The time it was about Ask Again Later

I requested Ask Again Later on Edelweiss on a whim.  I don’t normally read contemporaries, I’m quite picky about them. I love the Sliding Doors type of story, so I took a chance and fell in love.  I started stalking following Liz on Twitter and just pushed the book on people…mainly Christina.  And after we flailed together, I knew I just couldn’t be quiet about this book any longer.  I asked Liz for an interview and she said yes!

But before we get to her answers, let’s check out the book.

Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when her brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there’s only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother’s best friend really be?

Tails: The theater geek…with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart’s interests–even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart’s simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all…

Sounds amazing, yes? Hint: it totally is.

1. Where did the idea for Ask Again Later come from?

The idea really grew out of wondering what would happy if you could actually know, really know, what would happen when you had to choose between two things. Would you feel more sure of your decision if you were certain of the outcomes? And that got me all tangled up thinking about fate and choices and destiny and all that heavy stuff. So of course I had to approach it from the humorous side, because that’s how I roll. Laughter and kissing is my solution to most of life’s problems.

2. I know why I love Heart, Chase and Ryan. Why do you love them and why should we root for them?

I love Heart because she’s so honest. Well, most of the time. There’s that one tiny little issue of her denying her feelings about a certain someone… But she really does try to be herself all the time. I like that about her. Chase, on the other hand, is darn near shady compared to Heart. He is not good with being honest at first, but he’s not doing it out of malice. I like that he’s a little fragile about himself. He’s not nearly as comfortable in his own skin as Heart, but I think it’s in a sweet way. Ryan, on the other hand, is a sweet combination of being comfortable with who he is, but not super trusting about how the world will receive that. I like that he and Heart both approach mishaps with a sense of humor. All of them are the kind of kids I knew in high school. Not the top of the social ladder, and very devoted to their friends.

3. How did you keep the two timelines separate when you were writing?

It was not easy! I tried to write them alternating at first, balancing both story lines, but it was too complicated! I eventually finished the “Heads” story first, then went back for “Tails.” I knew there were certain events that would occur regardless of her choice, so I just kept working towards those signposts. There was A LOT of scrolling back through earlier chapters and a notebook next to me at all times to jot down notes.

4. What was your favorite part of writing this book?

My favorite part was the characters. I really liked the overall dynamic of the No Drama crew. They work well together, and genuinely care about each other even when they’re teasing or seemingly picking on each other. I didn’t expect to have such a large cast of characters initially, but they all kept wanting attention! I should have figured a bunch of theater geeks wouldn’t be content to be human scenery!

5. Describe Ask Again Later in 5 words.

Prom. Catastrophes. Friends. Humor. Kissing.

Speed [ish] round:

1. You get the call/email/letter that says you’re being published for the first time. What happens next?

I start laughing and crying at the same time, while also swearing an unnecessary amount.

2. What three things would you take to a desert island?

iPad, WiFi, Nachos

3. You can only read one book for the rest of your life.  What is it?

Only one? Are you kidding me?! That’s impossible! Ugh. A few years ago, I would have said The Stand by Stephen King, but there have been so many amazing books recently I’m not sure anymore. Code Name: Verity by Elizabeth Wein rocked my world, anything by Christopher Moore…gah! That’s it, I refuse to answer.

4. Who are your favorite swoony boys?

Cricket from Lola and the Boy Next Door, Four from Divergent, Adam from If I Stay, Jase from My Life Next Door, Marco from The Night Circus…<sigh>

5. Are there any authors that you fangirl over?

OMG yes! I absolutely humiliated myself the first time I met Veronica Roth. And Stephanie Perkins. And Gayle Forman. I’ve actually rehearsed what I might say to Maureen Johnson if I ever get to meet her in person. Yeah. Me = enormous dork.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Huge thanks to Liz for dealing with my fangirling taking the time! Make sure you’re following her on Twitter, liking her Facebook page, subscribing to her blog and adding all of her books to your GoodReads shelf.

Now.

Dying to get your greedy hands on a copy of Ask Again Later? Well, I’ve got two copies up for grabs.  Books will be coming from The Book Depository, so this contest will be international [as long as TBD ships to your country for free]. Additional rules are here.

**Good Luck!!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway