Books(in140) & Other Things

This 140 Interview is with author Ian Sanders. Ian is a professional “juggler” with over twenty years of entrepreneurial experience. He currently runs OHM, a consultancy business for those who need fresh thinking and better marketing insight. Ian’s a busy guy – when he’s not writing books or running his own business, he’s the proud dad for two young boys.

Ian took some time to Twitter with me about his new book, Juggle: Rethink Work, Reclaim Your Life, social media and more. I did this interview over a month ago. Clearly I need to take more of Ian’s advice to heart!!

Be sure to follow Ian on Twitter @iansanders and check out his blog, Life on Planet Juggle.

1 DM per answer! tell me about your latest book JUGGLE! RETHINK WORK, RECLAIM YOUR LIFE.

It’s ensuring that the Work You reflects your plurality of ideas, talents & desires. Being multi-disciplined increases your value/ happiness.

What inspired you to write such a book?

Its the story of my life; how we don’t have to be restricted by a single job title, but we can carve out our own niche and break a few rules.

How did it become the story of your life?

I guess I have always juggled ‘more than one thing’. When I worked for a corporation, and when I worked for myself, I always mixed things up.

For JUGGLE you interview quite a few business gurus. Why were certain people asked to participate; why were they right for your book?

I wanted stories from these jugglers because they all had good stories to tell. And good stories help communicate what Juggle is about.

You said that juggling has been the story of your life. How/why did you become a juggler yourself?

I hated the idea of just doing one thing in life; I preferred the notion that I could mix things up and have a portfolio of projects.

Besides being an author, what do you “juggle” now?

I juggle consultancy projects for media clients with creating video content, planning my next book and being a daddy to 2 young kids.

Sounds busy! How does social media play a role in this, both as an entrepreneur and as an author?

Social Media is at the heart of my juggling: connecting with clients, meeting new people and spreading the Juggle word!

Books about work/life balance & lifestyles are very popular these days. What makes JUGGLE! stand out?

Juggle is written in an authentic style; empowering and inspiring the reader to reframe their worklives; to let the Work You be The Real You.

What’s the best piece of (140 character!) advice you can give someone so they can do that?

Have self-belief and put passion at the heart of all you do. Be guided by your gut…

Of the interviews for JUGGLE! Did one particularly stand out or was particularly memorable?

I think Kevin Roberts stood out. Here is proof that you can be at the top of your game and be a juggler; I love his take on life & business.

Are you working on any new projects?

I’m working with some new clients at my business OHM London, doing some new Juggle videos & planning my next book!

Oooh, what’s your next book going to be about?

New book is still under wraps as still planning what it’s going to cover!

Well, I guess I’ll have to wait to find out. Thanks!

Thank you.

Juggle: Rethink Work, Reclaim Your Life is currently available through Amazon.

This week’s 140 interview is with self-published debut novelist, William Aicher. William’s first book, The Trouble with Being God, a philosophical thriller about journalist and alcoholic Steven Carvelle, who begins to question the nature of everything from religion to the relationship with his girlfriend once a series of murders impacts his life.

William is a self-proclaimed internet rock star and Wisconsin native. You can find him online at his blog or follow him on Twitter @kaliphonia.

Are you ready for this? 1 DM per answer. Tell me about your book THE TROUBLE WITH BEING GOD.

A thriller that attempts to buck some genre rules, with a focus more on the events and their effects than a search for whodunit

What inspired you to take such a unique approach to the thriller genre?

I believe that in times of extreme duress peoples’ true characters show. Also I wanted to write a fun read, with a subtle point

So was it fun? What was the best part about writing this book?

It was absolute fun, but also a learning experience. I don’t depend on writing for my paycheck, so I got to experiment a bit.

This is your first book. Why did you decide to tackle writing a novel?

I actually started the book almost eight years ago. I had always wanted to write a novel, and basically decided to just do it.

That’s awesome! So, according to your website, you have a second on the way! What’s that one about?

next is different: cyberpunk futurism dealing w/ questions of self, plus nature vs. tech. Brave New World meets Philip K. Dick

Wow. Where did this idea come from?

combo of 3 short story ideas: The Grabbing Hands, Delete, and Plasticity (inspired by The Faint’s song “The Geeks Were Right”)

You sound like a pretty creative guy. What’s the biggest challenge you face as a writer?

the biggest challenge I face is trying to get myself to write. Between my job, family & relaxation time, it’s hard to find time.

