Book Flame: Interview and Giveaway with Maureen McGowan

5.18.2011

Interview and Giveaway with Maureen McGowan

I would like to welcome Maureen McGowan to BookFlame today!

1. What inspired you to start writing the Twisted Tales series?

I loved the idea of updating classic fairy tales and making them more relevant for modern readers. I wanted to create heroines that girls could see themselves in and cheer for.

2. Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

I think both of my heroines are determined and like to think that I am, too. I think both Cinderella and Lucette are a lot more naive than I am, or I was at that age, but they’ve both led such sheltered lives—Cinderella trapped by her stepmother’s evil spells, and Lucette, Sleeping Beauty, isolated by her over-protective parents.

3. What character intrigued you the most in Cinderella Ninja Warrior? Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer? And why?

In Cinderella: Ninja Warrior, I was most intrigued by Cinderella. In both my version and the traditional story, Cinderella’s gone through a lot and is badly mistreated, but I didn’t like how she simply took it in the original story, how she didn’t even try to leave. My Cinderella has been trying to escape for years when we meet her and I loved thinking about how strong she’d have to be not to give up.

In Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer I found several of the characters intriguing. I can’t imagine what it would be like to live with a curse like that, or be so jealous and angry to curse a baby, or be the parent of a child with such a terrible thing hanging over her. I also loved the character Alex. I loved how he knows right from wrong, even given… I don’t want to give any spoilers.

4. Do you have any novels in the works? Goals for future projects?

I’m just putting the finishing touches on a darker young adult novel, set in a post-apocalyptic world. As far as future project goals, right now I love writing books that can be enjoyed by all ages, and ones that keep the pages turning.

5. If you could co-author a book with any author who would it be?

Interesting question… I’m not sure I’d enjoy being a co-author. The creative process is way too personal for me. But that said, at the moment I’m currently in awe of Carrie Ryan, so I’ll pick her. J

6. When did you first start writing?

I’ve always been writing to one extent or another, but I wrote my first novel (a category romance that will never be published) in 2003. I’ve been writing seriously since then.

7. If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

Go For It!

8.If you could live in any book which one would it be?

Oh, that’s a hard one. The characters in books are always facing so much conflict and danger. I’m not sure I’d like to live in a book. Funny story, though… when I was a young teen, I was in a community theatre production where I played a young girl who got trapped in a book. That was enough for me. I’d rather be caught up in a book I can close at any time and put down. One that ends.

9. What is your all time favorite Fairy Tale?

Everyone’s asking me this one and I wish I had a better answer. Truth is, I don’t think I really had a favorite. But I know I didn’t like Cinderella very much. I suppose everyone loves the idea of being dressed up and swept away from her troubles for a night… but so many other elements of the story bothered me. For example, I never found it all that romantic that Prince Charming couldn’t recognize his true love the next day without the help of a shoe.

10. What is the one quote that inspires you above all others?

I’m terrible at remembering quotes… Um… “Never give up! Never surrender!” (From Galaxy Quest. Did I get it right?)

Now on to the giveaway. One lucky winner will win Cinderella Ninja Warrior and Sleeping Beauty Vampire Tales from McGowan's Twisted Tales Series.