Crescendo: Questions for Becca Fitzpatrick

[Becca_Fitzpatr…]

See my answer above, but to sum it up: I don't know!  I know, I know - not a great answer! Ask me again next Spring, and I'm sure I'll know more, ha!

[Becca_Fitzpatr…]

Hi Maxcat!

I rely heavily on my own teen experiences while writing the series.  Fortunately (or not!) I kept a journal throughout my middle school and high school years, so I can go back and revisit all of my old memories.  I was quite the observer in high school, making notes about my surroundings and everyone in them.  I try to recapture those people, experiences and emotions in my writing.  It's very rewarding to me when readers email and say, "Your books remind me so much of my own life!"

[salander_9277]

Thank you so much for taking time out of your life to be here with us on Barnes and Noble Book Clubs.  I loved both of your books so much and encouraged many of my friends to join in on this Sneak Peek which then prompted them to pick up Hush, Hush.  They are such great reads!  I, too, am waiting impatiently for the next installment after being left with such a cliffhanger. 

My question isn't about the books or the series so much as your touring schedule.

A good friend of mine noticed you were in Portland yesterday and we were bummed not realizing it (it's a good six hour drive away from us) so I was wondering if you'd be up in the Washington State area promoting Crescendo anytime soon?

[Lexa555]

Welcome Becca

I just wanted to congratulate you on two great books so far. I love how you blend the mystery in with the romance. I must admit I did miss Patch this time around and hope to see more of him in the next book. I also enjoy how you can keep people guessing right up till the end of the book and the huge cliffhanger. I can't wait to read your next book and I hope that your kids feel better soon.

What are some of your favorite authors to read?

Thanks for stopping by to chat with all of us!

[wellreadwife]

Hi Becca,

I enjoyed both books tremendously!

I have two questions:

1. What sort of research did you do when writing the books?

2. How many books are planned for the series?

[smaria]

Hello Becca!

It's my first time doing this so I must say I'm very excited! Like everyone else here, I loved Hush, Hush and Crescendo. They were really great and had a lot of mystery to it which I really love. You've created a world that I could escape to for a while. 

Why did you decide to add Scott as a character and to involve Marcie more into Crescendo? 

Thank you so much for spending some of our time with us and creating wonderful books. 

[Becca_Fitzpatr…]

Hi A Reader's Record! 

By the end of CRESCENDO I felt really attached to Scott, and I couldn't help but bring him back in TEMPEST.  He plays a rather large role in the story, and, like Vee, I think readers will like him more as time goes on...

There, I didn't spoil anything, right?

Becca

[Becca_Fitzpatr…]

Hi the Wandering Jew!

Thanks for joining the discussion.  To answer your questions:

When I researched Cheshvan, it was referred to as "the bitter month" and a "month without holidays or fasts."  I thought the bitter month would be the best month for fallen angels to invade and possess Nephilim bodies, it just seemed fitting, you know?

Also, even though I write about fallen angels, I didn't intend for my stories to have religious overtones.  I've merely enjoyed weaving angel mythology into a story about teenagers dealing with real teenage problems, such as first love, betrayal, jealousy, and self-awareness. 

I don't view my stories as battles between good and evil, but rather stories of personal redemption.  Which, I realize, could fall under the umbrella of good vs. evil, but I tried to narrow it down to something more specific.  All of my characters have made bad decisions to varying degrees, and they're on the difficult journey now of righting themselves in the world.  It's been fascinating to write about. 

Hope this helps!

Becca

[1archi1]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for allowing us to read Crescendo before it even comes out.  Both Hush, Hush and Crescendo are awesome books that are extremely well written.  As I was reading I could picture every seen as I was reading it and it was a great way to escape the daily grind.  About how long did it take you to write Crescendo?  Also, when you are writing do you have notes about each character and kind of what you want to see happen with each one or do you just let your ideas flow to your hands and see what comes out when you are typing?  I can't wait to read Tempest and am hoping Nora and Patch will get out of their current predicament and can find a way to be together.

Thanks again,

A

[Becca_Fitzpatr…]

Hi Lblaze!

Thanks for the warm welcome back

My favorite parts of both stories always seem to be changing, but I really and truly love the part where Patch teaches Nora to make tacos.  It's the first time Patch's perception of Nora really starts to change, and I always love that pivotal point in a (romance) story. 

In Crescendo, I love the cliffhanger.  It surprised me while I was writing it.  I had no idea I was going to end the story that way!  As soon as I wrote those last few lines, I immediately began speculating and plotting where I could take the story.  I love those moments.  Lots of fun!

Vee is my favorite character in both books.  She's so obnoxious and hilarious...and yet loyal. I think she makes a great best friend.

