Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Interview With Rachel Hawkins, Author of HEX HALL



I first "met" Rachel when she came to my blog and congratulated me on signing with our mutual agent, Holly Root. I began following Rachel on Twitter and instantly enjoyed her fabulous sense of humor. When the opportunity to read an ARC (Advance Reading Copy) of HEX HALL presented itself to me, I grabbed it. I was in for a real treat. HEX HALL is a hilarious, atmospheric romp with twists, tension, and heart. I devoured it in one gulp and couldn't wait for more.

Here's a peek at HEX HALL:

In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at "Freak High." It's bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it's even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie's gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch.

I was so excited when Rachel agreed to be interviewed on the blog. She chose to take on the Were-llama because she can match him in both moxy and awesomeness.

The Were-llama



Rachel Hawkins



Now that you know who's who, let's dive into the interview and reveal the CUPCAKE OF SOUTHERN GOTHIC AWESOMENESS my hubby made for Rachel. Oh, yes, it deserves all caps. Rachel's book is saturated with atmospheric Southern Gothic tension, so she asked for a cupcake to reflect that. I had several (fairly good) ideas, but my hubby didn't want to hear them. He informed me he knew what he was going to do and that it would be "cool." He was right, though "cool" is an understatement. The cupcake is, in fact, so cool, I'm posting two pics of it. One up close and personal so you can appreciate the detail he put into it (yes, the entire thing is edible). And one with burning candles in the background to really give it the haunting quality a HEX HALL cupcake deserves. Without further ado, here is the cupcake and Rachel's interview.





1. So, you’re a writer. I’m a super-scary shape-shifter who can command obedience with the awesome power of my glowing red eyes. What do we have in common?

I am a super-scary Mama who can command obedience with the awesome power of my “Teacher Voice.” And glowing red eyes, natch.

2. A woman with glowing red eyes? Perhaps I shall choose you to be my minion. I like to spit at my enemies from whichever end is closest to them. Do any of your characters have cool abilities like that?

Some of my characters can manipulate time, make it rain, and create things out of thin air. But I have to say, NONE of those are as cool as your Awesome Dual-Ended Spitting Abilities!

3. Thank you. It's nice to have my genius acknowledged. If I had a nickname, it would be The Awesome. You?

In college, my nickname was Red because I have red(ish) hair. As a result, my roommate once attempted to steal one of those “Stop Here On Red” traffic signs so that she could hang it over my bed. We kept it ultra-classy in college, obvs. I also answer to Lady Hawkins, which is what my students used to call me (Sadly, not because I seem like such a lady, but because my husband also taught at the same school, and was referred to as Dude Hawkins.)

4. If I met someone named Dude Hawkins, I'd be forced to spit in his face on sheer principle. I hang around this blog because I love stories. What’s your story about? Bonus points if it includes a llama.

HEX HALL is the touching story of a young llama who goes to a special llama camp, wherein she finds sweet, sweet llama love. (Okay, really it’s about a witch who gets sent to magical reform school. Secrets, grisly murders, snarkiness, and hot cellar love ensue.)

5. Hm. Perhaps you could add a special llama camp to book two. It's bound to help your sales. You’re making me a cake worthy of my awesome Were-llama status and decorating it to represent your story. What does it look like?

I would start by making a life-size replica of Machu Picchu out of fondant for you, then I would decorate it with Spanish moss, some Barbies making out, and swords.

6. I find your offering of Machu Picchu, Spanish moss, and swords acceptable. I do, however, burn Barbies on sight with the awesome power of my glowing red eyes. Any Were-llamas in your book?

Not that I know of. But there are a LOT of shape-shifters, so it’s possible. Although now I kind of want all of Book 3 to revolve around the students of Hecate Hall fighting an army of were-llamas. (Spoiler Alert: The were-llamas totally win.)

7. Spoiler Alert: We always win. Anyone in your stories who might be a Were-llama and you just haven’t figured it out yet?

Elodie seems like a spitter, so something tells me she may indeed be a were-llama.

8. Llamas or camels and why? Think carefully.

Ooh, this is tough! Well, camels do have humps (hee hee! Humps.) But then their mouths are particularly grody. Also, I’ve never heard of were-camels, so I’m gonna have to give the win to llamas!


