254
http://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/5688352578
blog section - http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie
Digg - bridget3420
Stumble - bridget3420
Following Megan on Twitter - bridget3420
Sent Facebook friend request
Sent Myspace friend request
Entered Kindle Contest
Will be entering Daily Book Chat contest
BBB subscriber
Blood Bank member - bridget3420
Facebook fan - Bridget Hopper
Good Reads friend - Bridget Hopper
Myspace friend - bridgetlaprairie
Facebook friend - Bridget Hopper
Twitter follower - bridget3420
BBB is on my blogrolls - http://bridget3420.blogspot.com & http://freebies4meandu.blogspot.com
RSVP’d
Hello Megan,
I have not read your books. As a child what was the most exciting book you read and how do you think it influenced you as an adult?
Thanks for stopping by and answering all of our questions.
I haven’t read any of your books yet, but as a paranormal investigator, the premise of this book (a girl with a sister as a ghost)sounds like it would peak my interest and be very interesting. I’m looking forward to diving into it
I haven’t read Give up the Ghost yet, but it looks really good.
My question is, what are some of your favorite books that you have read this year?
I RSVP’d
I subscribe to BBB
I am friends with BBB through Goodreads
Meliam723@gmail.com
Hi Megan Thanks so much for joining us here today.
I loved the book!
This question is not really a SPOILER, but has to do with a ghost characteristic.
You portray your ghosts as having poor short-term memories. What made you decide to do that?
Give Up the Ghost has been on my TBR list since it first came out. I look forward to reading it.
My questin is:
Is Give Up the Ghost the first book in a series?
3.twitter https://twitter.com/elaing8/status/5691717359
4.Follow Megan on twitter (@elaing8)
7. Subscribe to BBB Newsletter
RSVPed
Hi, Megan!
I’ve heard fabulous things about your book and I can’t wait to read it! I totally love the cover, too!
Great interview!
Ohhhh, hey! my comment is the 21st one and that’s how old I am!
Sorry - I thought that was kinda funny.
Okay, carry on..
Hi Megan.
What do you thinks draws so many readers to the paranormal genre?
Thanks,
Fallon H.
I’ RSVP’s, steps 4,5,&7 are done.
2. Hi Megan, thank you for being here today. Your book sounds really good. do you have any plans to write adults books? How did you come up with the idea of your characters?
Thanks again.
3spread the word:
http://www.myspace.com/heidi330
http://www.facebook.com/heidi330
http://www.twitter.com/heidi330
http:heidi330@blogspots.com
http://www.goodreads.com/heidi330
http://www.livejournal.com/heidi330, I’m still trying to work w/this one
4. I sent friend request for Megan facebook, fanclub facebook, myspace,twitter I sent her a message, when I get the emails I will send them to you
5.done and done
7.friends w/BBB,newsletter,bloodbank,facebook,fanclub facebook, myspace,goodreads, twitter, I put link on my blog http:heidi330@blogspots.com , I have one on Livejournal.com heidi330 I’m still trying to work with that one.
I rsvpd also
Thanks
Heidi S
Hi Megan, The book sounds awesome. I love that you picked ghosts instead of what the mainstream is now. I will definatly pick up a copy of your books.
I belive that I RSVP’d
I friended on facebook. And am following on Twitter.
I posted here, http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1463087417
http://twitter.com/VampedChik
http://lovenlivelife.ning.com/profile/AmberHall
http://home.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user
I entered the Kindle contest.
Im already friends with BBB on facebook, goodreadshttp://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2509887-amber-, and friending on myspace.
I’m a bloodbank member http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/AmberHall
Thanks!
-Amber
Hi! I have read Give up the Ghost and absolutely loved it. I read somewhere that you don’t really have any plans to write a sequel. I hope you change your mind someday because I loved all the characters. I think it would be cool to read about Cass helping the ghosts to “move on” or something like that. I can’t wait to read more of your work!
RSVPd
4. friends with Megan by joining her here:
Twitter - @throuthehaze
Facebook - Raelena Pavey
5. attended book chat
7. subscriber
Facebook Fan Page: Rae Pavey
Good Reads: Raelena
Myspace: Raelena Pavey
Facebook: Rae Pavey
Twitter: @throuthehaze
blogroll:
http://throuthehaze-reads.blogspot.com/
Hi Megan!
Thanks for taking time to come here at BBB’s and answer to our questions!
I admit I didn’t know about your books, but Give Up The Ghost sounds really interesting, and it is definitely going into my TBR pile.
I’d like to ask you: you said that the idea for the book came “with ghosts included”. Do you like all the other types of paranormal creatures? What are your favourites (apart from ghosts) and why?
Thanks!
Valentina R.
- already a subscriber to BBB’s newsletter
- international reader
Hi Megan!
