Book description:
Lucy Whitley cannot wait to get out of Palm Desert. It’s not a place for a frizzy-haired science nerd, particularly when her fashion-obsessed older sister Sloane is the head of a clique of pretty girls who rule the school—and practically the whole town.Fortunately, life is about to change forever. Lucy’s dad is getting re-married, and then she can transfer to a boarding school in Connecticut, escaping all the mean girls and the endless whispers about the Whitley family scandal. Everything is going to be perfect—as long as the wedding goes smoothly.
Author
Interview with Lori Culwell
Q:
What inspired you to write THE DIRT?
I grew up in Palm Desert, California (where the book is set). This is what I imagined went on “behind the scenes” in some of the houses of the families I knew.
I grew up in Palm Desert, California (where the book is set). This is what I imagined went on “behind the scenes” in some of the houses of the families I knew.
Q:
What were the challenges while writing this book?
This book had several “false starts,” where I had a concept, got about 1/3 of the way into the story, and then realized it wouldn’t work logistically through the end of the book (and possibly sequels). Another tough part was the fact I am an only child, so I really had to interview a lot of people to get my head around what it was like to be a member of a large family.
This book had several “false starts,” where I had a concept, got about 1/3 of the way into the story, and then realized it wouldn’t work logistically through the end of the book (and possibly sequels). Another tough part was the fact I am an only child, so I really had to interview a lot of people to get my head around what it was like to be a member of a large family.
Q:
What is your favorite scene or was your favorite to write?
I really like the scene where all the popular girls meet in a “secret society” kind of meeting. It’s funny to imagine that teenage girls have the power to influence adult situations, like careers, real estate projects, and stuff like that. It’s one of those “It would be so funny if that’s really the way the world worked” situations.
I really like the scene where all the popular girls meet in a “secret society” kind of meeting. It’s funny to imagine that teenage girls have the power to influence adult situations, like careers, real estate projects, and stuff like that. It’s one of those “It would be so funny if that’s really the way the world worked” situations.
Q:
Is there anything you would like readers to take away after reading
the book they may miss that you want to point out?
I like to leave people with a slightly different way of looking at the world, one where they question things rather than just accepting them. Why couldn’t a posse of teenage girls be the driving force behind a town? I’m very into the “Nothing is really as it seems” theme, as you can also see in my other novel, “Hollywood Car Wash.” http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Car-Wash-A-Novel/dp/B005GNMBZ8
I like to leave people with a slightly different way of looking at the world, one where they question things rather than just accepting them. Why couldn’t a posse of teenage girls be the driving force behind a town? I’m very into the “Nothing is really as it seems” theme, as you can also see in my other novel, “Hollywood Car Wash.” http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Car-Wash-A-Novel/dp/B005GNMBZ8
Q:
What is your next project?
I write regularly on my blog over at Funny Strange (http://funnystrange.net) and for the Huffington Post, and I’m always writing in a notebook. I’m working on something more supernatural for my next novel, but it’s not fully formed yet so that’s all I’m going to say!
I write regularly on my blog over at Funny Strange (http://funnystrange.net) and for the Huffington Post, and I’m always writing in a notebook. I’m working on something more supernatural for my next novel, but it’s not fully formed yet so that’s all I’m going to say!
Lori Culwell is the
author of five books, including Hollywood Car Wash, a novel that was
originally self-published, then was acquired by Simon & Schuster
and re-released. She is the owner of Get Creative, Inc, a consulting
company specializing in search-engine friendly content, and of
BookPromotion.com,
dedicated
to providing authors with user-friendly websites, social media
education, and book blogger outreach.
Lori Culwell
Social Media links:
Links to find/buy book:
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Art classes probably
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway
There was one trip to Prague which I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm...my best high school memory was...my last day. I couldn't wait to get out of there and on with my life. High school sucked, I'm like Lucy in that regard.
ReplyDeleteI have so many. I had great friends. We were an eclectic bunch & that worked for us.
ReplyDelete