You might remember my sequee fest over From What I Remember … a few weeks ago. I loved this book insanely – like, so so so much! Today, I am even more excited to host the amazing duo that wrote this piece of awesome: Valerie Thomas and Stacy Kramer.
I have a fantastic interview with them and later on, you can also win a shiny signed Hardcover, nicely sponsored by the girls!
and now, please welcome Stacy and Valerie!
Hi Girls! Thank you so much for taking your time to answer a few of my burning questions! Please have a seat, coffee or tea?
We’ll have tea, with sugar and milk please.
You remember when you were ask at the Teen Author Carnival to pitch your book “From What I Remember …” in 6 words? Well, let’s make it 3:
Fast, fun, complex
Perfect, If I wouldn’t be already in love with your book, I would totally need to read it right now..
With the two of you writing together, I am always intrigued about how the process of writing goes. Especially with so many POV’s in your book, did each of you write certain POV’s? Or how does your team-writing-process works?
We did not split up the POV’s. What we’ve always done is spend a great deal of time working out the plot and structure of a book, figuring out the characters’ distinctions and the book’s themes, and then one of us starts writing. Eventually that person passes the work back to the other one who rewrites it. We then switch roles after awhile, and by the end of the process we’ve both written and rewritten the entire book dozens and dozens of times. The process works well for us, it allows us to achieve a unified voice, and we’re both busy writing all the time.
In “From What I Remember …” we have 5 different POV’s – which is a lot and although I normally get easily confused, here, the voices were so distinct I always knew who was telling the story right now. But, why did you decide to include so many POV’s?
At first we were just going to have Kylie and Max, but we began to experiment with Will as well, and then decided to add it Lily and Jake, to make things even more challenging for ourselves!! We liked having three voices that were not in Mexico for a huge chunk of the book because it allowed us to fill in what was going on back home, and we really liked the variety of voices we created. We hope they add a dimension to the book that one doesn’t normally find.
And in light of the “All Male Challenge” that is going on right now. Was writing the Boy POV’s different and more difficult to you? And, did you ask the men in your life for advice?
Writing Max was harder than writing Will, who we both have many things in common with (love of fashion, love of snark…). Max was a difficult character because he’s intentionally opaque for much of the book, and he’s kind of a jerk….once he begins to let loose in Mexico it was much easier to write him. We both drew on the boys in high school who we knew who were similar to Max. And Jake was actually very easy to write, once we figured out what his voice was.
Max and Kylie could be considered classic stereotypes on the outside: The gorgeous all popular Sports Boy and the geeky, nerdy Girl on the outside of the popular crowd. Yet there is so much more about these characters than visible from the outside. I especially loved this aspect – was that something any of you experienced? Realizing that there is more to some kids/people than what they wear on the outside?
We think the big lesson of the book, if there is one, is that everyone is different than they seem on the outside. Especially in high school where figuring out one’s identity can be so difficult, everyone chooses a persona to some degree and is then pigeon-holed there, but deep down there’s much more going on, and many more facets. We really enjoyed creating characters who had unexpected layers that eventually get peeled away.
Seriously, while reading, the whole book played like a movie in my head. I actually embarrassed myself randomly telling my husband that this scene would be awesome in a move… Uhm.. Yes… So, Considering your background in screenwriting was that something you had in mind while writing?
It is not something that we consciously had in mind, but because we both have a background in film and screenwriting, we both can’t help but craft books that are a lot like movies. We were trained in the film business to create plots that move quickly, and to emphasize the visual aspects of a story all the time, so we think that has migrated to our book writing. Luckily, the book has been optioned for film by Paramount Pictures, so hopefully we’ll all get to see it as a movie.
Would you mind sharing who you would be your dream cast ?!? I always love to see who the authors envisioned when creating those amazing characters!
It’s hard to know who the cast would be since by the time the movie gets made, the actors we love today might be too old. We love Selena Gomez. Ryan Reynolds is too old but we think he’d be perfect for Max. Chris Pine? There are probably some wildly talented young actors on the brink of being discovered who will end up in the film, so stay tuned!
