Welcome to author Becca Wilhite!
Becca is the author of Bright Blue Miracle and My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions. She is a wife and a mama and a writer. She loves words and food and shoes.
Inteview:
What is one book everyone should read?
I'm not really big on telling "everyone" what they "should" do, but I'm a little shameless about book recommendations. I love "Les Miserables" - I read it every year for ten years in a row. I think it is a remarkable view of prejudice blindness - how we never really know what leads anyone to their choices or consequences. I love the storyness of the book, even if the romanticism might be a little... wordy.
What is the last book you read?
"The Book Thief" - again. I never tire of that one.
What is the last movie you saw?
My husband and I watched "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" last night (but maybe it doesn't count, because I slept through more than half of it...)
If you were a superhero what would your name be?
The Procrastinator. I'll get around to telling you why sometime later.
When you were 12 years old what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an archeologist and a National Geographic photographer. So I went to college and studied Humanities. And now I write novels. Go figure.
Which fictional character would you most like to meet?
Mercy Watson. The pig. (Okay, really? It's so hard to choose. But I love how a really well-drawn character feels like a friend, feels real. Such as Mercy Watson.)
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
I'm not a huge breakfast eater, but I do love smoothies. And wheat toast. Mmmm.
How many books do you read a week/month?
It so depends. If I'm in revisions, I read the same one (the one I'm working on) over and over. But on a good week, I can do three. Unless it's really long. I'm a fast reader, and a re-reader. If I liked it the first time around, I'll read it again and again.
What's your favorite music genre? Favorite artist? Song?
Maybe I love musical theatre most. Isn't that weird? But wow, some of those songs are so clever. I took my family to see "The Drowsy Chaperone" last weekend, and every single one of us adored it.
Is there anything you need in order to write? (ie Chocolate, quiet, music)
Quiet. Empty house is ideal (but not necessary). Water. Lots of it. And a nearby restroom, for obvious reasons. I can also demand good cheese (Manchego, Gruyere) and some crusty rosemary bread, but I can work without those.
Night owl, or early bird?
Early Bird. I almost never see past 10:00.
Skittles or M&Ms?
Um, neither? Buttered popcorn.
Favortie Cartoon?
I'm a big fan of Phineas and Ferb, or as big a fan as one can be when I only watch episodes online.
If you could go back in time and meet one author, who would it be and why?
Ooooh. I love Jane Austen. In fact, I have a little Jane Austen action figure (given to me by a class I visited) and sometimes I wonder if it would kick my muse into gear if I tried, you know, taking to Little Plastic Jane. (She has movable arms and legs, and a quill pen. She's brilliant.)
What was the first book you read?
I have no idea. I have always been a reader, and my parents read to me, too. I remember my dad reading me "The Hobbit" when I was in second grade. And I can tell where I lived during my first readings of certain books because I set the action in my own house. For instance, I read "A Wrinkle in Time" when I lived in my Boston house, because still, whenever I read it, Meg sleeps in that slope-y attic, and reappears in that back yard.
If you could re-write the ending to a book written by someone else, what would it be?
I'd never dare to presume I could do it justice, but I wish "Pride and Prejudice" lasted a little longer - I'd love to see more of the engagement time.
If you could jump into any painting which one would it be?
Like that sidewalk-chalk scene in Mary Poppins? I love that scene. I think I'd leap into one of Degas' dancers paintings, but I'd want to look just like those gorgeous ballet dancers. Or Henri Matisse's crazy sea-life cutouts, because they're so bizarre and colorful. Happy-making art.
If you could travel by hot air balloon, what would you fly over?
Minnesota in the summer. I love trees and water. But in a balloon, I'd be above the bugs, which are not quite as appealing to me.
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
Ally Condie's MATCHED - I love me a good love triangle!
Who is your favorite author?
Here's a short list: Sharon Creech, Kate DiCamillo, Barbara Kingsolver, Jane Austen, and Leif Enger.
Do you prefer to write on the computer or with paper?
Computer for the actual book writing, but I love to write letters on stationery or pretty cards, and I take loads of notes on notebooks that live in my purse, my car, my nightstand...
Paranormal or Normal?
I guess normal. I love the bizarrities (let's just agree to make it a word, shall we?) of real life.
What kind of book do you read when you get sick?
Comfort Books: "The Poisonwood Bible" (Kingsolver) or "Peace Like a River" (Enger) or "The Book Thief" (Zusak) or any "Harry Potter."
What are your favorite comfort foods?
Hot, white, buttered starch. In almost any variety.
What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
I love football and basketball. Please, no baseball, and golf? Only if you want to torture me.
Are you a loner or social butterfly?
That's an interesting question. I am both. I love people (surprised?) and I love to be alone. I need people, and I need to be alone. So both. Is that fair?
How do you react to a bad review?
Once I threatened to have a hilarious, great bad review printed on vinyl and stuck on my bathroom wall. But usually, I wallow for a second and then shake it off. You can't please everyone.
If you were a bird, which one would you be?
I love geese. Anything that can look that awkward and silly when it's waddling around on the ground, but turns completely majestic in the sky? That's just inspiring to me.
If not a writer, you would have been?
I always wanted to be on stage, or in a film. When I was a kid, I wanted to do tons of things (most of them disturbing to relate), so I think I could have found satisfying work anywhere. The real answer is that I am a wife and a mom, and those are the parts that matter most. Writing is extra. Awesome, but extra.
What is your favorite book that has been made into a movie?
Holes. They did such a beautiful job with the transition to film. And I (*love*) Dule Hill. Also, I think it helped tremendously that Louis Sachar was able to write the screenplay.
What is your least favorite movie that came from a book?
I almost didn't answer this one, because I have a kindness policy - but. I adore the book "Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo. It is one of my favorite works of art. When I saw the movie adaptation of it, I cried. Not in the good way.
What is on your mousepad?
I don't have one. White wireless mouse, white desk.
What is your favorite quote?
"They talked in loud voices about everything, and in whispers about something else." It's from "Les Miserables." I want to write a book based on that quote. I'll let you know if that ever happens. :)
You have won one million dollars - what is the first thing that you would buy?
A laptop. Apple. Maybe the MacBook Air. Then shoes. Lots of tall-heeled girlie shoes.
What do you do in your free time?
I read. I cook. I walk. I email (I love email). I play with my kids. I sing. I nap. I watch episodes of PSYCH, thanks to Netflix instant streaming.
My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions
By: Becca Wilhite
Published by: Shadow Mountain
Website:
http://www.beccawilhite.com/
Book summary: Sarah Howard's first year at the university is everything and nothing she expected especially when a very cute boy named Ben in her Art History class starts to show interest in her.
Sarah feels like she's an average, normal, everyday girl. So, when Ben (to whom she secretly refers as Adonis because she thinks he could be a Greek god) begins to take interest in her, Sarah is in denial. For one thing, last year she was deeply crushed and humiliated by Jesse James a guy who she thought liked her.
She's determined not to get burned again. But in her heart of hearts, what she really wants is a Jane Austen kind of romance. Ridiculous, right? That kind of romance doesn t exist anymore . . . or does it? Sarah is smart and fun to be around and even pretty, despite her Medusa-like red curls. She even plays the guitar. (So does Ben!) Yes, Sarah is everything Ben has wanted. He's crazy for her, but Sarah is just not getting it. She's playing hard to get, and if she s not careful, she s going to lose a real hot gentleman -- her 21st-century Mr. Darcy.
Giveaway Details:
One copy of My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions
Shipping to US or Canada.
Ends 12/16/10
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