Author Interview: Malinda Lo

Today, I'm happy to feature Malinda Lo, author of new release Ash. Ash released on September 1, 2009. You guys should go and check out her website! Hope you enjoy this interview!

What is ASH about?
Ash is a retelling of Cinderella, a fairy tale about a girl who is forced to work as a servant for her wicked stepmother after her father dies. In traditional versions, Cinderella falls in love with Prince Charming, but in my novel, Ash, the Cinderella character, falls in love with another girl.

What inspired you to write this book?

My favorite books as a child were Robin McKinley's fairy tale retellings, but she never retold Cinderella. So I decided to write the book I wanted to read.

Where do you usually write?

In my office, at my desk, on my Mac, using Scrivener.

Any must-have's while writing?

Nope. But I have a must-not-have: the internet. I must go offline for several hours in order to write.

List 5-10 favorite things.

1. fresh, ripe heirloom tomatoes

2. my Tombow pen, which I use to write in my journal

3. chili-spiced mango slices -- yum!

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

5. Top Chef!

What are you really afraid of?

Spiders. I hate, hate, hate spiders.

What are your most favorite books?

THE BLUE SWORD by Robin McKinley

A RING OF ENDLESS LIGHT by Madeleine L'Engle

Any advice for those young aspiring writes out there?

Don't give up!

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thanks for the interview!

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Thank you Malinda for the great interview! Be sure to check out her website!