9. Wise choice. You get to live another day. I give you a baby Were-llama as a companion. What do you name her?

Alejandra, which I would pronounce with a very heavy Spanish accent. I like the idea of “Alejaaaaaaandraaaaaa” echoing over the mountains.

10. My favorite word is “awesome” because, yanno, look at me. What’s yours?

Pamplemousse. It’s the French word for grapefruit, and I love everything about it.

11. As a young Were-llama, I dreamt of taking over the eastern seaboard one face full of spit at a time. What did you dream of doing when you were young?

Pretty much this. Writing stories, talking to were-llamas… if I were also married to a member of New Kids on the Block, I’d say all of 9 year old Rachel’s dreams have come true!


12. I spat in the faces of NKOTB and ate them for breakfast a few years ago. Good thing you've moved on from that particular dream. Cake or cookies?

Coooooookies!!

13. Do you share chocolate?

I’m an only child. I don’t share ANYTHING.

14. What a coincidence. Neither do I. The Zombie Goat invasion is upon us. How will you fight them off?

First, I would make thousands of macaroni necklaces. Thanks to a Highly Unfortunate Incident in 4th Grade While At A Farm, I know that macaroni necklaces are every goat’s weakness. Once I’d distracted them with the tasty necklaces, I would have someone come up behind the zombie goat and make a very loud noise. This will cause the zombie goat to fall down, as goats are dumb. And then I would be triumphant!


Fantastic! Another non-goat-lover. No wonder I love her books. Thank you, Rachel, for the fun interview and for writing such a captivating book. To learn more about Rachel and HEX HALL visit her site. Now, for more fun! Rachel is giving away a signed copy of HEX HALL and a hexy t-shirt to one lucky commenter!

Rules:

1. Leave a comment answering Rachel's question: "What supernatural creature would you be?" - 1 entry

2. Tweet a link to this interview (include @cjredwine or leave the link here so I can see it). - 2 entries

3. Be a follower of this blog. - 2 entries

4. Post a link to the interview on your blog (and leave the link here so I can see it). - 3 entries.

5. Tally up your entries in your comment.

Contest ends Friday, April 2nd at 8 p.m. central time. Good luck!

47 comments:

  1. This MundieMom is popping in to say "hello" and that this made me laugh without coffee consumption in the morning! I love HEX HALL and tell everyone they need to read it. Also were-llama, wow, who knew?? I'm tempted to recite Is Your Mama A Llama now. LOL. Yes, purely because I can...it's part of Mundie Mom training.

    ReplyDelete
  2. "What supernatural creature would you be?" - 1 entry- Werewolf!

    Tweet - 2 entries - http://twitter.com/kpic724/status/11367329910

    Follower of this blog. - 2 entries

    Tally up your entries in your comment- 5

    Great interview!! Thanks for the giveaway!

    kpic724 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1. Leave a comment answering Rachel's question: "What supernatural creature would you be?" - 1 entry

    Fairy!

    2. Tweet a link to this interview (include @cjredwine or leave the link here so I can see it). - 2 entries
    http://twitter.com/uprobdontknowme/status/11367500603

    3. Be a follower of this blog. - 2 entries
    I follow!

    5. Tally up your entries in your comment.

    6!

    I love the interview! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I loved this interview!! We adore Rachel.
    I agree, Hex Hall is a MUST read!!

    I would totally be a werewolf!! A nice one lol

    We RT'ed it on Twitter-http://twitter.com/MundieMoms

    We follow your blog!!

    5 points and thank you for doing such great interviews. Love the Llama!

    adminmundiemomsATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  6. I absolutely loved this interview! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! Ok, supernatural creature...I'd have to say werewolf. As well as the whole super strength and super senses thing they got going on, they can enjoy all those "bad for you" foods and never suffer from it! I LOVE ME SOME GOOD FOOD! LOL!

    I Tweeted: @AmyAnneS
    I am a follower!
    Blogged: http://simpleloveofreading.blogspot.com/2010/03/win-signed-copy-of-hex-hall-by-rachel.html

    8 entries total.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'd be a werewolf, sounds like fun to me :) +1

    blog follower +2

    =
    +3

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great interview! ;)

    +1 "What supernatural creature would you be?"
    I would be a faery ;) Like Nauscica in Hex Hall? I don't know how to spell her name!

