One of my favorite parts about blogging about books is discovering new authors with amazing books and today I couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to a wonderful writer. Riley Graham, author of the novel ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS is not only a fabulous writer, but is kind as can be and has stopped by today to answer some questions for us. Sit back and enjoy our talk! Be sure to check out my review of ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS on your way to purchasing your own copy and enter below for a chance to win a signed bookmark or paperback copy!

Without further ado, welcome Riley!

Please describe yourself in five words.

Animal lover, romantic, empathetic, introverted, intense (Sorry, I know that’s six words, but is there one word that means animal lover? Actually, there is—philotherian. But I had to look it up.)

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received in your writing career?

I’ve said this elsewhere, but it’s still the best advice I’ve ever been given: “Don’t let perfect get in the way of good.” It’s a paraphrase of a quote attributed to Voltaire. My best friend and beta reader gave me this advice when I was agonizing over some small detail in ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS. I still have a hard time following it, but I’m trying. It helps to think about my favorite works that nevertheless have parts I’m not so crazy about. Do I wish those writers hadn’t finished and published those works because they weren’t perfect in my eyes? Of course not, because they still told stories that I loved.

What was your favorite part of writing ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS?

The New Year’s Eve party and its aftermath was probably my favorite part of the book to write. I’m most in my element when dealing with emotionally charged interactions, so I loved writing the scene in the kitchen when Cain sort of attacks everyone around him and falls apart, especially since he’s so controlled and aloof throughout most of the book. This is a real turning point for Leslie too, because after standing up to him, she starts taking on a more active role in all of her relationships.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character(s) from ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS?

That’s a tough one. I’m very attached to the cover image for ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS, so now it’s hard for me to see Leslie as anyone but that girl. So maybe an unknown actress would be best for her part. For Cain and Meredith, I like Austin Butler and AnnaSophia Robb from The Carrie Diaries. And Josh Hutcherson would be a great Dennis. If he can dye his hair blonde, why not red?

What is an unknown fact or fun trivia about ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS?

Two embarrassing things that happen to Leslie at work happened to me. SPOILER ALERT: I did get cursed at by a shoplifter, and I did hit another employee’s car. Just not on the same night.

E-Books or Traditional Paper Books?

I never thought I would say this, but e-books. I do love traditional paper books—the gorgeous covers, the smell of brand new pages—but I love reading on my Kindle, particularly for its bookmarking and search functions. I used to think it was all about holding a book in my hands, but now it’s just about getting lost in the story. And I love having an entire library on one device.

What are you working on now?

Another contemporary YA, this one told from the point of view of a closeted teen evangelist during the weeks leading up to North Carolina’s Amendment One vote, which banned gay marriage in the state even though it was already illegal. I hope to have it completed by spring.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

Publishing ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS has been exciting and scary at the same time, but I’ve learned quite a bit and gotten to know some wonderful people in the process. Thank you, Riki, for taking a chance on my book and featuring me on your blog! It has been a privilege. For potential readers, I hope you enjoy the book. If you have any questions for me, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to comment here or get in touch with me via Facebook, Twitter, or my blog. If you could also give feedback in the form of a short review, I would really appreciate it! And for aspiring writers out there, never give up on your dream of sharing your stories with others.

Be sure to stay in touch with Riley Graham via social media! 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Booklikes | LibraryThing

 

Accidents & Incidents is available from these online retailers:

Amazon | Apple | B & N | Kobo

 

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Special thanks to Riley Graham for this wonderful interview and the opportunity to feature her here on the blog.