Gwen Hayes

Gwen Hayes (that’s me) lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero and a pack of wild beasts (two of whom she gave birth to). She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen is represented by Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency and her first Young Adult Paranormal novel, FALLING UNDER, will be released by Penguin Books in the March of 2011.--Goodreads

1. What were your influences to write this novel, Falling Under?

I'm sure I'm influenced by a whole lot of things. I think Under is sort of a goth Wonderland, though. It's actually a little scary to know that I wrote some of the scenes in Under because they are so creepy.

2. When did you first start writing?

I wrote some as a teen, but it wasn't until 2007 that I put my back into it and said I was going to do this thing. Falling Under released on the 4 year anniversary of the day I joined a writers' forum online.

3. In your novel, you wrote about demons and witches. What is your favorite paranormal creature?
Hmmm...that's a tough one. I tend to mix them all up and make my own variations. I'm not sure I have a favorite...the thing about demons is that, in my world, they aren't one kind of species...demon basically just means otherworldly. Some are good, some are bad. When it comes to vampires and werewolves, though, I am old school. I want SCARY ones.

4. There are many interpretations of hell. How did you come up with the rugged, mountian-y terrian of your Under?

Under needed to have harsh environments and be balanced out with some lovely ones too. I just also thing the idea of a castle on the cliffs is romantic.There are all kinds of terrains and climates in Under, and they all change in a whimsical fashion.

5. How long did it take to go through the writing process of your novel?

Falling Under was really, really fast. I started writing it in March and finished it in August. Usually, I think I need 6-9 months. I don't do fast drafting, though, where I write out a first rough draft and then polish it up. I edit as I go. At least with this book. Some books are different processes. Have I confused you yet? :)

6. What was your favorite scene to write? And why?

I'm a sucker for romantic scenes, and those are my favorite to write. I love love. I love romance. I especially love angsty romance. And the scenes with Haden and Theia falling in love made me happiest.

7. What is your favorite novel?

Oh no...you aren't trapping me with this question. I can't pick a favorite novel anymore than I can pick a favorite child. I read all over the place too, and my favorites change with my moods.

8. When you are writing, what are some of your favorite snacks to eat?

It used to be Rockstar and Cheetos, but I'm trying to eat healthier now. Which is unfortunate because I really love Cheetos.

9. In Falling Under, Haden takes Theia stomping. Have you ever gone stumping and is it a favorite hobby of yours? (If not, what do you like to do when you are not writing and reading?)

I really have no desire to go stumping, but a lot of the guys I grew up with do. I am more of a homebody. I like knitting and reading the best. I'm going to learn to spin wool into yarn soon. I can't wait!

10. If your book was a movie, who would you want to play Haden and Theia?

If my book was a movie, I would really like it to be a Tim Burton animated film like Nightmare Before Christmas. At least the parts in Under. Wouldn't that be so cool? Somebody needs to call Tim for me.