2. How long have you been writing?
Do you plan on making the ghost a series?
3. Posted on Myspace http://www.myspace.com/tonis_place36
Posted on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/megan.crewe?ref=profile#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1017934013
4. friend request sent
5. already entered
7. already friends
Hi, Megan! I’m wondering where you get your inspiration from!
(RSVP’d.
Friended Megan at all venues.
Friends with BBB at all venues.
Entered the Kindle contest.)
Warm welcomes to BBB. Sadly I have not yet read any of your books, though I do have a friend that these may be right up her alley. She’s really big into ghosts, and watches Ghost Hunters (while I watch Ghost Adventures.. Dang that Zak is built)
RSVP
Twittered about the chat/contest (RaonaidLuckwell)
Followed her on twitter
Sent a friend’s request on facebook (rachel flesher)
Became a fan on facebook
Posted about the chat/contest on facebook
Sent a friend’s request on myspace (www.myspace.com/visionarydruid)
Posted about the chat/contest on myspace’s bullentin and blog
Entered the Kindle Contest (for some friends)
Will try to attend the daily book chat. Never read the author
BBB is the top link on my blogger link section (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
Posted about the chat/contest on my blogger
Posted about the chat/contest on livejournal (morriga.livejournal.com)
Hi Megan welcome to BBB
Im new to your work so my question is do you ever cast your self in your books if so who would you be and why
and whats your top 10 things you cant live with out not pertained to writing
Megan
following you on twitter @bainesgoddess
fanned you on face book : Beverly Gordon
added you to myspace
; http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
added you to face book : Beverly Gordon
BBB
I rsvped
im already friends with you on
Facebook Fan Page: Beverly Gordon
Good Reads: Beverly Gordon
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
Facebook: Beverly Gordon
Twitter:http://twitter.com/bainesgoddess
im on the blood bank : Beverly Gordon
i receive the news letter
i entered for the kindle
I attended the chat
shared on face book: beverly Gordon
twitter: @bainesgoddess
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/forever14n9
and my blog : http://zenes-escape.blogspot.com/
RSVPd 4, 5 & 7 done
This looks like a great new YA book that I would enjoy and I have put it on my wishlist.
What is you favorite YA book (other than yours of course?
What do YOU have on your bedside table to read right now?
Give Up The Ghost sounds like an interesting book - I’d love to read it. I’ll be looking for it next time I’m book shopping, which is pretty often.
#2. Good evening this Friday the 13th to Megan and all the BBB’rs. Thank you Rachel and the other volunteers at BBB for alerting us to this lady, new author to me and will keep my eye on her and her books on my Wish and To Buy lists… I love things that go bump in the night and think that the idea of being able to communicate with the dead is fascinating indeed. I love the paranormal world in books, not so much into it as a reality but the reading books and watching movies about it is fun….
#3. posted on my Blood Bank Page: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/JackieBurris
posted on my Facebook Profile:http://www.facebook.com/jacabur?ref=profile
posted on my Blog Post: http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/
#4. Follow Megan on Twitter and Fan on Facebook.
#7. Friend already of BBB on the site (and also subscribe to newsletter I think)
Member of the Blood Bank: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/JackieBurris
Fan of BBB on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and Friend on Goodreads and MySpace
This one is a rockin good time with the neatest of the swag that have seen in awhile, love the idea of “ghost” scents how wacked is that…..
Good luck everyone and may we all have a bootiful time…..
Jackie B Central Texas
you are new to me so thank you for doing this interview i feel like i know you better and can’t wait to read giving up the ghost
Hi Megan,
I haven’t read your book yet, but it sounds really good! Thanks for hanging out with us!
RSVP’d
Spread the word on Twitter and my Blog: http://twitter.com/SimmieTaye
http://simmietaye.blogspot.com/
Following on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SimmieTaye
Sent Request on Facebook
Became Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000076576133
Sent Request on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kimmie_hodges
Entered Kindle Contest
Attended Daily Book Chat
BBB Newsletter Subscriber
Member of Blood Bank: Username Kimberly H. http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/KimberlyHodges
Friends on Facebook and Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000076576133
Friends on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2827899
Friends on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kimmie_hodges
Following on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SimmieTaye
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Hi Megan! I have a question for you. I have seen quite a bit of paranormal romance authors taking a trip down YA lane as of late. As A YA author yourself, do you think this is just a trend (I hope not) or do you think it will continue for quite a while? and what are your feelings on the subject? Have you written anything “adult” oriented or do you plan to in the near future. Do you find writing YA fiction weasier or harder? sorry so many questions! Lisa
following you on Twitter )lasergirl70)
friend requested on FB and myspace (Lisa Mason)
joined fan page on FB
voted in poll
RSVP’d
entered Kindle contest, book chat and posted link on my FB (Lisa Mason)
I haven’t heard of this book or the author but it’s always nice to learn new names. Now I know what book to look for at B&N. I can totally agree with the most challenging part. It’s hard to make the story come out exactly the same way you see it in your head. And sometimes, it’s even harder to not let other works influence your own. I also have a hard time putting myself completely in another person’s shoe to write a first person story. But practice makes perfect right? Just curious, do you keep a notebook with you at all times to jolt down any ideas you get?
