Kasie West
Where are you from?
I'm from a little town in the middle of California that is nowhere near the ocean. We do have lots of orange trees though. That's almost as good as the ocean....right?
When and why did you begin writing?
I didn't know I wanted to write until I was older. In high school and college I loved to read but I never even thought about writing a novel. It wasn't until about 8 years ago, when I had an idea for a book, that I decided to give it a try. I loved it so much that I kept going.
What books have most influenced your life most?
That's a hard question. I love so many books and I feel like every book I read influences me in some way or another. Some of my favorite authors are Sarah Dessen, John Green, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, etc. etc etc
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
What book are you reading now?
Right now I'm reading Incarnate by Jodi Meadows (I know, I'm late to the party)
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Maybe she's not new, but she's new to me: I love Rainbow Rowell. Fangirl was one of my favorite reads this year.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I don't have a favorite. There are so many authors I love. But someone whose work really speaks to me is Stephanie Perkins. I love the way she writes. She's funny and clever and witty and I adore her characters.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The middle. :) It's hard to get over the hump sometimes, to keep it going and keep it interesting. There comes this part around 30 thousand words where I'm like, uh, have I bored everyone to death yet? How am I supposed to finish this thing? I usually realize that I don't have enough conflicts right about then and have to add a side plot or two.
Have you been an avid reader your entire life? (since you could read)
What character in your books do you relate to most?
What is your favorite sport to watch and or play?
Basketball. When I met my husband he was playing college basketball so when I watch it, it brings back very fond memories. Plus it's an exciting, fast paced sport. No matter what sport I watch though, I yell at the television. Yes, I'm one of those fans.
Favorite Movie?
Why do you keep making me pick favorites?? ;) Let's see, Pitch Perfect? Right now. I change my favorite constantly.
There are so many I wouldn't want to be. (Authors are mean to their characters. Ha.) But, let's see, who ends up with the best boy or has the best powers? Cath from Fangirl? I like her boy. Anna from Anna and the French Kiss? Yes, please. Kristin Cashore's leading ladies are always awesome. Wait, was I just supposed to pick one? :)
Kasie is the AMAZING author of (at the moment) two published young adult works. As well as two upcoming.
The Distance Between Us
Published July 2nd 2013 by Harper Teen
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.
Pivot Point
Published February 12th 2013 by HarperTeen
Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .
Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.
In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Always chocolate.
Puppy's or Kittens?
Kittens. But between cats and dogs? I pick dogs.
Beach or Mountains?
Beach
If you could be a color, what color would you be?
Green.
Favorite Dessert?
Anything chocolate.
If you could be a book character, what character would you be?
Kasie is the AMAZING author of (at the moment) two published young adult works. As well as two upcoming.
The Distance Between UsPublished July 2nd 2013 by Harper Teen
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.
Pivot PointPublished February 12th 2013 by HarperTeen
Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .
Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.
In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.
Upcoming:
And Kasie will be on tour with some other great authors!
