The time it was about By Your Side

I don’t think it’s a secret that I love Kasie West and all of her books.  So with a new book coming out, I had to see if she would be on the blog! And lovely person that she is, she said yes.

Before we get to Kasie’s interview, let’s check out the book!

Title: By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pub Date: January 31, 2017
Pages: 352
Find it: HarperCollins | Indiebound | B&N | Amazon

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Sounds good, right?

1. Please give the elevator pitch for By Your Side.

Autumn Collins gets locked in the library for an entire weekend and discovers she’s not alone but, instead, stuck with the misunderstood loner from school.

2. Where did the idea come from?

Every year for the past several years I’ve done a signing with some friends at one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever been in–the Provo, Utah Library. It’s old and full of rich wood paneling and gorgeous staircases and etched glass windows and slow elevators and a bell tower and I could go on and on. It’s a seriously cool (and a tiny bit creepy) library. As I was walking down one of those staircases I just mentioned I looked over at one of my best friends, Renee Collins (yes, my main character’s last name is after Renee for helping to inspire this idea) and I said, “this would be an amazing library to be stuck in for a weekend.” And then she said, “with a boy.” And then we both gave each other that knowing look, the one that says, yes, I should totally write a story about that. And so I did.

3. Why do you love Autumn and Dax and why should we root for them?

I love them because they both have issues that they are trying their hardest to shove deep down inside of themselves. And I love them because together they become the best versions of themselves. They are fun together but also real.

4. There are some plot points in BYS that might be considered as angsty-er than a “normal Kasie book.” Did you go into writing with these things in mind or did they develop as you were drafting?

Yes, you noticed. :) I did go in to this book knowing those angsty-er things existed and trying to figure out how I could keep from going down a totally dark hole with them. Because I know my books are usually lighter and fun and funny. So with this book I wasn’t: here let me try to put some more depth in. I was: let me try to make sure I have enough light. It was challenging and fun and I like the balance of how it turned out.

5. Were there any scenes that had to be cut that you wish could have stayed?

I usually never have to cut scenes. I usually have to add them. But I was having trouble getting Dax’s relationship with his mom quite right. So I ended up having to cut quite a bit of her out. Do I wish they could’ve stayed? Probably not. I think the book is better for them being out. On the adding side, I had to add a lot of scenes with her friends. My first version of this book was more alone time with Autumn. It didn’t work. It made it too dark.

6. Without spoilers, what was your favorite scene to write?

The bell tower scene was fun. And the driver’s training scene was probably my favorite. :) That’s all I can say without giving them both away.

Speed [ish] round:

1. What was the last book you rated 5 stars?

Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby (I’m late to the game. I just read it like a month ago)

2. Is there any other food that you love as much as Junior Mints?

Chocolate is my main weakness. If I could live on just chocolate I would.

3. What 2017 release are you most looking forward to?

Probably HUNTED by Meagan Spooner. Although Sarah Dessen has a new book coming out this year too so you know I’ll be all over that.
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I write YA. I eat Junior Mints. Sometimes I go crazy and do both at the same time. My novels, published through Harper Teen are: PIVOT POINT and its sequel SPLIT SECOND. And my contemporary novels: THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, ON THE FENCE, and THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND.

My agent is the talented and funny Michelle Wolfson.

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Huge thanks to Kasie for taking the time to deal with my fangirling answer my questions. Make sure you’re checking out her website following her on Twitter and Instagram, liking her Facebook page, and adding all of her books on GoodReads.

And now, how about a giveaway? It’s international, book will be coming from TBD, and additional rules are here.

**Good Luck!!**

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