All About Middle Grade Interviews: Kim Harrington (author of Partners in Crime)

I am excited to start off the All about Middle Grade Challenge author interviews with Kim Harrington, author of the Sleuth or Dare series. Hope y'all will enjoy and stick around for more MG authors stopping by throughout the year.

About the author:

Kim Harrington is the author of the Clarity series for teens and the Sleuth or Dare series for kids. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son. When not writing, she's most likely reading, watching one of her favorite TV shows, or fantasizing about her next vacation. Her first book, Clarity, received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, was a 2012 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, sold to nine countries, and was optioned for television by Warner Brothers.

You can haunt Kim Harrington at-

Website | Blog | FB | Twitter |

Interview:

1. Norah and Darcy were two of my favorite characters to read about, was it hard for you to find their voice?

Both Norah and Darcy came very easily to me. Especially Norah, since she’s who I was at that age. On the outside anyway. On the inside, I was a bit more Darcy.

2. I really enjoyed the different cases that Norah and Darcy took on for their project turned venture, Partners in Crime, they were some of my favorite parts in all three books. Which of the mysteries did you enjoy writing the most? Which was the most difficult?

The first mystery was my favorite because I loved the underlying theme of identity and fitting in with your family. The most difficult was probably the third mystery because it involved intertwining cases.

3. If you were not an author, what do you think you'd be doing?

Marketing. Because that’s what I do. I still have my day job. :)

4. Having written for both young adult and middle grade readers, which would you say is the harder of the two? Why?

I enjoy both but I think middle grade was a little harder for me because my voice lends itself easily to YA. Also, I had to hold back on the dead bodies and that’s hard for me. ;)

5. The world has fallen to a robot invasion and only one heroine/hero can possibly save the day, who do you choose?

Princess Leia. She’s my original favorite strong female character. And she’s good with droids.

6. I absolutely loved your middle grade series, Sleuth or Dare, any chance that you'll write another middle grade book or series? 

I definitely want to! I have some ideas, one in particular that’s speaking to me, but I’m working on another YA book right now. Definitely someday, though.

7.  Kim, any new projects in the works that you could share with us? After reading your excellent Sleuth or Dare series I cannot wait to read more of your writing. 

My next release is a YA standalone called THE DEAD AND BURIED. It’s about a teenage girl who discovers that the house her family just moved into is haunted, and she must unravel the mystery of the ghost girl’s death. It comes out January 1st and I can’t wait for people to read it!

8. If you had to choose one reason thing that makes writing worth the struggle, what would it be?

It’s a tie between holding my finished book in my hands and getting fan mail. Both have brought me to happy tears.

Rapid Fire 5

1. Favorite Disney movie and character?

Movie: The Rescuers. Character: Maleficent.

2. Last book that broke your heart?

Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Everyone should read this book. And I don’t say that lightly.

3. Song that makes you want to get up and dance?  

Shake Your Rump by the Beastie Boys 

4. There are two paths, one down the straight and narrow road and the other through a dark, lonesome woods, which do you choose? 

Anyone who’s read my books should know to stay out of the woods.

 5. Care to share with us a picture of your writing cave (include picture if you want)?

I have a messy office but I actually do most of my writing in my living room. 

Thanks so much, Kim, for stopping by. Cannot wait to till you write another middle grade and to check out your upcoming YA book.

Be sure to check out my reviews for all three Sleuth or Dare books: Partners in Crime, Sleepover Stakeout, and Framed and Dangerous.

Partners in Crime (Sleuth or Dare, 1) by Kim Harrington, May 1, 2012. Published by Scholastic. 

Whodunit?
When best friends Darcy and Norah have to create a fake business for a school assignment, they come up with a great idea: a detective agency! Darcy loves mysteries, and Norah likes helping people, so it's a perfect fit.
But then their pretend agency gets a real case. Someone is missing, and it's up to Darcy and Norah to take on the search. Unfortunately, there's someone else out there who doesn't want the two detectives stirring up any trouble. . . .
With the help of hidden clues, spy gadgets, and trusted friends, can Darcy and Norah crack the case in time?