Interview with Jennifer Banash, Author of The Elite Series!

Today's author interview is with Jennifer Banash, author of the popular Elite series. When Jennifer was growing up she attended school on the Upper East Side in Manhattan and now lives with her beagle, Sigmund and her designer shoe collection (cool!). Check out her site http://www.theelitebooks.com/

When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
When I was around 2, my father gave me a typewriter as a birthday present. I don't think I realized that I was going to be a writer right then and there (umm . . . I could barely drink from a sippy cup without making a mess), but I think the seed was definitely planted.

What inspired you to write the Elite books?

My own high school experience. I went to high school with a lot of wealthy kid that were supposed to have it all--but were actually deeply troubled, and had less than perfect home lives. While I've always been attracted to glamor, and really wanted to write an escapist series for teens, also wanted to temper it with a bit of reality in terms of the characters home lives.

What do you think makes a good story?
I think drama, romance, and intrigue make a good story! Writing what you know doesn't hurt either :)

How long did it take you to write each book?

I wrote all three books in about 9 months. Yes, I was tired afterwards!

Do you hear from your readers much? What kind of things do they say?

I'm kind of Facebook obsessed, so I hear from readers a good deal. Mostly they just tell me that they love the books, or ask for tips on getting published themselves. I love hearing from readers--it's the best part of the job!

Who is your favourite character you've created?

My favorite character I've created is Madison Macallister. Yes, she's a drama queen, diva-bitch, but she's just so much FUN to write! I literally giggle in my chair like a maniac when I'm writing her story arc.

What book are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading I KNOW IT'S OVER, by CK Kelly Martin. It's fantastic.

What's your all time favourite book?

Arrrrgh . . . I hate this question! I'm indecisive and could never choose just ONE. Some of my favorites are: A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN, LESS THAN ZERO, TO THE LIGHTHOUSE, and I love anything that Carole Maso writes--not many people read her--but they should. As far as strictly YA goes, SISTERS OF MISERY by Megan Kelley Hall is the best book I've read in a LONG time--hands down.

Thankyou so much for the interview, Jennifer! The first two books in the Elite series, The Elite and In Too Deep are out now. The third book, Simply Irresistible is out in July!