So. If you follow me on Twitter, then you know how much I wanted a copy of The Distance Between Us. The ever so awesome Jaime let me borrow her arc and I instantly fell in love. I went around and entered all of the contests [it was really just the one on Kasie’s website] trying to get my hands on a copy of my very own. Amazingly, I found it at a local library’s on site book store [for a dollar] where I immediately snatched it up and hugged it. There may or may not have been some loud squealing and dancing. I cannot confirm or deny that.
Anyhoo.
After I read it, I flailed all over Kasie about it and begged asked for an interview. Since she’s so amazing [and perhaps immune to my fangirling, I mean, we did hang out at Disneyland], she agreed! Before we get to Kasie, let’s check out Distance Between Us.
Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.
So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she’s beginning to enjoy his company.
She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.
Sounds good, yes? [It totally is. And that cover is gorgeous!]
1. Where did the idea for Distance Between Us come from?
Oh my gosh, I just had a surreal moment with this question because I realized you are my first interview ever for The Distance Between Us. I’m so used to answering this question for Pivot Point that I almost immediately typed in that answer. Okay, so you don’t want to hear Sliding Doors. Ha. Annnnnyway, I got the idea for The Distance Between Us on a Tuesday. I know this, because it’s the day I used to take my daughter to guitar lessons. Her lessons are only a half an hour so I never really had time to do anything while she was there. So I usually would just sit in my car and read or get on twitter. Well, next door to the music store where she takes her lessons is a dollstore called ‘Dolls, Bears, and More.’ The main thing they sell there are porcelain dolls and as I sat there one day staring at the window display of these creepy dolls, I thought to myself, that would make a fun book–a girl who works in a porcelain doll shop. And thus, this book was born (well, the idea was born). :)
2. I love all of the sarcasm. Caymen’s sense of humor is a lot like mine. How did she develop as a character?
My husband will die if I say this but I have to. Caymen is basically the girl version of my husband. I mean, of course she’s different, but her humor was very heavily influenced by his humor. He has this dry humor that has always made me laugh. So whenever I thought about what Caymen might say in a situation, I pictured him. Which sounds really bad and please don’t picture my husband as Caymen as you’re reading because that would completely take all the romance out of this book. :)
3. Xander. I don’t even have words for this boy. I cant tell you how much I flailed over the sips of Caymen’s drinks. Where did he come from and would you ever consider doing something from his POV?
I love Xander. He was one of those rare characters that came to me fully formed. He was so easy to write. He just was. If that makes sense. Maybe that’s why I like him so much. Because he was easy. In more ways than one. Ha. No, just kidding. He was only easy in one way. :) And a book from his POV?? Hmmm. I have a confession (I know, another one) I’m terrified to write from a male POV. I don’t know that I could do it. So my knee jerk, scaredy pants reaction to that question is no, I probably never would. BUT, I’ve learned to never say never. So….maybe. :)
4. The dolls are creepy. Why a doll store as the family business?
Well, as I stated above, the store that I sat in front of weekly was the main reason. But I also had a very unpleasant history with porcelain dolls dating back to my childhood and my grandmother who made us sleep in a guest room full of them. It was not fun. They really are creepy. And they used to stare at me. And my older sister thought it would be funny to tell awful stories about them and then proceed to fall asleep. So yeah, I thought there needed to be a book in a porcelain doll store.
5. Distance Between Us is a lot different from Pivot Point. Was it easier to write?
Yes and no. It was easier in that I didn’t have to worry about alternate realities and keeping track of what she knew in one life versus what she knew in another and if it is this time in one life, I have to make sure it’s this time in the other. All of those detail type stuff that made my head want to explode were not in DBU. But when you take out all that stuff, you realize how much contemporary depends on emotions and relationships and characters. And that’s hard.
Speed [ish] round:
1. What’s your go to guilty pleasure thing to eat?
Cookies (I also eat a lot of Jr. Mints but for some reason don’t feel guilty about that)
2. What are you reading right now?
Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
3. Who are your favorite swoony boys?
Jace (Mortal Instruments), Perry (Under the Never Sky), Wes (The Truth About Forever)
4. Are there any authors that you fangirl over?
Absolutely. A lot of them. :) I would love love love to meet Sarah Dessen though.
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Huge thanks to Kasie for taking the time to deal with my fangirling answer my questions. Go find Kasie on her website or on Twitter. And go add all of her books on GoodReads.
Now. The Distance Between Ushas quickly become by go-to-when-in-a-slump book and I want everyone to read it and flail right along with me…. Soooooo.
Haven’t read The Distance Between Us yet? Well, you’re in luck. I’m giving away three [YES, THREE] copies. This is an international giveaway [as long as TBD ships for free to your country, so check first!]
Rules for the giveaway are listed under the “terms and conditions” on the Rafflecopter widget.
**Good Luck!!**
I can't wait to read this book. Xander sounds adorable.
And nobody should ever feel guilty about eating Junior Mints. Ever.
Stacee, I'm always so jealous of your ARCs! Thanks for the interview and contest. As for swoony boy moves, I have to say I'm a sucker for the leaning over the shoulder (from behind) and whispering in the ear thing. But really, a good sile will do me in.
I love swoon worthy boys :)!!!! I think one of my favorite moves is just when a boy is honest and open with a girl it just melts my heart and usually the girls as well :)!!!
Anytime the guy wraps his arms around the girls waist form her back and pulls her to his chest.. That makes my heart melt each time!
