What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I have a friend, Sharon, who is in the military, as is her husband. When her husband went on deployment in the Middle East, they kept in touch via FaceTime. She would often post screenshots of their chats to Twitter and Facebook, and it was great to see the two of them continuing their daily relationship over an internet connection. I thought, “What would it be like to FaceTime date someone? To have a long-distance relationship online?” I know tons of people do this, but I wanted to explore a brand-new relationship, one that starts in person but then continues long-distance. And then the plot was born!
Who is your favorite character in the book?
I think Lee is my favorite character. He’s not an alpha male. He’s a good guy, smart, doing well for himself, who’s had bad luck meeting women because he’s always on the road. He has trouble making decisions and so was saddled with a really awful girlfriend for a few years. But he meets Laura, and he blossoms. He opens up. He takes some chances. He becomes a whole person finally. I love watching his transformation.
Which came first, the title or the novel?
The novel idea. Originally, I was going to use Skype as my method of chatting, and then I wondered what phones or technology would be available overseas, and I got frustrated because getting those technology details right is important to me. I hate when they’re glossed over in novels. So I made them both have iPhones and then “Face Time” just made sense. As one word, FaceTime is an app that a lot of people are familiar with, and it comes from the phrase “face time” which is conversing with other people face-to-face. It stuck immediately.
What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of the scene where Laura finally confesses about her past to Lee. There’s so much tension and fear in that scene, it was hard to pin down. Originally, I wrote it from her perspective, so we saw all of her pain and anguish and heard her thoughts. But I rewrote it from Lee’s perspective in a later draft so we could see his surprise and feel the panic he has over watching someone he’s in love with beat herself up over past mistakes. It worked better from his point of view. I’m glad I changed it.
Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
I don’t have to go back super far for this because it’s something I tell other writers everyday. Write the way you want to, not the way others think you should write. I had years of college and time after that when people told me I couldn’t write a novel or a screenplay without writing an outline first. I hate outlining with a fiery burning passion. So I would get an idea for a book, sit down to write the outline, and give up. Then three years ago, a friend told me to just sit down and write. Forget the outline. Open the computer and start typing. It turns out I’m a pantster. I write by the seat of my pants and then I revise, A LOT. I had to do what works for me. Don’t let anyone tell you you have to write a certain way.
What do you like most about the cover of the book?
It’s so hard to say what I like most because I really love the whole thing! Carrie Butler from Forward Authority did an amazing job on it. I asked for the main concept of a woman looking at a hot Korean guy (it took me ages to find that guy and I think I’m in love) on her tablet, but Carrie came up with the top theme of the two cities connected with a heart. Okay, I think that’s my favorite part. It is super kawaii and I adore it. I’ve used it online in several places. Carrie really knocked it out of the ballpark with that.
What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2014?
The book I was most looking forward to was the third book in Jodi Meadows’ INCARNATE trilogy, but now that’s out, and I’ve read it, and I don’t know what to look forward to next! A lot of my favorite series have wrapped up. But I have plenty of new books on my Kindle to read, so perhaps if I get to them, I’ll have other books to look forward to :)
What was your favorite book in 2013?
It would have to be CHAMPION by Marie Lu, the last book in her Legend series. It was a very fulfilling end to a great trilogy. It was well-written, imaginative, and the ending was just perfect. I was super pleased, and I recommend the whole series to everyone I can.
What’s up next for you?
I have a jam packed year ahead of me! Right now, while FACE TIME is making its way out to the world, I’m working on Book 3 of my Nogiku Series. I love this series so much. If you love YA dystopian novels but always wanted to see them with more mature characters, then check out REMOVED, the first book in the Nogiku Series. I have four books planned for that series. Then this summer I have a New Adult friendship novel idea I want to write. I have research to do for the second book in the Love in the Digital Age series (the book after FACE TIME), and then I have a novella I’m planning for late year that ties into my Nogiku Series. Busy!
Is there anything that you would like to add?
Thanks for hosting me on your blog today! I encourage people to read what they love and then please leave reviews online so others can find books they’ll love. Reviews are the best way for a book to reach the right readers!
Hardcover, 432 pages
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)