Interference by Kay Honeyman
YA Contemporary
September 27th, 2016 by Arthur A. Levine Books
As a Congressman’s daughter in Washington, D.C., Kate Hamilton is good at getting what she wants — what some people might call “interfering.” But when her family moves to West Texas so her dad can run in a special election, Kate encounters some difficulties that test all her political skills. None of her matchmaking efforts go according to plan. Her father’s campaign gets off to a rough start. A pro tip for moving to Texas: Don’t slam the star quarterback’s hand in a door. And whenever Kate messes up, the irritatingly right (and handsome) Hunter Price is there to witness it. But Kate has determination and a good heart, and with all her political savvy — and a little clever interference — she’ll figure out what it takes to make Red Dirt home.
Terrifically funny and sweetly romantic, with whip-crack dialogue and a wise perspective on growing up, INTERFERENCE is the perfect next read for fans of Jenny Han, Huntley Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Eulberg, or Sarah Dessen.
When I first read Interference, I didn’t catch that it was inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma (which is amazing, I love Emma!). Did you initially plan it to be a retelling? If so, why did you choose Emma instead of the more popular novels like Pride & Prejudice?
I kind of like that you didn’t catch it. I usually start with a mentor text when I write. I use it to do some early shaping of the story, and it really helps when I feel lost and don’t know what they can do next. The story keeps elements of Emma but hopefully shapes it into a new thing. I didn’t use Pride and Prejudice because Fire Horse follows the same thread. It’s subtle, but it’s there if you know what to look for.
Was it easy to go from writing Historical YA (The Fire Horse Girl) to Contemporary?
No, but I don’t know if I should blame switching genres. Starting a new book is just difficult. I spend years with these stories figuring out every detail, so starting at the beginning is disorienting.
What, in your opinion, are the challenges faced when writing a YA Contemporary book?
For me it’s authenticity. The magic of YA contemporary is that it captures authentic characters in authentic situations. Their emotions and their relationships have to be real and relatable.
Which character from Interference do you relate to the most? Who was your favorite to write?
I am a combination of Kate and Ana, but if I’m honest, I am probably more Ana than Kate. Ana genuinely cares for people. Kate wants Ana to be happy. Ana wants everyone to be happy. I can relate to that.
Does Interference have a playlist that we can listen to?
Ha! It does. You’d have to find the CD it’s burned on. If you do, let me know. I made it years ago, really early in the process and then lost it. So, it is probably turned into a different playlist. So here is a debut of a few songs that would go on the new, evolved version…
“Here We Go’ Mat Kearney
“Fight Song” Rachel Platten
“America’s Sweetheart” Elle King
“Raised on It” and “Break Up in a Small Town” – Sam Hunt
Are there any deleted/extra scenes that we should know about? 🙂
The original first three chapter got cut almost immediately after submitting them to my editor. Along with that, a sister and a dog (oh, I’d forgotten about the dog, funny, but totally unnecessary and a logistical nightmare) got cut.
Speaking of scenes, which one was your favorite to and/or the most challenging?
The scene that I had to keep rewriting was the one with her dad the day after the incident with Kyle. I couldn’t quite get their words right. They are two head-strong characters, and I couldn’t get them to common ground. They kept having their own separate conversations. I finally got it after much gentle prodding from my editor J.
And because my sister & I LOVE food, could you tell us more about these Frito Pies mentioned in Interference? They sound so good!
I am so thrilled you asked! It never occurred to me that everyone didn’t enjoy Frito Pies. They are amazing! You can have them in or out of the Frito bag. I think the ones in the bag are better. Cut open the top or side of a small bag (my editor pictured the big bag of Fritos when she first read it. Ever since then I’ve been thinking about if that would be viable because it would be a fun thing to bring to a party). Put the chili, cheese, and onions and/or jalapenos (if you like) inside. Bon appetite! Although, fair warning – it tastes better when you buy it from a stand at a high school football game sponsored by band or football boosters. A game during playoffs is even better. You and my editor Cheryl Klein are on my list of people to buy Frito Pies for.
Kay Honeyman grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and attended Baylor University, graduating with a Bachelors and Masters in English Language and Literature. Her first novel, THE FIRE HORSE GIRL, came out in January 2013. It was published by Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic. Her next book INTERFERENCE comes out in Fall 2016. She currently teaches middle school and lives in Dallas, Texas.
Giveaway!
I can hardly concentrate on the post. The food, *drool* it's making me hungray!
Not to brag or anything but it was DELICIOUS. Can't wait to have more!!!