What does your writing schedule look like then?

I honestly don’t have a schedule as I do my best writing when I’m ready to write. When inspiration hits & stars align, I write.

What are the benefits, as a writer, to using social media like twitter?

It is important for me to have direct two-way, transparent communication between me and my readers. Social media lets me do so.

That’s a very smart attitude for an author to have. Have you found there to be any drawbacks to being so active online?

Absolutely no drawbacks. Then again, I live and breathe the Internet.

You self-published your first novel. Why did you go that publishing route?

I’ve been working in music publishing for almost 10 years now, so I know the basics. Fun experiment, plus make my own rules.

What is the biggest challenge when it comes to self-publishing?

Biggest drawback is you are ultimately the one responsible for every bit of marketing and promotion. Its also a huge benefit.

What advice would you give to someone looking to self-publish?

Take the creation process seriously and don’t try to do everything yourself. Even if you self-publish, you need others to help.

I think that’s it! Anything else you want to add? Thanks so much for agreeing to this!

Nothing else to add here!

The Trouble with Being God is available through Amazon.

This week’s twitter interview was with Julie Wilson, the proprietor of Seen Reading, an exercise in either literary stalking or literary voyeurism. (You decide.) If you don’t know about Seen Reading yet, this is how it works: Julie spots you reading on the subway. She tries to figure out where you are in the book. She then heads to the bookstore to note the text, imagines your life, and then shares the literary adventure at SeenReading.com.

What began as a fun side project in 2006 has rapidly evolved -Seen Reading now has it’s own podcast, a Readers Reading segment, and Julie certainly isn’t done!

When Julie isn’t busy being the “Gossip Girl of the book world”, she’s pushing books at her day job as publicist at House of Anansi Press. She somehow found enough time to twitter with me about Seen Reading.

Be sure to connect with Julie at the Seen Reading website and follow her on Twitter @seenreading.

Hi Julie! Ready for this? 1 DM per answer! In 140 characters, tell me about Seen Reading.

SR is an exercise in literary voyeurism: what you’re reading, and my response to that in the form of a piece of microfiction. Reader fandom!

What inspired you to move into “literary voyeurism” and not, say, the pure observation of person, place, book?

As long as I can remember I’ve been enthralled by how one inhabits a character. (Film, theatre.) A reader experiences that on page one.

Given that, when/where/how did you devise Seen Reading as it is now?

Where all serious reading is done, a bar. A woman ran out, hugging her book, b/c “it’s not the right place to finish this.” I had to know.

That’s great!! How does “seeing” work? Are you “on the prowl” or is it more passive and spontaneous?

I prefer serendipity, to turn around and have the reader right there. I don’t feel rushed; they don’t get creeped out. Everyone’s happy!

Aah. On average, how often does it happen?

That’s the cool part. Literally, to turn on my heel and see a reader thisclose happens about 10x in a 40 min commute. Tippy toe views=30+.

Wow, I wasn’t expecting THAT many! Do you follow through on all your sightings?

While I’ll ’see’ that many, I’ll only ’sight’ abt 3. I’ll ‘research’ abt 6/week. I won’t find at least 1 title, leaving 5 to have fun with.

How does the research aspect work? What draws you to particular passages for each sighting?

Working from the page # the reader was on, the challenge is to pick the best bit to showcase a writer’s voice. A challenge. It’s hit & miss.

Any favorite/memorable sightings?

Funny enough, not actual sightings b/c the project is more abt the intersection btwn reader/passage. But ask me again. I have another answr!

Yes, “sightings” isn’t the right word for the whole experience. Any particularly memorable voyeuring? (Not sure if that works better!)

There’s a sincere joy in just knowing someone’s reading w/out knowing what they’re reading. FAVE=man reading a kid’s book to learn English.

My heart just melted. Have you ever been caught?

Not really, b/c ppl don’t know what I’m doing. One guy *did* angle his cell toward me. The screensaver was someone flipping the bird. Heh.

