Sarah Quigley-Author Interview and Giveaway

Everyone, say Hello to Sarah Quigley!! :D She's the author of the hilarious and highly enjoyable TMI book that I read, loved, and reviewed.

Where did you come up with the idea for TMI? What inspired you? Was some of the story based on your real life experiences?
I wrote under the alias of Babs on my own blog for many years. Babs was me, but funnier, smarter, and cooler. She always looked smashing and knew exactly what to say to shush the haters. I created a similar alter ego for Becca, the main character of TMI.

Like Becca, I have often overshared. When I was a teenager, I had almost no filter. Very few subjects were taboo with me, much to the chagrin of my friends and family. Luckily, the Internet was not the worldwide craze it is today (and I’m not that old—I can’t even run for President yet), but I kept a diary that nobody read.

A few other elements of the story are loosely based on my own experiences. I did a lot of community theater growing up, so I thought it would be fun for Becca and her friends to get involved in a production of Grease. I also had a sweet, geeky boyfriend that I should have been nicer to. I hope he’s forgiven me by now.

Did you ever go through something like Becca did, when she was basically shunned and made fun of by her peers? (I can see how so many readers will relate to that, it makes me so sad that people can be so cruel) :(
Sixth grade was hands down the worst year of my life. I was incredibly sensitive (still am) and cried easily, which made me a prime target for bullies. I ended up in a class with an especially mean bunch of boys and a teacher who couldn’t manage them. I was picked on pretty much constantly, and the more I tried to fight back, the worse it got. I didn’t have a single friend by the end of the year. It took me a long time to recover from that.

Are you and Becca alike? If so, how? (I loved her, she's so awesome!!)
Aside from our many TMI moments, Becca and I also share hobbies of knitting, baking, and watching movies from the 1980s. We both have cool parents and funny younger brothers (although my own brothers never ran around naked that much!).

What else would you like to tell us about your book?
Writing TMI was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It tied my brain into knots, I tell ya. TMI was my first attempt at a full-length novel, and I was not prepared for how complicated it was going to be. I learned a lot in the process, though, and I think my next novel is going to be even better.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer? Are you happy with your career? If you could be anything in the world (career-wise) what would you be and why (other than a writer of course)?
I wanted to be a writer pretty much as soon as I learned how to write. I created a series of illustrated stories when I was in first grade, and I’ve been writing ever since. I definitely went through a long period when I didn’t think I’d ever be a published author, so I pursued a career in teaching. I taught English as a second language to college students for almost eight years. I stopped teaching when my daughter was born last year, and I love being a stay-at-home mom. Although it’s a demanding job and the pay sucks, I feel fortunate to be able to do it. My proudest accomplishments are my daughter and TMI, in that order.

What's your biggest fear?
Well, besides the obvious (death of a loved one), I suppose it would be getting caught eating a whole bag of Pirate’s Booty while watching the Food Network in my underwear. Not that I’ve ever done that. Just sayin’.

Can you tell us a little secret?
You mean besides the Food Network/Pirate’s Booty/underwear horror?

What constantly makes you smile?
My daughter’s smiles. I live for them.

Know a good joke? :)
I love it when little kids try to make up knock-knock jokes. Go find a four-year-old and ask him to tell you one. You won’t be disappointed.

Do you read much? What's the last thing you read? What's your favorite book?
My to-be-read pile towers over me, and honey, I ain’t short. I just finished Breathing by Cheryl Herbsman and loved it. I also happen to know Cheryl and am doing a book signing with her later this week, so that made the book even more fun to read. My favorite book for grown-ups is definitely Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. I can’t really pick a favorite young adult novel because there are too many good ones, but my favorite YA authors are E. Lockhart, Lauren Myracle, John Green, and Laurie Halse Anderson.

Are you also a TV addict? What are some of your favorite TV shows?

I went through a period of about five years when I didn’t watch TV at all, but I watched a ton of movies. Then I saw Survivor when I was visiting my in-laws. One show and I was hooked. I never miss an episode. I even remembered to record the show while I was at the hospital giving birth to my daughter.

I have no interest in scripted dramas. I was a fan of Beauty and the Geek and The Apprentice (both original and celebrity formats). I will also sheepishly admit that I sometimes watch The Bachelor although I always feel disgusted with myself afterwards, like I just ate half a dozen chocolate chip cookies. And not even good homemade ones but those dry, crispy store-bought ones with tiny pathetic chips.

How did you get to be so cool? (I stole this question from her site hehe)

As a teenager, I wasn't cool at all. I didn't have enough money for the right clothes, and I wasn't willing to wake up early enough in the morning to do anything special with my hair. But physical appearances were only part of it. The main reason I wasn't cool was that I felt inferior to all of the supposedly "cool" people around me. Once I realized that they were just people, and that we're all more alike than we are different, I was able to relax about the whole thing. And once I gave up on actually trying to be cool, it finally happened. I'd like to think so, anyway.



Yay! I love learning about the story behind books, especially those I really enjoyed reading.
You can check out Sarah's blog here. Be sure to participate in her TMI Tuesday's they are so NEATO! Some of the TMI's are interesting other's REALLY entertaining. You can see the ones already posted here.

Guess what else folks? Sarah is offering you guys a chance to win an adorable nose warmer (pictured right there)!! So leave a comment for a chance to win before I pick the winners on May 24.

Question (Optional):
So people, any thoughts, comments? If you read the book already, what did you think?


Thanks Sarah! :D