Q/A with Kristen Simmons author of Article 5!

Today we have a special treat for you guys! We would like to 

welcome and thank Kristen Simmons for agreeing

to do a Q/A with us about her and her novel Article 5!

So lets get started! :D

-When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be an author ever since I was little. From a young age I was drawing, then writing, the adventures of my dog, cat, and hamster - in one story they even participated in the Olympics! I loved plotting what adventure I would send them on next. Though the characters have changed, I still love that feeling!

- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My interesting writing quirk...hmm...let's see... Oh! I have a miniature baseball bat - wooden, and about 2 feet long - that I swing around whenever my fingers are not occupied by the keyboard. It helps me think, like when people play with rubber bands or manipulate a paper clip. My husband finds this habit highly concerning...he gives me wide berth when I'm "thinking."

- What inspired you to write Article 5?

The wheels for A5 actually started spinning several years ago, when I went to the local bookstore and came across a group of people who were protesting the release of a children's book. It got me thinking: of course they had the right to protest whatever they liked, but what if they succeeded? What if they were able to ban this book from a major seller on the grounds that it conflicted with their beliefs? And what if it didn’t stop at books? What else could you ban based on its perceived offensive nature? This led to bigger questions – what other freedoms could we lose if someone found them offensive? What if the Bill of Rights was dissolved? What rules would be implemented in their place? It all sort of fell into place from there.

-  When did you write your first book and how old were you? 


My first completed manuscript was called ZOLIC. It was approximately 10 pages. I wrote it when I was in the third or fourth grade.

- What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

I learned how brave my characters are! As I wrote, the world in ARTICLE 5 became darker and darker, and Chase and Ember were forced to respond to that in order to survive. Sometimes I was surprised at how strong and persistent they were, despite the odds.

- What do you consider invaluable resources for an aspiring writer?

Something I never had (or never sought out anyway) - a critique partner! Someone to be there for you through the process of writing and/or publication. Someone who can offer support, remain grounded through the struggles of completing a manuscript or querying agents, and who can offer a solid assessment of your work. I have such a person in my life now, and I don't know what I'd do without her!

- Who's your favorite author or what's your favorite book(s)?

This changes pretty regularly - I'm always a huge fan of any great book when I read it - but I have to say I'm pretty fond of Patrick Ness. The Knife of Never Letting Go (the entire series) is brilliant.

-Can you tell us a little about your next project?

It's Book 2 of the ARTICLE 5 series! AND also Book 3 of the ARTICLE 5 series! Ha. I'm working on both at the same time - revisions for one, a first draft for the second. I don't want to give too much away, but I can tell you this about Book 2 - there is more Chase and Ember, more danger, more kissing, and even a daring rescue.

-Describe Article 5 in one sentence for readers.

ARTICLE 5 is a dangerous, desire-filled, dystopian.

- What is your favorite part about being a writer?

Creating new worlds and new people to fill them! So much of our lives are consumed with rules, but as a writer, I can create my own boundaries, and bend the walls of reality to accommodate my every whim! It's so freeing, and so fun!
 

-If you could be any superhero who would you be?

The one who ends up with Thor.

Ok, I don't know if there is such a superhero, but Thor is unbelievably hot, is he not?

PS. Let's not mention this to my husband, all right? Good.

-If you could go back in time where would you go?

I want to see a dinosaur!!! Just for a little bit though. Then I'd want to come back to the present. I certainly wouldn't want to be eaten by a dinosaur or anything.

Thanks for having me Vanessa!

And thank you Kristen for being such an amazing writer! We can't wait to see what you come up with next. 

You can enter our Article 5 bookmark giveaway by entering here:  Article 5 bookmark GIVEAWAY!

Keep an eye out on Kristen Simmons' site for updates on her upcoming novels. http://www.kristensimmonsbooks.com/