Noveltee(n): Kody Keplinger (and SHUT OUT giveaway)

Hi guys! With the release of her second novel less than a week away, I have Kody Keplinger here for an interview. Kody, who just turned 20, has released two books already.

Tell us a little about the books you have under contract.

Well, there are 3. First there was, THE DUFF, which released last year, which is a contemporary YA romance.  Up next is SHUT OUT, a modern re-imagining of the Greek play Lysistrata, about a girl who gets her friends to go on a sex strike with her in order to get their boyfriends to end a sports rivalry.  Then I hae another out in the summer, but I'm keeping a little tight lipped about that one for now.  

When did you stop thinking of writing as a hobby and start thinking “I don’t care that I’m young—I’m going to be published”?

Honestly, I never thought "I'm going to be published."  In fact, I honestly never thought it would happen at all. But I knew that if I didn't try, I would never know. So  I started approaching agents about my work - expecting nothing - when I was seventeen, during my last year of high school.  I still seeing writing as a hobby, though. A hobby I sometimes get paid for. It's kind of great!  

 

What was querying like? How did agents react when they learned your age? Did you put it in the query?

Agents had no idea about my age. I got rejections, a few requests, and only one offer. The only agent who knew I was seventeen is the agent who signed me, and she didn't find out until after she called me to offer me representation. I didn't put my age in the query because, as far as I was concerned, it was irrelevant. i wanted my writing to speak for itself!  

How did your friends/family/teachers react when they learned you were going to be published?

Everyone was super supportive, and still are.  They didn't tread me any different, but they let me know all the time how proud of me hey were and are. I have GREAT people in my life.   

Has the fact that you have a book deal changed you plans for a “real” job?

Somewhat. I'm taking some time off now, just to see how the writing thing goes.  If I think I can write full time and support myself, that's what I'll do. But I might decide to get a day job just to get me out of the house every once in a while. We'll see! I haven't decided just yet.

  

Plotter or Pantser?

Usually a pantser, but I plot every once in a while. 

Notebook or netbook?

Netbook.  

Mac or PC?

MAC!!!!! I am a convert!  

Pen or pencil?

Pen. Ink all the way. 

And finally, what upcoming release are you most excited for?

YOU AGAINST ME by Jenny Downham. She is so incredibly talented it is insane. 

 

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Thanks so much, Kody!

 

So you all are in luck: I preordered a copy of SHUT OUT a couple weeks ago, and then, when at the bookstore last week, I saw a copy early. Since I quite honestly could not wait, I bought that copy too, which means I have an extra copy for you!

 

And you want this book.

 

Rules:

+1 for commenting

+2 for tweeting

+3 for being a teen

+4 for blogging

+1 for adding everything up

 

Contest closes 9/4 at midnight PST.