It would be impossible for me not to be obvious about it! How does this project intersect/affect your day job as publicist at Anansi?

It keeps me engaged in readership, which keeps me optimistic in an otherwise tough industry. I know & report that people *are* reading.

Have ebooks changed the subway lit landscape yet? How will Seen Reading change as they become more popular?

Barely. That’ll change in the next year, but not much. SR won’t change b/c the necessary info isn’t displayed in full *glorious* view.

How has SR evolved since it’s inception? Do you see evolving in the future?

A few ways. It’s now also a podcast. And on Mondays I invite ppl to submit short recordings of them reading. Next, an interactive story map?

I like the idea of a story map! I can’t think of anything else – can you?

Feels good! Thanks for the chat!

Thanks!

Kim Werker is a crochet and community queen. The founder of CrochetMe.com, Kim has written four books about the subject of crocheting – and promises me it’s not from Grandma’s anymore. (My Grandma did make a mean doily, though!)

Kim calls herself a writer, editor, crafter, and online media junkie and dabbles in all these areas regularly. Currently living in Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband and dog, Kim took time out of her busy schedule to Twitter with me about the wonders of crocheting, social media, her new book and more.

Be sure to connect with Kim by reading her blog or following her on Twitter @kpwerker.

Are you ready? I’ll DM you a Q and you DM me a response. 1 DM per answer! So, why crochet?

I’m ready! Can I cheat on 1st Q and send 1 DM re: why crochet for me, and 1 for why crochet for craft? *smiles charmingly*

Of course you may!!

Crochet: It’s creatively satisfying, infinitely flexible; fashionable & practical to boot. Making by hand feeds the soul.

For me: I find it relaxing & a creative outlet. I work in crochet b/c I can’t help but root for the underdog & connect w/ ppl.

How did you come about writing books about it?

I started CrochetMe.com in ‘04; it got big fast & pubs noticed. I was approached to write my 1st book less than a year later.

Why do you think crocheting encourages a strong sense of community?

Sharing w/ and learning from ppl who love the same thing u love is amazing. All fiber arts have history in communities of women.

You’ll get the hang of it!! So tell me about your most recent crochet book.

Crochet Me is a collaboration with designers from CrochetMe.com. No-holds-barred creativity, with essays. Crochet at its best.

Full info: Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution (Interweave, 2007)

Um, explain the “crochet revolution” please!!

Crochet has a bad rap of being ugly, tacky, uncool. We need to bust those stereotypes & show its beauty, potential, and value.

As a crochet novice, tell me about some awesome and new ways crochet can be used.

Crochet can kick ass in garments, accessories & at home. It’s about making great choices in yarn, stitch, and project.

nice! So what’s your crocheting/writing schedule like?

It’s variable. I’m doing last-minute crocheting 4 a book I’m editing. I’m focusing more on blogging & on non-crochet projects.

Speaking of blogging, you’re very active with social media. How has it helped you as a writer? What are the drawbacks?

It’s helped me get noticed professionally, to meet ppl, to build audience. Drawbacks r all related to unrealistic expectations.

Is there a strong online crocheting community? Or was crochet me one of the first?

CrochetMe.com was 1 of the 1st, 5 years ago. Also crochetville.org. There are more now, including Ravelry.com (also 4 knitters)

What inspired you to start CrochetMe.com? You’ve mentioned a lot about the awesome community, but why did you take the initiative?

I was new to crochet at the time, & looking for awesome patterns online. I couldn’t find any, so I started the site on a whim.

How has CrochetMe.com changed/evolved since you started it?

First it was a whim, then an online magazine, then an online community. I sold it to Interweave in ‘08, but remain involved.

When you’re not crocheting or blogging or twittering, what do you like to do?

I love to read good books, frolic with our dog, tinker about online, knit, chill with friends; I’m gonna learn to snowboard!

Snowboarding? Sounds pretty adventurous! I think I’m out of questions. Anything else you want to add?

Ha! Now that I don’t work for the mag anymore, I figure I can risk my wrists. Um, I can’t think of anything. You?

No, I think that’s everything. Thanks!

Thanks! It was fun!

Crochet Me is currently available on Amazon. Be sure to check out Kim’s other books, Get Hooked, Get Hooked Again and Teach Yourself Crocheting, also all on Amazon.

