Title: The Waiting Sky
Author: Lara Zielin
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: August 2, 2012
Pages: 224
Buy Here: Amazon|Barnes & Noble|Book Depository
One summer chasing tornadoes could finally change Jane's life for the better.
Seventeen-year-old Jane McAllister can't quite admit her mother's alcoholism is spiraling dangerously out of control until she drives drunk, nearly killing them and Jane's best friend.
Jane has only one place to turn: her older brother Ethan, who left the problems at home years ago for college. A summer with him and his tornado-chasing buddies may just provide the time and space Jane needs to figure out her life and whether it still includes her mother. But she struggles with her anger at Ethan for leaving home and feels guilty--is she also abandoning her mom just when she needs Jane most? The carefree trip turned journey of self-discovery quickly becomes more than Jane bargained for, especially when the devilishly handsome Max steps into the picture.
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1. What inspired you to write The Waiting Sky?
In 2004, I went on a tornado chase all across tornado alley. It was like those tours where you pay to go see whales in the ocean, only we were paying to get up close to crazy weather! I didn't see any tornadoes, but I saw some funnel clouds and some seriously bad storms. I loved it, and it inspired the perfect backdrop for my third novel.
2. What advice would you give teens going through a hard time with family like Jane?
At one point in the book, Jane's brother, Ethan, admits that he chases chaos (twisters and bad storms) because he grew up in a chaotic household -- thanks to an alcoholic parent -- and it's hard to sometimes know what to do when you're not dealing with some sort of crisis. One of Jane's biggest struggles is putting away the drama. People in difficult situations get used to this idea that things have to be nuts, have to be swirling all the time, but they don't. Sometimes we create craziness because it's actually more comforting than stability. So I guess I'd say to any teens struggling in this kind of situation: Get comfortable with the quiet, with the stillness. Because it's in those moments that you find answers. Creating chaos can be comforting, too, but ultimately it's a false comfort.
3. What does your family think of your book "The Waiting Sky"?
I think it was a refreshing change for them. My second book, 'The Implosion of Aggie Winchester,' was inspired by real-life events that took place at my high school, where my dad was the principal. I think they were relieved when 'The Waiting Sky' had nothing to do with our hometown or events they'd experienced personally! :-)
4. What are your feelings on having a [book] being released so soon?
It's always nerve wracking when you book is about to hit shelves! You worry if people will like it, or more importantly if people will read it, and you REALLY want people to know how much of your heart and soul you poured into it. Ultimately, I'm so thankful that I have a wonderful agent and publisher who believes in my work so much they're willing to put my writing out there. I am one lucky gal.
5. Do you have a set writing environment and schedule? If not, when and where do you like to write?
Right now, I write mostly on the weekends because I have a pretty demanding day job, and it makes writing in the evenings hard. However, I just booked some evening "work dates" with a friend and I'm hoping that scheduling time in the evening to write -- with a friend to keep me accountable -- will help my writing process.
6. Name three reasons why someone should read "The Waiting Sky"?
1.) They dig crazy weather. 2.) They are tired of books with sparkly vampires in them and want something a bit more realistic. 3.) Dude, have you seen this cover? Best. Cover. Ever. And yes, you CAN judge a book by its cover!
7. Do you prefer Physical or Digital books?
I'm still pretty old fashioned, and I buy my books at the book store, then put them on the shelves like collectibles. I have an iPad and I've read a couple books that way, but I'm still definitely old school. But, hey, if someone wants to buy me a Kindle Fire and help me move into the digital age, I'm not putting up any fights!
8. Were you a reader before you were a writer?
I was definitely a writer before I was a reader. I knew I wanted to write before I was very good at it. Later, when I learned to consume books like my life depended on them, it only fueled my desire to be an author.
9. When did you know you would become an Author someday?
I honestly can't remember a time I *didn't* want to be a writer. It's the only career I've ever dreamed of!
10. What advice would you give someone who wanted to pursue a career in writing?
Even though I answered question eight with the fact that I was writing before I was reading, it's been reading that has truly transformed my career. I don't think I would have been able to write young-adult fiction if I hadn't been gorging myself on it before I put pen to paper. Now, I'm trying to write a romance -- but before I attempt even a chapter, I'm reading everything I can get my hands on. So, definitely if you want to be a writer, READ! It's the best advice there is, in my mind.
Lara Zielin is the author of the young adult novels DONUT DAYS, THE IMPLOSION OF AGGIE WINCHESTER, and THE WAITING SKY (August 2012) as well as INK STAINS, a nonfiction ebook for writers, and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN, a nonfiction networking guide for teens. By day she edits LSA Magazine, an alumni publication at the University of Michigan. By night, she writes, eats cheese, and bedazzles stuff that she probably shouldn't. You can connect with Lara here: Goodreads|Facebook|Twitter|Webiste
|“Happy Book Birthday to The Waiting Sky by
Lara Zielin”! Thanks for doing an Interview
with me Lara. I hope you have a fabulous day
filled with awesomeness :D |
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