Micol Ostow, author of the newly released family, is stopping by today to talk about Charles Manson, writing in verse, and what's next for her!
1. Family is quite different from your other published novels. What drew you to write this story? Did you do a lot of research on the Manson Family before writing?
I've always been interested in Charles Manson because his story is so unbelievable, so actually, when it came time to write the novel, I'd already read "Helter Skelter" and a few other books about the Manson family. My interest in it meant that I'd done the research almost inadvertently. Once I'd shown my agent some pages and I knew that we were moving ahead with the book, I went back to re-watch the original "Helter Skelter" movie and some interviews with Manson,but I was already very familiar with the case. Finally, a pragmatic use for my morbid fascination!
2. If you could give Melinda one piece of advice, what would it be?
Cults are bad! Don't join cults. (That one's too easy.)
3. Was writing in verse more difficult than writing in prose? Did you read any verse novels to prepare yourself for writing Family?
I did read a few books by Ellen Hopkins and Samantha Schutz, but I'd been fans of both of theirs for some time so I wasn't coming at the genre blind. Though I haven't written in verse before, it felt very much like the natural progression of Mel's voice as her psyche breaks down, so though it wasn't easy, per se, it was organic.
4. What are two places in the world you would love to travel to?
I was just saying to some friends how I'd love to see Spain. Somehow I missed it during my college backpacking days. I'd also love to see Brazil.
5. What's next for you writing wise?
I've just begun working on my next book for Egmont, a ghost story and my first attempt at writing something genuinely scary. We'll see! Look for it in spring '13.
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Thanks so much, Micol! I read family a week or so ago and my review will be up soon. It was a very intense and emotional read! You can also check out the rest of the blog tour stops here.
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Love the interview! Check out our review and giveaway for Tropical Depression: http://www.makehappyblog.com/2011/05/27/giveaway-tropical-depression-by-arin-greenwood/
ReplyDeleteI've been very intrigued by the Manson story since I was little. It just so gruesome.
ReplyDeleteFamily is in my TBR pile and I'm really looking forward to reading it- it seems like it will be very intense. Micol's next book sounds great as well.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in contest. I would love to read more about the Manson family. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteGood interview. I remember some things about Charles Mansion and helter skelter buy I was much younger then
ReplyDeleteI love how the advice is don't join cults bwhahaha - it's really funny.
ReplyDeleteAs hard as it is to say, the Manson family is still fascinating. What was the attraction of the man?
ReplyDeleteThe Manson family was actually something I did a paper on very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHelter Skelter and Charles Manson have always fascinated me, I am not sure why. Can't wait to read this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.