This week’s 140 interview is with Spokane, Washington-based humorist and writer Terry Bain. He likes writing books, making t-shirts and eating bacon. Aah, the simple pleasures in life.

He’s also the writer of two books, You are a Dog and We are the Cat. that look at life, love and more through the eyes of our four-legged companions. Terry took some time to virtually sit down with me and chat about these projects what he’s working on now and more.

If you want to connect with Terry, make sure you read his blog or follow him on Twitter @TerryBain.

Ready for this? I’ll DM you a Q and you DM me a response until we run out of things to talk about! Q:Tell me about your most recent project.

Well, the project I’m working on right now is a bio of an inventor/ orthopedic sugeon from Spokane (where I live).

That’s certainly unique! What attracted you to that?

I know the family, and he’s an interesting guy. It’s quite a departure for me, but I need to challenge myself or dry up and disappear.

Let’s shift gears a bit. Tell me about your previous projects, YOU ARE THE DOG and it’s follow-up, WE ARE THE CAT.

Good. It’s a bit hard to know where to begin. The dog book was first, and sort of surprised me. But it was a great deal of fun to write.

Why did the dog book surprise you?

I had no experience in it. I was trying to sell a novel, which wasn’t going well, so writing short humor pieces cheered me up (mostly).

You Are a Dog was first a short humor piece that was so much fun, I started to wonder if I could make it into a book.

That makes me happy! Were the reasons for pursuing the cat book similar?

Well, when I started touring with the dog book, someone asked the question: “will you be writing a cat book?” “No,” I said, definitively.

I started taking “cat book notes” that very evening.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the title for the cat book came first. I just knew that if the dog book was “you,” the cat would have to be “we.”

That’s far different than your current project. What challenges have you faced with this new biography, compared to writing humor?

Biographies are about people, apparently. Also, actual people rather than those I make up.

Also, I find that I have to be far more disciplined about it, which is something I’m unaccustomed to being.

Finally, it can be hard not trying to be “funny” all the time. (Though I’m probably funnier when I’m not trying… alas.)

I know the feeling! What’s your working/writing schedule like?

Intolerably erratic, though less so lately. My youngest started preschool this winter, so I get 3 hrs most mornings, then a bit more aft.

Morning time is for composing. Flat out scribbling. Later it goes into machine form.

You’re pretty active using social media. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this as a writer?

The benefits: easy access to people. People are good. They buy books. They read. They tell me what I’m doing that they like, or don’t like.

Drawbacks: easy access to people. Messaging and twittering &c. takes time, which gets sliced up in micropieces and its easy to lose a day.

I sometimes use twitter to sharpen “funny” skills. Sometimes this works, sometimes it just turns me so far inward that it’s hard to escape.

Would you do another humorous book? We still have birds, fish and many more you could use!

I’m hoping to do a lot of funny. Maybe sea monkeys next. (More likely dogs again.) Or maybe even humans. Those animals is funny.

Please do sea monkeys!! If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?

Well, I have a degree in computer science, and I just cloned a Joomla extension for a friend, so maybe I’d do that. Cloning, I mean.

Sounds like a plan to me! I think I’m our of questions. Is there anything else you want to add?

Just one more thing the dog would like to add: “Beware the vacuum. The vacuum is evil.” That is all.

Oh, and if anybody is interested, they can follow my dogs and cat: @youareadog and @wearethecat . Blessing.

You are a Dog and We are the Cat are available at Amazon.

This week’s Twitter interview is with YA author Melissa Walker. Melissa is the author of the successful Violet trilogy, about a small town girl who gets scouted to work as a model in the big city of New York. The first book in the series, Violet on the Runway, was recently named a ALA Best Books for Young Adults!

Melissa was the perfect writer to coin this enjoyable and relatable (I, too, was a gawky teenage giant, but sadly, was never scooped up and whisked away like Violet!) semi-fairy tale, seeing as she previously worked for teen publications like ELLEGirl and Seventeen. She’s also been a “talking head” on VH1 and lived a Harry-Potter-meets-MTV-reality-world stlye life when she attended a finishing school for girls in New Zealand.

