Today I am interviewing Laurie Boyle Crompton on the book birthday of her latest novel, Adrenaline Crush. Just look at this cover!
What
attracted you to writing a story about a risk taker?
Everyone can
relate to that point in our teens when we start to experience new
very-adult-like freedoms and I think we all sort of fall in love with that
feeling. At least I know I did. That freedom can sometimes take on a wild
impulse of it's own, whether it be driving too fast or, in my
main character's case, taking physical risks while mountain climbing and
biking. I wanted to write a story about a character who is forced to explore
that tension between wanting to feel completely free and having the need to
keep herself safe.
Your main
character comes from a family of risk takers. Was this modeled after your
family? If not, how did you come up with the idea?
My family
isn't really known for risk-taking, they just sort of moved around a lot - ha!
But my husband drove a Harley when we were first dating and we rode that thing
everywhere. It was awesome! And I enjoyed creating this family that is a bit
unconventional and rough around the edges yet genuinely loving and supportive
in their own way.
Your main
character goes rock climbing and mountain biking along with other things. Have
you tried all of these sports or do you have to find ways to research them?
I love
mountain biking and did try rock climbing out for research. I always thought I
lacked the upper-strength, but it turns out having strong legs can be even more
important, and I've certainly got those! Dyna's brother does a lot of skydiving
in the book and I considered jumping out of a plane, but quickly decided
interviewing a few people and observing from the ground worked just fine. Thank
goodness we don't need to personally experience everything in order to write
about it truthfully. I'm especially glad I never had to go through an injury
like Dyna's!
Do you have
any favorite sporty girl read?
I just love
Miranda Kenneally's books and am really looking forward to her latest, BREATHE,
ANNIE, BREATHE.
What advice
would you give to risk takers like your main character?
I don't know how qualified I am to
give advice, but I would say it's important to be true to yourself. Pursue
your passions and dreams to your fullest. But I'm also a mom so I'd probably
add, "remember to take safety precautions!"
Thanks so much for the interview! For more about Laurie, visit her blog.
Thanks so much for the interview! For more about Laurie, visit her blog.
I'm looking forward to BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE, as well. Fun interview! I'm a rock climber, so I'll definitely have to check out ADRENALINE CRUSH.
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