Quick Qs and As with Mara Purnhagen

Mara Purnhagen is the debut author of an original and fantastic novel titled Tagged. And today, I have a special treat for you all, an interview with no one other then Mara!

So without a further ado, I give you the official interview.

 

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What three words best describe Tagged?

Quirky, light, thought-provoking (I hope!)

Describe your main character, Kate, in one sentence.

An insecure girl who is stronger than she realizes.

If you could offer Kate any type of advice, what would you say?

Nothing walks with aimless feet.

In your opinion, what makes Tagged a book teens should pick up?

I think it’s a fun, quick read with some interesting elements.

One of the issues discussed in Tagged was whether or not graffiti should be considered as art which leaves me to wonder what your stance on this topic is.

I think I’ll let the book answer that!

In Tagged the person behind the graffiti always leaves behind a gorilla with a message. What made you choose gorillas as the object drawn?

There were many reasons why I chose gorillas. First, I needed something large and out of place in a regular town. Second, I think gorillas are expressive. And third, there’s a gorilla sticker on my husband’s work bench that I like.

How did the title Tagged come to be?

I wanted something short and strong, and Tagged fit perfectly.

How does it feel knowing Tagged is now in bookstores?

People keep calling me to say they’ve seen it at Barnes and Noble and Borders, which is very cool. I haven’t seen it yet. I’ll probably take a picture of it when I do!

What has your favorite part of the publishing process been so far?

It’s always a thrill to see your cover for the first time. As an author, you don’t get a lot of say in what it will look like, so it can be nerve-wracking.

What is your typical day like?

I’m up at 7:30 and busy with kids, errands, and a thousand other things until 8 pm. I write mainly at night, and I’m not in bed until midnight.

What are three random facts about you?

I am left handed. I love the Simpsons. I collect vintage postcards from the early 1900s.

I love the Simpson too. What's up next for you book-wise?

A series! The first book, Past Midnight, comes out in September 2010. The second, One Hundred Candles will be out in 2011, and the third book (which I’m working on now) is scheduled for 2011. The series revolves around Charlotte, whose parents are paranormal investigators. They debunk ghost stories for a living. No one in the family believes in ghosts—until something happens to Charlotte that they can’t explain.

Oooh, sounds interesting! Is there anything else you would like to add?

Happy Reading!

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Thanks so much, Mara!

Further Links:

Mara's website

Tagged on Amazon/Indie Bound/Barnes and Noble