(I think now is a good time to add a disclaimer: I think I would hate Melissa is I didn’t enjoy talking to her so much!)

Melissa is one author who is very active online. She twitters, blogs, MySpaces, and Facebooks. I don’t know where she finds the time to write! Be sure to follow her on twitter @melissacwalker.

Melissa chatted with me about the Violet series, her current projects and more.

Hi Melissa! you ready for your twitter interview?! Congrats on the ALA pick! tell me about your book, VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY.

VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY is about a gawky, small-town girl who gets scouted to become a model. She has to face the intense NYC fashion world!

What inspired you to write about the glamorous (or not-so-glamorous!) world of modeling?

I worked at a few fashion magazines, and peeking behind the scenes of the industry made me realize how beautiful AND dark it could be.

It’s turned into a successful 3 book series! Why do you think readers are attracted to Violet & these books?

Violet is a real girl at heart. It’s always fun to read about a glam world, but it’s also nice to identify with the main character!

That’s very true! What drew you to writing YA novels?

From working in teen mags, I knew I adored the YA audience–teens will tell you if they LOVE something, or if it sucks. They’re so open!

What are you working on now?

My next teen novel, LOVESTRUCK SUMMER, comes out in May. It’s an indie-rock love story set in Austin, Texas!

Sounds like fun! What’s your regular writing schedule like?

When I’m on deadline for a book, I make myself write 1000 words a day, 5 days a week. Off deadline, I work more on magazine stories.

That’s discipline! Let’s talk social media. You’re a very active blogger and twitterer. Have they helped you as a writer?

Yes! Even if I’m not on deadline, I’m always writing–plus, blogging and twitter both help you learn to be concise, which is a great skill.

That’s awesome. Tell me more about LOVESTRUCK SUMMER. What inspired this story?

I always wanted to write about an “indie” girl who finds herself out of her comfort zone falling in love with a “country” boy. So I did!

Now that Violet’s off to college in VIOLET IN PRIVATE, what is changing for her? And can we expect future Violet books?

Violet wants to figure out who she is outside of the modeling world, so that’s what she struggles with in college. It’s a trilogy for now.

I think that’s it! Is there anything you want to add?

Just thanks! This was a really fun format!

Violet on the Runway, Violet by Design and Violet in Private are all available on Amazon. Lovestruck Summer will be available in May 2009, but you can pre-order it now!

This week’s Twitter interview was with Toronto-based writer Dani Couture. Dani is a jill-of-all-trades, if you will and is currently working on a short story collection, a poetry collection and a novel! When she’s not writing, she is co-editor of Northern Poetry Review, the Youth Event Curator for The Scream Literary Festival, and working on her project, Animal Effigy.

I get dizzy just thinking about it!

Dani is also the author of Good Meat, a 2006 poetry collection that revolves around food and our relationship with it!

Be sure to read her blog and follow her on Twitter @danicouture!

Hi Dani! Ready for this? I’m DM you a Q & you respond when you can! Tell me about what you’ve been working on lately!

Hi, Erin! I’m finishing edits on a second collection of poetry, working on a novel, and working on a short story, The Mechanical Baby.

Sounds busy! Tell me about the novel!

The working title is Black Bear on Water. It’s a story about two brothers, a winter tragedy, the peculiar way the oldest chooses to cope.

Sounds interesting! You write in so many different styles. What’s writing a novel like compared to your short stories and poetry?

I need more time & space to work on fiction. A poem is easily portable. I can pull a paper out of my bag, work on it while on the streetcar.

Tell me about the new poetry collection!

Personally, it’s been a difficult collection to work on. The manuscript hardly resembles what it looked like only six months ago.

Now I have to ask you about the short story! It’s only fair!

The genesis: A surly teen awkwardly holding one of those class-issued mechanical babies outside of Spadina Station.

I like it! also, what an amazing day today! So, tell me what inspired your book GOOD MEAT. I love the concept!

Many of the poems in Good Meat are about my (complicated) relationship with the things I eat, how food can both nourish and host disease.

Where did such a neat & original idea for a collection come from?

Maybe I’m just lazy. Only interested in the things that are closest to me, what’s in my cupboards, my fridge, my stomach.