Twittered about the chat/contest (bangalibabygirl)
Followed her on twitter
Sent a friend’s request on facebook (Tahmina Urmi)
Became a fan on facebook
Posted about the chat/contest on facebook
Entered the Kindle Contest (for some friends)
Will try to attend the daily book chat. Never read the author
Hi Megan,
Thanks for being here with us today. I think your book sounds totally interesting and different. I ordered it for my 16yr old daughter, she just got into YA paranormal. I think it would be good for her,I also want to commend you for working with Special Needs Teens. My 11 yr old son is special needs, and I think they need all the encouragement they can get. I will be looking out for more of your work. I’m wishing you much continued success. Happy reading
I RSVP’d
3. I spread the word on FB http://www.facebook.com/tawania
4. I sent fan/friend request on FB
5. Entered kindle contest
7. Friends with BBB, get newsletter, member of the Blood Bank
Hi Megen,
I love things paranormal and your books sounds perfect.
rsvpd
posted on FB:Dina Stornello
posted on Twitter:dlsmilad
posted even Goodreads:Dina Stornello
friends w/BBB on FB, FB fan grp, Goodreads:Dina Stornello
follow BBB Twitter:dlsmilad
following Megan on Twitter:dlsmilad
friended Megan on BOTH FB and FB fan grp:Dina Stornello
friended Megan on MYspace:dlsmilad
get BBB newsletter
member of Bloodbank:Dina S http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/DinaS
BBB perm fav on blog:http://dinasthoughtblog.blogspot.com/
posted on myspace blog AND bulletin:dlsmilad
voted
entered kindle
thank you,
Dina S.
dlsmilad@yhaoo.com
[...] Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Megan Crewe Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Megan Crewe [...]
I RSVP’d - Hi Megan! I have not read your book - buy i added it to my TBR list! I look forward to reading it. I will post a separate comment with the contest links. I hope my question isn’t too late!
I like asking people where they could go if they had a time machine. What would you like to do?
If you could go “live” in ANY novel in history - what would it be? What would you change?
contest stuff:
2 = rsvp & question 2
3 = posted on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbittenbybooks.com%2F%3Fp%3D12907&t=Interview%2C%20Chat%20and%20Contest%20with%20Author%20Megan%20Crewe#/posted.php?id=798764554&success
twitter - http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/5699194286
4 = twitter, facebook, and facebook fan
5 = kindle contest
7 = all but myspace
I RSVP’d- Hello Megan! What other characters besides ghosts are you interested in writing about?
2. RSVP’d for the next one.
4. Joined both Facebooks
5. Done both Kindle and Chat
7. Receive Newletter, Blood Bank, Goodreads, Friends with BBB, Facebook Fan
Hi Megan
2.Are you going to always right about Ghost?
3.I have Spread the Word on my myspace and facebook here are the links
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks & facebook.com/sasluvbooks
5.I have already intered the Kindle Contest
5.And I enter the Daily Chat
7.I’m already a Friend of Bitten By Books on my myspace and facebook and I get the newsletter.
*I RSVPed
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
Megan, I am glad you are here. I have heard so much about your book and it is on my wishlist.
I am glad to hear your inspiration did not come from a personal experience.
1. What would your readers be shocked to learn about you?
2. Is there any genre you would not even attempt to write?
rsvpd
I tweeted this interview http://twitter.com/EllzReadz/status/5699845248
following Megan’s tweets @Ellz Readz
became Megan’s fan on Facebook
already subscribe to BBB newsletter
active member of the bloodbank
friends w/ BBB @
facebook fans
goodreads
myspace
facebook
twitter tweeted you http://twitter.com/EllzReadz/status/5700014362
BBB is always on my blogroll http://ellzreadz.blogspot.com/
Enter me.
4. Follower of Meagan on Twitter.
7. Subscribed to the Newsletter
thebookshopaholic(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi do you think you’ll come around for a signing in MN?
rsvpd
entered the kindle contest
daily chat
receive the bbb newsletter and friends with bbb on all places
Great interview BBB!
Hi Megan- the cover looks great! Are/do you only write paranormals, or do you also write other types of books as well? Also, is this a teen book?
5. done
7. done
-RSVPed
opps.. probably should have mentioned that on #7 I’m a Facebook fan [Kayla Johnson] of BBB.. I’m on your newsletter also!
