Today, I’m super excited to bring you an interview with 2011 debut author Christina Mandelski, of the forthcoming novel, THE SWEETEST THING. When I first saw this book a few months back, I knew I had to read this book, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. I also am friends with Christina on Facebook and love the way she interacts with fans!
Sheridan, the main character in THE SWEETEST THING, is struggling with some aspects of her life, but finds solace in decorating cakes. Is there a little bit of you in Sheridan? What was your escape as a teenager?
Yes, there’s a bit of me in Sheridan. When I was a teenager, the only thing I felt truly confident doing was writing for the school newspaper or yearbook. I was a miserable flutist (though I played all through school), I couldn’t play sports to save my life, and don’t get me started on how clueless I was when it came to boys. So yes, I think I used journalism as an escape – it made me feel great about myself. Like Sheridan, I also had good friends and family members who supported me (and I’m thankful that, unlike poor Sheridan, I have a mom who is – still — always there for me).
Tell me about your journey to publication.
In hindsight, it wasn’t too bad! Of course, while I was going through it the wait was often excrutiating! I started writing seriously in 2003, completed a few novels (that were not good at all, but served as great learning tools) and in 2007 had the idea of The Sweetest Thing. I thought maybe I was finally on to something – it had a good hook and I could see that my story-telling abilities were improving. My suspicions were confirmed when I signed with my agent in early 2009, and by October, Egmont picked it up. So altogether with the book coming out in 2011, not counting the stops and starts I had in the years prior to 2003, it took about 8 years to get published. 
On your website, you talk a little about your critique group Will Write For Cake. Why is having a critique group so important? How did your group come together?
They are amazing and I’m lucky to have them. I found them quite simply by checking the national website of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. I’d been very involved with my local chapter when I lived in Illinois, and when we moved to Houston, I knew SCBWI was the perfect resource. We’ve been together in our current incarnation for around four years, and consider each other writing sisters. They keep me working hard (we meet every two weeks and I try to always bring something), they keep me thinking, they keep me revising, and they feed me cake. What’s not to love?!
In what ways have you worked with your publicist to promote THE SWEETEST THING?
My publicist at Egmont has been wonderful at getting my book into the hands of teen readers, librarians and booksellers. I’ve been to the Texas Library Association conference and participated in a panel on Teen Day (with Gail Giles and Deborah Wiles, which was a major thrill for me!). She’s also made sure it’s gotten out to major bloggers. Basically the plan was just to get it into the hands of as many readers and reviewers as possible. So far it looks like our efforts are paying off.
Who are some of your favorite YA authors?
This is such a tough question for me. There are so many great newer authors that I love. I’ve read many of the Class of 2k11’s books (debut authors for this year) and they are wonderful. But some of my longer-term favorites are writers like Sarah Dessen, Judy Blume, Laurie Halse Anderson, Katherine Paterson, Meg Cabot, Suzanne Collins, Anna Godbersen, Colleen Murtagh Paratore – and I love Joan Bauer. Her books are right up my alley.
What are you working on next?
I’m working on something that is contemporary YA with a paranormal twist – nope, not vampires or werewolves. I loved every minute I spent on The Sweetest Thing, but it’s also fun to be working on something new!
Thanks so much, Christina! Stay tuned for my review of THE SWEETEST THING tomorrow.
