Rookie Wednesday: Becca Fitzpatrick

This week I'm honored to have the lovely Becca Fitzpatrick, author of the upcoming novel Hush, Hush, as my Rookie of the week.

What's one random tidbit about yourself?

I've never had a cavity, which is pretty impressive considering the amount of candy I eat. It probably has something to do with the fact that I'm obsessive-compulsive about brushing and flossing...

What were you doing before you sold Hush, Hush?

Minutes before Hush, Hush sold, I was upstairs cleaning the master bathroom (I missed my agent's phone call because of it). In general, before Hush, Hush sold, I was being a mom to my two little boys. I'm still Mom, only my day is a little busier now!

What is the best book that you've read over the last six months?

I'm not quite finished with The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, but I can tell you, based on what I've read, it's easily the best book I've read recently.

Was the process of writing and publishing your first novel what you
expected it to be?

In some ways, yes, but for the most part, a resounding no! The writing and rewriting part took much longer than I expected – five years. (Looking back, I needed those five years.) On the other hand, the publishing part all happened so fast. I've taken very few days off since my book sold – I even worked on Christmas. I'd heard from friends that publishing is just as slow before an author sells as it is after. To be fair, they're probably right. I think what made my experience different was the accelerated release date. Originally, Hush, Hush was set to release in 2010, but Simon & Schuster pushed the date up to October 13, 2009, which meant my publishing team and I had to accomplish in one year what most authors do in two. But you know what? I can't complain. It's been one wild ride, and I've enjoyed every minute of it (er, except for those rushed deadlines!)

Give us one embarrassing author moment:

In March, I flew out to NYC for the first time to meet my publishing team. Keep in mind I grew up in a small town in Nebraska, and everything I knew about city life came from what I'd seen in the movies. From Laguardia airport, I hopped on a bus that was supposed to take me to the subway (my first time on a subway, if you can believe it). Only, I got off on the wrong stop and ended up wandering around Harlem at nightfall. I got a few offers from strange men to help me find my way. That was fun. By the time I found a subway stop, I realized it was for the wrong line. My metro card was defective, I nearly hopped on a train to the Bronx (a nice lady pulled me off the platform and pointed me toward Brooklyn), and when I finally resurfaced from the subway, I was completely at a loss as to which direction to walk, since I'd planned on using the last of the setting sun as my guide. Note to self: there are very tall buildings in New York, which do a pretty good job of obscuring the sun. Rest assured, my second trip to New York went much more smoothly!

What would you most like potential readers to know about you and/or your book?

That I'm excited beyond words for them to read it. I've been working toward this point for six years now, and while there have been ups and downs, the struggle was worth every minute of it. Often, people will ask me what the best thing about being published has been, and in all honesty, that point hasn't happened yet. The best part of being published will be when readers all over the world turn the pages of Hush, Hush and fall into Patch and Nora's love story.

What's your favorite thing about Hush, Hush?

Aside from the sizzling encounters between Patch and Nora (which are so fun to write it should be outlawed), I'm going to have to say my favorite thing is Vee's character. She never fails to make me laugh! The scenes between Nora and Vee just flow naturally. I had two amazing friends growing up, and I tucked pieces of them inside Vee. She makes me feel nostalgic in the very best possible way.

What projects do you have in the pipeline?

I'm finishing up Crescendo, the sequel to Hush, Hush. Oh man it's good! Am I allowed to say that? I learned a lot in writing Hush, Hush, and hopefully it shows in Crescendo. Patch and Nora's romance is snappier and sexier than ever, Marcie Millar is back with a far more sinister and vital role, and another minor player from Hush, Hush (good luck guessing who!) turns up the heat...in more ways than one.

Any final comments?

Just thank you for having me here, Jacqueline!

Thanks Becca for the great interview!!

Synopsis:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Visit Becca's site

Read the first two chapters of Hush, Hush