Tell us about your publishing journey…

I started Writing with the intent to be published several years ago when my youngest son turned one. My older kids were in school and I found I had more time during the day to dedicate to writing. My first book was a hot mess, but it had a lot of heart and I loved every minute spent writing it. I joined a writing group, got some much-needed feedback that improved my writing, and started again on Emerald Bound. I queried for about a year-and-a-half before finding Evernight Teen.

What do you love about being an author?

I love the fact that I can Tell create something out of nothing other than my imagination. (And, okay, some blood, sweat, tears, and most of my spare time). The creative process is so much fun for me, and the excitement of seeing my stories come to life on the page is what keeps me going.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

Becky Bloomwood, star of the Shopaholic series. I think meeting this character would be absolutely hilarious. If Becky were in charge of dinner, we’d probably go someplace fancy and eat something like lobster, but she’d end up either in the kitchen washing dishes to pay for the crystal glasses she broke when her lobster tail flew out of her grip, or crawling underneath the table to hide from an ex-boyfriend who sat down nearby. 

If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?

Zooey Deschanel would be Maggie.

Amanda Seyfried would be Lindy, but she’d have to dye her hair brown.

Adrian Grenier would be Garon. Mmm… 

Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?

Definitely Sexy Leads. I’m not a fan of anything scary.

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

England, a la Pride and Prejudice. Assuming, of course, that I could pick to be born into a family where I could spend my days reading, playing the pianoforte, and going for long walks instead of feeding chickens and mucking out the stables.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?

Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. Being an adult has its perks, but there’s something really special about being a teenager and I wish I would have enjoyed that time in my life more. I spent a lot of time worrying about what my future would be like rather than just enjoying the now.

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

I’d be a fairy. Does that count as a supernatural creature? I’d be a fairy because they’re mischievous and they can fly.

Where do you write best? 

I like being at home, but sometimes it’s hard to focus amidst all the other things I need to do (dishes, laundry, cooking, etc—did I mention I have five kids?). So for me, the library works really well. I need complete silence when I Write, so I can’t go somewhere where other people are chatting. Another place I get a lot of work done is actually in the car while waiting to pick my kids up from their many activities. Someday I might have the luxury of settling down in my quiet office with a cup of hot cocoa to write all day in my pajamas, but that day has not yet come.

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?

I’m currently reading Scarlet, the sequel to Cinder by Marissa Meyer. I know I’m very late to this party, but I’m loving this series (The Lunar Cronicles). So creative and well written!

If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?

I really enjoy reading historical fiction and I think it would be fun to write, but I’m really bad at history so I don’t think I could ever pull it off. Steampunk would be fun to write as well.

Where can fans find you online?

My website is authorteresarichards.com. I’m on twitter @byutm33 and facebook.com/authorteresarichards/

Buy the book:

http://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Bound-Teresa-Richards/dp/177233524X/

http://www.evernightteen.com/emerald-bound-by-teresa-richards/

Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: emerald bound, Evernight Teen, teen books, teresea richards, Ya Reads