Thursday, December 9, 2010

Winter Extravaganza: Ally Condie Interview




Ally Condie is the author of Matched.

SUMMARY: Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. (Published on November 30, 2010.)

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If you could pair Cassia romantically with any character in another book, who would it be and why?

This is tough! Perhaps Ethan Wate from the Beautiful Creatures series. He's sweet and understanding and interesting. And he lives in a world with some darkness under the surface so he would be able to relate to Cassia's world too.

How did you first react when you saw the beautiful cover of Matched?

I was over the moon. I couldn't stop smiling and I definitely oohed and aahed. It's so perfect and clean and lovely...and unsettling. I absolutely adore the cover!

Why do you prefer writing young adult books?

I think it's because the stakes feel higher in YA. There's more excitement and discovery and more firsts--first kiss, first love, first heartbreak, etc. I also used to teach high school and so I think I naturally gravitate to that YA world.

If you lived in Cassia's world and were matched up with someone you despised, what would you do?

I hope I'd do what Cassia does and find a way to make my own choice. But it's always easier to write someone brave than to be someone brave!

Three words to describe your view of winter?

Beautiful, cold, stark.

What's on your Christmas list this year?

Honestly, I haven't even made one yet! I have three little kids and it's SO fun to put Christmas together for them so I've been focusing on that. But now that you've got me thinking, I would really love a manicure/pedicure or a professional massage. I've never tried any of those things and they all sound fantastic. I will make sure my husband visits your blog to read this interview. :)

Describe the most memorable winter you have ever experienced.

I've had a lot of great winters, but one I really remember is the winter after my second son was born. We stayed home for Christmas that year instead of traveling, and it was so cozy to be our own little family. This was back when we lived in upstate New York, and winter is very gorgeous--and cold!--there. It's also very beautiful where I live now, of course. And no one can beat our snow!

What are your favorite things to eat and drink during the holiday season?

Ooh, I love all holiday treats. My mom makes this orange cranberry bread that I love that I'm hoping to acquire somehow (she lives several hours away from me). I also love cookies and hot chocolate and apple cider.

Do you have a pile of books ready to dig into during the holidays, and what are they?

Yes! I can't wait. I have The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag (I adore a good British murder mystery), The Beyonders by Brandon Mull (I'm hoping my oldest boy and I can read this together), The Dead-Tossed Waves (loved the first book in the series and haven't had a chance to read this one yet), and Black Hole Sun (met the author, David McInnis Gill, at a conference and thought this sounded like a great read).

Thanks again, Ashley! And happy winter to you!

Thank you for spending the time to answer my questions, Ally! :)

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ORDER THIS BOOK ONLINE: Amazon | Borders | Book Depository | Barnes and Noble

FIND ALLY ONLINE: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

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*Remember, you can get an entry into the comment contest by leaving a valid comment about this interview! Full rules, entering, and details by clicking that link.

27 comments:

  1. The cranberry bread looks yummy:) Great interview!
    -Danna

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  2. Aww, I think Cassia and Ethan would make such a cute pair! Also, you definitely have to start the Dead-Tossed Waves. It is sooo good.

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  3. I loved The Dead-Tossed Waves and am a fan of the Flavia de Luce series. Good reading recommendations from a great author--You can't beat that!

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  4. Cassia and Ethan would be an interesting couple. :) Thanks for posting

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  5. That Orange-Cranberry bread looks and sounds yummy!! :D

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  6. Nice interview! I'm definitely going to have to check out that British murder mystery.

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  7. yum! cranberry bread :)

    great interview. didn't know the author used to teach high school. i really want to read matched.

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  8. Great interview. I think the best winters are being able to stay home with your family. Very cozy.I can't wait to read Matched.

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  9. I really liked Matched. I really like your interview style. I think it's pretty cool that the author taught HS! Somehow, it makes me feel like the book is more authentic! :)

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  10. Thanks for the great interview. Man, that cranberry bread looks sooooo good!

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  11. I've heard so much good things about the book Matched and i love the interview and that orange cranberry bread looks so yummy :)

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