Blog Tour: The Unlikelies by Carrie Firestone (Q&A)
Hey guys!
I am here to introduce to you Carrie Firestone, the author of the book The Unlikelies. I am so lucky to have her interviewed via this blog tour from the Fantastic Flying Book Club and her book is to be released on June 6th. It’s such a great honor to have her here.
So without further chit chat, here is Carrie Firestone!
Carrie Firestone has lived in rural, urban, and suburban places, and, while she currently lives in the suburbs, she is decidedly a CITY person. She loves parties, and all kinds of music, and books about random people doing random things in random places. She loves to travel with her husband, and two daughters, Lauren and Emily. When she isn’t writing, you might find her reluctantly sharing her popcorn at the movies, trying to get people (or dogs) todo a conga line, or adding items toher loose ends list.
1. FIRST OF ALL, TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING NOVEL, THE UNLIKELIES.
In The Unlikelies, Sadie, a Hamptons teen, and the four friends she meets at a local “Homegrown Heroes” luncheon, become do-gooder vigilantes as they take on cyber trolls, real life bullies, and drug dealers all while trying to honor the last wish of a dying man. (Wow! Try to read that without taking a breath!)
2. WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE TITLE OF THE BOOK?
Sadie, Gordie, Val, Jean, and Alice realize they need to come up with a good name for their group and land on The Unlikelies after they bond during an all night adventure. The story behind the story is that my amazing editor suggested The Unlikelies as a title. I was so obsessed with it, I found a way to work it into the book.
3. YOU HAVE CHOSEN SUCH A UNIQUE THEME OF MODERN GOOD SAMARITANISM. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE ABOUT IT?
The idea of good samaritanism intrigues me. I’ve come to realize that there are do-gooders (and lizards) in every community, and that the power of one good deed can be life-changing.
4. CAT VIDEOS ARE QUITE VIRAL THESE DAYS. WHAT TYPE OF VIDEOS DO YOU PREFER WATCHING WHILE SURFING ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB?
Interesting question! My favorite videos are on the site Upworthy. I love stories where humans or animals connect on an emotional level (cats included).
5. IF THE UNLIKELIES IS AN ICE CREAM FLAVOR, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Definitely Rocky Road because there are bumps and soft parts, but it’s ultimately sweet.
6. AS AN AUTHOR, WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO ARE ASPIRING TO BE LIKE YOU?
The most important thing is to live a full life. It sometimes feels safe to hide behind a computer screen because that’s what writers do. But the true depth of emotion in a good book comes from getting outside your comfort zone and exploring the world. After that, I’d say read everything you can get your hands on. Keep a notebook next to you to write down words and phrases that speak to you. And learn to be a skilled recipient of constructive feedback!
Thank you so much for this opportunity and for the great questions!
About the Book
Five teens embark on a summer of vigilante good samaritanism in a novel that’s part The Breakfast Club, part The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, and utterly captivating.
Rising high school senior Sadie is bracing herself for a long, lonely, and boring summer. But things take an unexpected turn when she steps in to help rescue a baby in distress and a video of her good deed goes viral.
Suddenly internet-famous, Sadie’s summer changes for the better when she’s introduced to other “hometown heroes.” These five very different teens form an unlikely alliance to secretly right local wrongs, but when they try to help a heroin-using friend, they get in over their heads and discover that there might be truth in the saying “no good deed goes unpunished.” Can Sadie and her new friends make it through the summer with their friendships–and anonymity–intact?
This rich and thought-provoking novel takes on timely issues and timeless experiences with a winning combination of romance, humor, and wisdom.