Author Interviews - Kimberly Derting edition.

Okay guys, today I have an interview with Kimberly Derting, the author of the much anticipated 2010 release The Body Finder. It is due out in March, you can find more information about The Body Finder and Kimberly at her website located here-http://www.kimberlyderting.com/index.php

C: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

K: When I was in the 7th grade I really thought I wanted to be a jet-setting Journalist, but somehow I just couldn’t picture myself traipsing through jungles or war zones trying to get my story. I’m the kind of girl that doesn’t even like tent camping. Besides, there were all those facts and truth-telling. Making stuff up is way more fun!

C: How long did it take you to write The Body Finder?


K: In total, it took about six months. I do a lot of my revising as I write, so by the time I’d finished my first draft it really just took another month or so of polishing before I felt like it was ready to submit.


C: What are your favorite books?

K: That is a loaded question! All time faves, I would have to say To Kill A Mockingbird (always!), and of course almost anything by Stephen King. More recently, I just finished Beautiful Creatures, and have to say that it was brilliant. Margie (Stohl) and Kami (Garcia) wrote an amazing book!


C: Where did you get the idea for The Body Finder?

K: One day my husband just randomly threw out the statement: “What if there was a person who could find dead bodies?” From there, my imagination kicked in, and Violet and her creepy ability were born!


C: What character in The Body Finder do you think is most like you?

K: I almost hate to admit it, and maybe that’s why I like her so much, but it’s probably Chelsea . Not so much the athletic part, but her willingness to say whatever’s on her mind, no matter what the setting. I was always kind of like that, especially when I was younger. I think I like to shock people.


C: If you could have one person over for dinner dead or alive, who would it be?

K: I’m sure most people go for the really famous writer or an important person from our history, but I’m going to say Sue Sylvester from the show GLEE. She would totally have to come in character though because she is freaking hilarious! See, I’m drawn to people like me who always say it like it is.


C: What is one of your most embarrassing moments?

K: Ever? When I was 18, I was working in a video store (back when VHS tapes cost like $80 each, so the stores didn’t stock them on the shelves, we kept them behind the counters). This video store also had a “naughty room,” where the “adult materials” were kept. One day, this man came to the counter with his little video tag thingy to get his movie, and I quickly read it and said “Oh my god, you haven’t seen this yet? This is the best movie ever!” And then I turned to get his video and realized that the tag didn’t say “Beverly Hills Cop” (starring blockbuster entertainer Eddie Murphy), it said “Beaverly Hills Cop” (a movie from the naughty room), which had an entirely different cast of entertainers.

I couldn’t even make eye contact with the guy after that. All I could think of was that he must be thinking: “Coolest chick ever!”

And just for the record, I did not watch the porno version of Beverly Hills Cop.


C: How do you normally deal with writers block?

K: I haven’t had to face this too often, and never for more than a day or two, but the best thing for me is to hop in the car and drive. Preferably listening (and singing really loudly) to bad 70’s music. Or Kid Rock. Whichever happens to pop up first in my CD changer.



C: Christina or Britney?

K: Christina, definitely. I don’t care what anyone says, that girl can SING!!!


C: What kind of music do you like?

K: That is the hardest question ever. I like almost everything. I grew up listening to my mom’s music (hello…Elton John and The Carpenters), then I moved into the 80’s for some big-haired rock bands and Madonna, I did a stint in the 90’s with grunge and Will Smith (and may have even had a passing thing with…*cough*GarthBrooks*cough*), and am currently listening to everything from The Jonas Brothers (courtesy of my eight-year-old daughter) to Lil’ Wayne (thanks to my wannabe gangsta 16-year-old son). See what I mean, tough question!



C: What are your perfect conditions for writing?

K: Nothing fancy, just some tea, Hot Tamales (my current favorite candy), my laptop, and some uninterrupted time. It’s that simple.


C: If you were to be in another profession, what would it be?

K: Well, it certainly wouldn’t be an editor. I have a tremendous amount of respect for those who can edit other people’s work. I’m the Paula Abdul of critiquing (meaning that I “love” everything) which probably wouldn’t go over too well at a publishing house. Now that Paula is gone, maybe I should just be a judge on American Idol. I could be the new Paula, constantly showering the contestants with compliments about their mad singing skills and beautiful outfits.

Okay, a huge thanks to Kimberly Derting for the amazing interview!!
And thanks for reading. :D