Haha! That’s a great answer! So, with so many projects on the go, what’s your work/writing schedule like?

The “schedule” manifests itself as loose papers everywhere, pockets full of notes, the computer always on, piles of books beside my bed.

You have a blog and are active on Twitter. As a writer, how & why do you use social media and have you found it useful?

I find social networking tools useful on a personal level. My friends & family are scattered across the country, the globe. Easy to connect.

What about professionally?

You can listen, contribute, watch. Stumble upon interesting people. Converse with other writers who you would have not have otherwise met.

How/why did you become a writer?!

When I was 7, buying books en masse at yardsales, I wanted to be Stephen King. Now, at 30, it’s a compulsion. To write, that is. Not be SK.

Thanks Dani! your answers were awesome!

No, that was great. Thanks, Erin! Great concept!

Good Meat is available through Amazon.ca for $14.60. Be sure to follow Dani for up-to-date info about her new projects!

Image of author reading at Exile Quarterly Launch, Toronto, Ontario in March 2008. Photo by Julie Wilson.

This week, I “chatted” with author Gail Konop Baker about her new book, Cancer is a Bitch (*Or I’d Rather Be Having a Mid-Life Crisis).

As Water for Elephants author Sara Gruen said “don’t let the C word scare you”, because Cancer is a Bitch is charming, funny and sweet. Yes, it is about cancer, but it’s also about so much more. Gail Konop Baker is a vivacious super busy doctor’s wife, writer and mother of three and her memoir will make you laugh and cry (often at the same time!) and have you thinking about your life and the choices you’ve made. (You can read my review here!)

Be sure to follow her on Twitter @gailkonopbaker and check our her website–she blogs about being a doctor’s wife (it’s not all it’s cracked up to be) and being a memoirist!

Hi Gail! Are you ready for this? I’ll DM you a Q, respond when you can & on it goes! Q1: In 140, tell me about your book CANCER IS A BITCH!

A memoir about my brush with breast cancer and how it served as a catalyst for me to re-examine midlife mothering marriage mortality.

What compelled you to write about something so personal?

I didn’t plan to write a cancer memoir didn’t plan to get the cancer that would inspire it but after I did I couldn’t write anything else.

How did the experience of writing CANCER IS A BITCH compare to your previous writing experiences?

I didn’t think before I wrote it so it came out raw unfiltered unprocessed unplanned from the deepest part of my gut the edges of my soul.

Part of the proceeds from your book are going to the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the Wisconsin Well Woman. Why these organizations?

NBCC is radical and outspoken WWW funds mammograms for ALL women also gave money to Breast Cancer Recovery (kayaking trips for survivors!)

That’s awesome!! Seeing as your book is so personal, how did you family/friends feel about CANCER IS A BITCH?

I showed everything to my husband and kids before it was published everyone is fine with it including my parents… except for my in-laws.

Your family bond felt very strong in the book. Totally unrelated: please tell me about the “stand-up comic” in your Twitter bio!

It was an imitation of my boss that made my friends laugh completely bombed in front of an audience wasn’t funny unless you knew the boss.

That’s pretty brave! As an author, have you found Twitter (and other social media!) to be useful? Why?

Yes I have connected with reviewers and interviewers and readers on facebook and twitter the downside is the time and distraction.

Do you have any future writing projects in the works?

Anatomy of a Marriage: SEX Love SEX work Sex Nest Kids Money Work Exhaustion sex Boredom Temptation obligatory sex frustration was that sex?

Sounds interesting! When does that come out?

I am revising and polishing the proposal with my agent at this very moment and hope to be on submission soon!

That’s exciting! As a busy mom, how do you find time for writing? What’s your schedule like?

It’s hard… long days start w/getting 12 yo son off to school then e-mail yoga or running interviews writing more pr dinner bed more e-mail.

Despite the heavy subject matter in CANCER IS A BITCH, I found the book very approachable & easy to read. How/why did that tone come about?

That’s me on the page… as open and honest as I’ve ever been and even though I was flipped out… the absurdity and humor brought me back.

Thanks Gail! I don’t think I have any more questions. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

CIAB is life-affirming and more about midlife motherhood and marriage than anything don’t let the word cancer keep you from reading it.

