"Don't Sweat the Petty Things and Don't Pet the Sweaty Things"--Emily Casey, Author of The Fairy Tale Trap [Blog Tour]

1/21/2012

Meet Emily Casey, Author of A FAIRY TALE TRAP

Make sure to leave a comment for Emily and one lucky commenter will randomly be chosen to receive a FREE ecopy of her book, A Fairy Tale Trap

How did you come up with your title?
The original title was Roses and Mirrors, but I didn’t think it helped the reader understand what kind of book it was. So I wanted to make sure it had “fairy tale” in it. After that, I sort of just threw words at it until one stuck. Fairy Tale Trap seemed like a natural choice.

Describe your book in 7 words or less.
Sarcastic teenager gets trapped in fairy tale.

What chapter or part of the book was your favorite to write and why?
Ooh, that’s a tough one. Some fans have said they like the chamber pot scene, but I think I’m partial to chapters 13 and 14 (they’re both really short chapters). That’s where the rules REALLY change.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Plotter. My first drafts don’t have very detailed outlines, but I know where the story’s headed. But the 2nd draft? I have every scene carefully laid out, details about the setting, character motivation and mood. The works.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?
You can always revise it later. Honestly, I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so when I write a first draft, I have to remind myself to move forward. It’s more important to have a messy first draft, than part of a clean draft.

What advice would you give to a first time author?
This may not be the book that brings you fame and glory, but if it helps you to make your next book a little bit better, it’s worth it.

What other projects do you have in the works at the moment?
I’m writing a novella called Cinderella and Zombies while I do some plotting for the sequel to The Fairy Tale Trap, which I’ve decided to call The Fairy Tale Twist.

Which of your characters is your favorite?
Ivy will always be near and dear to my heart. She’s the first character that ever made me laugh out loud. But I’m growing a soft spot for the hero in Cinderella and Zombies, Prince Kent.

Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
I do. I love reviews that give me something to work on. I know I’ll never please everyone, but if I get the same criticism more than once, I should probably look into my own writing and see if I can improve. Raving five-star reviews are nice, too.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
If I’m typing, on the couch. But if I’m writing by hand, I get more done at the kitchen table. The entire second draft of The Fairy Tale Trap was written by hand. When do I write? Naptime. My brain hates me at night, so I take the only other time I have without the kids.

Coke or Pepsi? Caffeine-free Coke

Do you ever write in your PJ’s? Nope. I never “feel like writing” (or doing housework) until I’m dressed. So I have to do that first thing.

What are your pet peeves? When people park or stand right in the way, completely unaware that there are other people around them.

What are 4 things you never leave home without? Chapstick, diapers (for the kids, not me), a pen, and my library card

One of your favorite quotes – “Don’t sweat the petty things, and don’t pet the sweaty things.”

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed? Once Upon a Time. No-brainer :)

Where can your readers stalk you?
My blog: http://emilycasey.com
My facebook page: http://facebook.com/emilycaseysmusings
My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/emilycasey
Twitter: http://twitter.com/EmilyCaseysMuse
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Tale-Trap-Thorn-ebook/dp/B006NBC3PU/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/115248

To read the first three chapters, click here.

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to get your hands on a FREE ebook of The Fairy Tale Trap. Also, check out where Emily goes next on her blog tour. The next stop is at A New Kind of Ordinary with Melanie McCullough. Check it out.

18 Comments

Emily Casey link

1/20/2012 09:36:53 pm

Thanks for the great questions, Angela!

Bill Joel link

1/20/2012 10:48:21 pm

Interesting assessment of what it means to be a writer. You confirm, once again, my notion that there are as many ways to be a writer as there are writers.

1/20/2012 11:02:20 pm

Bill, I honestly believe that. That's why it's so important to have a strong writing community. You need to find new techniques, try them, and keep the ones that work. And my style evolves, so it's a never-ending process. :)

Diana link

1/20/2012 11:36:22 pm

I wish I was more organized and could plot, heck getting dressed in clothes sounds good too. Jammies might not be the way to roll after all. ;)

Best of luck

Susan Oloier link

1/21/2012 12:42:37 am

Wonderful interview, Angela. I like Emily already, and I haven't even met her. I am definitely a plotter, too. And I will not write a word in my pjs either :-) I'm off to check out her site now.

1/21/2012 01:12:14 am

Diana - Yeah, jammies hate me. So comfortable...

Yay, Susan! (Thanks for the comment. And the compliment.)

John Abramowitz link

1/21/2012 05:15:09 pm

Very interesting!

I also enjoy fairy tale fusions (like Emily, I'm a big Once Upon A Time fan), so this sounds like an interesting book. And I can already PROMISE you I'll be reading "Cinderella and Zombies". Emily wins massive points just for naming a book that, as far as I'm concerned.

I have very little time between legal work and my own writing projects, but I definitely want to check out this book!

1/22/2012 08:55:32 am

Haha, thanks John!

Juliana link

1/22/2012 10:55:56 am

This book has such a great hook! Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites and I'm intrigued by the twists you've added in, Emily!

Great interview, Angela (love the questions!)

Nicole link

1/22/2012 01:18:49 pm

Thanks for the awesome interview! This sounds like a great book :)

Núria Coe link

1/22/2012 01:59:20 pm

Thanks for the interview Angela!
And Emily, can't wait to read your book. And I love your favorite quote. Definitely words to live by :)

1/22/2012 09:55:00 pm

Juliana and Núria, thanks so much!

Michael Offutt link

1/23/2012 12:25:25 am

Oooh a fairy tale-ish type book. I think the timing on this release is perfect because of the popularity of t.v. shows like Once Upon A Time and Grimm and two Snow White movies coming out this year (not to mention the ones that have come out prior to now).

1/24/2012 09:05:37 am

I know! Every time I saw a new trailer/ad for a fairy tale movie or show, I freaked out a little bit. I kept telling my husband, "I can't believe this is happening NOW!"

There's also a Beauty and the Beast movie coming out (in the Fall?) and a Jack and the Beanstalk movie.

Frankie Blooding link

1/23/2012 02:09:17 am

OH! This sounds awesome! LOL!!! Happy sales!!! I have to go add it to my wishlist. I'm cut off from buying books for the week. Grrrr.

1/24/2012 09:03:38 am

Haha. I'm a book addict too. It can be an expensive habit. ;)

Lisa R link

1/23/2012 07:44:59 am

I have to tell you, I ADORE your title!

1/24/2012 09:02:38 am

Thank you Lisa!! As much time and worry that went into the title, it's a relief to hear someone say they like it. :)