Hi Meagan. Thanks for the cool interview! So many good questions. Mine is simply what made you choose writing in first person?
Contest Stuff: I’m following Meagan on Twitter.
I’m following BBB on twitter, on my blog roll, on Good Reads…
Hi Megan
2. Question: Are you planning any more events in Canada?
3. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Jullysay/status/5700724915
4. Follow Megan on twitter (@Jullysay)
7. Subscribed to newsletter
7. Follow on twitter (@Jullysay)
Hi Meagan, thanks for stopping by! Give Up the Ghost is definitely on my TBR list, and I’d love to win a copy!
I know that you have collaborated with Super Bad to come up with companion scents for this book—that’s so cool! What sort of input did you have as to what the scents would be like?
My other question, since (I think) this is your first novel; how has your life changed since getting it published?
I RSVPed.
I am a fan of Give Up the Ghost on facebook.
I a following Megan on Twitter (@KimBea)
I follow BBB on twitter (still @KimBea)
I am a BBB facebook fan.
I am a BBB friend on Goodreads (as Kim Bea)
I think that’s it!
Hi everyone! Thanks so much for coming by. I’m sorry I’m coming in late–it’s been a crazy day of house hunting!
To answer your questions:
Jessica Cochrane–I’ve been writing pretty much as long as I’ve known how. I loved stories as a kid and made up my own all the time, and naturally wrote some of them down. When I was around ten I realized that other people were enjoying reading my stories, too, and that made me wonder if I might be able to make a career out of it. And here I am!
I don’t usually listen to music while I’m writing (I prefer silence), but I do have soundtracks for each of my books for inspiration and brainstorming, mostly rock, alternative, electronica, and folk.
Cyd J–My favorite book as a teen was BIRTH OF THE FIREBRINGER by Meredith Ann Pierce, which I still love.
Van P–I will automatically pick up just about anything by E. Lockhart, Megan Whalen Turner, and Connie Willis. Right now I’m reading RAVENS by George Dawes Green.
Amanda L–It’s hard to trace influences! But I adored Roald Dahl and Zilpha Keatley Snyder growing up, and I think both of them had an impact on my work. Dahl taught me that a bittersweet ending could be far more powerful than a totally happy one, and Snyder gave me a love for the magic that’s hidden within every day life.
And I would say out of everyone in my life, my husband has probably been most supportive. He’s always encouraged me to keep going with projects when I was struggling, helped me talk through difficulties, and stayed patient when I’m in that new story haze.
Deana H–I’d say the main things that set my book apart are 1) while it is paranormal, it’s more about the main character and her relationships with the (human) people around her than the supernatural goings on, so I think it can appeal to people who like reading realistic fiction as well as paranormal fans, 2) unlike many main characters, mine embraces and enjoys her unusual ability, and 3) there is no romance (I talk a little about why here: http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=58252 )
My publisher recommends the book for ages 14 and up. I’m sure it would be fine for some 12 and 13 year olds but you might want to read first as there is some mature content.
Heather C–I have not! The closest is one time one of my cats started acting very strangely and gave me the impression he’d seen something scary that I couldn’t.
Alicia H–Great to hear you enjoyed GHOST! I’m finding that ghosts are popping up in many of my books, but always in different ways. I love trying new things with my stories.
Sandy G–I try to stay open to any genre as long as the book itself is well-written. I mostly read YA and adult speculative fiction (fantasy, paranormal, science fiction) but I pick up quite a bit of realistic/mainstream fiction as well, and the occasional historical, thriller, romance, nonfiction book, etc.
Darchole–I’ve watched a little bit of one but I can’t remember which it was. I have to admit I got bored after a couple of episodes and stopped watching.
Rebecca M–I have never been ghost hunting, though I did take a ghost tour when I was in Edinburgh a few years ago, which was a lot of fun. Most of my research for GHOST was about social bullying between girls, which plays a large part in my main character’s back story.
Lisa B–I started trying to get short stories published when I was around 15 years old. I had a few semi-pro sales in my early twenties and my first pro sale at 23. For novels, I wrote my first novel when I was 14, but I didn’t feel my novel writing was good enough to start querying agents until several years later. I was 25 when I got my agent.
Bridget H–Honestly, I’m happy being me! I don’t think I’d want to trade places with anyone.
MarnieColette–My favorite book as a child was Zilpha Keatley Snyder’s THE CHANGELING. It showed me how a story and its events can be magical without there being any literal magic. That’s definitely influenced the way I view the world and how I write, incorporating a lot of reality into even the speculative elements of my stories.
