Kristina McBride - Author Bio
Name: Kristina McBride
'10 Book Title: THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES
Publisher: Egmont USA
Favorite Bit of Writing Advice: "Write what you know." Cliché, right? But several years ago in a writing seminar, my teacher said this and it really hit me. I’d been writing suspense and horror because I love to get sucked into those kinds of stories. But, having taught high school for eight years, the YA vibe really resonated with me. So I aimed my creative mind in that direction. After some time, I landed an agent. After some more time revising, my agent landed me a two-book deal with Egmont USA. So, I think it worked!
Favorite and least favorite part of writing:
Favorite: When my characters start talking to me and I just HAVE to sit down and write.
Least Favorite: Those moments when I read something I’ve written and feel like people will laugh at how ridiculously non-writerish I actually am (there’s a good example).
Outline or Let it fly? When I start writing a novel, I have to just let it fly. I need to get to know the characters and see what kind of people they are. Then, when the characters’ stories start to shape into something, I try to outline my general idea for the book. I start this by printing off a calendar for the months that the story will span, and plot out a timeline of events, which usually morphs into an outline. But often, things change as I write. And this part is difficult for me, because I’m a control freak and my characters don’t like to be controlled.
5 things about me:
1. I was almost kidnapped as a child.
2. I kill green things - plants and trees beware!
3. I have a mild case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
4. I am addicted to chocolate and the sun. And I’m starting to have this thing for purses.
5. I believe that all things fiction actually exist in some parallel universe. Seriously.
TENSION OF OPPOSITES Synopsis:
Two years ago, when Tessa’s best friend, Noelle, was kidnapped, survivor’s guilt kept her from living her life. But that all changes the day she learns Noelle has been found . . . Alive. Tessa becomes determined to help her friend acclimate to the life she should have been living all along. But Max, the new kid in Tessa’s photography class, pulls her attention in a different direction. And Noelle, who insists on being called Elle, returns as a distant and self-destructive girl who Tessa has trouble connecting with. Will Tessa regain the friend she thought she’d lost forever? Or will Elle slip away and leave Tessa feeling more lost and confused than ever?