The grab face with both hands and smooth move :D
Swoony boy moves? You don't ask easy questions, do you? I like when a guy whispers in a girl's ear, cheek caresses, and honesty. I love it when a guy can admit what a girl does to him.
This book will be on my shelves one way or another. I want you to know that if I had won the ARC from Kasie's website, I planned on mailing it to you. ILY. Thank you for the chance at this book.
When he watches a very scary movie with you. ;D
OMG! Thank you for giveaway – three books!? YAY!
AReadingNurse said this one already – but I love the move when the guy wraps his arm or arms around a girl's waist and pulls her to his chest – so cute and swoony! :D
Thank you! <3
I can't wait to read The Distance Between Us.It's on my TBR list for far too long. :)
I'm gonna need to remember to come back and read all of these comments. I can't choose my FAVORITE swoony boy move. I mean, pressing her up against a locker before kissing? Drinking Orange Juice STRAIGHT FROM THE CARTON? HOW CAN I CHOOSE?!? I'm a sucker for the brushing a lock of hair behind the ear, too. js.
That's too hard to answer! Holding hands, sweet kisses on the forehead, making me laugh. Too many!
Brushing his lips against the cheek or neck!
When they hold your hand.
All of the swoony boy moves are my favorite… I mean. Sips from my cup of hot chocolate, making me laugh, that shy first kiss…. *sigh*
Xoxo
Jaime
The arm stretch. Haha
One liners. The cheesier the better. Anything to make me laugh! Thanks for the giveaway!
Still waiting for Kass to finish this one…perhaps a copy won from you will make it into my hands before that happens?? I need to read about Xander…
xoxo
Erin
Ooh, difficult comment question. I just like it in books when the boys are intelligent. Intelligence=shooting straight to the top of the book boyfriend list.
Definitely a tough question but I think I'm going to go with the tease move (i.e. when swoony boy in question gets real close to the love interest, makes them (and me!)think he's finally going to kiss them, and then backs off for whatever reason at the last moment!) Funny, frustrating and absolutely swoon-worthy.
Thanks for doing the giveaway :)
I don't know what move is my favorite! I love it when the boys are all sweet and caring, and when they give me flutterflies. <3
Thanks for the giveaway–I really want to read The Distance Between Us!
Swoony boy move… It's more of a trait, actually. I find humour to be very swoony. :)
I'm currently reading Pivot Point and I love it so I can't wait to read The Distance Between Us, thanks for the amazing interview and giveaway, you've made me even more excited!
Favourite boy move? Are you kidding me? That is an unanswerable question, I mean HOW? I love all the swoon so that's my answer. Seriously, this question has left me stumped…
I am incredibly fond of a boy who is protective. If I am in trouble or in an uncomfortable situation, I want the guy to take control and get me out of it.
Haha oh wow, tough question. Any move by a guy who is really really nice, always makes me swoon.
Lucky! I'm so excited about this book!
Favorite swoony boy move?? Hmmm… There are so many moves I can think of, I will swoon nonstop if he is sweet and charming and gorgeous and OMG.
Omg, I can't even come up with a favorite. I love them all. <3
I can't wait to read this! I absolutely loved Pivot Point!!
When they're just really nice. Also the cheesy pick up lines are hilarious.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Guys who dance well make me swoon.. :D
Why you always gotta ask the hard questions, KP? Umm… fave swoony move? Well, nothing will make me hit my flutter button quicker than kisses on the neck or below the ear and whispered sweet words. But then I also swoon for any guy that can make me laugh. Or, ORRRR… like, a boy that loves his mom/grandmother/siblings, much like Xander in The Distance Between Us.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, KP! I was so sad when I had to part with your copy. This book will be on my bookshelf some way or another, though.
Fluffy hearts and prancy dances,
PA
This book sounds soooo good!!! Love the interview!!
And favorite swoony boy move…… I really don't have one….
I love it when a swoony boy runs his fingers through my – I mean HER, ya know, the fictional “her” in the book, ahem – runs his fingers through HER hair. Gets me every time!
Great interview! I LOVED Xander and his sips and I *got* Caymen because I am so much like her it's scary. (Almost scarier than those creepyars dolls. Almost.)
This book sounds so good! :)
My favorite swoony boy move?.. When he pushes you up against the wall, puts his hands on either side of your face, and kisses you till your legs give out. *deep sigh*
My favorite swoony boy move is when I see that a guy/man is left handed. There's just something very sexy when a guy is writing with his left hand.
Bonnie
Love when swoony boys come in to save the day at the last minute, just when you least expect them to.
Definitely a sucker for the teasing move–the almost-kiss :)
When he stands up for you or gets jealous when another guy shows interest!
mestith at gmail dot com
When he holds you by your waist
When he teases you
When he almost kiss you!
I have to agree with what someone else said earlier… I'm a sucker for the unexpected leaning over, low whisper in your ear. Gives me chills. Swoon!!
I'm a sucker for the hugs from behind and kisses on the neck. Totally swoon worthy :) I love your interview! Thanks for the giveaway!! :D
Fav swoon-worthy boy move? Oh… tough! I like the bad boys in books, especially in a love triangle. So I love when he gives the MC a smoldering look and then a small or innocent touch, like brushing hair out of her face or something. Pathetic, I know, but I love it.
Stacee, thank you for the interview :D I had read distance between us & really love it :D now I noe the behind the scene thanks to you :D