1  What drew you to YA writing?

It came naturally, I guess. I liked those teenage and early-twenties years. I write YA because that’s what comes out when I have a book. Most of my characters and stories ride that awkward, fine line between being YA and adult.

2  Can you tell us some of the authors that have inspired you?

Growing up, I read a lot of the typical, classic kid-books (Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, etc.) along with books like THE LAST UNICORN and MRS FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH. Those books made me fall in love with creating characters.

3  Are there any books coming out in late 2011 or 2012 that you’re looking forward to reading?

Oh, definitely! CRACKED by K.M. Walton, THE GIRL IN THE PARK by Mariah Fredericks, and LIFE IS BUT A DREAM by Brian James. They all look so good!

4  What inspired Hushed (released December 6, 2011)?

I wish I could remember back if there was any one thing that sparked the idea. Basically, I wanted to write a boy who killed people for the girl he loved. Someone fragile and really damaged.

5  Can you tell us a bit about Archer?

Archer is as broken as they come. He’s introverted, socially awkward, tense, and overall very uncomfortable in his own skin and lost inside his own head. He feels very alone, and very desperate for acceptance.

6  Can you tell us a bit about Evan?

Evan is everything Archer isn’t. Calm, easy-going, goofy, and comfortable with himself and his direction in life. He really is the brightest point in the entire book.

7  Tell us a little about one of your favorite scenes to write?

Evan and Archer’s “just bones” scene was my favorite because of how emotionally charged it was, and how easy it went from my brain and into words. The hospital scene was another fave, as was Archer’s confrontation with his mom at the funeral.

8  Is music part of your writing process? If so, does Hushed have a playlist?

Music plays a big part of my writing. Everything I write has a playlist all its own, and HUSHED has one of the most eclectic collection of songs. I actually posted the entire playlist on my blog some time ago.

9  After the promotions for Hushed are done, can you tell us about any other manuscripts that you’re currently working on?

I do have one I’m working on, but I can’t share too much about it! Mainly because it’s still in the early stages. I can say it’s another male/male romance, though.

10  What advice would you offer aspiring YA writers?

I don’t think I’m any more qualified to give advice than any other author, especially since this is my first published book, but…never give up! Keep going at it, and most of all, keep learning.

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry – be them squeaky, barky or meow- y – is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid. Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.