20 Questions YA Author Interview: Keri Mikulski

It’s time for another 20 Questions YA Author Interview! This month, I’m happy to welcome Keri Mikulski to my blog. Keri is the author of the teen sporty series, SCREWBALL (Blitz Publishing Inc., 2008). CHANGE UP, Book 2 in the series, will be out this spring.

Welcome, Keri!

Thanks, Shari, for having me!

Let’s jump right in with 20 Questions for Keri:

1. Morning person or night owl?
Morning person, but I always wanted to be a night owl.

2. Outliner or pantser?
Definitely a panster.

3. Rejection letters – save ‘em or toss ‘em?
Save some, toss some. Depends on my mood. Happy – save. Sad – toss.

4. What’s the best thing a reader ever said to you?
It’s a tie – “Your book was so real. You get what it’s like to be a teen.” & “Thanks for writing books for girls who love sports, like my daughter.”

5. What was the last song you had stuck in your head?
“We’re Knights, That’s Right” by: The Backyardigans

6. What was the last movie you watched?
“Sex and the City: The Movie”

7. What was the last book you read and loved?
I recently re-read Alyson Noel’s “Saving Zoe”.

8. What’s your all-time favorite story?
Tough one. I don’t think I can choose just one. Honestly, I’m really into “One Tree Hill” at the moment and I think the storylines and writing are amazing. “Where is My Mother?” is my fave childhood story. And “The Ring” is my fave romance. I can’t pick a fave YA – way too many.

9. Any nicknames we might come across if we delved into your past?
Bucky (from the Yankees shortstop Bucky Dent) and Boo Boo (from Yogi) – both from my dad.

10. Any phobias you’re willing to admit to?
Snakes, planes, and spiders.

11. What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
Youth Basketball Referee – The parents were harsh.

12. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
Write a novel.

13. What’s one thing that really bugs you?
Selfishness.

14. What’s one thing you’re really proud of?
My daughter.

15. What’s the last thing you Googled?
A former professor’s name to locate her new email address.

16. Where’s the farthest place from home you’ve traveled?
Texas.

17. What’s your idea of a perfect vacation?
A beach destination with a book, nice bag, and my family.

18. What’s your favorite sports team?
Tie between the Yankees and the USA Softball team.

19. What’s up next for you writing-wise?
Book 2 of the SCREWBALL series, CHANGE UP, drops this spring. In the meantime, I’m working on book three and another non-sporty high concept YA novel.

20. What’s your favorite piece of advice for writers?
Write what you love.

Keri, thanks so much for being here! Good luck with CHANGE UP and your new projects!