Please Welcome Author Kelly Hashway

Welcome to Author Thursday, hosted by Never Too Old for YA Books group from Goodreads.

We are excited to welcome author Kelly Hashway today!

Kelly has written a few things you might recognize!

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.
After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.
Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct

Seventeen-year-old Meg Flannigan wasn’t very lucky at love. In sophomore year, her idiotic boyfriend dumped her by making out with another girl in front of her locker. Ouch! Now a senior, and with a little more self-confidence, Meg catches the eye of not one, but two guys at school. Lucky! Both attend her tennis matches, vie for her attention, and are each gorgeous in their own way. So what’s the problem? Meg has already chosen one of them, and the one waiting in the sidelines will do anything to change her mind. She’s enjoys the attention right up until it’s her heart that’s caught in the middle, and she risks losing both. Can Meg Love All, or will choosing be her undoing

And her upcoming releases:

And now, let's hear what our friend Kelly had to say!

Welcome Kelly!

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else? 

I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but when I was young I didn’t realize people did this for a living. It seemed too good to be true.

How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish?

It really depends on the book, but I like to fast draft. On average, it takes me about two weeks to draft a book. After that I spend a lot of time on revisions.

How do you come up with themes for your stories?

At the risk of sounding crazy, I always feel like my characters come to me with these amazing stories they want me to tell. I often feel like I’m watching a movie in my head and I just try to type fast enough to keep up.

Do you have a schedule of when you write? 

I write while my daughter is at school, which usually means five and a half hours of uninterrupted time. If I’m fast drafting, I’ll also write for another two hours when she goes to bed at night.

How are you able to balance other aspects of your life with your writing?

I write around my daughter’s schedule because Mom—I think that should always be capitalized. ;) — is my first job. I’m also an avid reader and a runner, so I read while running on my treadmill in the mornings. You get used to the bouncing words.

What elements do you think make a great story line? 

Great characters, lots of conflict, some swoon-worthy moments, and killer dialogue.

What was the hardest thing about writing a book?

Knowing that not everyone will like it. Writing is a very personal thing, and knowing it will be judged is tough sometimes.

How many books have you written so far? Do you have a favorite? 

I’ve sort of lost track. Over 10 definitely. It’s so hard to pick a favorite. The Touch of Death series got me my first book deal, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Do you have a favorite character?

Hmm, Jodi (from the Touch of Death series) is a lot like me, so I naturally connect with her. I also really love Sam, the MC in my upcoming YA paranormal The Monster Within (Spencer Hill Press, 2014). She has such a tough life, but she’s a fighter. I envy that about her.

Where do you write?  

At my dining room table where I can spread out with my laptop, notebook, day planner, flash drives, books, and multiple purple pens.

When deciding on how to publish, what directed you to the route you took? 

My dream was always to find an agent who would have my back and know what was best for my career.

Have you gotten feedback from family about your book(s)? What do they think?

My mom is my best and toughest critic. She lets me know when I can do better, and I love that about her. Really my entire family is very supportive and most read my books.

What kinds of things do you like to do outside of writing?

Playing with my daughter tops the list. We love dancing around to music, playing with Monster High dolls, and coloring. I also am an avid reader and runner.

What kinds of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing? 

Read everything you can get your hands on. It’s the best research. And write every day, even if it’s only a paragraph or two. The more you write, the better you get at it.

What is your favorite book? favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to write? 

I love Rick Riordan. He pulls me in from the first sentence and doesn’t let go. I also love Becca Fitzpatrick. The dynamic between Patch and Nora in the Hush, Hush series is incredible.

Do you have any go to people when writing a book that help you with your story lines as well as editing, beta reading and such? 

I have an amazing critique group and my number one beta reader is my mom because as I said, she’s tough! And I can always count on my agent to give me great feedback.

Are you working on anything now? 

I’m working on books two and three in the Birth of the Phoenix series coming out through Month9Books as well as two new YA series that are untitled as of right now.

Thanks for having me, Brooke!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Kelly. It was great to hear your inspiration!

If you'd like to read one of Kelly's books, here's your chance. Enter via the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the page to win and ecopy of Love All. I've read it and it's SO cute!

I write for children of all ages from picture books up to young adult. I am proudly represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. My debut YA, TOUCH OF DEATH, releases January 15, 2013 through Spencer Hill Press. Also look for my other upcoming YA novels: STALKED BY DEATH (Spencer Hill Press, July 23, 2013), THE MONSTER WITHIN (Spencer Hill Press, April 2014), THE DARKNESS WITHIN (Spencer Hill Press, TBA), and INTO THE FIRE (Month9Books, spring 2014). My debut MG series CURSE OF THE GRANVILLE FORTUNE releases fall 2014 through Month9Books.

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