{Blog Tour Interview} The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher

Synopsis:

First it was SLUT scribbled all over Lizzie Hart’s locker. But one week after Lizzie kills herself, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie's looping scrawl. Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she's caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life.

But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living. And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie's own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.

1.- Could you tell us a little about how the idea for The S-word manifested itself?

I wanted to write a story about bullies being held accountable for their actions. But I also wanted to illustrate that fine line between seeking vengeance and becoming a bully yourself. How do you successfully walk that line? What happens if you cross it? These are the questions I wanted “The S-Word” to inspire. (Whether or not I succeeded, I will leave up to the reader to decide.)

2.- When you write do you write on a computer, notebook or do you record yourself?

Definitely on a computer. My days of scribbling out feverish poems in notebooks are over. (Probably.) Honestly, I have the worst handwriting in the world, and anytime I try to go back and transcribe something I’ve hand written, it’s like trying to decipher an unknown language. Better just to type!

3.- Who was your favorite character to write in The S-word?

Too hard to pick a favorite!! But I really loved writing Kennedy. I love strong, sarcastic female characters, even if they sometimes take things too far. I’d rather write someone too bold than too timid.

4.- If you knew you were getting amnesia and you could leave yourself a note to re-read just one book or series which one would it be?

If I pick standalones instead of a series, can I give you two? Marion Zimmer Bradley’s THE MISTS OF AVALON and Libba Bray’s BEAUTY QUEENS are amazing. Both really influenced me as a writer and as a person, and sort of bent the rules of what you were supposed to write about and how. (In the best possible ways!)

5.- Is there another genre that you would like to explore and write about?

I’ve been playing around with paranormal dystopian: a corrupt, futuristic world that has to be saved by faeries or other mystical beings.

6.- As a reader what is something that you like to find in the books you read?

Twists that I don’t see coming. I LOVE being surprised. I also like a mystery with lots of believable suspects, so you’re constantly trying to figure out who the culprit is, and changing your mind whenever you get new information.

7.- What do you do on your free time?

Read, sing, watch TV, camp, go swimming… at least, I think that’s what I’d do. I have been crazy busy lately!

8.- What do you like the most about being a part of the Lucky 13’s?

The Lucky 13s have offered me support in ways I didn’t think possible. If I need information, advice, or someone to celebrate with, they are always there for me. I don’t know what this journey would’ve been like without them.

9.- Ok, can we take you out of the geek closet for a bit? Can you tell us what type of geek behavior you are prone to?

I’m a total geek for classic video games like Mario and Legend of Zelda. And is it just me, or is Link getting hotter?

10.- Could you tell us a little about your book crush?

I really liked Seth from Melissa Marr’s WICKED LOVELY (which is maybe ironic, since he’s the human in a story about gorgeous faeries). I also liked Peeta’s sweetness in HUNGER GAMES, Roibin’s broodiness in IRONSIDE, and Rice’s compassion in the upcoming IN THE AFTER. So many characters have great qualities!

Want to know a little more about Chelsea Pitcher?

Chelsea Pitcher is a native of Portland, OR where she received her BA in English Literature. Fascinated by all things literary, she began gobbling up stories as soon as she could read, and especially enjoys delving into the darker places to see if she can draw out some light.  

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