Interview & Giveaway with Inara Scott

1. When did you first start writing, and was there something in particular that inspired you?

I have been a diehard romantic for as long as I can remember. When I was in middle and high school I read hundreds of romances. Harlequins and historical bodice rippers were my favorites , all the better if they involved pirates! I started writing so I could live inside those worlds that I loved. My first few novels were all historical, and most of them involved pirates. I didn’t start writing YA until much later, when I was inspired by a snarky voice in my head and visions of a world in which there was no black and white, and no way to tell the good guys from the bad guys.


2. In regards to your own characters, who is your favorite and why?

Is this a trick question to try to get me to say if I like Cam or Jack better? ;-) I tend to fall deeply in love with whatever character I’m working on at the moment. I’ve just started working on a new YA, so right now, the narrator of that story is my favorite. She’s a snarky, sarcastic computer genius, and absolutely fearless--except when it comes to boys. I’m really enjoying listening to her voice in my head!


3. What other genres (besides your own) do you enjoy reading?

Outside of romance, YA, and some light fantasy, I really enjoy non-fiction. Two of my favs are Malcolm Gladwell and Diane Ackerman.


4. If you could not be a writer, what would you be?

I actually am a whole bunch of things besides being a writer! I’m a lawyer, and love to argue and write persuasively. I love to teach, whether it be about writing, law, or the environment. I used to guide outdoor trips and really enjoyed that, although I haven’t done it for a while. I also work on a student arts anthology, doing outreach to schools and students. I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to help someone realize their dream of publication.


5. What are some must haves when you sit down to write?

If I’m writing new words, I need a chunk of time to focus and relative quiet (I can listen to music, but it has to be instrumental—if there are words on , I tend to lose my grip on my own words!). When I’m revising, I’m much more adaptable. I’ve revised documents in the car, at the park, and at the pool while my daughter has swimming lessons. But I will admit, either in revision or with new words, a cup of coffee never hurts!


6. If you became trapped as a character in a book or series, which would you choose and why? (Any book, any series, new or old)

My all-time favorite book is DRAGONFLIGHT, by Anne McCaffrey. I would definitely choose life in Pern as Lessa. McCaffrey’s books have everything I love: romance (I’m completely in love with F’lar), fantastic heroines (Lessa is a total bad-ass), empathetic dragons, and flying.

You can find my review of The Candidates here.

About Inara:

Inara was born in the winter wonderland of Buffalo, NY. She promptly commenced complaining about being cold, and didn’t stop until she moved to Durham, NC, to attend college at Duke University. After graduating with a degree in History and Women’s Studies, Inara wandered around the country teaching outdoor education and writing bad poetry. She eventually obtained a Master’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from the State University of New York at Cortland, where she wrote her thesis on the effects of wilderness programs on the body image of female participants.


Find Inara:

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Inara's Newest Release:

The Marked:
Dancia’s back at Delcroix, but this year, everything’s different. Dancia’s Talented, and her powers have earned her an invitation to join Delcroix’s real raison d’etre –the Program. Dancia’s wanted to use her powers to help people all her life — and now Delcroix is going to give her the training she needs to use her Talent for good. At least…that’s what the school saysshe’ll learn to do with her powers. Her cuter-than-cute boyfriend Cam insists that it’s true, and so do all the other students. But there’s still a little voice inside her head that wonders — if the Program’s so great, why did her almost-only-a-friend- Jack run away rather than join? And why would the school be getting attacked by angry ex-students? Dancia’s a loyal student…and a loyal girlfriend. But if finding out what’s really going on means talking to Jack, well — it’s a risk she just might have to take.

Giveaway:

Inara is giving away one copy of The Marked to one lucky winner!

Rules for entry:
- Giveaway ends March 22, 2012 12AM EST.
- Open to Canadian and US addresses ONLY.
- Leave a comment and fill out the FORM below, entries in the comment section will not be counted.