I am glad to welcome Elizabeth Ross to Kid Lit Frenzy. Elizabeth is the author of Belle Epoque (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2013), which was recognized as a finalist by ALA's William C. Morris Award. Those attending the Ontario Teen Book Fest on March 21st will have an opportunity to meet Elizabeth. Here is a chance to catch up with Elizabeth.
When I read a book, there is usually a favorite line or scene that jumps out at me. In your debut novel Belle Epoque, do you have a favorite scene or a scene that was fun to write?
I love the end chapter of Belle Epoque. I wrote it very quickly one afternoon (generally I don't write quickly!) but it came out easily, already formed. And I didn't change it much during revisions. It felt kind of like a revelation--as though it had taken writing a whole novel for me to get to these words Maude says at the end. As a writer that moment felt electric.
Speaking of Belle Epoque any plans for a movie?
Yes! The movie rights have been optioned by a producer and the plan is that I write the first draft of the script. Belle Epoque has such a visually stunning setting--turn of the century Paris--that it just would lend itself to being translated for the big screen don't you think...?
Rumor has it that you are working on a 1940's Hollywood historical fiction story? The time period, the clothes, Hollywood. Can you tell us anything and are you having any fun with the research for the book?
I ADORE classic Hollywood: the clothes, the architecture, the movies--everything. Los Angeles has all this hidden movie history and so I just have to leave my house to be inspired. Recently I checked out the Hollywood costume exhibit which was fascinating. There was this amazing beaded sequin outfit worn by Carole Lombard in the 1930's - all silver, gleaming and dangerous!
One of my favorite things is to get a glimpse at where an author writes his or her books. Are you mobile with a laptop or do you have a special space and if so, can we get a glimpse of it?
I write long-hand in a notebook and on my laptop. I have a magical writing space at the end of our garden, where we renovated our garage into an office on one side and my husband's motorbike/workshop/man cave on the other side. It's essential to have a writing space where you can close the door and escape into the world of your book. I'm very lucky to have such a nice space to write. Here's the view of the massive bird of paradise by my window.
What are your five favorite places in the Los Angeles area? Hole in the walls or off-beat kind of places would be great too if you have any?
Griffith Park is my favorite place to go for a stroll and mull over my writing. It's surrounded by city but when you're there, it's a total escape--you feel as though you could be in the countryside. Honestly I don't have much time now to hang out in cafes or bars (I have a toddler!). But I love my Silver Lake neighborhood and just pottering around here makes me happy.
Authors tend to get questions from readers at school visits or in emails, tweets, letters, etc. Do you have a favorite question or comment from a reader?
It's wonderful when readers get in touch and tell me that they fell in love with a particular character, or that the story spoke to them in some way. That's such a privilege as an author -- to have your words connect with a stranger. I suppose that connection is part of the reason I write.
What are you currently reading? Can we get a shot of your TBR pile?
I'm currently reading VANGO by Timothée de Fombelle. It's totally original--kind of like an old Hitchcock movie like "The 39 Steps" - a real adventure. Next up is Mary McCoy's DEAD TO ME. It just came out and I've been impatiently waiting to read it!
About Elizabeth Ross:
Elizabeth Ross’s debut novel, BELLE EPOQUE, was published in 2013 by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House. The novel was a finalist for the American Library Association’s William C. Morris Debut Award and the California Book Award.
Originally from Scotland, Elizabeth now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Her website is www.elizabethrossbooks.com
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, March 21, 2015 for the Ontario Teen Book Fest.
Where: Colony High School - 3850 E. Riverside Dr., Ontario, CA 91761
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Important Info: This is a free event. No ticket needed.
Website: Ontario Teen Book Fest
Booksales: Once Upon a Time
Check out the other stops in the Blog Tour:
February 28th: Spotlight on Kasie West -- Adventures of a Book Junkie
March 1st: Spotlight on Melissa Landers -- What A Nerd Girl Says
March 2nd: Spotlight on Brad Gottfred -- Recently Acquired Obsessions
March 3rd: Spotlight on Catherine Linka -- Read Now Sleep Later
March 4th: Spotlight on Debra Driza -- Read Now Sleep Later
March 5th: Spotlight on Katie Finn -- Fearless Kurt Reads YA
March 6th: Spotlight on Claudia Gray -- A Bookish Escape
March 7th: Spotlight on Shannon Messenger -- People Like Books
March 8th: Spotlight on Lauren Miller -- The Thousand Lives
March 9th: Spotlight on Mary Elizabeth Summer -- What A Nerd Girl Says
March 10th: Spotlight on Anna Carey -- The Reader's Antidote
March 11th: Spotlight on Sherri Smith -- Movies, Shows and Books
March 12th: Spotlight on Elizabeth Ross -- Kid Lit Frenzy
March 13th: Spotlight on Jessica Khoury -- The Consummate Reader
March 14th: Spotlight on Maurene Goo -- The Windy Pages
March 15th: Spotlight on Cecil Castellucci -- Nite Lite Book Reviews
March 16th: Spotlight on Jessica Brody -- The Romance Bookie
March 17th: Spotlight on Gretchen McNeil -- Movies, Shows and Books
March 18th: Spotlight on Aaron Hartzler -- Fangirl Feeels
March 19th: Spotlight on Michelle Levy -- The Consummate Reader
Don't forget to enter the giveaway: Participants must be 13 years or older and have U.S. mailing address.