Cancer is a Bitch can be ordered through Amazon for $22.00!

Note: I have a dilemma. My book reviews could be called “Twitterviews” AND my Twitter Interviews can be called “Twitterviews.” Hmmm…

The 140 Interview is a new feature here at Books in 140!

Between January 5-9, I was lucky enough to interview YA author Mitali Perkins about her latest book, Secret Keeper! In order to stay true to the spirit of Twitter, the interview was conducted over Twitter’s Direct Message feature and both questions and answers were limited to 140 characters. (You’ll notice I cheated once or twice!)

Mitali Perkins has been a YA author for several years–her previous books include the First Daughter series and The Not-So-Star-Spangled Life of Sunita Sen. Born in Kolkata (Calcutta), India and moving all over the world as a child, thanks to her father’s job, Mitali felt she grew up very much “between cultures” and this is a space in which all her books exist.

A big thanks to Mitali for being my first victim interviewee! Be sure to check out her blog and follow her on Twitter @mitaliperkins!

In 140 characters, tell me about your book.

SECRET KEEPER (Random House) is a YA novel about sisters, secrets, and the power of sacrificial love. It’s set in Kolkata, India, 1974

Oooh, interesting! What inspired these themes? And why the unique setting? (Since it’s 2 questions, 2 DMs are allowed!)

When we left India and settled here, my sisters were allies in that strange place “between cultures.” We would go far to protect each other.

In Flushing, Queens, I’d sneak out on our fire escape to scribble stories and confessions in my “Secret Keeper,” a diary with lock and key.

Given your fire escape escape, when did you decide you wanted to be a writer and why?

I always wrote for the joy of it, but mustered the nerve to call myself a writer in 2004, when my agent sold Monsoon Summer to Random House.

You often write about strong female characters who are “between cultures.” What makes SECRET KEEPER different/special for you?

Family wept at my birth because I was a 3rd daughter. Would I be as strong a woman if we hadn’t left India? I answered yes in SECRET KEEPER.

You’re very active online. Has social media helped you as an author? How so?

Yes and … maybe. I’m not a big name, so they help me “brand” by sharing my voice and vision. But they squabble with the muse for my time.

What about with your fictional characters? I love Sparrowblog! Has that experiment been a success and would you do it again?

I launched it because my character in the FIRST DAUGHTER books blogs. I’m a campaign junkie so it was fun to track the first kid wannabes.

Would you consider doing it again? How you feel about fictional characters participating in social media?

It worked well during the campaign, but do I want to tweet Legolas or Frodo? Not really. But a little DM-ing with Aragorn might interest me.

Tell me about Asha from SECRET KEEPER.

Asha is 16, loves tennis, reading, and writing in her journal. She has a gift of making people feel safe enough to tell her their secrets

What’s her relationship with her sister Reet like? How does it change throughout the book? (Without giving away any major plot points!)

They adore each other. They promise their father to protect each other, but keeping that promise grows harder than they could have dreamed.

As a busy mom, how do you find time for writing? What’s your regular writing schedule like?

Everything’s crazy now as I’m launching the book and mini-tour. I usually write (#Peets) or do author visits while the boys are in school.

I can imagine! When things are calmer, do you have any hobbies/interests you enjoy?

Tennis. I play competitive singles and like beating twenty-somethings . Movies. I love movies. Food. I eat for fun. Travel. Take me away.

I love it! Do you have any new books/ideas in the works?

BAMBOO PEOPLE is coming from Charlesbridge in 2010. It’s my first novel with a guy on the cover, and is set along the Thai-Burma border.

That’s exciting! How did you find writing about a male character, seeing as your previous books have a female protagonist?

It was fun because of my sons, who have been busy teaching me the basics of TEEN GUYS FOR DUMMIES.

Is there anything about writing/SECRET KEEPER you want to add?

Thanks so much, this was a blast. I want to do all my interviews via Twitter now.

Me too!

Secret Keeper is published by Random House and will be available on January 13, 2009. You can pre-order your copy at Amazon, currently on sale for $11.55.

Second Note: The 140 Interviews are *hopefully* going to be a weekly series! If you’re an author, literary agent, editor or anyone in the book industry and want to be interviewed this way, DM me or contact me here!