Author Interview and Book Giveaway - Crystal Marcos and her novel Bellyache

I have not actually done an author interview in quite some time. I was all over the interviews last year and this year time keeps escaping. I need more than 24 hours in my day to get everything done that I want to get accomplished.

However, I am back on track and with a wonderful and amazing author Crystal Marcos. I read her novel, Bellyache, back during the Cybils. It is a very fun and entertaining story dealing with candy. You can check my book review here.

In the meantime, Crystal has been so nice to answer a wide range of questions for you guys. Go ahead and check out the interview below.

Additionally, I am giving away a copy of the book along with a bookmark. I want to be able to her out as she is a great person. 


To enter for the giveaway all you have to do is the following:


You have to be a follower in order to win!!!!


Leave a comment with any of the following
1. An email address for me to contact you if you win. +1
2. A list of your favorite candy. +1
3. Any spread of word of the interview and giveaway. +1 for each one such as Twitter, Facebook, blog, etc.
4. Anything else that you think I would enjoy and if I do I will give you some more votes. 


The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day, February 14th.


Here is the interview. Enjoy!

www.Coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com

1. Growing up, when I was reading books I never really even considered authors to be human. I never gave a thought to actually talking to them or sending them letters. Now authors do interviews (like this), Skype conferences, blogs, email, etc. How does the utilization of all the latest technology and internet help you as a writer?

 I really love it! It means more exposure and awareness of my books. It also helps people to get some insight on who I am.

Do you think it helps you or is it more of problem trying to fit it all in?

It definitely helps, although finding the time to do it all is challenging. As long as it doesn’t interfere with me raising my 19 month old, I am fine with it. I do much of my work after she is asleep for the night.

2. Bellyache is a fun and entertaining read. How did you come up with this idea?

I thought about what books I really enjoyed and which ones stuck in my mind from childhood. Oddly enough, all those books featured food and treats. Naturally, I had to go with my sweet tooth. I mean heart.

3. I loved the twist of the story with the candy and vegetable. How did you decided which candy to use? Was it random or a combo of your favorites?

A bit of both really, sometimes I used what I thought would fit best.

5. Looking at your website I read that you like to sing and dance. What songs do you like to dance to and/or sing to?

When music is on, I move. I can’t sit still. I sometimes make up my own little songs. When I was younger, I use to write songs. I still sing some of those today. Now my daughter and I sing and dance together, so I don’t have to do it alone. =)

6. What surprised you most as you were writing this novel?

People have told me I have a vivid imagination, when I was writing this book it occurred to me that I really did.

7. What is your favorite aspect to being a writer? 

If I can touch just one person’s life, that to me is amazing!

8. I recently read a book title, Six Word Memoirs, which has a website. If you had to write your memoir in six words, what would you write?

Never tells a long story short.

10. Do you listen to music when write? If so, what would be a playlist on your ipod?

I can’t listen to music while I am writing. It is too distracting to me. As I had mentioned earlier, I can’t sit still if I hear music.

11. What other books would you recommend young adults to read besides your own?

There are so many wonderful books out there. I say any children’s book that sparks a child’s interest, they should read it!

12. I have a few students who are into writing - any ideas or suggestions for them?

I would suggest reading just as much as you write. Read the type of writing you want to create. Keep writing fun by finding writing activities or make some up yourself. I have some activities on my website that students and teachers like to use. www.CrystalMarcos.com  under the “Treats” section.


Here are some additional random questions that you could answer if you feel like it (though not really necessary, but students always want me to add when I interview authors). These are just a bunch of fun random questions that kids love to read.

3. Favorite Holiday movie or tv special? I love just about all Holiday movies.

4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water, I drink water all day long.

5. Can you do push ups? If yes, how many? Yes, only a few.

6. Favorite hobby? Writing and reading.

8. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? This interview is fun. What time is it? I am kind of hungry.

10. Dum da dum dummmm what is that? Is that a cell phone ring tone? =)

11. Where would you like to go? Someday, I would love to go to Europe and stay in a castle!

12. Do you own slippers? Yes, but I don’t really wear them I run around in my socks.

13. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Blue.

14. Can you whistle? Yes, but I am not very good at it.

15. Favorite color? Red.

16. Would you be a pirate? I was for Halloween two years ago. We always have a themed haunted garage at our house every year. It is so much fun!

17. What was the last song that was stuck in your head? My daughter’s favorite show is Yo Gabba Gabba. There is this song called, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” It is very catchy.

18. What’s in your pocket right now? Don’t have any pockets.

20. What is your favorite candy? I pretty much like anything covered in chocolate!

22. What are you currently reading? I am currently reading a large amount of picture books with my little girl. I am also finishing out the Percy Jackson series.

23. What is your favorite book of all time? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

24. If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why? I would love to meet Roald Dahl. It would be fun to talk children’s books with him.

25. What would we find in your refrigerator right now? Tonight’s leftovers, Spaghetti.

26. What is one fact that readers would not know about you prior to asking this question? I grew 6 inches in one summer when I was 12.