    +2 Tweeted. http://twitter.com/lovereadingx/statuses/11371055930

    +2 Following your blog.

    +3 Posted a link to the interview on my blog sidebar. http://lovereadingx.blogspot.com/

    Total entries: 8.

    lovereadingx (at) googlemail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I loved this interview (and your Were-llama references).

    I only discovered Hex Hall yesterday and after reading the extract I can't wait for it to come out.

    ReplyDelete
  10. If I could choose, I would be a witch/wizard/mage/whatever you want to call it because the possibilities of things I could accomplish would be endless! (+1)
    Tweet http://twitter.com/TeenageBkLvr/status/11376981244 (+2)
    Follower (+2)
    Sidebar http://alexreadsbooks.blogspot.com/ (+3)

    Total = 8/8

    Thanks for having this awesome contest and the great interview!

    alexreadsbooks(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I would be a vampire. I've always been drawn to darker stuff, including vampires.

    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/Door2Wonderland/status/11377340977

    I'm already a follower.

    Total: 5

    Kelsey
    krae991@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Supernatural creature - shape shifter, cause then I could be anything & wouldn't have to choose. +1

    Blog follower +2
    Secretly love camels -4
    Have never tweeted -1
    Don't have a blog -1
    Have a website! Will post. +2

    That leaves me at -1. How did that happen? WAIT! Love YA & the interview +1

    I break even! Yay!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What supernatural creature? A firecaster. I always thought it'd be nice to be able to blow off steam that way...probably why I used one as a heroine. +1

    Blog follower +2

    Bloggy link: http://kaitnolan.com/2010/03/31/back-to-square-three/ +3

    Tweet: @cjredwine 's interview with @LadyHawkins about Hex Hall. Check it out http://tinyurl.com/yhtg88o +2

    Total Entries: 8

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love this interview! Go Were-llama!

    1. I would like to be a shapeshifter +1
    2. I will tweet about the contest +2
    3. I'm a blog follower +2
    4. Link to the interview at my blog +3 http://mehlane.blogspot.com/2010/03/bring-it-on.html
    5. Total entries = 8

    ReplyDelete
  15. 1. I would be an Elf (ala LOTR or Merecedes Lackey). Yay, magic! Yay, pointy ears! :) - 1 entry

    2. Tweeted - 2 entries

    3. I am a follower of this blog. - 2 entries

    5. Tally up your entries in your comment. 5 entries total.

    ReplyDelete
  16. 1. "What supernatural creature would you be?" + 1 entry:

    I definitely would be a shapeshifter - cause God knows, this shape, needs some shifting! Now tell me Ladies, really, how cool would that be?

    2. Tweet a link to this interview: + 2 entries

    Tweet: @elschneid

    3. Follower of this blog. + 2 entries

    But of course! Because the Were-Llama and the Spork of Doom take no prisoners...

    4. Post a link to the interview on your blog (and leave the link here so I can see it). + 3 entries.

    My blog: http://elschneider6.blogspot.com/

    5. Total entries: 8 entries

    ReplyDelete
  17. lol :) Great interview!

    As to the supernatural creature... I think I'd choose either a pixie or an elf.

    ReplyDelete
  18. LOVE this interview...

    I would be a Shapeshifter with Telekinetic powers (I have one in one of my WIP & wowsers! It would be fun.) - 1

    Follower - 2

    Tweet a link - 2 @Southrnprincess at 5:42 p.m 3-31-10

    5 Total entries!

    clsbarr(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Visit My Kingdom Anytime

    ReplyDelete
  19. great interview! for a supernatural creature, i think i'd have to go with some sort of half-vamp, half-witch combo because those are my two favorites supernaturals.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Awesome interview!!! I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard!!! Thanks for that!

    1. "What supernatural creature would you be?" - 1 entry
    ~I think being a witch would be cool. :)

    2. Tweet a link to this interview - 2 entries
    ~http://twitter.com/TwilightTammyTM/statuses/11394974839

    3. Be a follower of this blog. - 2 entries
    ~Tammy

    4. Post a link to the interview on your blog (and leave the link here so I can see it). - 3 entries.
    ~http://twilighttammy.blogspot.com/2010/03/you-have-to-read-this-cj-redwine.html

    5. Tally up your entries in your comment. 8 entries YAY!

    Thanks!!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  21. Okay, I tweeted it (twice, once even had the link lol), put it on my blog which has all of three followers so far (a few are following anonymously, and have told me so, but there, you can see only three:), and I've reread the interview. Can you get points for that?? LOL

    ReplyDelete
  22. OH and I forgot, I would be a werecat, probably lion; my name IS Leona, after all :D!