So want to share with us what is in store for you now? Will you continue to write together and, maybe you can tease us a little? J
We are still writing together and we’re working on two new books. One is a romantic comedy that involves movies…just like FROM WHAT I REMEMBER, but vastly different (that’s all we can say, sorry), the other is a huge departure for us, it’s an international spy thriller based on true events that occurred in Berlin a few years ago….again, that’s all we’re able to divulge!
I had the pleasure meeting them when I was in NYC for BEA and both are fantastic!!!!
They are funny and awesome and I cannot wait to read more from them!!! And it’m super excited to hear that they are going to write another cute and funny story like this one!
From What I Remember…
From What I Remember… by Stacy Kramer, Valerie Thomas - Synopsis from goodreads
KYLIE: Tijuana WHAT? I should be putting the finishing touches on my valedictorian speech. Graduation is TODAY, and is this a wedding band on my finger.MAX: It all started with Kylie’s laptop and a truck full of stolen electronics Okay, it was kind of hot, the way she broke us out like some chick in an action movie. But now we’re stranded in TIjuana. WIth less than twenty-four hours before graduation. Awesome.WILL: Saving Kylie Flores from herself is kind of a full-time occupation. Luckily, I, Will Bixby, was born for the job. And when I found out she was stuck in Mexico with dreamy Max Langston, sure, I agreed to bring thier passports across the border–but there’s no reason to rush back home right away. This party is just getting started.LILY: I just walked in on my boyfriend, Max Langston, canoodling with Kylie Flores, freak of the century. Still, I can’t completely hold it against him. He NEEDS me. It’s even clearer now. And I’m not giving him up without a fight
And nooooowwwwwwww…
This Interview and Giveaway is part of the awesometastic, it#s not to late to join!
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XD Ive been wanting to read so badly! How did yall come up with the idea for the story??
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Awesome interview, I love mult POV’s and am glad you went for it. Awesome review and giveaway Danny!
kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday ~ Dualed
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Great interview, Danny !
Thanks for introducing it to me long ago. It’s because of you that I bought a copy and ended up LOVING the book !
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Well I was going to do an Interview for my giveaway but no way am I going to try to follow that one! Totally awesome! The only reason I read this one was because Stacy told me that had written another book and then I saw it on your top 10 of the year. I hadn’t even hear of it. So I read it! I understand why it’s in your top 10. Mine too! I loved Will! I think he was my favorite character.
Those were some great questions and some I’ve wondered about when you write together, how you share. It’s like having the best critique partner in the world because they rewrite it for you! I do have my own copy on the Super Special Shelf so I’m not entering the contest.
BUT EVERYONE SHOULD ENTER IT! IT’S A GREAT TIME!
*hugs Danny*
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I’ve heard awesome things about From What I Remember! Love the interview:) Love that there’s a meaningful theme to a wonderful plot – and the characters are so different and they see beyond that. Thank you:)
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Ooh Ryan Reynolds! I love him! I seriously have/need to read this book it sounds right up my alley (and no not just because I will picture Ryan Reynolds! *whistles innocently*) with its 5 POVs – love book in multiple POVs especially contemps like this.>.< Awesome post, Danny and thanks for the giveaway!
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LOVED this book! And it definitely played like a movie in my head, too. It’ll be an easy transfer to the big screen, I think. Usually so many POVs get confusing but it really worked well in this book. Great interview!
Mary @ Book Swarm recently posted..Speed date with Shane: BORN TO DARKNESS by Suzanne Brockmann
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Loveee the interview! And the book sounds amazing
Karen recently posted..My Book Boyfriend (#1) Ian O’Shea
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Great interview and thanks for the giveaway.
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This was definetly one of my favorite books this year. I would love to have a signed copy! If your reading this comment and you haven’t read this book yet, you need to, NOW!
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I remember your super enthusiastic review of this one Danny, it ensured I added this book to my must-read list. Love that they were able to write so many different POVs without it being confusing for the reader:) I can’t imagine writing and rewriting a book dozens of times, that’s some serious dedication to their story! Clearly it pays off though:) I can’t wait to read this one, thank you so much for the giveaway!
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5 different POV’s? That had to be fun to write.
I cant’ wait to read this book. 
TayteH recently posted..Today’s the day. VOTE FOR PERCY!
