13 Questions with Cynthia Leitich Smith

Cynthia Leitich Smith is the author of the YA Gothic fantasy novel
Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007, 2008) and "Haunted Love," which appears in
Immortal: Love Stories with Bite, edited by P.C. Cast (BenBella,
2008)(exclusive to Borders/Waldenbooks).
Visit: http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/

1) what's your book about?
Tantalize is the story of Quincie P. Morris, who's trying to help save
her family's Italian restaurant by launching it with a vampire theme.
But just before the debut party, the chef is brutally murdered, and the
question lingers--is the murderer a vampire in wolf form or the hybrid
werewolf who's also Quincie's first love and best friend. Tantalize is
the first of three companion books, including Eternal (Candlewick, 2009)
and Blessed (Candlewick, TBA) in an overarching storyline, all from
Candlewick Press. Here's also a graphic novel adaptation in the works.


2) favorite Halloween candy?
Mini Snickers.


3) favorite spooky novel?
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause.


4) fangs or fur?

Both.


5) Monster Mash, Thriller, or The Time Warp?
Thriller.


6) cape or no cape?
Cape.


7) Bela Lugosi or Gary Oldman?
George Hamilton.


8) Trick or Treat?
Treat!


9) favorite costume?
Vampire.


10) favorite scary movie or television show?
Classic: "The Lost Boys" (1987)
Contemporary: "The Faculty" (1998)


11) what really scares you? (like spiders or the dark or whatever)
Heights, germs, enclosed spaces, children under 3, lettuce.


12) what’s your favorite way to spend Halloween night?
Watching spooky movies with my very cute husband--having already had a
party for my pals the weekend before.


13) what’s the scariest thing that ever happened to you?
Farrah hair.