Interview with Simone Elkeles

Simone Elkeles is the award-winning and bestselling author of edgy teen romance novels. She was a teen in the 80's and still uses words like "totally" and "grody" but resists the urge to wear bright purple eye-shadow and double wrap-around belts with mini skirts. She enjoys writing books for teens, even though she's not one anymore (but always will be at heart). She lives outside of Chicago with her family.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a writer?

I have no clue. I always wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals, but I hate the sight of blood and couldn’t make it through medical school without fainting.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

No. I hated reading and writing as a teen. I fell in love with reading as an adult, and set out to write books that I think I would have liked to read as a teen. My goal is to inspire teens to want to read more. I don’t want teens to think books are boring or only to be read for a reading assignment.

What's your Favorite part about being a full time writer?

There are so many things I love about being a full time writer. First of all, there’s nothing better than finishing a book. I also love meeting the fans and reading my fan mail. I just can’t describe the feeling when I read fan mail from teens and adults who say that my books have changed their lives. My fans are so passionate, it’s amazing!

What was a recent book that you read that you really enjoyed?

I read an advanced copy of a book by Miranda Kenneally called CATCHING JORDAN which I really liked. It’s a teen book with a heroine who’s the quarterback for her high school football team. I love football, and really liked the book. It comes out in December, 2011.

Why did you decide to write about three brothers (Fuentes Brothers)?

I love the concept of brotherhood, and have loved reading stories about family members who’ll stick by each other through thick and thin.

What did you do to Celebrate your RITA award, and becoming a NY times bestselling author?

First I cried from happiness, then I took my family out for sushi dinner. My personal trainer would argue that eating is not a healthy way to celebrate – I think he’d rather have me run laps or do squats to celebrate my professional milestones, but that’s never going to happen. Winning the RITA and having my books hit the NY Times bestseller lists made me the happiest girl in the world!

What is one thing you want readers, especially young readers, to take from your books?

I really want them to be entertained, and if they laugh or cry that would be amazing! My goal is to pull emotion out of my readers, because that’s the biggest compliment to me as a writer.

Who is your favorite character from Chain Reaction? And why?

I’ll always love the Fuentes boys, and Luis is no exception. He’s a great hero! But if I had to pick someone else, I think it’ll have to be Nikki, who was hurt in the past and has to learn to trust again. It’s a hard thing to do, but in my opinion Nikki just might be the strongest heroine in the series.

What kind of music did you listen to while (that inspired?) writing Chain Reaction?

Ridin’ Solo by Jason Derulo, Thanks for the Memories by Fall Out Boy, Gives you Hell by The All-American Rejects, and Take a Bow by Rihanna, and Someday by Mariah Carey.

How do you see yourself in your main characters in Chain Reaction?

I was hurt by a boy when I was a teen, so I completely sympathize with Nikki. I also love the way Luis wants to fix everything by himself, without help from his brothers. I’m definitely like Luis, because I try to do things by myself without asking for help…even when I need it!

Simone's Newest book was
released on August 16, 2011



This is the Chain Reaction Trailer
to see them all check out Simone's Youtube

Thanks so much to Simone for answering all the questions. This was my first author interview and I was really nervous, and I didn't want to mess it up. I am a HUGE fan!

For a full list of Simone's books visit her WEBSITE

Thanks SO much to Hannah-Beth, she contributed half the questions, and they were great!
Thanks to Danielle for all her patience and advice.

Get more info on Chain Reaction:
Goodreads ||| Amazon ||| IndieBound ||| Book Depository |||| Barnes & Noble

The author on the web:
Website ||| Twitter ||| YouTube