Writers Like Us - Vivi Barnes

I'm super excited to welcome Vivi Barnes, author of OLIVIA TWISTED, to the blog today! Even though Vivi's book doesn't come out until November, she's brought along a sneak peek at the blurb to share (scroll down past the interview). Make sure you put this one in your TBR pile.

Her answers are below in bold. Let us know what makes Vivi like you in the comments.

Vivi on Writing

• I've written 4 books, and 1 has seen the light of day (but I'm debut, so I hope more see the light!)
• My favorite type of scene to write are kissing scenes, esp. with the guy who's sweet on inside and badass on outside! 
• No matter how long I've been writing, I still have issues with repeat words. Repeat words.
• A typical comment from my CP is to up the stakes! 
• The book I wished I wrote is Harry Potter because it is just plain brilliant and lovely and all the great adjectives!

Vivi on Getting Published

• If my agent really knew how crazy (or any other adjective here) I was, she would find out -- okay, my agent already knows how crazy I am (and Pam van Hylckama is just as crazy) - but this probably would be that I dressed as Honey Boo Boo for the last SCBWI conference (and won a prize).
• When I was querying, I felt confident, then not confident, then confident, then not confident. Rinse, repeat.
• The biggest mistake I ever made querying was sending out my manuscript before it was truly ready. I think many writers make this mistake. But at the time, of course, you think it's ready.
• The craziest thought I've ever had while writing is (very early on) that all I need to do is get an agent and everything will fall into place. LOL
• When I got "The Call," my first thought was "OMG OMG OMG," then "She probably just wants to tell me I suck over the phone." (I got an email asking for "the call.")
• When I saw my book sale in Publishers Marketplace, I did a screen shot and pasted it in a document to keep forever and ever!

Vivi on Life Outside Writing

• If I weren't a writer, I'd probably be a Best Girl in film production, mostly because I always thought "Best Boy" was sexist. ;)
• Secretly, I'm terrified of spiders, and it is NO secret. And why do they have to have spiders in every show I love!? WHY?
• My secret girlfriend/boyfriend is my husband, because he's my badass hero. If fictional, that'd be Captain Hook from Once Upon A Time.
• Sometimes, when no one is around, I sing as loud as I can, and badly, too.

Vivi Barnes was raised on a farm in East Texas where her theater-loving mom and cowboy dad gave her a unique perspective on life. Now living in the magic and sunshine of Orlando, Florida, she divides her time writing, working, goofing off with her husband and three kids, and avoiding dirty dishes.

~*SNEAK PEEK OF THE OLIVIA TWISTED BLURB*~

Olivia

He tilts my chin up so my eyes meet his, his thumb brushing lightly across my lips. I close my eyes. I know Z is trouble. I know that being with him is going to get me into trouble. I don’t care.

At least at this moment, I don’t care.

Tossed from foster home to foster home, Olivia’s seen a lot in her sixteen years. She’s hardened, sure, though mostly just wants to fly under the radar until graduation. But her natural ability with computers catches the eye of Z, a mysterious guy at her new school. Soon, Z has brought Liv into his team of hacker elite—break into a few bank accounts, and voila, he drives a motorcycle. Follow his lead, and Olivia might even be able to escape from her oppressive foster parents. As Olivia and Z grow closer, though, so does the watchful eye of Bill Sykes, Z’s boss. And he’s got bigger plans for Liv…

Z

I can picture Liv’s face: wide-eyed, trusting. Her smooth lips that taste like strawberry Fanta.
It was just a kiss. That’s all. She’s just like any other girl.
Except that she’s not.

Thanks to Z, Olivia’s about to get twisted.