Author Interview: AC Gaughen, author of Scarlet

Goodreads Author Page

I'm excited to have AC Gaughen here today. She was gracious enough to sit down for an interview and answer some of my burning questions about Scarlet. 
If you remember, I thought it was a completely fantastic Robin Hood retelling. You can read my review HERE.
Without further ado, let's talk with AC!

What made you envision Will Scarlet as a girl?

The funny thing about it is it kind of happened in reverse.  I had this voice in my head first, this grumpy, angry, secretive sidekick, and for the longest time I didn’t really know what her story was.  Then I started writing it out, and I knew exactly who she was—Robin Hood’s sidekick.  And then she took on a life of her own, and she wasn’t really a sidekick anymore. 

That being said, I always loved girls dressing up as boys, girls being tough and cool in historical settings, and so many of the other things that Scarlet is about.  So I’m willing to guess the stage was well set for this idea to grow.

What was the hardest part about writing Scarlet’s story?

Developing her language with a strict set of rules.  It’s not always the most natural way to speak, but it dictates something about her character and felt really important to me. 

How much input did you get into the fabulous cover? (because it’s really fabulous)

IT IS FABULOUS!  My publisher nailed it.  Just nailed it.  They showed me early sketches and all I could was go “ZOMGTHATSAWESOMEISTHATFORME??” so I don’t know if that counts as input.  I couldn’t be happier!

If you could ask one thing of your readers, before or after they read your book(s), what would it be?

Keep reading!  You know, I think a lot of readers forget what insanely passionate readers writers are.  Obviously I’d be super flattered and validated if readers love my work, but as a reader I’m just flabbergasted that I get to be part of someone else’s reading journey.  And if you like my book, there are a MILLION other tantalizing, engrossing worlds out there.  And if you don’t…well, there are a MILLION other (more) tantalizing, engrossing worlds out there! 

Other than the writing itself, what is the hardest part of being a writer?

Writers by nature have a very important relationship in their lives—a very closed off and intimate one between them and the page.  That’s…magical, but it’s also incredibly solitary.  Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had no idea how to get outside of my own head, my own imagination.  It’s lonely in my head!

If you weren't a writer, what would your dream job be?

I’ve been asking myself that question a lot recently, actually.  I’m madly in love with the work I do as a board member for Boston GLOW (Girls Leadership and Organized Women)—I run their girls’ leadership programming, which basically means I spend a lot of time looking for the best way to inspire young women in Boston.  Which is AWESOME.  It’s a great organization, and I would LOVE to be able to do that full time in the coming years. 

What are some of your favorite books?

When I’m feeling…

Pretentious: The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand

Girly: Anything by Meg Cabot, particularly the Heather Wells series

Romantic: Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte (Heathcliff is the best leading man in all of literature.  Hands down)

Nostalgic: Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine—probably my favorite book as a kid

Sweepingly Historical and Epic: Here Be Dragons, Sharon Kay Penman.  You want to read an incredible historical fic?  READ THIS.  It’s not YA though—same feeling for YA?  GILT by Katherine Longshore.  Unbelievably rich Tudor historical

Like I Might Be a Hoarder: Dirty Little Secrets, CJ Omolulu

Miserably Depressed: Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton. 

I’m sure there’s more, but that’s a short list. 

Can you give us a hint at some future projects you’re working on?

Hmm there’s nothing official going on just yet.  But there’s a contemporary novel I’ve been working on for a while that’s about graffiti and divorce set in Boston.  I heart it. 

This or That:

Chocolate or Vanilla

Always chocolate unless it’s a milkshake

Spring or Fall

Fall—gorgeous!  And followed by winter.

Ocean or Mountains

Does anyone ever really pick mountains?  I’m a water baby. 

E-book or tree-book

E-book.  I didn’t see it coming, but I love it. 

Organized clutter or neat & tidy

Clutter me up.  I nest.  See the book recommendation about hoarding…

Soda or pop

Soda. 

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

www.acgaughen.com!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Just thank you! 

Thank you so much, AC, for taking some time to visit today! It's very much appreciated!!

Readers: do yourselves a HUGE favor and pick up a copy of Scarlet. It's the best Robin Hood retelling I've read and you won't be sorry! You can get copies from Barnes & Noble and Amazon!

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