    ReplyDelete
  23. 1. "What supernatural creature would you be?" - 1 entry
    --> werewolf

    2. Tweet - 2 entries
    --> http://twitter.com/becunique/status/11402457941

    3. a follower of this blog. - 2 entries

    5. Tally up your entries in your comment
    = 5 entries

    uniquas at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yes, I am a complete and total airhead. I read this interview twice and got so excited at the chance to win, I didn't follow the rules right! let's see if I can get clean and sober and do it right!

    1) werelion = 1
    2) tweet = 2 and I said it twice lol However, only linked it once
    3) follower of this blog = 2
    4) Post a link = 3 ( http://lbushman.blogspot.com and I'd post it in both my writing blogs if i thought I could stack the votes!)
    so, the total is, 1,2,2,3, um 8?

    LOL felt like I was doing the davinci code all wrong (can't spell it, but you know the one I mean???)

    ReplyDelete
  25. 1. Leave a comment answering Rachel's question: "What supernatural creature would you be?" - 1 entry
    Faery.

    2. Tweet a link to this interview (include @cjredwine or leave the link here so I can see it). - 2 entries
    I RT'd your links!

    3. Be a follower of this blog. - 2 entries
    Done!

    4. Post a link to the interview on your blog (and leave the link here so I can see it). - 3 entries.
    http://meow-mix85.blogspot.com/2010/03/contests-i-think-youll-like-4.html

    5. Tally up your entries in your comment.
    +8 (If I can count today.)

    ReplyDelete
  26. @Catie S You arrived at the same answer as I did! That means my chances of having done correct math has doubled :P Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Tough call. I think I would want to be Fae.

    +1 answer above
    +2 tweet - http://twitter.com/DonnaS1/statuses/11405120851
    +2 I am a blog follower
    +3 posted - http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/2010/03/contests-found-331.html

    Total - 8

    ReplyDelete
  28. +1 I'd be a witch. I'm good at cooking stuff up, a black cat would make a nice pet and flying around on my broomstick would be really cool.
    Casting spells would have to be one of my talents and maybe some form of sixth sense - just cooking up love potions for the neightbours could get a bit boring.

    +2 I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/11408752917

    +2 I'm a follower

    +3 I posted on my sidebar
    http://evasblackspot.blogspot.com/

    Total 8 entries

    ReplyDelete
  29. My entry about what supernatural creature would I be is easy: A werecat ninja.

    ReplyDelete
  30. 1. I can't decide between a faery and a vampire! OOOOO I'd be a faery vampire. That sparkled. And didn't need to drink blood. And could fly. -1 entry

    2. Tweeted! - 2 entries

    3. Be a follower - 2 entries

    4. blog post: http://babblingflow.blogspot.com/2010/03/interviews-and-signed-books-and-were.html - 3 entries.

    5. Tally up your entries in your comment. 8 entries! *Unless I get extra entries for the llama video*

    ReplyDelete
  31. An ARC "presented itself to you"?

    Don't you mean- "I ripped it out of Myra's hands"?

    Great interview! Stay Hexy!

    Follower/tweet/etc. So what ... 3?

    ReplyDelete
  32. OMFG... Seriously, the were-llama made me spit out my coffee.

    Okay, so, what supernatural creature? Mermaid. They're aloof, bitchy, and gorgeous. Also? They don't have to endure the horrors of Target with two kids in tow.

    I tweeted and followed! (http://twitter.com/meadowc/statuses/11421862107)

    5 entries! (and even more laughs)

    ReplyDelete
  33. +1 I'd be a wizard. Magic FTW!

    Tweeted +2 (@Travis_Pearson)

    Follower +2

    Total of 5 entries!

    Travis
    spongyman1026@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Nice interview.

