1. What drew you to YA fantasy writing?
I write what I enjoy reading. My main loves are mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal, but I branch out to other genres as well.
2. Who are some of the YA fantasy writers that you enjoy? Are there any books coming out that you are particularly excited about?
Oh, my! I could go on and on. I love the work of Suzanne Collins and Lisa McMann. I’m really looking forward to Sonia Gensler’s THE REVENANT, which is a ghost story. And a fantastic recent read was HOURGLASS by Myra McEntire, which is coming out soon!
3. What was the inspiration for Clarity?
The characters–this “family of freaks”–came to me first. I thought it would be fun to play with the idea of a family of psychics in a tourist town who are pulled into a murder investigation. The setting was a lot of fun to write and I grew to love the characters so much. Which makes it hard when I constantly torture them!
4. Why did you choose Cape Cod as the setting of your series?
I knew, because of the nature of the characters’ family business, that I wanted to set the story in a tourist town. I chose Cape Cod because I know it well and adore it. My father is from Hyannis and I’ve spent a ton of time on the Cape.
5. How would you describe Clarity “Clare” Fern?
Clare has a tough exterior, which is only natural after enduring years of bullying. She can take care of herself and loves her family fiercely. She has a sarcastic sense of humor. She values honesty and loyalty. But this puts her in an interesting position when she is forced to choose one value over the other.
6. Can you give us a sneak peek into Perception?
Hmm…I’m not sure what I’m allowed to say. 
At this point, I’ll share that Clare has a new mystery to solve and a big decision to make.
7. What can you tell us about the stand alone, Glimmer?
We’re currently looking for a new title for it, but Glimmer is a standalone supernatural mystery about a teenage girl who discovers that the house her family just moved into is haunted, and she must solve the mystery of the ghost girl’s death.
8. Do you have any book tours/signings scheduled?
I keep my events page updated here: http://kimharrington.blogspot.com/2008/01/appearances.html
9. Where can our readers find you on the internet?
Everywhere!
website – http://www.kimharringtonbooks.com blog – http://kimharrington.blogspot.com/ facebook – http://www.facebook.com/kimharringtonauthor twitter – @kim_harrington goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3111339.Kim_Harrington
10. What writing advice would you offer an aspiring YA fantasy writer?
Read a lot. Write a lot. Don’t be distracted by the Shiny New Idea. And keep that butt in the chair!
Kim Harrington is the author of the Clarity series for teens and the Sleuth or Dare series for kids. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son. When not writing, she’s most likely reading, watching one of her favorite TV shows, or fantasizing about her next vacation.