Interview!

I have this crazy theory. Simple math, to me:

Four seasons, twelve months. Shouldn't each season get 3 months?

So why did fall get 3 minutes this year???

At least we got in a hike, and here was the view from the top:
We also visited a cool old house/grounds called Topsmead, in Litchfield CT. Apparently a rich woman lived here alone with 2 female friends (who were sisters) and never allowed any visitors into the house itself. They collected maps and furniture and art, had cocktails every afternoon, and generally had a pretty good time. Here's my younger son on top of one of the hills on the perfect fall afternoon:
But since then it has been so cold and damp!

So instead of going out for a hike I am answering emails, including this quiz that was sent to me months ago from http://thebookresort.blogspot.com/:

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

A sequel to one of my most popular books for teens (any guesses?) and pre-publication work for both BRILLIANT (the last book in trilogy, following LUCKY and GORGEOUS) and also a new book for elementary school kids (JUSTIN CASE: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters)!!!

Spiderman or Superman:

Superman. He can fly and is much less moody/creepy.

Wonder Woman or Batgirl:

Wonder Woman. She's strong and independent, and a WOMAN, not a girl/spin-off.

Chunky or Smooth:

Either. Especially with chocolate chip mixed in.

Favorite flavor ice cream:

Fudge Ripple.

Favorite ice cream topping:

Chocolate chunks

Subway or Taxi:

Subway to get downtown. Taxi cross town.

Broadway Show or Movie Theater:

Easiest question yet: Broadway. No contest.

TiVo or DVR:

DVR. But honestly I don't have either. Old school Netflicks girl here.

Favorite vacation place:

Someplace I've never been before.

Next vacation destination:

Still deciding: Ireland? Scotland? Italy? Switzerland?

Favorite NYC hotspot:

Hmmm... Not sure. RIght now I wish I were at the Mercer...

Guilty Pleasure:

Taking my kids to live theater

or

Reading in the day

Good luck charm:

thumb ring I bought myself at a street fair

When you were a little girl, you thought you would grow up to be a…. spy Last thing bought at the mall:

crepe pan from Williams Sonoma

Item on your grocery list:

milk and fruit are always on my list

French fries or Onion Rings:

Fries

Pizza: New York or Chicago?

NY!

Midnight snack:

chocolate chip cookies

Bookmark or dog ear?

Bookmark

Read with dustjacket or remove it?

Depends how nice it is

Ocean, Lake, Desert, Mountain:

YES!

Favorite book:

Hmmm. Can't choose. I am such a book slut: I have many favorites, and always looking for new loves, too.

Item you can't live without:

cozy socks

Who is your favorite writer that most people have never heard of?

The teens who write me hilarious and heartbreaking emails about their thoughts, feelings, experiences...

What kid or teen books made a difference in your world growing up?

Books by Judy Blume, Paula Danziger, and Paul Zindel.

Where do you like to write your books (bed ~ coffee shop ~ an office)?

In my living room or in a cafe.

Describe your ideal place to write:

A writing cabin with a view of a lake, stacked bookshelves, tea in an Alfi thermos, and music playing.

What are you reading @ the moment?

Just finished "How to Rig an Election" and started "The Murder of Mindy MacKensie."

Where do you usually read?

In bed/ on the couch

Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?

I try not to.

Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?

Not really; maybe a little slower.

Good ???s, right? What are your answers?

Love,

Rachel Vail

PS Thanks for all the wonderfully kind words about Bombaloo in the New Yorker!!!