Melia M–There are too many to name all of them! Some of my favorite books this year: SHADOWED SUMMER by Saundra Mitchell (which is why it’s one of the prize books
), SPELL HUNTER by R. J. Anderson, THE DEMON’S LEXICON by Sarah Rees Brennan, and THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z by Kate Messner.
Elaine G–Right now GIVE UP THE GHOST is a stand-alone. I’m open to writing a sequel, but haven’t find an idea I feel passionate about so far. (More about writing a sequel here: http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=58209 )
Fallon Hadley–I think readers enjoy stories that contain fantastical elements, but in a setting that’s grounded in reality. It gives you the sense that something magical could be lurking just around the corner of your own life.
Heidi Shafer–I feel most comfortable writing YA, so I’ll probably stick with that for a while. But if I got an idea that would work better as an adult book, I’d happily write one!
My main character in GHOST just came to me–an image of a girl talking with her ghostly sister as if it were a normal thing popped into my head, and I knew I wanted to write her story. The other characters came to life as I figured out how she’d gotten where she was, and what might change in her life.
Vale–I’d say I’m pretty equal opportunity when it comes to paranormal creatures. It really depends more on how the story’s written than what creature’s in it. I’ve enjoyed books with vampires, werewolves, other types of shapeshifters, faeries, zombies, witches and wizards, and so on, and I’ve also disliked books with any of those creatures.
I’ll admit I do find the idea of shape-shifting fascinating, and the same with magic systems, so I’m a little more likely to pick up something about magic or were creatures than the others.
Toni S–I’ve been writing all of my life! Right now GHOST is a standalone. See my comment to Elaine G for more info.
Jennifer L–Inspiration comes from all over! I’m inspired by other stories, by music, by events in my life and past, by conversations I overhear: everything, really.
Beverly G–I don’t think I’d want to put myself in one of my books–it’s much more fun making people up! If I did put myself in, it’d be a bit part, like a cameo.
Ten things I can’t live without, not writing related: Books to read, music, movies, traveling, parks to go for walks in, a comfortable pair of shoes, a warm coat (I live in Canada, after all), a large messenger bag to carry all my stuff, sunshine (could never live in a basement apt), and hand cream (I had it when my hands feel dry).
Lisa Richards–It’s impossible to pick just one! See my comment to Melia M for a few of my faves this year.
Right now I’m reading RAVENS by George Dawes Green.
Lisa M–I think YA is a market that’s still expanding. More and more teens are turning to books for entertainment. So I think as long as authors are wanting to try YA, there will be room for them. And I have no problem with people who’ve generally been writing adult writing YA as well. The more the merrier!
I’ve never written any books for adults, but most of my short stories were adult-aimed. I find YA easier–writing about teens seems to come naturally to me, I enjoy it more, and my style seems suited for it.k
Mina–Yep! I carry a Hilroy notebook around with me everywhere. It’s a must have! If I’m going somewhere fancy with my smaller purse, I have a little notebook in there, too. You never know when that next great idea might grab you!
Libby L–If I had a time machine, I’d like to visit all the historical time periods I find most interesting (e.g., ancient Rome, medieval Britain) to see what life was really like back then. And I’d use it for research! A fantasy book I’ve been working on is based on culture in history.
As for novels… that’s tricky! All of my favorite novels are great to read, but I don’t think I’d want to live in them.
Lisa G–I’m interested in writing about pretty much every kind of character! People are fascinating, and having paranormal or fantastical elements just increases the possibilities of what can happen to them.
Elie N–I think readers would be shocked to learn I wrote several novels before I even started trying to query agents. Most of them I wrote in my teens, and I knew pretty early that they weren’t quite up to snuff yet.
I can’t imagine ever trying to write a picture book. But you never know!
Cassandra M–I’d love to come to MN, but it’s really a question of budgeting. It’s expensive for me to go down to the States! If I had an opportunity to, and I could make it work, I definitely would.
Kayla J–I’ve been writing some traditional (otherworld) fantasy as well as paranormal, and I’d like to try my hand at science fiction some time. So far I’ve only been writing YA, though. And yes, GIVE UP THE GHOST is for teens.
Moonsanity–It started as a practical decision. I sat down to write the first scene, where the main character (female) is talking to her sister, and I think, hmmm, if I write this in third person, it’s going to get confusing with all the “she”s. If I wrote it in first, it’d be easier to follow. So I tried it, and Cass’ voice just started flowing, so I knew it was meant to be!
Missed a couple while I was typing my answers!
Jenny N–I am planning more events in Canada! I have two events coming up in Toronto in early January, and my publicist may be setting up some more. I’ll keep my blog followers posted.
Kimberly B–I sent the owner of Super Bad the descriptions of each ghost’s scent from the book. She made up prototypes and sent them to me to try out. For the most part, I loved them already, so I didn’t have much to suggest! I also discussed with her which bottles to use and that sort of thing.
