"Hushed" Blog Tour: Interview with Kelley York

As some of you may have seen I recently read and reviewed (not to mention LOVED) Kelley York's "Hushed" (You can find my review HERE). Today I am excited to share with you Kelley's responses to a few questions I threw her way!

From Goodreads: "He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption."  

What is your writing process like?

It kind of differs for each book. I try to give myself a daily word goal, but my day-job and life are kind of hectic, so I’m not always able to make that. Usually, when I sit down and write, I can pump out a couple thousand words in a sitting, though. I’m a pretty clean first drafter, though, which is nice because I hate revising.

How big of a role does music play in your writing?
Pretty big. Especially during those high-powered emotional scenes. “What Sarah Said” by Death Cab for Cutie is probably the song I listened to the most while writing HUSHED.

Any words of advice for aspiring authors?
I always feel awkward with this question! Basically, learn, learn, learn. Find yourself a good beta (even better—find several!) and learn to take critique well. Keeping an open mind about how much you have to learn—whether you have no books published or one hundred—will do wonders for you.

How did Archer and Evan's relationship develop? Did you know prior to putting pen to paper that you wanted it to go in the direction that it did?
I had no idea what direction I was going in. I had an initial plan, which didn’t involve Archer and Evan being together. But within the first few chapters of Evan showing up, I realized it was going to veer off into a different direction. Which is how my stories often go. I have this vague idea...then the characters run off and do their own thing like unruly puppies.

Who was your most favourite character to write? Least favourite (or hardest character to write)?
Archer is my favorite, and also the easiest, though I get emotional when writing heavy scenes wherein my characters are deeply upset, so I did a lot of heart-bleeding for him. I think Vivian was the most difficult, though only because I resisted the direction her characterization wanted to go at first. I had this idea in my head of what she was like, and she defied that. Evan’s patience was also a challenge at times.

Do you envision a sequel for "Hushed" or do you is it slated to be a standalone?
HUSHED stands well on its own. I’m not sure what I would have happen in a sequel. I have put some thought into writing something short and sweet—just a couple pages long, perhaps—because readers have been asking for it, but we’ll see!

What are you currently reading?

On my Nook, I recently finished SAVING JUNE by Hannah Harrington, and I’m working on DROWNING INSTINCT by Ilsa Black. Great read so far.  

'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was unputdownable!!!' --- YA Fantasy Guide ---

'How exciting that we live in a time when gay teen protagonists can be just as screwed up as straight ones -- and their stories just as creepy!' --- Brent Hartinger, award-winning author of Geography Club and Shadow Walkers ---

Author Bio: Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a

fascination with bells, adores all things furry - be them squeaky, barky or meow-y - is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she's a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Kelley's website: http://www.kelley-york.com/blog