by OBS Staffer Annabell. Read Annabell’s review of Firespell here.

Annabell: What is it that attracted you to becoming a writer? Where does your love for writing come from?

Chloe Neill: I actually used to hate writing. But in about 2004, I ran out of things to read, and decided to try my hand at it. SOME GIRLS BITE was the second manuscript I wrote. I wouldn’t say I was attracted to being a writer per se (I have a full-time day job), but rather the idea of telling Merit’s and Lily’s stories.

Annabell: Firespell is filled with GREAT humor! I ABSOLUTELY love sarcasm! Are you naturally a sarcastic person? Do you think your novels would work as well without sarcasm?

Chloe Neill: Thanks! Yes–I am a very sarcastic person, and I really love to laugh. I think sarcasm is really key to the main female relationships in the books, and it’s a big part of their personalities. I don’t think Merit or Lily could exist as characters without sarcasm.

Annabell: Firespell is paced very well. There isn’t once I felt like I was being dragged along in the story. How do you approach building the right pace and suspense in your novels?

Chloe Neill: Thanks! I try to let my writing reflect the kind of scenes I’d want to read–a good entrance or exit here and there, some fighting, some laughs, some love. And, of course, my editor helps me stay on track.

Annabell: Scout by far is one of my FAVORITE characters! She is sharp minded, spunky, and funny! Is she based off of anyone you know personally? Do you think you relate more to her or Lily?

Chloe Neill: Thanks! No–none of my characters are based on anyone per se. They are their own characters, although I might draw on real life for a phrase or characteristic. I probably relate equally to Scout and Lily, but for different reasons. Scout is absolutely fearless; Lily likes to think about a problem before tackling it.

Annabell: One of the lines I LOVED in Firespell is when Scout says, “You string some letters together, and you make a word. You string some words together, and you make a sentence, then a paragraph, then a chapter. Words have power.” PERFECT way to describe what writer’s do *hehe*. Do you have a favorite line or lines whether from Firespell or any other of your novels?

Chloe Neill: Thanks! There are phrases that I’ll occasionally be very proud to have written, although none of them are occurring to me right now. 🙂

read the complete interview here.