My life has changed mostly in subtle ways. I feel more confident about calling myself an author now. I get a thrill seeing my book in the stores. I spent more time on promotion than I used to. But I took writing just as seriously before I got published, and the other important areas of my life haven’t been affected that much by the book being out.
Thanks again everyone who’s commented!
Hello Megan,
I read Give Up The Ghost and I enjoyed it very much. Is the book’s voice influenced by any particular author?
Thanks!
I RSVPed.
Hi Megan, this is so cool that you are giving away so many prizes. When I first heard of this contest I thought what a coincidence since I had just gotten the book at my library yesterday because it looked very interesting plus I needed a change from all the vampire books. Who are some of your favorite authors? Also growing up I always wanted to see a ghost or do a seance so have you seen a ghost or have you ever done a seance?
I am re-posting mine as I think it got missed.
Hi Megan Thanks so much for joining us here today.
I loved the book!
This question is not really a SPOILER, but has to do with a ghost characteristic.
You portray your ghosts as having poor short-term memories. What made you decide to do that?
Hi Megan,
Great interview. I have Give up the Ghost on my wishlist and cant wait to get the chance to read it. I havent found a lot of fiction written about ghosts and am always on the lookout. I am going to have to check out your 5 favorites now, thanks for sharing them!
In your future paranormals are you going to keep with the ghost theme or change it up with vampires, werewolves, etc?
What is the best part of writing for you?
__________________________________
Contest stuff:
RSVP’d
2. questions above
3. posted here: http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2009/11/bbb-interview-and-contest-with-megan.html
4. All done - Twitter and Fan page have no emails to forward
7. all previously done but blog roll
Lesley Cheah–So glad you liked GHOST! The book’s voice is mostly influenced by my own. Cass is like a more sarcastic, much more cynical version of myself. I imagined her talking to me as I wrote and tried to capture the way I felt she’d speak as accurately as possible.
Tessandra C–Great to hear your library’s carrying GHOST! I hope you enjoy it.
Some of my favorite authors are Roald Dahl, Zilpha Keatley Snyder, E. Lockhart, Megan Whalen Turner, Diana Wynne Jones, Connie Willis, Douglas Adams, and Haruki Murakami.
I’ve never seen a ghost myself. The closest thing to a seance I’ve done is one time my friend and I tried out a Ouija board, when we were teens. But I don’t think any actual spirits talked to us.
Carol M–Honestly, it just seemed to make sense to me. Ghosts are often portrayed as being stuck in time, unaware of what’s changed around them. I wanted my ghosts to be more conscious than that, but I wanted to show that they weren’t exactly the same as their living selves, just invisible, too. So I thought maybe their minds would be “airier” too, making it harder for them to hold onto new impressions.
Donna S–Ghosts and ghost-like beings do seem to pop up a lot in my work. But I’m looking forward to playing around with magic and with other supernatural creatures too!
For me, the best part of writing is the moments of inspiration, where things come together, or I find a new way of looking at something, or a great new idea pops into my head. I love creating new worlds and people and seeing how they interact, and how I can build on them.
Also I just subscribed to the newsletter and I am now friends with Megan Crewe on facebook.
I’m finally able to post my link lists/etc -
I RSVP’d.
*flashbacks to Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy)
I commented and asked 2 questions. (#42! What a great number.
- I followed her on Twitter (@ailish79)
- I friended her on Facebook. (Libby LaRue)
- I joined the Fan Group on Facebook.
- I joined the daily book chat for Melissa Marr today.
I posted a link on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ailish79/status/5698110697
- I receive the BBB newsletter!
- I’m a member of the fan group on Facebook. (Libby LaRue)
- I follow BBB on Facebook.
- I follow BBB on Twitter. (@ailish79)
- I follow BBB on GoodReads (Libby LaRue)
- I’m a member of the Blood Bank. (Libby LaRue)
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/LibbyLaRue
- I have BBB as a permanent link on my little book blog’s blogroll:
solvioleta.wordpress.com
- I posted a link for this event on my blog:
http://solvioleta.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/interview-chat-and-contest-with-author-megan-crewe/
- I posted a link on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=1264897826&share_id=330007355006&comments=1#s330007355006
I think that is everything. Hope I didn’t forget something! Oh! and I forwarded confirmation emails from Facebook.
I have to admit ghosts are not my favorite paranormal “creatures”, but after reading the interview/comments, I’m curious how you “built” them in your book.
7. A newsletter subscriber.
+ RSVPd
(international)
Thank you for doing the Q&A today!
Yay for My Little Pony. I love the cover and prizes (especially when perfume’s involved). I haven’t read yours, but one of my favorite childhood books’ main characters are ghosts in The Ghosts of Departure Point by Eve Bunting, I watch ghost shows and enjoyed a ghost your of a hotel, so I think it would be right up my alley.