    +1 I would be a witch
    +2 Tweet: http://twitter.com/Sparima/status/11446415929
    +2 Blog follower
    +3 Left sidebar of my blog: http://fictionkingdom.blogspot.com/

    Total: 8

    ReplyDelete
  35. 1. "What supernatural creature would you be?" - 1 entry

    Hmm... Oh! Faerie! Or a witch, whichever would have the most powers lol.

    2. Tweet a link to this interview (include @cjredwine or leave the link here so I can see it). - 2 entries

    http://twitter.com/lights_aurora/status/11457154163

    3. Be a follower of this blog. - 2 entries

    Total: 5 entries, yay! Can't wait to read HEX HALL!

    ReplyDelete
  36. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  37. 1. "What supernatural creature would you be?" - 1 entry
    werewolf

    2. Tweet http://twitter.com/bbricke/status/11457334183 - 2 entries

    3. Be a follower - 2 entries Breiab

    bbricke AT yahoo DOT com
    5 entries

    ReplyDelete
  38. A hexy t-shirt? Any chance I could get a tube top instead? Tube tops are so hexy.

    Fabulous interview, by the way. I was very impressed with the goat take-down. It's practically a super power. All Rachel needs now is an iridescent copper cape, and then goats beware.

    But far cooler is Hex Hall. This sounds like my kind of book. A paranormal juvie? Oh yeah. I'm all about the freakies. Maybe that's why I suddenly have acquired an affinity for were-llamas. Not to say he's freaky. Not in an uncool way.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh, I forgot to enter so I could get my hexy tube--err, t-shirt. And I forgot to say how totally awesome that cupcake is.

    1. I would be a were-alpaca that glows in the dark, but only because my hooves catch fire. Except, I wouldn't always be a beastie. I would still have the ability to be a mermaid when I want a little romance. +1

    2. Tweet tweet. I have no idea how to leave a link for a tweet. Yes, I'm that technologically savvy. But I mentioned you in the tweet.+2

    3. Already a follower cuz I'm cool like that. +2

    4. I added you to my sidebar. Not sure if that counts. If I get a chance to blog about it, I will be back (Muskelly Austrian accent). http://carol-in-print.blogspot.com
    If it doesn't count, subtract the proper pointage. +3

    Oh yeah, I'm totally ready for my hexy top. And the book, too, of course. I wish I'd come up with a premise like that. You'd think I would have, given my history.
    (with werewolves, of course).

    ReplyDelete
  40. Dang it, I forgot #5

    5. 5 entries

    I only gave myself 5 points because I may not get a blog post out tomorrow, in which case, my sidebar link wouldn't likely be seen.

    Ok, that will be the last comment for this post. Possibly.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great interview :) I'm very much into werewolves at the moment but I think I would be a witch - still normal (ish) but with a touch of magic!

    Would love to win this, have tweeted (@lynseynewton) and I am a follower. 5 entries for me.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    lynsey(AT)narrativelyspeaking(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great interview and thanks for the giveaway!

    I would like to be a witch/whitelighter (like Paige in Charmed), I would like to be able to "beam"! (+1)

    I tweeted about the interview here: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/11474314226 (+2)

    I'm a folloer (+2)

    In total that is 5 entries! :-)

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  43. +1-I would want to be a witch so I could have more than one ability.

    +2-Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Emma015/statuses/11482364079

    +2-Follower

    =5 entries

    Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  44. were-llama, no contest :o (do I get an extra point for sucking up? :P)

    Here's my tweet: http://twitter.com/izibellz/status/11483545341

    I'm a follower, because you do interviews of awes0meness.

    5 entries :) bella-on-toast@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hopefully I'm still in time, the different time zones confuse me! As for which supernatural creature I pick werewolf just because of the freedom that comes with it.

    Twitter:
    http://twitter.com/jmspettoli/status/11510532204

    Follower via Google Friend Connect.

    Total = 5 entries

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'd be a vampire *i know... even saying it sounds like a pun these days...* 1 entry

    Follower - 2 entries

    3 entries!~
    alannahjavier@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I would be a witch. I have always been fascinated by witchcraft and after finding out I was related to one of the Salem witches (who wasn't really a witch but whatever) my fascination with them grew. Hex Hall is an amazing book and I loved the interview. I also love that Rachel named a character Elodie which is my youngest daughter's name!

    ReplyDelete

People who comment are made of awesomesauce with a side of WIN!

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