Jen Nadol Interview

We are please to have Jen Nadol as our first Author Spotlight of 2010!  The Mark is her debut book published by Bloomsbury USA.  Check out our review of The Mark coming soon.  Also, stop by Jen's blog for her launch party going on Jan 19-Feb 4, 2010 where she'll be giving away daily prizes including books and gift cards and other fun things (get a launch party preview HERE).  She'll be also be doing daily The Mark related posts!  You can also read an excerpt of The Mark HERE.

1.What was the inspiration for The Mark’s storyline?
It was a total “what if” that came from tossing around story ideas. Right away, I could imagine some of the conflicts and the scenes that would play out – so a lot of it sprang right from the initial “what if you knew it was someone’s day to die?”

2.Are any of the characters in The Mark based on people you have known in your life?
No, they’re really not.

3.Will you be continuing Cassie’s story in future books? If so, any hints you can drop us?
There’s a sequel to The Mark that’s with my editor right now. It’s uncontracted/unsold so there’s not too much I can tell – mostly because the WHOLE THING might change once it finds a home - but here’s the opening sentence:

"The man on the gurney looked just like Mr. Dempsey, my history teacher back in Ashville, Pennsylvania."

4.Cassie makes some questionable choices in regards to Lucas and their relationship. We were a little confused by her actions and we were wonder if this was showing Cassie’s downward spiral or if there were other motives behind her choices? Are there other clues within the book to help us understand the choices she was making while in Kansas?
I think Cassie herself was probably a little confused by her actions. She’s in a tough spot, especially for a sixteen year-old, and I think, like most of us, she does the best she can at any given time. In retrospect, she may wish she’d chosen differently, but life never gives us the benefit of hindsight in the present.

5.If you had Cassie’s “power” would you make the same choices she has in regards to telling or not telling?
Yes, I think I would.


6.Can you tell us 5 random facts about Cassie that we don’t learn in the book?
She’s never been to California, never seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show, hates lima beans and boxing, and can make homemade Filo.

7. What is your favorite movie quote?
Oh boy. The last movie I saw was Borat. In the theatre (2006). And the only line I remember was “two pimps, no hos”. Not exactly a classic. Can I ask my sisters? They’re much better at this sort of thing.