Would you write from the ghosts’ point of view?
Can you feel that a place is haunted? Like Edinburgh?
I like how the chat is on Friday the 13th.
RSVPd for this.
4 sent FB friend request
5 done & done
7 FB & newsletter
Hi,
what kind of a ghost would scare you personally the most? Thanks!
RSVPed for this
2. Hey Megan What Do You Do For Fun Besides Writing?
3. I Posted The Link On My Blog.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/
4. I Am Following Megan Crewe On Twitter.
I Am Friends With Megan Crewe On Facebook.
I Am A Fan Of Megan Crewe On Facebook.
I Am Friends With Megan Crewe On Myspace.
5. I Have Entered The Kindle Contest Using Your Link.
7. I Am Friends With Bitten By Books.
I Have Joined The Blood Bank.
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Skyla11377
I Am A Fan Of Bitten By Books On Facebook.
Name Is Raquel Vega-Grieder
http://www.facebook.com/skyla11377?v=wall&ref=profile
I Am Frineds With Bitten By Books On Myspace.
Name Is Raquel Vega-Grieder
http://www.myspace.com/skyla11377
I Am Frineds With Bitten By Books On Facebook.
Name Is Raquel Vega-Grieder
http://www.facebook.com/skyla11377?v=wall&ref=profile
I Have Added Bitten By Books To My Blog Roll.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/
I RSVPed for this event.
2. This sounds like an interesting take on teenage life. I think we all remember the ups and downs of being a teenager and that some kids were just downright cruel. It would be interesting to be able to talk to ghosts and have them tell you secrets about fellow teenagers. It definitely would change up the equation!
3. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/truebookaddict/status/5706252089
Facebook share: http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=1354072304&share_id=174012537873&comments=1
7. I follow the BBB feed via Google Reader and BBB is permanently listed in my blogroll: http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/
Paula H–For the most part, I just started writing and figured out the rules about my ghosts as I went along, based on what felt natural for the story. Then I went back and made sure everything was consistent. My ghosts have a few distinctive qualities. They can remember their lives before death well, but have trouble forming new memories. They are completely incapable of affecting the physical world. They can travel wherever they want, but feel most comfortable in a particular location that was meaningful to them during their lives. And they each have an individual scent that wisps off them, although only people who can see and hear them can smell it.
R.E.B.–I’d definitely write from a ghost’s POV if I thought that was the best thing for the story! The tricky part would be making sure my narrator could still be active and engaged in the story. But I’ve enjoyed books that were from a ghost’s POV, like REMEMBER ME and THE LOVELY BONES, so I know it can be done!
I’ve never felt certain that a particular place was haunted, but when I walk into a place with a lot of history, I find there’s a strong sense of all the lives that have passed through there. I remember feeling that on the ghost tour in Edinburgh, and also in Westminster Abbey in London.
Doville P–A hostile and angry ghost would be the most scary by far! I think I could handle a peaceful ghost, or one simply lingering on, or even a playful one that tried the occasional prank. But one that actually tried to hurt me or destroy things in my home–I hope I never encounter something like that!
I absolutely loved Give Up the Ghost, Megan! I cannot wait for your next book!
I am friend with Megan on twitter
And friends with Bitten By Books on goodreads and I was already following you on Twitter @thebookcellarx
Hi Megan! Here are my two questions:
1. Have you ever had any ghostly encounters? If you haven’t, what is one haunted place you’d like to visit.
2. If you could meet to ghost of someone famous, who would it be and what would you talk to them about?
-Tweeted: http://twitter.com/readingthisbook/status/5700698289
-Following Megan on Twitter!
-Following BittenByBooks on Twitter
I am readingthisbook on Twitter!
Added to my blogroll! http://readthisbook.wordpress.com/
This doesn’t count but I’d like to share with y’all my review of Give up the Ghost!
http://readthisbook.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/give-up-the-ghost-by-megan-crewe/
Sounds like a good book. I am a teen librarian so I will pick one up for my teens.
I entered the Kindle contest.
RSVP’d.
Entered the Kindle contest
Subscriber to BBB Newsletter
Friends with BBB on Goodreads.
As a children’s librarian, I need to be concerned about the appropriateness of books for the shelves.
We have many younger (4th grade) kids that check books out from the YA section. Although written
for teens, is Give up the Ghost “safe” for the younger readers? Will your next book also be dealing with ghosts
or will you be incorporating other paranormal beings?
2. I know I would like this book cause it sounds like my kind of read. But tell me something I can use to convince my teen boys that they would like even though it’s written about a girl. My youngest teen would probably read it just from the premise. my older boy will be harder sale. He finicky about what books he reads lol.
