Interview with Kate Messner, author of THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.

Kate Messner's here to talk about her debut book, THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z. I was lucky enough to get to read an advanced copy of this and I have to tell you, I ADORED this book. It's the kind of book that I can't wait to give my kids when they're old enough to read it.

About The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z

Gianna Zales has a lot on her plate this fall – a father who drives her to school in the family hearse, a mother who’s turned into the junk food police, a little brother who thinks he’s a member of the paparazzi, and a grandmother who leaves false teeth in the refrigerator. Worst of all, she’s left her 7th grade leaf collection to do at the last minute. It’s a monster project, and Gianna will miss cross-country sectionals if she doesn’t meet the deadline. She’ll need the help of her geeky friend, Zig, and some brilliant ideas of her own to pull it off.

Our Interview:

Kristina: What's your very favorite thing about your book?

Kate: I loved writing all the outdoor scenes - hiking around New England in autumn and calling it research really can't be beat! And I adore Joe Cepeda's cover art; I feel like he captured Gianna's spirit just perfectly.

Kristina: Where do you do most of your writing? And if you have a picture could you share?

Kate: I do most of my writing at my desk in the office I share with my husband. It's...umm...messy. But I'm also a teacher and mom, so sometimes I have work to do when I'm out and about. I did most of the revisions for my next book in the coaches' room at the ice rink where my daughter has her skating lessons. (It's a book about figure skating, so that actually worked out perfectly!)

Kristina: What's the naughtiest thing you did in high school that you DIDN'T get caught doing (Fess up now!)

Kate: I was the school superintendent's daughter and was afraid to do much of anything wrong! I did occasionally steal more than my share of the ice cream out of the freezer when my parents were out, though.

Kristina: What did you do on the release day of The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.?

Kate: Release day was pretty quiet - some swimming and biking with the family. Our launch parties - one on each side of Lake Champlain, where I live - were the following weekends!

Kristina: What's your favorite coffee drink? (If you don't like coffee, WHY NOT?! Really, what do you like to drink then while you're writing?)

Kate: I love the frozen mocha latte with skim milk from Koffee Kat, our local coffee shop and favorite writing hangout, too!

Kristina: Yum, you're making me thirsty. Thanks for stopping by Kate and good luck with your book!