Words cannot fully capture the amazing event that was the Beautiful Creatures signing. Kami & Margaret are the most gracious women I have met in quite some time and are an absolute hoot in person! Very real and down-to-Earth, these women were an absolute pleasure to listen to.They let us know some exciting facts about Beautiful Creatures and how far it has come already: to be published in 25 countries, 18 languages, and multiple fansites in different countries. They describe it as a "Southern Gothic supernatural romance" and "history and mystery." The st
ory is set in the South, not only because Kami hails from the South originally (and has family still here who came to the signing!) but because they feel like the South is a place where magic can still happen. I thought that was a wonderful compliment. There is something to be said for the mysteriousness of my dear beloved South. Kami & Margaret even mentioned that some town that inspired Gatlin in both look and feel were Beaufort, North Carolina, Summerville, South Carolina, & Monck's Corner, South Carolina.Kami & Margaret also elaborated on their writing style. While it only took them 12 weeks to write Beautiful Creatures, it took them 9 months to revise it entirely. Taking turns, one would write a chapter and then hand it over to the other. The second person had free reign over what they did with the chapter while it was in their possession. Each chapter went back and forth between the writers 5 or 6 times before the final product was produced. Obviously, there is no real way to tell who wrote what in such a chaotic system, so they both take credit for it all. They self-describe their wor
k as "the perfect storm of Southern writing and fantasy that we read as teens." As for why they wrote from a boy's point of view, the ladies explained that it hadn't been done much in the teen fantasy realm because while male characters are usually love interests, we as readers never really get to see what's going on in their minds. Kami & Margaret decided to shed a little light on that subject.Notice the pin on my sweater? :D
I think the most exciting news was the fact that Warner Brothers has optioned the book for a movie deal!! Richard LaGravenese is set to be the director, so far, and it is shaping up to be a 2011 release. Nothing major has been nailed down yet, but keep your ears and eyes open for news throughout the year.
The book signing was a great experience and something that I absolutely love taking part in. I want to give a big shout out to Georgia McBride, a local author & online sensation I met at the signing & Vania who is lucky enough to be traveling with Kami & Margaret to document their journey. Ladies, it was fantabulous to meet you & I hope to see you again.
Vania & I at the signing
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