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It's been a busy week here at PickMyYA! We just released our new and improved Book Rec Generator, which will match you with a YA book you'll love in sixty seconds or less! It's pretty rad, so be sure to try it out if you haven't already!
The other highlight of this busy week is that I have the opportunity to talk to Eliza Wass, author of the twisted YA thriller The Cresswell Plot. For those of you who haven't read it yet, The Cresswell Plot tells the story of a family whose strict religious beliefs and deeply-held secrets endanger the life of Castley Cresswell. It's dark, it's creepy, and it's loosely inspired by Eliza's own experiences with a strict religious sect growing up. Grab a copy today! Just don't blame me when it keeps you up at night.
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James: Hi Eliza! Thank you so much for joining us today! Your debut novel The Cresswell Plot is one of the most twisted books of 2016. Where did you get the idea for the story?
Eliza: The original story was actually a love story between Amity and Casper. It was only after I got feedback that I realised the story would be stronger if the main character lived inside the house, so I rewrote the entire book!
James: Did you research any specific cults during the writing process?
Eliza: Yes, I researched the Children of God and the origin stories of various religious groups like Scientology and Mormonism.
James: Which of the Cresswells is the most like you?
Eliza: As a teenager I was probably most like Caspar.
James: What books would you recommend to someone who read The Cresswell Plot and is looking to add some more dark YA to their TBR?
Eliza: I really love Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill for a dark Dystopian and And I Darken by Kiersten White for a dark Historical.
James: So what's next for you, Eliza? Any projects in the work?
Eliza: I am working on a second book with Disney about a travelling circus that connects people to the afterlife—a bit more fantastical—and also a third book which is like a modern-day, diverse Dead Poets Society.
James: Final question... And we're going to go with five fast favs. Ready? Let's do this!
Favorite TV comedy? Brooklyn Nine Nine.
Favorite fashion accessory? I have an amazing gold Victorian triplicate locket I got on Portobello Road.
Favorite city? London by a mile.
Favorite breakfast food? Huevos rancheros—I have them for lunch and dinner as well!
Favorite thing about being an author? I get to daydream and call it work.
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That's it for today's interview with Eliza. If you have any questions for Eliza or want to let her know how much you love The Cresswell Plot, be sure to check out her website or her Twitter. And, whatever you do, be sure to come back again next week, when we'll be talking to the incredible Emily Lloyd-Jones! Plus, we're going to host one of our coolest giveaways yet! I'm not supposed to give you details yet, but it's going to be awesome! Don't miss out!