Interview with Deb Caletti, author of 'Stay'

Hi Deb! Thanks so much for joining us over at Books For Company! First off l wanted to talk about your new book due out soon called ‘Stay’. I read Stay recently and truly loved it. It felt like you connected so much with Clara, so my first question is -

Because Stay has such a very powerful story. Did you do any research so you could understand Clara more?

I DID do research, but not actually in reference to Clara – it was more for other things, like how a lighthouse works, and what shipwrecks were under the waters of Deception Pass.  But, Clara?  I haven’t experienced exactly what she has, but I’ve felt some of the things she has.  Mostly, I just used what I think is a writer’s greatest tool – his or her empathy.  As I write, I am always asking myself, “How would this feel?  How would this really feel?”

How much involvement do you have in your covers and which is your favourite cover?

Thankfully, I have this wonderful editor at this great publishing house (Simon & Schuster), and they are respectful about all the aspects of my books, including covers.  They ask my input and opinions, and on occasion I’ve suggested images or concepts we might strive for.  Still, they are the ones who do all the real work with the covers.  I really like the new cover for Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, which has a pair of legs dangling from a car window, which seems perfect for the kind of road trip the characters take in the book.  I also really like the cover of Stay.  It’s moody, and the colors are interesting.  My mother thinks it looks just like me from the back, which is one of those funny things that a mom would say, but kind of true, too. 

When writing a book, do you find the beginning, middle or end the hardest to write?

Definitely the middle.  I am usually so excited to start a new book that the beginning usually writes itself.  And the end can go so fast, that I’m usually typing madly to keep up.  But all those connected pieces of the middle – the 300 pages in between – whew.  They take much more time and hard work to craft. 

Can you write anywhere or do you like to have everything set up in a room which is quiet?

I’m not one who writes in coffee shops, or on the road when traveling.  I like to write at home, and there’s something about my usual routine that helps the process.  Coffee, taking a look at the mail of the day, and then settling down to be with my characters – it’s my best, regular morning.  I like as much calm and everyday-ness as possible when I write.  I wander over on to the work and get comfy.  I think the creative process is a little intense, chaotic, and anxiety-provoking, so the calm is important.  You’ve got to be able to hear the words in your own head, so quiet is a good thing, too.  My crazy step-dog Tucker sometimes has his own ideas about my need for quiet, though.    

Was writing always your passion or was reading first?

Oh, reading – definitely and absolutely reading.  I am a reader, before I am a writer.  I’ve always loved, loved, loved books, and I can’t imagine life without them.  

When you write a book, do you already know the title?

Not always.  Sometimes it appears beforehand, and sometimes I struggle with it, even after the book is done.  The Nature of Jade actually had another title when I finished it: Live from the Elephant House.  Strange, huh?  It seems so wrong now.  Honey, Baby, Sweetheart appeared as-is and seemed just right from the moment it arrived in my head.  I knew I wanted to name the new book Stay before I began writing it.  The title was right on so many levels: the demand to stay when we shouldn’t, all the reasons we do stay, the need to leave and be free, the way certain memories always stay with us, like it or not. 

Random –

Favourite meal of the day?

Breakfast.  I love all the foods of breakfast.  Sourdough toast with butter.  Bacon (oh, man).  Juice (I love juice).  Even cereal.  I look forward to that first cup of coffee, too.  It’s a reason to get up in the morning. 

Book or TV?

BOOK!  The more books, the better. 

Library or Book Store?

Oh, unfair!  That’s like asking “brownies or cookies.”  They are both perfect and wonderful and welcome in their own way!  The library does have a special place in my heart, though.  Sometimes I walk out of there with my bag stuffed full of books, and I can’t believe my good luck.  All those books – for free?  It seems amazing. 

Bright or Dull colours?

All colors.  

Where would you most like to visit?

I’ve had the good fortune to visit many places I’ve wanted to go.  I still want to visit Greece, though, the islands in particular.  All that blue water and white buildings and sun…  Lovely.  I also want to take my sweet husband to Italy, as he’s never been.  Venice is unreal and magical and I can’t wait until he sees it for himself. 

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I love these answers! 

I like that Simon & Schuster let you be involved with the covers! l like it knowing an author has had a say in the cover =)

Greece seems like such a lovely place to visit, l would love to visit there!

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Make sure you check out Deb's new book, Stay, which was out yesterday!

My review is here

I will also be checking out Deb's other books myself as l LOVED 'Stay' so much. 

Find Deb : 

Facebook

Amazon (UK)

Amazon (USA)

Book Depository