Twitterview: Emily Hainsworth

I am so excited to have Emily Hainsworth, author of the debut Through to You, here as this month's Twitterview victim. She's here to talk about the inspirations behind her story, to explain what the green light signifies, and, of course, to talk about her deepest darkest secrets and share her favorite ice cream flavor. Oh, and she tells us who one of her greatest influences is (he happens to share initials with her own main character).

In addition to a Twitterview, I've got a finished copy of Through to You to give away to one lucky winner. 

Without further ado, Emily:

Pitch Through to You in 140 characters.

Heartbroken guy finds door to a parallel world where his dead girlfriend's still alive, only she's not quite the same person he remembers...

What inspired Through to You?

I wondered what it would be like to see how one choice could cause someone's life to play out in two completely different ways.

How would you classify Through to You genre-wise?

My publisher likes to call it "light sci-fi," but I've been told it reads a lot like a contemp...with a parallel universe.

Through to You features a male main character. How did you get into the male voice?

I read a lot of Stephen King & as many boy YA novels as I could get my hands on. But I also used to want to be a boy, so maybe that helped.

Did any television/movie/book help you in developing your parallel worlds?

This music video directly inspired my idea of parallel worlds. I can't explain exactly how a rave in a library did that, but it's ART, okay:

Tell me about the green light. (YES, I'm leaving it this vague. Good luck!)

The green light is where all possibilities begin and end. (Yes, I will also be that vague!)

What, if anything, should readers walk away with from Through to You?  

I'm not sure I can ask readers to do more than enjoy the story. But for anyone intrigued by choices/2nd chances, I'd love to discuss!

If you had to give your book a "____ meets _____" pitch, what two (or three! or four!) books/films/shows would Through to You be a meeting of?

My agent called it IF I STAY meets 13 REASONS WHY. I might call it BEFORE I FALL meets FRINGE, except I've never actually seen Fringe...

Who or what do you write for?

I write for myself. I try to keep the "ideal reader," as Stephen King calls it, in mind as I go, but I have to love my stories first.

What was your most influential read as a teenager?

As a teenager, MASTER OF MURDER by Christopher Pike. That book helped me realize I wanted to be an author. It's also a fantastic mystery.

Who are your top three writing influences?

Christopher Pike, Stephen King, Courtney Summers

Who do you believe is breaking ground in YA right now?

Oh man, this is a tough question...I'm going to have to say ALL of the Apocalypsies. I can't pick just one!

What's the best writing advice you ever received?

Sit your butt in the chair and write. Every day. Until you've finished what you started.

What's your best writing advice to give?

See above!

What is your writing routine?

My routine has been changing lately, but it often involves a good deal of procrastination and sugar consumption. Then typing. ;)

What gets you jazzed to write?

There's no inspiration like reading a satisfying book. I get so excited, I can't wait to get back to my own. 

Do you have a writing soundtrack? Care to share a bit?

For THROUGH TO YOU Trespassers William's "Different Stars" album was essential. And I always have to include Hooverphonic on my playlists.

What's next for you?

I have a second book coming out with Balzer+Bray in Fall '13! It isn't a sequel, but I hope if you enjoy THROUGH TO YOU, you'll like it too.

Favorite ice cream?

I can NEVER pick one flavor, so give me a waffle cone with a scoop of mint chocolate chip under a scoop of Bunny Tracks. :)

Your deepest, darkest secret?

If I told you that, I'd have to kill you! And I like you too much to ever do that. ;)