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I love writing duos! Valerie and Stacy’s writing process sounds very similar to Kami and Margaret’s of the Beautiful Creatures series. They once said they rewrite so much they don’t even remember who originally wrote what. I thinks is great to be able to find that flow between yourselves.
And I love hearing that you two chose to challenge yourselves by adding in so many POVs. Thanks for such an awesome interview and giveaway. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book.
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Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I can’t wait to read this book.
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I seriously need to read From What I Remember. That is very unique to have so many different POVs and also have a few not in the same area as the others. I especially love reading from a guy’s POV and here I get two so that will be fun. From What I Remember just sounds so fun and entertaining.
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Great interview, can’t wait to read it!
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How did I miss that this was written by two authors? I loved reading how they put it all together. Five PoVs can be tricky. I just got a copy of this and I am even more excited to read it!
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Thanks for the great giveaway !!
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The book cover is gorgeous.
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Great interview! Sounds like a really good fun read! Thanks for the chance to win!
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Great interview!! How they wrote the book was very interesting. I always wonder how author duos end up writing it. And, I haven’t read the book, but I am already excited that it might become a movie someday =D
Thanks for the giveaway!!
-Becky
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Great interview! Both authors sound so sweet and funny and this book has been so intriguing for me, even though I tend to gravitate toward sci-fi/fantasy more than contemporary. The humor and interesting multiple POV style makes me really want to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway, as always.
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I was wondering about the process and if you guys switched back and forth on the voices. So I’m happy to finally know how you guys work!
I’m with Danny, the multiple POV’s work well and I liked knowing what was going on on all sides of the border.
I loved this book! But I read an egalley and would love a copy to share with my friends and family cause they NEED to read it too! So thanks for the giveaway!
Candace recently posted..Mini Reviews: Shine & Scarlet
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Awesome book. I’ve been wanting to read it since I first saw someone talk about it.
Jessica Etches recently posted..Spreading the Word for the Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! How come I havent read this book yet? I have come across a few beautiful reviews about this one but now with this wonderful interview Im totally sold! I loved learning about the authors and their writing together =)
Also, Im SO intrigued with the the other contemporary and spy thriller the authors are working on!! kyaaaaaaaa!!
Dannyyyyy! thank you SO much for sharing this marvelous post =DDDDD and for the amazing giveaway!! holy cow!!!!!!!! ^__^
Muah!!
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Great reviews for this book and love the interview! Thank you for this giveaway.
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I’ve been waiting to read this book forever!!!
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I love the cover of this book and have been waiting to read it for awhile now. It looks like the perfect beach/vacation read. Thanks for the chance at this great giveaway!
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This book looks like a great, fun read. A YA version of The Hangover.
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Huh, I’ve seen this around but because of the cover I just thought it was a contemporary book about high school or something. Totally not what I expected it to be about. Sounds good!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
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A signed hardcover is a GREAT prize, ladies! Thanks!!
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Your writing process really surprised me, but it sounds like a really good way to create unique and consistent voices.
Bookish in a Box recently posted..Supernatural Saturday Review: Hourglass
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This book sounds really awesome! I can’t wait to read it, the cover also looks well done
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This book sounds really great for my daughter, if not for myself. lol I absolutely love your reviews. You tell us exactly what is in the book so we can judge if we want our kids to read it or not.
Lauren M. recently posted..2 BOOK GIVEAWAYS
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I am sooo excited to read this book…mostly because I was just like Kylie in high school. I can’t wait to read her story! This book sounds like so much fun! Just like the interview!
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Thanks for the giveaway!
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This book sounds great! Will be on my tbr list, thank you for the interview and giveaway!
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It sounds like a fantastically funny story! Thanks for hosting a giveaway.
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Thank you for the awesome giveaway! This sounds like a hilarious contemporary!
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Awesome giveaway! The book sounds great!
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Not to hijack this thread, but I’m interested in seeing if I can have a personal injury claim and I don’t know how to find a good, local lawyer… do you have any info on this lawyer? They’re located in Stockton, CA 15 minutes from my home and I can’t find reviews on them – Law Offices of David Barzaga, 1151 West Robinhood Drive Stockton, CA 95207 (209) 474-3710.
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