Oh, wow, I read all kinds of books.  Right now on my nightstand: The Lost Saint by Bree Despain (YA paranormal), Gracling by Kristin Cashore (YA fantasy for my book club), The Happiness Project (a gift from a friend), Food, Inc. (a book I've been wanting to read for months), and A Wrinkle in Time (a book I re-read frequently). 

Becca

[kristyn711]

Becca-

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us.  First, and foremost, LOVED both Hush, Hush and Crescendo.  Crescendo made me keep wanting to read more, mostly because I was so frustrated with how horrible Marcie was and how badly I wanted to see things with Patch and Nora work out.  But, it was wonderful.  I hope this hasn't been asked yet, so if it has, ignore this.  Just finished a 10k this afternoon and my brain is a bit mushy.

Question:  How do you come up with your character names?  Most importantly, Patch's "real" name we finally find out...

Thanks for writing such amazing books!

[Vermontcozy]

Hi Becca,Its been so fascinating to read about as well..You have given Life to YA novels,that myself as an adult,can read and relate to. Thats what makes so many of us "Older Readers" coming back for more..and sharing your books. I have also read other YA novels as well,and the Talent out there is amazing..But You Are #1  For me....I Volunteer One day a week at a Teen Center and we have so many copies of Hush,Hush around..Soon our Order of Crescendo will arrive,thanks to amazing donations..The Teens are just waiting for Crescendo..Although I have one YA in mind that will read it sooner..Its been a great journey reading your books Becca..I can't tweet about it yet..Next week...Hope your children are feeling better...What a Great Crowd we have here,,,  Susan

[maxcat]

Thank you, Becca for answering my question. It's good to know that the characters are based from high school memories. I've read that you originally planned Scott to be the bad guy and as I was reading, I thought the same thing. But, I was absolutely surprised about Rixon and from what you say, he won't be coming back.

[Vermontcozy]

 Hi Becca..I think we did as well.as a stand alone,and then when you announced a sequel..Well here we are..It always feels so fresh,authentic,so many real issues,apart from The Whole Story..which has us with those loose ends again,but great scenarios,,You certainly know how to weave a mystery,included in such a fascinating story..We all have own stories about all that has happened,/will happen and I love reading everyone spin...Best Susan

[Marcie77]

Becca,

Welcome back and thanks for taking time to answer questions with two sick kids . I love both Hush, Hush and Crescendo. My question is: What are some of your inspirations for writing? 

[mommybooknerd]

Becca, can you please give me a quick cheat sheet on guardian angel, fallen angel, nephil stuff...

Am I right in the fact that:

• ARCHANGEL in the highest and they are good
• FALLEN ANGELS break rules and are cast out, so they are bad
• GUARDIAN ANGELS are good
• NEPHIL is half angel and half human????
• Nephils can be taken over by fallen angels during that 2 week period of time only by descendants of said nephil????

I want to tell you that I was hooked from the start with HUSH HUSH and it did not slow down during CRESENDO...anyway you could releaseTEMPEST early???  I know you can't but I can try right

Thanks...Em

Thanks...Em

[LPotter84]

Hi Becca! It's awesome of you to come and chat with us like this.

A friend recommended Hush, Hush to me and I truly loved it! So of course I just had to try to get the ARC for Crescendo. The cliff hanger is killing me, but I do like to speculate as well. I fell in love with Patch, which is always a wonderful thing I think. There's nothing better than a character you can fall in love with. I also really liked Rixon and was sad to see him go. 

My question is: How did you choose your characters' names? Did you choose them for the meaning behind them, or because you just liked them? 

Thanks!

-Laura

[crzynwrd4lf]

Hey Becca! You did a really good job bringing the high school aspect into your story. I have only one question and I probably missed it but I was wondering what inspired the titles of your books. I have a lot of other questions but I hope you'll answer them with your third book. I think it's incredibly brave to share your stories with the world and I thank you for doing so. Without authors like you, a lot of people would be very lonely so at the end of the day know that you have inspired or helped someone with your writing.

[aprilh]

Becca, thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule and joining us here. I don't have any questions for you yet, but I just wanted to let you know how much we all appreciate you being here. I love reading your answers to the readers' questions. It gives me so much more insight to your books. Good luck with the success of Crescendo, not that you need it. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! You're a wonderful writer and I can't wait for Tempest to come out next year! Thanks again!

[pen21]

Becca,

During this piece of the process in getting a book on the shelf, today what is the part you like best? In your posts I see you are working your next book.

I am sure there is a lot to the process I know nothing about. Give us a hint.

My other question is what do you do for fun? I am sure your free time is stretched very thin right now.

I loved the first two books. I will be watching for the release of the third.

Luanne