Author Interview: Ali Cross & Become

Today I’m happy to welcome Ali Cross to the Pots n’ Pens blog! Ali’s a former opera singer who had a short-lived ballerina experience turned fantastic YA and MG writer who has just released her first novel!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Ali! Let’s just jump into it J

You just released your young adult novel, BECOME, this past Friday. The story centers around Desi the Devil's daughter, and her search to discover if the good or the bad in her will win out. Can you tell us a bit more about BECOME?

Well, people are not black or white, and neither is Desi. Neither are any of the people in her life. I think BECOME is like a caricature of real life--because we all struggle against our darker sides from time to time. 

As you worked on BECOME, what foods make you think of the book or your characters? Angel food cake or Devil's food cake perhaps ;) ? Does Desi have a favorite food?

Desi needs coffee. The darker the better--and none of those silly frufru drinks, either. Does coffee count as food? In one scene someone gives her a chicken salad croissant sandwich and Desi thinks she's never tasted anything so good.

Being a writer means inspiration can strike at any moment, so sometimes meals aren’t so gourmet. ;) … What’s a favorite go-to for you to get the family fed?

Um. McDonald's? Carl's Jr.? Haha you probably didn't mean that kind of go-to food, did you? Pancakes or waffles are always good! (We love breakfast for dinner around here!)

Haha! I’m so with you on breakfast for dinner! Though, at my house we lean more toward cold cereal! Lol! Anyway, moving on, who has been the best cook you know and what’s one of your favorite dishes they’ve served you?

The mother of my niece-in-law, Wendy is by far the best cook I know but I can't think of a single thing she's cooked for me that I liked better than the other. It seems there isn't any food she makes that isn't awesomely delicious!

What writerly snack food / drink do you keep on-hand at all times?

Sometimes when I'm stuck, a nice cup of hot chocolate helps fill the empty spots. I love Mike & Ike's too. :)

On the other hand, are you a snacky reader? If so, what are some of your faves?

You know? I am not a snacky reader! The words alone are feast enough.

What a great answer! But here’s a toughy for you. If you were marooned on an island and Pots & Pens granted you a wish for only one book and one food, what would you choose?

Oh man. Um, one book. That would have to be THE SUMMER TREE by Guy Gavriel Kay. Thefood? Well, I might as well go out in style so please let me have a box of my favorite fudge.

Yum! Fudge, you so can’t go wrong with that. And finally … what recipe of deliciousness have you got to share with us today?

I'm gonna share the recipe for that delicious fudge I love! I hope you love it as much as I do!

·         2 cups brown sugar

·         1 cup margarine

·         1 tsp vanilla

·         4 tbsp milk

·         4 spoonfuls cocoa powder, large spoonfuls

·         2 cups confectioner's sugar

·          

1. In a heavy pot, bring all but icing sugar to a full boil. Remove from stove.

2. With a mixer add the icing sugar.

3. Pour into greased pan. Refrigerate.

Thanks so much for inviting me to Pots 'n Pens today Windy! It was fun to think about my story from a different angle :)

Thanks again, Ali, for joining us today! Wishing you much success with your book (and hoping I can succeed making this fudge!).

And you can pick up a copy of Ali’s book in paperback at Amazon, for your Kindle, for your Nook, or at Smashwords! 

Happy Reading!