          |
 |
Take Ten with Tina and Kelly ⇒© Tina Ferraro & Kelly Parra [Feb.07] TINA FERRARO is the author of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, to be published by Delacorte Press in March, 2007. KELLY PARRA is the author of Graffiti Girl, to be published by MTV Books in May, 2007. They met through an on-line critique coordinator in 2003, at a time when neither had a publishing contract, an agent, or a clear direction in their writing careers. They soon fell for each other's characters, plots, and writing styles, and became fast friends. Their enthusiasm for each other's projects buoyed their confidence in their own, and before they knew it, the career advancements they'd only dreamed of started becoming realities. Almost four years later, they remain thick as thieves, or, as Tina likes to say, "twins separated at birth". Even though, to the outside eye, they seem more different than alike...
Differences aside, their love of writing brought them together, and proved something neither knew back in high school: that while having friends "just like you" is terrific, sometimes having friends who are different is even better. Let's get to the questions:
 Tina: Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress came to me while I was browsing Amazon.com. I saw a book about ways to rewear a bridesmaid dress, and it set my mind running. I thought, "Huh...what if they were humorous, crazy uses instead of practical? What if it was a prom dress? Yeah, like, her date dumped her right before the prom? And...and what if it was just ten things, and they played into the other problems the girl was having..." Of course the actual storyline took a lot longer, but that's where the idea came from.  Kelly: I hung around friends in high school who were into graffiti art. Since I'd been exploring art since the fifth grade, I played with the style on paper. No, I never considered myself a graffiti artist but always admired the true talent of graffiti style. Years later, while attempting to write my first book, I learned more about the publishing industry and that editors and agents were usually looking for unique storylines. I hadn't noticed any recent YA graffiti books and thought my idea could grab an editor's interest if written well. After I landed an agent, Graffiti Girl found a home with MTV books.
Kelly: How could I just choose one?? Well, when I was 13, I took off with the boy I liked after a basketball game without telling anyone. The adult who was supposed to be in care of me freaked, called my mom and then we were in big trouble when we showed up again. The news traveled through my whole family and I was lectured by so many people. I now know how upset and scared I made everyone, but of course, I hadn't thought about it at the time. Just wanted to hang out with a cute guy! Learn by my advice, kids, say no to cute boys! Tina: Ugh! When I was 14, my younger brother and our family friend tricked me into pouring milk on my head. Before I sat down to lunch, they poured full portions into their 12 oz. plastic cups, and less than 1 ounce into mine. When I showed up, they said, acting really silly, "Hey, let's pour our milk on our heads." I looked at their full cups, and then tilted my own, which appeared empty. This was too good to pass up! We counted to three, lifted our cups, and I dumped mine. As milk dribbled down my face, I watched them holding their full cups--laughing and laughing. To this day, they are still laughing about it--and at me!
Tina: From my book, it was in the first chapter, when Rascal--the guy who left Nicolette with the unworn prom dress--is chatting her up. My intention was for Nic to feel nervous and coy around the uber-popular senior. But she surprised me and dished it back to him as good as he gave it. I remember my heart suddenly pounding hard during the sparring, knowing these characters had come "alive". In Graffiti Girl, my mind goes to Angel sitting in art class, waiting to present her work. After just seeing her super-confident, at times defiant behavior in the hallway, suddenly I got a glimpse inside her insecurities as she silently admits how desperately she wants to score well in this competition, and ultimately find her place in the art world. I see in her what I know is in myself, the showing one set of emotions while hiding another. And I knew this was a girl I wanted to follow, support and root for. Kelly: A scene that pops out at me from Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress is when Nic is meeting with her father after a lengthy separation. I admired her courage, since she was doing this in order to help her mom, even though Nic wanted to be anywhere but there! It was so emotional for her, she's near tears when she leaves. My heart went out to her and Jared, who doesn't really understand, but nonetheless tries to sweetly console her. For Graffiti Girl, I think the moment that stays in my head most is when Angel performs her first graffiti tag in order to join Miguel's crew. The scenario is sprung on her so quickly, and at the time she is balancing on a fine line between the beauty of art and the darker side of graffiti. With Miguel pushing her one way, she finally gives in to her secret desire to become a graffiti writer.
Kelly: I've loved art for as long as I can remember. During high school, I wanted so badly to be some eccentric artist who painted glamorous paintings for art galleries, as well as painted cool designs on their household walls. "LOL" Never happened that way since I now create with a keyboard instead of paintbrush, but it got my creative juices going, and helped me to write a character artist like Angel in Graffiti Girl. Tina: Okay, even though I hated skiing when I tried it in high school (I felt too bundled, too uncoordinated, too cold), I love the idea of competing in the Olympic Ski Jump. It looks like flying, and every time I watch it on TV, I sit forward in my chair and "soar". Realistically, it ain't gonna happen for me. But you might see it in a book of mine someday... |