Spotlight on Kristin Walker

Today I am so excited to have Kristin Walker on the blog for a Q & A. Kristin is the debut of the hilarious debut novel, A Match Made in High School, which is out is stores TODAY!!!

How did you decide to write for a YA audience?

I actually worked my way up to YA. I started out writing picture book manuscripts many years ago, and just kept moving higher and higher in age-group until I finally sold a book. If I'd known how fantastic it is to write for teens, I would've started there first!

What part of the writing process do you find most fun?

I love getting the first glimmer of an idea, and I love finishing the manuscript. Everything in between is slightly more difficult to deal with.

Collaborations seem to be gaining popularity in YA. If you could collaborate with another author, with whom would you choose to write?

For a YA, I'd chose Kristina Springer (THE ESPRESSOLOGIST). She's such a riot to be around, and I just love her work. Plus, she lives about 25 minutes away from me! So awesome.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a Tenner?

As a Tenner and a former Deb, I can tell you that the most rewarding thing by far is the opportunity to become friends with so many incredibly talented authors. They're all so fun! It's been amazing.

What are three upcoming or newly released YA novels that you would suggest to teen (or teens for life, like me) readers?

Only three? ACK! Okay, for ones along the same lines as mine...

1. THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, by Kristina Springer
2. PRADA & PREJUDICE by Mandy Hubbard
3. STUPID CUPID by Rhonda Stapleton

Fill in the blanks:

I first knew I was a writer when I held my first writing-earned paycheck. It was for a poem I sold for $10.

The hardest job I've ever had besides being a mom and a writer? Hmm... I guess when I was a lifeguard at an apartment complex pool in high school. One summer, the temps were above 90/100 degrees for like three weeks in a row. And I found a huge rat swimming in the pool, one morning. Good times...

The craziest thing I ever did in high school was skip a class and walk down the road to the local convenience store with my friend, Anita. Of course, we got in trouble when we got back. Typical.

My high school class most remembers me as a dork.

In one word, A Match Made in High School is funny!

Thanks so much Kristin and congrats on your release!

If you've not yet visited Kristin's website, take the time to do so. It is full of personality, music, and other fun stuff (the picture from above is courtesy of Kristin's fabulous site). Honestly, it's the best I've seen yet!