TWFT Launch - with awesome interview from Chanelle Gray!

Teens Writing For Teens and the new site have been up for a bit now, but we've decided it is time to give the site an official launch. Because we're teens (or teens at heart!) we like to do things big, so we've created some launch festivities that will hopefully knock your writerly socks off.

For one, we have a super awesome interview with YA and Twifty author Chanelle Gray! Her book, My Heart Be Damned, drops on September 15th. I read this book and can assure you all it is fantastic.

One top of the interview, Chanelle has offered to give away an E-ARC of My Heart Be Damned!

To make it super special, TWFT is throwing in a $25 Amazon gift card.

To enter for a chance to win the E-ARC and the gift card, you must follow our blog (followers widget is at the bottom!) and comment on this post. Extra entry for tweeting about the contest and showing proof in the comment section. Maximum of those two entries (1 comment and 1 tweet entry) per follower!

Comments can simply be "I want to be entered in the contest," but we prefer awesome praise for Chanelle (just saying). 

Now, without further ado: Chan's Interview!

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Tell us about young Chanelle! How old were you when you first started writing? Were you an avid reader? What sort of things did you read/write?  

 Oh this is a hard one. I think I was around ten or so when I started to write. It was whenever I began actively reading, and not just reading what school told me to. I remember, the first book I ever made my mum go and buy me was Harry Potter. We started reading it at school and I was hooked. From then on, I visited book stores and bought books for myself with my pocket money. I don't remember the exact moment I thought 'I can do this!' but it happened! I started off writing (bad) fanfic, and it bloomed from there!
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How do you know if a great idea you have should become a short story or a novel?  

 I don't do short stories! My answer above is testament to that. I've never had to distinguish between a novel and a short story. They're all novels!
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 How do you get past bumps in the writing road… when you want to do anything but write?  

 If I know the story has merit and I'm just at a sticky scene, I will write my way through it. I'll force the words. I can always go back and rewrite, but if I don't make myself get past that bump, I never will. I'll give up and start something else. Having to write a sequel has taught me a big lesson in pushing through and writing what you can. There is no moving onto another manuscript. It has to be done.
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What was your inspiration for MHBD?  

Anyone whose read an early proof of MHBD will be reminded of Buffy. I grew up watching Buffy. I lived and breathed and ate Buffy (well, not really, but you get my point!). I've longed for a book like it for years and years. Even another TV show or film. There's nothing at all similar. So I thought I'd do it myself! MHBD isn't a Buffy re-write, but it's definitely inspired by Buffy's kick-ass characteristic and her trying to live in two worlds. I find it fascinating.
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We love representation stories here at TWFT. How did you find your awesome agent? Any tips on perfecting a query letter? 

 I found Victoria the long way - the slush pile. There was no question about signing with her. Talking on the phone to Victoria was so surreal and so amazing. I've never regretted my decision since. My one tip for a query letter though is to make it interesting. Imagine being an agent. Imagine having to read hundreds of queries a day. You need to make yours stand out. My simple technique is to write your query with three parts. Part 1: Brief introduction to the world, your character, and the story. Part 2: Briefly describe the build up of your story. The issues your character is facing. Part 3: End with a bang. Your stakes should go here. 
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And of course…. What is your favorite Jellybean flavor?  

No! This is too difficult! Erm...watermelon?!

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Chanelle is a superstar, no doubt about it. Now enter the contest!

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