Author Interview & Giveaway: Dusti Bowling author of The boy who loved me

 

1. How did you come up with the concept for this book?
I noticed a while back how popular steamy romance has gotten, even for teens. I decided I wanted to give them what they wanted--romance, but without the steam. I wanted to show them that romance can be exciting and passionate without being smutty. A boy who loves and respects you for who you are, not what you can give him, is a wonderful thing. I also love comedy and wanted to do something funny. As for the plot, I think I originally got the idea from a movie I saw when I was young--Dog Fight. The girls even talk about the movie in the book.

2.How did you come up with the names for the characters?
I know Madison is a popular name and I wanted her character to be current and trendy. I just like the name Daniel and think it sounds sweet.

3.How much are you and the characters alike?
I'd like to think I'm nothing like Madison at the beginning of the book! I really love the Madison character, though, and I think we are all like her in some ways--no matter how we appear on the outside, there may be a lot more going on in the inside than anyone realizes. I hope I am always learning and growing, just as Madison does throughout the story.

4.Do you read a lot and what are you reading now?
I read constantly, mostly audiobooks though, due to time constraints. I am currently reading (listening to) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

5. What made you decide to go Young adult?
I love the age group and saw there was a need. It is such an impressionable time in a person's life. I wanted to give teens books they would really enjoy without making them feel like they had just been preached to for four hours. I hope they come away from my books feeling refreshed and inspired as well as having been entertained.

6. How is the reaction to the fact they are faith based?
Always good from those who realized they were faith based when they picked them up. I think some teens pick up my books without realizing they are faith based, though. Mostly the reaction I get is really positive. I have had several people tell me they don't usually read Christian books, but they loved mine because it was still a great story with a great message and it wasn't heavy-handed or preachy. I have also gotten a couple of angry responses. As a Christian, there will always be those few who are offended by your beliefs. That really goes for all belief systems. You can't please everyone, but you can try to love everyone.

7. How did the cover come about?
My wonderful husband did my cover for me. There is a blue purse in the story. It plays an important role in the plot, but I guess you'll have to read to find out what it is!

8. So what is your next project and when is it due out?
After releasing two books back to back, I am taking a little breather. Then I'd like to get started on a sequel to The Boy Who Loved Me.

9. Do you have a daytime job or are you a full time writer?
I am a full-time homeschooling mom to one ten-year-old daughter and a full-time zookeeper to another two-year-old monkey, er, I mean daughter. I fit in writing whenever and wherever I can.

10. How did you get into writing novels and were you worried about peoples reactions to your books?
I was a voracious reader growing up, and I always thought about trying to write a book. Then one day I told myself to stop thinking about it and just do it. My initial stuff was pretty bad. The first story I wrote that I thought might actually be good was The Day We Met. It sat on my computer for years before I decided to release it as an eBook. I was very worried about the kinds of reviews I would get, and I honestly didn't think it would even sell. The sales and reviews far surpassed my expectations. I can't believe it's one of the highest rated teen religious books on Amazon. But I'm still always nervous about what reviews and reactions are going to be like when I release a new book. I think all writers feel this way.

11. One last thing do you collect anything personally?
Mostly books--cookbooks, audiobooks, Kindle books. I love cooking, so I have tons of kitchen tools. My family and I like to pick up a snow globe or Christmas ornament (or both) on every trip we go on, so those collections are building too.

Find out more about The Boy who loved me:
Goodreads
.99 cents on Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway