Chatting with YA Author, Jessi Kirby

I have a special treat today for all of my Tasty Readers, Jessi Kirby is here chatting about her Upcoming Release, In Honor, which is being released on May 8th.  I am so excited to have her at A Tasty Read for a visit, not only because I adore her writing, but I was hoping to get some inside info on Rusty, our hero from In Honor. 

Keep reading past the interview for the blurb about In Honor, and I might just be giving away a copy of the book...so keep reading for details!!

Let's get talking to Jessi....

A Tasty Read: From English Teacher and Librarian to Published Writer, seems as if you are always around the written word. Did you always want to eventually become a writer?

Jessi Kirby: Yes! I've wanted to be a writer since 3rd grade, when I read my first Judy Blume book. But to me it always seemed like a far off thing, like being a rock star or a model. (Of course, to me, writers are as cool as rock stars and super models.) It wasn't until I turned 30, and had done a lot of other things I always wanted to do that I thought I should give writing a real go. And of course, I couldn't be happier that I did!

A Tasty Read: Why YA Drama? What about the Genre inspires your creativity?

Jessi: I never actually sat down and decided "I want to write YA drama." It came pretty naturally to me because that's what I like to read most. I'm inspired by realistic stories about girls I can relate to--stories that also somehow capture those real life magic moments that we all wish we could hold onto forever and ever. So I think when I sit down to write, that's what I'm always aiming for.

A Tasty Read: Do you have any Favorite Books from when you were a teen?

Jessi: My love for Judy Blume spanned my entire childhood, including my teenage years. As a teenager I loved JUST AS LONG AS WE'RE TOGETHER and TIGER EYES. I also had a thing for Christopher Pike's horror novels and Anne Rice's INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE series.

 A Tasty Read: I love the title, In Honor, and the premise of your Upcoming release. Where did the idea for In Honor stem from?

Jessi: Originally, I decided I wanted to write a brother and sister story, and that I wanted it to include a crazy road trip. The idea of Finn's letter precipitating Honor's trip kind of evolved from there. In the beginning, she was going to take the trip alone, but then I thought it'd be more fun if she had a companion--a gruff, sexy kind of companion, and that's where Rusty came in.

A Tasty Read: Can't wait to read about this Infamous Rusty!!

What is next for you? Any other genre you have wanted to explore?

Jessi: Next up I have another contemporary YA called GOLDEN, which will be out in 2013, about a girl who finds the journal of a girl who disappeared--sort of a small town legend, and discovers that maybe she wasn't as golden as everyone thought she was. It's a mystery/romancey/road-trippy kind of story.  

A Tasty Read: Jessi, Thank you so much for hanging out, I had such a great time chatting with you and I wish you all the success with this newest release.

Jessi: Thank YOU so much for having me! It's been my pleasure!


About Author

Jessi Kirby is a former English teacher and librarian. She lives in Orange County, CA with her husband and two kids, where she writes stories and runs the beach every day. Well, almost every day.

You can contact Jessi at jessi@jessikirby.com

Blurb:

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?


GIVEAWAY:

To be eligable to enter the Giveaway,

(1) Please Be a FOLLOWER of A Tasty Read Blog, through Email or "Join" (both are located on the top right-hand corner of the home page)

(2) Please Tell me your FAVORITE YA book, weither from when you were a kid, or a book you have picked up recently.

(3) Please leave a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS, so that I can contact the winner.

*This Giveaway is for U.S. Residents Only, and will run until Monday, May 7th, 8pm EST, and the winner will be announced on May 8th.

Congratulations Pat L.  winner of the In Honor Giveaway!!

Thank you for entering and Happy Reading!!