1. What drew you to YA Fantasy writing?
It’s what I love. I’ll read anything really, but fantasy and paranormal are where my heart is.
2. Can you tell us some of the authors that have inspired you?
S.E Hinton, Mary Stanton, Rob Thurman, and Kelley Armstrong.
3. Are there any books coming out in late 2011 or 2012 that you’re looking forward to reading?
The latest Strange Angel’s book by Lili St. Crow actually comes out today I think. (Graves FTW!) And I just finished the latest Soul Screamers novel by Rachel Vincent (which was AWESOME) and can’t wait for book 6! Also, I’m jonesing for the second book in the Lux series by Jennifer Armentrout. Obsidian kicked ass!
4. What inspired Touch?
Nothing particular. I Got the idea for the characters while sitting on line waiting for coffee. I went home and started writing, and POOF, three weeks later I had a first draft.
5. Can you tell us a bit about Dez?
Dez is extreme. You’re either going to love her or hate her. She says what’s on her mind and she does what she wants. She does have a soft side though. Really, she’s just a girl who wants to be loved. She’s spent so much time and energy trying–and failing–to get her Dad’s attention.
6. Can you tell us a bit about Kale?
Kale is like a newborn–only with badass ninja moves. He’s lived his entire life in captivity–isolated from people because the slightest touch of his skin kills. He manages to escape and suddenly he’s out there in the world with a girl who lives every moment like it’s her last. Every thing is new to him. From cheese sticks to kisses.
7.Tell us a little about one of your favorite scenes to write?
I have a few, but my top fave is the scene where Kale is in Dez’s bedroom for the first time. It’s raw and emotional and still gives me goosebumps every time I read it–and that’s saying a lot considering I’ve read it a thousand and four times.
8. Is music part of your writing process? If so, does Touch have a playlist?
TOUCH has a huge playlist, as do each of the characters. You can find the book playlist here: http://www.jusaccardo.com/books/ I’ll be adding character playlists shortly. I think it’ll be fin to see what people think!
9. Is Touch part of a series? If so, can you tell us when we’ll see a sequel?
It’s part of a series that (currently) has three books and two novellas. The first novella will come out between books 1 and 2, and the second book will release in the spring on 2012
10. What advice would you offer aspiring YA fantasy writers?
Keep writing. Every word will bring you closer to publication. It’s true what they say–practice does make perfect.
Jus Accardo is the author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald. Her first book, Touch, released November 1, 2011 from Entangled Publishing. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.