3.posted on my contest sidebar @ http://bookcrazyscrapbookmama.blogspot.com/ and on http://www.myspace.com/pamk258
4.friended Megan on myspace and facebook
5. entered daily book chat
7. I am friends with BBB everywhere. I subscribe to your newsletter, and your permanantly on my blogroll
forget to say I rsvped.
I so agree with your use of ghosts. Love your philosophy about them once being among the living so that they understand the emotions and trials of being alive. To me, much more appealing than werewolves, vampires, etc
Christopher Pike’s Remember Me is in my top five favorite books EVER! And you’re offering it as a prize! That is more awesome than you could ever know.
Do the ghosts in your series begun more substantial, or are they always “air thin”?
3. Spread on Blogger (avidafemmina.blogspot.com), LiveJournal (coffeeisgod.livejournal.com), Facebook (Jackie.uhrmacher), Twitter (JackieUhrmacher), The Blood Bank (Jackie Uhrmacher) and the Yahoo! Paranormal Lovers Group.
5. Entered
7. Friends with Bitten on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace (Coffee is God), member of the Blood Bank, subscribe to the newsletter, and leave BBB on my Blogger blog roll.
Patricia Barraclough–I don’t think there’s anything *offensive* in the book. There’s no swearing, little on-page sexuality (a couple of kisses), and no violence. There is, however, a fair amount of mature content. The book deals with alcohol abuse, depression, and suicidal feelings. Being totally honest, I wouldn’t give it to a elementary school kid unless I knew the kid could handle those topics.
The book I hope will be my next book does have a ghost, but other paranormal elements as well.
Pamk–Angles that might work for a teen boy: the main character is out to expose the crimes and hypocrisy of her classmates and teachers, confronting people with their lies. She’s pretty tough. The main secondary character is a teenaged boy whose recently lost his mom and now is dealing with realizing his friends aren’t as great as he thought they were. They connect, but it’s not a romance.
Hello!
I am new to paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels, so I have not read yours yet. It would be interesting to read about ghosts. Well my question for you is:
Do you have anything you need to drink or eat? For example, most heroines love coffee, and I love chocolate.
That’s all.
Thank you, Aori H.
aorihanazari(@)gmail.com
I RSVPed. Thankyou for that interesting interview. Do you see yourself ever writing for the older generation? I get the BBB newsletter, Blood Bank http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/profile/Lisa673
My question is what would you recommend a new writer to do first if they are truly interested in having their books published? P. Hansen
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=765169908&ref=nf
RSVP’d
i’m following and sent friend requests for facebook and myspace
Aori Hanazari–I love salty snacks! Doritos, pizza, spicy fries: those are my guilty pleasures.
Lisa D–I would happily write a book aimed at adults if an idea came to me that I felt would work better that way. Most of my ideas just happen to work best with teens!
Pamela Hansen–It depends on what stage the writer is at. First, finish a book. Then revise it–not just fixing spelling and minor errors, but really consider it critically and find ways to make the whole story stronger. Find critique partners, get them to tell you where the story’s not working as well as it could, learn how to deal with criticism and how to use it to improve your work.
Once you’ve done all that, then you’re ready to start thinking about publishing. The first thing I’d say then is take the time to read editor and agent blogs and websites, message boards where authors discuss the industry (look for forums that published authors frequent as well as unpublished, which is a pretty good sign people know what they’re talking about), that sort of thing. That’ll give you a good grounding in what to expect and how to proceed.
Really enjoyed the event! Thank you to Bitten by Books for hosting it, and to everyone who participated!
Thank You so much my DD is trying to write a book about her short but adventurous life and I really want to encourage her so I look for answers to her questions where ever i can
Hi Megan, I RSVP’d, what made you choose ghost to write about? How to you come up with your ideas? Are they based on your life or just your imagination?
I sent you a friends invite on myspace /bkwolf-whitaker
voted, am friends with bitten by books and entered the kindle 2 contest
Hi Megan,
Why ghosts? Is there something significant that made you want to write about them?
I rsvp’d, voted in the poll and friends with BBB
Thanks!!
Belinda and Biki–As I said in the interview, the idea came with ghosts already in it. It wouldn’t have worked with any other sort of creature! But I also find ghosts particularly interesting because they’re so human, and they can represent so many things.
Belinda–My ideas come from all over. Some just pop into my head from my unconscious. Some come to me while I’m reading other stories, watching movies or TV, listening to music, overhearing a conversation, looking out the bus window… Everywhere! I do draw on my life in small ways (e.g., I explain some of the real life places that inspired settings in GHOST here: http://www.megancrewe.com/gutg/behind.html ) but I never take a whole person or situation from my life–there’s a lot of imagination involved, for sure.
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