ALAN Online

Cara Lockwood is the author of Wuthering High, a "classic" novel published by MTV Books.  

Can you describe WUTHERING HIGH for our readers?
Wuthering High is the story of a haunted boarding school called Bard Academy. The ghosts are no ordinary ghosts, and while I don't want to spoil the ending, I will say that the lives of the students start to reflect classic books, like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

Who were your favorite authors growing up? Who are your favorite authors today? I loved to read everything and anything I could get my hands on both when I was younger and now. I loved Judy Blume, of course, and Madeleine L'Engle (author of A Wrinkle in Time). But I also started reading adult books at a fairly young age, and by middle school, my favorite author was Jane Austen. Today, I have so many favorites. I admire the work of Toni Morrison, Charles Frazier and Anita Shreve, but I also love humor writers like David Sedaris, Christopher Moore, Laurie Notaro and Merrill Markoe. There are also so many talented YA writers like Sarah Dressen and Megan McCafferty. It's very hard to pick a favorite!

{mosimage}How do you approach a new story? Some authors alan, some don't. Some outline, some don't…
I'm one of those authors who likes to improvise first. I like to play around with voice and tone before I figure out where the story is headed. So, typically, I'll write a chapter or two, and then go back and write an outline. I don't always stick to the outline, but I try!

Is there anything special you like to wear or do while you write? Where is your favorite place to write? I don't have any lucky sweaters, and I've been known to write just about anywhere (coffee shops, airports, airplanes, or snuggled up in bed). But I probably spend most of my time writing in my little office at my house. I've got a nice comfy office chair there and easy access to the kitchen and the fridge.

What are your plans for your next novel? Can you give us a peek? Yes! My next novel is a sequel to Wuthering High, and it's called The Scarlet Letterman. Miranda is back in book two, as well as love interests Ryan Kent and Heathcliff, who are still both trying to win her affection.

Are you interested in visiting libraries or schools? If so, how can interested teachers and librarians contact you? I'd be happy to visit libraries or schools. Teachers and librarians can contact me by email, cara@caralockwood.com. I really do read all my email!

What is a question you wish interviewers would ask-but never do? That's a tough one. I'd say you've done a pretty good job here already with your questions. I can't think of another I'd ask!

<.blockquote>