Becca Fitzpatrick author of Hush, Hush
In honor of the most anticipated release of Becca's debut novel Hush, Hush (which is out now!! Go buy it!) How fitting would it be to have her on Flip The Page! answering some of my questions for YOU- the reader! So if you regularly read my blog you must know how much I LOVE Hush, Hush! So here's a little something about what is sure to be your new favorite book of the year!
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Plot
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.
Interview
1. I thought the fallen angel concept was really interesting and original! How did you come about this subject and what made you want to write about it?
Truth be told, I didn't set out to write about fallen angels. When I started Hush, Hush, I knew I wanted Patch to be the ultimate bad boy...but with a twist. He hadn't always been bad. In fact, at one point, he'd been really good, and something had caused this big change. While pondering what had caused Patch's fall from grace, the metaphor of “falling” that I was carrying around in my head became something quite literal – a fallen angel. Since I already knew Patch was going to be the ultimate bad boy, this revelation seemed perfect – after all, fallen angels are the original bad boys!
2. What was it like developing the main characters of Hush, Hush? What kind of person did you want to portray when you wrote Nora and Patch?
I didn't really feel like I had to develop Patch – he showed up on day one in full personality. Nora was harder. In the early drafts, she was almost as cocky and self-assured as Patch, and it just wasn't working. I finally ditched her old character, name included, and started over. In the end, I'm very happy with Nora. She's the yin to Patch's yang.
3. Patch is the ultimate bad boy with a dark side but tell us what’s really going on in his head!
Oh man, I wish I knew! Patch is such a mystery, even to me. I think he's trying to do the right thing, but it really goes against his nature. Being a guardian angel is going to try his patience – he's not good at following rules or dealing with bureaucracy. I think he's going to be one of those characters we're never quite sure we can trust. He wants what's best for Nora, but his ways of going about securing that aren't always the most ethical. Let's just say his moral code is a little blurry.
4.Vee Sky adds just enough comedic punch in the novel to ease the intensity- what was the inspiration for this character?
I didn't realize this while I was writing her character, but when my family read the book, they all pointed out how similar Vee is to two of my childhood friends. Of course they were right! I think the moral of this story is pretty clear: if we've crossed paths in the past, you just might end up in my next book.
5. There are so many sub-stories in this novel- Jules and Elliot, the stalker, Miss Greene/Dabria, Nora’s fallen angel bloodline- What was it like connecting all these stories and what significance do they have with the second novel Crescendo?
Laughing...it took many drafts to get all of the threads to come together in the end. Plotting is hard – don't let anyone tell you otherwise :). As for how things will play out in Crescendo, the focus of the storyline is two-fold: the mystery of what really happened the night Nora's dad was murdered, and the challenges Patch and Nora's relationship will face. The book focuses more on Nephilim, which means if I'm lucky enough to get to write a third book, it (book 3) will focus more on angels.
6. The novel seems to have the perfect balance of romance and suspense but was there anything of those two categories that you would’ve liked to put in but didn’t get to? Like more of Nora and Patch connecting/not connecting? Or more mystery and thrills?
That's the great thing about writing a series – not everything has to be revealed between the covers of one book. Crescendo will definitely explore more of Patch and Nora's relationship, and the danger is increased a notch...or two.
7. Why do you think you’re novel is worth reading? What do you think sets Hush, Hush apart from all the other YA novels coming out?
I think Hush, Hush has a lot going for it – there's a seductive romance, a mystery to be solved, and a dash of (hopefully!) fresh mythology. For readers who're looking for a blend of genres, I'm hoping they'll give Hush, Hush a shot.
8. You made a playlist for Hush, Hush with music by The Smiths (favorite band ever!), Pixies, Led Zeppelin and many more. What other bands/types of music inspired you while writing Hush, Hush?
My boyfriend in college loved The Smiths and introduced me to them, so I have him to thank. But back to the question. I listened to The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack often during the plotting stages of the book. I'm crazy about that soundtrack. Maybe if Hush, Hush is made into a movie, Andrew Lloyd Webber will write the score...hey, I can dream!
9. What are some great books you’re looking forward to reading or have already read?
The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Fade by Lisa McMann, Ice by Sarah Beth Durst, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins and The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey.
I can't help but say thank you to Becca for letting me badger her with these probably all to familiar questions! It's a really freakin awesome moment when i get to interview a highly amazing author with such great potential! You better believe i'll be watching out for more of her work! And you should be too!
You can see my review of Hush, Hush here.
You can listen to my playlist for Hush, Hush here.
You can also check out the post i did for BBAW about this book with an extended playlist here.
If you wanna know more about Becca and the Fallen Angels Series you can go to her blog or her web page!
