Interview with Kathleen Peacock & Giveaway

Hey everyone! Today we have an interview with Kathleen Peacock. She is the author of Hemlock with the sequel releasing this year. She is super nice and we are thrilled to have her do this interview with us as well as give us some lovely bookmarks to giveaway! Now on to the interview.

-- Interview --

Can you give us a background on your Hemlock series?

Hemlock is a YA supernatural mystery. In a world were lupine syndrome is a nationwide epidemic, werewolves are stripped of their rights, rounded up, and imprisoned for life in rehabilitation camps. The story centers on Mac, a seventeen-year-old girl whose best friend was murdered by a white werewolf. In the search to find her friend’s killer, Mac soon learns that wolves aren't the only ones hiding things in Hemlock. 

Hemlock is the first book in a trilogy and is available now. The second book, Thornhill, will be released in September.

What makes your series different from others in this genre?

I've been told Hemlock has a realistic, almost contemporary feel that sets it apart. The response to lupine syndrome in the book—the public hysteria, the distrust of anyone who seems different, and the internment camps—was loosely inspired by darker chapters in history; I think—I hope—that adds to the sense of realism. There is also a slight dystopian vibe running through the book. 

Are any of the characters like you in any way?

I think Amy, Mac’s former (and, sadly, deceased) best friend, is a bit like me. She frequently overstays her welcome, talks in riddles, believes the world revolves around her, and tends toward being melodramatic. 

Where did you get the idea for this series?

I was walking to work while listening to “It’s Been Awhile” by Staind. A scene of the three main characters started playing in my head—almost like I was watching a music video. One boy was a werewolf, the other was a hunter, and there was a girl who wanted to save them both. Everything else was built up around that one scene (which, oddly enough, didn't make it into the final book).

Which character would you want by your side in a battle?

Jason. Definitely. Rich. Handsome. Snarky. He might not be the toughest guy in a fight, but he’s the one with the best one-liners. 

What is the hardest part of writing this series to you?

Tying to fit everything—and everyone—into three books. I know three books probably sounds like a lot, but I think I could easily write a fourth just from things I've had to cut.

Is there anything you wish you had done different?

I think there are always things you wish you had done differently. In my case, there are a few small details I planted in the first book because I thought they would come up later. They ended up not being important and part of me wishes I could go back and strike them out.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I watch a lot of movies, obsess over Doctor Who, and take long walks. I sometimes think about taking up the crossbow or fencing or learning to grow my own food—y’know, skills that might be handy in the zombie apocalypse.

If you could be any kind of paranormal creature what would you be?

A vampire. But the reformed kind who only drinks the blood of animals (because immortality would suck if you spent it nursing a guilty conscience). 

What is the first book you remember reading?

Not counting picture books? Sweet Valley Twins: Holiday Mischief.

Anything you wish to say to your fans?

Hello! How are you? You are so awesome!

Where can we stalk you at? FB,Goodreads, twitter, etc..

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathleenpeacock

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenPeacockBooks

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4124788.Kathleen_Peacock

Website: http://kathleenpeacock.com/

Author Bio

The Official Stuff

Kathleen Peacock spent her teen years crushing on authors and writing short stories about vampires. She put her writing dreams on hold while attending college, but tripped over them when office life started leaving her with an allergy to cubicles. Her debut, HEMLOCK, is coming May 8th, 2012 from Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of Harper Collins, and will be published in the UK under the title DEADLY HEMLOCK from Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.

The Other (less official) Stuff

I’m obsessed with Chuck Taylors.

I make Bella Swan look graceful and coordinated.

I have a diploma in graphic design and have had illustrations published in Applied Arts, the premiere magazine for Canadian design and visual communications.

I used to think moleskin notebooks were made out of actual mole skin.

Never engage me in a debate about Star Wars unless you have plenty of time on your hands.

I like sentence fragments. And watermelon. Both are tasty.

Mood boosting songs: “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing” by Scissor Sisters, “Via con me” by Paolo Conte, “When You Were Young” by The Killers.

I believe the Goonies really ‘r’ good enough.

Blurb

Fans of Maggie Stiefvater and the hit television show True Blood will flock to this first book in the supernatural mystery series set in a town where werewolves live in plain sight.

Mackenzie Dobson's life has been turned upside down since she vowed to hunt her best friend Amy's killer: a white werewolf. Lupine syndrome--also known as the werewolf virus--is on the rise across the country, and bloodlust is not easy to control. But it soon becomes clear that dangerous secrets are lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, Mac's hometown--and she is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her in grave danger.

Kathleen Peacock's thrilling debut novel provides readers with a mystery that Kimberly Derting, author of The Body Finder, calls "clever and frightening," while Sophie Jordan, New York Times bestselling author of Firelight, raves: "Forget every werewolf book you've ever read. This one breaks the mold."

Giveaway
Simple comment below with some way for us to contact you in case you are one of the lucky winners!

We would like to thank Kathleen for being with us today. Be sure to check out Hemlock!